After 10 years leading the Central States Conference, Elder Roger Bernard has accepted a new national role. Beginning January 1, 2026, he will serve as Executive Director of the Office for Regional Conference Ministries, headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama. He was elected by the Regional Presidents Council to succeed Elder Dana C. Edmond, who is retiring after nearly five decades of ministry.
“It has been the privilege of my life to serve as your president,” Bernard said. “I’ve led through triumphs and challenges, and I carry the lessons learned into this next chapter.”
In his new role, Bernard will work with leaders from the nine Regional Conferences across North America to strengthen ministries such as Breath of Life, Message Magazine, the Pastoral Evangelism and Leadership Council (PELC), and United Youth Congress. He will also help guide leadership training, youth development, and national evangelistic efforts—all from the newly built Regional Conference Ministry Headquarters on the campus of Oakwood University.
“Our mission is not limited by race,” Bernard said. “We welcome all people. The diversity in our churches reflects what heaven will look like.”
Leading with Unity and Heart
Bernard’s presidency was marked by a strong focus on unity, especially among pastors. “When I started in ministry, I saw mistrust and disconnection. But I knew pastors could work together and truly care for each other,” he said. “That became my vision—to build a team that feels like family.”
He invested in pastoral development, created spaces for accountability and growth, and helped cultivate a conference culture where collaboration thrived.
“I’m grateful for the pastors, spouses, and departmental leaders who served with energy and grace, even with limited resources,” he said.
Strengthening Youth, Prayer, and Families
Bernard also prioritized support for young people, a passion that only grew stronger during and after the pandemic. “COVID isolated many of our youth,” he said. “We worked hard to reconnect, to show them they matter.”
Through Youth Congresses, federations, and Pathfinder Camporees—including one in Gillette, Wyoming, where Bernard camped with Pathfinders himself—the Conference invested in youth and young adult ministries.
He also praised the work of Byron Wright and Rachael Banks for their commitment to youth leadership, and Marlon and Denise Johnson for building a strong Family Life Ministry that supported couples, seniors, and grieving families.
“We wanted to serve the whole person, at every life stage,” he said.
Prayer also played a central role. Pastor Brian Irby led prayer ministry efforts across the territory. “Without prayer, we can’t accomplish anything of lasting value,” Bernard said.
Progress on Debt and Diversity
When Bernard became president, the Conference carried over $1 million in debt. With support from members and financial leaders like Kelley Paris and Jonathan Green, that amount has been reduced to about $600,000.
He credited the progress to shared sacrifice and steady leadership.
Bernard also worked to expand the reach of the Conference beyond its traditional identity. “People sometimes think Regional Conferences are only for African Americans,” he said. “But we are a multicultural movement.”
Under his leadership, Central States expanded support for diverse congregations, including Haitian, Latino, Korean, Indonesian, and African communities. Pastor Tomas DeGyves was instrumental in helping those congregations thrive.
Education, Communication, and Digital Growth
Even amid challenges, Bernard saw reasons for hope in Adventist education. He praised Superintendent Schari Fontus and leaders like Principal Jazmyn Damon of V. Lindsay School, who helped the school earn a six-year accreditation through innovative strategies like “Strength Teaching.”
Bernard also credited Pastor Trevor Barnes with leading a full redesign of the conference website, upgrading the mobile app, and improving livestream services. “Trevor helped us stay connected across our wide territory,” he said.
A Family Calling
Throughout his ministry, Bernard never served alone. His wife, Ivona, played a major role—leading the Ministerial Spouses Ministry without pay and supporting pastors’ families behind the scenes.
“You’re my Superwoman,” Bernard said to her. “Without your devotion to God, our family, and this conference, I could not have done this.”
He also thanked his daughters—Bria, Braelyn, and McKenzie—for the time and love they sacrificed while he traveled and served.
“You’ve given up a lot for this calling,” he said. “And I’m forever grateful.”
As he steps into his new national role, Elder Roger Bernard remains committed to what he’s always believed: “This church belongs to God. And our job is to lift Him up—together.”
