As church ministries director my primary focus has been to build intentional and meaningful relationships with departmental leaders across our local conferences and churches. It continues to be my belief that strong relationships are essential for effective ministry.
By developing these connections, I have been able to better understand the unique needs of each conference and local church, allowing me to provide more relevant support, training, and resources.
Prior to serving at MAUC, I worked at a local conference organizing and running youth and young adult programs. Transitioning to the union level required a shift in focus from direct program leadership to equipping leaders, providing training and offering resources. This adjustment has broadened my perspective and allowed me to serve more strategically across the union. Additionally, I have grown in my ability to identify and connect churches with financial resources, including grants and other funding opportunities to help sustain and expand ministry efforts in a broad range of areas.
SERVING CHILDREN, ADVENTURERS AND PATHFINDERS
Since beginning my tenure in 2021, we have seen strong engagement in children’s ministries and club ministries across the union. Participation in the Pathfinder Bible Experience continues to be a highlight. At our most recent union-level PBE event held at Mile High Academy in Denver, Colorado, we had 39 teams participating, with 19 teams advancing to the North American Division level in Hawthorne, Florida.
Several conferences within the union have also begun participating in Adventurer Bible Games, a similar initiative designed for younger children in the Adventurer program. We anticipate continued growth in this area, with more conferences adopting ABG over the next five years.
The Mid-America Union had the distinct privilege of hosting the 2024 International Pathfinder Camporee in Gillette, Wyoming. This historic event brought together over 60,000 Pathfinders from around the world. Our union welcomed close to 3,000 participants from all six conferences, many of whom experienced spiritual growth, formed lasting friendships, and made life-changing decisions for Christ, including baptism.
Looking ahead, we are preparing for our upcoming Mid-America Union Camporee, Limitless, scheduled for July 28–31, 2027, in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
This will be our first Union Camporee since Kindred Spirit in 2017, and we anticipate a powerful time of spiritual renewal and connection for our young people.
We have also provided ongoing annual training for the “Alive in Jesus” children’s Sabbath school curriculum. Our goal is to equip leaders to effectively implement this Christ-centered approach. If we can help children develop a strong connection to both the person of Christ and the community of faith at an early age, we will cultivate lifelong disciples.
EXPANDING YOUTH MINISTRIES
This year, we launched a new initiative aimed at addressing a critical ministry gap: the Adventist Public High School Network (APHN). This ministry is designed to support high school students attending public schools, which represents approximately 80 percent of the Adventist high school population within the Mid-America Union.
Too often, these young people are unintentionally overlooked when ministry efforts focus primarily on students attending Adventist academies. APHN seeks to provide intentional support, connection and spiritual engagement for these students. As part of this initiative, we are working in collaboration with Union Adventist University to host Friday night programs in local churches.
These gatherings will create a supportive environment for students who choose to honor God by not participating in activities such as sports and extracurricular events during Sabbath hours.
Our prayer is that this initiative will strengthen their faith, deepen their connection to the church, and inspire many to pursue Adventist higher education following graduation.
SUPPORTING SUMMER CAMP MINISTRIES
The Mid-America Union is blessed with nine camp properties, owned and operated by our six conferences. During the last quinquennium, eight of these nine camps conducted summer camp programs. Each year more than 2,500 young people attend camp across the union.
Summer camp continues to be one of our most effective evangelistic and discipleship tools.
It provides a setting where young people can encounter Christ in a meaningful and life-changing way, often leading to decisions for baptism either during camp or upon returning to their home churches.
Additionally, summer camp ministries provide employment, scholarships and internship opportunities for college students. Many young adults who serve at camp develop a lasting commitment to Christ and often choose to continue serving within the church.
COLLABORATION WITH ACS
Over the past five years, the Mid-America Union has experienced several natural disasters, including wildfires in Colorado, tornadoes in Missouri and Iowa, and flooding in Minnesota. In each instance, our Adventist Community Services teams have responded with compassion and efficiency.
Local conference disaster relief workers and volunteers have provided essential support, including housing assistance, food distribution, cleaning supplies, financial aid, and warehouse management in collaboration with local municipalities.
Their efforts not only meet immediate physical needs but also serve as a powerful witness of Christ’s love in times of crisis.
APPRECIATION FOR VOLUNTEERS AND LEADERSHIP
I am deeply grateful for the many volunteers who faithfully serve across the Mid-America Union in a wide variety of ministries. Their dedication, often demonstrated with limited resources and support, continues to be the backbone of our ministry efforts.
I am equally thankful for the leadership team of the Mid-America Union who have fostered a collaborative, supportive and mission-driven environment that encourages growth and innovation.
CONTINUING FORWARD
As we move forward, our ministry focus must remain firmly centered on our mission—to share the gospel throughout the Mid-America Union territory. It is my prayer that we will continue to see vibrant, Spirit-led ministry emerging from our churches—ministries that impact lives, strengthen communities, and prepare for the soon return of Christ.
Tyrone Douglas is church ministries director for the Mid-America Union.
