Minnesota Conference delegates met on May 17, 2026 during the conference’s 110th regular session for the purpose of electing leadership, receiving reports and conducting other church business. Three-hundred-fifty-seven delegates gathered at the Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center in the Twin Cities area, focused on the theme A Season of Transition.
Following prayers, heartfelt music by the Maplewood choraliers, and a devotional by Mid-America Union president Gary Thurber, delegates voted the day’s agenda and welcomed eight new companies into the full sisterhood of churches in Minnesota. Reports on church membership, finances and Maplewood Academy were also received and voted.
After due consideration, including a time of prayer, delegates voted by a very strong majority to re-elect Elders Jeff Scoggins, Eric Mokua and Gayln Bowers to serve as president, executive secretary and treasurer, respectively, for the coming term.
During his remarks, Scoggins paid tribute to Dr. Daniel Honoré who served as Minnesota Conference president during 2022-2023 before his untimely passing. This 110th session was dedicated to the memory of his leadership.
Scoggins also highlighted the growing diversity in Minnesota. “Minnesota is now a mission field right here at home,” he stated. “We have opportunities to reach people in our own communities who may be unreachable in their home countries, and we must take advantage of those opportunities.”
During the financial report, treasurer Gayln Bowers stated that tithe—the only source of income—was increasing at a faster rate than CPI. However, expenses increased at almost double the percentage of tithe during the same period. “We’ve had to tighten our belts,” he said. “We’ve had to look for different ways…and we’re having to make some hard decisions in our conference in regard to continuing the ministries that we want to offer to each of you.”
Elder Eric Mokua shared that the Minnesota Conference began with only 69 members. By 2005 there were about 6,500 members, and due to increased efforts during Pentecost 2025, last year there were 422 baptisms. “The church has grown tremendously here in Minnesota because of God’s faithfulness,” Mokua said. “If the Lord has led us this far, we can trust that He will continue to guide His church in the days to come.”
Transitions toward better processes
In the afternoon, session delegates voted on proposed changes to the Minnesota Conference’s constitution and bylaws. Most changes were small, but a significant change was voted to hold constituency sessions every five years instead of four years. Other changes included improvements to the process of selecting the nominating committee for constituency sessions. Delegates also voted new members to the Board of Trustees, Board of Education, and Articles and Bylaws Committee for the coming five years. Another special prayer of dedication was offered over these new leaders.
One delegate from the Southview Church observed that the session was very well organized. “I appreciate the thought that went into putting it together and the process has gone really smoothly,” she said. “There’s a lot of unity of thought and ideas today. The administration has been listening to the delegates and acting on their thoughts and comments. I especially appreciate how they’ve been intentional about providing context for the motions.”
Yet there is more than business reports and votes at constituency sessions. The session also celebrates mission, evangelism and the blessings of the Lord in the past few years. In January, the Minnesota Conference held a special constituency session to discuss the financial challenges facing Maplewood Academy. Referencing that, Scoggins pointed out that “Maplewood Academy belongs to all of Minnesota, and your faithfulness in prayer and generosity has helped keep it operating as the oldest continuously operating Adventist boarding academy in the world.”
This session was also a time to pass the torch of leadership at Maplewood Academy from outgoing principal Jeremy Everhart to incoming principal Pastor Jeff “PJ” Deming. A special prayer of blessing was offered over both leaders.
The Minnesota Conference is currently comprised of 114 churches and companies totaling 12,208 members. Nearly 50 percent of those churches are located in the Twin Cities metro. In addition, the conference supports 12 Adventist schools serving more than 400 students.
