Brothers and sisters, we have been on a spiritual high as a conference after our inspiring and amazing recent camp meeting experience, June 10-13, 2026. Our theme for the year is “One Spirit, One Mission: United By The Fire” and each of the camp meeting speakers shared powerful messages on various aspects of our theme.
The foundational element of our theme is the biblical reality that it is only when we are of one mind, purpose and spirit that the Holy Spirit will be poured out on us.
It is then that we will have the ability to fulfill the mission that Christ intends for us to complete.
Dr. Lola Moore Johnston, the speaker for the main adult English speaking Sabbath morning worship service, challenged us to not be satisfied with giving our communities “just a little bit of change” as the lame man who sat in the Temple had become accustomed to receiving from the worshippers. But once we have been filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, we can then live out what Peter and John demonstrated, and transform people all around our conference with His power.
Blessing the community
The heart of the Central States Conference’s mission statement is that we “live and proclaim the Three Angels Messages.” The emphasis on living this message and impacting people from every nation, kindred, tongue and people came alive in many ways during our encampment. One example that came to fruition regarding our willingness to make a difference took place during our camp meeting. Over 400 families from our Kansas City community came out on the camp meeting Friday to receive free shoes, pampers, food, etc. And while they were signing up and waiting, Pastor Trevor Barnes preached a powerful message on the love and intentionality that Jesus has for saving sinners. Camp meeting became not just a typical worship experience by us, for us, and to us, but it was a tremendous blessing to our community.
Another experience that showcased our conference’s reach and impact among diverse communities was the Parade of Nations held on Sabbath afternoon. We celebrated and praised God for the faithful members of our conference who come from Indonesian, Haitian, Hispanic, Caribbean, Kenyan, Ghanaian, Ethiopian and other backgrounds. More importantly, they are living and proclaiming the everlasting gospel within their communities.
Membership growth and retention
Our conference total membership now stands at 9,886 with 40 churches and 16 companies. By God’s grace, we believe we can surpass 10,000 members soon.
So far in 2026, we have recorded 93 baptisms and 196 professions of faith—to God be the glory.
Excluding letters of transfer, these 289 new members represent true kingdom growth.
Our vice president for administration, Joseph Ikner, who also serves as the conference evangelism coordinator, has encouraged our pastors and churches to focus on both evangelistic growth and the retention of new members. Earlier in the year, our conference was blessed with some additional, unanticipated outside funding for evangelism, and our pastors have been allowed to make requests for funding that give attention to church growth and evangelism. Our prayer of thanksgiving is that another portion of our mission statement is being realized as we seek to “grow healthy, Bible-based, multicultural communities of faith.”
Money follows mission
When it comes to the financial position and growth of our conference, we want to thank our faithful and dedicated members for their commitment in funding the mission. Our current tithe at the end of May 2026 was $2,502,048 compared with $2,332,605 at the same time last year. That represents a tithe increase with the same number of Sabbaths of $169,443 which is a percentage increase of 7.26%. Amen!
Our vice president for finance, Delbert Pearman, has emphasized that the money should always follow the mission, and God is indeed proving that statement to be true.
In addition, our leadership team and governing committee has been making some tough decisions to help reset and recalibrate our conference to establish and create thriving churches and high-functioning pastors.
Cryston Josiah is president of the Central States Conference.
