Division Annual Council Gathers Leaders to Chart Mission Path Forward

Leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Southern Asia-Pacific region have begun a series of strategic meetings this week in preparation for the 2025 mission year. The Annual Council of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) officially begins on Sunday, November 9, following several days of pre-meetings that started on November 5 at the division headquarters in Silang, Cavite.

This year’s council carries the theme, “Integrated for Mission: Grounded in the Bible, Focused on the Mission,” emphasizing a unified approach among all departments, institutions, and ministries to advance the gospel effectively within the division’s vast and diverse territory. Integration for mission means that every church initiative, whether in education, health, media, or evangelism, aligns toward one common goal—sharing the love of Jesus and preparing people for His soon return.

The annual council follows the framework of the General Conference’s five-year strategic plan, “I Will Go,” which highlights four key objectives: Communion with God, Identity in Christ, Unity through the Holy Spirit, and Mission for All. This global initiative seeks to mobilize every church member, leader, and organization to become actively engaged in fulfilling the Great Commission.

In response to this worldwide call, the Southern Asia-Pacific Division has adopted its own regional adaptation—the REAPS Campaign—which stands for Reach, Expand, Advance, Proclaim, and Seek, Save, Disciple. REAPS encapsulates the division’s commitment to making disciples of Jesus Christ by reaching new territories, expanding mission influence, advancing leadership and member involvement, proclaiming the everlasting gospel, and seeking and saving the lost while nurturing them into faithful disciples.

Before the formal sessions begin, division administrators, department directors, and institutional leaders have been engaged in intensive pre-meetings from November 5 to 7 to assess progress and identify areas for growth. These discussions set the tone for strategic alignment and renewed dedication to mission objectives.

On Sabbath, November 8, General Conference President Pastor Erton Köhler will speak at the Philippine International Church on the campus of the Adventist University of the Philippines (AUP), underscoring the close partnership between the world headquarters and the SSD. His message is expected to inspire delegates and members to deepen their spiritual walk and strengthen their involvement in the church’s global mission.

The council will open on Sunday, November 9, with a packed agenda of reports, leadership elections, and key organizational actions, including the approval of new strategic plans and the establishment of new church entities and territories. The sessions are anticipated to be highly significant, marking a new chapter of mission focus for the division.

SSD President Pastor Roger Caderma emphasized that this gathering represents “a time of renewal, accountability, and recommitment to God’s mission.” He added, “Being integrated for mission means we move as one church family—grounded in Scripture, guided by the Spirit, and united in our purpose of bringing people to Christ.”

As leaders and delegates convene for this important event, church members across the region are encouraged to pray for wisdom and unity. The SSD Annual Council stands as a reminder that when the church moves together—integrated, grounded, and mission-focused—God’s work moves forward with power.

The original article was published on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division news site.