Pastor Steve Goods, Pastor Brad Thomas and Graeme Drinkall have been reappointed as president, secretary and chief financial officer (CFO), respectively, at the 78th Western Australian Conference constituency meeting which took place on September 11-12.
With WA not experiencing the restrictions present in the rest of Australia, 284 delegates from around the state met at the conference office in Welshpool, with Australian Union Conference officers, president Pastor Terry Johnson, secretary Pastor Michael Worker and CFO Peter Cameron, and South Pacific Division president, Pastor Glenn Townend, joining via Zoom.
The meeting commenced on Sabbath morning with a worship service followed by departmental directors sharing mission stories from the Conference. After Sabbath finished, the delegates voted on changes to the constitution, allowing for delegates to join via electronic means.
“The team at the Western Australian Conference did an excellent job of bringing the meeting together,” Pastor Johnson stated. “There was a great tone at the meeting and the delegates were very supportive of the Conference leadership, which is always fantastic to see.”
During the meeting, the delegates voted in the new executive committee and received reports from the departments, the WA Care company and the WA Schools company.
They also made further changes to the constitution, reducing the number of delegates for future constituency meetings, from one delegate per church plus one for every 15 members, to one delegate per church plus one for every 25 members.
They were also able to reflect on how the Conference has grown over the past term, with a new Conference office building, a new campground in Mornington, new buildings at the Lansdale Christian School and Adventist Care Villages, and the new Derby church building.
“It was great to be able to come together as a church to reflect on what we have achieved over the past four years and the challenges moving forward,” Pastor Goods said.
“Going forward, our strategic plan is focused around ‘Growing Disciples’, putting our efforts on mission and discipleship. We don’t want to be a church that focuses inwardly, but rather being missional and learning how to use the gifts and passions at our local churches to connect with the local communities and share the good news.”
The delegates were able to discuss how they could engage in the strategic plan in their local context, at churches, schools, aged care facilities and from a conference level.
“Everyone who attended contributed to the overarching spirit of unity and togetherness, which was the theme for the weekend,” added Pastor Goods. “We are excited to see where God continues to lead our Conference and members during the next four years and beyond.”
