Executive Council Convenes in Charlotte

The Advent Christian General Conference (ACGC) Executive Council gathered in Charlotte, N.C., September 8–12 for its fall meetings. The council meets twice a year to provide leadership and oversight for the work of ACGC staff, while seeking the Lord’s direction for the mission of our worldwide family of churches.

Purpose and Leadership

The Executive Council is made up of fifteen members: five regional presidents, five regional representatives, three members-at-large, the recording secretary and the president. They are joined by the four regional superintendents, who work closely with ACGC staff to strengthen the partnership between the regions and the denominational office.

President Rev. John Gallagher presided over the sessions, which began each day with Scripture and prayer. On Wednesday, Rev. Matt Rice, pastor of Dulin’s Grove Advent Christian Church, reminded the council of the importance of abiding in Christ. On Thursday, Rev. Jason Russell, pastor of Hope Community Fellowship, shared an encouraging message from Psalm 46.

Prayerful Planning and Key Decisions

The council received reports and updates from staff and associate members, approved the 2026 budget, updated policies and prepared several items of business for the 2026 Triennial Convention.

One item of business before the council was a document introduced as a proposed revision to the denomination’s Declaration of Principles (DOP). Tom Loghry presented the document, which seeks to update the DOP in a way that recaptures and accentuates our Adventist forebear’s fervor for the urgent and passionate proclamation of the second coming of Christ and our hope in the resurrection. The hope is that the updated DOP would serve as a clarifying and catalytic resource for denominational identity and missional unity.

In accordance with ACGC bylaws (Article XII), the executive council is required to receive such proposals and appoint a task force to evaluate both the biblical basis and the potential impact of such a revision on denominational polity and unity. A motion to form a task force was made and carried.

A significant portion of the meetings was devoted to prayer and discernment, as the council worked together to ask: Where is the Lord at work in our movement, and how can we join him more faithfully?

Leadership Transitions

We give thanks for new Executive Council member Mrs. Judy Stone, who now serves as the regional representative for the Central Region. We also honor Rev. George Karl, president of the Eastern Region, who completed nine years of faithful service on the council. Please join us in thanking the Lord for both Judy and George, along with every member who sacrifices time and energy to serve the denomination.

Gratitude for Faithful Servants

We are deeply grateful for the men and women who serve on the Executive Council. Their wisdom, discernment and commitment strengthen our witness for Christ. We ask you to pray regularly for them—that God would grant unity, clarity and faith as they lead us forward.

Executive Council Members

President – Rev. John Gallagher

Recording Secretary – Rev. Tom Loghry

Appalachian Region – Rev. Travis Hutcheson (President), Mr. C.J. Nicely (Representative)

Central Region – Rev. Ray Bezanson (President), Mrs. Judy Stone (Representative)

Eastern Region – Rev. George Karl (President), Mrs. Debbie Reed (Representative)

Southern Region – Rev. Paul Dean (President), Mrs. Penny Batten (Representative)

Western Region – Mr. Dave Crimi (President), Rev. Schad Russell (Representative)

Members-At-Large – Rev. Josh Cheney, Rev. Steve Epting, Rev. Johnson Raju

Regional Superintendents

Appalachian – Rev. Matt Broadway

Central – Dr. Bill Norwood

Eastern – Rev. Tim Soucy

Southern – Rev. Joe Pritchett

*Please remember that you may contact anyone on the Executive Council for needs, questions or concerns related to our denomination.