On August 17, 211 delegates and more than 300 people joined us at the Triennial Convention at Ridgecrest Conference Center in the Blue Ridge mountains of Ridgecrest, N.C. This convention felt different than most. There was an energy and weightiness that felt palpable from the very beginning. People were coming to discuss serious subjects that would have real consequences.
Press On: The Story Isn’t Over
Our theme was “Press On: The Story Isn’t Over” drawn from 2 Corinthians 4-5. As guests filtered into the main event lobby, they were greeted by a display prompting them to tell their stories. Each day, a new prompt was given, and attendees were asked to write their responses and stick them to the wall so their stories could encourage others. Each morning, we selected one response to share during morning chapel. It was good to testify together to the Lord’s goodness in our lives.
Speakers
All speakers did a phenomenal job preaching and teaching the Word at our evening worship services. Daniel Karl, pastor of newly replanted Redemption Community Church, Matt Rice, pastor of Dulin’s Grove AC Church, Mike Alix, ACGC leadership development director and John Gallagher, former president of ACGC, exposited sermons from 2 Corinthians chapters 4-5. Each sermon made much of our holy God and ignited our hearts toward recommitment, evangelism and perseverance.
Recognition for 50 Years of Ministry Service
Our first evening service included recognition of two men who have served as faithful Advent Christian pastors for more than fifty years, Rev. Roger Brown and Rev. Wayne Lucas. Rev. James Lee was also recognized Tuesday night. Each of these men stands out for his remarkably long tenure at the same church. The audience stood and applauded as each was awarded a Divine Servant medallion by the delegate body.
Associate Members and Exhibitors
We were thrilled to hear from our associate members who are doing great work in the life of our denomination. Dan Thorpe, president of Berkshire Christian, highlighted their organizational pivot from education to scholarships. They are eager to fund undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate ministry studies and church-planting residencies.
Mike Tuttle spoke on behalf of BICS, the theological formation gap-year program for young adults. He shared an excellent promo video that you should share with any recent high school graduate or high school senior.
With tears in his eyes, Craig Carter, CEO of Advent Christian Village (ACV), testified to the Lord’s goodness and provision as he told the story of a sizable donation that helped the organization recover from damage caused by Hurricane Helene.
Larry Knowles spoke on behalf of Advent Christian Retirement Communities (ACRC) about their sustained commitment to the Greenhouse Project, which will provide thoughtful, personal and home-like care for seniors in need.
Jonathan Tymann from Alton Bay Christian Retreat Center updated us on major infrastructure improvements, a great summer season and their strong retreat ministry. Sherryl Frank brought greetings from Aurora University and highlighted their current enrollment of 6,200 students this semester and a new building added to campus, which includes a new home for the Jenks Collection.
We were grateful to have exhibitors Blueridge Christian Counseling, which offered free counseling sessions to pastors and their wives during the week, and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in attendance.
Consequential Business
The week of business sessions included ample time for discussion. This was important as we were divided over several weighty issues. Opinions were expressed at townhalls, mics from the floor and one-on-one discussions in the hallways. Here is a list of the most notable actions taken by the delegate body:
- John Tate, pastor of Emmanuel Church (Rochester, NH) was elected ACGC President
- The proposed 2026 Declaration of Principles fell short of the required percentage in favor of adoption (75%), receiving 60.3% yes (122), 39.6% no (80).
- The 2026 Declaration of Principles was sent back to the Executive Council for further consideration.
- The proposed changes to the Articles of Association and Bylaws were adopted with some adjustments.
- The Enduring Resolution on the Intermediate State and Final Punishment was adopted.
- A Resolution Encouraging Healthy Consolidation was passed.
- RaeAnn McCune, recording secretary, Heath Simpson, member-at-large, Nancy Miller (ratified), Appalachian regional rep. and Penny Batten (ratified), Southern regional rep. joined the executive council.
More information on these bullet points and a complete summary of highlights is provided by Rev. Tom Loghry, former recording secretary of the Advent Christian General Conference of America. Please access that here.
Workshops and Meetups
In the afternoons, attendees picked from a wide array of workshops including bi-vocational ministry, church planting and replanting, dealing with difficult people, missions moments, authentic engagement for small-town life, hospitality in the church and pastoral care and counseling structures for small churches. Post-evening service meetups included pastor gatherings by region and a special night for pastor’s wives from across the country.
Kid Care
Fifteen kids took part in our childcare during the conference under the care of Nancy Miller (Clendenon, W.Va.), Joyce Nash (Monroe, N.C.) and Madysen Baker (Lenoir, N.C.). They painted, sang songs, made slime, ran obstacle courses and learned about Jesus! On Thursday night, they took the stage and shared a song with motions that they’d learned during the week.
Fellowship and Fun
It wasn’t all work and no play at convention. Monday night, people made their way to Nibble Nook to grab a delicious ice cream cone and share some laughs. Some used their free time on Wednesday to explore historic Black Mountain and Thursday night service was capped off with s’mores and music by the fire.
Press On with the Triennial Playlist
Like the music you heard at convention? Keep singing along with our playlist featuring our theme song, “Press On” by Keith and Kristyn Getty on Spotify or Apple Music.
Sharing with Your Church
We are grateful for your participation in the Advent Christian denomination. Please use this Explainer Card to help relay the actions of the delegate body to your church. If you need printed copies, email [email protected] and we’d be glad to send them.
