When former president Walter L. Wright announced his retirement, Don Schneider, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America, began the process of selecting a replacement. Schneider met with Lake Union officers and conference presidents on Monday, July 7, to get their input regarding the selection of a new president. The following day Schneider met with the Lake Union Conference Executive Committee.

After leading the committee in a devotional and prayer, Schneider asked the committee about their expectations, what they were looking for in a new leader, and how they would like to proceed.

Each person submitted names on a piece of paper, and every name was registered and shared with the committee, including a brief bio on each. After questions and discussion, members chose their top five names. After tallying the results, the committee voted to go into executive session and invitees were dismissed. The committee was free to discuss the results and speak to the names in confidence. Members were able to speak freely as nominees present were temporarily dismissed for discussion.

After several more rounds of voting, with prayers offered before each vote, the field narrowed to one name, Max Torkelsen II, president of the Upper Columbia Conference. Schneider contacted Torkelsen, who has met with the Lake Union officers and staff. As this issue goes to press, we are awaiting Torkelsen's decision. Check the Lake Union web site at www.lakeunion.org for updates.

Gary Burns, communication director, Lake Union Conference