Over the past five years, God has been powerfully at work across the Michigan Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Through churches, schools, camps, community service and faithful members, the gospel has reached thousands of people in meaningful and practical ways. Lives have been touched, families supported, and many have chosen to follow Jesus.
Today, the Michigan Conference is home to more than 27,000 members worshiping in 185 churches and companies, served by 105 pastors, 31 schools, and 141 teachers. Together, this church family has embraced a mission that shares hope through both words and actions.
Lives Changed Through Evangelism and Bible Study
Public evangelism and personal Bible study remain central to the work of the conference. From 2021 to 2025, Michigan churches celebrated over 2,000 baptisms, along with hundreds of professions of faith and recommitments to Christ. These decisions came through public meetings, small group Bible studies, health programs, community outreach, and personal relationships built by members who simply shared what Jesus means to them.
Each year, churches host evangelistic meetings and outreach events — some large, others small and personal. Hundreds of people gathered to hear the gospel preached. At the same time, countless Bible studies happen quietly in homes, churches, schools and online, often led by lay members who answer God’s call to disciple others.
Schools Leading Young People to Jesus
One of the greatest blessings of the past five years has been the evangelistic impact of Adventist education. Our schools are places where faith is nurtured daily through prayer, Bible study, worship and caring relationships.
In recent years, about one out of every three baptisms in the Michigan Conference has been connected to Adventist education. Students and families are choosing baptism because of what they experience in classrooms, chapels and friendships centered on Christ. This fruit reflects the dedication of teachers and staff who see education as ministry and students as disciples in the making.
Camps That Build Faith and Community
Michigan Conference camps continue to be life-shaping environments. Between 2021 and 2025, nearly 5,000 campers including more than 3,300 youth campers and 1,500 family campers —eperienced Christ-centered programming at camp.
Both Camp Au Sable and Camp Sagola offer young people a place to grow spiritually, form lasting friendships, and see faith lived out in joyful ways. Many individuals return home with renewed commitment to Jesus and stronger connections to their local churches.
Children’s Ministries and Family Outreach
Children’s Ministries has expanded resources that support families and churches year-round. Weekly videos, Sabbath School tools, outreach ideas, and children’s stories help make faith engaging and accessible for kids.
Vacation Bible School continues to be one of the most effective outreach tools. Since 2022, Michigan Conference has produced multiple original VBS programs, with over 140 kits used by churches and about 50 churches each year hosting VBS. For many families, VBS is their first connection to a church — and often the beginning of an ongoing spiritual journey.
Serving Communities Through Adventist Community Services
Michigan Adventist Community Services (ACS) has been a powerful expression of Christ’s love in action. Over the past five years, 86 churches have operated community service centers or outreach programs, with four new locations added in 2025.
Through the dedication of 2,783 volunteers, ACS ministries contributed more than 321,000 volunteer hours, serving over 60,000 families across Michigan. During this time, churches distributed over 1.6 million pounds of food, 780,000 pieces of clothing, 60,000 bedding items, and thousands of personal care supplies and emergency kits.
ACS outreach has also opened doors for spiritual ministry, leading to Bible studies, literature distribution and baptisms directly connected to community service. Beyond material assistance, ACS centers offer programs that support emotional and spiritual health — such as grief recovery, addiction recovery, health education, and ministries for veterans, seniors and single mothers.
Planting Seeds Through Literature and Relationships
Literature evangelism continues to play a vital role. From 2021 to 2025, student canvassers distributed or sold more than 135,000 books, knocked on hundreds of thousands of doors, and prayed with families across Michigan. Many Bible study interests and future baptisms began with a simple knock and a caring conversation.
A Growing, Caring Church Family
The story of the past five years is ultimately a story of people — children learning to pray, students choosing baptism, families finding hope, volunteers serving with compassion, and members discovering new ways to share Jesus.
As we look ahead, we praise God for what He has done and remain committed to reaching more hearts with the everlasting gospel — until Jesus comes.
Jim Micheff is president of Michigan Conference.