Lake Union Treasurer Glynn Scott reports an operating gain, despite a dip in tithe below the previous year, during the March 5, 2026, Executive Committee session. [Photos by Katie Fellows]
Debbie Michel
March 12, 2026The 37-member body includes representatives from the Lake Union’s five conferences and helps guide church initiatives throughout the Great Lakes region. Members include conference administrators, church employees, lay leaders, and the presidents of Andrews University and UChicago Medicine AdventHealth.
Chaired by Lake Union President Elden Ramirez, the meeting addressed day-to-day business as well as broader strategies for carrying out the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
In his president’s report, Ramirez highlighted global models for mission funding. Drawing from January meetings with union presidents and conference officers, he said other world divisions are using industries and institutional models to generate major revenue for evangelism and outreach.
He pointed to the South Pacific Division as a striking example. Ramirez said one Adventist industry there generates more than $1 billion, producing more income than tithe in that territory. He noted that profits from industries and health systems are intentionally directed back into mission.
He also referenced the South American Division’s education model. In some institutions, he said, large percentages of students are non-Adventist, with discipleship built into the student experience. He urged Lake Union leaders to think about how Adventist schools and Andrews University might more intentionally reach public-sector families and create pathways for non-Adventist students to enter Adventist education.
Communication and media were another major focus. Ramirez said some divisions use communication not only to report news, but as a direct evangelistic tool. He described product packaging, social media and print materials that intentionally connect consumers to testimonies and Bible studies through QR codes and other outreach methods.
He called for Lake Union leaders to think creatively and collaboratively. Rather than continuing to operate the same way, he suggested the union explore whether nonprofit industries or shared services could reduce costs and increase resources for mission.
Ramirez also reported on AdventHealth’s strength and influence. After attending a North American healthcare summit, he said AdventHealth stood out for both financial strength and commitment to mission. He described the system as a growing ministry with national influence, including a voice in major public policy conversations.
Ramirez closed with a note of gratitude and challenge, saying that the Lake Union is blessed by strong institutional partners, especially AdventHealth, and urged leaders to keep thinking ahead so the church can move beyond maintenance toward greater growth and mission impact.
Executive Secretary Ted Huskin reported that baptism and evangelism are fueling growth across the Lake Union. He said union membership has now surpassed 90,000 and is nearing 92,000, with leaders hopeful the total could approach 100,000 by the end of the next quinquennium.
Other highlights of the secretariat report include:
In the treasurer’s report, Glynn Scott reported an operating gain, despite a dip in tithe below the previous year. Highlights include:
Year-to-date tithe totaled $89.6 million, down 2.1% from December 2024. Even so, there was an operating gain, helped by conservative budgeting based on 97% of the prior year’s tithe.
As of December 2025, total assets stood at $20.4 million, up $744,000 from December 2024. The increase was attributed to carry-forward cash balances, December remittance receivables and Pentecost-related accounts receivable received in 2026 for 2025 evangelism.
Total income reached $17.6 million, coming in $476,000 over budget. Contributing factors included the release of donor restrictions, stronger-than-expected investment income and a medical insurance refund.
Total expenses were $17 million, or $142,000 under budget, largely because program expenses and travel costs came in lower than anticipated.
The December 2025 operating gain totaled $502,000, which was $651,000 better than budget.
“We are thankful for God’s financial blessings during the past year,” said Scott. “We are committed to mission and ministry that happens across our Union and beyond.”
Debbie Michel serves as Lake Union Conference Communication director.
