No doubt our world is in turmoil. We see global conflicts, political divisions, deadly shootings, economic hardships, and natural disasters occurring all around the globe. Jesus Himself warned us that when we see all these things, know that His coming is very near (Matthew 24:33).
Sensing that the end is close at hand, we as a conference take the gospel commission of Jesus very seriously when He commanded: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Everything we do, the reason we exist as an organization, is to advance God’s mission by helping others to come to know Jesus and prepare for His soon return. Clearly, there are a lot of forces working against the cause of God today. Yet, despite the growing challenges, God continues to sustain His church and financially provide for what is needed, just as He has done in times past.
The Indiana Conference, through much prayer, has developed a strategic plan with eight focus areas. These provide the mission template with which we operate as a conference.
- Spiritual Growth and Revival: For members to have a meaningful devotional life which leads to spiritual growth and personal involvement in the mission of the church
- Evangelism: To cultivate a culture of evangelism so that local churches can effectively reach their communities for Christ
- Empowering/Equipping Laity: For every member to discover and use their gifts, talents and passions for ministry
- Adventist Christian Education: For every child to receive a quality Adventist education that prepares them for a life of mission and service
- Youth and Young Adults: To support and empower our youth and young adults where they can spiritually grow, feel part of the church community, and develop into local church leaders
- Multicultural Ministries: To provide leadership, training, programs and materials for the various ethnic groups in our conference
- Pastor & Teacher Growth and Support: To provide opportunities for our pastors and teachers to grow professionally, spiritually and relationally
- Conference Finances: To raise additional non-tithe funds and to develop endowments in order to meet the long-term needs of the Conference for mission and outreach
We praise God for how He has led since the last Lake Union Constituency Session. There have been many answered prayers, many miracles witnessed, many sacrifices made for God’s cause. Last year, our conference participated in the North American Division initiative Pentecost 2025. Over 80+ churches, companies, groups and schools were involved in some sort of public proclamation event throughout the state. It was exciting to see churches in action as they reached out to friends, family members and neighbors. The Holy Spirit moved and several people, young and old alike, made decisions to follow Christ and His truths. For the next several years, we are partnering with the Center for Community Change at Andrews University so that our churches can be more effective in reaching their communities with the gospel of Christ. In these final days, God’s work is advancing forward in this great Hoosier state.
At the same time, we also recognize there is still much to do. There are over seven million people who live in Indiana. Presently, we have 10,400 members in the Indiana Conference, which means there are still many to reach with God’s final message for these last days.
None of us knows what the future holds. However, we do know the One who holds the future in His hands. In Isaiah 41:10, God says, “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
During these difficult times, let us seek God more deeply. Let us unite our hearts together in mission as we prepare the world for Christ’s soon return. Our greatest hope and desire can be summed up in the words of the apostle John in Revelation 22:20, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!”
Vic Van Schaik is president of the Indiana Conference.