BURLESON, TX – The Southwestern Union executive committee convened in March and September of this year. Below are the highlights of those committee meetings. The final meeting for 2024 is scheduled for November 21, 2024. 

‍

March 2024

On March 20, 2024, Tim Cook, senior vice president and chief mission integration officer for AdventHealth, delivered an inspiring devotional before the meeting was called to order by Southwestern Union President Carlos Craig.

Membership Report

Southwestern Union Executive Secretary Stephen Brooks presented both the Southwestern Union 2023 annual membership report and the 2024 year-to-date membership report for February 29, 2024. The Southwestern Union reported 4,150 baptisms and professions of faith for the year 2023. As of February 29, 2024, the year-to-date membership was 125,526. To God be the glory for continued growth in the Southwestern Union.

Financial Report

Southwestern Union Treasurer John Page presented the Southwestern Union financial report. In the year 2023 the Southwestern Union experienced an 8.8 percent tithe increase. Praise God for His provision and for the faithfulness demonstrated by the church members of the five local conferences in the Southwestern Union.

Commission

It was voted for the Southwest Region Conference to Commission Chaplain Denise Grant.

Center of Influence

The Southwestern Union, in partnership with the North American Division, has established a center of influence located at Magnolia Street in Fort Worth, Tex. It was voted to approve the name for the center of influence as Bread and Better Life Cafe. 

September 2024 

On September 4 2024, the morning began with a powerful devotional given by the Southwest Region Conference President Carlton Byrd before the meeting was called to order by Southwestern Union Executive Secretary Stephen Brooks. Arkansas-Louisiana Conference President Richard Dye reported on the progress in the conference. 

Membership Report

Southwestern Union Executive Secretary Stephen Brooks presented the 2024 year-to-date membership report for July 31, 2024, with total membership of 127,102. Praise God for adding to His church.

Financial Report

Southwestern Union Treasurer John Page presented the Southwestern Union July 31, 2024, financial year-to-date report. Thank God for His continued provision. 

New Committee Members

Oklahoma Conference Native Ministries Director Jim Landelius and Southwest Region Conference Education Superintendent Luwanna McCoy were welcomed as new members to the Southwestern Union Executive Committee.

Ordination

It was voted for the Texas Conference to ordain Ernesto Illingworth, David A. Thompson and Samuel Vega to the gospel ministry. 

‍

Southwestern Adventist University

An encouraging Southwestern Adventist University progress report was given by Ana Patterson, president. 

AdventHealth

Texas Health Huguley Hospital President/CEO Penny Johnson gave a wonderful report on AdventHealth in the Southwest Region.

‍