At the core of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s mission is a strong dedication to healing, encompassing both body and spirit. This commitment was prominently featured at the 2025 General Conference (GC) Session in St. Louis, Missouri. Here, five healthcare systems from the North American Division (NAD) showcased their medical ministry as an extension of the church’s gospel work.
From July 3 to 12, the exhibit hall buzzed with activity as a health pavilion and a special dinner brought together AdventHealth, Adventist HealthCare, Adventist Health, Loma Linda University Health, and Kettering Health. This gathering marked a crucial moment for collaboration within the Adventist community.
The pavilion wasn’t just an exhibit; it was a mission statement. With interactive displays and a prayer tree for visitors to share their thoughts, it combined faith and innovation in a hands-on way, illustrating the concept of whole-person care.
Leaders from the various healthcare organizations were present, welcoming everyone—students, potential partners, and church members alike. The pavilion served as a platform where questions about faith-based healthcare were answered openly. According to John Sackett, CEO of Adventist HealthCare, despite the different names of the healthcare systems, they all share a common identity: “We want everyone to know we are Seventh-day Adventist. We’re here not just to treat, but to spread the gospel.”
Sackett also wanted to clarify misconceptions that some had about the hospitals moving away from the church. “We are part of the movement,” he said, emphasizing their commitment to support the church’s mission.
Adventist health systems aim not only for clinical excellence but also prioritize spiritual care. Michael Gentry, CEO of Kettering Health, highlighted the importance of understanding patient needs, stating, “It starts with meeting people where they are.” This philosophy was echoed throughout the pavilion, where hospitals positioned themselves not just as treatment centers but as mission outposts.
Visitors left with more than just brochures; they gained insight into how Adventist healthcare fuses compassionate care with high standards of medicine. Sackett added that the mission also extends to employees, creating a supportive work environment. Kerry L. Heinrich, president of Adventist Health, noted the unique opportunity for staff to engage in spiritual conversations with patients, reinforcing the organization’s healing mission.
The collaboration continued at the health care dinner, where all five NAD healthcare systems gathered for the first time during a GC Session. Dr. Peter Landless, outgoing director of the General Conference Health Ministries department, expressed his gratitude for this unity, stating that the event symbolized a shared commitment to the healing mission of Christ.
Looking to the future, Dr. Zeno L. Charles-Marcel, the new director of Health Ministries, emphasized the need for collaboration across the healthcare sector. He mentioned the importance of nurturing both Adventist health ministries and healthcare missions.
Healthcare leaders also spoke candidly about modern challenges, particularly in light of recent legislation that poses a risk to vulnerable populations. David Banks, CEO of AdventHealth, pointed out that the church’s mission cannot be limited to areas where payments are guaranteed. “We need to partner with local organizations like community health clinics and food pantries,” he said, stressing the need for systemic change.
The 2025 GC Session highlighted that healing is not an afterthought for the church; it is intricately woven into its core mission. As Adventist healthcare forges ahead, its collaborative spirit promises more profound partnerships and a heightened commitment to healing in every corner of the world.
With this strong foundation, the Adventist Church shows us that healing transcends traditional barriers. It’s about being a compassionate presence in all communities, embodying a message of hope and restoration for everyone.
— Herma Percy, Ph.D., is a reporter for the North American Division at the 2025 General Conference Session.
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