The General Conference’s board of directors has selected Elder Greg Lincoln to succeed Elder Loren Stacy as GC president, effective Saturday night, July 5, 2025.

One year ago, during the February 2024 board meeting, President Stacy and Executive Director Jody McCoy informed the board of their desires to be replaced in their roles and responsibilities at the close of the 2025 GC Convention. In response, the board formed a Succession Committee, which began a search for their successors. During its February 2025 meeting, the board received the committee’s report and recommendations regarding its search for the next GC president. Following much discussion and prayer, the members cast their votes among the top three available candidates. Having received a majority of the twelve votes, Elder Greg Lincoln was selected. The next executive director has not yet been identified because of the board’s decision that President-elect Lincoln should be influential in choosing the person who will assist him.

Elder Greg Lincoln is a godly man and servant of Christ and our church. He has served as a member of the board of directors since July 2015 and as GC treasurer for most, if not all, of that time. Elder Lincoln also served as pastor of our Harrisburg, Oregon congregation July 1, 2012 – June 30, 2024. He will be meeting with Loren Stacy, Jody McCoy, and other key GC staff members to learn all they can teach him in preparation for this summer’s passing of the torch of GC leadership. Please join the board of directors in praying for Elder Greg Lincoln and his wife, Vaneice. May God grant them His very best as they continue to focus on Jesus and follow His plan.

— Loren Stacy

Aimed at igniting a passion for evangelism among youth, the Area 4 Youth Rally was held February 1 at the Lanham, Maryland church. Approximately 150 young believers attended from Lanham, as well as from Alexandria and Richmond, Virginia. Worship sessions led by the youth, talks by visiting pastors, and community-building activities focused on the rally’s theme “Fire Up.” Pastors Moises and Pete Capetillo from Albuquerque, New Mexico, were key speakers at the event.

The purpose of the rally was to inspire and mobilize young people toward evangelism, fostering a community of faith, service, and spiritual growth. The event also served as an opportunity to raise funds for the Benevolence Ministry, supporting those in need.

We praise God for a successful rally and that two young ladies gave their lives to Christ during the altar call.

The Southeast District ministry leaders and area representatives met February 21-23 in Richmond Hill, Georgia, for planning and connection. This year, rather than a meeting just for church leaders, the gathering brought together representatives from Areas 1-4, along with directors from the men’s, women’s, youth, young adults, music, and media ministries. With 20 leaders attending, the event focused on preparing for this year’s retreats and making sure everyone understands their roles and goals. Superintendent Steve Krome led the discussions, ensuring that every ministry was aligned with the district’s vision.

This year is especially exciting as the Southeast District is launching a Young Adults Ministry and a Media Ministry, both aimed at helping churches and members stay connected. The dedication and passion from everyone in the room were clear. The Southeast District is looking forward to an amazing year of growth, connection, and ministry!

On February 8, Superintendent Ronald Rousseau and his wife, Maria, visited the church in Gloucester, UK, where he shared the Word of God. Minister Rousseau gave a presentation on past and recent SHINE missions. The church in Gloucester is contemplating a mission with SHINE. More details to follow.

A fellow “newborn” brother in Christ at the Central Church in El Paso, TX, was baptized on February 8. Atila Fabian said “goodbye” to the old man and “hello” to his new creation in Christ! We were truly blessed to see Atila join the body of Christ.

Antonia Lopez of the Central Church in El Paso celebrated 90 years of life on February 15. She has been an example of faithfulness in the Lord’s work and was church treasurer for many years.

On February 8, leaders from across the Southwest District gathered at the Olive Tree Church in Houston for a day of connection, growth, and inspiration. We were treated to amazing workshops designed to motivate, teach, and prepare us for the new year. It was a joy to connect with fellow leaders and learn from one another.

Men from all over the Southwest District gathered on January 26 for a retreat at the Dover Family Camp in Dover, OK, where they heard messages on the theme “God’s Workshop.” We praise God for the men in our churches and are always praying for them.

About 150 brothers from churches throughout Austin, TX, gathered January 10-11 to worship and join others at a Super Sabbath. The theme “Reconnect with God” reminded us of our purpose. We had amazing services at the Eva congregation on Friday and the Truevine congregation on Saturday. 

On December 29, we had an incredible marriage retreat with our brothers and sisters from Shalom Church in Brownsville, TX. Moises and Pete Capetillo (Albuquerque, NM) led a marriage and family workshop. Then we headed to beautiful South Padre Island for a marriage conference. Four inspiring speakers shared insights on marriage expectations, finances, and intimacy using the conference’s theme “Cord of Three Folds.” Twenty couples enjoyed a special time focusing on each other and their relationships.

Our second marriage workshop was held in Las Vegas, NV, January 17-18, centering on the theme “Marriages Without an Expiration Date.” We hosted more than 60 couples from Arizona, California, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah. We look forward to our next Marriage Workshop in 2026!

Over 80 brothers and sisters gathered January 31 – February 2 for a powerful weekend of testimonies, messages, workshops, praise, and worship. They came from across Northern California (San Jose, Hayward, Sacramento); Central California (Visalia); Southern California (Ontario, Coachella, San Diego), as well as Las Vegas, Nevada, and Phoenix, Arizona, United as one body, we immersed ourselves in the theme “Made in the Image of God” under the guidance of guest speakers Thomas Davila and Zuri Santoyo. We were reminded that the crushing (the acceptance of His will and the cost of the anointing) shapes and molds us to reflect Him. We learned that God’s anointing is the unifying force that brings the body of Christ together, and though we are unworthy, the Most High calls us and makes us worthy in Him.

On February 1, David and Smyrna Leventhal publicly declared their commitment to Jesus! David was baptized as a child but wasn’t active in serving God until a few years ago. Smyrna was raised in the CoG7 but had so many questions that remained unanswered. A couple of years ago they began visiting our Eugene church. As a congregation, we always rejoice with our brothers and sisters as they declare their desire to serve the Lord!

The Outreach Team in the Eugene/Springfield CoG7 has been actively serving our community for a long time, distributing food, water, Bibles, and other necessities to our

 homeless community. Beginning in September, they realized that many in the church and/or those we know were experiencing “too much month at the end of the money.” To help minimize this, the team made up food boxes on the fourth Friday of each month, led by Outreach Team leaders Walt and Tara Watkins. These food boxes help between five and ten families each month. Betty Cory includes recipes that will help stretch the food included in the boxes. We are thankful for all our volunteers!

Early Winter 2025 Graduate

Edgar Rodriguez, Henderson, Nevada (Associate of Christian Leadership, Pastoral Ministry)

Artios Co-Director Change

This is a year of exciting opportunity for Artios Christian College! Several projects are underway and others are contemplated, including updating existing curriculum, innovating education delivery, adding a satellite campus, extending training globally, and expanding course offerings.

All of these opportunities require a significant investment of time for planning, development, and implementation. They also require knowledgeable, creative, and professional leadership. I am excited to announce that Brian Franks has agreed to step into a full-time position as both dean of Academic Affairs and co-director to provide the needed leadership.

I have been blessed and encouraged to serve as Artios co-director the past four years, but I could see that I did not have the time needed to effectively respond to these opportunities for growth. It is with a heavy heart but a clear conviction of what is best for Artios Christian College, and for the local church where I co-pastor, that I willingly step back so that Brian can step forward.

I remain a strong advocate for the ministry vision of Artios Christian College and the Artios Center for Vibrant Leadership to equip all of God’s saints for the work of ministry. I look forward to serving as an Artios instructor from time to time. I hope to see you in class!

— Loren Gjesdal

Satellite Campus

We are excited to have a new satellite campus based in Houston. This campus builds on the online program Artios has offered and on the partnership with the Leadership School at the Pharr, Texas CoG7. The Houston campus offers courses in person while also allowing students to join remotely. This lets Artios offer multiple ways for students to engage with the equipping educational model of the school, making leaders and pastors for the Church of God (Seventh Day) and the kingdom of God.

The first course at the Houston campus (BIS 104 History – Literature of the New Testament) began in March. This is a full Artios class, so taking it counts as full credit at Artios. Find out more at artioscollege.org/satellite-campus/.

Calendar Events

April 6 – Early Spring classes begin

May 12 – Late Spring registration closes

May 18 – Late Spring classes begin

Early Spring Classes

COM 121 Written Communication for Leadership

BIS 104 History and Literature of the New Testament

LEA 155 The Essence of Life Coaching (English only)

LEA 331 Church Administration (Spanish only)

WOA 311 Prayer Ministry (English only)

Late Spring Classes

BIS 201 Biblical Interpretation

COM 121 Written Communication for Leadership

LEA 111 Essentials of Vibrant Leadership

PSY 311 The Church and Mental Health

Register at
my.artioscollege.org/en/courses

Convention is for connection. Need a boost in your connection with your Lord? There’s good promise of that happening here. Do you desire to find better ways to connect your faith with your actions? Plenty to learn in that regard in this space. Convention lets you connect with like-minded believers from distant states and provinces. Don’t discount the importance of those relationships!

Whatever reason suits you best, we call all members to recognize the importance of their attendance at GC Convention 2025 in Salt Lake City. Your presence is requested!

As you make your last-minute plans, here are a few items to remember:

• Are you registered? Go to cog7.org/convention to add or modify your reservations. Stay in one of the official convention hotels and help us save money on meeting space (yes, they’re connected!)

• No group excursions are planned for this year, but that doesn’t mean there is nothing to do in the area! Get some friends and family together and come early/stay late to take advantage of the zoo, Thanksgiving Point, Park City, Arches National Park, and other attractions that suit your fancy. Lots of excursion information is listed on the convention website.

• The UTA*Trax train system is free to ride in the downtown area where we are located. It’s also only $2.50 to ride from the airport (Green line). The train or bus system can connect you with a cheap ride to various excursion points, including Thanksgiving Point.

• Come for the full week! Monday is a great day for an excursion or to check out the area. The Monday evening reception is a fantastic way to kick off our week together!

• General meal tickets won’t be offered (with the exception of Sabbath), but concession stands will be open and restaurants are within walking distance. Consider attending one of the Special Meals or purchasing Sabbath meals to help us meet our contracted minimum.

• Review the links on the convention website to familiarize yourself with workshop options and business session preparations. Come prepared to participate.

We so hope to see you in just a few short weeks!

— Convention Planning Committee

The GC board of directors held its 2025 Winter meeting February 25-28 in Denver, Colorado. All twelve members of the board were in attendance: Dennis O’Banion (chairman), Kirk Grant (vice-chairman), Wayne Hrenyk (secretary), Greg Lincoln (treasurer), Ruben Beard, Narciso Bentances, Ron Cummings, Tim Endecott, Daniel Flores, Jr., Neftali Hernandez, Raul Romo, and Ruben Zaragoza. Also in attendance were President Loren Stacy, Executive Director Jody McCoy, and (for several hours) accountant Dawn Wayman.

Each day, the board began with worship, God’s Word, and prayer. During this year’s meeting, the board performed most of its annual duties. It received reports and a recommended annual budget from staff; performed its annual evaluation of the GC president; reviewed its board Policies Manual; considered the GC president’s 2025 goals; adopted a budget for the coming fiscal year (April 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026); and considered and acted upon various motions proposed by its members.

The highlight of this meeting was the board’s selection of Greg Lincoln to succeed Loren Stacy as GC president, effective the end of the 2025 GC Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah (see page 1 article).

The board of directors is responsible to oversee the General Conference on behalf of the membership when the membership is not “in session.” The board fulfills this duty largely by appointing a president and holding him accountable. Members (18 years or older) who have registered to vote in the convention business session can help elect members to the board of directors.