You’re already seeing it pop up in various contexts — the invitation to “Engage” (in Spanish, “Involúcrate”). This is the theme for the General Conference’s 2025 convention, scheduled June 30 – July 5 in Salt Lake City, Utah. However, “Engage” is also an emphasis and encouragement we plan to keep before all GC members before, throughout, and perhaps beyond our 2025 convention.
“Engage” is meant to remind us of the many opportunities available throughout the Conference to obey the commands of Christ; to serve our fellow believers, communities, and the world; and to grow ourselves in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Among such GC opportunities are the GC Ministries (Artios Christian College, Publications, and Missions (including the SHINE, Widows and Orphans, and Cristo Viene ministries); the GC Evangelism Initiatives (Personal Evangelism, Small Group Home Bible Studies, and Welcoming Churches); and countless other service and spiritual growth opportunities available within our districts and congregations. Engage! Get involved! These many opportunities accomplish nothing without your participation.
“Engage” may also be expressed as “Plug In.” In Christ, we are part of the greatest community there is: the body of Christ. All around us are brothers and sisters in Christ working together to spread the gospel, grow disciples of Christ, serve church and community, and bring glory to God. Don’t stand on the sidelines; plug in! Get involved! Engage!
“Engage” is a call to action. Month after month, year after year, pastors and leaders of our congregations, districts, and our entire General Conference pray and think, plan and work, trying to find “the thing” that will motivate those they serve to get involved. What is needed, however, is not a new program or an old program in new packaging. Ultimately, we must obey the callings and commands of the Lord Jesus Christ: “Go and make disciples. . . . You shall be My witnesses. . . . Even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.”
Engage!
— Loren Stacy
GC President
