On June 30 – July 5, the Church of God (Seventh Day) family gathered in Salt Lake City, Utah, for our highly anticipated Biennial Convention, hosted at the beautiful Salt Palace Convention Center. This year’s theme, “Engage,” resonated deeply through every seminar, worship service, and fellowship moment shared among more than 1,000 attendees from across the United States, Canada, and countries as far-reaching as Australia, England, India, Jamaica, and Kenya.
The week was packed with a variety of enriching seminars led by SHINE, Artios Christian College, and other leaders. Topics addressed the broad spectrum of church life and mission, including family ministry, spiritual warfare, standing for life, Christlike hospitality, youth camps, homeschooling, social media, evangelism, pastoral ministry, and even sound system management within church settings.
Attendees also participated in interactive discussions on cultural integration, Sabbath school, and collaboration in service. Of particular note was the introduction of the International Federation, an exciting new effort to strengthen global church unity.
Each evening, the congregation gathered for inspiring worship services, with messages rooted in the call to engage with Christ, the church, and the world. Youth and young adults enjoyed special evening activities, and children were blessed with ongoing ministry and a memorable Sabbath children’s program. Music throughout the week uplifted and united hearts, adding beauty to the spiritual tone of the gathering.
Highlights included a heartfelt reception honoring outgoing President Loren Stacy and Executive Director Jody McCoy, recognizing their decade of leadership and service to our church. Other special events included a women’s luncheon, Spring Vale Christian School luncheon, and the Artios Meet & Greet, along with the Artios Christian College graduation, where 27 graduates were honored for their academic achievements.
The biennial business sessions were also a central part of the week, led by board chairman Dennis O’Banion. Each began with a devotional led by an Artios student, setting a spiritual tone for the work ahead. Reports were given on the state of the church, districts, NAMC, and various ministries, along with financial reports.
No new amendments were adopted, but several leadership changes took place. Neftali Hernandez, Sam Holland, Ramon Ruiz, and Robert Grabinsky were elected to six-year board terms, and Dennis O’Banion and Jerad Ullrich to four-year terms. (New officers of the board are Dennis O’Banion, chairman; Sam Holland, vice-chairman; Wayne Hrenyk, secretary; and Neftali Hernandez, treasurer.)
Nominating Committee members elected were Douglas Klopfenstein and Gregory Crayton. Zuri Gutierrez and Nigel Lewis were appointed by the board of directors. The new Amendments Committee is composed of Chip Hinds (chair), Chris Idemmili, and Raul Romo, appointed by Chairman O’Banion.
The week concluded with a significant moment of transition. On the evening of July 5, Greg Lincoln was installed as the new president of the General Conference and Daniel Flores as the new executive director.
None of this would have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the Convention Committee, led by Mary Jean Knoll, and a host of volunteers whose service behind the scenes made the entire week run smoothly.
Salt Lake City offered the perfect backdrop — with its scenic beauty, welcoming atmosphere, and many accommodating restaurants — for a week filled with connection, vision, and the unmistakable presence of God.
