"Approaches to Evangelism: Creation Expo" by Mansfield Edwards

Mansfield Edwards shares powerful stories from his journey leading diverse congregations, underscoring the need for change and contextual ministry. Through innovative initiatives—from launching youth sports programs and seniors’ ministries to organizing a groundbreaking Earth Day Summit featuring Adventist scientists—he demonstrates how creativity and prayerful action can breathe new life into churches. He highlights the value of community engagement, scientific dialogue, and adaptive leadership in reaching people more effectively.

Mansfield Edwards serves as Vice President for Evangelism, Community Outreach, Seniors Ministries & Indigenous Ministries at the Ontario Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

"Approaches to Evangelism: Compassion" by Matthew Feeley

New Life Church in Oshawa, Ontario, runs the Neighborhood Center, a 24/7 ministry dedicated to needs-oriented evangelism in South Oshawa. Led by a caring and committed team, the center focuses on three key programs: a food bank to meet immediate needs, monthly community breakfasts to build connection, and the Productivity Hub, which offers coaching, training, and support to empower individuals for long-term growth. By combining practical help with spiritual care, this ministry is transforming lives and creating lasting impact—extending the love and compassion of Christ beyond the church walls and into the heart of the community.

Matthew Feeley is the Lead Pastor at New Life Seventh‑day Adventist Church in Oshawa, Ontario.

"Servicio Relevante: Una Parte Vital del Nuevo ADN" por Michael Lewis

Michael Lewis comparte principios clave para plantar iglesias con un enfoque en el servicio comunitario. Subraya que plantar iglesias no es el fin, sino hacer discípulos, y que este proceso comienza cuando servimos de manera auténtica a las personas. Advierte sobre los motivos egoístas disfrazados de servicio, recordando que, sin conexión real con la comunidad, solo existe un programa de culto, no una iglesia viva. Además, invita a escuchar a líderes locales, estudiar las necesidades reales del entorno y servir de forma constante, relevante y con propósito.

Michael Lewis es el director asociado del Instituto de Evangelismo de la División Norteamericana

"Una Iglesia Que Alcanza a Personas Nacidas en Norteamérica" por Kyle Smith

En esta presentación, Kyle Smith analiza cómo la cultura occidental ha adoptado una cosmovisión poscristiana centrada en el individuo, donde la verdad se vuelve relativa y el amor, condicional. Este cambio cultural representa un gran desafío para la plantación de iglesias, que hoy deben ser relevantes y diversas para conectar con distintas generaciones y contextos sociales. Kyle enfatiza la importancia de conocer a las personas de verdad, dejar de lado el orgullo, cultivar relaciones auténticas y formar comunidades en las que el amor y la verdad de Dios se vivan de manera intencional y transformadora.

Kyle Smith sirve como pastor asociado en New Haven, donde se desempeña como pastor docente de New Haven Commons.

"Relational Evangelism: The Heartbeat of the Church" by D.W. West

Pastor D.W. West draws from his rich ministry experience to highlight the power of cultivating a true evangelistic culture in the church. He underscores the essential role of prayer, Bible study, authentic worship, and active service in building a thriving spiritual community. West emphasizes relational outreach, empowering members to take ownership of the mission, and tailoring strategies to meet each community’s unique needs. He encourages leaders to lead with vision, build genuine relationships, and sustain a Spirit-led cycle of evangelism. Ultimately, he reminds us that lasting evangelism begins with personal transformation and heartfelt investment in others.

D.W. West is the Speaker and Assistant to the President of Adventist World Radio (AWR)

"Cultivating an Evangelistic Culture: A Four-Step Path to Church Transformation" by Alan Parker

Alan Parker, professor at Southern Adventist University and director of its Evangelism Resource Center, shares his experience in fostering an evangelistic culture within churches. He presents a clear four-step framework that begins with understanding the existing church culture, building a foundation of prayer, gaining leadership support, and implementing a strategic evangelism plan. Drawing from real examples of church renewal, Parker underscores how intentional outreach, community engagement, and persistent prayer can bring about lasting transformation. His message highlights that meaningful change is rooted in vision, unity, and a faith-driven commitment to mission.

Alan Parker is Professor of Missions; Evangelism and Director of the Pierson Institute of Evangelism; World Missions at Southern Adventist University.

"Obstaculos a la plantación de Iglesias" por Gerson Sanchez

Gerson Sánchez aborda los desafíos de plantar iglesias en los Estados Unidos, destacando la necesidad de adaptarse a diferentes contextos culturales, como ofrecer servicios en inglés para las nuevas generaciones hispanas. Subraya que no existe una fórmula única para plantar iglesias y que el temor a la “casa vacía” o a perder liderazgo no debe frenar el crecimiento del Reino. Invita a adoptar una visión de multiplicación, fortaleciendo los grupos pequeños, formando líderes comprometidos y promoviendo la misión evangelizadora en cada creyente.

Gerson Sánchez es el Coordinador Hispano de la Conferencia de los Estados del Golfo.

"Pasos Importantes a Seguir Antes de Plantar" por Steve Leddy

Steve Leddy presenta principios fundamentales para plantar iglesias saludables, enfatizando que no existen modelos rígidos. Explica que el paso más desafiante es tomar la decisión de plantar, pero una vez hecho, el proceso debe seguir principios claros: conocer la comunidad, establecer valores basados en sus necesidades, desarrollar un plan de discipulado y diseñar la iglesia con un enfoque bíblico. Destaca que cada miembro debe participar activamente y que la iglesia debe responder al contexto local, enfocándose siempre en formar discípulos comprometidos con la misión de Cristo.

Steve Leddy es actualmente el Director de Evangelismo y Plantación de Iglesias de la Conferencia de Potomac. También sirve a tiempo parcial en el Instituto de Evangelismo de la División Norteamericana (NADEI), colaborando con el Sistema de Apoyo a la Plantación de Iglesias ACTS.

The Four Types of Church in North America by Robin Lopez

In his message to church planters, Robin Lopez identifies four types of congregations—declining, plateaued, growing, and multiplying. He challenges churches that resist change, rely on outdated methods, or remain inward-focused, calling instead for ministries that engage their communities with relevance and purpose. Lopez highlights the importance of innovation, leadership development, and intentional discipleship. His call is clear: move beyond survival or maintenance and embrace a Kingdom-focused vision that makes disciples and builds new communities of faith.

Robin Lopez is Church Planting, Volunteer Lay Pastor and Church Revitalization director for the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

Why on Earth Is the Church Here for? by Jose Cortes Jr.

In his message, Jose Cortes Jr. reminds us of the true mission of the church: to love, seek, and save those who are lost. He challenges the idea that church should be defined by externals—such as dress codes, music styles, or a pursuit of perfection—and instead calls us to reflect the heart of Jesus. Just as Christ came not to condemn but to save, the church must be a place of grace and compassion. Its purpose is not to preserve traditions for their own sake but to extend love and hope to all people, welcoming them regardless of appearance or background.

Jose Cortes Jr. serves Associate Director of the North American Division Ministerial Association, overseeing Pastoral Evangelism, Church Planting, Church Revitalization, Global Mission, Church Growth, Mission to the Cities, as well as Volunteer Lay Pastors, NextGen Pastors for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America.

"Un solo evangelio, muchos puentes" por Abdiel Del Toro

En este mensaje, Abdiel Del Toro comparte la historia providencial de Josué, quien respondió al llamado pastoral tras una experiencia evangelística que transformó su vida. A partir de ese testimonio, Abdiel reflexiona sobre la urgencia de comunicar el evangelio con claridad: solo hay un evangelio, pero existen muchas formas de expresarlo para que sea entendido. Advierte contra la rigidez y el aislamiento cultural en la iglesia, y propone la contextualización como un camino bíblico y misional para adaptar el mensaje sin cambiar su esencia, derribando barreras y construyendo puentes para que más personas comprendan y reciban las buenas nuevas.

El Pastor Abdiel Del Toro es el Vicepresidente de Ministerios en Español de la Asociación de Florida.

"SuCasa, más de 40 años multiplicando iglesias" por Gamaliel Feliciano

En esta presentación, Gamaliel Feliciano cuenta la historia de la iglesia Hispana Sucasa en Tennessee, fundada hace más de 40 años por estudiantes hispanos y que, con el tiempo, ha dado origen a nuevas congregaciones. Durante la pandemia, Gamaliel lideró la construcción de un nuevo edificio y una campaña de evangelismo y compasión basada en la empatía y la acción concreta. Su mensaje subraya tres pilares de un ministerio efectivo y multicultural: la oración, conocer a la comunidad, y la integración de dones y personas para servir mejor.

En la actualidad, el pastor Gamaliel Feliciano es el pastor principal de la Iglesia Adventista Hispana en West Palm Beach

Start Where You Are — From a Dental Clinic to Disciple-Making by Rod and Donna

At eHuddle 2025, Rod and Donna Wiley share how a simple small group in Rod’s dental clinic overflowed into a school building as God multiplied lives and leaders. Over 30+ years of ministry, they’ve witnessed 200+ baptisms, proving that faithful, reproducible ministry can grow from the most ordinary spaces. Their message is both practical and deeply encouraging: gather a few, love well, and let God lead the expansion. As Donna concludes, “Start where you are, with what you have, with who you have, and God will take you from there.”

Multiplication, Not Addition — A VLP Movement in Texas by Elton DeMoraes

In this message, Elton De Moraes shares how a John 17:21 vision is driving a shift from addition to multiplication. Since centralizing the Volunteer Lay Pastor (VLP) program in 2021, Texas has grown from 3 VLPs to 97 today, with goals of 150 by 2026 and 200 by 2027. These VLPs—diverse in ethnicity and community context—are expanding accessibility, empowering lay leaders, and accelerating mission impact.

Elton DeMoraes is the President of the Texas Conference of SDA

Misión en movimiento: de pequeño grupo a iglesia saludable por Oscar Sajche

En esta presentación, Oscar Sajche celebra el primer aniversario de una iglesia ubicada a solo 20 minutos de Houston, que pasó de ser un grupo a una congregación de 103 miembros en 18 meses. Conoce la historia de Esperanza (84 años), pionera y testigo del mover de Dios; y cómo el Espíritu Santo impulsó el crecimiento por medio de varios ministerios, en especial el Ministerio de Varones para alcanzar a la comunidad hispana.

Oscar Sajche es pastor laico voluntario en la Conferencia de Texas de la Iglesia Adventista del Séptimo Día.

Visión que Une: Fusión, Plantación y Crecimiento en Willis, Texas por Ignacio Perez

En esta presentación, Ignacio Pérez comparte la poderosa experiencia de un pastor voluntario que lideró la fusión de dos iglesias en Willis, Texas, dando como resultado una nueva congregación de 35–40 miembros. Descubre por qué la estrategia y la visión marcan la diferencia en el ministerio, cómo los pastores voluntarios pueden gestionar mejor su tiempo y tomar decisiones con agilidad, y la importancia de rodearse de personas clave para abrir una nueva iglesia. Inspírate con lecciones prácticas para liderazgo, plantación de iglesias y mayordomía.

Ignacio Pérez es pastor laico voluntario en la Conferencia de Texas de la Iglesia Adventista del Séptimo Día.

"From Burnout to Breakthrough: A New Community in Nashville" by Damian Chandler

Pastor Damien Chandler shared his inspiring journey from counseling to church planting in Nashville, following a divine call even during a season of burnout. Driven by a vision of Acts 2:42–47, he set out to form a community where teaching, shared resources, and a strong reputation shaped every gathering. With a heart for creatives and seekers he calls the “spiritually unhoused,” Chandler embraced a flexible worship rhythm—Friday nights and monthly services—that fit modern lives while staying faithful to biblical principles.

 

Damian Chandler is the Senior Pastor Capitol City SDA.

"Seven: Breathing New Life into Church Community" by Kyle Smith

Kyle Smith reflects on his journey as a youth pastor at Commons and the creation of Seven—a contemporary church service born at New Haven. What began as an idea to create a more inclusive and relevant worship space quickly drew over 100 attendees. Supported by his church, Smith helped nurture significant growth and connection. He emphasizes that churches must adapt to reach diverse communities, especially those from broken homes or facing struggles like addiction. His message is clear: new expressions of church should arise not as a critique of the old, but as a Spirit-led pursuit of new life and deeper community.

 

Kyle Smith has been serving as an Associate Pastor at New Haven, where his focus is teaching pastor of New Haven Commons

Eight Women, One Mission: Planting a Church in Lakewood by Juliana Marson

Juliana Marson shared her inspiring journey of church planting in Lakewood, a predominantly Jewish community, with a mission to support single mothers and meet the needs of underserved families. Despite having no prior experience, her team began with simple steps—conducting surveys and distributing flyers—to truly understand the community. What started with eight dedicated women quickly grew into a movement, guided by five key principles and anchored in the Great Commission.

Juliana Marson is the pastor of Lakewood SDA and the Women’s Director of the New Jersey Conference

Planting Love in the Heart of DC by Joanne Cortes

Joanne Cortes shared her inspiring journey of planting a church in Washington, D.C., which began at the end of 2019. Though she initially hesitated due to family responsibilities and the heavy workload, she felt reassured by God’s clear guidance. The church plant team quickly identified the needs of the community, focusing on engaging young professionals and serving the homeless. When the pandemic disrupted their plans, they pivoted to online outreach, leveraging social media to connect with potential team members and build relationships virtually. Despite the challenges, their mission of love and service never wavered, and they continued to nurture a strong, Spirit-led community in creative and meaningful ways.

Joanne Cortes is the pastor of BeLove Church and BeLove Nova Church.