Members Urged to Prioritize Prophecy and Mission at Personal Ministries Convention

HYDE PARK, NY — Hundreds of church leaders from across the Northeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventists gathered at the Victory Lake Camp & Convention Center for the 58th Personal Ministries & Federation Convention, held August 28–30, 2026. Under the theme “Elevate the Gospel: Igniting Hope!,” the three-day event served as a catalyst for spiritual renewal and strategic training, challenging participants to realign their local ministry efforts with the church’s core prophetic identity.

Keynote speaker, Dr. Shion O’Connor, anchored the weekend’s programming with a series of poignant addresses. His messages centered on the necessity of maintaining a distinct focus on evangelism and the unique calling of the Adventist church.

Pictured – Dr. Shion O’Connor speaking to the audience at the Personal Ministries & Federation Convention 2026.

The spiritual climax of the convention occurred during the midday worship on Sabbath. In a sermon titled “When the Church Is Distracted,” O’Connor cautioned that while many ecclesiastical activities are worthwhile, they must not eclipse the fundamental purpose of the church. He urged leaders to keep the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation, the Three Angels’ Messages, and the Second Advent at the forefront of their proclamations.

“As good as social justice is, it’s not the mission of the church,” O’Connor stated. “As good as a welfare program is—and we must have that too—that’s not what God raised up this church for; it was for prophecy.”

O’Connor clarified that his message was not a dismissal of community service or meeting practical needs, but rather a call to ensure those initiatives remain tethered to a larger prophetic mission. He warned that the church risks losing its relevance and direction when its core theological pillars are relegated to the background.

The convention featured leadership and greetings from conference officials, including Dr. Eldeen C. King, President of the Northeastern Conference, and Dr. Joshua Deonarine, Ministerial Director. Leadership for the weekend was provided by Dr. Ucall G. Harris, Personal Ministries Director, and Elder Adrian Alvarga, President of the Personal Ministries Federation.

As the convention concluded on Sunday, attendees departed Hyde Park with a renewed mandate: to serve their communities faithfully while boldly preparing the world for the soon return of Jesus Christ.