GC vice president Lowell Cooper motivated the group to move from “Jerusalem to Toronto and beyond . . . ” as he traced the connection between the early Christian church and the rapid growth of the Adventist Church today.

Noting that one in five Adventist converts leave the church, Cooper reminded the delegates that the church has a vital role in retention, training, and deployment of new members.

“The church becomes a church on Tuesday morning in the marketplace, not just Sabbath morning in the sanctuary,” declared GC stewardship director Ben Maxson as he reviewed indicators that could represent healthy spiritual maturation for individuals and groups.

Cooper solicited discussion from the delegates by inviting them to share challenges and opportunities experienced in their local congregations.

Selma Chaij, from Takoma Park, Maryland, cited her church’s practice of small group study of the Bible. “Participants have felt blessed and renewed,” said Chaij. “Our discipleship groups have become the glue of the Spirit.”

Joshua Oyinloye, from the Africa-Indian Ocean Division, called for training small group leaders to promote members’ spiritual maturity. He also urged that costs be lowered to train pastors for rapidly growing regions.

“The best way to nurture young Adventist converts is to enroll them in an Adventist school,” said Humberto Rasi, GC education director. He recommended the development of post baptismal classes to anchor youth in Adventist faith.

“Discipling new believers is a whole church action, and should be included in strategic planning,” asserted Marion Shields, GC Executive Committee member from the South Pacific Division.

Onaolapo Ajibade, of the Africa-Indian Ocean Division, reminded the delegates that disciple-making takes time. “One month is not enough to make a lasting convert,” said Ajibade.

Lupita A. Aragon, (NAD), noted that women’s ministries are frequently some of the most effective means of nurturing and holding new converts.