his year's spring meeting of the General Conference's Executive Committee, which convenes April 14-15, will focus on mission and membership, according to church administrators. The 200-plus members from around the world will vote plans for a more focused evangelistic strategy over the next five years, and will address the issue of declining funds for mission.

The need to "recapture the vision for mission" is a critical element, say church leaders. Added to this is a revamped volunteer program examined at the last Annual Council, with the suggested title of "His Hands," which seeks-among other things-to encourage every Adventist Church to sponsor a mission volunteer.

The committee plans to introduce an additional fundamental belief, provisionally entitled "Growing in Christ." Arising from the church's global mission needs, this additional belief statement addresses Christian growth and development, and also Christ's victory over evil powers-how this impacts the life and behavior of the believer. The statement will then be widely circulated in the world church prior to a vote at the committee's Annual Council meeting in October. The proposed statement will be forwarded to the GC session of 2005 for final consideration.

A document on issues affecting church unity will also be introduced. Church leaders hope that a clear emphasis on the importance of unity will be spread through the divisions and unions to the local church level. The rapid growth in church membership in many areas brings the challenge of maintaining unity in faith and practice, as well as the needs of spiritual nurture for many who have had no previous experience of Adventism, say leaders.

A similar challenge is reflected in the continuing response to the Commission on Higher Education, which brought its report to the last Annual Council. Proposals are being made to address issues raised in the report, which will be considered by delegates at these current meetings.

Other agenda items that are planned include the audited financial statement for 2003, a progress report on graduate education in Africa, and a report from Oakwood College. The GC treasurer will also outline progress in the phase-in of the new employee remuneration and allowance scheme.

Much of the committee's remaining time will be spent on items relating to the upcoming GC session in St. Louis, Missouri, in 2005.

Visit the Adventist Review Online often for more updates, reports, and commentaries from the GC Committee's spring meeting.