ith a membership of more than 13 million it's time for the Adventist church to broaden the scope of its vision and planning. That's the message the General Conference Executive Committee heard at their annual Spring Meeting, April 14-15.

GC vice-president Michael Ryan presented an ambitious strategic plan for the next quinquennium (2005-2010). Using the theme "Tell the World," Ryan recommended that the church set definite goals and establish action plans to fulfill them.

Among the many proposals was that each member should bring one person to Jesus, that each member be involved in nurture within the church, and that 30,000 new church groups be established. Such goals were essential, said Ryan, in order for the church to be able to reach the world's exploding population, to address the challenge of the 10/40 window, and to bring the gospel to the big cities where half of all people now live.

In response, GC Health Ministries director Allan Handysides expressed his support for the proposal, although he wondered whether "Tell the World" was the best theme, since "we're often seen as telling rather than showing."

South Pacific Division president Laurie Evans asked about process, and for input from "departmental and major players." He referenced to one proposed goal-to develop the previous program "Sow One Billion" of literature distribution into "Sow Two Billion." "What evaluation has there been of 'Sow One Billion'?" he asked. "We need to learn lessons, and if the vision is going to fly, we need input from the major players."

Gabriel Maurer, secretary of the Euro-Africa Division, stated that it was good to think in such a systematic way. He asked for clarification of the phrase "maximizing the departments," wondering how this was to be accomplished.

Responding, Ryan commented that it was essential for all departments to see how they could align with the objectives. He also stated that there was a "need to develop action plans at the local level" in order for the goals to be met.

The plan will be further developed and presented to the 2004 Annual Council.