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Miami, Florida, United States | Libna Stevens/IAD

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Inter-America provided newly appointed church administrators from the territory’s major church regions, or unions, local fields, and institutions a special online orientation yesterday to assist them as they lead and make decisions for the fulfillment of the work in the Inter-American division territory.

Pastor Israel Leito, president of the church in Inter-America. Image by Libna Stevens/IAD

The one-day training session of November 30, 2016, falls under the IAD’s Segment Leaders Development (SeLD) program and focused primarily on those who serve on committees and boards, organizers said. It was also an open training for individuals in key leadership areas in the IAD including institutions, schools and churches.

“This is the first time we are reaching all committee and board members across the division in an effort to train and equip board members in their responsibility to help lead this church,” said Pastor Israel Leito, president of the church in Inter-America as the online program began.

There are many who come from various environments and many may not understand the organization as it is, noted Pastor Leito. “If we want to lead this organization, if we want to have part in moving the church forward to the coming of the Lord, we must understand what the Seventh-day Adventist Church organizationally is all about.”

Pastor Leito reminded leaders that there is no concentration of authority in any of the church’s organizational levels, from local field, union, division, to the General Conference level. “Authority is disbursed and committees have their authority that is granted and which render accountability to the constituency it serves,” he said.

Adventist World Church President Pastor Ted N.C. Wilson congratulated IAD leaders for the governance training session and encouraged viewers to be loyal to Christ’s church and His mission.

Pastor Balvin Braham, assistant to the IAD president and coordinator of SeLD. Image by Libna Stevens/IAD

“We need authentic, genuine, humble, Christian leaders in the IAD who govern, who supervise, who encourage as Christ did,” said Pastor Wilson. “God wants you to be transformed to lead effectively before Christ’s return.” The Adventist world church leaders reminded leaders to study the Word of God, pray and share with others about the transforming relationship with the Lord in dedicated service to fulfilling the mission of the church.

The online training also included training sessions by IAD Executive Secretary Dr. Elie Henry, IAD Treasurer Filiberto Verduzco and SeLD Coordinator Pastor Balvin Braham, on the function of unions, local fields, and institutions in the organization, the function of policy in boards and committees, the fiduciary responsibility of leaders, conflict of interest, and Group Think on boards and committees.

Viewers were able to submit questions during the program to be answered and discussed during Q&A sessions featured after each training segment during the six-hour program. A special case study exercise segment to leaders was also featured during the event.

Pastor Balvin Braham, special assistant to the president for evangelism and SeLD coordinator, said the leadership development that the IAD has embarked on for over 10 years now is all-important for the church organization to thrive and function effectively in today’s environment of continuous change.

Usually dozens of newly appointed administrators travel to the IAD Headquarters in Miami, Florida, for annual development training but the online program became a cost effective and time efficient method to reach the large and diverse group of leaders.

Some 280 locations connected from around the world during the SeLD online training program. Image by IAD

“It is imperative that we invest in training and development to avoid mistakes that result from lack of information and knowledge,” said Braham. “In order to deepen or change the organization culture and make the organization relevant in order to achieve the desired results, leader development must be intentional and continuous.”

Top leaders were happy that the live online program had 280 locations connected and over 2,500 views of the program within 24 hours since the webcast.

According to Braham, plans are underway for the face-to-face leader development conference to be held July 10-17, 2017, in Miami, Florida. “This conference will include a wider cross section of individuals as church elders, church pastors, department leaders and administrators at all levels are invited to attend.

To view IAD’s SeLD online training session click HERE

To download presentations featured during online event, visit resources.interamerica.org