Stronger Together to Fulfill Our Mission

Story by Adventist HealthCare Staff

Adventist HealthCare and Kettering Health were honored to help represent the Columbia Union Conference by participating in the General Conference (GC) Session this past July. Both health care systems were delighted to share their commitment to mission with a worldwide community. 

Seizing the key opportunity offered by the global conference, the five Adventist health systems located in North America – AdventHealth, Adventist Health, Adventist HealthCare, Kettering Health and Loma Linda University Health – developed three unified demonstrations of their commitment to the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Standing Together

Traditionally, the focus of the GC Session is to elect leadership, determine policies and discuss issues. This 62nd gathering, however, also included a special recognition of health care as a primary work of the Adventist Church.

During the Global Mission presentation on the July 12 Sabbath, AdventHealth Executive Director for External Communications Garrett Caldwell (center) introduced the five North American Seventh-day Adventist health system executive leaders (left to right) Richard H. Hart (Loma Linda University Health); Michael Gentry (Kettering Health); David Banks (AdventHealth); John Sackett (Adventist HealthCare); and Kerry Heinrich (Adventist Health). These five CEOs took to the stage to deliver a report to the thousands of in-person and virtual conference attendees, presenting their shared mission of health care ministry as a manifestation of their commitment to the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

This collaborative approach was appreciated by many as a new way to understand how the health systems put into practice Ellen G. White’s belief that “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people” – that is, that health ministry provides unique opportunities to follow Jesus’ example to build relationships, show sympathy, respond to needs and develop the trust necessary to inspire others to learn more about the loving character of God.  

The health system leaders presented a cohesive explanation of the health care each offers by explaining that – even though their organizations are separate entities and serve different areas of the U.S. – they are unified through their vocations to extend God’s care. 

Personal reflections from the leaders were alternated with videos of heartfelt testimonials from patients and their loved ones to convey the active work being done to restore total health and the profound gratitude for compassionate service during times of great need. 

Serving Together

Additionally, the five systems joined together to offer people an opportunity to explore their personal health in an exhibit titled “Experience Wholeness: Together in Mission.” Centered in the exhibit hall, a large area was reserved for the health care systems to present a set of activities that invited reflection regarding body, mind and spirit well-being.

The first station provided large interactive screens for conference attendees to examine their current state of activity, sleep patterns, hydration, diet and other aspects that contributed to their physical health. A second station invited participants to explore the mind as the channel to dialogue with God, posed questions to allow reflection and offered options to nurture serenity. The final station provided cards for people to pray for healing, call for peace, express gratitude or embrace calm. The cards were hung on a large, eye-catching tree as a visual manifestation of how members of the Adventist faith community lift their prayers to God together.

Adventists of all ages, backgrounds and ministries were drawn to the activities, and many conversations were inspired by the introspection on personal lifestyle choices. Individuals were gently invited to think about health care as an opportunity to embrace healing, adopt hope and see themselves as a reflection of God’s image in humanity.

Gathering Together

Connection was also fostered during a dinner hosted by all five North American health systems. Held on July 9, the event gathered over 150 health care leaders and guests from around the globe to strengthen their fellowship with one another. As a special highlight of the evening, former GC Adventist Health Ministries Director Peter Landless was honored for more than 49 years of devoted service.

Plenty of laughter rang out as old friends greeted each other and introduced others to widen circles of partnership. The networking event offered a unique opportunity for leaders to strengthen their connections to inspire further sharing of ideas, resources and best practices.  

Affirming Together

By helping facilitate these initiatives, Adventist HealthCare and Kettering Health improved understanding within the larger Adventist faith community regarding their shared mission and calling to the ministry of health care. Additionally, by modeling how the North American systems work collaboratively, the leaders hoped to encourage further cooperation on a global level. Rooted firmly in Jesus’ example of healing in the Bible, Adventist health systems carry on a vital tradition of inspiring and encouraging individuals to embrace the message of the Seventh-day Adventist Church of a loving God who promises eternal life to all who ask.