New Jersey Conference Announces New Vision, Mission

Editorial by Stephen Lee

I am honored to introduce our new vision and mission for the New Jersey Conference (NJC), guiding us to fulfill God’s calling. Our new vision, “A World Without Strangers,” embodies a God-given dream to create a community where everyone feels welcome, valued and loved. In Matthew 24, Jesus’ disciples ask Him about the signs of His coming. Jesus describes signs in the natural, political and religious worlds, but adds, “The end is not yet.”

The real sign of Jesus’ return is found in Matthew 24:14: “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come” (NKJV). Jesus’ disciples not only eagerly awaited His return but also proactively shared the gospel worldwide to hasten His coming. What does “A World Without Strangers” mean for us today? Creating a world without strangers means fostering deep, meaningful connections. We will prioritize forming genuine relationships over superficial interactions, ensuring that everyone can be known and loved.

Aligned with our vision, our new mission statement, “Loving and Lovable People,” defines our core identity and purpose. It reflects our commitment to embody Christ’s love in every aspect of our lives and interactions. John 15:13 tells us, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (NIV). God’s mission calls us to love as Jesus loved—sacrificially. Being lovable is not about seeking approval but about cultivating qualities that reflect Christ’s character. Ellen White, in her book Ministry of Healing, tells us, “The strongest argument in favor of the gospel is a loving and lovable Christian” (p. 166).

May New Jersey and beyond be “filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea” (Hab. 2:14, NKJV), as we reach out to the world because we are loving and lovable people.

Stephen Lee serves as the president of the New Jersey Conference.