Young and Old Delegates Find Shared Passion at GC Session

Story by Royston Philbert, Adventist News Network

As the 2025 General Conference Session of the Seventh-day Adventist Church continues in St. Louis, Missouri, one theme remains constant throughout the hallways, plenary sessions, and cultural exhibits: the commitment and passion for mission shared across generations.

From the seasoned voices of longtime church leaders to the vibrant enthusiasm of youth delegates, the session has become a living testimony that age is no barrier to commitment to the gospel and perseverance in completing the work before Christ’s return.

A Meeting of Generations

Delegates representing every division of the global church have gathered to vote, pray, and worship. However, beyond the formal agenda, moments of intergenerational exchange stand out.

Chue Kien Robert Wong, a 90-year-old Seventh-day Adventist from the Chinese Union Mission, is the oldest delegate at the 2025 General Conference Session. He has attended every Session of the church for several decades, except in 1985. Wong sees the Adventist Church as the true church described in the book of Revelation, but with all its growth and progress, he cautions against losing focus.

“It is important to see the church with young people,” he said. “It gives hope for the future. Because of them, the mission will never die.”

Ismael Castillo, current president of Montemorelos University, said, “I’ve attended nine sessions since the 1980s, and served the church on the nominating committee eight times. But it still moves me to see young people not just observing but participating fully. They are passionate, articulate, and called to lead.” 

Students from Montemorelos University, through its orchestra and choir, are providing music for the Session. “For them, it is very important to see the global commitment of the church to its mission and develop the passion for mission,” Castillo said.

Marinella George, a 24-year-old delegate from the Victoria and Agricola Seventh-day Adventist churches in the Guyana Conference, is representing the Inter-American Division and is likely the youngest participant at the 2025 General Conference Session. She expressed her admiration for the level of youth involvement in the church’s mission. 

“We can do so much more,” George said. Reflecting on the global challenges faced by others, she added, “We’re not dealing with war or major conflict, so there’s no reason we shouldn’t be more involved—especially with the innovative methods now available. We need to be more energized about the mission.”

Castillo, who has worked in ministry for more than five decades, declared that he finds renewed hope in the enthusiasm of younger delegates. “It tells me the church is in good hands.”

Young Voices Rising

For many of the younger delegates, this session marks their first opportunity to participate in the global decision-making process of the church. They offer innovative ideas, digital expertise, and unwavering dedication to the Adventist message.

“I’m here not just to observe history, but to be a part of it,” said Stephen Tulp, a young pastor from Suriname, the youngest delegate from his country to ever attend a Session. “We’ve inherited a powerful legacy, and it’s our responsibility to continue shaping it.”

Tulp shared that attending the session has inspired him to become more involved in youth ministry and digital evangelism. “There is so much potential for young people to use their gifts in mission.”

Twenty-six-year-old Jordanne Browne from the Jamaica Union Conference is a first-time delegate from the Bendon Seventh-day Adventist Church. For her, being at the Session reminds her that the church isn’t just about age or experience—it’s about mission. “Watching the older delegates and learning from their journey gives me hope that my generation has a vital role to play too,” she said. 

Browne said she is prepared to embrace the theme of the sermon on the first Sabbath and be passionate about going on mission for God. “The same unity, the same outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the same boldness in mission that was spoken of, I would like to have.” She is passionate about youth ministry and personal development in particular and has made it her mission to share Christ through youth ministry and mentorship. She is currently a certified senior youth leader in her local church. 

Mission: Still the Anchor

Despite the difference in age, culture, and background, what unites both the older and younger delegates is a deep-rooted belief in the Adventist mission—to proclaim the three angels’ messages and prepare the world for Christ’s soon return.

“There may be differences in how we express or implement the mission, but the heart of it remains the same,” said Lonol Winni, 45, a youth pastor from Papua New Guinea in the South Pacific Division. “I feel happy to be here and to see old and young delegates sitting together and passing on wisdom, and younger ones catching the fire.”

Looking Ahead Together

In a world often marked by generational divides, the General Conference Session is offering a rare and powerful counter-narrative: that the church’s strength lies not in choosing between the old and the new, but in bringing both together.

“Our future is bright,” said Castillo, smiling as he watched the group of young people from Montemorelos University walk past to get ready for the evening performance. “Because our past walks with us, and our future is already leading, this is the place for them to see that the mission of the church is alive.”

As the session continues, delegates—young and old—remain focused on a single goal: fulfilling the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church together.