Story by V. Michelle Bernard
At the Board of Education meeting held yesterday in Silver Spring, Md., Donovan Ross, vice president of Columbia Union Conference’s Office of Education, reported there are 7,524 students in Columbia Union’s 79 schools this year.
By K'dee Crews
According to official Seventh-day Adventist statistics, since 1965, four out of every 10 members have left the church. How can we, as a church body, reach those who have walked away?
1. Show them respect. They didn’t just wake up one morning and decide to leave. They have reasons. Respect their opinion. You can disagree and still be respectful.
2. Listen to them. Maybe you’ve had a pleasant church experience, but they haven’t. It’s not your place to judge. When you take the time to listen to someone’s story, you can better understand them. You can’t know how to approach something and someone without knowing what the problem is.
By Becky St. Clair
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the subjects and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of the Columbia Union Conference or Visitor staff.
According to official Seventh-day Adventist statistics, since 1965, four out of every 10 members have left the church.
Choosing God ... and Adventism
Barna research has recently released a new report examining who Gen Z is and how they “uniquely contribute to our collective society, their communities and their faith.
Here are five things from that study you might find helpful when trying to reach this generation:
Gen Zers feels held back from fully being themselves.
They prioritize happiness, stability and good health.
They are online, but still value in-person connection.
Morality is often subjective.
Most Gen Zers say they’ve prayed in the past week.
Story by Tamyra Horst
Looking for a unique ministry to try in 2025?
Andrew Christiansen, a pastor who serves in the Pennsylvania Conference, believes in the power of pizza.
Earlier this year, he invited members of his church district— Coudersport, Derrick City, Mount Jewett, and Warren—and anyone else who wanted to come to his annual pizza bake.
With more than 90 people who attended—40 from the community—they set a new record for the numbers of pizza made at this yearly event: 147.
Kettering College (KC) is pleased to announce the launch of a partnership with Wilberforce University. This strategic collaboration will give Wilberforce University graduates the opportunity to seamlessly begin their nursing education through the accelerated four-semester degree track at Kettering College.
Graduates will have the opportunity to transition to KC’s A-BSN program from Wilberforce University to Kettering College after completion of required coursework. This partnership reflects both institutions’ dedication to addressing the national nursing shortage by preparing a new generation of highly qualified nurses, with a focus on increasing diversity within healthcare.
Story by Erica Calhoun
Washington Adventist University (WAU) Athletics Department proudly announces the addition of women’s flag football to its athletic offerings, set to debut in Spring 2026. This expansion reflects WAU’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and diversity in women’s athletics, aligning with the rising interest in women’s flag football at both collegiate and national levels.
Story by Columbia Union Staff
Youth, Pathfinder and Children’s ministries directors and their spouses from all eight conferences within the Columbia Union recently gathered at Wisp Resort in McHenry, Md., for their annual fall advisory.
“Surrounded by the beautiful autumn colors of western Maryland, we had a rich time of inspiration, fellowship, skill-building and planning,” says Frank Bondurant, Columbia Union vice president for Ministries Development.
Tamyra Horst, Communication and Women’s Ministries director for the Pennsylvania Conference, spoke about the importance of self-care as ministry leaders and the challenge of balancing home and professional lives.
Editorial by Andre Hastick
As a father of three, I have had my fair share of visits to urgent care. The check-in process is always systematic and predictable. “What brings you in today?” they ask. The patient shares their symptoms, and the doctor eventually provides a diagnosis.
Story by Shannon Smith
October is the month of many observances and holidays, like Hispanic Heritage Month, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Halloween. At Washington Adventist University October is also Adventist Heritage Month, a remembrance of history and heritage deeply rooted in the events and beliefs that shaped the Seventh-day Adventist Church. WAU is currently the first and only Adventist university to designate a month to highlight Adventist Heritage.