Nevertheless, I left Toronto with a clear impression this is a church focused on mission. With the focus on mission the face of the church is changing literally and figuratively. Areas like India that have long resisted the call of Christ are suddenly awake and large numbers are flocking into this movement. And with this dramatic change political infighting and jockeying for position have diminished sharply. Yes, there are many challenges.
Explosive growth brings possibilities of both strength and fragmentation.
The diminished presence of North America in the leadership of the General Conference raises concerns about this key division s role in the new configuration. But this is a church with pulsing vitality. This is a powerful, dynamic movement. Now indulge me a final impression, as I think of the two leading officers of the world church. President Jan Paulsen was born north of the arctic circle, son of an Adventist cobbler.