More than 400 ministry leaders from across Lake Region Conference gathered virtually on Sunday, March 1, 2026, for ACTIVATE ’26, a training summit designed to equip, inspire, and connect those serving in local church ministry. ACTIVATE was created to remind ministry leaders that they are called, equipped, and connected to advance the mission of Jesus Christ.
The summit opened with a devotional message from Dr. Abraham Henry, President, who encouraged attendees to anchor their calling in Christ’s identity rather than circumstance. He reminded participants, “When we are activated, not by what Jesus does, but by who He is, we have found ourselves locked in with Jesus. God wants us to move forward in mission. God is counting on you. You’ve been activated.”
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Ella Simmons, former General Conference Vice President, who emphasized the transformative power of servant leadership and challenged ministry leaders to serve with excellence and intentionality. Dr. Corey Johnson, Germantown SDA Church Pastor, followed with a timely presentation on membership connection and discipleship, emphasizing the relational nature of ministry. He shared, “By making connections to Jesus and helping to make connections with one another, you help visitors become members who then feel known, needed and nurtured.”
Throughout the summit, conference directors and invited presenters facilitated breakout sessions designed to strengthen leadership across a broad range of ministry areas, including elders, clerks, treasurers, deacons and deaconesses, youth and young adult ministries, children’s ministries, health, prison ministries, family life, Sabbath School, stewardship, personal ministries, Bible work, worship arts, communication, community services, media production, and many others. These sessions provided practical tools and resources to help leaders serve more effectively in their local ministry contexts.
ACTIVATE ’26 was organized by a dedicated planning team including Pastor E.J. Bell, Elder Edward Woods III, Pastor Jimmy Atkins, Maryline David, JeNean Lendor, and additional ministry partners. Their collective vision was to create not just a training event, but an ongoing ministry development experience.
Participants are now part of the ACTIVATE ministry cohort, which will continue meeting throughout the year to collaborate, share resources, and develop mission-focused initiatives. Upcoming cohort gatherings include:
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June 2026: Innovation and Fellowship Track
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September 2026: Development and Education Track
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December 2026: Reflection and Planning Track
Pastor E.J. Bell summarized the vision of ACTIVATE, stating, “When we activate God’s people with purpose, equip them with tools, and connect them in community, then the church becomes unstoppable.”
ACTIVATE ’26 is designed to create lasting, measurable impact—not just momentary inspiration. Leaders who participated are expected to move forward with increased confidence, deeper mission alignment, stronger peer connections, and renewed effectiveness in ministry.
This initial summit marks the beginning of a continuing movement to empower leaders and strengthen the mission of Lake Region Conference churches throughout the region.
