On June 5-7, more than 35 representatives from Seventh-day Adventist institutions of higher education, the North American Division Ministerial Association, and the North Pacific Union Conference met by invitation at the Walla Walla University (WWU) campus in Washington for the North American Division Ministerial Conference. The conference was formed for the purpose of coordinating theological education throughout the NAD and has met twice previous to the event at WWU.

“The North American Division Ministerial Association hosted meetings at Walla Walla University to build greater synergy with religion and theology chairs from Seventh-day Adventist colleges and universities about curriculum development centered around the seven core qualities for excellence in ministry," said Ivan Williams, NAD Ministerial Association director. "We also met with ministerial directors who were a part of our internship committee, addressing all facets of professional development from the call of God through retirement."

This year, the group’s discussions focused on composing a standard set of student learning outcomes to be incorporated into all NAD theological programs. The group also discussed seminary education and the prospect of continuing education for ministers after ordination.

Dave Thomas, chair of the WWU School of Theology, observed that the conference members were “highly impressed” with the hospitality they received on campus. The group appreciated the campus and its amenities and were especially struck by the friendliness of the students. They were impressed, too, by the humanitarian interest demonstrated by students in initiatives such as Hope for the Hills, Engineers Without Borders and the Student Missions program.

The North American Division Ministerial Conference is expected to meet annually for the next few years to continue its collaborative work in standardizing the division’s theological education.

— Additional reporting by Kimberly Luste Maran; the original article was posted on June 22, 2017, on the Walla Walla University website.