Every Member a Messenger: NUC Leadership Trainings Empower Members for Ministry
By Neat Randriamialison
Elder Kent Sharpe, alongside pastors and elders from the conference and the Utah area, leads a prayer to empower the members for ministry.
Pastor Kevin Solomon, from the Sparks SDA Church, challenges attendees to see the church as a movement, not a club.
The Nevada-Utah Conference (NUC) hosted two Ministry and Leadership Training events in February—February 1 in Reno, Nevada, and February 8 in Salt Lake City, Utah—bringing members together to refocus on the Great Commission and engage in practical ministry training.
In Reno, Pastor Kevin Solomon of the Sparks Seventh-day Adventist Church, delivered the devotional, reminding attendees of their shared mission.
"The reason the church exists is to bring the Gospel to the world," Solomon emphasized. "The church is not a club—it’s a movement."
His message challenged members to set aside distractions and take ownership of evangelism, recognizing that every believer plays a role in fulfilling the Great Commission.
In Salt Lake City, Pastor Oneil Madden of Salt Lake City Central Seventh-day Adventist Church led the devotional, focusing on the true source of power, unity, and transformation in the church.
"Not the president, not the pastor, not the elder—but the Holy Spirit. Only He can bring unity and equip us with the tools we need to make a big impact in our communities," he reminded attendees.
His message reinforced that results, success, and lasting change happen when the church relies fully on the Holy Spirit’s leadership.
Both locations featured practical workshops designed to mobilize all generations for ministry. In Children’s Ministry, leaders explored how churches can benefit from well-planned Vacation Bible School (VBS) and other outreach programs. Interactive Bible storytelling and hands-on service projects were highlighted as effective ways to engage children in meaningful spiritual growth.
In Youth Ministry, presenters shared ways churches can "grow younger" by making young people feel valued, heard, and empowered. They stressed the importance of giving youth real leadership roles, not just tasks, so they can actively shape church life. Leaders were encouraged to listen with empathy, truly hearing young people's perspectives and building a culture of trust and involvement. Finally, the message was clear—leading by example matters. Young people aren’t just looking for sermons; they’re looking for authenticity. When church leaders and members live out their faith, it inspires the next generation to do the same.
These training sessions were made possible through the leadership of Pastor Pedro Pozo, NUC Growth Ministry Director, who is dedicated to equipping churches with the tools and opportunities they need to step into mission and make a real impact in their communities.