General Conference 2023 concluded last Friday night in Indianapolis, Indiana, capping a week that exceeded expectations. We saw increases in attendance and offerings, and each service featured anointed music, worship, and preaching. Most importantly, God’s Spirit moved in a powerful way during every service. We have received many testimonies of ministers and church members receiving fresh vision, inspiration, and encouragement.
Record $5 Million Global Missions Offering
One of the highlights of this year’s conference was Wednesday evening’s Global Missions service. Pastor Jerry Dean from Bossier City, Louisiana, preached an inspiring message, and a record offering of $5 million was collected for I Am Global, an initiative that helps veteran missionaries return to their field early. Thanks to the generosity of UPCI churches, ministers, and constituents,10 missionary families are on their way back to their fields of harvest, with more missionaries to follow.
Peak Attendance of 11,200
Attendance increased relative to recent General Conferences. Approximately 11,200 people were present for the Thursday evening service, the largest audience for a General Conference service in a generation. (This does not include a 2010 General Conference crusade service in Houston that drew 13,000 people.) Additionally, more than 5,600 viewers watched the Thursday evening service online, with a similar number of viewers tuning in for the North American Missions Service on Tuesday evening. You can watch a full replay of each service on the UPCI’s Facebook page, YouTube channel, and at Discipleship Now.
New Global Missions Director, Youth Ministries President
We also saw an increase in attendance at our annual business meeting. Almost 1,700 ministers registered to vote, the largest number since 2009. We congratulate all our elected officials, including newly elected General Director of Global Missions Adam Hunley and newly elected Youth Ministries President D. J. Hill. I also thank our ministerial constituents for electing me to another term as general superintendent. A full recap of this year’s election results is available on the UPCI website.
Other Business
Ministers also passed an important resolution establishing a special judicial procedure to deal with allegations of sexual abuse of minors. This resolution will help ensure that victims receive justice while securing the rights of the accused and shielding districts from potential conflicts of interest. In the same meeting, ministers also voted to officially endorse Covenant Educational Services, a counseling provider that offers educational services as well as assistance to military veterans and their families.
Sincerely in Christ,
David K. Bernard
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