The WAD gathered in Abidjan the Sabbath School and Personal Ministries directors of the Unions, together with the General Conference, for the training of disciples.
ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire — The West-Central Africa Division (WAD) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church organized a major council in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, from August 30 to September 4, 2026, bringing together Sabbath School and Personal Ministries directors from the unions across its vast territory.
This strategic gathering, held with the participation of leaders from the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, provides an important platform for consultation, training, evaluation, and planning aimed at strengthening the Church’s mission throughout the Division.
Over several days, leaders from the various unions examine realities on the ground, share their experiences, and reflect together on strategies capable of strengthening Bible study, discipleship, and the missionary engagement of Church members.
Strengthening the Church Through Bible Study
Sabbath School occupies a fundamental place in the spiritual and missionary life of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It provides a privileged setting for fellowship, in-depth study of the Word of God, and the preparation of members for active Christian witness.
Through this council, WAD seeks to further strengthen the quality and impact of Sabbath School programs in local churches. Particular attention is being given to the training of leaders and teachers, the improvement of teaching methods, and the encouragement of every member to develop a personal and daily relationship with the Word of God.
Participants also reflected on ways of making Sabbath School a genuine center for discipleship, capable of inspiring members to live out their faith and share it within their communities.
Mobilizing Every Member for Mission
Personal Ministries is one of the Church’s principal instruments for missionary mobilization. It emphasizes that the fulfillment of the mission does not rest solely on pastors or Church leaders, but on the commitment of every believer.
The Abidjan Council therefore emphasized the need to promote a missionary culture in all local churches. Union leaders are invited to consider strategies that will further encourage members to participate in personal witnessing, Bible studies, small groups, community outreach initiatives, and various evangelistic programs.
The objective is to see every member become an active disciple and a witness for Jesus Christ in the home, the workplace, and the community.
The General Conference Stands Alongside WAD
The participation of General Conference leaders brings a special dimension to this important gathering. Their presence demonstrates the close collaboration between the worldwide Church and its divisions in the implementation of the mission.
General Conference representatives are sharing with union leaders their expertise, experiences, and broad international orientations relating to the development of Sabbath School, discipleship, and missionary mobilization.
This collaboration also enables WAD leaders to benefit from resources and tools that can effectively support the work of the departments throughout the various territories of the Division.
A Platform for Exchange and Planning
Beyond the presentations and training sessions, the council serves as a genuine platform for exchange among union leaders.
Participants have the opportunity to present initiatives developed in their respective territories, share successful experiences, and identify the common challenges they face.
Discussions focused particularly on:
strengthening participation in Sabbath School programs;
providing continuous training for leaders and teachers;
promoting personal and daily Bible study;
developing small groups;
mobilizing members for witnessing and evangelism;
integrating young people and new members into the mission; and
using modern tools and resources to support Bible study and evangelism.
A Shared Vision for a Church in Mission
Through this council, the West-Central Africa Division reaffirms its determination to make Sabbath School and Personal Ministries two powerful instruments for spiritual and missionary growth.
At a time when the Church is called to respond to contemporary challenges and reach new generations, biblical training and the mobilization of all members remain essential.
This gathering in Abidjan therefore represents an important moment in WAD’s missionary dynamic. It provides leaders with an opportunity to renew their commitment to the mission and develop a shared vision capable of inspiring unions, conferences, missions, and local churches.
From August 30 to September 4, 2026, Abidjan thus becomes a genuine hub for reflection, training, and missionary mobilization for Sabbath School and Personal Ministries leaders of the West-Central Africa Division.
As participants continue their deliberations, the objective remains clear: to strengthen members through the Word of God, train committed disciples, and mobilize the entire Church for the fulfillment of the mission.
WAD Communication Department
Nestor BOLLET
Email: wadnews@wad.adventist.org
