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A Commitment to Whole-Person Health: Insights from the 2025 GC Session

Introduction

At the core of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s mission is a profound dedication to holistic healing—addressing not just physical ailments but nurturing the whole person. This ideal was vibrantly illustrated at the 2025 General Conference (GC) Session held in St. Louis, Missouri. During this event, the five health systems within the North American Division (NAD) came together to showcase their collective commitment to medical ministry as an extension of their gospel-centered work.

Visitors to the AdventHealth exhibit in the NAD healthcare exhibition space at the GC Session take home materials that promote whole-person health. Photo: Cerron Pollard/North American Division

A Vibrant Showcase of Health and Mission

From July 3-12, 2025, the exhibit hall in St. Louis buzzed with excitement. Featuring a landmark health pavilion and a unique healthcare dinner, this gathering marked a historic collaboration among AdventHealth, Adventist HealthCare, Adventist Health, Loma Linda University Health, and Kettering Health.

This was far more than just an institutional exhibition; it was a clear declaration of purpose. Visitors engaged with interactive displays, participated in virtual reality simulations, and explored a prayer tree, where they could leave handwritten petitions. This pavilion effectively illustrated the integration of faith and innovation, serving as a palpable representation of whole-person care.

Ann Roda, vice president of mission integration and spiritual care for Adventist HealthCare, engages with visitors at the NAD healthcare exhibit area at the 2025 GC Session. Photo: Cerron Pollard/North American Division

Transforming Presence into Impact

Healthcare systems’ CEOs stood shoulder to shoulder with chaplains, clinicians, and communications teams, interacting with a diverse array of visitors—from future students to potential partners and curious church members. The pavilion successfully became a welcoming space for questions about blending medicine with mission.

The organizers hoped that this pavilion would not only inspire but also serve as a testament to the Adventist health systems’ commitment to providing care in both faith-friendly environments and underserved, secular regions.

John Sackett, CEO of Adventist HealthCare, encapsulated this sentiment with a powerful affirmation. He emphasized that, despite operating under distinct names, their shared goal was to ensure everyone recognized their Adventist identity. “We believe in the gospel commission,” he stated, asserting their commitment not just to treat patients but to enable everyone to understand their integral role within the mission.

Addressing Misconceptions

Sackett took a moment to clarify common misconceptions that some Adventists hold regarding these healthcare systems. He stated, “Sometimes people think the hospitals have left the church, and that is simply not true. We want to be included in this mission, and the church can rely on us to help spread the gospel. That’s our reason for being here.”

Upholding Medical Excellence and Spiritual Care

The leading voices in these healthcare systems continue to excel within medical science while staying true to their Adventist roots. Michael Gentry, CEO of Kettering Health, highlighted the importance of addressing real-world needs, emphasizing the necessity of chronic disease management.

This philosophy resonated throughout the pavilion. Adventist hospitals were not simply portrayed as places of treatment but rather as mission outposts. Visitors departed not just with informational brochures but with a deeper understanding of how Adventist healthcare seamlessly blends compassionate, Christ-centered care with high-quality, evidence-based medicine.

Emphasizing Employee Well-being

Sackett underscored that their mission also extends to the employees. “It’s a great place to work,” he noted. Employees feel at ease sharing their Christian beliefs in this nurturing environment.

Kerry L. Heinrich, president and CEO of Adventist Health, echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the sacred responsibility that healthcare teams carry. “Many of our employees tell me it’s incredible to be in an environment where we can pray with our patients, discuss faith, and talk about sensitive end-of-life issues,” he said.

Heinrich asserted that though not every employee is an Adventist, they function as extensions of Christ’s healing ministry. His compelling message to the workforce was clear: if they cannot demonstrate the connection between faith and healthcare delivery, then they risk losing their essential purpose.

Unity in Vision and Mission

The unity displayed in the health pavilion carried over to the healthcare dinner that evening. For the first time, all five NAD healthcare systems gathered during a GC Session. The dinner paid tribute to Dr. Peter Landless, the outgoing director of the General Conference Health Ministries department. He had long envisioned a collaborative effort like this, making the evening both a surprise and a culmination of his lifelong commitment to Adventist health ministry.

Dr. Landless expressed profound gratitude, stating, “This is a huge privilege. More importantly, this is the first time five systems have come together with a significant segment of the global church. It signals a commitment to a shared mission.”

Looking to the Future

Incoming General Conference Health Ministries director Dr. Zeno L. Charles-Marcel spoke of the importance and implications of this transformational gathering. “The healthcare dinner signifies a reuniting of our efforts,” he remarked. “We have Adventist health ministries and an Adventist healthcare ministry, both of which need equal nurturing.”

Dr. Charles-Marcel emphasized the need for collaboration, resource sharing, and a unified mission. He remarked, “One focus. One mission.”

Richard Hart, president of Loma Linda University Health, addresses healthcare leaders in Adventist institutions during a historic meeting. Photo: Cerron Pollard/North American Division

Addressing Societal Challenges

Leaders in healthcare acknowledged the growing environmental and societal challenges that accompany care delivery. David Banks, CEO of AdventHealth, discussed the ramifications of recent legislation, stressing that their mission cannot remain confined to those who can afford to pay.

“Our mission cannot be complete if we only serve the patients within the zip codes where people have payment,” he elaborated. This necessitates seeking community partnerships—collaborating with agencies like the YMCA, social service groups, community health clinics, and food pantries.

One Mission, One Message

Throughout the 2025 GC Session, the health pavilion and the healthcare dinner symbolized the collective strength of Adventist healthcare. This historic collaboration promises to open doors for deeper partnerships, more coordinated strategies, and an unwavering commitment to the gospel of healing in every language, every zip code, and every corner of the world.

The events of the 2025 GC Session have made one message resoundingly clear: healing lies at the very heart of the church’s mission—not merely as an accessory but as a fundamental component.

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— Herma Percy, Ph.D., is a reporter for the North American Division at the 2025 General Conference Session.

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