STORY
Ohio Conference Pastors Gather in Dayton to Ignite Evangelism and Strengthen Ministry
March 26, 2026
Francis Tuffour
Pastors and conference leaders from across the Ohio Conference gathered on March 16–17, 2026, at Integrity Hall in Dayton, Ohio, for a two-day pastors' meeting focused on evangelism, spiritual renewal, and ministry effectiveness. The gathering emphasized equipping leaders to engage their communities, strengthen discipleship, and advance the church's mission across the territory.
The meeting opened with a devotional by Shane Hochstetler, senior pastor of the Columbus Eastwood Seventh-day Adventist Church, titled "Called to Build, Invited to Enter." His message laid a spiritual foundation for the gathering, reminding pastors of their dual role in ministry—building the work God has entrusted to them while maintaining a personal, active relationship with Him.
Oswaldo Magaña, executive secretary of the Ohio Conference, followed with a presentation on stewardship, framing it as a vital component of spiritual life rather than a mere obligation. He encouraged pastors to teach members that faithfulness to God brings joy and to present the offertory moment in worship as an opportunity for spiritual reflection. Magaña reminded attendees that returning tithe and offerings is not only an act of giving, but also a recognition of God as both Creator and Owner of all things.
Ohio Conference President Bob Cundiff offered practical counsel to pastors on maintaining integrity in ministry. He emphasized the importance of ethical conduct, healthy boundaries, and wise decision-making in relationships, finances, and daily interactions. Cundiff underscored that safeguarding personal integrity is essential not only for individual ministry but also for protecting the church's reputation and mission.
The spiritual focus continued on the second day with a devotional message by Yuliyan Filipov, senior pastor of the Worthington Seventh-day Adventist Church, who called on pastors to engage in personal reflection and renewal. He reminded attendees that while ministry provides unique opportunities to witness God's work, proximity to spiritual activity does not guarantee personal transformation. Challenging pastors to examine their own spiritual lives, he urged them to ensure that the gospel they preach is actively shaping their hearts. Filipov warned that the greatest danger is not distance from Christ, but remaining unchanged despite being close to Him, encouraging leaders to embrace genuine repentance and ongoing transformation.
Evangelism remained central throughout the meeting. Dr. José Espósito, assistant to the president for evangelism at the Columbia Union Conference, reinforced the conference's evangelistic momentum by highlighting measurable impact across the Ohio territory. He reported that collective efforts led more than 1,220 individuals to Christ in 2025. He also commended the enthusiasm demonstrated during Pentecost 2025 and affirmed the Ohio Conference's leadership in member engagement in mission. According to the data presented, it took an average of 18 members in Ohio to lead one person to Jesus—surpassing the Union average of 22. His remarks underscored both the effectiveness of collaborative evangelism and the importance of continued commitment to sharing Christ.
Departmental directors also shared updates highlighting ongoing ministry across the Ohio Conference, reflecting a broad and coordinated effort to support local pastors and churches and advance evangelistic outreach. Reports from various ministries demonstrated continued growth, strategic initiatives, and a shared commitment to equipping congregations for effective mission in their communities.
A highlight of the gathering was the recognition of Pastor Marius Marton and the Elyria Seventh-day Adventist Church for a significant evangelistic milestone. The congregation celebrated 172 baptisms over the past year, reflecting a strong commitment to outreach and discipleship. Conference leaders acknowledged the collaborative efforts behind this growth, including the support of Evangelism Director Kojo Twumasi and others, and offered prayer for continued impact in leading individuals to Christ.
Dr. Bryant Smith, a chaplain at Kettering Health, provided practical training on conducting effective evangelistic meetings. He emphasized that successful outreach is rooted in the work of the Holy Spirit and highlighted the importance of mobilizing church members to participate actively. Encouraging pastors to understand their members' personal faith journeys, he noted that individuals are often most passionate about the ministries that led them to Christ.
Smith also underscored the value of building relationships within the community. He encouraged churches to partner with local organizations and participate in community initiatives, noting that such collaboration can expand the church's reach while strengthening trust and visibility. By engaging where people are already gathering, churches can create natural pathways for outreach and ministry.
Kojo Twumasi addressed the critical issue of member retention and emphasized the need for intentional discipleship following evangelistic success. Sharing both biblical insight and current data, he noted that while many individuals join the church, a significant number eventually disengage—often not because of conflict but because of gradual spiritual drift.
Twumasi stressed that churches must create environments that foster connection, belonging, and spiritual growth. He highlighted the importance of timely follow-up, strong relationships, and small group ministries in helping new members remain engaged. "Retention is not accidental," he emphasized, calling on pastors to invest deeply in discipleship and to ensure that every new believer finds meaningful relationships and a sense of purpose within the church community.
He concluded with a reminder that while not every individual will remain, the impact of those who do is significant. Pastors were encouraged to remain committed to evangelism, trusting that God will use their efforts to transform lives and strengthen the church.
Throughout the two-day meeting, pastors engaged in prayer, collaboration, and strategic discussion, united by a shared commitment to advance the mission of evangelism across Ohio.
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