Story by V. Michelle Bernard
The Columbia Union Conference Executive Committee met today at Adventist HealthCare’s headquarters in Gaithersburg, Md. This was the first meeting of the new quinquennium since committee members were voted in at the union’s constituency meeting in May.
Marcellus T. Robinson, Columbia Union president, reminded the group that his responsibility as a pastor is to equip members for ministry. This was demonstrated throughout the various union reports that highlighted the Share Your Table, OneVoice 2027/All Things New, Ignite Ohio, and Impact Philly initiatives.
Celeste Ryan Blyden, union executive secretary, shared a snapshot of the territory that includes 163,745 members, 875 churches, 77 schools, eight camping retreat centers and more.
Emmanuel Asiedu, union treasurer, said, “We are about the mission, and every dollar that we show you and every expense is traceable to soul winning.” He noted that, as of July 2026, the union remains in a strong financial position, with tithe up 1.01 percent. He also outlined how tithe funds are utilized (see page 9), explaining that about 24 percent of the funds received go to the union, North American Division and General Conference.
Leaders from Adventist HealthCare, Kettering Health and Washington Adventist University—who also report to the executive committee—also provided overviews of their entities. The members received an orientation about the purpose and duties of the group and the ministries and organizations the body oversees. Lisa Saveikis Burrow, union general counsel and vice president, gave an overview of the board’s responsibilities.
Burrow encouraged the executive committee members to do their homework prior to meetings and to educate themselves on policies they might not know. She outlined their duty to participate actively in making decisions on behalf of the organization and exercise best judgment while doing so; to put the interests of the organization before their personal or professional interests; and reminded them of their legal responsibility to ensure the organization complies with federal, state and local laws and adheres to its mission, adding, “Each body here is important because we act as a body.”
The group also reviewed recommendations from the President’s Council that included approving ordination candidates who will be announced at a later time.
The committee also voted to re-appoint the following eight union staff members to their current positions.