18 May 2026 | St Albans, UK [Joe Philpott]
More than 160 church leaders from across the Trans-European Division (TED) gathered in Belgrade, Serbia, from 3-8 May for the TED Combined Advisories, one of the division’s key opportunities during the quinquennium to strengthen collaboration, develop its leaders and share mission priorities across its 22-country territory.
The advisories brought together officers and departmental directors from unions, conferences and missions, along with representatives from the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church (GC) and supporting ministries such as Hope Channel International and Adventist World Radio. Over several days, participants joined 11 departmental advisories ranging from Adventist Mission and Ministerial Association to Communication & Media and Sabbath School & Personal Ministries.
Centred on the TED quinquennium theme, “Partners in Mission”, the meetings reflected the division’s commitment to “journeying with our unions” by listening to the needs of the field and developing its leaders in their ministry contexts.
“By bringing 11 advisories together, the TED Combined Advisory helped us experience more clearly that our ministries/departments are not separate programmes, but different expressions of one shared mission — to serve Christ, His Church, and our communities with greater collaboration, clarity, and hope and are truly ‘Integrated for Mission,’” said Daniel Duda, TED President.
Across the advisories, TED departmental directors, visiting speakers from the GC, and representatives from supporting ministries offered training tailored to each department’s context, including tools and resources connected to OneVoice27. The format also created space for open conversation, networking and peer-to-peer learning, as leaders from across the division’s 22 countries shared challenges, ministry experiences and practical ideas from their local fields.
Each departmental advisory took place over one and a half days, with participants arriving and departing throughout the week, depending on the department they serve within.
While departments met separately during the day, all attendees gathered each evening for worship, fellowship and reflection. Guest speakers from the GC shared devotional messages, while a local Serbian praise team led the song services and special musical items.
During one evening meeting, Dr Elie Henry, GC Public Affairs and Religious Liberty associate director, spoke on The Sublime Mission of Jesus and Ours, reflecting on John 17:18 and the shared calling of mission and service. The verse speaks of Jesus sending His disciples into the world, just as the Father sent Him, underscoring that mission is not only a programme, but a Christ-shaped calling to serve, witness and engage faithfully wherever God places His people.
The Combined Advisories, held once during each quinquennium, continue to serve as one of the division’s key leadership gatherings, strengthening relationships between the division and local fields while encouraging collaborative ministry across the territory.
[Photos: Joe Philpott]
