Leadership Convention Inspires Service

The Leadership Training Convention was held January 16–18 at the Boxboro Regency Hotel and Conference Center in Boxborough, Massachusetts, bringing together leaders, volunteers, and ministry teams from across the conference for a dynamic weekend of spiritual renewal, skill development, and collaborative learning.

This year’s convention launched the conference’s new two-year leadership theme, “No Doubt,” inspired by James 1:6, which calls believers to ask in faith without wavering. Throughout the weekend, this theme served as both a spiritual anchor and a leadership challenge—encouraging participants to lead with conviction, clarity, and trust in God amid the complexities of ministry.

A total of 310 attendees participated in the convention, engaging in eight diverse training tracks designed to meet leaders at every stage of ministry. These tracks included Adventurer Club Ministry, Pathfinder Club Ministry, Teen Leadership Training, Master Guide Seminars, Master Guide Outdoors, Medical Cadet Corps, Community Emergency Response Training, and Mental Health Seminars. Each track provided practical tools, leadership strategies, and ministry best practices that participants could immediately apply in their local churches and communities, empowering leaders to serve with confidence and purpose—with no doubt in God’s calling.

The weekend’s keynote speaker, Jonathan Coicou, Associate Youth and Young Adult Director for the Northeastern Conference, delivered inspiring messages that challenged leaders to remain rooted in Christ, intentional in mentorship, and unwavering in their commitment to the next generation. His messages echoed the weekend’s theme, reminding attendees that effective leadership flows from faith that trusts God fully and moves forward without hesitation.

The convention was also honored by the presence of Pastor Enmanuel Contreras, newly appointed Vice President for Youth Ministries for the Atlantic Union Conference. His participation reinforced the value of strong leadership development and inter-conference collaboration in advancing holistic, Christ-centered ministry.

In addition to ministry-focused training, the convention offered specialized certifications and workshops addressing real-world needs. Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) certification was provided in partnership with Adventist Disaster Response, equipping participants to respond effectively and compassionately in times of crisis. Mental Health seminars on suicide prevention, offered in collaboration with Health Ministries, highlighted the church’s commitment to emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being—affirming that caring for others requires both faith and preparedness.

A particularly significant aspect of the weekend centered on safeguarding children and youth. In partnership with Child Protection ministries, general sessions and workshops addressed the responsibility of leaders to create safe, transparent, and accountable ministry environments. These sessions explored recognizing warning signs of abuse, responding appropriately to concerning behaviors, and fostering a culture of protection rooted in biblical values. Leaders were encouraged to act decisively and faithfully, trusting God while implementing clear safeguards—living out the “No Doubt” commitment to care and integrity.

The Leadership Training Convention proved to be a transformative experience—strengthening leaders, fostering unity, and reaffirming a shared commitment to lead with faith, courage, and compassion. As participants returned to their local churches and ministries, they carried with them renewed vision, sharpened skills, and a deeper resolve to serve with confidence—asking in faith, trusting God fully, and leading with No Doubt.

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