The 62nd General Conference Session of the Seventh-day Adventist Church brought together representatives from around the world to pray, worship, and make decisions that shape the future of our global church.
Among them were three young adult delegates from our territory—leaders, volunteers, and members of local congregations who stepped into this significant responsibility with courage and conviction.
In the following reflections, each delegate shares their personal experience—what led them to say yes to this calling, their impressions of the decision-making process, and how it felt to have a voice and a vote at the highest level of church governance. They also offer candid insights on what surprised or inspired them, what it was like to be nominated to serve on key committees, and how they navigated the challenges of being young—and in some cases, women—in a global leadership space.
Most importantly, they speak directly to other young adults—especially young women—who may be wondering if there is a place for them in church leadership.
Michelle De Peralta Carillo
NCC Member, Woman, Young Adult Delegate
I am a 35-year-old Dental Assistant and Endoscopy Technician. I currently serve as the music and community care ministry coordinator and youth leader at the Anderson Seventh-day Adventist Church.
As a youth leader, it is an honor to empower young people to deepen their relationship with God. One of the things I cherish most is bringing ministry programs from the Philippines to our local church, creating opportunities for spiritual growth and meaningful connection. I firmly believe that the energy and enthusiasm of young people are essential to the Church’s present and future.
When I was unexpectedly selected as the NCC Member, Women, and Young Adult Delegate to the General Conference Session, I was overwhelmed with gratitude. It was an incredible privilege and blessing to be part of the decision-making process for the global church.
Being appointed to the GC Nominating Committee was humbling. It reminded me that when God calls, He qualifies—regardless of our perceived limitations. Serving in this role gave me a front-row seat to global leadership and affirmed how vital it is for young people—especially young women—to have a voice at the table.
My passion is to serve the Lord wherever He leads. Even before the “I Will Go” theme was launched, I would remind fellow youth: We need to go! We must spread the good news and reach others. This experience confirmed that true happiness is found in serving God with my whole heart.
To my fellow young adults: The word ‘church’ is not complete without ‘U’! Although many of us are familiar with the Spirit of Prophecy and our SDA Fundamental Beliefs, we still need revival and reformation in our hearts.
Stay in the church. Do not walk away. The love, comfort, and healing we are searching for can be found here—in God. Let us be a living sermon to the world. The church is a family—and we are one. If God is calling you, do not hesitate. Step forward. Your voice matters, and your willingness to serve can inspire change.
Ruben Vargas
NCC Pastor, Hispanic Ministries, Young Adult
This was my first time attending a General Conference Session, and I felt a deep sense of privilege and responsibility. Being chosen as a delegate is not something many people experience, and I did not take it lightly.
My journey here has been far from typical. I grew up in a non-Adventist home and had a difficult adolescence. But everything changed when I met Jesus and was baptized at the age of 19 at the Oakland Spanish Church. I felt an unshakable conviction to pursue ministry. After studying at Pacific Union College, I joined the Northern California Conference in 2014 as a Bible worker. I served as an associate pastor, attended seminary, and now serve my second church district, including Sonoma, St. Helena, and Napa Spanish churches.
What struck me most was the sheer scale of the event—the crowds, the logistics, the planning—everything was on a level I had never seen in a church setting. Yet underneath the structure and coordination, I was reminded that the church is made up of people. Authentic, imperfect, Spirit-led people. That incarnational reality deepened my appreciation for how God works through His people.
Being young often comes with world-changing ideas—but to shape the church’s future, young people must first show genuine interest in the things of God. Passion is not enough. We need young adults to engage deeply, care about what happens, and be present where decisions are made.
My advice: step in. From what I have seen, the church is not turning volunteers away. Speak up. Share your interests. Be dependable. A willing heart and a responsible spirit can have more impact than expertise. Willingness is the first step—experience and growth will follow.
Sonja Cartwright
NCC Pastor, Woman, Young Adult
Currently, I serve as the associate pastor at the Santa Rosa Seventh-day Adventist Church, a position I have held for the past year. Before this, I worked as a youth pastor in Hawaii and a high school teacher in California. During my time at the seminary, I was actively involved in a variety of discipleship ministries that helped shape my spiritual leadership and deepen my commitment to ministry.
I am deeply grateful to God to serve as a delegate at the General Conference Session and participate in voting on decisions that shape our global church. It was a joy and an honor to represent both young adults and women pastors on this international platform.
The idea of speaking to the global church from a microphone was intimidating. But my extroverted side enjoyed connecting with both old and new friends, and a few fellow delegates encouraged me to practice my speech with them. Their support gave me the confidence I needed to step up and speak.
It was exciting to see other young adult delegates eloquently voicing their perspectives from the floor and contributing to updates in the Church Manual. I felt a renewed sense of hope when Crystal Ward was elected as the first female pastor to serve as Associate Ministerial Secretary for the General Conference. It was a beautiful reminder that the Holy Spirit has been preparing and calling more and more women to step into ministry leadership roles!
Young adults, your voice does matter. Not someday, but today! Start sharing your perspectives at home, at church, and or on social media platforms. Your testimony and ideas can encourage and inspire others. Jesus will use every experience in your life to prepare you for even greater opportunities to serve Him. You are needed. You are capable. And your voice matters.
To the young women wondering if they belong in church leadership—especially in pastoral ministry—please hear this: there is a seat for you at the table! There are men and women who will advocate on your behalf. The enemy may try to fill your mind with excuses and fear, but Jesus will sustain you and provide everything you need for the path He has called you to walk.
Let God’s voice be the loudest in your life. Stay close to your mentors. Laugh often with your friends. And embrace the journey and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime.
A President’s Reflection – Marc K. Woodson
“It was both a privilege and a profound joy to lead this dynamic group of young adult delegates to the 62nd General Conference Session.
Seeing them actively participate—voting, speaking, and serving on committees—filled me with immense pride. Their energy, insight, and faithfulness were evident in every moment.
This experience reaffirmed that the church thrives when we empower young adults and women to serve boldly. Their voices matter, their presence shapes the future, and their leadership reflects the movement of the Holy Spirit. I remain committed to equipping and supporting the next generation as they continue to answer God’s call.”
Featured in Northern Lights, July 24, 2025
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