The General Conference Session (GC Session) is the highest governing body of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Convened every five years, except in rare and extraordinary circumstances, this global gathering brings together thousands of delegates, church leaders, and members to worship, elect leadership, vote on policy, and seek God’s guidance for the Church’s future. It is more than a meeting; it is a spiritual milestone and a powerful expression of global Adventist identity.

The story begins in 1863 in Battle Creek, Michigan. Just 20 delegates representing six conferences joined to organize the Seventh-day Adventist Church officially. From that humble beginning, the session has grown into one of the largest religious events in the world. As the Church expanded, the influence and impact of each session also increased.

A pivotal session occurred in 1888 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, when a theological debate on righteousness by faith redefined the Church’s understanding of grace. Led by E.J. Waggoner and A.T. Jones, and supported by Ellen G. White, the session stirred hearts and minds, anchoring Adventist theology more firmly in the person of Jesus Christ.

In 1901, back in Battle Creek, delegates made sweeping changes to how the Church operated. Delegates voted for a new decentralized structure that introduced union conferences. This shift empowered regional fields while maintaining global unity. Two years later, in 1903, the Church headquarters officially moved to Washington, D.C., signaling the Church’s readiness for a worldwide mission.

As the decades passed, GC Session continued to shape the Church. In 1950, doctrinal discussions in San Francisco sharpened theological focus. In 1980, the Dallas session led to the adoption of the 27 Fundamental Beliefs, a defining statement of faith for the global body. This list was expanded to 28 beliefs in 2005 in St. Louis.

The global nature of Adventism became increasingly visible. Vienna hosted the session in 1975, the first outside North America since 1905. Utrecht followed in 1995, and Toronto in 2000. That year also saw the unveiling of “The King is Coming,” a sculpture by Victor Issa that visually captured the Church’s international character, with ten life-size figures representing each inhabited continent looking toward Christ.

Choosing a location for the General Conference Session is a significant and complex decision. While spiritual priorities guide the event’s purpose, practical considerations shape its place. The General Conference Administrative Committee reviews potential host cities based on several factors, including venue capacity, international accessibility, cost, safety, and the ability to accommodate thousands of delegates and visitors. Locations must also support the extensive logistical needs of media, translation services, security, and global communication.

The 2010 Session in Atlanta brought new leadership with Ted N.C. Wilson elected General Conference President. His presidency has emphasized revival, reformation, and mission, themes that continue to shape the Church’s direction.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented disruption. The 2020 Session in Indianapolis was postponed, marking the first rescheduling of a session due to a global crisis. In response, a special one-day session was held in January 2022 to amend the Church’s constitution and allow hybrid participation. Two years after its scheduled time, the GC Session finally occurred in June 2022 in St. Louis, where live streaming and remote voting reflected the Church’s innovation and resilience.

From 1863 to today, the General Conference Session has served as a mirror of the Church’s journey, reflecting its challenges, breakthroughs, and unshakable commitment to mission. Through every gathering, the heart of the session remains the same, seeking God’s will together as one global family.