Strength for Today, and Bright Hope for Tomorrow · Tom Loghry's Outlook After the 2026 Triennial
Last week, at the 2026 Triennial ACGC Convention, I finished a marathon I began running probably as far back as the Summer of 2023, when I started to earnestly raise concerns about the condition of our structure. Work behind the scenes, work publicly on Advent Christian Voices, many prayers, and persevering faith — all culminated in the events of last week’s Triennial.
The 2026 Declaration of Principles was a necessary proposal. Despite coming up short of adoption, I am no less convinced that God called me to bring it to the delegate body. I felt a certain sense of accomplishment entering the week, because we had finally begun to at least deal with the questions we have too long avoided. In the wake of disappointment, that sense of victory has reasserted itself as I contemplate the possibilities before us.
I can speak of such possibilities because of a certain strength we now enjoy today by God’s grace — a repentance that has led us to finally stand for the basic truths of the Christian faith. The adoption of the Statement of Faith as a standard for membership, and the accompanying General Conference Standards Committee which provides a modest structure of accountability, gives us a foundation to build on. Indeed, we can say with confidence that the Advent Christian General Conference is, without a doubt, an evangelical Christian denomination.
As far as what else can be said about us, that remains to be determined. Approximately 60% of the delegates approved of the 2026 DOP, leaving the 40% who disapproved for a wide variety of reasons.
I do not know all the reasons why some objected, but my general takeaway was that it was mostly a combination of frustration with the process (we moved fast), the use of technical language that created some apprehension, and unresolved concerns about the apparent diminishment of some of our characteristic distinctives.
In the aftermath, I felt overwhelmed by the prospect of addressing these concerns. Now, I no longer feel that way. Instead, I think this delay may be God’s gracious provision that will enable us to strike a truly beautiful balance in our points of doctrinal emphasis.
I want to invite you to share in my hope. We have already seen God’s faithfulness — he has done great things! I am hopeful that with some humility and creativity, we can be distinctively Advent Christian — both in our doctrine and the welcome we extend to others across secondary/tertiary differences.
That’s all I have for now. In the meantime, let us press on in the strength and hope God has given us. Great is his faithfulness unto us!
Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001, 2007, 2011, 2016 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.