Church Business Session Called for Northwest Metro Hispanic SDA Church
Maple Grove, MN (June 29, 2017) – As many Minnesota constituents may be aware, there has been ongoing conflict between the Northwest Metropolitan Hispanic Church and the Minnesota Conference for a number of years. In an effort to resolve this conflict, Elder Justin Lyons, Conference President, and Elder Yulian Tinoco, Hispanic Ministries Coordinator, visited the Northwest Metro Hispanic Church on Saturday, May 20, 2017. Despite repeated requests for the President to visit, when Elder Lyons arrived, the local leaders refused to allow him entry to the church. After a verbal exchange, local church leaders called the police. Elder Lyons and Elder Tinoco entered the church and spoke with local members. A police officer arrived, and upon speaking with the parties involved, took no action. In the Minnesota Conference, our mission is to help people realize they are accepted in Jesus Christ, and come to know, love, serve and share Him. When conflict like this arises, our focus is taken away from our mission. It is our hope and prayer to resolve this conflict fairly, peacefully and in a loving manner so that we may set our eyes back on winning souls for Christ. To that end, the Minnesota Conference Leadership has scheduled a duly called business meeting for July 1, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. at the Conference office, 7384 Kirkwood Ct. in Maple Grove. Besides receiving reports, the agenda will include discussion and possibly action regarding the concerns of the congregation, concerns of the Conference, and the path forward in mission and growth. As Seventh-day Adventists, we believe in the soon return of Jesus Christ, and as such, our goal is to be ready and help others be prepared to meet Christ. As conflict arises among us, we pray for God’s guidance as we seek resolution. Should you have any questions, please contact Savannah Carlson at scarlson@mnsda.com.
