Experienced leader brings passion for evangelism and mission to global role.
By Alyssa Truman, ANN
Click here to See Original
Demonstrating the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s commitment to its global mission, the Executive Committee elected Pierre E. Omeler as a General Vice President of the General Conference (GC) on April 10, 2024. The decision, effective immediately, came during the second day of the church’s Spring Meetings held at its headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Omeler, who assumes his new role with a pledge to serve with “dignity and honor for the glory of God,” emphasized the unique calling of the Adventist Church. “We love this church,” he affirmed. “We believe this is the only church with the mission to preach the three angels’ message and to remind the world of the soon return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
The newly elected vice president’s commitment to the church’s mission was echoed by Ted Wilson, president of the Adventist Church. “Pastor Omeler is an extremely evangelistically focused individual, a very spiritual person,” Wilson noted, adding that Omeler and his wife are “an amazing team.” He further commended Omeler as “someone who brings people together and focuses on the mission of the church.”
Omeler’s Dedicated Service to the Adventist Church
Omeler, a third-generation Seventh-day Adventist, has provided leadership as President of the Atlantic Union Conference, since November 17, 2021. The Atlantic Union Conference is the headquarters for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Northeast region of the United States and Bermuda, and is made up of six conferences, comprising over 600 churches and 133,000 members.
Prior to his appointment as President, he served as the Executive Secretary (2016-2021) and Vice President (2011-2016) of the Atlantic Union Conference. Omeler also held the position of Director of Haitian Ministries (2008-2011) and Senior Pastor (1991-2008) in the Northeastern Conference.
Although he brings vast experience, Omeler also brings spiritual depth and a passion for cross-cultural evangelism. Alex Bryant, president of the North American Division, expanded on his evangelism focus, “About four months after becoming union president, Omeler convened the first-ever evangelistic conference of its kind for his union, where he called all pastors and conference administrators together and developed strategies on how to evangelize the entire union territory.”
Bryant further shared that Omeler sought to work collaboratively with his colleagues and those under his supervision, leading them with humility, grace, and forward toward mission.
This sentiment was echoed by Gary Blanchard, president of the Northern New England Conference, a three-state territory within the Atlantic Union Conference. Blanchard stated, “Elder Omeler is a humble servant of Jesus! He will be dearly missed by all in the Atlantic Union, especially by those of us who have served under his leadership. We have been deeply inspired by his sincerity, gentleness, positivity, and dedication to mission.”
Omeler will work closely with the GC leadership team to support the mission and growth of the Seventh-day Adventist Church worldwide. Billy Biaggi, a GC general vice president, expressed, “Together, we continue to submit our lives daily to the guidance of the Holy Spirit to encourage our worldwide family to “arise and shine for Christ” (Isaiah 60:1-3). We want to be used by God’s power with humbleness. We welcome Pastor Omeler to the team of GC General Vice Presidents.”
Biaggi goes further in outlining the principles and values necessary for leading in the capacity Omeler has been called to serve, quoting Ellen White: “The Lord has men of His appointment whom He will use in His work so long as they allow themselves to be used in accordance with His good pleasure… Humble yourselves, brethren. When you do this, it is possible for holy angels to communicate with you and place you on vantage ground. Then your experience, instead of being faulty, will be filled with happiness. Seek to relate yourselves in harmony with God’s leadings, and then you will be susceptible to the moving of His Holy Spirit” (Ellen G. White, NPUGleaner, March 23, 1910, Par.5).
Behind the Leader: Pierre Omeler’s Personal Journey
Omeler was born in Haiti and speaks French fluently. He moved to the United States in 1981 to pursue his education at Oakwood College (now Oakwood University). He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Theology with a minor in Biblical Languages in 1986. Omeler went on to pursue a Master of Divinity from Andrews University (1991), and a Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary (2015).
Omeler is married to Myra Norman, a registered nurse. She is a dedicated partner with him in ministry and addressed the Executive Committee to communicate their heartfelt appreciation for the honor and privilege of being called to serve in this capacity. They have been married for 39 years and have three adult children and four grandchildren.
“We welcome Pastor and Mrs. Pierre Omeler to the General Conference,” shared Ted Wilson. “Pastor Omeler comes to his work as a general vice president with a wealth of experience that has helped him be a spiritual, kind, caring, and nurturing leader with a great vision for evangelism and Global Total Member Involvement. His spiritual leadership will be a great asset for the world church’s mission in uplifting Christ, His three angels’ messages, and His soon coming.”