OUTLOOK – September 2020

Page 10

NORTH AMERICAN DIVISION NEWS

Alex Bryant Elected NAD President Credits God’s leading and his Mid-America roots

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determination and I know of his diligence.” Gary Thurber, president of the Mid-America Union, said, “As you look at the experience and qualifications for a North American Division leader, you would be hard pressed to find anyone more qualified than Alex. Additionally, he loves the Lord, the church and has a servant’s heart. And his ministry roots are right here in Mid-America!” From dropout to leader In an email statement to OUTLOOK, Bryant noted that the Mid-America Union territory has had “an indelible impression” on his life and ministry. As a teenager living in St. Louis, Missouri, he was introduced to the three angel’s messages and the Seventh-day Adventist Church through the efforts of members of the Northside Church. “Since my family at that time was not in the church, the Northside Church nurtured me, poured into me and strongly encouraged me

Following his election on July 9, Alex Bryant expressed gratitude to God for His guiding hand along the journey and deep appreciation for the values, work ethic and practical mentoring he received in Mid-America.

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to go to Oakwood College to continue my education,” said Bryant. “Prior to this, I had no thought, no desire and certainly no plans for college. Actually, I had dropped out of high school, but the church members encouraged me to get back in and finish my senior year. Not only that, they literally helped me fill out the college application, grant application and all the other necessary paperwork for admission.” After graduating from Oakwood College (now University) in 1981 with degrees in theology and business administration, Bryant returned to the Central States Conference to begin his ministry. “Once again, there were people who cared enough to pour into me and nurture me,” recalled Bryant. “This time, it was the senior pastors and conference

administration who helped me develop and hone skills to be effective in ministry. God used the people of the Midwest, their caring hearts and values, to shape me, to mold me and to grow me to be a minister in the cause of God today.” Experienced, prepared, grateful Glenward Alexander (“Alex”) Bryant most recently served as executive secretary of the NAD and associate secretary of the GC, positions he has held since October 2008. Previously, Bryant served for 11 years as president of the Central States Conference headquartered in Kansas City, Kansas. In 1986 Bryant was ordained, and he continued his education by earning a Master of Divinity degree from Courtesy North American Division Communication Department

r. G. Alexander Bryant was elected on July 9, 2020 to serve as the fifth president of the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists. Bryant follows Daniel R. Jackson, who retired July 1. Because all division executive officers also serve as officers of the General Conference, Bryant’s nomination and election by the NAD Executive Committee earlier in the week was officially approved by the General Conference Executive Committee in a vote of 153 to 5. All meetings were held virtually via Zoom with a previously used voting process. Gil F. Webb, executive secretary for the Mid-America Union, served on both the Nominating Committee and the NAD Executive Committee during this election process. “I will cite five reasons I am supportive of the election of Dr. G. Alexander Bryant to serve as NAD president,” said Webb. “I know of his desire, I know of his discipline, I know of his dedication, I know of his


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