Kingdom

SECOND QUINQUENNIAL 

CONSTITUENCY MEETING 

ANNUAL REPORTS 2010 – 2014 

OF THE PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENTS 

Your 

Kingdom 

Come 

Published by the Potomac Conference Corporation of Seventh-Day Adventists ©2015 www.pcsda.org 

SLIGO SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH | SEPTEMBER 27, 2015 

48 POTOMAC CONFERENCE CORPORATION OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS www.pcsda.org WE EXIST TO GROW HEALTHY, DISCIPLE-MAKING CHURCHES 49

T 

he Potomac Conference Corporation 

of Seventh-day Adventists is 

committed to partner with Heaven 

and fulfill the gospel commission (Matt. 

28:19-20), take a message of salvation 

to each individual in our mission field 

through the power of the Holy Spirit and, 

understanding our prophetic role, we will 

proclaim the Three Angels Messages 

(Rev. 14). We believe that God has called 

us for this specific time as we look 

forward to the soon return of Jesus Christ. 

It is our desire, by His grace, to be faithful 

to this calling. 

Mission 

The Potomac Conference 

Corporationexists to grow healthy, 

disciple-making churches. 

2020 Vision 

• By 2020, our membership/ 

attendance will more than double 

in size, one precious soul at a time. 

• By 2020, more than 70% of our 

congregations will be healthy, 

disciple-making churches 

through community focus, 

pastors equipped as servant 

leaders, members equipped and 

empowered to do the work of 

ministry and churches reproducing 

themselves in other localities. 

• By 2020, each community or 

people group of 20,000 or more 

will have a Seventh-day Adventist 

presence. 

• By 2020, each school will be strong 

spiritually and academically; they 

will be disciple-making; they will 

be one of the greatest assets to 

the local church constituency. 

Dear Delegates, 

The Potomac Conference Corporation is a diverse body of Christ. To date, we have over 33,000 members, 

182 congregations, 19 schools and numerous other kingdom-building ministries. Our membership 

represents more than 120 countries and a myriad of languages, nations and cultures. As diverse as we are, 

we come together to fulfill the mission to grow healthy, disciple-making churches and schools. 

As regular delegates, you have been chosen by your local congregation, or as delegates-at-large by the 

organization’s bylaws, to be a participant of the Second Quinquennial Constituency Meeting at the Sligo 

Seventh-day Adventist Church on September 27, 2015. This is a sacred trust. On this day we prayerfully 

come together to conduct the business of the Potomac Conference Corporation. This is the business 

of understanding and moving forward with the heavenly agenda of fulfilling the gospel commission and 

making disciples. Jesus prayed: “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on Earth as it is heaven.” 

Jesus told us to preach the gospel “throughout the whole world, as a testimony to all nations; and then 

the end will come”(Matt 24:14). We must continue sharing the message of His soon return, the Good 

News of salvation through Jesus Christ, the grace-filled warnings of Revelation and equipping disciples 

to be faithful in fulfilling the mission we have been given. As we look forward, our collective prayer is 

that by 2020 each member will have the privilege of bringing another person into fellowship for His 

kingdom; that our schools will be academically and spiritually strong; our churches will be actively teaching 

and demonstrating what it means to be about the work of our Father; and that we have reached the 

communities of 20,000 or more with the unique message of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. 

The church is the process by which heaven brings God’s kingdom to earth. The church is the entity “which 

God bestows in a special sense His supreme regard” (AA12). Christ, the head of God’s church, is to be 

glorified and through the church He will reveal the “manifold wisdom of God” (Eph. 3:10). 

In the following pages you will see a panoramic view of what has happened over the past five years and 

where we sense God is leading this conference in the years to come. This is a time to rejoice as we reflect 

on the evidences of God’s mercy and grace. 

Thank you for your prayers, partnership and participation in moving Christ’s mission forward in Potomac. 

Our prayer is that, at the conclusion of our meeting day, we will have clearly sensed the moving of His 

Spirit and know, with clarity, that His work is being done and that His kingdom will come soon. 

Fellow disciples on the journey, 

Letter to Delegates 

Bill Miller, Jorge Ramirez, Dave VandeVere 

PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADMINISTRATION VICE PRESIDENT FOR FINANCE 

4 POTOMAC CONFERENCE CORPORATION OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS www.pcsda.org photo by Aaron Cheney 

WE EXIST TO GROW HEALTHY, DISCIPLE-MAKING CHURCHES 1

What is a Constituency Meeting? 

Table of Contents 

A constituency meeting of the Potomac Conference Corporation brings together delegates (voting 

members) who represent each of the local churches and companies that make up the territory 

of the Potomac Conference Corporation. Credentialed employees of the Potomac Conference 

Corporation and members of various standing committees are also delegates at the constituency 

meeting. The constitution and bylaws of this organization determine the selection privilege of 

delegates and what takes place prior to and during a constituency meeting. It is the opportunity 

for the body of Christ, in Potomac, to come together to pray and seek God’s will as we move 

forward in the fulfillment of God’s mission. 

What is a Constituency Meeting?.................................................................3 

Meeting Agenda..............................................................................................4 

2015 Constituency Timeline .........................................................................6 

Constituency Meeting Procedure.................................................................8 

Reports 

President.....................................................................................................10 

Vice President for Administration..........................................................12 

Vice President for Finances.................................................................... 20 

Vice President for Pastoral Ministries.................................................. 28 

Vice President for Education.................................................................. 34 

Takoma Academy..................................................................................... 38 

Shenandoah Valley Academy ............................................................... 42 

Map of Potomac Conference Corporation Territory............................... 46 

Accountability 

A constituency is a meeting where leaders and 

laity function in an atmosphere of supportive 

accountability. Elections take place and reports 

are given which should be analyzed as to whether 

or not the overall mission of the church is being 

accomplished. Some view a constituency as a 

session of congress where every perceived issue 

is addressed and where every delegate makes a 

speech. Others see it as a time to right possible 

wrongs. A constituency meeting is actually a time to 

pray and give healthy feedback to the initiatives set 

forth by different committees. 

Reports 

This book focuses on the corporate officers and 

two vice presidents (who will be voted at this 

meeting), with reports of what has taken place 

in their departments since the last constituency 

meeting. It is the responsibility of the delegate to 

evaluate how well these leaders are executing the 

tasks entrusted to them. Though the officers’ and 

vice presidents’ teams are pictured in this book, all 

directors, associates and assistants will be voted at 

the first executive committee meeting following the 

constituency meeting. In both books, symbols have 

been inserted next to staff pictures to indicate which 

meeting the individual will be voted at: indicates 

this individual will be voted at the constituency 

meeting, indicates that the individual will be voted 

at the next executive committee meeting. Each leader 

has projected a vision of how their work will support 

the mission of the Potomac Conference Corporation. 

Agenda 

The process in formulating the agenda has been 

carefully guided by our constitution and bylaws. 

As outlined, the process begins at the local church 

board. Ideas are then presented in conjunction with 

conference administration who evaluates each item 

and presents them to the conference executive 

committee who finalizes the agenda. These agenda 

items are viewed and processed with the focus of how 

to serve the mission of Jesus Christ more effectively. 

Delegate Material 

You are encouraged to carefully read all delegate 

material. These documents are part of the foundation 

for this constituency meeting. By reading these 

materials and attending the constituency delegate 

orientation meeting you will be better informed to 

participate in the proceedings at the constituency 

meeting. Let us pray that God’s mission may be 

completed in our territory as we anticipate Jesus 

Christ’s soon return. 

2 POTOMAC CONFERENCE CORPORATION OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS 


Constituency Meeting Agenda 

September 27, 2015 – Sligo Church 

8:00 a.m. Registration 

10:00 a.m. Meeting begins 

1. Special Music – Takoma Academy 

2. Devotional - Alex Bryant – Executive Secretary, North American Division 

3. Special Music – Takoma Academy 

4. Session Organization 

a) Official Call 

b) Review of Quorum 

c) Seating of Delegates 

d) Official Opening of Meeting 

e) Seating of Parliamentarian 

f) Presentation of New Congregations 

g) Dissolving & Merging of Congregations 

5. Report of the Organizing Committee 

6. President’s Report 

7. First Report of the Nominating Committee 

8. Vice President for Administration’s Report 

9. Vice President for Finance’s Report 

10. Second Report of the Nominating Committee 

11. Articles & Bylaws Committee Recommendations 

a) Potomac Conference Corporation Articles and Bylaws 

b) Board of Education Constitution and Bylaws 

c) Shenandoah Valley Academy Constitution and Bylaws 

d) Takoma Academy Constitution and Bylaws 

12. Third Report of the Nominating Committee 

13. Education as a School System 

14. Conference Boundary Adjustment for Restoration Praise Center 

15. Evangelism Focus for 2017 – Vote of Affirmation 

16. Challenge 

17. Adjournment 


2015 CONSTITUENCY TIMELINE 

POTOMAC CONFERENCE CORPORATION 

BYLAWS COMM. 

1PAST 2 YEARS 

3SELECT DELEGATES 

ORIENTATIONS 

APRIL 2015 5AUGUST 12-29 

7NOMINATING COMM. EXECUTIVE 

SEPTEMBER 13 

9 NOVEMBER 

COMM. 

15 

The standing articles and bylaws committee, 

in accordance to our Bylaws, Article VII, 

Section 3, works between constituency 

meetings. The current committee began 

working three years ago on all bylaws to 

bring you the proposed changes found in 

the online documents for your reading and 

consideration. 

April–May, 2015, delegates are selected 

and authorized by their local churches, in 

accordance with Potomac Conference 

Constitution and Bylaws, Article VI. Each 

church also selects the apporpriate 

number of its delegates for the organizing 

committee, per Article VII, Section 1. 

Throughout August, delegate 

orientations are hosted by 

Potomac’s officers in each region 

to answer questions regarding the 

agenda and delegate material and 

to assistdelegates in preparing for 

the meeting. 

The nominating committee will 

meet September 13, to recommend 

names to the delegates for 

the three executive officers, two 

vice-presidents, executive 

committee members, board of 

education membership, and two 

conference academy boards. 

The newly elected executive 

committee will be responsible to elect 

and place directors, associates and 

assistants at their first meeting. All 

directors’ reports are included in the 

delegate supplemental booklet. 

2BOARD FEEDBACK 

LEGAL 

MARCH 15 

4 JULY 

NOTICES 

& AUGUST 

6 

ORGANIZING COMM. 

AUGUST 23, 2015 

8 SEPTEMBER 

CONSTITUENCY 

27 

Officers, vice presidents, directors and 

associates scattered to attend 4-6 boards each 

from Jan. through March, to obtain feedback 

and agenda recommendations for the 

constituency meeting from surveys and 

interviews per Potomac Conference Constitution 

and Bylaws, Article V, Section 12. 

In keeping with Article V, Section 1, of the 

Potomac Conference Constitution and 

Bylaws, two consecutive notices of the time 

and place of the meeting of the delegates 

representing the members shall be printed 

in the official publication of the Union, at 

least four (4) weeks before the date of the 

constituency meeting. These legal notices 

were published sequentially in the July and 

August issues of the ‘Visitor.’ 

Delegates selected for the organizing 

committee will meet August 23 in 

Richmond, VA to elect the nominating 

committee along with the standing 

articles and bylaws committee. 

The constituency meeting is open to all, but only 

delegates will be allowed to speak and vote. 

Delegates will vote on the three executive officers, 

two vice presidents, executive committee members, 

board of education membership and two 

conference academy boards. Officers’ and vice 

presidents’ reports can be read in this booklet. 

6 POTOMAC CONFERENCE CORPORATION OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS www.pcsda.org 


Constituency Meeting Procedure 

Purpose 

Potomac Conference Corporation is a cooperative 

organization of local Seventh-day Adventist 

congregations bound together for the mutual purpose 

of growing healthy, disciple-making churches. 

During each constituency meeting, representatives 

from the churches comprising Potomac Conference 

Corporation convene to: 

• hear reports 

• elect conference officers and vice presidents 

• seek God’s will for this conference 

• transact other business as stated in the 

constitution and bylaws 

The conference meeting should be conducted in 

harmony with the Working Policy of the North American 

Division of Seventh-day Adventists. As required by our 

constitution and bylaws, a copy of that policy will be 

included in the delegate materials. 

Delegate Responsibility 

Each organized church and company in the Potomac 

Conference Corporation has appointed delegates on 

the basis of church membership—one delegate for 

each church plus one delegate for each 50 members 

or major fraction thereof. Delegates appointed by their 

church are to loyally represent the best interest of the 

conference. No delegate, conference employee or 

administrator shall abuse his or her power by trying to 

influence other delegates to vote in favor or against a 

particular item. The delegates should unite in prayer and 

dedication to transact the business of the meeting in 

such a way as to advance the mission of the gospel. 

The information in these reports are to be shared by the 

delegates with members of their respective churches. 

Some delegates will be asked to serve on either the 

organizing or nominating committees prior to the 

constituency meeting. The delegates will vote on the 

nominations and recommendations presented by the 

organizing and nominating committees. 

Procedure 

1. Delegates appointed and authorized by the local 

churches and the conference bylaws will be 

recognized as official delegates to participate in 

the conference meeting. 

2. Each church selects one (or more, according to 

membership) of its delegates to be a member of 

the organizing committee. 

3. The organizing committee will select the 

nominating committee and submit nominations 

to the delegates for the constitution and bylaws 

committee. 

4. The nominating committee will bring nominations 

to the delegates for: 

a. Corporation Officers 

b. Vice Presidents 

c. Executive committee membership 

d. Board membership for Board of Education, 

Shenandoah Valley Academy and Takoma 

Academy 

5. Official delegates may present their suggestions 

regarding nominations of committee members and 

conference leadership to the proper committees. 

6. The organizing and nominating committees will 

bring their reports and recommendations to the 

constituency meeting for final consideration. 

7. Delegates will be given opportunity to voice 

their opinion regarding any items brought to the 

constituency meeting. 

8. The majority vote (or two-thirds vote where 

designated by the bylaws) by the delegates 

present will constitute the official action of the 

constituency meeting. 

Procedural Guidelines 

• The printed agenda for the constituency 

meeting will be the exclusive agenda of the 

day, which at the discretion of the chair, may 

be interrupted with special committee reports 

or adjusted to move business in an orderly 

and timely fashion. 

• Limit debate from a single person to two 

minutes on an agenda item. If translation is 

needed, time would be four minutes. 

• Other appropriate items that could be 

presented to the meeting will be given to the 

chair and may be placed at the end of the 

agenda. 

• Only delegates will be allowed to speak, 

except for individuals invited by the chair to 

participate in reports germane to an agenda 

item under consideration. 

• The delegates will identify themselves by 

name and church representation after being 

recognized to speak by the chair. 

• Motions and comments concerning an 

agenda item under discussion will only be 

recognized when made from the designated 

microphones. 

• Unless otherwise stated and/or adapted, we 

will follow the General Conference Rules of 

Order to conduct business for this meeting. 


President’s Report 

Voted at Constituency Meeting in September 2015 Voted at Executive Committee in November 2015 

WILLIAM ‘BILL’ MILLER was elected President of the Potomac Conference in 2006. Prior to 

coming to Potomac, Miller served as president of the Minnesota Conference. 

Miller has been an associate, youth and senior pastor in California and Washington. He has 

served as Vice President for Administration in the Washington Conference, Youth Director 

of the Northern California Conference, and Youth, Sabbath School, Community Services and 

Temperance in the Hawaii Conference. He holds a bachelor’s degree in theology from Pacific 

Union College (Calif.), a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry in Leadership from Andrews University (Mich.). 

His wife, Sally, is a nurse practitioner and serves at the University of Virginia in administration and teaches a cohort 

for the nursing department. Together, they have three children: Dwight, Calvin and Brianna. 

In college, Miller sensed being called to the gospel ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He desires that 

all have the privilege of hearing, understanding and accepting the beautiful message that God has given His lastday 

remnant movement in anticipation of Christ’s soon return. Through God’s grace and love, each person has the 

honor of being a child of the King. 

Karen Cress 

Assistant to the President 

for Strategic Initiatives 

Janet Olsyne 

Administrative Assistant 

Seventh-day Adventists exist because we believe, work toward and desire the second 

coming of Jesus Christ and to be with Him forever. With passion, we proclaim His 

message of grace and salvation, His grace embedded messages of Daniel and 

Revelation and His literal return. Jesus bade us to go make disciples. We are reminded in 

Matthew 24:14 that “this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a 

testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” He prayed for His kingdom to be here 

now and our Savior has called us to be partners with Him now. As we strive to do His will on 

earth, we must understand that it simply means to: 

• love God with all of your heart, soul, and mind, 

• love your neighbor as yourself, 

• be known as His disciples through our love for others and 

• go make disciples, teaching and baptizing. 

Over the past years, I have had the privilege of preaching and fellowshipping, and in some 

places, more than once, with every church and company in Potomac. At every location, I have 

been encouraged by how God is working through members to establish His will on earth. I never 

tire of hearing how, through divine coincidences, divine appointments and divine encounters, 

individuals are confronted with the gospel of Jesus and hearts melted by His love. 

In the last five years, we have 

seen the spirit moving in so 

many ways and confirming the 

Lord’s will is being done: 

• 5,919 people have joined by baptism and 

profession of faith. 

• Eight new churches have been planted and 6 

new companies. 

• An average of 1,695 students have been 

enrolled in our schools each year. 

• 8,473 students have attended our School 

of Discipleship; 606 graduated through our 

Hispanic training and more than 300 house 

groups were started. 

• Four house churches were established 

through the partnership of the General 

Conference, North American Division, 

Columbia Union, Potomac Conference 

Corporation and the New Market Seventh-day 

Adventist Church (Va.), in an attempt to find 

new ways to reach small communities. 

above, left: More than 600 have graduated from our Hispanic school of discipleship, photo by Tony Ventouris – 

Ancient City Photography. above: Bill Miller signs the certificate of organization for the Woodbridge Ghanaian 

Seventh-day Adventist Church, photo by Aaron Cheney. left: John Daniels baptizes a new member of the 

Southern Asian Church, photo courtesy of Southern Asian Church. 

• An eight church mega-district was established, supported by 

three pastors, to experiment with new and effective church 

models. 

• Leadership of Community Praise Church (Alexandria, Va.) 

partnered with the conference to establish multi-site campuses. 

• Through Camp Blue Ridge (Montebello, Va.), young adults are 

being trained to be leaders for the church and 1,239 young 

people, plus user groups, have been touched with the gospel of 

Jesus and been challenged to renew their walk with Him. 

• $159,081,942 of faithful tithe money has supported the mission 

of the church. 

There are many things we can rejoice and should rejoice over. We 

also continue looking for solutions to challenges like: 

• finding effective ways to better involve young adults, 

• increasing the impact of Adventist Christian education, 

• discovering new streams of resources to further His kingdom, 

• engaging each church and school in His mission through, 

creative evangelism, 

• praying for a revival to true godliness and 

• fulfilling the Mission and Vision of the Potomac Conference 

Corporation by 2020. 

As we continue together on our journey as the Lord’s disciples, let 

us move forward with the Lord’s guidance, praying, “Our Father in 

heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be 

done on earth as it is in heaven.” 


Vice President for Administration’s Report 


JORGE RAMIREZ’S pastoral and administrative experience includes 22 years as a church pastor 

in the Southeastern California Conference and eight years as Vice President for Administration for the 

Potomac Conference. 

Ramirez has a bachelor’s degree in pastoral ministry from Loma Linda University (Calif.), as well 

as a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry in the areas of church growth and evangelism from 

Andrews University. He is married to Bexy Castellón, a respiratory therapist at the Rockingham 

Memorial Hospital (Va.) and together they have three college-age young men, Reuben, Ryan and Reiss. Ramirez’s 

greatest passion is serving a God who has the power to restore any broken relationship. He considers this the greatest 

miracle in life. 

left: Signing Charter Sheets, photo by Aaron Cheney. right: Clinton Adams, retired Potomac pastor, baptizes prisoner. 

The following are a few statistics from this ministry: 

The Vice President for Administration is responsible in assisting administrative operations, recording minutes, 

safeguarding the integrity of the church through the development, interpretation and implementation of policy, as 

well as overseeing prison ministries, Religious Liberty, Shield the Vulnerable (child protection program), the human 

resources department, membership statistics, credentials and licenses. 

Significant Accomplishments 2010-2014 

• Baptisms and Professions of Faith – As a result of their commitment to our mission and vision, pastors, 

churches and support ministries have added a total of 5,919 baptisms and professions of faith. 

• Members Added – A total of 11,202 members were added to the Potomac Conference church family. 

• New Church Plants – 14 new church plants were added as a result of the vision and leadership of our Associate 

for Church Planting and Evangelism, Hispanic Ministries Director and several dedicated mission-focused pastors. 

• Total Congregations – Through 2014, our church family consists of 140 churches, 25 companies and 17 mission 

groups, totaling 182 congregations. 

• Training of Church Clerks – 101 church clerks were trained and certified for a more effective ministry in their 

local church. 

• Child Protection Program – In May 2013, the Potomac Conference Executive Committee voted to require 

all employees and volunteers working with minors to register, be trained and take a background check through 

Shield the Vulnerable, a child protection program. We continue on this journey to make every school, church and 

conference institution a safe place for all children. 

• Early Childhood Educational Centers (ECECs) – In partnership with our education department, 

administration has begun a process of moving all of ECECs into Integrated Auxiliary Corporations of the Potomac 

Conference. Through this process, we are looking at (1) formally recognizing these organizations, (2) providing 

better oversight, (3) creating a better business model, (4) establishing a better structure for growth and 

accountability and (5) addressing liability. 

• Prison Ministries – This lay led ministry, 

under the coordination of Hector Cruz, Ryland 

Holmes and Moises Escalera have partnered 

with several of our churches and pastors to carry 

out the mission and vision of this conference 

through active community outreach. In 2012, a 

video-conference visitation ministry for families of 

inmates was launched in Lynchburg, Alexandria 

and Beltsville. 

Our vision for the next five years: 

375 Baptisms and professions of faith 

156 Former inmates attending church 

3,757 Bible studies 

4,767 Bibles distributed 

16,558 Letters written 

53,676 Books, tracks, magazines distributed 

2,526 Worship services 

• Improve our systems for data and statistical information. 

• Complete the incorporation process of our Early Childhood Educational Centers. 

• Complete implementation process of the child protection program in all churches 

and schools through Shield the Vulnerable. 

• Complete training of all church clerks. 

• Work with our Human Resources team to improve our new employee orientation 

and develop new systems that will help us with our mission. 

• Establish a conference-wide ministry for those with disabilities. 

• Create a user-friendly archive/research system for all conference minutes. 

• Continue to minimize our liability exposure. 

Denise Hevener 

Administrative Assistant 

Claudya Barrientos 

Conference Clerk for 

Church Membership 

and Statistics 


top: Church Organization at Living Faith, photo by Tiffany Doss. 

bottom: Prayer Groups at SEEDS, photo by Aaron Cheney. 

Churches Organized 

To be voted into the Sisterhood of Churches as new congregations: 

Dale City Spanish 02/19/2011 

Woodbridge Ghanaian 02/25/2012 

Martinsville Spanish 03/10/2012 

Woodbridge Route 1 Spanish 06/02/2012 

Leesburg Spanish 06/09/2012 

Culmore Spanish 11/10/2012 

Greenbelt Spanish 03/01/2014 

Agape (Takoma Park II) Spanish 08/23/2014 

New Companies and Groups 

To be welcomed as new Companies and Groups: 

COMPANIES 

College Park Spanish 01/21/12 

Goshen (Gaithersburg II) Spanish 12/08/12 

Reston Spanish 06/02/12 

Restoration Praise Center 01/23/10 

Sterling Spanish 12/10/11 

Highland County 8/16/14 

GROUPS 

Arise Hispanic American Mission Group 

Cartersville Mission Group 

Chesterfield Spanish Mission Group 

Dumfries Spanish Mission Group 

Landmark Spanish Mission Group 

Lorton Spanish Mission Group 

Manassas II Spanish Mission Group 

Merrifield Spanish Mission Group 

Norfolk Spanish Mission Group 

South Hill Bible Study Center 

Tazewell Grace Mission Group 

Dissolved 

To be voted out of the Sisterhood of Churches due to being dissolved: 

Rocky Gap 12/06/2011 

Victory Everlasting Gospel Company 12/04/2012 

Tappahannock Spanish Mission Group 5/21/2013 

Living Water Company 5/21/2013 

Advent Hope SDA Company 12/02/2013 

Richmond Korean SDA Church 1/28/2014 

East Richmond Mission Group 5/20/2014 

Swahili Community Mission Group 5/20/2014 

Merged 

Christiansburg & New River Valley 5/20/2014 

POTOMAC CONFERENCE CORPORATION OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS 

SECOND QUINQUENNIAL CONSTITUENCY MEETING 

CHURCH STATISTICS 2010-2014 

MEMBERS BAP APOSTACY MEMBERS GAIN % GAIN 

CHURCH 1/1/2010 POF LTR IN LTR OUT DEATH MISSING ADJUSTMENTS 12/31/2014 LOSS LOSS 

Advent Hope SDA Company 39 4 0 42 1 0 0 0 -39 -100 

Agape Spanish SDA Church 0 17 40 0 0 2 0 55 55 

Alexandria Central Spanish SDA Church 76 41 1 29 0 0 90 14 18.42 

Alexandria Spanish SDA Church 600 112 25 70 5 380 -5 277 -323 -53.83 

Amicus SDA Church 67 17 22 29 3 13 -2 59 -8 -11.94 

Annandale Spanish SDA Church 310 107 7 10 0 3 -7 404 94 30.32 

Appomattox SDA Church 56 2 3 0 4 2 0 55 -1.79 

Arlington SDA Church 87 8 15 16 3 1 0 90 3 3.45 

Arlington Spanish SDA Church 141 39 16 31 1 4 159 18 12.77 

Aspen Hill Spanish SDA Church 139 36 9 33 0 4 146 7 5.04 

Bealeton Spanish SDA Church 63 43 8 10 0 14 89 26 41.27 

Beltsville SDA Church 806 69 167 110 22 3 -8 899 93 11.54 

Beltsville Spanish SDA Church 255 90 27 37 1 183 150 -105 -41.18 

Bethesda Spanish SDA Company 59 32 25 21 1 2 -2 90 31 52.54 

Bristow Spanish SDA Church 100 30 21 17 0 1 0 133 33 33 

Buena Vista SDA Church 164 12 12 10 7 0 0 171 7 4.27 

Burke Spanish SDA Church 72 8 1 21 0 0 0 60 -12 -16.67 

Burnt Mills SDA Church 260 24 48 58 9 0 264 4 1.54 

Capital Chinese SDA Church 131 13 13 6 2 0 148 17 12.98 

Capital Memorial SDA Church 408 47 25 26 7 0 0 447 39 9.56 

Capital Spanish SDA Church 686 163 25 107 9 383 0 375 -311 -45.34 

Carter Memorial SDA Church 60 7 6 7 3 0 0 63 3 5 

Central D.C. Spanish SDA Church 236 105 4 31 6 132 -11 165 -71 -30.08 

Centreville Spanish SDA Company 47 27 28 14 0 0 87 40 85.11 

Charlottesville SDA Church 159 13 22 25 5 0 0 164 5 3.14 

Chase City SDA Church 61 0 2 0 0 1 0 62 1 1.64 

Chesapeake SDA Church 92 11 47 39 3 8 0 100 8 8.7 

Christiansburg SDA Church 54 9 13 75 1 0 0 0 -54 -100 

Clarksburg SDA Church 60 22 31 29 3 0 0 81 21 35 

College Park Spanish SDA Company 0 5 28 0 0 1 4 36 36 

Community of Hope SDA Church 103 17 56 34 0 87 54 -49 -47.57 

Community Praise Church 1171 168 208 218 19 165 -4 1141 -30 -2.56 

Cornerstone Church of SDA 107 22 15 23 4 30 1 88 -19 -17.76 

Courthouse Road SDA Church 298 21 15 30 3 0 0 301 3 1.01 

Crewe SDA Company 15 1 3 0 0 0 -3 16 1 6.67 

Culmore Spanish SDA Church 62 52 12 14 2 23 0 87 25 40.32 

Culpeper SDA Church 92 13 11 30 3 0 2 85 -7 -7.61 

Culpeper Spanish Company 45 18 9 15 0 0 0 57 12 26.67 

Dale City Spanish SDA Church 74 57 25 15 0 4 0 137 63 85.14 

Damascus Grace Fellowship SDA Church 126 13 18 19 0 0 1 139 13 10.32 

Damascus Spanish SDA Church 90 39 9 14 0 25 0 99 9 10 

DC Spanish SDA Church 126 67 12 19 2 82 0 102 -24 -19.05 

Deaf Evangelistic Adventist Fellowship 43 1 6 8 0 1 0 41 -2 -4.65 

Dominion Square SDA Church 62 9 47 11 3 31 0 73 11 17.74 

Elkton SDA Church 77 7 21 4 3 0 0 98 21 27.27 

Fairfax SDA Church 102 22 20 14 5 0 124 22 21.57 

Fairfax Spanish SDA Church 136 64 11 20 1 52 0 138 2 1.47 

Falls Church Spanish SDA Church 146 66 22 18 4 58 0 154 8 5.48 










Farmville SDA Church 68 10 19 19 6 0 71 3 4.41 

Far West End SDA Church 111 39 80 20 5 0 -5 200 89 80.18 

Filipino-American Capital SDA Church 198 70 48 44 7 1 0 264 66 33.33 

First Northern Virginia Ghanaian SDA Ch 63 48 20 8 0 15 36 144 81 128.57 

Ford SDA Church 31 8 3 3 2 0 0 37 6 19.35 

Fredericksburg SDA Church 335 36 85 47 18 17 -5 369 34 10.15 

Fredericksburg Spanish SDA Church 125 30 10 15 0 0 149 24 19.2 

French American SDA Company 37 0 2 1 0 0 0 38 1 2.7 

Front Royal SDA Church 49 0 3 6 6 0 39 -10 -20.41 

Gaithersburg Brazilian SDA Church 43 20 23 11 0 0 0 75 32 74.42 

Gaithersburg SDA Company 62 0 3 22 0 0 0 43 -19 -30.65 

Gaithersburg Spanish 300 92 15 45 1 68 -7 286 -14 -4.67 

Galax SDA Church 144 3 13 14 11 0 0 135 -9 -6.25 

Germantown Spanish SDA Church 159 65 10 8 2 19 -5 200 41 25.79 

Glenmont Spanish SDA Church 133 31 12 17 0 0 0 159 26 19.55 

Gloucester SDA Company 36 2 6 3 0 3 0 38 2 5.56 

Goshen Spanish SDA Company 0 13 32 0 0 0 0 45 45 

Greenbelt Spanish SDA Church 41 22 11 7 0 0 0 67 26 63.41 

Grottoes SDA Church 46 0 3 5 0 0 0 44 -2 -4.35 

Hampton Roads SDA Church 226 17 13 28 17 1 0 210 -16 -7.08 

Harrisonburg SDA Church 98 19 23 11 5 11 0 113 15 15.31 

Harrisonburg Spanish SDA Company 65 20 1 5 1 39 -3 38 -27 -41.54 

Herndon Spanish SDA Church 187 48 8 33 0 1 -3 206 19 10.16 

Highland County SDA Company 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Hopewell Spanish SDA Company 38 20 2 4 1 0 2 57 19 50 

Hyattsville SDA Church 162 36 15 23 4 0 0 186 24 14.81 

Hyattsville Spanish SDA Church 181 48 10 21 5 121 -7 85 -96 -53.04 

Kilmarnock SDA Church 60 1 4 4 8 21 0 32 -28 -46.67 

Konnarock SDA Church 99 4 11 1 11 25 76 -23 -23.23 

Langley Park Spanish SDA Church 702 112 17 33 12 292 -12 482 -220 -31.34 

Leesburg SDA Church 86 14 17 21 2 0 0 94 8 9.3 

Leesburg Spanish SDA Church 81 51 14 12 0 0 -2 132 51 62.96 

Living Water Fellowship of SDA Company 34 1 2 36 0 1 0 0 -34 -100 

Luray SDA Church 120 4 3 7 15 9 0 96 -24 -20 

Lynchburg SDA Church 280 35 20 25 8 6 295 15 5.36 

Manassas SDA Church 351 45 75 74 7 1 0 389 38 10.83 

Manassas Spanish SDA Church 182 107 27 44 0 18 1 255 73 40.11 

Marion SDA Church 60 7 2 7 8 29 0 25 -35 -58.33 

Martinsville SDA Church 85 15 6 18 7 1 79 -6 -7.06 

Martinsville Spanish SDA Church 104 54 3 4 0 17 0 140 36 34.62 

Meadowbridge SDA Church 331 25 45 61 11 107 0 222 -109 -32.93 

Metro DC Spanish SDA Church 144 66 25 12 1 14 0 208 64 44.44 

Metro No VA Spanish SDA Church 105 55 5 4 0 0 -2 159 54 51.43 

Montgomery Village Spanish SDA Church 137 20 5 23 0 1 0 138 1 0.73 

Mountain View SDA Company 19 4 2 8 0 1 0 16 -3 -15.79 

Mount Rainier Spanish SDA Church 155 107 32 19 2 29 -2 242 87 56.13 

Mount Vernon Spanish SDA Church 107 14 7 4 0 14 0 110 3 2.8 

New Market SDA Church 769 47 114 127 39 16 747 -22 -2.86 



Newport News SDA Company 33 6 21 24 2 0 0 34 1 3.03 

New River Valley SDA Church 67 9 94 16 5 51 97 30 44.78 

Norfolk SDA Church 472 78 73 101 17 120 0 385 -87 -18.43 

North Valley SDA Church 177 17 36 39 10 1 179 2 1.13 

Olney SDA Church 167 21 67 21 11 0 -2 221 54 32.34 

Orange SDA Church 70 4 25 12 8 0 1 80 10 14.29 

Oxon Hill Spanish SDA Church 70 70 21 19 1 4 136 66 94.29 

Patmos SDA Company 68 4 17 41 0 0 47 -21 -30.88 

Patterson Avenue SDA Church 434 15 57 69 12 3 0 422 -12 -2.76 

Pearisburg SDA Church 30 11 9 8 6 1 -2 33 3 10 

Peninsula Korean SDA Company 48 7 0 0 0 0 0 55 7 14.58 

Peninsula Spanish SDA Church 167 61 6 9 1 115 108 -59 -35.33 

Pennsylvania Avenue SDA Church 422 62 28 27 4 2 0 479 57 13.51 

Petersburg SDA Church 167 16 31 26 13 23 1 153 -14 -8.38 

Piney Forest SDA Church 190 12 1 4 10 0 0 189 -0.53 

Potomac Conference SDA Church 505 30 256 66 3 12 -5 705 200 39.6 

Powell Valley SDA Church 93 7 3 4 6 1 91 -2 -2.15 

Pulaski SDA Church 95 4 2 9 10 16 0 66 -29 -30.53 

Redeeming Grace Fellowship SDA Church 65 21 50 18 1 0 0 117 52 80 

Reston Spanish SDA Company 0 7 38 0 0 0 0 45 45 

Restoration Praise Center SDA Company 0 86 388 54 0 0 -2 418 418 

Richlands SDA Church 14 0 0 1 1 0 0 12 -2 -14.29 

Richmond Brazilian Community Church 161 37 19 48 1 11 1 158 -3 -1.86 

Richmond Evangelistic Center of SDA 378 142 21 37 2 8 -3 491 113 29.89 

Richmond Korean SDA Church 54 1 0 55 0 0 0 0 -54 -100 

Roanoke SDA Church 237 18 52 19 16 9 0 263 26 10.97 

Roanoke Spanish SDA Church 130 43 7 5 2 96 0 77 -53 -40.77 

Rockville SDA Church 220 14 18 29 1 0 0 222 2 0.91 

Rockville Spanish SDA Church 143 49 39 17 2 7 0 205 62 43.36 

Rocky Gap SDA Church 12 0 0 4 1 7 0 0 -12 -100 

Rocky Mount SDA Church 89 5 17 29 1 16 0 65 -24 -26.97 

Seabrook SDA Church 838 147 152 112 9 1 4 1019 181 21.6 

Sheriff Road SDA Company 44 9 5 9 2 0 0 47 3 6.82 

Silver Spring SDA Church 306 8 19 33 1 0 298 -8 -2.61 

Silver Spring Spanish SDA Church 293 72 8 33 6 94 -5 235 -58 -19.8 

Sligo SDA Church 2970 102 307 332 72 5 -11 2959 -11 -0.37 

Smith Mountain Lake SDA Church 50 8 18 10 6 1 0 59 9 18 

South Boston SDA Church 31 3 5 2 9 0 0 28 -3 -9.68 

Southern Asian SDA Church 828 120 88 147 8 0 -2 879 51 6.16 

Springfield Spanish SDA Church 70 56 41 20 3 14 1 131 61 87.14 

Stafford SDA Church 111 16 38 41 1 0 3 126 15 13.51 

Stanley SDA Church 211 9 5 12 8 0 0 205 -6 -2.84 

Staunton SDA Church 255 17 38 34 22 2 0 252 -3 -1.18 

Sterling Spanish SDA Company 0 52 18 2 0 0 0 68 68 

Strasburg SDA Church 63 2 5 6 3 0 0 61 -2 -3.17 

Stuart SDA Church 42 4 7 4 2 19 0 28 -14 -33.33 

Takoma Park Oromo SDA Company 6 13 35 0 0 0 0 54 48 800 

Takoma Park SDA Church 1318 58 82 159 19 2 -5 1273 -45 -3.41 







Takoma Park Spanish SDA Church 570 299 29 99 2 16 -2 779 209 36.67 

Tappahannock SDA Church 163 12 16 16 4 2 0 169 6 3.68 

Tidewater SDA Church 95 9 7 8 5 0 -2 96 1 1.05 

Victory Everlasting Gospel SDA Company 42 5 2 7 0 42 0 0 -42 -100 

Vienna SDA Church 692 75 104 125 19 16 -4 707 15 2.17 

Vienna Spanish SDA Church 269 20 12 46 2 123 -2 128 -141 -52.42 

Virginia Beach SDA Church 89 21 55 30 4 -5 0 136 47 52.81 

Virginia Beach Spanish SDA Church 112 79 21 28 1 58 1 126 14 12.5 

Washington Brazilian SDA Church 264 15 21 25 1 0 0 274 10 3.79 

Washington Ethiopian SDA Church 35 3 13 2 0 0 0 49 14 40 

Washington-Ghanaian SDA Church 224 23 44 91 2 11 20 207 -17 -7.59 

Washington Spanish SDA Church 445 101 62 83 5 0 519 74 16.63 

Waynesboro SDA Church 333 16 47 71 14 7 -2 302 -31 -9.31 

West End Spanish SDA Church 0 67 37 5 0 0 98 98 

Western Branch SDA Church 65 3 8 15 1 0 61 -4 -6.15 

Wheaton SDA Church 411 30 41 47 15 184 1 237 -174 -42.34 

Wheaton Spanish SDA Church 155 42 19 14 1 35 0 166 11 7.1 

Williamsburg SDA Church 140 3 37 20 7 12 -2 139 -0.71 

Winchester SDA Church 192 7 22 14 23 0 -5 179 -13 -6.77 

Winchester Spanish SDA Church 67 31 8 3 2 29 -3 69 2 2.99 

Windsor SDA Company 69 2 4 1 3 0 -2 69 0 0 

Woodbridge Ghanaian SDA Church 0 65 87 6 2 3 140 140 

Woodbridge Route 1 Spanish SDA Church 0 83 69 9 0 8 0 135 135 

Woodbridge SDA Church 278 22 67 39 5 2 1 322 44 15.83 

Woodbridge Spanish SDA Church 300 65 42 87 1 2 -3 314 14 4.67 

Wytheville SDA Church 164 10 16 22 11 68 0 89 -75 -45.73 

Yale SDA Church 81 3 9 10 2 0 0 81 0 0 

Total 32,581 5,919 5,283 5,063 817 3,845 (104) 33,954 1,373 4.21% 



Vice President for Finance’s Report 


DAVE VANDEVERE accepted the offer to serve as Vice President for Finance in 2014. 

VandeVere has a heart for ministry and served as the pastor of Damascus Grace Fellowship 

Church (Md.) for ten years before coming to the conference office. Prior to joining Potomac, 

David held the positions of Assistant Treasurer (1992–1996) and Treasurer (1996–2004) 

within the Minnesota Conference. 

As a graduate of Southern College of Seventh-day Adventists, David received his B.B.A. in 

Accounting in 1987 and was licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in 1988. He started 

his career at a significant accounting firm in North/South Carolina, serving as a public 

accountant from 1987–1992. 

Total Tithe 

$159,081,938 

Total Tithe $159,081,938 

2010-2014 

2010 -‐ 2014 

$118,322,760 

74% 

$40,759,178 

26% 

We praise God for the faithfulness of the conference 

church members who have returned more than 

$159,000,000 of God’s tithe during the last five years. 

God has kept His word in that as we have “tested” 

Him, as outlined in Malachi 3:10, He has poured out 

abundant blessings on us. 26% of tithe is shared 

with higher organizations while 74% is retained at 

the conference level for the accomplishment of the 

mission God has given us: to grow healthy, disciplemaking 

churches and schools. 

Net Tithe Retained 

GC, NAD, CUC 

It is the privilege of the treasury department to report 

on the audited financial operations for the Potomac 

Conference during the last five years. Finances 

continue to be aligned to aggressively pursue our 

mission and vision even while having to face and 

overcome various challenges. By God’s grace and with 

strong business leadership, the financial operations of 

LivingWell (formerly known as the Potomac Adventist 

Book & Health Food Store) remain solid. Shenandoah 

Valley Academy and Takoma Academy are each gaining 

strength as they carry out their respective God-given 

missions and for this we are also thankful. 

Mary Ann Sheffer 

Under Treasurer 

Daryl Hevener 

Associate Treasurer 

Kanetha Peters 

Assistant Treasurer 

Okemas Williams 

Associate Treasurer 

Head Auditor 

Luis Alferez 

Assistant Treasurer 

Staff Auditor 

Charlene Sheffer 

Administrative Secretary 

The net tithe retained within the conference accounts 

for 71% of the almost $166,000,000 of operating income 

received between 2010 and 2014. Billings to local schools 

to assist in the payment of teachers amounted to 17% 

of the total. The GC, NAD, and CUC returned in excess 

of $6,000,000 of restricted funds for the support of 

evangelism, education and the seminary training of pastors. 

Temp Temp Restr Restr 

$10,841,738 

6% 

6% 

OperaKng Income 

Operating 

-‐ $165,846,971 

Income 

 

2010 $165,846,971 

-‐ 2014 

2010-2014 

Other Income 

$1,333,138 1% 

1% Med Med Ins Ins Contr 

$1,129,186 

1% 

1% 

Net Tithe 

$118,322,760 

71% 

School 

Billings 

$28,416,685 

17% 

CBR/Spc Event Fees 

$2,977,291 2% 

2% 

School Billings 

$28,416,685 

17% 

Investment 

Investment Earnings Earnings 

$1,244,217 $1,244,217 1% 

1% 

Residence 

Residence 

Rental 

Rental 

 

$1,581,956 $1,581,956 1% 

1% 


Opera&ng Expenses Operating -‐ $171,196,705 Expenses 

2010 -‐ 2014 $171,196,705 

 

Church 

Ministries 

$67,882,511 

40% 

Educa&on 

$67,855,788 

39% 

2010-2014 

Publishing $1,238,900 

$1,238,900 

Trust Services, 

1% Trust Services, 

1% 

Communications, 

Communica&ons, Etc. Etc. 

$2,950,264 $2,950,264 

2% 2% 

General General Admin Admin 

$13,020,195 7% 

7% 

Residence Expense 

Residence $1,622,535 Expense 

$1,622,535 1% 1% 

Old Retire Plan (DB) 

Old Re&re Plan (DB) 

$16,560,190 

$16,560,190 

10% 

10% 

250 

200 

150 

100 

50 

Local Church and School Audits 

Local Church 

2010-2014 

and School Audits 

2010 -‐ 2014 

118 

102 

104 

89 

73 

133 

116 

104 

101 

88 

Unaudited 

Audited 

One of the most important 

services provided by 

the conference finance 

team is the audits of local 

churches and schools. 

During the last five years, a 

new comprehensive audit 

process and remote access 

troubleshooting for local 

treasurers was implemented. 

Ingathering Reversion 

 

$66,322 0% 

0% 

0 

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 

The conference hires, trains and places pastors and teachers to lead in the carrying out of God’s mission initiatives. 79% 

of expenditures over the last five years were allocated for this purpose. An additional 10% supported the old retirement 

plan for services rendered by all conference employees. 

$40,000,000 

$35,000,000 

$30,000,000 

$25,000,000 

$20,000,000 

$15,000,000 

$10,000,000 

$5,000,000 

$0 

($5,000,000) 

Opera1ng Net Increase (Decrease) 

2014 -‐ 2010 

Operating Net Increase (Decrease) 

2014-2010 

2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 

$36.0 $35.2 $35.0 

$33.8 $33.5 

$34.5 

$33.3 

$32.3 $31.8 $31.8 

($.5) 

 

$0 

($2.2) ($1.7) ($.5) ($.9) $0 

Revenue Expense 

Net Increase Decrease (Decrease) 

The conference has been intentional in supporting new pastoral and teacher placements for strategic Kingdom growth. 

This, combined with higher than expected costs and the partial writing off of certain institutional debt, has resulted in 

operating decreases in four of the last five years. A three-year plan has been voted by the Conference Executive Committee 

to restructure the budget so this trend of losses can be reversed. 

Significant Accomplishments 2010-2014 – By God’s Grace 

• Completed online training videos for local treasures and training during EQUIP meetings. 

• Began the implementation of conference and local entity safety programs. 

• Implemented new institutional payroll policy for increased accountability. 

• Restructured conference budgeting process. 

• Developed a three-year plan for stabilization and increase of financial working capital. 

• Developed plans for a restructured and integrated conference finance committee. 

• Assisted in the acquisition, financing and refinancing (74 transactions) of church/school buildings and land for 

mission growth. 

What We Plan to Accomplish Going Forward – By God’s Grace 

• Continue to strategically train local church/school treasurers and to develop local metrics (dashboards) as a 

resource to encourage discipleship/stewardship. 

• To work with the North American Division of SDA and private businesses to provide integrated online giving 

applications. 

• To fully utilize the newly structured and integrated conference finance committee for the benefit of all conference 

institutions – LivingWell, SVA, TA and local churches/schools. 

• To fully implement and monitor a three-year plan for working capital restoration and growth. 

• To develop and implement an owner’s representative program to benefit capital projects of the conference and 

all of its entities. 

• To develop and implement plans to increase available debt capacity and plant financial reserves to support 

mission growth. 


Statement of Position 

All Funds (Audited) 

2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 

ASSETS 

Current Assets 

Cash & Cash Equivalents $2,529,164 $808,427 $813,613 $5,413,293 $6,301,010 

Accounts Receivable, Net 5,714,568 5,498,040 7,293,455 6,694,174 5,533,348 

Notes and Loans Receivable 2,702,844 3,764,107 5,301,153 138,330 208,152 

Inventories, Prepaid Expense, Deposits 165,488 202,142 200,042 185,612 197,161 

Total Current Assets $11,112,064 $10,272,716 $13,608,263 $12,431,409 $12,239,671 

Plant Assets, Net $56,611,736 $50,261,256 $47,628,492 $47,972,219 $46,074,244 

Other Assets 

Investment in Land and Property $1,835,807 $1,830,647 $1,830,129 $540,802 $1,213,494 

Notes Receivable, Long-term, Net 2,286,392 2,719,275 2,796,160 2,666,534 2,170,854 

Accounts Receivable, Long-term - 1,602,097 - - - 

For Other Than Operating Purposes: 

Cash & Investments 600,178 334,791 225,120 542,113 273,783 

Accounts Receivable 72,900 79,094 310,498 744,290 659,564 

Notes & Loans Receivable 22,013,926 16,322,432 15,194,172 19,731,634 19,205,688 

Held for Split Interest Agreements 623,798 619,950 899,379 964,407 1,256,812 

Total Other Assets $27,433,001 $23,508,286 $21,255,458 $25,189,780 $24,780,195 

TOTAL ASSETS $95,156,801 $84,042,258 $82,492,213 $85,593,408 $83,094,110 

LIABILITIES 

Current Liabilities 

Accounts Payable $3,967,961 $3,578,824 $3,657,445 $3,064,647 $2,683,762 

Agency Accounts 863,764 1,011,793 1,051,333 137,439 233,997 

Total Current Liabilities $4,831,725 $4,590,617 $4,708,778 $3,202,086 $2,917,759 

Other Liabilities 

For Other Than Operating Funds: 

Accounts Payable $335,660 $336,416 $333,366 $325,414 $244,758 

Notes Payable 28,910,113 23,135,230 22,190,734 23,165,645 23,728,969 

Capital Leases 84,623 88,491 114,269 48,045 77,453 

NPV, Annuity Liability 36,592 34,933 68,528 159,410 192,656 

Irrevocable Due to Others 455,868 454,338 509,841 350,021 653,831 

Total Other Liabilities $29,822,856 $24,049,408 $23,216,738 $24,048,535 $24,897,667 

TOTAL LIABILITIES $34,654,581 $28,640,025 $27,925,516 $27,250,621 $27,815,426 

NET ASSETS 

Unrestricted $59,767,080 $54,682,191 $53,816,073 $57,426,926 $54,279,344 

Restricted: Temporarily/Permanently 735,140 720,042 750,624 915,861 999,340 

Total Net Assets $60,502,220 $55,402,233 $54,566,697 $58,342,787 $55,278,684 

TOTAL LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS $95,156,801 $84,042,258 $82,492,213 $85,593,408 $83,094,110 



Statement of Changes in Net Assets 

Financial Analysis 

All Funds (Audited) 

Tithe Tithe Growth Growth -‐ Actual - Actual & CPI & Adjusted CPI Adjusted 

2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 

INCOME 

Gross Tithe $33,094,158 $32,394,359 $31,884,044 $31,185,219 $30,524,158 

Tithe Passed On To Higher Entities (8,507,861) (8,327,696) (8,196,803) (7,961,458) (7,765,360) 

Net Tithe Income $24,586,297 $24,066,663 $23,687,241 $23,223,761 $22,758,798 

$35,000,000 

$30,000,000 

$25,000,000 

Actual 

CPI Adj 

$28.1 

$30.5 

$33.1 

Tithe Rebate $-xxxxxxxxx $12,500 $66,915 $66,916 $67,244 

Matured Trusts and Wills (2,369) 15,309 61,455 1,000 57,591 

Investment Earnings 154,034 169,394 239,241 303,745 377,803 

Church Schools 5,839,995 5,803,675 5,708,440 5,535,898 5,528,677 

Residence Rent Income 307,514 315,948 325,908 330,499 302,087 

Hispanic Ministries Fees/Sales 236,941 221,535 305,014 404,736 347,721 

Youth Camp/Campmeeting Fees/Sales 286,359 272,115 284,872 296,710 321,288 

Employee Medical Contributions 331,100 197,668 203,179 199,857 197,382 

Miscellaneous Income 169,401 189,619 263,154 198,110 166,292 

Total Unrestricted Revenues & Gains $7,322,975 $7,197,763 $7,458,178 $7,337,471 $7,366,085 

Net Assets Released From Restrictions 1,882,279 2,196,057 3,350,737 1,782,860 1,629,805 

Total Unrestriced Revenues, Gains & Support $33,791,551 $33,460,483 $34,496,156 $32,344,092 $31,754,688 

EXPENSES & LOSSES 

Church Ministries $14,355,683 $14,023,556 $13,603,199 $13,100,208 $12,799,865 

Education 13,755,558 13,916,349 14,510,717 13,469,346 12,203,818 

Publishing 659,255 109,597 140,380 179,841 149,827 

Special Services 574,033 576,270 590,014 607,688 602,259 

General Administrative 2,582,315 2,715,979 2,604,457 2,489,659 2,627,785 

Residence Expense 362,845 389,893 344,859 260,791 264,147 

Retirement Contribution - DB Plan 3,673,452 3,433,802 3,220,288 3,149,708 3,082,940 

Miscellaneous Supporting Services 9,982 12,363 10,429 11,716 21,832 

Total Expenses & Losses $35,973,123 $35,177,809 $35,024,343 $33,268,957 $31,752,473 

$20,000,000 

$15,000,000 

$10,000,000 

$5,000,000 

$0 

$9.2 

$12.3 

$9.4 

Total Tithe increased from $30,500,000 in 2010 to $33,100,000 in 2014, an 8.5% increase. However, when adjusted for the Consumer Price 

Index (CPI) as a measure of inflation, it is evident that real growth has been static. In purchasing power, tithe has decreased slightly since 2005. 

This presents significant challenges as employee costs continue to rise. 

Working Capital - 

Actual, Required, Mission Optimized 

2010-2014 

$5,000,000 

$20.0 

$11.6 

$14.4 

Excess Debt Capacity Projection* 

For Building/Mission Support 

Excess Debt Capacity Projection* 

For Building/Mission 2015 Support 

2015 

$13.9 $13.9 

1983 1990 2000 2005 2010 2014 

1983 2005 

1982-‐1984 1982-1984 = CPI = 100% CPI 100% 

Net Increase (Decrease) from Operations $(2,181,572) $(1,717,326) $(528,187) $(924,865) $2,215 

$4,500,000 

$4,000,000 

$3,555,000 

Net Increase (Decrease) form Non-Op Activity $7,266,461 $2,583,444 $(3,034,994) $4,072,447 $(906,353) 

Increase (Decrease) Unrestricted Net Assets $5,084,889 $866,118 $(3,563,181) $3,147,582 $(904,138) 

Increase (Decr) Temp/Perm Restricted Net Assets 15,098 (30,582) (212,909) (83,479) 44,504 

Increase (Decrease) Net Assets $5,099,987 $835,536 $(3,776,090) $3,064,103 $(859,634) 

Net Assets, Beginning, Previously Stated 55,402,233 54,566,697 58,342,787 55,278,684 56,138,318 

$3,500,000 

$3,000,000 

$2,500,000 

$2,000,000 

$1,500,000 

$1,000,000 

$500,000 

$0 

$312,000 

Excess Available 

Capacity 

Emergency 

Reserve 

*Total Capacity 

as of June 30 

was 

$32,846,736 

Net Assets, End of Year $60,502,220 $55,402,233 $54,566,697 $58,342,787 $55,278,684 

Working capital measures the ability of the conference to carry on 

its day-to-day operations. Aggressive investment in local school 

projects, assuming payments on church mortgages in default and 

unanticipated cost increases, contributed to a significant decline 

in working capital. Monetizing non-performing long-term debt 

and the development of an aggressive three year recovery plan 

helped to stabilize working capital in 2014. 

The conference and its local churches/schools have an overall debt 

capacity limitation that fluctuates slightly around $32,500,000. In the 

last half of 2014, the unused capacity dipped below the emergency 

reserve level of $1,000,000. A moratorium on new loans for building 

or expansion projects was put in place and continues into 2015 

until payments on current mortgages increase available capacity. 

Working capital must be maintained above 61% for the conference 

debt capacity to not be more severely limited. 


Vice President for Pastoral Ministries’ Report 


JOHN CRESS served as a pastor for 32 years before coming to the Potomac Conference 

Corporation. He holds a Bachelor of Art from Walla Walla College (Wash.) and Master of 

Divinity from Andrews University. He served as an associate and district pastor, church 

planter and the lead pastor of a multi-staff church before coming to the Potomac Conference 

Corporation. He and his wife Karen (Assistant to the President for Strategic Initiatives) began 

their work in Potomac in September of 2011. 

Cress has a passion for the local church and encouraging pastors to be effective servant leaders and shepherds of 

their congregations. He has a heart for equipping the laity for ministry. His hope is to help grow healthy, disciplemaking 

churches that are actively and tirelessly fulfilling the mission of Jesus. 

clockwise from top left: Since EQUIP began in 2013, more than 3,000 people 

have been equipped with specific training for different areas of the church, photo 

by Aaron Cheney. 

Mission 

Our mission in the pastoral ministries department is to identify, train and empower pastors as servant leaders to 

build healthy, disciple-making churches. 

Since the last Constituency Meeting, 13 pastors have been ordained into the 

gospel ministry, photo by Aaron Cheney. 

Three churches have been planted through Hispanic Camp Meeting, photo by 

Tony Ventouris – Ancient City Photography. 

The pastors and congregational leaders of the Potomac Conference Corporation are valued, supported, trained and 

are accountable as they cultivate healthy churches. Each church radiates the hope and wholeness of a spiritually 

maturing and numerically growing, healthy body. 

Significant Accomplishments 2010-2014: 

Our ministry with pastors has included: 

• Providing monthly leadership and ministry coaching and support for every Potomac Conference Corporation pastor and 

Bible worker. 

• Developing the leadership, teamwork and collegiality of our pastors through monthly LEAD Groups. 

• Designing a six-step process to encourage pastors to develop their churches strategically through worship, evangelism, 

external focus, mission, vision and values. 

• Developing and initiating quarterly intern pastor training. 

• Providing pastor meetings three times a year. 

• Adding 36 new pastors and two Bible workers to our ministerial team through a process which involved referencing more 

than 300 pastors. 

• Providing a professional baseline accountability document to pastors. 

• Having the Ordination Committee meet twice each year to review and interview interns who are on the ordination track. 

Training events provided to further the mission: 

• Each year, provided two elder summits in English and one in 

Spanish to train elders for their ministry in the local church. 

• Developed and launched EQUIP, which has facilitated the 

training of nearly 4,000 people in a variety of ministries. 

• Held three weekend SEEDS training events, which focuses 

on church planting, for pastors and lay leaders. 

• Church Works, a three-module training process developed by 

the North American Division of Evangelism, was held in the 

Richmond and Tidewater areas. 

• Provided training and resources for women’s ministry in the 

local church. 

• When asked by churches, provided on-site training for a 

variety of ministries and relational skills. 

• Hispanic pastors participated in 85 pastoral meetings and 

three spiritual retreats in which they dedicated time to plan, 

pray, and ask that the Holy Spirit guide their plans to fulfil the 

mission in harmony and with the counsel of our leaders. 

Accomplishments in Hispanic Ministries: 

• After 8 years, more than 600 students have graduated from 

the School of Theology and Discipleship in the areas of homechurch 

leader, Bible instructor, evangelist and pastor’s assistant. 

• More than 300 participants have attended the five annual 

Elders’ Spiritual and Training Retreats. 

• Twenty training events were held for children’s Sabbath 

School leaders and North American Division certification 

seminars were offered. 

• More than 7,000 attended Discipleship Training Festivals. 

• Women’s Ministries, Children’s Ministries, churchelders, 

Pathfinders and Adventist Youth Societies held weeks of 

evangelism. 

• More than 52,000 pieces of literature and evangelism 

materials were distributed through events and local churches. 

• Thousands of non-Adventists tune-in daily to Radio programs 

Ondas de Esperanza and Accion de Adventista, which air 

in three different ways: via WWGB 10:30 AM Radio Poder, 

through the Tune-in application (Radio Vuelve) and by dialing 

415-655-0848 

• All Hispanic groups, companies, churches and home 

churches were actively involved in evangelism campaigns 

each year, which resulted in thousands of baptisms. 


Evangelism and Church Planting 

After Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness, He returned to His hometown, Nazareth, and went directly to the synagogue where the scroll of 

the book of Isaiah was handed to Him to read. He opened it, and read from Isaiah 61: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has 

anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives 

And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the 

Lord” (Luke 4:18-19). 

In this reading, Jesus set His mission to the world—letting the Jews in the synagogue know exactly His purpose for being on earth. Ellen 

White agrees, explaining how Jesus went about fulfilling his mission: “He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and 

won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me’” (Ministry of Healing, pg. 143). 

With this in mind, the church planting initiative accentuates the mission to “grow healthy, disciple-making churches.” The goal is to plant 

churches in communities of 20,000 or more where there is no Adventist presence. We hope training events and an emphasis on church 

planting will encourage even more growth across Potomac. The church planting committee oversees the establishment of groups, 

companies and churches. The following chart indicates church planting initiatives for each year, which were voted by the committee. 

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 

Restoration Praise Center, 

Bowie, MD 

Dale City Spanish 

Dale City, VA 

Lorton Spanish 

Lorton, VA 

Living Faith – Formerly CPC Dulles 

Ashburn, VA 

Herndon Southern Asian 

Herndon, VA 

Other significant accomplishments in Pastoral 

Ministries: 

• Ordained 13 pastors into the gospel ministry. 

• Supported 256 evangelism events. 

• Transitioned Hispanic camp meeting to be a church-planting event, 

which has now planted three groups/churches. 

• Completed consultations for 12 Potomac churches. 

• Added and expanded community outreach to camp meeting. 

• Provided free professional demographic studies of each church area 

via Percept. 

• Provided Elder’s Digest magazine to every elder in the Potomac 

Conference Corporation. 

• Thanks to the generosity of our Hispanic members and pastors, the 

mortgage and expenses of the Adventist Center for Evangelism and 

Discipleship have been covered. In the last 5 years, we have paid 

$204,019.26 for expenses and $762,478.90 on the mortgage. 

clockwise from top left: In the last five years, 5,919 people have joined by 

baptism and profession of faith, photo courtesy of the Pearisburg church. 

SEEDS conferences are training events for people interested in growing the 

Kingdom of God, photo by Aaron Cheney. 

Eight new churches have been planted and six new companies, photo by 

Aaron Cheney. 

Cultivate, a new evangelism and church planting initiative, was designed for 

churches and schools to cultivate their communities, both inside and outside 

their walls in a cycle carefully and prayerfully designed specifically for them. 

Swahili Community 

University Park, MD 

Woodbridge Spanish II 

Woodbridge, VA 

Woodbridge Ghanaian 

Woodbridge, VA 

Cartersville Group 

Cartersville, VA 

Sterling Spanish 

Sterling, VA 

College Park Spanish 

Hyattsville, MD 

Takoma Park II Spanish 

Silver Spring, MD 

Gaithersburg II Spanish 

Gaithersburg, MD 

Leesburg Spanish 

Leesburg, VA 

Culmore Spanish 

Falls Church, VA 

Martinsville Spanish 

Martinsville, VA 

Tazwell Grace Group 

Tazwell, VA 

Reston Spanish 

Reston, VA 

Four House Churches 

New Market, VA 

Living Hope 

Haymarket, VA 

Chesterfield Hispanic 

Chesterfield, VA 

Arise 2 nd Generation Hispanic 

Silver Spring, MD 

Landmark Hispanic 

Alexandria, VA 

Merrifield Hispanic 

Merrifield, VA 

Rockville Chinese Initiative 

Rockville, VA 

In light of Jesus’ mission and the application given by Ellen White in Ministry of Healing, the Potomac Conference Corporation has been 

moving from just an event-based evangelism process to a holistic three-step process, encouraging churches to: 

1. become a presence in the community, 

2. provide for the needs in the community and 

3. make a call to join God’s Kingdom. 

Supporting this three-step approach, training opportunities like EQUIP, SEEDS, Church Works, Hope for Today and the School of 

Discipleship have been designed to nurture, prepare and empower laity to reach within their sphere of influence. Churches in every 

region of the conference have become increasingly more engaged in their communities through creative events like health fairs, 

neighborhood parties, service events and family and marriage seminars. Through these diverse efforts and leaders, 5, 919 souls were won 

for the Kingdom from 2010 – 2014. 

Maurice Battle 

Associate - North 

Peter Casillas 

Associate for Evangelism 

and Church Planting 

Sharon Cress 

Associate for 

Discipleship 

Rick Labate 

Associate - South 

Candy Seibert 

Pastoral Ministries 

Assistant 


WE EXIST TO GROW HEALTHY DISCIPLE-MAKING CHURCHES 31

Our Vision for the Next Five Years 

• Plant churches in the Silver Spring, Chevy Chase, Upper Marlboro and 

Suitland areas of Maryland as well as Abingdon, Virginia and begin an 

initiative to reach Muslims. 

• Through Cultivate, a new evangelism and church planting initiative, 

create opportunities for churches and schools to reach members and 

surrounding communities in a purposeful and meaningful way. 

• Identify and recruit strong pastors to serve Potomac Conference 

Corporation churches and companies. 

• Research and promote best practices for Adventist ministry. 

• Identify and communicate characteristics of healthy, disciple-making 

churches. 

• Prepare intern pastors for ordination and servant-leadership. 

• Support ministerial families through encouragement, networking and 

resources. 

• Build accountable, supportive relationships with pastors and 

congregations. 

• Encourage and nurture innovation in congregational ministry 

• Help pastors train and equip elders, church leaders and congregations 

for ministry. 

• Focus on planting churches in major populations of at least 20,000. 

• Develop and encourage effective church assessment processes. 

HISPANIC MINISTRIES 

Jose Esposito 

Director of 

Hispanic Ministries 

Adalid Duran 

Office Assistant 

Becky Rivas 

Office Assistant 

Oskar Ortiz 

Sound System 

After eight years, 606 students have graduated in the following areas: 

home-church leader, Bible instructor, evangelist, pastor’s assistant, 

photo by Tony Ventouris – Ancient City Photography. 



Vice President for Education’s Report 


KEITH HALLAM began his career at Wisconsin Academy, teaching various technology 

vocational courses while expanding his services to guidance counseling, academic registrar and 

administration. 

Shortly after receiving his Master in Education, he transferred from the classroom to full-time 

administration. Keith served as a principal for 18 years and, in 2009, began his ministry in the 

Potomac Conference as Vice President for Education. 

Through personal experiences, Hallam understands the responsibility of evangelism in our schools and potential that 

every teacher and administrator has for sharing the assurance of salvation. He believes Adventist education should 

always be upheld to the highest academic standard and with a personal touch that brings Jesus Christ to life and 

excites the student to know more about their Savior. Hallam and his wife, Kandyce, have been married for 30 years. 

They have three grown children: Kurtis, Korrine and Kristofor. 

left: Vienna Adventist Academy began a community garden, teaching 

students about healthy living and eating right, Photo courtesy of 

Vienna Adventist Academy. 

right: Real-time classroom instruction is provided to off-site classrooms 

around the conference via Richmond Academy 

Student Achievement 

Along with daily monitoring of student learning in the classroom, we engage our 3rd through 8th 

grade students with the Iowa Test of Basic Skills exam, in which Potomac students average higher 

than the national average (see 2014 Iowa Assessment graph, pg. 37). Additionally, our 8th 

grade students are encouraged to take the ACT Explore exam during the spring semester, helping us 

determine our 8th graders readiness for college (see college readiness graph, pg. 37). 

Mission 

The Potomac Conference Corporation Office of Education exists to inspire the future of healthy, disciple-making 

churches by developing passionate and qualified educators who nurture growth in our students through 

relationships, excellence and service to the glory of God. Over the past five years, we have undertaken several 

initiatives to encourage our school communities, focus our attention on improvement and challenge our education 

team to better themselves for the benefit of their students. 

Many Potomac Teachers have been presented with various awards, including Carmen Esposito, (left) teacher at John Nevins Andrews School, and Jim Minty (right), who teaches at Shenandoah Valley 

Adventist Elementary. Esposito photo courtesy of Columbia Union. Minty photo courtesy of SVAE. 

Significant Accomplishments in the last five years 

Meeting the financial challenges that Adventist education faces has been a major priority these past five 

years. Several initiatives and applications have been put into practice to help ease the burdens at the 

local level: 

• Facility Grants – $101,675 has been awarded in the form of annual $5,000 matching grants 

to 12 of our 17 elementary school to assist with projects such as gym remodel, energy efficient 

HVAC units, lighting and windows, smoke detectors, fire alarms, roof repairs, asphalt, sidewalks, 

playground equipment and various other maintenance and repairs. 

• Technology Grants – $101,000 has been gifted in annual $3,000 grants to 14 of our 17 

elementary schools for computers, servers, wireless connections, software, document cameras, 

electronic instructional boards and high speed internet access. 

• Potomac Partners Offering Tuition assistance – Since 2011, a total of $209,000 has been 

awarded to 283 students through scholarships funded by Potomac Partners. 

• Potomac Conference Education Foundation - Through a brand new Virginia Tax Credit 

initiative, $308,000 was provided to 100 new students for tuition scholarships kindergarten through 

12th, during the 2014-15 school year. We expect the giving to increase and assist more students 

during the 2016-17 school year. (see Education Foundation graph, pg. 36) 

• Connected School Program – Real-time classroom instruction is provided to off-site 

classrooms around the conference via Richmond Academy, allowing Potomac students to continue 

Adventist education where an academy may not be available to them. June 2016 will mark our first 

graduates from this cooperative venture in education. 

Nancy Melashenko 

Superintendent for 

Education 

Joannie Galbraith 

Education Assistant 

Cyndee Grady 

Education Assistant 


100 

80 

60 

40 

20 

Potomac Conference Education Foundation 

360 Students Baptized Fall 2014 Iowa Assessment 

Scholarships Awarded 2014-2015 school year 

80 

100 new students to Adventist Education 

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 

$70,000 

$60,000 

$50,000 

$40,000 

$30,000 

$20,000 

$10,000 

70 

60 

50 

40 

30 

20 

10 

College Readiness - ACT Benchmarks 

20 

Benchmark 

18 

National 

16 

Potomac 2013 

14 

Potomac 2014 

12 

10 

8 

6 

4 

2 

CF Richards 

Desmond T Doss 

School health and sustainability 

To address health and sustainability in Potomac small schools, the following have been provided: 

• Leadership training 

• Curriculum planning 

• Marketing coaching 

• Board leadership workshops 

• Parent satisfaction surveys, every other year 

Manassas 

Powell Valley 

RA Lewis 

Richmond 

Roanoke 

SVA 

Stanley 

SVAE 

Tidewater 

Tree of Life 

Vienna 

3rd Grade English 

3rd Grade Math 

4th Grade English 

4th Grade Math 







Private Columbia Union Potomac 



English Mathematics Reading Science 

These implementations have allowed five of six small schools to increase enrollment, improved teacher 

collaboration and developed easier ways to evaluate school culture, demographic changes, parents’ 

concerns and areas of satisfaction. 

Sharing Jesus in the classroom 

The foundational reason for operating our schools is the focus on sharing Jesus Christ’s redemption story 

with our students. Three hundred and sixty students were baptized during the past Quinquennial period 

(see baptism graph, above). Over 300 non-Adventist families have enrolled in our schools over this 

period as well and are being introduced to the gospel message. 

Our vision for the next five years 

• Direct the development and implementation for school improvement plans to address: 

• spiritual development, 

• academic rigor and 

• relevant curriculum for each student. 

• Develop and implement strategic sustainability plans for each school. 

• Expand the availability of Adventist education to qualified students through: 

• school planting, 

• increasing connected school locations, 

• securing additional funding sources for tuition assistance and 

• collaboration with neighboring conferences. 

• Work on strategic initiatives to create an identifiable presence in our schools’ communities that will 

compliment and enhance church ministry. 

clockwise from top left: First grade students at Olney Adventist Preparatory School show what they 

would like to be when they grow up. Photo courtesy of Olney Prep. 

During a prayer walk at Richmond Academy, attendees prayed in each classroom and over teachers 

like Brody Wiedemann. Photo by Aaron Cheney. 

Fifteen students from across Potomac participated in a conference-sponsored Spelling Bee. Photo by 

Tiffany Doss. 

In April 2012, students from the Sligo Adventist School sang the National Anthem at the NBA Wizards 

vs. Magic game. 


Takoma Academy’s Report 

Takoma Academy over five years: 

• Takoma Academy’s presence in the community 

continues to expand by: 

• serving at soup kitchens 

• cleaning parks in the Takoma area 

• sorting clothes for the homeless 

• assist in home construction for an orphanage in 

Tanzania, Africa 

• building schools in Belize 

• teaching English in Costa Rica 

• musical and sport performances 

• On average, TA students have been accepted into 

three to four colleges/universities and receive a high 

number of scholarships 

• TA Students have been accepted into pre-college 

programs, giving them opportunities to add to 

their portfolios through: 

• NIH Internships 

• Writing Contest Winners 

• Congress Delegates 

• Pioneer Research Programs 

• Scholars Programs 

• Engineering Programs 

• PBS Features 

• Summer Institutes for Medical Programming 

• Maryland PAGE Program 

As a school, we are committed to growth and changes that will prepare Takoma Academy for active learners now 

and generations to come. We continue to strive for excellence and this is included in the goals that we have set 

forth in the next five years. 

GOAL 1: Increase enrollment to 60 students per grade level. 

A total of 240+ students enrolled by 2020 

Vision 

Empowering learners for everlasting excellence. 

photos by Diana Consuegra 

Enrollment 

Enrollment / Marketing Plan: 

• Invitations to area churches/pastors to join in on school activities/chapels etc. 

• Academy Days/Shadow Days/Open Houses 

• Host Open House for incoming students 

• Surveys - parents, students 

• Awarding of needs based and academic scholarships 

• TA 101 for incoming freshman (Potential students and those who have enrolled) 

• Educational Success Consultations 

• Participation in local Education Day Events at various churches 

photo by Diana Consuegra 

Mission 

Takoma Academy (TA) is a Seventh-day Adventist high school welcoming all races, cultures, and religions; 

leading young people to Jesus Christ, providing excellence in academics and a commitment to service. 

The culmination of strides made at Takoma Academy in the past few years are due to the unwavering 

guidance of our Lord and Saviour and each staff member’s commitment to uphold our mission to, “lead young 

people to Jesus Christ, provide excellence in academics, and commitment to service.” As TA continues to 

adhere to holistically educate each student, we are proud of the growth each one has made academically, 

spiritually, athletically, artistically and socially. 

GOAL 2: Provide a campus ministry that includes a vision for relationship building with our 

Heavenly Father, seeking heavenly attainment and community service (locally and abroad). 

Ministry Plan: 

• Provide baptismal preparation Bible studies. 

• Keep students actively participating in after school spiritual activities and events, Bible Bowls, vesper programs etc. 

• Engage students in daily chapel program--praise and worship, minute nuggets. 

• Continue to involve students in planning campus ministries. 

• Increase outreach programs presented to local churches. 


GOAL 3: Engage students in challenging and purposeful learning. This is 

inclusive of providing a rigorous academic program that ensures the academic 

success of our students after Takoma Academy. 

Academic Plan includes having: 

• Ninth grade students successfully completing geometry. 

• Students enrolled in at least one Advanced Placement (AP) course. 

• Students earning a score of three or higher on AP exams. 

• Students attaining a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. 

• Students enrolled in dual credit courses with Washington Adventist University (WAU). 

• Students applying to college through the early application process. 

• Students accepted into four-year colleges and university. 

Enrolled in Enrolled in Enrolled in 

technical or 

4-year college 2-year college other training Military Entered workplace 

Unknown TOTAL 

Class of 2014 45 7 0 1 0 0 53 

Class of 2013 32 9 0 0 1 5 47 

Class of 2012 39 6 3 1 0 3 52 

GOAL 5: Establish/Renew relationships with our Alumni 

Takoma Academy’s Office of Institutional Advancement, which works with the Development and Alumni 

Department, has made tremendous process over the past three years in alumni donation support. The 

school has grown from averaging $50,000 a year to collecting over $385,622.09. Alums have blessed the 

school with great events such as “Success Weekend” where CEOs and other leaders spend the weekend 

with TA students to help mentor them toward their career goals. Through the contributions from the Office 

of Institutional Advancement and other sources, Takoma Academy has made many plant improvements: 

• Installed stadium seating in our chapel with fully upgraded sound system to enhance our worship 

experience. 

• Installed new security cameras installed throughout the school. 

• Updated Wi-Fi throughout the school to support wireless tablets for integrated teaching. 

• Continued campaign to equip every TA student with Surface tablets. 

• Installed fully enclosed fence to increase security. 

• Replaced roof. 

• Replaced carpet with tile flooring in classrooms and hallways. 

The TA Alumni Plan: 

• Inform/involve alumni of/in the programs and activities that are taking place at Takoma Academy. 

• Invite Alumni to become donors to the school. 

GOAL 4: Providing ongoing/consistent development for faculty that includes upto-date 

training and ongoing support that will present them with strategies, skills 

that are innovative and will engage students, preparing them for careers and college. 

Our teachers’ commitment to excellence is the foundation of these achievements. Our faculty members 

remain continuous learners as they devise ways to improve pedagogy through Danielson Framework for 

Teachers, implementing Standards Based Grading and Instruction and using Common Core to drive their 

curriculum. 

Professional Development Plan: 

• Departments receiving professional development in Differentiated Instruction, Standards Based 

Grading and Frameworks for Teaching. 

• Faculty receiving individualized staff development based on informal and formal classroom 

observations. 

• Faculty receiving support from lead teachers and consultants. 

• Faculty attending current professional conferences referencing 21st Century Learning and Teaching, 

technology, and Common Core Standards. 

• Faculty attending and implementing strategies from weekly staff development meetings. 

• Faculty participating in peer observations. 

GOAL 6: Ensure that our program has the appropriate funding to continue to 

achieve a high standard in education. Secure funding for students with financial 

needs. Maintain sustainability. 

Academic Year 2013 




4-Year Philanthropic Giving at Takoma Academy 

$62,000 (Actual) 

$248,700 (Actual) 

$1,000,000 (Goal) 

$1,000,000 (Goal) 

The TA Plan: 

• Funded scholarships versus unfunded scholarships. 

• Tuition dependence decreased. 

• Increase in capital funding of the endowment. 

• Commission the foundation committee to increase its level of involvement in income development and 

fundraising goals. 


Shenandoah Valley Academy’s Report 

From the 2011 – 2015 school years, SVA has graduated 321 students, photo by Ashley Swartz of Swartz Photography 

Academics: 

Shenandoah Valley Academy offers a broad range of academic programs. Students have a choice of two (2) 

diplomas: Advanced Studies (27 credits) and Standard (24 credits). We offer many advanced courses: 

• AP English IV, AP Calculus AB and BC 

• Thirty-two semester hours of College Credits through Dual Enrollment courses offered in cooperation with 

Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, MD 

• A comprehensive English Language Learner program 

Shenandoah Valley Academy (SVA) is a comprehensive, college preparatory boarding school for 

grades 9-12. SVA is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and School (MSA), the 

Accrediting Association of Seventh-day Adventist Schools and is a member of the Virginia Council for 

Private Education. Seventy-eight percent of SVA’s teachers hold a master’s degree or higher. 

From the 2011-2015 school years SVA has graduated 321 students. From, 2010-2014 an average of 71% of those 

students went on to college, 51% to a 4-year college and 20% to a 2-year college. To date, an average of 56% of 

those who began at a 4-year college remained at a 4-year college. 

Vision 

Graduating Adventist Christians who will Serve Christ, Value Knowledge, and Accept a Life of Service 

Mission 

Shenandoah Valley Academy, established in 1908, exists to provide a distinctly Seventh-day Adventist college 

preparatory program through experiences to produce disciples of Jesus who are compassionate citizens 

prepared for college and careers. 

2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 

Enrollment 223 175 187 175 

Students taking AP/Dual Cr. Classes 46 69 39 37 

National Honor Society 41 45 37 42 

Standard Diploma 27 12 49 41 

Col. Prep Diploma 45 37 NA NA 

Advanced Diploma 8 4 4 4 

Modified Standard Diploma N/A N/A 1 N/A 


OBJECTIVE 3: Academics 

Shenandoah students will be recognized for their 

academic excellence by preparing all of our students 

for college, work, and careers. 

Student Measurement: The ACT scores of our graduates will 

increase two percent or more each year until Shenandoah’s 

scores are 10 percent or more above the national average and 

90 percent of our graduates are qualified and will be accepted 

by one or more college or university. 

OBJECTIVE 8: Physical Plant 

The physical campus and buildings will be clean, in 

good repair, and exceed expectations of students, 

parents, and visitors. Students will take pride in 

caring for everything we have, regardless of its 

current condition. 

Measurement: Recommendations on funding and remodeling 

of the cafeteria and pool area will be presented to the Board of 

Directors by June 30, 2015 

Music: 

SVA’s music program is a strong feature of our 

program. In the past five years, students have toured 

Florida, Montreal, New England, New York City 

and Germany/Austria. Students have the option to 

perform in: 

• Orchestra, choir, Shenandoans (touring choir), 

various ensembles, and Handbells. 

• The Handbells participate in Ringfest every year. 

• Orchestra and choir alternate years attending 

Music Festival at Washington Adventist University 

• The music department tours throughout Virginia 

and Maryland as well as internationally. 

• In the past five years, we have toured to Florida, 

Montreal, New England, New York City, and 

Germany/Austria. 

Spiritual: 

Shenandoah Valley Academy provides a variety of 

spiritual and outreach activities for our students: 

• Feed-the-homeless trips to the DC area, monthly 

nursing home visits, Adventist Youth meetings on 

Sabbath afternoons, mid-week prayer meetings, 

nightly worship in the dorms, regular Sabbath 

vespers and services 

• Local Community Service Day 

• Three Weeks of Prayer. 

• Mission trips to Argentina, Equador, Honduras, 

Brazil and New Mexico 

• Disaster relief activities after major storms such as 

hurricanes Katrina and Sandy 

• 43 students have been baptized over the last 

five years 

Over the last five years, 43 students have been baptized, photo by Aaron Cheney. 

Continuous 

Improvement Plan 

The object of education at Shenandoah 

Valley Academy is to develop in our 

students creativity, individuality and the 

power to think, to choose, and to do. 

In meeting our objectives, our students 

will learn to think and act as individuals 

- not mere reflectors of someone else’s 

thoughts and actions. 

OBJECTIVE 1: Spirituality 

Shenandoah students will progress in 

developing a loving friendship with Jesus 

Christ. 

Measurement: Fifty percent or more of our students 

surveyed will indicate that their relationship with Jesus has 

improved this school year. 

OBJECTIVE 2: Relationships 

Shenandoah students will develop strong 

Christian relationships that will guide their 

behavior and service to others. 

Measurement: Ninety percent or more of our students will 

have made a commitment to Christ by the end of each 

school year as evidenced by having been baptized into 

membership of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. 

Instructional Measurement: Ninety percent or more of our 

teachers and administrators will be certified by one or more 

recognized certification organizations by the end of the 2017-18 

school year and evaluated by an outside professional at least 

every two year. 

OBJECTIVE 4: Work Ethics 

Shenandoah students will learn the skills, values, 

rewards and dignity of work. 

Measurement: Eighty percent or more of our students will 

be employed in a meaningful work experience during the 

school year. 

OBJECTIVE 5: Character Development 

Shenandoah students will progress in developing 

their Christian character. 

Measurement: One student will be selected by their peers 

each month in recognition of his/her strength of character 

in the selected trait and one student will be selected by the 

administration and staff from those nine that best exemplifies all 

nine character traits and be recognized at graduation. 

OBJECTIVE 6: Health & Wellness 

Shenandoah students will improve their awareness 

and life-style for health and wellness. 

Measurement: Students will be provided the opportunity 

to take a physical fitness test and receive a recommended 

training program for the year and 60 percent or more of our 

dormitory students surveyed will indicate that our cafeteria is 

providing tasty, healthful foods. 

OBJECTIVE 7: Fun 

Shenandoah students will have fun and be noticeably 

happy, emotionally stable, and confident. 

Measurement: Eighty percent or more of our students 

surveyed will indicate that the school provides opportunities 

for them to participate in enjoyable and fun activities 

throughout the school year. 

OBJECTIVE 9: Enrollment 

Increase student enrollment to 240 students by 2017 

while improving the academic and spiritual qualities 

of our students. 

Measurement: Student enrollment will be a minimum of 200 for 

the 2015 – 2016 school year, 220 for 2016 – 2017, and 240 for 

2017 – 2018. 

OBJECTIVE 10: Development and 

Alumni Relations 

Increase the scope and function of the Development 

and Alumni Relations Office to improve relationships 

and support of Shenandoah Valley Academy alumni 

and other Friends of Shenandoah. 

Measurement: Attendance at Alumni Weekend will increase by 

five percent each year and donations from alumni will exceed 

$300,000 per year. 

OBJECTIVE 11: Indebtedness 

Eliminate SVA’s $1.4 million indebtedness. 

Measurement: SVA’s debt to the Potomac Conference 

Corporation of $1.2 million will be paid in full by December 31, 

2015 and the loan of $230,000 to CURF will be paid in full by 

June 30, 2015. 

OBJECTIVE 12: Budgets 

Develop annual balanced budgets that provide 

adequate staffing and facilities for a quality 

educational program that meets or exceeds our 

stated objectives. 

Measurement: Annual operating and capital budgets will be 

prepared and approved by the Board of Trustees that supports 

SVA’s annual Continuous Improvement Plan. 

44 POTOMAC CONFERENCE CORPORATION OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS 


58 

Lee 

70 

58A 

Wise 

Scott 

71 

63 

58A 

Dickenson 

460 

Russell 

83 

19 

Washington 

Buchanan 

19 

Tazewell 

16 

Smyth 

16 

11 

Grayson 

21 

Bland 

Wythe 

Giles 

Pulaski 

Carroll 

100 

8 

Floyd 

221 

Montgomery 

Patrick 

Craig 

311 

311 

Alleghany 

Roanoke 

58 

Franklin 

39 

220 

220 

Henry 

122 

Bath 

Botetourt 

460 

24 

40 

250 

Rockbridge 

Bedford 

Highland 

43 

39 

Smith Mountain L. 

122 

Pittsylvania 

29 

24 

43 

81 

Augusta 

Amherst 

360 

40 

42 

24 

Campbell 

Rockingham 

Nelson 

501 

29 

42 

Halifax 

250 

60 

Appomattox 

58 

40 

11 

49 

68 

Shenandoah 

24 

6 

340 

Buckingham 

Charlotte 

33 

Albemarle 

Greene 

15 

81 

Page 

15 

55 

Prince Edward 

John H. Kerr Res. 

Madison 

Fluvanna 

Mecklenburg 

Frederick 

Lunenburg 

Cumberland 

47 

Warren 

522 

Rappahannock 

85 

Louisa 

360 

Goochland 

40 

Clarke 

Culpeper 

Orange 

Washington 

229 

64 

Nottoway 

6 

Amelia 

46 

1 

522 

40 

50 

Fauquier 

3 

Powhatan 

46 

7 

460 

40 

6 

81 

Loudoun 

208 

Brunswick 

17 

Spotsylvania 

L. Anna 

3 

340 

Dinwiddie 

Chesterfield 

40 

15 

Stafford 

Hanover 

Frederick 

270 

28 

70 

Montgomery 

7 

Prince William 

207 

Greensville 

95 

58 

30 

5 

35 

3 

Sussex 

301 

Caroline 

Henrico 

King George 

King William 

Southampton 

35 

Fairfax 

Charles 

Prince George 

40 

35 

97 

140 

360 

Essex 

10 

40 

Carroll 

Howard 

Prince George's 

210 

301 

60 

3 

New Kent 

17 

Prettyboy Res. 

30 

95 

Surry 

Liberty L. 

Westmoreland 

King and Queen 

5 

Baltimore 

Saint 

Marys 

James City 

10 

Anne 

Arundel 

64 

83 

Baltimore City 

235 

202 

York 

Isle of Wight 

231 

Richmond 

Calvert 

3 

Gloucester 

Lancaster 

17 

Harford 

2 

Middlesex 

200 

543 

Northumberland 

Mathews 

20 

168 

40 

213 

Talbot 

Dorchester 

To l 

95 

Cecil 

213 

Kent 

301 

213 

Queen Anne's 

404 

Caroline 

Northampton 

50 

Wicomico 

13 

Somerset 

Accomack 

12 

113 

175 

50 

Worcester 

Potomac Conference Corporation Territories 

The geographical territory of the Conference shall be the Commonwealth 16 of Virginia, except Accomack and 

Northampton Counties; the District of Columbia; and those 17 portions of Montgomery and Prince Georges 

Counties in Maryland within a line drawn as 18 follows: Beginning at Mt. Vernon, Virginia, draw a line to 

Piscataway, Maryland; continue Potomac the 19 line Conference northeast to the Corporation junction of Territories Highways U.S. 301 and MD 214; from 

this point, continue the 20 line northwest to the junction of Highways MD 650 and MD 198 (Brown’s Corner); 

then follow 21 MD 650 north to Ednor; follow Ednor Road northeast to the Patuxent River; follow the Patuxent 

The geographical territory of the Conference shall be the Commonwealth 16 of Virginia, except Accomack and Northampton 

Counties; 22 River the District northwest of Columbia; to the Montgomery/Frederick and those 17 portions County of Montgomery line; then and turn Prince southwest Georges along Counties the County in Maryland 23 line within a line 

drawn to as the 18 Virginia/Maryland follows: Beginning State Mt. line. Vernon, The Virginia, territory draw may also a line include to Piscataway, any other Maryland; territory continue as 24 may the hereafter 19 line northeast come to the 

junction of Highways U.S. 301 and MD 214; from this point, continue the 20 line northwest to the junction of Highways MD 650 

and MD under 198 its (Brown’s supervision Corner); by then agreement follow 21 with MD the 650 Union north and to Ednor; the Division. follow Ednor Road northeast to the Patuxent River; follow 

the Patuxent 22 River northwest to the Montgomery/Frederick County line; then turn southwest along the County 23 line to the 

Virginia/Maryland State line. The territory may also include any other territory as 24 may hereafter come under its supervision by 

agreement with the Union and the Division. 

50 

7 

Jonesville 

Pennington Gap 

Inset of Territories in Maryland 

and Washington, D.C. 

15 

Dickerson Barnesville Sunshine 

Germantown 

28 

North Laurel 

Leesburg Gaithersburg 

95 

Montgomery Rockville Aspen Hill 

Loudoun 

7 

Glenmont Calverton 

Potomac Silver Spring 

Reston 

College Park 

McLean 

The Plains 

Forestville 

Fauquier 

Fairfax 

Annandale 

Suitland 

Manassas Park 

Oxon Hill 

Upper Marlboro 

Burke Fairfax Alexandria 

Warrenton Manassas Newington 

Friendly 

Mount VernonPrince George's 

Lake Ridge 

210 

Jeffersonton 

Prince William 

Horsehead 

Woodbridge 

Remington 

Norton 

Big Stone Gap 

Gate City 

Wise 

Nickelsville 

Potomac R. 

Clintwood 

Coeburn 

Haysi 

Trammel 

Saint Paul 

Bristol 

Grundy 

Lebanon 

Mavisdale 

Richlands 

Glade Spring 

Abingdon 

Dale City 

Jewell Valley 

Claypool Hill 

Saltville 

Damascus 

Tazewell 

Marion 

Green Valley 

Damascus 

Dumfries 

Bluefield 

Trout Dale 

Independence 

Bethesda 

Arlington 

Warm Springs 

Abbott 

Troutville 

Virginia 

Lynchburg 

Appomattox 

Pembroke 

Bedford 

Pearisburg 

Salem 

Farmville 

Vinton 

Rustburg 

Pamplin 

Blacksburg 

Roanoke 

Evington 

Moneta 

Burkeville Crewe 

Radford Christiansburg 

Cullen 

Bland 

Boones Mill 

Altavista 

6 5 

Pulaski 

Simpsons 

Charlotte Court House 

Rocky Mount 

Max Meadows 

Penhook 

Drakes Branch 

Wytheville 

Gretna 

Ferrum 

Lunenburg 

Floyd 

Volens 

Ivanhoe 

Fries 

Galax 

Hillsville 

Ararat 

Stuart 

Alleghany 

Woolwine 

Washington DC 

Covington 

New Castle 

Fieldale 

Eagle Rock 

Healing Springs 

Clifton Forge 

Fincastle 

Saint Charles 

Martinsville 

Ridgeway 

Mustoe 

Williamsville 

Buchanan 

Callands 

Monterey 

Craigsville 

Goshen 

8 

Lexington 

Glasgow 

Fairfield 

Buena Vista 

Chatham 

Danville 

Emmitsburg 

Long Meadow 

Rising Sun 

Clear Spring 

Smithsburg 

Taneytown Manchester 

Shawsville Federal Hill Dublin Liberty Grove 

Halfway 

Hagerstown 

Thurmont 

Port Deposit 

Hereford 

North East 

Williamsport 

Union Bridge 

Manor 

Maryland 

Jacksonville 

Chesapeake City 

Boonsboro 

New Windsor 

Bel Air 

Walkersville 

1 

Elk Neck 

Sharpsburg 

Reisterstown Cockeysville 

detail 

Middletown 

Linganore 

Timonium 

Perryman 

Frederick Eldersburg 

Perry Hall 

Burkittsville 

Towson 

Mount Airy Randallstown 

Pikesville Parkville 

Betterton Galena 

Green Valley 

Essex 

Newtown 

Damascus Baltimore Middle River 

Gore 

Ellicott City Arbutus Dundalk 

Melitota Morgnec Millington 

Dickerson Barnesville Sunshine Columbia 

Winchester 

Brooklyn Park Chestertown 

Germantown Montgomery Village Ferndale 

Glen Burnie 

North Laurel Severn Green Haven 

Barclay 

Berryville Leesburg Gaithersburg 

Rock Hall Crosby 

Stephens City 

Rockville Aspen Hill Odenton 

South Gate 

Price 

Henderson 

Glenmont Calverton 

Severna Park 

Centreville 

Strasburg 

Potomac Silver Spring Arnold Annapolis 

Ruthsburg 

Crofton 

Bethesda McLean 

College Park 

Queenstown 

Chester 

Ridgely 

Front Royal 

Reston 

Woodstock 

Arlington Washington D.C. 

Romancoke 

Hillsboro 

The Plains 

Denton 

3 

Forestville Shady Side 

Basye 

Fairfax Annandale Suitland 

Tunis Mills Matthews 

Manassas Park 

Upper Marlboro Wittman 

Oxon Hill 2 

Mount Jackson 

Burke Alexandria Rosaryville 

Fairhaven 

Bethlehem 

Washington Warrenton Manassas Newington 

Friendly 

Neavitt 

Preston 

Mount Vernon Chesapeake Beach 

Federalsburg 

Luray 

Lake Ridge 

Oxford 

Timberville 

Jeffersonton 

Horsehead Lower Marlboro 

Fairbank Trappe 

Woodbridge 

Waldorf 

Hurlock 

Dale CityIndian Head 

Stanley Nethers 

Saint Charles 

Hudson 

Galestown 

Remington 

Dumfries 

Eagle Harbor Prince Frederick 

Syria 

Port Tobacco Village 

Madison 

Culpeper 

Golden Beach 

Calvert Beach Church Creek Vienna 

Harrisonburg 

Lignum 

Stafford 

Bel Alton 

Broomes Island 

Hebron 

Popes Creek 

Bridgewater 

Elkton 

Willards 

Madison 

Hollywood 

Stanardsville 

Fruitland 

Leonardtown 

Toddville 

Berlin 

Grottoes 

Fredericksburg 

Orange 

Nanticoke 

Churchville 

King George 

Lexington Park 

Spotsylvania 

Princess Anne 

Saint Marys City 

Snow Hill 

Staunton 

Guinea 

Hollymead 

Gordonsville 

Wenona 

Montross 

Waynesboro 

Scotland 

Charlottesville 

Bowling Green 

Pocomoke City 

Louisa 

Greenville 

Batesville 

Ewell 

Buckner 

Warsaw 

Crisfield 

Ruther Glen 

Tappahannock 

Heathsville 

Alberene 

Apple Grove 

Chincoteague 

Palmyra 4 

Reedville 

Tangier 

Bloxom 

Scottsville 

Center Cross 

Lovingston 

Ashland Hanover 

Lancaster 

Columbia 

Accomac 

Arvonia 

Goochland 

Glen Allen 

King William King and Queen Court House 

Melfa 

Laurel 

Amherst 

Tuckahoe 

Richmond 

Saluda 

Buckingham Dillwyn 

Powhatan 

Bon Air 

Highland Springs 

New Kent 

Exmore 

Cumberland 

Gressitt 

Ingram 

James R. 

Halifax 

South Boston 

Virgilina 

Clover 

Clarksville 

Chase City 

Boydton 

2 

3 

4 

South Hill 

James R. 

Bracey 

Potomac R. 

Amelia Court House 

Blackstone 

Dundas 

Brodnax 

Alberta 

Lawrenceville 

Triplet 

Conference Area Legend 

1 DC / Maryland 5 

DC Metro Hispanics 

Northern Virginia 

Virginia Capital 

Potomac R. 

Chesterfield 

Colonial Heights 

McKenney 

Petersburg 

Dinwiddie 

Emporia 

Jarratt 

Branchville 

Hopewell 

Prince George 

Sussex 

Disputanta 

Courtland 

Charles City 

Waverly 

Newsoms 

Wakefield 

Williamsburg 

Ivor 

Franklin 

Surry 

7 

Walters 

Smithfield 

Yorktown 

Rushmere 

Isle of Wight 

Whaleyville 

Gloucester 

Suffolk 

6 

7 

8 

Mathews 

Poquoson 

Portsmouth 

Hampton 

Cape Charles 

Newport News 

Virginia South Central 

Virginia Southwest 

Virginia Tidewater 

Virginia Valley 

See inset 

for more 

Norfolk 

Chesapeake 

Eastville 

Virginia Beach 

Ocean City

Kingdom

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?