Across the Southwestern Union, we share one mission: to reveal Christ through lives of service, compassion, and authentic connection. Each conference and congregation carries out that mission in its own setting, but none of us carry it alone.

In the Texas Conference, we have expressed this shared commitment through the theme “Together as One.” Its call to unity in purpose, clarity in mission, and collaboration across diverse communities extends far beyond any one conference. It aligns closely with the General Conference’s All Things New initiative and can be expressed through a simple and powerful cycle: create, share, connect.

These three words describe a rhythm of ministry accessible to everyone. They also reflect Christ’s method as Ellen G. White describes in The Ministry of Healing: “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me.’”

Mingling sets the tone for authentic engagement. Jesus listened, cared, and built trust before He invited anyone to follow Him. We embrace that same posture. We need to mingle.

Create With Purpose

First we create, producing content that reflects our mission. Creating content is not evangelism by itself, but it is a vital way to present our message with clarity and hope. Our churches are already doing this by sharing videos, testimonies, sermon highlights, and more. By creating, we make the Gospel visible.

Share What We Have

The second part of the cycle is share. Our stories, sermons, ministries, and testimonies should not remain within the walls of our churches. They should be shared. 

Forward a devotional, repost a church event, hand someone an invitation, or tell a friend about what inspired you. When we share, we multiply mission. We extend the reach of the Gospel far beyond our own circles.

Connect With People

We are living in a time when social media and artificial intelligence are contributing to increased isolation. People are more connected digitally but more disconnected emotionally. Loneliness is rising. The need for genuine human relationships is growing. 

This reality gives us a profound opportunity. Our friendships, whether one-on-one, in small groups, or in the life of the congregation, are becoming more essential than ever. When we connect, we meet people where they are. We listen. We care. We build relationships. And it is in those relationships that evangelism naturally takes place.

Together as One

The cycle is simple: create, share, connect. But its impact is deep. When we mingle, create, share, and connect, we embody the mission of Jesus. And when we do it “Together as One,” God uses our unity to make “All Things New.”

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By Ismael A. Castillo, PhD, president of the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists in Alvarado, Texas. This appeared in the November/December 2026 issue of the Southwestern Union Record. Click here to view the Record online.