Abraham J. Jules, a fourth-generation Seventh-day Adventist, knew as a young child that he wanted to be a pastor, and he credits pastoral work for preparing him for leadership. “I value my 38 years as a pastor in preparation for what I do now. Pastoral leadership alone allows you to work with people, systems, [and] with higher organizations. The successes, the failures, and the challenges have all been a part of my growth and development as a leader. And for that, I praise God.”
Jules transitioned from a pastoral role to the presidency of the Northeastern Conference, which provided additional preparation for his current position as Atlantic Union Conference president—a role he took on after being elected in June 2024. (See July/August 2024 Gleaner.) Self-described as having a relational leadership style, Jules recognizes the need to gain the confidence of those he serves. “The union has to ensure it is doing its part to assure the men and women in [conference] leadership that we are there for them. We are here to help with resources, whether financial or with expertise in any area, and provide guidance in decision making.”
WHAT IS DIFFERENT ABOUT BEING A UNION PRESIDENT?
The nature of responsibilities that fall on a union president differs significantly from those of a conference president. “The local conference president is involved with every aspect of the local conference: churches, institutions, and hundreds of employees,” says Jules. Jules explains that much of what the president does at the union level involves numerous meetings and weighing in on church policy at the conference, union, division, and world church level. “The union president sits on every committee above him and every committee beneath him,” says Jules, whose role places him in a position to be a resource to conference administrators — presidents, secretaries, and treasurers — which, in turn, affects churches and education systems. “It’s very busy,” he adds.
FUTURE PLANS AND HIS VISION
Jules’ top two plans for his first year as president involve evangelism and the Atlantic Union College campus. He recognizes that plans are not made in a vacuum. “I have some plans in my mind, yet they will be shaped, formulated, developed, and interpreted as I meet with our [conference] presidents and the [Atlantic Union Conference] Executive Committee because it’s important for them to also buy into them.”
EVANGELISM
When talking about evangelism, Jules’ face lights up. Sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ and baptizing men and women into the family of God is something truly dear to his heart and will be the main emphasis for him as president. “We will continue to push evangelism as the mainstay,” says Jules. “It’s the reason why we exist [as a church]. As a president and pastor, I’ve always prioritized evangelism because I understand why we are in this role—to make disciples for Jesus Christ. If we lose that [goal] and get comfortable just enjoying church life and church services, we are just where the devil wants us to be. He wants to distract us so he can destroy us. So, I will keep [evangelism] as a priority next year.”
Part of Jules’ vision for the upcoming year involves the Atlantic Union being heavily engaged in Pentecost 2025—an endeavor introduced by the North American Division for church leaders and members alike to seek the Holy Spirit’s power and mobilize for evangelism, holding at least 3,000 “proclamation initiatives,” encompassing the compassion, teaching, and discipling ministries of Jesus. Already, Jules has met with conference presidents who report that hundreds of churches and ministries around the Atlantic Union are signing up, ready to participate in Pentecost 2025.
The Atlantic Union Conference seeks to support the six conferences in the territory by encouraging evangelism and supporting evangelists. “We will be working through our presidents and personal ministries leaders in our local fields because, as a union, we don’t go into the field and do anything, but we work through the leadership and help establish leadership.”
A supporter of using modern means to spread the gospel, Jules is excited about finding unique ways to advance God’s work. He is working closely with David McKenzie, Atlantic Union Conference Adventist Youth Ministries director and assistant to the president for Evangelism and Mission at Home, to utilize digital media as part of Pentecost 2025 in the Atlantic Union.
ATLANTIC UNION COLLEGE CAMPUS
Weeks into his presidency, Jules began establishing a committee to ascertain what was available on the Atlantic Union College property. Before the fall executive committee meetings, he will continue meeting with this committee to look further into the academic offerings available, which were in line with what was previously started by former Atlantic Union president Pierre Omeler before he accepted a position at the General Conference.
“I would like to do something. There are a lot of people who have an attachment to this place. Adventism began in this area. This was our union school, and we were all so sad when it closed. I will do everything in my power if it’s feasible, workable, viable, makes sense, and something we can afford,” says Jules.
The most considerable challenge is addressing the financial losses the Atlantic Union faces relating to the existing buildings on the campus. He continues to meet with Atlantic Union Conference administrators Ted A. Huskins, executive secretary, and Elias F. Zabala, Sr., treasurer, on this matter. “I have been praying much for guidance from the Lord while talking to different individuals,” says Jules.
MOVING FORWARD
Within the first few weeks of his presidency, Jules visited several camp meetings around the Atlantic Union to meet some of the more than 137,701 members in this territory comprised of the six New England states, New York, and Bermuda. “I love being with people,” Jules exclaimed. “Whenever I get to meet with the constituents, I embrace that opportunity.”
As he looks to the future of the Atlantic Union Conference, Jules sees many opportunities. “I think the biggest opportunity is for us to be a unified body, and out of that will grow a sense of mission that we’ll do together as we become relevant in this post-modern and post-Christian age.” He adds, “I still believe that God is about to do something marvelous for His church. Here in the Atlantic Union, where the Adventist Church began, I believe that God wants to pour out His spirit and do something amazing and we are going to get excited about the work of God again. I claim it; I pray for it; I believe it will happen!
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Debra Banks Cuadro is the Atlantic Union Conference communication director and Gleaner editor.
