Pursuit Worship was officially organized as a church of the Carolina Conference during a special service on June 6, 2026, as members, guests, and Conference leaders gathered to celebrate the congregation’s new chapter.
Brad Cauley, Carolina Conference vice president for administration, participated in the service, which formally recognized Pursuit Worship as an organized Seventh-day Adventist congregation. The action will be presented to delegates for affirmation at the next Carolina Conference constituency session in August 2027.
The service highlighted what members described as God’s leading throughout the congregation’s journey, which began April 6, 2019, when a young adult ministry known as Psalm 704 launched at Sharon Church in Charlotte, N.C. Five years later, the group was voted into company status, and members signed a company charter during a special service at Sharon Church on September 21, 2024.
After months of prayer for a permanent location, Pursuit Worship began meeting in its current facility February 1, 2025. The congregation continued to emphasize prayer and spiritual growth, including a 26-day prayer initiative in January 2026, during which members prayed for people who had not yet joined the Church family.
During the organization service, members reaffirmed the fundamental beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and participated in a responsive reading expressing their commitment to the Church’s mission. Ryan Hodgins, pastor of Sharon Church and Pursuit Worship, welcomed attendees and reflected on the congregation’s growth and purpose.
In the keynote message, Cauley challenged members to remain focused on reaching people for Christ. Referencing Luke 19:10 and Matthew 9:37-38, Cauley reminded the congregation that God’s mission is centered on seeking and saving the lost, and that many people are ready to receive the Gospel.
Cauley encouraged members to build intentional relationships with those around them, describing the church as a “friendship factory” where connections can lead people to Jesus.
Several members shared personal testimonies during the service. Malik and Stephanie recounted meeting Chris at a local gym, while searching for a more personal church experience. Although Malik and Stephanie initially had questions about Sabbath worship, they found a welcoming church family at Pursuit Worship. Both were eventually baptized, and their nephew now attends as well.
A commemorative plaque was presented to Ryan Hodgins to mark Pursuit Worship’s official church status, and the Conference presented a $1,000 gift to support future ministry initiatives. Brian Aalborg, lead pastor of Sharon Church, offered a prayer of dedication, and church leaders were recognized for their service.
As Pursuit Worship begins this new chapter, members expressed their commitment to continuing the mission that has guided the congregation since its earliest days: building relationships, making disciples, and sharing the hope of Jesus throughout the Charlotte community.
Carolina | August 2026
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