08/23/2026
HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI — August 23, 2026 — The Hawaiʻi Conference of Seventh-day Adventists celebrates with gratitude the faithful ministry of Pastor Erik VanDenburgh, who has been elected to serve as Vice President for Administration and Secretary of the North Pacific Union Conference during its 2026 Constituency Session.
Pastor VanDenburgh has faithfully served the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Hawaiʻi first by investing seven and a half years into the next generation through his leadership as Youth Director and for the past four and a half years, serving as President of the Hawaiʻi Conference.
Throughout his ministry in the islands, Pastor VanDenburgh has demonstrated a deep love for people, a commitment to the local church, and a passion for advancing the mission of Jesus throughout Hawaiʻi. His leadership has helped strengthen pastors, educators, churches, schools, ministries, and communities across the Conference while encouraging a continued focus on reaching people with the Everlasting Gospel.
Among his many contributions, Pastor VanDenburgh has been instrumental in renovation projects and improvements at Camp Waianae, helping to strengthen this vital ministry space for generations to come. Pastor Erik played a key role in coordinating hands on support and assistance for residents and communities impacted by the devastating Lahaina fires, helping mobilize the Conference’s response during a time of tremendous need. He has also provided meaningful leadership in strengthening the Conference’s financial position while helping initiate important conversations focused on long-term sustainability and greater support for all Conference employees.
The Hawaiʻi Conference is also deeply grateful for the VanDenburgh family and the many ways they have shared in ministry alongside Pastor Erik.
While this transition brings a season of change for our Conference, it is also an opportunity to celebrate what God has accomplished through Pastor VanDenburgh’s leadership and to support him as God calls him into a new area of service.
On behalf of the Hawaiʻi Conference family, we extend our heartfelt Mahalo to Pastor Erik VanDenburgh, Jana, Jacob, Joel, and Jaben for their faithful service, friendship, leadership, and commitment to the mission of the Church in Hawaiʻi.
We pray God’s continued blessing over Pastor VanDenburgh as he begins this new chapter of ministry with the North Pacific Union Conference. You will be greatly missed.
Our Conference Executive Committee will meet on August 30th, 2026 to thank Pastor Erik and start discussing the process and plans for this next season of new leadership in accordance with our bylaws.
Mahalo, Pastor Erik and family, for faithfully serving Hawaiʻi.
Hawaiʻi Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
