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WAD BIBLE CONFERENCE AFFIRMS REMNANT AS A PEOPLE COMMITTED TO GOD’S WORD, NOT AN EXCLUSIVE INSTITUTION

Posted on Juin 29 2026

WAD BIBLE CONFERENCE AFFIRMS REMNANT AS A PEOPLE COMMITTED TO GOD’S WORD, NOT AN EXCLUSIVE INSTITUTION

Dr. Frank Hansel of the General Conference Biblical Research Institute calls the church to faithful, humble mission ahead of Christ’s return

By Josephine Akarue

BABCOCK UNIVERSITY, Nigeria — July 5, 2026 — Fidelity to Scripture, not institutional boundaries, defines the remnant people of God, declared Dr. Frank Hansel of the General Conference Biblical Research Institute at the West Central Africa Division Bible Conference and Leadership Summit this week.
Speaking on Identity & Mission of the Remnant under the general theme of the Summit theme, “Grounded in the Bible, Focused on the Mission,” held at Babcock University Amphitheatre, from June 28 – July 5, 2026, Dr. Hansel clarified a distinction he said is critical for the church’s witness: “We are part of a remnant church, not the Remnant Church, because God has His children in other churches as well, and even in other religious movements.”
His presentation drew attention to key theological points:

1. The Remnant Transcends Borders: Hansel stated that the biblical concept of the remnant “goes far beyond a community name or church building.” It refers to people committed to God’s Word wherever they find themselves. He noted that Muslim worldviews and other religious movements are not discriminated against in God’s sight, because “only He knows every heart that is truly seeking Him” and will gather all who belong to Him before His coming at the last day.
2. Heart Change Precedes Cultural Change: He emphasized that the church’s goal is not first to reshape social or political culture. “If hearts are changed by Christ, people will naturally seek to do what is right. Culture follows conversion, not the other way around,” Dr. Hansel said.
3. Baptism and Responsibility: Affirming Seventh-day Adventist practice, Dr. Hansel said, “Christian baptism is never invisible. At baptism, we are publicly joined into the body of Christ.” That public entrance, he added, carries weight: “The remnant concept puts us in a position of great responsibility to prepare souls for the kingdom of Christ, reminding us of who we are and our responsibility to do that work.”
4. New Scholarly Resource: Delegates were also alerted to a new volume from Pacific Press, edited by three scholars, which examines the remnant theme in greater depth and contributes to the wider church conversation.

“The posture for this moment is faithful, not exclusive. Urgent, not arrogant,” Dr. Hansel concluded. “We are called to be part of God’s remnant people — and to help gather others, whoever and wherever they are, for the last day.”
The WAD Bible Conference and Leadership Summit convened pastors, educators, administrators, and lay leaders across the West African Division to study Scripture together and re-align ministry priorities with mission.

  Josephine Akarue
Deputy Director of Communication,
Media and Branding department of Babcock University.