Called, Formed, Sent: Metro East Gathers for Regional Camp Meeting 2026
Posted: August 26th, 2026
Hundreds of members and visitors representing the 16 churches of the Metro East Region gathered at the Canada Event Centre in Whitby on Sabbath, August 15, for the 2026 Metro East Regional Camp Meeting—a day of prayer, worship, biblical reflection, music and fellowship centred on the theme “Called, Formed, Sent.”
The gathering marked a significant moment for the region. With the Ontario Conference camp meeting taking on a new format this year, moving from the traditional large gathering at the International Centre to regional camp meetings. Metro East churches had an opportunity to worship together in a setting designed and coordinated specifically for their region.
A Region Growing and Called to Mission
The day began with an hour of prayer before transitioning into Sabbath School programs for children and adults.
Before the adult lesson review, Pastor Chris Johnson presented a snapshot of the Metro East Region’s membership over the past decade. The statistics showed steady membership growth through baptisms, professions of faith, and membership transfers, while also underscoring the ongoing importance of evangelism and membership retention.
The presentation provided an appropriate backdrop for the day’s theme. Growth was something to celebrate, but the mission remained unfinished. Being called into the church was only the beginning; as disciples, we have been formed and sent by Christ to reach others.
Still Being Formed
Music and worship set the atmosphere for the midday service, but one of the day’s defining messages came from guest speaker Dr. Gregory Carrol.
Drawing from Peter’s experience, Dr Carrol emphasised that Peter had already been called, had walked with Christ, witnessed His miracles, and loved Jesus—and yet he was still being formed.
That process of formation became particularly evident when Peter, in his attempt to defend Jesus, cut off the ear of Malchus. Dr. Carrol used this biblical encounter to challenge the congregation to consider how Christians can sincerely believe they are defending Christ while their actions actually make it more difficult for others to hear Him.
“We can love Jesus… and even try to defend Jesus while still wounding people in His name.”
Peter’s actions carried a deeper lesson: in attempting to defend Jesus, he cut off the very thing Malchus needed in order to hear Jesus.
The message turned the biblical account into a challenge for the church today. Christians may not physically cut off ears, but harsh words, judgmental attitudes, loveless truth, and pride can wound others and diminish their willingness to hear the gospel.
Dr. Carrol summarised the challenge in a memorable appeal:
“The call of the kingdom is not to cut off ears. The call of the kingdom is to make sure that people can hear, because you can be right in what you say, but wrong in how you say it.”
It was a reminder that Christian formation involves more than knowing the truth. Those who are called by Christ must continually allow Him to transform the way they represent Him to others.
Called Despite Our Weakness
The theme continued during the afternoon Bible Class, where Elder Ted Rhoden led an interactive study centred on the story of Gideon.
Through Gideon’s experience, the congregation was reminded that God calls people even in their weakness, that His strength is not dependent upon human scale or resources, and that having faith does not mean the absence of fear.
The message spoke directly to the responsibility contained within the final word of the camp meeting theme: Sent. Christians are not required to possess perfect strength or complete confidence before responding to God's call. Instead, they are called to move forward, trusting in His strength.
Dr. Mansfield Edwards further emphasised the shared nature of that mission, reminding the congregation that “The Saviour’s commission to the disciples included all believers” and not merely a select few.
His statement invited self-reflection: if the commission includes every believer, then every believer must consider his or her role in fulfilling it.
A Message to the Next Generation
Young people also played an important role in the day's activities.
The Adventist Youth program was engaging and interactive, with participation extending beyond the youth to members of different generations.
During the session, Dr. Carrol returned with another message, warning young people and the wider congregation that “Satan’s ultimate aim is for God’s people to lose control.” He reminded them, however, that when they walk in obedience, the Holy Spirit gives them power to exercise self-control.
The message reinforced the day's broader emphasis on spiritual formation. God's call is not merely an invitation to belong; it is an invitation to surrender to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.
Ending in Praise
As the day drew toward its conclusion, the Canada Event Centre was filled with music during a grand spiritual concert featuring music ministers from across the Metro East Region.
The concert created an atmosphere of praise and worship for those gathered in person as well as those viewing online, bringing a fitting conclusion to a day that had begun in prayer and continued through preaching, teaching, fellowship, and music.
For Metro East, however, the significance of the gathering extended beyond the day's program. As the Ontario Conference transitioned this year from its customary large camp meeting at the International Centre to regionally organised gatherings, the August 15 event represented Metro East's first camp meeting of its kind. Members expressed appreciation for the planning, organisation, and seamless execution of the program.
During the vote of thanks, Pastor Jayson Levy, lead coordinator for the camp meeting, thanked God for allowing the many aspects of planning to come together. He also expressed appreciation to the pastors, church leaders, members and volunteers, both visible and behind the scenes, whose contributions helped make the gathering possible.
Ultimately, the success of the day extended beyond those who planned it. To God be the glory! As members returned to their respective churches, the three words that framed the gathering also provided a challenge for what comes next:
Called. Formed. Sent.
Called by Christ. Continually formed into His likeness. And sent to ensure that a world that desperately needs to hear Him still has ears to hear.
Troy Clarke
Elder, Scarborough Seventh-day Adventist Church
Metro East District Representative, Ontario Conference Network of Adventist Communicators
* Photos courtesy of Troy Clarke