ARTICLE

Introducing the Main Speaker for the 2026 Adventist Ministries Convention

December 18, 2025 | Personal Ministries | Ontario Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church

The Ontario Conference is pleased to announce that Pastor Dwain Neilson Esmond, M.A., PhD Candidate, will serve as the main speaker for Friday evening and Sabbath morning at the 2026 Adventist Ministries Convention, taking place March 13–14, 2026, in Richmond Hill, Ontario.

Pastor Esmond is a respected author, editor, and ordained minister within the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He currently serves as Associate Director and Editor of the Ellen G. White Estate, where he oversees the preparation and publication of Ellen White–related content and contributes to strategic planning for the global church.

Born in Guyana, Pastor Esmond immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of ten, settling in New Jersey. He has dedicated decades of service to Adventist media, leadership, and spiritual formation. From 2002 to 2013, he served as the first African American Editor of Insight Magazine, a publication for youth and young adults. He later served as Vice President of Editorial Services at the Review and Herald Publishing Association from 2010 to 2014.

Since 2015, Pastor Esmond has also served as the global evangelist and lead for the “Back to the Altar” worship initiative, an emphasis focused on restoring personal and family devotional life and renewing commitment to daily worship.

Academically, Pastor Esmond earned a Bachelor of Arts in English, History, and Political Science from Oakwood University (1990–1994), followed by a Master of Arts in English Literature from Pittsburg State University (1994–1995). He is currently pursuing a PhD in Leadership, with research centred on innovation in missional organisations.

A prolific writer, Pastor Esmond has authored more than 350 publications, including several best-selling young adult devotionals, such as:

• 24/7/365: One Year in the Word
• Can You Hear Me Now?
• As I Follow Christ: 20 Essentials Every Leader Should Know (General Editor)
• Jesus: Name Above All Names (2021 Ellen G. White Devotional)

Pastor Esmond is married to Kemba M. Esmond, and together they have one son, Dwain Jr. Beyond his professional ministry, he has a deep passion for mentoring young people. A former avid intramural basketball player, a significant Achilles injury became a turning point that redirected his focus toward health, healing, and spiritual restoration.

We look forward to the inspiration, insight, and spiritual leadership Pastor Esmond will bring to the 2026 Adventist Ministries Convention.

To register and for more details, visit www.AdventistMinistriesConvention.ca.

Early Bird registration cost: $80.00 per person (ends Feb. 9, 2026)

Regular rate: $100.00 per person (ends Feb. 28, 2026)