On March 5, 2025, the Lake Union Executive Committee voted to elect Elden Ramirez as the next president of the Lake Union Conference, effective May 1, 2025.
Debbie Michel
March 6, 2025On March 5, 2025, members of the Lake Union Conference Executive Committee voted Elden Ramirez as president of the Lake Union Conference, effective May 1. Ramirez becomes the first Hispanic and Gen Xer to hold this position in the union’s history.
Ramirez, the 19th president of the Lake Union, succeeds Ken Denslow, who has served as president since 2021.
Reflecting on the transition, Ramirez shared, “It is not easy to see a friend and mentor transition into retirement. I have deep appreciation and respect for Elder Ken Denslow’s leadership and ministry. His steady guidance, wisdom, and Christ-centered spirit have been a tremendous blessing to the Seventh-day Adventist Church and to me personally. His mentorship and friendship have left an indelible mark on my life and ministry.” Ramirez continued, “I am grateful for the years I had the privilege of serving alongside him both at the North American Division and now here at the Lake Union. As we move forward, we do so standing on the foundation of his legacy and those who have faithfully served before us.”
Acknowledging the responsibility entrusted to him, Ramirez expressed his gratitude and stated this is a responsibility he does not take lightly. “I recognize that this work can only be accomplished through God’s blessing and the collective prayers and efforts of my fellow union officers, the dedicated Lake Union team whom I am honored to serve alongside, the officers of every conference within our union territory, and our beloved Executive Committee. My prayer is that, together, we will move forward with faith and hope, trusting that He who began a good work in this great union will bring it to completion.”
Outgoing Lake Union President Ken Denslow remarked positively about Ramirez’s succession: “When you are getting ready to leave a post of responsibility, one can’t help but wonder who will be the successor. I am so pleased that the Lake Union Executive Committee saw Elden Ramirez as the right person to take up the presidency of this great union. Elder Ramirez and I have worked together for a number of years, both here in the Lake Union and at the North American Division. I know him to be a spiritual and wise administrator but also a leader who cares deeply for the well-being of those he serves. I know that he will continue to be a blessing to this field as it carries on its mission to prepare a people to meet Jesus at His coming.”
Adding further affirmation, North American Division President Alex Bryant stated the Spirit of God was clearly present during the meeting, “There was a strong sense of seeking God’s will and His discerning guidance. It was evident by the overwhelmingly strong support for Elder Elden Ramirez that God has chosen him to lead this territory in these perilous but exciting times to proclaim the everlasting gospel and Christ’s soon return. With the strong support of his colleagues and the committee, I have no doubt that, by God’s grace, the Lake Union will continue to be a tremendous beacon of hope and light for God and His Church as Elden takes up the reins of leadership.”
Ramirez brings extensive leadership experience to the role. He joined the Lake Union as executive secretary in 2021, previously serving as undersecretary for the North American Division (NAD) since October 2020, where he oversaw Secretariat functions, including general calls and policy development. Prior to that, Ramirez was elected president of the Montana Conference in 2017. From 2013 to 2017, he directed the NAD’s Office of Volunteer Ministries, guiding student missions and serving as a resource for Adventist higher education institutions across North America. He also previously served as youth director for the Central California Conference (2005–2013), and earlier, from 1996 to 2004, ministered as a pastor, church planter, and departmental director in the Iowa-Missouri Conference.
Fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, Ramirez also has expertise in graphic design, media content creation, and radio and television production. He is married to Jenny, a registered nurse, and together they have two daughters, Elennie and Jasmine.
Please keep Elden and his family in prayer as they embark on this significant chapter of ministry in the Lake Union.
Debbie Michel is editor of the Lake Union Herald.
