For many, the Christmas season is a time of year centered on Santa Claus, Father Christmas, or Saint Nicholas; on beautifully decorated Christmas trees and festive display of lights; and most of all—on gifts! Amidst the commercialism and chaos of the season, it becomes easy for the greatest gift of all—our Savior, Jesus Christ—to be … Continued
From 2017 to 2018, several research teams composed of Adventist researchers from around the world conducted a survey of Seventh-day Adventist church members around the world, commissioned by the General Conference. This study, known as the Global Church Member Survey (GCMS) is conducted every five years, and is designed to examine and analyze church members’ … Continued
When Ellen G. White wrote down her visions and spiritual inspirations from God many years ago, it is unlikely that she could have fathomed the broad reach that her writings would have today. However, her writings have helped to form much of the foundation upon which the Seventh-day Adventist Church has been built. As of … Continued
In a previous blog, we examined a phenomenon within the Adventist Church known as “the leaky bucket syndrome.” Church members – particularly young people – are leaving the Adventist church in concerning numbers. A 2014 report Leaving the Church by the Office of Achieves, Statistics, and Research examined different elements of former Adventists’ relationship with … Continued
Since Old Testament times, God’s people have been commanded to give tithe – one tenth of their annual produce or earnings – to the Lord. There are many stories in the Bible that tell of the blessings received by those who faithfully gave their tithe, as well as the punishment received by those who did … Continued
Several blogs ago, we examined the special potential that Adventists have when sharing the Good News of Jesus with Muslims. In that blog, we pointed out cultural similarities that give Adventists a strong connection with followers of Islam. Whenever we seek to reach those who are part of another culture or faith, it is vital … Continued
As Seventh-day Adventists, we have placed all of our bets on Jesus’s second coming. In preparation, we’ve been charged with preaching the gospel to all nations around the world and, year after year—congregations and church leadership alike—sit down to strategize for ways in which we may fulfill that mission. Given how much attention, talk, and … Continued
While it may seem easy to honor God in some ways, others may seem more difficult. Through the Bible, we see reminder after reminder that we can honor and praise Him through our finances. In a previous blog we examined factors that motivate people to give to church missions. However, one might ask, what are the … Continued
While most Christians would likely say that their faith has nothing in common with Islam, the truth is there are some commonalities. A recent (2018) presentation by Petras Bahadur—director of the Global Center for Adventist Muslim Relations— to the Global Missions Issues Committee examined these, along with the special potential that Adventists have in witnessing … Continued
There’s no doubt about it: education is often an indicator of the trajectory one’s life will take. As Reggie McNeal writes in his book Kingdom Come: “…No other endeavor covers as much of the human landscape as education. Every life and health indicator is tied to education: jobs, wellbeing, family, even church attendance. When we … Continued
Throughout the Bible – especially the New Testament – we see the characteristics of a strong spiritual leader spelled out. Paul, in particular, had a lot to say on the subject. However, when the rubber meets the road, how do church members perceive their pastor is doing when it comes to these traits? Is he … Continued
Adventists have a unique model of ministry. They use many methods – including those outside the four walls of the church – to bring new members to Adventism and win hearts for the Lord. This ministry model includes the use of publishing houses, which manufacture many types of religious publications that are instrumental in spreading … Continued