Research on the subject of church warmth suggests that relationships are central to the “church” experience, but there appears to be a mix of conflict and lack of connection across various aspects of church life that have driven many of our church’s young people away from it. Even with a superficial understanding of the role … Continued
When you hear the word “grow,” what comes to your mind? Many people will think of something related to nature such as a garden or flowers, or maybe the way in which a tiny seed can grow into a majestic tree. Or, perhaps you think of human growth; for example, the way a baby grows … Continued
As Jesus ascended into Heaven, having wrapped up His work on earth, His final words were ones of not only comfort but also of instruction. He commanded His followers to make disciples. And extraordinarily, Jesus’ final words still impact us today. For had it not been for the early believers following His instructions, none of … Continued
A personal relationship with Jesus Christ – a relationship that is cultivated through one-on-one time with Him through Bible Study and prayer – is central to a strong faith, but there are many aspects of corporate worship and church life that also work to strengthen the individual’s commitment to God. This is due in part … Continued
There is so much we can learn about what a warm, inviting church should look like when we reflect on the early church. The book of Acts 2:42-47 tells us: They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the … Continued
We live in a time where it seems as if you can read reviews on everything. If you are shopping online, you can read what others have said about a product you’re interested in. If you are looking for a hotel while traveling, you can see how other travelers have rated a place that you … Continued
Our last blog looked at what factors initially attract members of the Adventist Church to their respective congregations. With many local churches experiencing member drop-out (known as the “leaky bucket syndrome”) and much lower weekly attendance numbers than book membership, one might question what factors keep members coming back to their congregations week after week. As … Continued
When you consider what brought you into the church you currently attend, what comes to mind? Were you drawn in by the pastor’s meaningful sermons? Perhaps it was the familial atmosphere in the church community? Was it an active children’s ministry? For each of us, there is likely something very specific that first drew us to the church we … Continued
The 2018 Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association Conference will be held at Andrews University, May 16-20. To access the conference schedule go to https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/ahsra/ AHSRA Conference 2018 – Early Bird Registration Early Bird registration for May 16-19, 2018 Conference of Adventist Human Subject Researchers Association “Our Research Data Makes a Difference: Transforming the Church and Community” ( https://www.ahsra.net) ends on April, 15, … Continued
Have you ever noticed how money is a topic that no one wants to talk about? A conversation can be sailing nicely along, but then the topic of finances comes up and suddenly things come to a screeching halt. Or, perhaps when you’re in church, you remain tuned in until the church budget is discussed … Continued
The holiday season is upon us; wherever you look, you are reminded of Christmas. Perhaps it’s bright, twinkly lights and candles decorating every surface. Maybe it’s nativity scenes set up – either indoors or out. Or, sadly, it might be more secular symbols of Christmas, such as reindeer and elves. The Christmas season provides the … Continued
Why do you go to church? While the question may seem simple enough on the surface, when you get down to the heart of the matter, you must ask yourself what role corporate worship plays in your spiritual life. While there are some who ignore the importance of worshipping together in a church setting, Paul … Continued