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
Our last few blogs (found here, here, and here) have examined different elements of growing in spiritual maturity.In addition to the Faith Maturity Index, which measures specific qualities of religious life, researchers under the direction of the General Conference Office of Archives, Statistics, and Research also surveyed members on the Intrinsic and Extrinsic religion scale as … Continued
Have you ever met someone who is really passionate about climbing mountains? If you have, then you’ll know that they are always excited to conquer the next peak, seek the next thrill, and take on the next challenge. They don’t simply climb one mountain and say, “Well, that’s enough. I’m done. I’ve climbed enough and … Continued
When you love someone, it’s hard to hide that love. We see this when a bride and groom gaze into each other’s eyes as they say their vows; when a parent snuggles their newborn baby during those first, precious days; when an older couple sits wordlessly together, simply happy holding hands. Yes, when you love … Continued
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” ( John 15:12 NIV) What does it really look like to love others as Jesus loves us? We see this important principle reiterated throughout the Bible; we are commanded to demonstrate the love of Jesus in the same way He showed it to … Continued
Many Seventh-day Adventists feel very strongly about the importance of educating our children in denominational schools; while public schools may do a fine job educating children’s minds, they often neglect a wholistic education—specifically, they neglect training children spiritually. Adventist schools, however, strive to give children a well-rounded education, with a focus on spiritual matters. One … Continued
In our last blog, we spoke about a study that examined Seventh-day Adventist young people across the United States to find ways we might encourage them to stay in the church. This time we will look at a survey that examines former or inactive Adventists around the world who have stopped attending their local church … Continued
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