At the Click of a Button—Data on Social Media Usage

At the Click of a Button—Data on Social Media Usage

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok are a few examples of social media platforms. How do you feel about social media? Do you see it as a resource to reach and influence people? Are you curious about what age group of Seventh-day Adventist Church members uses social media the most? What about apps? Are you familiar with the Bible Trivia Heroes App? What about the Sabbath School App? Do you use it? Let’s explore some research findings on social media and other digital resources. ­

Church Locations of the Global Survey Participants: What do These Data Mean? Part 2

Church Locations of the Global Survey Participants: What do These Data Mean? Part 2

Does a church’s location impact its outreach into the community—specifically to non-Adventists? Could it affect how Adventist church members interact with people outside the church walls, how they form friendships, and how much they serve in the community? Jesus mingled with people seen by the Pharisees and society as unclean. How does your local congregation feel about mingling with the unchurched? Let us examine some research findings on this topic.

Church Locations of the Global Survey Participants: What do These Data Mean? Part 1

Church Locations of the Global Survey Participants: What do These Data Mean? Part 1

When you consider the “ideal” setting for a church, what do you picture? Do you envision a large church downtown in a big city? Do you picture a small, rural church? While you may have a clear idea of what the perfect church looks like, many Seventh-day Adventist Church members don’t have a choice when it comes to the church they attend; they simply attend the church that is closest to them. However, have you ever considered the impact that church location might have on both church ministries and outreach? Let’s explore some research findings regarding this topic.

Are Adventists Happy and Grateful People?

Are Adventists Happy and Grateful People?

The apostle Paul told us to rejoice always, in good times and difficult circumstances. Are we taking these words to heart? If so, does that make us happier and more grateful people? The Global Church Member Survey 2017–18 (2017–18 GCMS) asked multiple questions that assessed not only members’ emotional state (i.e., happiness) – but also their levels of gratitude. Let us explore some research findings on this topic.

My Church and its Reputation in Community, Part 2

My Church and its Reputation in Community, Part 2

The apostle John depicted a scene about heaven in the book of Revelation that made one thing very clear: the people group in heaven will be as diverse as the world’s population. God asked us to partake in the creation of this beautiful picture. Being involved in the community through outreach activities is an important element in showing people Christ’s love. But how are we doing in building personal relationships with them? Do you have friends that are non-Adventists? Are you building personal relationships with non-Adventists? Or are you only associating with them because you want to convert them? Let us explore some research findings from the 2017-18 Global Church Member Surveys on this topic.

My Church and its Reputation in Community: Part 1

My Church and its Reputation in Community: Part 1

In the book of Revelation, a beautiful picture is painted of Heaven. People of every nation, tribe, people, and language are standing before Jesus, shouting praises to Him. Does this picture give you goosebumps? The apostle John’s depiction of this scene in heaven makes one thing very clear: the people group in heaven will be as diverse as is the world’s population. However, we cannot dream of achieving this diversity if we neglect being involved in the community. This does not just mean simply conducting outreach through evangelism, but through other forms, as well. Becoming involved and relevant in the community is an important first step to bringing new faces into the family of God. Are you proud of your church and its reputation in the community? How do you think other Adventists feel about their churches? Let us look at some research findings from the 2013 and the 2017-18 Global Church Member Surveys on this topic.

Helping Each Other to Grow Spiritually

Helping Each Other to Grow Spiritually

“When a person becomes a Christian, he doesn’t just join a local church because it’s a good habit for growing in spiritual maturity. He joins a local church because it’s the expression of what Christ has made him—a member of the body of Christ.” – Mark Dever What does being a member of the body of Christ mean to you? In Galatians 6:2, we are told: “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” What does this look like practically? Have you supported another church member who struggled not only with day-to-day burdens but with spiritual burdens as well? Do Adventists around the world bear one another’s burdens? What has the Global Church Member Survey discovered? Today we will examine some research findings regarding this topic.

Global Perspectives on Righteousness by Faith and the State of the Dead

Global Perspectives on Righteousness by Faith and the State of the Dead

How well do you understand the principles of the Scriptures that are fundamental to our Church? Do you hear sermons on various topics that are applicable to your daily life and help you to better understand such principles? Today we like to take a closer look at some specific findings that were revealed through the 2017-18 Global Church Member Survey on the topic of misunderstood doctrines. Are topics like the State of the Dead and Righteousness by Faith truly understood by Adventist church members around the world? Let’s take a look.

“The Sabbath Was Made for Man:” Global Perspectives on Sabbath-keeping

“The Sabbath Was Made for Man:” Global Perspectives on Sabbath-keeping

The Sabbath is central to Seventh-day Adventists; in fact, it is so important that it is part of our name! From the very beginning of time, God set the Sabbath apart as a day of rest and restoration: physical, mental, and especially, spiritual. When Jesus spoke on this topic, He emphasized what a gift the Sabbath is, saying, “…The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath” (Mark 2:27, KJV). God knew how busy we would become and how desperately we would need time to reconnect and refocus. How do you feel about the Sabbath? Does it help you to deal with stress? Are you glad you received this gift? Let us explore how Adventist church members worldwide feel about the Sabbath.

Global Prayer Meeting Attendance Trends and Belief in the Power of Jesus’s Name

Global Prayer Meeting Attendance Trends and Belief in the Power of Jesus’s Name

Do you pray for others? Have you experienced the power of prayer in the name of Jesus? In Matthew 18:20, KJV, Jesus promises that “…where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Do you believe that? Do you pray for and with others during a prayer meeting? Do Adventist church members worldwide believe in the power of prayer? Let us explore some research findings regarding prayer in the name of Jesus.

The Importance of Prayer

The Importance of Prayer

How important is prayer to you? Do you pray daily or once in a while? How do you meet your day-to-day challenges? Prayer is a vital part of spiritual growth. It connects us to our Heavenly Father and helps us grow in Christ. The apostle Paul called us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess 5:17 KJV). Prayer has become a subject of scientific research. Seventh-day Adventist Church members were asked questions regarding prayer and the findings of the 2017–18 Global Church Member Survey (GCMS) may surprise you.

“The Type of Church I Attend:” Preferences in Church Size and Setting by Age

“The Type of Church I Attend:” Preferences in Church Size and Setting by Age

The 2017–2018 Global Church Member Survey (GCMS 2017–18) was conducted globally to understand different aspects of church life. One area studied was the impact of church size on different aspects of church life. A total of 63,756 surveys were collected. While the opinions of survey participants were subject to the participant him- or herself, these … Continued

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