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The Worldwide Church: Views on Creation

As a child, it is likely that many of us read (or had our parents read to us) the biblical account of creation. It is also likely that many of us accepted with “child-like faith” the idea that God could create an entire world in a literal six days, comprised of 24 hours each. Separating … Continued

Commitment and Satisfaction in the Adventist Church

In the New Testament, we are reminded over and over that the church functions like a body (1 Cor. 12:12-31, Rom. 12:4-5, Eph. 4:16). Just as each body part has its own function and purpose, each member of a church has a role, playing an important role in the overall function and health of the … Continued

Global Trends on Alcohol and Tobacco Use

Since alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and the irresponsible use of drugs and narcotics are harmful to our bodies, we are to abstain from them as well. (28 Fundamental Beliefs, 2015)1 Our recent blog examined global diet trends within the Adventist Church. Today we go one step further by examining church members’ habits when it comes to the … Continued

Earthly Families: A Reflection of the Family in Heaven

Last Sunday (May 12), countless Americans, Europeans, and many others celebrated Mother’s Day and will be preparing to celebrate Father’s Day next month (June 16). For many, this time of year is filled with nostalgia and memories of loving parents, accompanied by cards and gift giving. However, for others this time of year can be difficult, bringing to … Continued

Global Data on Church Members and Diet

In our last blog, we talked about the importance of the Health Message and the way people understand its purpose around the world: one of its key aspects is the emphasis on a clean and healthy diet. While the Adventist Church does not ban the eating of meat, many Adventists choose to adopt this lifestyle. … Continued

Global Data on Church Members and the Adventist Health Message

While the Adventist Church does not mandate a specific diet as a requirement for members, it does encourage a healthy diet. In fact, one of the 28 Fundamental Beliefs of the Adventist Church, states: “Along with adequate exercise and rest, we are to adopt the most healthful diet possible and abstain from the unclean foods identified … Continued

Childhood Adverse Experiences, Mental Health, and the Adventist Church

The issue of mental health has long been hidden in the darkness. A certain stigma—a negative one—has been associated with the topic, making it a social taboo. However, in the last few years, mental health advocates have been working hard to bring this topic into the public eye. Celebrities, athletes, and other public figures are, … Continued

AHSRA Conference 2019

The 2019 Adventist Human-Subject Researchers Association Conference will be held at Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama on May 15-18. We invite you to submit a proposal for a presentation on any area of human-subject research. Please note that submissions for an oral presentation must be made by March 22, 2019. For additional 2019 conference information and presentation … Continued

New Data: Views on the Doctrine of the Sanctuary

If you were asked to explain the investigative judgment and the Adventist doctrine of the sanctuary, would you even know where to begin? While this topic is widely accepted in Adventist churches, it is a complex concept. The teaching, however, sets the foundation for many other Adventist beliefs and reinforces many ideas upon which the … Continued

Global Trends on Family Worship and Prayer Meeting Attendance

Ellen White penned the above words over a hundred years ago (in 1902), but how much truer they ring today! While the home was originally intended to be a safe haven, a quiet oasis from the chaos of the world, for many it is not. Instead of being a place where families can come together … Continued

Global Survey: Sabbath School Habits

When Sabbath morning arrives after a long, hard week, have you ever been tempted to sleep a little longer, barely making it to church on time? Have you rationalized the necessity of showing up at Sabbath School – or even justified your kids missing out on their Sabbath School class? Instead of viewing Sabbath School … Continued

New Data from Global Church Member Survey: Views on State of the Dead

Our last blog examined a recent (2018) study commissioned by the General Conference of SDA, which asked church members to respond to statements on the consciousness of the dead, as well the concept of a soul living on after death (click here to see our previous blog with some data on these issues).  As you … Continued

Global Views on the State of the Dead

When compared to other Christian denominations, Adventists have a unique perspective on death. Most other denominations believe that a person—or at least their soul—goes to heaven when they die. However, according to the 28 Fundamental Beliefs, Adventist believe that: The wages of sin is death. But God, who alone is immortal, will grant eternal life … Continued

Global Views on the Sabbath

Have you ever sung the lyrics of the hymn quoted on the right, standing alongside of your fellow church members? It is a powerful experience! The seventh-day Sabbath is one of the key pillars of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and is one of the beliefs that sets it apart from other Protestant denominations.  In 2013, … Continued

Keep CHRIST in CHRISTmas

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

Global Trends on Bible Reading and Devotional Practices

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

The Writings of Ellen G. White

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

The Importance of Mentoring

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

Tithing: A Growing Trend

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

“Being” Church in Buddhist Societies

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