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The 10/40 Window: Statistics

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

Barriers to Giving

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

Adventists: The People of the Book?

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

Seventh-day Adventist Church Member Involvement in Adventist Education

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

Global Views on Characteristics of a Good Pastor

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

The Purpose of Business-Related Adventist Institutions: A Kingdom Focus

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

Global Research: Extrinsic and Intrinsic Religiosity

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

Continuing to Climb: Faith Maturity Scale

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

Growing into Spiritual Maturity

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

Ministering as Christ Did

“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

Adventist Education and Views on Salvation

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

The Importance of Support Systems at Church

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

Connecting at Church: Young People

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

Can Discipleship Be Measured? Quantitative Research in the SPD

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

Qualitative Research on Discipleship in the SPD

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

The Role of Thinking Climate in a Local Church

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

A Warm Church Part 2: The Early Church Model

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

A Warm and Caring Church Part 1

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

Continued Church Attendance

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

Drawing in New Church Members

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