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A Global Look at Wholistic Health Sermons and Tobacco Use
World No Tobacco Day is celebrated each year on May 31. This special day, organized by the World Health Organization (WHO), informs the public on the dangers of using tobacco, the business practices of tobacco companies, what WHO is doing to fight the tobacco epidemic, and what people around the world can do to claim … Continued
Adventist Children: Worldwide Data on Transmission of Faith
We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done. – Psalm 78:4 (ESV) The transmission of faith from one generation to the next is one of the most important jobs a parent can have. The Bible tells us this … Continued
Love and Care in the Global Adventist Church
By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. – John 13:35 (ESV) Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. – Ephesians 4:32 (ESV) Throughout the Bible—especially in the New Testament—we see command after command to love and … Continued
A Global Look at Churches That Plan Family Activities
The pastor and local church leaders are entrusted with the responsibility of providing carefully planned Sabbath activities for children, youth, adults, and the elderly; and for families and singles, emphasizing the importance of making the Sabbath a day of joy, worship, and rest. Church activities should complement, rather than replace family and home activities.[1] The … Continued
Age Statistics in the Adventist Church
In the recent 2022 Annual Statistical Report (ASR), we published data on the age of our church membership for the first time. The age profile of church members has been a common statistical question posed to us, and we are pleased that we can now begin answering it, thanks to the increasing use of membership … Continued
Worldwide Participation in Communion
Participating in communion is an important time of remembrance and reflection for Adventists. The 28 Fundamental Beliefs share just why this practice is so important: The Lord’s Supper is a participation in the emblems of the body and blood of Jesus as an expression of faith in Him, our Lord and Savior. In this experience … Continued
Pastor and Elder Visits: Global Data and Trends
Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. – James 5:14 (ESV) Church member visitation is an important task for pastors, elders, and other lay leaders. While the circumstances for visitation may differ, … Continued
A Snapshot of Local Church Involvement: Holding a Church Office
Those in the church who have sufficient talent to engage in any of the various vocations of life, such as teaching, building, manufacturing, and farming, generally should be prepared to labor for the upbuilding of the church by serving on committees or as teachers in Sabbath schools, engaging in missionary labor, or filling the different … Continued
Happiness and Life Satisfaction: A Look at Data by Division
Happy are the people whose God is the LORD. – Psalm 144:15 (NKJV) You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. – Psalm 16:11 (NKJV) What makes us happy? For years, researchers have tried to answer that question. Is happiness centered … Continued
The Link Between Health and Eschatology: Part 2
In our last blog, we examined how members around the world adhere to distinctive Adventist beliefs—specifically, maintaining a vegetarian/vegan lifestyle and their agreement with specific Adventist eschatological beliefs. Yet, have you ever considered that there might be a link between these eschatological beliefs and adherence to Church mandates on health behaviors? Diet and Eschatology When … Continued
The Link Between a Healthy Diet and Eschatology: Part 1
The Seventh-day Adventist Church is proud to hold unique understandings and interpretations of biblical concepts. It is with this distinctive perspective that the 28 Fundamental Beliefs were developed. In this two-part blog series, we will examine global perspectives on two of these areas—health and eschatology—and discover an interesting link between the two. Adherence to Vegetarianism … Continued
Ministry in Urban Areas: A Special Calling
In our last blog, we looked at data from the 2017–18 Church Leadership Survey on this topic: “Family Sacrifice and Support of Ministries of Adventist Church Leaders.” This survey was commissioned by the General Conference and was conducted in all Divisions. The survey examined different aspects and experiences of being a church administrator. This blog … Continued
The Call and The Cost: Family Sacrifice and Support of Adventist Church Leaders
The Bible talks about leaders of courage, discipline, determination, and obedience. God blessed them.
Mission to the Cities and Centers of Influence: Global Knowledge of and Participation in the General Conference Initiatives
Did you know that the General Conference organizes and promotes a number of global initiatives? These are designed to encourage and grow the faith of members, as well as reach others with the good news of the hope that can be found in Jesus. In the 2017–2018 Global Church Member Survey (2017–18 GCMS), survey respondents … Continued
Adventist and Christian Radio: Church Members’ Listening Habits
Have you ever considered the impact of Adventist and Christian radio on believers worldwide? Today, in addition to the thousands of Seventh-day Adventist radio stations in all continents of the world, there are also countless Christian radio stations available worldwide. This means that members and nonmembers—followers of Christ and those who do not yet know … Continued
Adventist TV: Church Members’ Viewing Habits
Have you ever heard of Hope Channel? How often do you watch it? What about other Adventist television programming? Hope Channel launched in 2003 and today is a global network with 70 channels and growing, each creating content in its own local language. According to their website (n.d.), “Hope Channel offers programs on wholistic Christian … Continued
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
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
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?
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.