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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

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

“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

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 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

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

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 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

Gender Statistics in the Adventist Church

Have you ever wondered what our worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church membership looks like in regards to gender and age? The Annual Statistical Report (ASR) presents all kinds of membership information collected from around the world. Statistics on baptisms, tithe returned and offerings given, and membership numbers are just a few of them. The recent 2021 ASR added a new table (Table 20, p. 14) and several graphs (pp. 5-6) on gender statistics. Today we will examine these gender statistics and look at some interesting findings

Women’s Involvement in the Adventist Church

International Women’s Day was observed in many countries on Tuesday, March 8, 2022. On this day, people express their appreciation of what women do for us and celebrate the successes and achievements of women worldwide. According to the 2021 Annual Statistical Report (ASR), the percentage of women inside the Adventist Church is higher than that of men. Women are an integral, important part of the Body of Christ and a central part of churches’ function. The Bible tell us in Proverbs 31:30b NKJV:”…a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.” How is the gender distribution in your local church? How do the women in your congregation experience spirituality? How do they live out their faith? Are they actively involved in your local church ministries? Today, we will examine research findings on the involvement of women in the Adventist Church.

What are the Objectives and Philosophy of Mission-Effectiveness Evaluation?

Did you know that it has already been more than ten years since the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists has commissioned the Office of Archives, Statistics, and Research (ASTR) to conduct and coordinate research in different areas of church life and ministry? Church leadership recognizes the need for professional research into the operations of organizations and programs, to determine the effectiveness of initiatives established to fulfill specific purposes within the overall mission of the Church. How do you feel about the evaluation and assessment of church programs? Do you agree that church programs and initiatives should be evaluated? Do you know if your church program is effective? Do you conduct regular assessments to know where you could improve?

Involvement of People with Disabilities in the Church (Part 2)

Have you ever considered how God is able to use anyone, even in spite of their weaknesses? When we look at the story of Moses in Exodus 4:10–12, we discover that Moses thought he had a good understanding of his limitations, but God had other plans for his life. Once Moses got out of his own way and let God work, he was led to do amazing things. This story reveals of how God can use anyone to do something great. Today, we take a closer look at some research findings from the 2017-18 Global Church Member Survey that examines church involvement of people with disabilities.

Involvement of People with Disabilities in the Church (Part 1)

Have you ever wondered if people with disabilities feel valued in their local church? Are they invited and enabled to participate in church ministries? The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 12 that everybody is needed in the Body of Christ. No matter how we feel about ourselves – insignificant or significant – God calls us to be an active part in His church. We won’t know if someone is capable in a specific area of church ministry until we give people a chance to participate in church ministry and mentor them as needed. Today, we like to look at some research findings from the 2017-18 Global Church Member Survey that examines church involvement of people with disabilities.

Applying to Daily Life! Research Data from the East-Central Africa Division

There’s an old children’s worship song by Rob Evans (better known to many as the “Donut Man”) that goes like this: I like the Bible! I like the Bible! Cuz I read it, and I do it! I read it, and I do it! You can hear the full song here.[1] For many in their … Continued

Christ’s Method in the Trans-European and Inter-European Division

How well do we know our neighbors or the people living across the street? Do we know them well enough to know what their needs are? Are we able to meet their needs? As a new year has begun, let us explore ways to get to know our neighbors and co-workers better. Jesus understood that the best way to reach people was to get to know them and their needs on a personal level before trying to reach them spiritually. How do members of the Adventist Church measure up when it comes to imitating His example today? In this blog, we will examine data from the Trans-European (TED) and Inter-European (EUD) Divisions on this topic.

South Pacific Division: Commitment to Adventism and Understanding God

What is your perception of God? Is He a distant God to you, who seems to make your life difficult? Is He a friend to you, someone who is by your side in good and in bad times? How does this perception effect you and your relationship with God? Are you eager to spend time with Him or is spending time with God the last thing on your mind? Throughout the Bible, we see that our God is a personal God. He desires a close, intimate relationship with all people, but how do people respond to a personal God? And how does this impact their commitment level to Him and to His Church? Have you ever wondered, whether church members around the globe hold the same beliefs as you. In today’s blog, we will examine survey responses from Adventists living in Oceania, down under. We will see how their understanding of a personal God impacted the faith of church members in the South Pacific Division.

Guests Welcome! The Prevalence of Pastor, Elder, and Member Home Visits in the SUD

How important is church community to you? Do you like to visit other church members and spend time with them? Do you know people that feel alone and isolated, especially during this holiday season? Can we make them feel included? In a recent blog, we saw that members in the Southern Asia Division (SUD) demonstrate a strong commitment to engaging in church community life, including involvement in church ministries, prayer meeting attendance, and sharing meals with other church members. In today’s blog, we will look at research findings on the prevalence of home visits from pastors, elders, and church members in the same Division.

North American Division Beliefs Regarding the State of the Dead

We were created for life. But death has been with us ever since sin entered the human world. We have been confronted with it, especially during these last two years, as it has been on the front page of the news. Covid-19, different kinds of sickness, accidents, and violence have been the cause for the loss of many loved ones. Have you been wondering about death and what happens after someone dies? Let us examine some research findings regarding the beliefs on the state of the dead in the North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Global Beliefs Regarding the Second Coming of Jesus

How do you feel about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ? Do you believe He will return soon? Since the Covid-19 pandemic arrived, many people have wondered if Jesus’ Second Coming will occur soon? The Bible tells us many things about Christ’s return. Revelation 22:12, KJV states: And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. Matthew 24:23, KJV states: But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. Let us explore some research findings on how Adventist church members worldwide feel about Christ’s return.

Leadership Qualifications and Teamwork in the Southern Asia-Pacific Division

How do you feel about the leadership in your local church? Do you believe they are qualified to lead your church? Do they work together as a team? The Bible reminds us many times about the value of teamwork. Today’s blog explores research findings on how church members in the Southern Asia Pacific Division (SSD) feel about their church leadership’s qualifications and teamwork.