Arts and Humanities Commons^™

Editorial, Bruce L. Bauer

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

These international contributions are important because mission in the Adventist Church is a shared task with more of the Adventist divisions becoming sending divisions.

Full Issue

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

This issue of the Journal of Adventist Mission Studies marks a high point in Adventist missiological literature, for all the authors of the articles reside outside of North America.

Correlating Text With History: A Critique Of Method In Daniel 11: 2b-25, Sungjin Kim

Dissertations

The Topic

Daniel 11 is the most detailed and complex historical prophecy in the book of Daniel, inviting a wide range of interpretations. Based on the chapter’s complexity, scholars from different schools have developed divergent readings grounded in their own methodological approaches and theological presuppositions.

The Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the interpretive differences in Daniel 11 among three representative scholars—John J. Collins (preterist), J. Paul Tanner (futurist), and William H. Shea (historicist). It examines the methodological and presuppositional factors that contribute to these differences and proposes strategies for reducing interpretive divergence through more consistent and …

Navigating Big Data In Cyber Archaeology: An Updated Four-Field Approach Applied To San Miceli, Jared Wilson

Dissertations

Problem

This dissertation examines the evolving role of digital technologies in archaeological research, focusing on the management and interpretation of extensive digital datasets generated by modern excavations. Drawing on six years of comprehensive fieldwork at San Miceli, Sicily, this study critically evaluates and updates the established four-field methodology proposed by Levy et al. (2012), encompassing acquisition, analysis, dissemination, and curation. While traditional archaeological documentation methods rely heavily on analog techniques, these approaches increasingly fall short due to the rapid expansion and complexity of digital data.

Method

To address this gap, the dissertation refines and expands the current methodological framework by …

Perceived Social Support And Religious Attitudes As Correlates Of Spiritual Well-Being Among Senior Undergraduate Students At Northeast Brazil Adventist University, Hebert Davi Liessi

Dissertations

Problem

Even though the study of spirituality has been a recurrent theme in academia, in Brazil there has been little emphasis on the analysis of spiritual well-being in the context of university students. Few studies have examined the correlation of spiritual well-being with perceived social support or religious attitudes among university students, and most of these have been in the fields of health care or health recovery. Some research has indicated that religious attitudes may be partially disconnected from improvements in the level of spirituality. -- This study aimed to verify whether this disconnection is real or relevant, and assumed …

Talk Like An Egyptian: Egyptian Influence And Appropriation In The Book Of Exodus, Dorian W. Alexander

Dissertations

Problem

It is an inarguable truth that ancient Egypt has left a legacy upon world culture. However, the one area of Egyptian influence and legacy that remains to be studied in greater scholarship is the Bible. While many have made observations in effort to detract from and even outrightly refute any Egyptian influence on the Bible, one merely need read through any number of passages in the Bible (particularly the Old Testament) to witness just how large of an imprint is made upon it by ancient Egypt.

Method

Within just the limits of the book of Exodus alone, one finds …

Mansiones: A New Look At Mansio Archaeology In Light Of San Miceli And Household Archaeology, Christopher Randall Chadwick

Dissertations

Problem

The identification of mansiones in the archaeological record has proven difficult, if not impossible. One factor contributing to the problem has been focusing on typological and descriptive studies in order to identify the functional characteristics of mansiones. Another has been the lack of any explicit method and theory for interpreting the functional characteristics of the archaeological data related to mansiones. Both of these factors have been observed in the recent excavations at San Miceli.

Method

Due to the functional nature of mansiones, there is a need to reevaluate current paradigms for interpreting the archaeological data related to mansiones. One …

Towards A Missiological Model For Reaching East Indian Muslims For Christ In Kwatta Of Suriname, Kenneth Rigobert

Dissertations DIS

The presence of Seventh-day Adventists in Suriname dates to 1894, but there is no evidence, either in literature or field research, of any specific plan or missional thinking focused on the Adventist mission among East Indian Muslims in Suriname. The field research highlights some significant missiological challenges faced by the Seventh-day Adventist mission in Suriname that account for its slow numerical growth. These missiological challenges include: (1) a lack of committed and dedicated indigenous leaders; (2) inappropriate training given to the indigenous people for the mission in Suriname's multicultural and multilingual dynamics; (3) unsuitable missional methods for Suriname’s multicultural and …

Impact Of Medical Mission In Sub-Saharan Africa: History And Present Implications, Olaotse Obed Gabasiane

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

Early medical missionaries and gospel workers understood the importance and place of health, especially in view of the counsel of Ellen White when she suggested that medical work is “the right arm of the gospel.” Intuitively, this remains the case, even during these end times. This calls for the Adventist Church and its health system to look into effective ways and means to save the hospitals that face existential issues and help them return to effective ministry in their communities. However, the old model of running hospitals could also be improved by considering some of the suggested recommendations. The Divine, …

The Massai People And Wealth: A Stewardship Of Totality, Youssry Guirguis

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

The concept of wealth among the Massai people differs significantly from the traditional understanding in contemporary societies. To the Massai people wealth is not measured by money as commonly perceived by people today, but rather exhibits itself by land, social status, and livestock. This article examines a few terms used by the Massai people to define the idea of wealth in order to comprehend their unique cultural dimensions. Terms that are related to wealth will be investigated, such as “land” (enkop), “red God” (enkai Nanyokie), “black God” (enkai Narok), “cattle” (inkishu), “goats and sheep,” “wealth” (emali), and “dowry” (Inkishu/ Olpisiai). …

The Growth And Decline Of The Seventh-Day Adventist Church In The Southern Asia Division From 1997–2021, Solomon Renati

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

Based on literature from journals, books, and archival research, this article offers an overview of the membership growth and decline in the Indian Adventist Church in the Southern Asia Division (SUD). This article reviews the numerical data for church membership of the SUD as available from the website of the Office of Archives, Statistics and Research (ASTR) at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, the trends in church membership, and the evidence for growth, stability, and decline. The article focuses on church growth and decline by observing the annual church statistics from 1997 to 2021.

From Consumers Of Mission To Contributors To Mission, Silvano Barbosa

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

Seventh-day Adventists in many parts of the Global South have been able to plant self-governing, self-sustaining, and self-propagating churches. One of the immediate results of this successful missionary and evangelistic work has been an explosive growth in membership and financial resources. More importantly, they have given evidence of intense passion, growing qualifications, and remarkable capabilities for international missions. For this reason, leaders of the church in those regions should continuously work on expanding their mission-sending structure to allow young people, professionals, and pastors to fulfill the cross-cultural missionary call the Holy Spirit places on their hearts.

Spiritual And Theological Foundations For A Contextual Ministry For Muslims, Andrews Mondal

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

This article explored a contextual ministry’s spiritual and theological foundation by referencing Old and New Testament passages. It emphasized the importance of faith, obedience, forgiveness, inclusivity, and spreading God’s love universally. The article discussed influential figures such as Paul, Peter, and Ellen White and their contributions to sharing the gospel and incorporating faith into everyday life. It also touched on the importance of interacting with Muslims, the transformative impact of encountering Jesus and the significance of medical ministry work in demonstrating Christ’s love.

A Qualitative Study On The Cultural Adaptation Process Of Adventist Volunteers In Central Asia, Cecilia Nanni

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

The cultural adaptation process for the volunteers who participated in this study follows, according to their own perceptions, a progressive sequence of five stages: Awe/Confusion, Denial, Observation, Integration, and Habituation. As shown, this process is not without difficulties and negative feelings such as confusion, discouragement, sadness, anger, and rejection, which are inherent to the processes of uprooting and cultural change. However, it is evident how experiences evolve as time passes, culminating in acceptance, learning, comfort, adjustment, and adaptation.

Modelo Contextualizado De Discipulado Integral Através De Pequenos Grupos Para A Região Leste Do Brasil, Moises Moacir Da Silva

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The Adventist Church (and the Christian Church in general) has the great challenge of leading God's flock to spiritual growth and presenting the fruits of this development. These fruits are measured in the areas of faithfulness, mission, Bible study, participation in activities and worship, among others. -- Within this framework, the Church (in many places) began to worry about filling a calendar with various activities and felt fulfilled by providing members with the feeling that there was growth, since they participated in numerous activities - many of them simultaneously. -- This understanding that being busy brings spiritual growth led …

Teologia A Serviço Da Missão: Uma Análise Da Conexão Entre A Teologia E A Prática No Seminário De Teologia Do Unasp Campus Engenheiro Coelho, Evandro Carlos Favero

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

This dissertation investigates the possible dichotomy between academic theology and pastoral practice, questioning whether there is, in fact, a separation between the role of the theologian and that of the pastor, as well as between the formative ideals of the seminary and ministerial reality. If such a division is confirmed, formal theological study could be considered secondary for the exercise of pastoral ministry. However, if theory and practice are understood as integrated and inseparable dimensions, theological training becomes essential for all who aspire to ministry, requiring training institutions to provide preparation that unites knowledge, vocation, and mission. -- Assuming …

Programa Para Fomentar Las Disciplinas Espirituales En La Iglesia Adventista Del Séptimo Día De Forest, Mississippi, Hugo Gomez

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The absence of a program focused on fostering spiritual disciplines within the Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist Church of Forest, in the Meridian District, has led to limited awareness of the importance of essential practices such as prayer, Bible study, fasting, singing, and worship gatherings. As a result, the practice of these disciplines has been affected, thus missing out on valuable opportunities for spiritual growth and a deeper communion with God.

Method

This program, which falls under the field of applied theology, follows an “action research” design, as the director was not limited to observation but also participated as an active …

Programa De Evangelismo A Través De Las Redes Sociales En Tucson, Arizona, Cesar Sanchez

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The Northwest Adventist Church (IAN) in Tucson, Arizona, faces challenges in maintaining a meaningful missional presence within the local community. Despite the growing importance of digital platforms as communication tools, the church has neither developed nor implemented a comprehensive evangelism program that utilizes social media, nor has it provided a training program in this area. This lack of a digital program may be limiting its capacity to attract new members and to increase its relevance in today’s world. Without an appropriate intervention, the church risks continuing to miss opportunities to fulfill its evangelistic mission effectively.

Method

This project employed …

An Urban Discipleship Model For Young Adults Of The New Jersey Conference Of Sda Churches, Carl Rodriguez

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem.

The New Jersey Conference Young Adults Department presented three challenging areas to resolve before becoming a vibrant ministry: (1) a leadership succession pathway to train and develop state and area coordinators to plan regional and Conference-level events and initiatives; (2) training, nurturing, and discipling local church young adult leaders to discover their spiritual gifts while providing opportunities to serve; and (3) uniting the different young adult cultural groups to work together as a community of believers.

Method

A new urban approach was used to aid in changing the course of the Young Adults’ ministry for the New Jersey Conference. …

Developing And Implementing A Course On Homiletics To Enhance The Preaching Of The Seventh-Day Adventist Pastors In The Western Ontario Region, Laurentiu A. Prelipcian

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Pastors in the Western Ontario region are divinely entrusted with the responsibility of delivering contextually relevant sermons that foster spiritual growth and inspire transformation within their congregations. While these ministers are deeply committed to their calling and possess substantial theological training and pastoral experience, the continually evolving field of homiletics and the shifting expectations of contemporary audiences requires renewed engagement with current preaching methodologies. For many, formal instruction in homiletics iii occurred decades ago, and opportunities for sustained exposure to emerging current preaching strategies have been minimal or nonexistent. This project seeks to address this critical deficiency by designing …

Seminar On Biblical Hermeneutics For The Leaders Of Seventh-Day Adventist Churches In North Dallas, Texas, Evelio Miranda Páez

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The district of McKinney, Lewisville, and Grand Prairie South in North Dallas, Texas, evidences a significant lack of training in biblical hermeneutics among its leaders. This deficiency limits their capacity to understand Scripture faithfully and to provide sound guidance for the congregations. The absence of hermeneutical competence is reflected in four main areas: ignorance of the basic principles of interpretation, lack of methodology for narrative texts, inadequate criteria for complex passages, and insufficient understanding of apocalyptic prophecy, which is central to Adventist identity. As a result, leaders struggle to apply consistent hermeneutical practices in both personal study and ecclesial …

Programa Para Formar Líderes Jóvenes En La Iglesia Adventista Del Séptimo Día Hispana De Fresno, Edward Alexander Charles Smith

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist Church of Fresno faces a significant challenge in developing trained youth leaders capable of directing and sustaining the Youth Ministry. Despite having a large and active membership, the church lacks a structured leadership development process for young people between the ages of 18 and 35. This deficiency resulted in the inability of the Nominating Committee to appoint a youth director due to the absence of adequately prepared candidates. The lack of intentional leadership formation has limited the involvement of youth within the congregation.

Methodology

This Doctor of Ministry project employed an applied ministry approach focused …

Transforming Pathfinder Acculturation Gaps: Confronting Intergenerational Cultural Conflict Between First- And Second- Generation Immigrants With Family Strengthening Workshops Among Scottish Mission Pathfinders And Their Parents, Njabulo King Ndlovu

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The immigrant population in the UK is rapidly increasing along with correlated increases in the membership of both the British Union Conference (BUC) and the Scottish Mission (SM) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The Scottish Mission Pathfinder clubs (SMPCs) have many immigrant children. However, as immigrants’ home culture comes into continuous contact with the British culture, acculturation gaps between first- and second-generation immigrants tend to form naturally as a result of the differing pace with which these two generations acculturate. Adolescents are generally thought to adapt quicker. Parent-child miscommunication and disagreement on critical matters such as values, beliefs, and …

Leading The Church Out Of White Supremacy And Toward Biblical Justice And Reconciliation: A Leadership Approach Using The Arc Model, Keenan Tyler

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Seventh-day Adventist church members need to be equipped to respond faithfully to injustice in their communities, beginning with an understanding as to how to respond to systemic racism rooted in White Supremacy.

Method

This Doctor of Ministry project implemented an adapted form of Jamar Tisby’s ARC model—Awareness, Relationships, Commitment—contextualized for a Seventh-day Adventist theological and ecclesial setting. The immediate goal was to move beyond raising awareness of racial injustice to equipping congregations to actively resist systemic racism and dismantle the lingering influence of white supremacy in church life and mission. Over six interactive sessions, 18 participants engaged in historical, …

A Cross-Cultural And Inter-Ethnic Awareness Strategy For Members Of Ipswich, Colchester And Clacton Adventist Churches, Robin Johannes Lewis

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The three multicultural, multi-ethnic (MCME) churches in my district were facing tension among members from diverse cultures, ethnicities, countries of origin, and languages. Factions formed cliques and vied for leadership roles, while some groups appeared to dominate the worship services. Certain members became upset when people with difficult accents from specific language groups led out in services and could not be understood. Others shared their distinctive foods only within their own groups. Some members felt isolated and believed they lacked a voice.

Method

Nine seminars and workshops were organised to raise awareness among the MCME congregants about the causes …

Estratégia De Discipulado Para Crescimento Com Retanção De Membros: Um Estudo De Caso Na Igreja Adventista Do Sétimo Dia De Vilas Do Atlântico, José Wilson Da Silva Barbosa

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Since 2013, the Vilas do Atlântico Church has seen above–average growth compared to other churches in the Bahia Conference. However, at the same time, there has also been a significant attrition of members. This likely occurred because the local church lacked a discipleship strategy for growth and member retention. Although the evangelistic strategy produced significant results, it lacked a broader vision of discipleship as a process, both cognitively and relationally. Considering this, a discipleship strategy for growth and member retention was developed for this church, starting in 2022. This strategy sought to answer three questions. The first two refer …

Developing A Mentoring Model For Nurturing Worship Leaders In The Berrien Springs, Michigan Area, Jonathan Paul Rosengren

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Pastoral observation suggests that the use of worship leaders in the area of music is gaining prominence in Adventist churches today. However, because this is a relatively undefined ministry, worship leaders often lack spiritual preparedness and support for ministry in the local church.

Method

As a pastor I want to learn from worship leaders so I can help develop mentoring models that nurture their calling and ministry. The theological basis for nurturing worship leadership is based on a Seventh-day Adventist understanding of worship being central to the everlasting gospel of Revelation 14:6-7. In a practical sense, two theological stories …

Volunteering And Spiritual Practices: A Cross-Country Analysis In The Seventh-Day Adventist Context, Elbert Kuhn

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

Although the number of Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) volunteers worldwide has increased dramatically, the Church continues to face challenges in engaging people, particularly young adults, in volunteer and mission projects on a global scale. While interest in volunteering is growing, especially in countries within the southern hemisphere, the percentage of participation remains disproportionately small in comparison to the global church membership. Given this disparity, there is a pressing need to research the impact of the volunteer experience on spiritual practices and discipline. Understanding how volunteering influences young adults’ spiritual growth is critical to developing strategies that can effectively engage more …

The Mordecai-Esther Mentorship Initiative: A Cross-Gender Mentorship Model For Commissioned Female Pastors In South Central Conference, Latina Carriger

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

In the South Central Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (SCC), while male pastors receive formal mentorship through the ministerial internship program leading up to ordination, female pastors—who are only commissioned and not ordained—often experience a lack of continued mentorship beyond commissioning. This absence hinders their professional development, limits leadership opportunities, and contributes to feelings of isolation. The current mentorship framework does not adequately support the ongoing growth of female pastors in a context where ordination is not extended to women, thereby creating a gap in pastoral leadership development and equity.

Method

This project utilized a qualitative case study design to …

Conectados Para Crescer: Um Modelo De Capacitação De Discipulado Em Rede Para Aspirantes Ao Ministério Pastoral Da Associação Pernambucana Central, Everon Dias Donato

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem

The Central Pernambuco Conference (APeC), the regional headquarters of the Seventh-day Adventist Church (SDA) based in inland Pernambuco, Brazil, develops discipleship as one of its work programs through an organic network of leaders in small groups. -- However, pastoral ministry interns who join this region annually do not receive adequate training contextualized to the specific demands of the APeC discipleship network, which compromises the effectiveness of the initiative. -- Given this scenario, this study focused on developing, implementing, and evaluating a proposal for ministerial training that is contextualized to prepare pastoral ministry interns in the context of the discipleship …