Christian Denominations and Sects Commons^™

Experiences Of Youth And Young Adults’ Engagement In Sabbath School, Jharony Fernandez-Gibbs, Deslynne Roberts

Seminary Scholarship Symposium

Sabbath School has been an established program for spiritual growth, faith development and relationship building for congregants of the Seventh-day Adventist Church (SDA), yet youth and young adults experience different levels of engagement in Sabbath School. Concerns from the North American Division Youth Ministry Department report an increased lack of engagement from youth and young adults attending Sabbath School programs. Similarly, many young adults question whether Sabbath School is essential in their walk with God. Consequently, a recent survey conducted on the campus of Andrews University obtained insight from youth and young adults about their Sabbath School experience. Emerging results …

Innovative Evangelism, Part 2: An Opportunity To Be Creative, S. Joseph Kidder, Kristy L. Hodson

Faculty Publications

"Most evangelistic ventures that have lasting results take time—months and maybe even years before you see the fruits of your investment. This is consistent with any type of relationship—they take time and effort to mature. “Relationships are like bank accounts: They don’t just happen.” All evangelism takes intentionality and should be done out of love for God and humanity and a desire to connect the two. The lack of an immediate result is not a sign of failure because evangelism is not about us—but about God. "

Overcoming Barriers To Effective Missions, Kelvin Okey Onongha

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

"Much today is known regarding the Great Commission of Christ to the church before his ascension for which every member is called to actively engage in missions until Christ’s Second Coming. The Greek word ethne, translated in English as “nation” is better understood as people groups (Matt 28:19). The challenge and responsibility of the Adventist Church, therefore, is to reach the diverse and numerous people groups proximal and distant, by employing all possible means and methods that God has provided for this task. The assignment undoubtedly may appear daunting, however, it still is “mission possible.” For this goal to be …

A Biblical Approach For An Inner Healing Discipleship Cycle For Migrants And Refugees, Diói Cruz

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

"Within the Adventist Church many immigrants struggle silently with the consequences of emotional pain, fear, failure, anxiety, stress, inadequate parenting, rejection, and abusive relationships. Many try to cope with the ongoing results of involvement in the occult or other false religions, and the effects of physical illness, accidents, and trauma continue to impact their lives. It is God’s desire that we prosper and be in good health (3 John 2) because he created us in his image. “For in Him we live, and move, and have our being” (Acts 17:28). Therefore, if we are to reflect his image we must …

Who Gave You Authority To Baptize?, Milton Adams

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

"This paper will explore the age-old, yet still relevant question, “And who gave you authority to baptize?”(Mark 11:27-33; John 1:25). First, biblical authority will be examined regarding who is allowed to baptize. Second, the writings of Ellen G. White, as they relate to biblical authority for baptizing, will be considered. Third, a counter-argument will be discussed. And finally, two baptismal tracks within the current conventional Adventist church system will be compared. This paper will conclude with a missional way forward that is faithful to Scripture, sustainable, scalable, and missionally effective in light of current cultural trends."

Toward An Adventist Theology Of Refugees, Nicholas Miller, Janna Quetz

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

"The Bible encourages God’s people to help immigrants, and does not leave it up to just the state, but says the people of God should personally help them. Whatever path is taken in the future it is important to keep in mind that Christ calls us brothers, and we too should call the sojourner within our gates brother. Immigration policy is complex, and there may be no clear guidance from God’s Word on parts of it. But whatever policies are arrived at, the Christian has a role to advocate for the creation and implementation of a humane and moral policy …

Arthur W. Spalding: Leadership During Cultural Upheaval, Allan W. Freed

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

'Leadership always occurs in the context of cultural mindsets and expectations. this article describes the work of arthur W. Spalding, who was the first family-life educator in the adventist church. Spalding was born into an era described as a “watershed” in domesticity. With the opening of the american frontier in the mid-1800s came the shift from family to individualism. Urbanization, industrialization, expanded travel, and communications eroded the social and material conditions that supported the traditional patriarchal family system. the american experience glamorized consumption, gratification, and pleasure. the fad was to reject traditional authority, particularly that of the clergy and the …

Preparing For Retirement: An Intervention With The Seventh-Day Adventist Pastors In Brazil, Paulo Gonçalves Coelho

Master's Theses

Problem

The future of retirement is an issue that has attracted the attention of governments and private entities worldwide. The period for retirement requires preparation during active professional life so that the resources or assets accrued and added to the Instituto Naacional do Seguro Social and Instituto Adventista de Jubilação e Assistência can be sufficient to meet the costs of living in the period of retirement.

The objective of this work is to awaken the interest in this issue, bring enlightenment and information for those who wish to prepare for retirement and encourage choice a balanced financial position or strengthen …

Justification By Faith According To The Old Testament: In The Footsteps Of The Reformers, Richard M. Davidson

Faculty Publications

Martin Luther asserted that “if we lose the doctrine of justification, we lose simply everything.” Luther believed that justification is “the article with and by which the church stands, without which it falls.” In the preface to his Forty-Five Theses drawn up in 1537, Luther makes this impassioned plea: “The article of justification is the master and prince, the lord, the ruler, and the judge over all kinds of doctrines; it preserves and governs all Church doctrine and raises up our conscience before God. Without this article the world is utter death and darkness.” John Calvin considered the doctrine of …

A Study Of The Pokot Cultural Worldview: Missiological Implications For Seventh-Day Adventist Witness Among The Pastoral Nomads Of Kenya, Haron Nyamweya Matwetwe

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

"Seventh-day Adventist witness among the nomadic peoples of the East Africa region is faced with a number of challenges. Although the Church enjoys relative success in reaching most communities, its growth and development appears restricted to locations occupied by the settled communities. Unfamiliarity with nomads’ cultural structures and values is a partial explanation for why missionaries have failed to effectively connect with the nomads thereby hampering the establishment of a more vibrant mission work in pastoral nomadic regions. This qualitative research sought to describe the Pokot cultural worldview as a step toward understanding their socio-cultural context and identify barriers to …

What Do Pastors In German-Speaking Europe Perceive As Important Leadership Competencies In Order To Be Effective Pastoral Leaders, Thomas C. Gyuroka

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

"thirty-nine of the 104 competencies from the qualitative study were rated 5.00 and above. Four of them were leadership competencies, four were management competencies, and 31 were other competencies. Few regional differences were found in the German-speaking fields except for the North German Union. Only 29.9% of the pastors rated the leadership competencies associated with the core tasks of leadership as high. in contrast they tended to attribute more importance of those competencies they used on a more frequent basis and with greater proficiency. these results suggest the need for training in actual leadership competencies."

Belief And Practice: Spiritual Imperatives For The Adventist Teacher, Joel Luc Raveloharimisy

Faculty Publications

"The apostle Paul’s advice to Timothy also provides a clear message for teachers in relation to living a spiritual life: “Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you” (1 Timothy 4:16, NASB).⁶ For that purpose, I want to present two ways teachers can strengthen their walk with God so they can have confidence about their salvation and represent God effectively and efficiently to their students. This model is based on a principle found in spiritual-leadership literature. …

Ellen White, Health, And The Third Angel’S Message: Part 2: Minimizing Non-Communicable Diseases, Warren A. Shipton

Journal of the Adventist Theological Society

"There have been remarkable changes in causes of human diseases identified in the last 150 years. Following the discovery of antibiotics and their widespread adoption since mid-last century and other advances in the field of microbiology, the incidence of contagious diseases has declined. Now the world is facing the danger of epidemics of non-communicable diseases that are related to life-style choices. Societies have invited and experienced these diseases for a long time, but they are now ravaging our health. In the times when Ellen White wrote, she laid a firm foundation for maintenance of physical health by anchoring her advice …

[Editorial]

Journal of the Adventist Theological Society

"The polarization is unique in that it is augmented by communication technologies (internet, twitter, facebook, etc.) that have not previously existed. Communication has exploded and there are more competing voices, messages, and claims for the “real truth” than ever before. The anonymity of these new technologies seems to foster less civility as voices compete for ears."

Strengthening Adventist Education: Recommendations For Pastors And Officers, Jerome Thayer, Anneris Coria-Navia, Aimee Leukert, Elissa Kido, Larry Blackmer

Faculty Publications

"

There are a number of issues that need to be addressed by educators, pastors, and officers in order to strengthen Adventist education. The list is daunting, and the task monumental, but the alternative—the continued decline of enrollment—is unacceptable.

The strong approval of the NADET recommendations at the NAD Year-End Meeting, as well as the administrative support given to the SAE study, provided an excellent first step in effecting change in the educational system. However, it will take a commitment and investment from all stakeholders to ensure continued progress in Adventist education.

While there are areas that can be tended …

The Grace Place: Prayer, Kindness, And Care Can Grow A Church And Transform A Community, Hyveth Williams

Faculty Publications

“Our strategy,” says Hyveth, “doesn’t focus on having a high worship service with the best singers, the best pianists, the best organists, and long offering appeals. We have a simple service with three parts—prayer, praise, and preaching. We don’t pass around a basket. We have a box in front where worshippers, moved by the Spirit, bring their tithes/ offerings and deposit them in the box. Generosity has characterized these gifts. Community residents see what the church is doing in the community, and they want to show their support by giving.”

Strengthening Adventist Education In The North American Division: Recommendations For Educators, Jerome Thayer, Anneris Coria-Navia, Aimee Leukert, Elissa Kido, Larry Blackmer

Faculty Publications

"Clearly, there are a number of issues that need to be addressed by educators, pastors, and conference and union officers in order to strengthen NAD Adventist K-12 education. The list is daunting and the task monumental, but we find the al-ternative—the continued decline of enrollment—unacceptable. The strong approval of the NADET recommendations at the Year-end Meetings as well as the administrative support given to the SAE study provided an excellent first step in effecting change in the educational system, but it will take a commitment and investment from all stakeholders in Adventist education to ensure continued progress. These recommendations call …

The Impact Of Family Rejection Or Acceptance Among Lgbt+ Millennials In The Seventh-Day Adventist Church, David Sedlacek, Curtis J. Vanderwaal, Lauren Ashley-Mae Lane

Faculty Publications

Coming to terms with one's sexual identity is a particularly complex process for Christian LGBT+ youth, many of whom are at high risk for negative outcomes such as depression, substance abuse and suicide. Many Christian families are just beginning to actively wrestle with how to view and treat their LGBT+ children. This survey of 310 Seventh-day Adventist adult Millennials explored perceived levels of their families' acceptance or rejection of their sexual orientation or gender identity during their teen years. Other variables included recent levels of self-esteem, social support, depression, substance abuse, high-risk sexual activity, and suicidal thinking or attempts. Findings …

Women In The Shadows: An Ethical View Of Pastoral Wives Engaged In Ministry, Richard S. Kurtz

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

No abstract provided.

Exploring The Transition Experience For First Times Local Conference Presidents In The North American Division Of Seventh-Day Adventists ..., David E. Weigley

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

"this qualitative study probed the transition of 12 first-time local conference presidents. the information was gathered by recording in-depth interviews. Eight themes surfaced from the exploration. Leaders experienced the transition as overwhelming, challenging their spirituality, involving new constellations of relationships, and a shifting of identity. they also noted its impact on their families. Other themes dealt with the leaders’ prior job experience, intentional leadership preparation, and mentors. the findings suggest the need for more intentional leadership and managerial training, including knowledge of basic business principles and financial management."

The Controverted Little Book Of Revelation 10 And The Shape Of Apocalyptic Mission, George R. Knight

Journal of the Adventist Theological Society

"If the contents of the little book of Revelation 10 are controverted, someone forgot to tell the founders of Seventh-day Adventism. William Miller, for example, in 1841 interpreted the little book that would be sweet in the mouth as being opened in 1798 as evidenced by the increased study of Daniel’s prophecies stimulated by events related to the French Revolution and the taking of the Pope captive by General Berthier. And Ellen White couldn’t have been more certain. “The book that was sealed,” she wrote in 1896, “was not the book of Revelation, but that portion of the prophecy of …

Sola Scriptura Statuat Lex Orandi: Toward A Transcultural Theology Of Liturgy, David A. Williams

Faculty Publications

The Seventh-day Adventist church is one of the most diverse religious groups. With this diversity comes a preponderance in worship practices. Calling upon the Reformation principle, sola scriptura, the Bible alone should establish the rule for liturgy. How do we apply the Bible as the rule for liturgy, with so many worship preferences and diversity of cultures within the Adventist church? In this paper, I seek to articulate a way forward, developing a transcultural theology of liturgy to be applied in every Adventist culture, allowing room for a rich variety of local cultural contextualizations.

God Of Sense And Traditions Of Non-Sense, Denis Fortin

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

An Aging Church In An Aging Society: Averting A Possible Grim Future For The Seventh-Day Adventist Church In Russia, Yuri N. Drumi

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

"Being an international and highly diverse community of believers, the world-wide Seventh-day Adventists Church has always struggled with maintaining its identity in a fast-changing world. This is natural, and much credit is to be given to several generations of church leaders for success in this regard. Nevertheless, after the seeds of Adventism have been liberally sown all over the world and as the seeds have grown, it is time to let those plants share more responsibility for their own future. Paternalism and top-down strategizing is no longer adequate to facilitate the spiritual rejuvenation of local forms of Adventism. To experience …

The Concept Of Social Justice In The Social Sciences, In The Bible, And In Adventism, Michelet William

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

"Social justice is included in the mission of God to redeem and restore humanity. While in the early years evangelicals viewed social justice with suspicion, considering it subordinate to evangelism, since the second half of the 20th century, social justice has gained momentum among evangelical Christians who have become favorable to a more holistic approach to mission. William Carey had already set the tone in the 19th century as his work in India included missiological responses to social justice concerns. Other more recent and similarly mission-focused social advocacy work followed, such as the Temperance Movement in early Adventism, the ongoing …

Death As Sleep: The (Mis)Use Of A Biblical Metaphor, William Paroschi

Journal of the Adventist Theological Society

"The SDA view on what happens at death has been sometimes misunderstood; first, because the way we ourselves have occasionally used the sleep metaphor to describe death and, second, as a result of the dualistic connotation traditionally associated with soul-sleep. It could be argued that this comes from a reading of Adventist literature unmindful of the larger context of biblical anthropology in which these statements are made. This, however, is no excuse for not making every effort to express our understanding of the subject as clearly and completely as possible. Sleep is not a description of the nature of death. …

The Adventist Pilgrim: A Construct For Theological Reflection, Erik C. Carter

Journal of the Adventist Theological Society

"Adventist historians and tour guides refer to site visits using words like “living experience,” “spiritual reflection,” and “sacred space,” but these terms are not adequately engaged, thus rendering them abstract and relegating them to the background. Michael Campbell suggests, for example, that those who participate in an Adventist historical site visit are “personally confronted with the reality of God’s continued leading.” But what exactly does this mean, and perhaps more importantly, how does it happen? We need a more systematic way of connecting these places with our own experience, laden with personal meaning. The purpose of this brief study is …

Ellen White, Health, And The Third Angel’S Message: Part 1–Improving Health Through Reducing Transmissible Diseases, Warren A. Shipton

Journal of the Adventist Theological Society

"A systematic approach to Ellen White’s statements on health, particularly in the physical realm, has shown that her words need not be misunderstood and are as sound today as when they were given. She conveyed a profound sense of reverence for God’s word and His instructions on health. Her statements were meant to amplify the principles contained in the Scriptures. I could find no evidence of deficiency in either source. The claim that modern science has discounted her views on such things as leprosy114 is inaccurate. White was more aware of things happening in her day than some modern-day writers …

The Seventh-Day Adventist Church And “Growing In Christ”: From Ecclesiological Awareness To Missiological Engagement, Michée Badé

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

"“Growing in Christ” touches the theme of freedom from evil and satanic oppression––a topic with universal appeal and special relevance to many cultures. In this article I have argued that for Adventist mission to succeed cross-culturally, the following new perspectives need to be taken into consideration. First, as we near the close of cosmic conflict, the missiological perspectives demand special attention for the achievement of God’s mission (Kim 2013:127). Second, Adventists are called to “reveal the true character of God to the world as manifested in a unique way in His Son, calling everyone to worship Him as Creator and …

[Editor's Page], Randall W. Younker

Journal of the Adventist Theological Society

No abstract provided.