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The Missing Blue In Adventism: A Gap In Discipleship And Mission, Petr Cincala

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

This article comes from the perspective of a researcher, a practical theologian, and a missiologist. The title The Missing Blue refers to the idea that light consists of three colors (Green, Red, Blue), and because God is light, the analogy of light is relevant for those who believe in the Triune God. We are called to worship the Creator God (represented by the green color) as Ruler of all the universe, God the consuming fire (Deut 4:24; Heb 12:29). Jesus (represented by the red color) teaches us to come to God as our friend, our daddy (John 15:15; Mark 14:36; …

Jesus’ Authority Over Evil Spirits: Healing Demoniacs In The Gospel Of Mark, Michée B. Badé

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

The gospel of Mark highlights nine distinct healing miracles. Among them, five involve the healing of demoniacs—individuals “possessed by demons,” or as some may prefer, “demonized.” These accounts form a significant portion of Mark’s healing narratives and are a notable theme in his Gospel, which is one of the earliest records of Jesus’ life and ministry. These stories not only demonstrate Jesus’ authority over evil spirits but also reflect his deep compassion for those suffering from spiritual oppression.

The purpose of this article is twofold. First, it aims to highlight Jesus’ authority over evil spirits, as manifested in nature, animals, …

Missiological Challenges And Implications Of African Traditional And Christian/Western Approaches To Health And Wholeness, Olaotse Obed Gabasiane

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

So often, African traditional approaches to health and wholeness are misconstrued, scorned, dismissed, if not treated as passé. There are two important entities—for the purposes of this article— which are diametrically at odds to African traditional approaches to medicine. The first is Western Medicine (WM), which because of its advances in medical, laboratory, and pharmaceutical technology, tend to ignore African Traditional Medicine (ATM) as archaic, superstitious, and non-scientific. The second is mainstream Christian religion which (largely in the past), tended to see everything demonic in the practice of African Traditional Medicine. But is it true that as far as ATM …

Ruqyah Shariah: An Analytical Exploration, Jony Hajaj

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

Ruqyah Shariah—Law-Compliant Exorcism or Islamic Healing Prayer— is a spiritual and physical remedy that involves reciting qur’anic verses and authentic supplications. Rooted deeply in Islamic tradition, it offers a wholistic approach to healing and protection. Ruqyah has been a practice since the early days of Islam, with numerous hadiths documenting its use by Muhammad and his companions.

This article seeks to explore the multifaceted aspects of ruqyah shariah, by examining its legal foundations, practical guidelines, and ethical implications, while seeking to provide a well-rounded perspective on its significance and application in the modern context.

Evangelism Strategies, Conversion Patterns, And Membership Retention Strategies In The Seventh-Day Adventist Church In Sub-Saharan Africa: Report Of Findings For East-Central Africa Division Of Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Sampson M. Nwaomah, Williams Kwasi Peprah, Rei Kesis, Warren S. Simatele, Angela E. Nwaomah, Daniel Dei, Davidson Razafiarivony

Human Subject Research Archive

A study conducted by the Africa Seventh-day Adventist Study Group (ASDASG)

Evangelism Strategies, Conversion Patterns, And Membership Retention Strategies In The Seventh-Day Adventist Church In Sub-Saharan Africa: Report Of Findings For West-Central Africa Division Of Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Sampson M. Nwaomah, Williams Kwasi Peprah, Rei Kesis, Warren S. Simatele, Angela E. Nwaomah, Daniel Dei, Davidson Razafiarivony

Human Subject Research Archive

A study conducted by the Africa Seventh-day Adventist Study Group (ASDASG)

In Memorium: Life Sketch Of Graeme John Humble

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

No abstract provided.

Healing Prayer, L. Ann Hamel

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

A major theme of both the Old and New Testaments is that of healing and restoration. The Old Testament teaches that it is God who heals (Deut 32:39; Exod 15:26), while the New Testament presents Jesus’ ministry as one of healing and restoration (Luke 4:18-19). Healing was clearly a major theme in Christ’s earthly ministry with biblical scholars reporting that approximately one fifth of gospel texts relate stories of Christ’s healing miracles. The Bible teaches that not only did Jesus heal but he gave his disciples the power and authority to heal in his name, thus empowering the church to …

Shalom: Health, Healing, And Wholeness In Biblical Perspective, Boubakar Sanou

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

Health, healing, and wholeness occupy a central place within the biblical narrative, embodying God’s intent for the flourishing of the entirety of his creation. Grounded in the concept of shalom, Scripture articulates a holistic understanding of wellbeing that encompasses spiritual, physical, emotional, moral, and relational dimensions. These dimensions are interconnected, each influencing and shaping the others. In the context of an increasingly fragmented world, the biblical concept of shalom offers a firm framework for addressing the multifaceted challenges of health, healing, and wholeness. By embracing the holistic vision of health, healing, and wholeness, Christians are called to participate in God’s …

Healing The Trauma: Toward A Missiology For Contemporary Russia, Yuri N. Drumi

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

This article addresses the trauma of Stalinism from the standpoint of a missiological reading of Luke 4:16-21. This programmatic sermon of Jesus at Nazareth, whose meaning is unfolded in the larger context of Luke-Acts, is of primary importance for the current Russian culture, which is suffering from the consequences of a time when its culture was warped by the forces of the demonic realm. The rationale for using Luke-Acts in a post-Soviet theology of mission and the cluster of theological theses that underlie Jesus’ program of liberation are both foundational for a missiological paradigm intended for post-totalitarian Russian society.

Ecclesiological Meaning In Jesus’ Sabbath Healings, Sven Östring

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

The earthly life and ministry of Jesus Christ was the full incarnation of his divine identity and mission. However, certain events and situations became windows that allowed his relationship with his Father and his divine mission to be revealed with clarity to those around him. In particular, Jesus saw in the Sabbath a unique and regular opportunity to reveal both his identity and his mission. Likewise, his opponents understood, with almost surprising accuracy and clarity, what he was communicating about himself from his religiously non-conforming actions on Sabbath. However, this was not just a minor ethical scuffle between a well-studied …

Editorial, Bruce L. Bauer

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

Doing theology is really a very simple process that involves prayerful reflection as one searches for biblical principles to guide in deciding how to approach and handle everyday issues.

Implementing Timothy Keller’S Center Church Principles: Transforming Your Church Into A Center Of Influence, Danie Potgieter

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

In contemporary religious discourse, the concept of a church transcending its traditional role as a mere congregation to become a dynamic center of influence within its community has gained significant traction. This paradigm shift, often fueled by a desire to engage with societal issues and impact lives beyond the church walls, finds resonance in Timothy Keller’s Center Church: Doing Balanced, Gospel-Centered Ministry in Your City. Grounded in theological depth and practical wisdom, Keller presents a compelling framework for transforming churches into vibrant hubs of influence capable of effecting meaningful change in the world around them.

Biblical And Theological Principles For Ministry To The Deaf And Other Isolated Groups, Joseph Jacobson

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

Deaf people are one of the largest unreached groups in the world (Lowenstein 2019, para. 2). To reach this group with the gospel, it is vital to build a solid biblical foundation for ministry to deaf individuals. The knowledge of God and the importance of faith, hope, and trust in God are often limited among deaf communities despite technological advancements (Broesterhuizen 2005:307). It is essential to show the different groups of deaf communities scattered around the world that Jesus loves them and that “the Bible is at heart a text that is positive for all marginalized people, whether poor, or …

The Healing Power Of Forgiveness, Susan Payne

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

“I can never forgive him!” Angry tears rolled down her face as she spat out the words. “He lied about me in court, turned my children against me, and refuses to protect them from physical and sexual abuse! How can I forget these terrible things and excuse his behavior?” I listened as she vented her anger and frustration. Then, after the emotion was spent, I asked if I could share what I have learned about forgiveness, what it is and what it isn’t. Eventually through many tears and prayers, this woman was set free from the bitterness of her situation. …

Is There A Future For The Missiological Study Of Worldview? Part 2, Paulo C. Oliveira

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

In Part 1 of this article, I revisited the foundational intellectual roots of the missiological worldview construct, described the concept, and presented an argument advocating for additional critical engagement in mission circles. In Part 2, the focus will be on probing the anthropological shift moving away from worldview studies, exploring some implications of this shift for missiology, and, finally, addressing—more directly—the question of the future of missiological worldview studies.

Spiritual And Theological Foundations For Ministry Among Secret Followers Of Christ, Shari Colins

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

This article provides a spiritual and theological foundation for mentoring and discipling young women who are secret followers of Christ in a restricted access country. The objective of this article is to encourage effective mentoring and discipling that can contribute to shaping an individual’s spiritual growth in Christ. By nurturing these relationships, I seek to establish a supportive community that empowers young women in their spiritual journeys.

Biblical And Theological Principles For A Chaplaincy Ministry, Shelby Davidson

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

The term chaplaincy does not directly appear in the Bible. However, the principles of chaplaincy are very much present in the Scriptures. Jesus, the greatest chaplain, was present in the Garden of Eden. Later, he incarnated as a human to this fallen world to be with humanity, to go through what human beings go through. A chaplain primarily is present with the people; therefore, a ministry of presence, empathy, giving wise counsel, and many other qualities describe what a chaplain is. This article looks at biblical and theological principles to guide a chaplaincy ministry from Scripture as well as from …

Mechanics And Dimensions Of Divine Forgiveness, Ransford Danson, Kenneth Appiah Kubi

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

Central to Christianity is the doctrine of forgiveness, yet no unified understanding or coherent concept of forgiveness exists in Christian discourse. Understandings of the process of forgiveness invariably depend on denominational traditions, beliefs, values, and practices (Worthington et al. 2019). A point of convergence is the view that forgiveness relates to the physical or psychological harm or wrongdoing inflicted by one person on another (Słowikowski 2020:56). There is also agreement that forgiveness is of different types: interpersonal, intrapersonal, and God-to-human (Fincham 2022; Maranges and Fincham 2024; Shah et al. 2024). The first two types constitute human (earthly) forgiveness, and the …

The Purpose And Importance Of Words Of Knowledge When Praying For The Sick, Bruce L. Bauer

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

Seventh-day Adventists are not usually known for taking authority over sickness or taking a person by the hand and saying, “In the Name of Jesus of Nazareth, arise and walk.” And rightly so, for Adventists have been counseled that when praying for the sick “our prayers must take the form, not of command, but of intercession” (White 1942:230, 1915:218). Why, because only God knows what is right and best (White 1948:148, 149). In addition, Ellen White warns against prayers that insist on God doing what people think needs to happen (1948:148) and suggests that God’s people should only pray for …

House Churches (Full Issue)

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

No abstract provided.

Planting Rapidly Reproducing Churches, Curtis Sergeant

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

The principles in this article are ones gleaned from experience in planting rapidly reproducing churches in China. They were then tested through training, coaching, and mentoring church planters serving in over one hundred nations, mostly working among unreached people groups. Over the years I have come to the conclusion that it is difficult to make generalizations about evangelism, but it is more appropriate to make generalizations about discipleship and church planting. Evangelism is quite context-specific because half of the process is determined by what an individual believes and understands truth to be. Once someone has given themselves fully to the …

How Should The Adventist Denomination Deal With The House Church Trend?, Monte Sahlin

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

Millions of Americans have abandoned the conventional structure of religion— the congregation or parish and denomination—for small, informal groups that meet for prayer, Bible study, and fellowship in homes or other temporary locations. A similar pattern is underway in Europe, and there is evidence that it is beginning in urban areas in Latin America and Africa. In fact, it has been a primary form of Christian faith in China, India, and the Middle East for some time and this includes Adventist missions.

The Challenges Faced By Seventh-Day Adventists In Communicating The Gospel During The Last 50 Years Of British India, Koberson Langhu

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

No abstract provided.

Seventh-Day Adventist Mission To Immigrants From 1920-1965: An Exploration Of Immigration Trends, Laws, And The Church’S Missional Response, William Wells

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

No abstract provided.

After 15 Years Of Planting Simple House Churches Around The World, What Have I Learned?, Milton Adams

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

This article will highlight five areas of learning: (1) the conventional church attendance crisis, (2) church history, (3) Simple House Church planting, (4) the future of “church,” and (5) the rise of Disciple-Making Movements. It is intended to be descriptive. It is my story. In many ways, thanks to the input of many Simple Church planters, it is our collective Simple Church story of the past 15 years.

House Churches In The New Testament: Contextual, Theological, And Missiological Perspectives, Boubakar Sanou

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

For most of the first century, private dwellings shaped the Christians’ community life. Evidence to this phenomenon is found in the Acts of the Apostles and the letters of Paul. According to Acts 2:41, the Early Church numbered more than three thousand members after Pentecost. When the synagogues became off limits to them, meeting in private homes became a practical necessity for worship, fellowship, service, and mission (Acts 2:46; 5:42). In four of Paul’s epistles, he explicitly references private homes as the gathering places for early Christians (1 Cor 16:19; Rom 16:3-5; Col 4:15; Phil 2). The epistles are better …

An Appeal To Medical Missionaries To Pray Or Not To Pray For Healing, Amy Whitsett

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

No abstract provided.

Sharing Christ With Young Urban Nones In Metro Manila, Reylourd Reyes

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

No abstract provided.

Missionary Methods: Christ’S Or Ours? A Seventh-Day Adventist Church Planting Movement Case Study, John Holbrook

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

No abstract provided.