Blog

In Matthew 22:37-39 KJV, Jesus said to a lawyer, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” In this week’s blog, we will examine how the Inter-American Division (IAD) takes this command to heart, and the impact these actions have on the generational church.

Did you know that the General Conference organizes and promotes several global initiatives? These initiatives 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. While you may be aware of some of these programs and initiatives, have you ever wondered how they function in your part of the world and how impactful they are around the world? This week, we will examine the impact of some of the General Conference programs on the East-Central Africa Division of the world Church. 

In our previous blog we looked at the Hope Channel viewer trends globally. Today we like to explore research data from Novo Tempo - a version of Hope Channel in the South American Division.  

Teachers play a significant role in our children's lives. In many ways, they take the place of authority over us, the parents. Phrases like “…but that is not what my teacher said” or ”… but that is not how my teacher does it” make us very aware of it. Ellen White states in Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 191, "Every teacher who has to do with the education of young students should remember that children are affected by the atmosphere that surrounds the teacher, whether it be pleasant or unpleasant..." Today we are taking a closer look at some research findings about the Mission of Adventist schools and their teachers in the North American Division (NAD).

How much time do you spend with other church members? Do you have real relationships inside your local church? How much are you involved with the care of others? Do you feel cared for by others in your church? Social ties inside the church are very vital for the growth of a congregation. Jesus said in John 13:35 KJV, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples if ye have love one to another.” Let us take a look at how church members around the world feel about this aspect of their lives.

Did you attend an Adventist school when you were a child? Do your children attend an Adventist school? Adventist education has a mission “to enable learners to develop a life of faith in God, and to use their knowledge, skills, and understandings to serve God and humanity.” It prepares students to be a blessing to their communities now and to be citizens of the eternal kingdom of God. How do you feel about Adventist Education? Today we are looking at findings on this subject.

Pastors and other church leaders have a special God-given responsibility to lead their churches in a way that consistently points to Jesus. Admittedly, such leaders are human and cannot lead perfectly in this sinful world. How is their leadership perceived by the congregation? Today we examine findings in regards to pastors and local church leadership. 

How often have you received a visit from your Pastor? Do you visit other church members? Do you enjoy spending time with other church members? Maybe you study the Bible together or maybe you just enjoy each other's company? Showing a real interest in another person's situation can help to create relationships within the church and make us stronger. Today's blog will examine findings from the Global Church Member Survey.in regards to church member visitation.

Is your local church a warm, welcoming, and inclusive place where everyone can feel home? Are you involved in creating barriers between people or are you involved in removing such barriers in your local church? Can everyone who chooses to be part of your church be an active member of your church community? In Proverbs 31:8-9, we are called to "speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."  How are we doing in this area of ministry? Today we are looking at findings from the Global Church Member Survey in regards to those who have special needs.

When it comes to the topic of salvation, Fundamental Belief No.10 states clearly that the Seventh-day Adventist church believes that the gift of salvation is given through faith in Jesus Christ. One might raise the question if this belief is internalized and fully understood by all church members, especially the young people. Today's blog examines findings regarding this important subject. We are looking at a study conducted at the 2019 Chosen International Pathfinder Camporee and research data from the young people sample of the Global Church Member Survey 2017-18.

Many Adventist church members are familiar with the 28 Fundamental Beliefs. This beliefs address all aspects of life and how followers of Christ are called to act in harmony with biblical principles. But how do they feel regarding healthy living when it comes to the area of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and the irresponsible use of drugs and narcotics? 

In this world of technology access to Bible study plans, Sabbath School quarterlies, devotionals, and other faith growing opportunities is only a button click away. It is easy to listen to the Bible while driving in the car or to study the Sabbath School quarterly as waiting for the bus. While many church members have access to such resources through their phone or other mobile device, researchers questioned if they use these resources to grow their faith. In today's blog we are looking at data regarding the usage of mobile devices and faith growing activities.

Do you read or respond to social media? How do you feel about Adventist social media? Do you read it? Do you respond to it? How about other Christian social media? Do you use these resources? Today's blog is examining exactly these kind of questions. Are you curious how Adventists around the world answer these questions?

How do you learn about the current mission projects for the mission offering? Do you check your Sabbath School Study Guide to find out information about the current mission project? Or do you enjoy watching the Mission Spotlight? Today's blog will discover how Adventist church members learn about the mission offering in their locale church.

Ephesians 2:8  (ESV) says: "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God." Do you truly believe that you are saved by receiving the gift of salvation, given through Jesus? Do you believe that you have to do something to earn that salvation or do you seek to deserve it? Our blog today will examine global views and beliefs on several aspects of salvation.

Pastors are regular people serving God in their personality and leadership style. What leadership style does your pastor have? Have you ever wondered if your pastor's leadership style fits your local church needs? Today's blog looks at pastors' leadership styles and their impact on church health.

Have you ever wondered if Family Worship is still a priority in Adventist families? We get so busy in our family life. Do we take the time to share Jesus with our kids outside of church and Sabbath school? Do we share with them how God helped us during challenges that were placed in our way? The Bible tells us in Matthew 18:20 (NIV):"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”  Let's take a look and find out how important Family Worship is in our Adventist families.  

Ellen G. White’s writings are our legacy and still essential to the teachings of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Her writings shed light on the Bible and provide many benefits for growing in our relationship with Jesus. Do Adventist church members value her writings? Do they read her works? Do they apply to their daily lives what they learn from her writings? Today's blog in her Birthday month will answer some of these questions.  

Are church members really missed, when they don't attend church? How long does it take before we are realizing when a person is no longer attending church? I admit I sit in the same row every Sabbath morning and I do notice when someone is missing in the row before me or behind me, but I don't really know who is missing in the rows farther behind me. Church attendance numbers are important because the people behind these numbers are the most important and valued in God's eyes.

What are your thoughts regarding the Second Coming of Jesus? As Seventh-day Adventists we believe that Jesus will come again, but how soon? How do Adventist church members around the globe feel about the Second Coming of Jesus. Are they anticipating His Return in their lifetime? Do you believe He will come soon?  

Do Adventists build strong relationships within their families? Do they attend or facilitate religious activities? What does the data from the 2018 Global Church Member Survey tell us about our Adventist families?

The concept of the Trinity has long been debated and can be confusing at times. Today's blog looks at data that shows how current Adventists relate to and understand this subject.

A couple of months ago, the General Conference hosted the 2019 Nurture and Retention Summit – gathering over 100 church leaders from around the world to discuss issues related to retaining and nurturing Adventist church members. This blog is especially looking at the importance of "Building Healthy Relationships with Members and Former Members", which was the title of Dr. David Trim's presentation.

Are Adventist church members satisfied with their local churches? Are they committed to the Adventist Church?