Seventh-day Adventism’s bright future

Malcolm Bull and Keith Lockhart, two British researchers, not Adventists, published their research at the University of Indiana entitled “Seeking a Sanctuary” where they state “the Seventh-day Adventism is one of the best-kept secrets of American religion.” They go on to note that current trends suggest that by the mid-21^st century there would be over 100 million Adventists worldwide, and Adventist church will play more prominent role in international affairs. WOW!

Do you see the same picture from your pew in London, Ontario? Do you see the exciting bright future for your church? In spite of what we do here – the church moves forward everywhere in the world, attracting young people, attracting professionals, attracting sincere seekers to the simple Bible truths.

We are watching this week an exciting programming from Arlington, Texas with Mike Tucker. The people he brings on the stage in this NET07 are of such giftedness that even my 6 years old would not miss a night. Danny, was saying Wednesday evening “I cannot wait to see what he will show tonight!” The singers are outstanding, new variety of sound and style every night. Still there are some who complain about public evangelism unaware of blessings they are missing.

As I visit with people I am happy to see new dishes installed in some of our homes – the new Hope TV dishes, not the secular stuff. I am excited because through the satellite media more and more people are getting in touch with our Corporate Church, getting positive exposure to the colossal leaps of advancement we are making in faith development. I am excited because it is impossible for one pastor alone to bridge the gap that exists currently between some local congregations and the leading-edge Church.

Every congregation has an implicit theology – things we don’t talk about , but things that govern how we treat each other, how we see ourselves, how we treat our leaders. This implicit theology manifests itself in how the budget is allocated, and who has the power, and why certain patterns of relationships are present. Of course, there is the explicit theology – the official doctrines, easy to find vision and mission statements, liturgy and style of worship, sermons preached, and the rest of things we say.

When the explicit and implicit views are at odds – the tension builds and conflict boils up. Implicit theology guides congregation more surely than it’s mission statement, and reflect truths about the congregation no one wants to hear. For example – the Statement of Faith No.17 asserts that every believer has a gift and a ministry, sermons are preached, gift inventories are distributed, the Vision statement is published saying that this church is a place where every believer is a minister – but in reality the majority does not know it’s gifts, does not care to take a survey, is not interested in ministering, and gets upset within about being pressured into it against their will. We say we believe in Evangelism, and we agree that the Great Commission is relevant to every confessing Christian – to go, teach and baptize – yet we do no intentional effort to witness or to invite people when opportunities present themselves. The frustration builds up as the gap becomes more obvious.

The world around is watching as the Adventist Church grows preaching the explicit message of the Soon Coming of Christ, message of the Coming Kingdom of God. The world around is saying “WOW!” about our open and clear message. What about our local church in London? What image do we project? How wide is the gap between our implicit self and the world-wide explicit corporate Church? Do we dare to compare?

Turn on your Hope TV and see. Show up at church tonight and observe. And remember that this church is the one about which John the Revelator speaks in chapter 18: “having great authority, and the earth grew bright with its splendour.”