A HOUSE OF PRAYER & REVIVAL

This week I eagerly waited for the first address of newly elected church President Ted N. C. Wilson to employees of the church.  Wednesday, July 28^th, together with Mark Finley, recently retired VP and the newly appointed assistant to the president for evangelism, he outlined a strategic plan for the denomination meant to spur a renewal of members' commitment to the church's mission.

A new initiative, the launch of a Revival and Reformation Committee at church headquarters, chaired by Armando Miranda, was featured prominently in the plan. The belief that Christians cannot "hasten or delay" the Second Coming is a misconception, Wilson said. While the "manufacture" of programs or activities at church headquarters cannot "force" Christ's return, a "revival of true godliness" and "humble submission to God" among Christians can, he said, citing a quote by church co-founder Ellen G. White.

He challenged Adventist believers to return to the mindset of the early church described in the New Testament book of Acts, where believers were "of one accord" and "in one place" - conditions responsible for the outpouring of God's spirit. Revival is not about ushering in legalism or an exclusivist spirit. True unity cannot be legislated and is ushered by the work of the Holy Spirit within.  Revival is a message of love, of hope and of encouragement.  God has given us this message, and we are to share it, being as inclusive as possible, hinging our efforts on prayer first.

"You are dedicated, educated, consecrated people," Wilson said to over 400 workers gathered at the headquarters, "but if we're not praying in humility our talents are worth virtually nothing,"

Wilson outlined some specific expectations for the next five years. First he introduced the launch of international bible and mission conferences, hubs where pastors, teachers, and other workers can convene to study the bible together to better grasp the church's "spiritual destiny" and spur outreach.

Secondly, a continued emphasis on outreach through technology, the Global Internet Evangelism Network and the church's many Web-based ministries, and increase the impact of the Hope TV & Adventist World Radio.

We are to safeguard core emphases on Adventist education and Health Ministries. A special priority will be given to the “Connecting with Jesus” project, in which Ellen G. White books are distributed to members worldwide, suggesting churches send copies of The Great Controversy to every household in the surrounding postal district.

The top priority is in involving young people in the church's mission. A focus on both evangelism and stewardship is expected to be the catalyst for the church's success the next five years.

The strategic plan presented is admittedly not comprehensive or concrete, and is open to suggestion.  President Wilson said. "The Adventist Church is not an organization that promotes 'kingly power.' We don't just have someone at the head who says, 'That's it, do it,' and it happens” He invited all members to be a “multitude of counsellors.” Soliciting the prayers and participation of employees as the church moves forward, Wilson said he wanted "open communication" throughout the building and the church. "My office is open. If you have an idea or suggestion -- I don't care how small or large it is -- you can contact me and talk to me."

This blog will be featured in bulletins for the next couple of weeks for more members to read, also providing you with Presidents email: WilsonT@gc.adventist.org

Prayer & Revival of true godliness is our goal.

REAL CHURCH MEMBERSHIP – SABBATH SCHOOL

As I sat and listened through reports from various divisions, especially from Africa, where the church grew significantly, one striking detail “burned” in my mind: as the official church membership grew, the Sabbath School membership grew even more!  In Eastern Africa Sabbath School membership went up from 2.8 to 5.2 million!

Let’s put this in perspective – Sabbath School membership has been historically, and remains in many parts of the world, the main entry point into the Seventh-day Adventist Church and Message.  Church grows when people attend the weekly Bible Study classes.  It is proper and normal for a church to have more people attending the Sabbath School classes than the number on the membership roll.  Sabbath School is not only “taken seriously” but is teaching people what it means to be Adventist, and what is expected from a member of the Adventist Church.

I hope you are seeing the greater implications of this: people who are not yet members of our church officially, by baptism or by profession of faith, or even by membership transfer, may be members of the Sabbath School!  People in the process of learning and growing are fully enrolled members of the Sabbath School, entitled to participate in music, song, mission, class work and discussion, even presenting certain parts of the lesson, given that the teacher and superintendent are there to correct if necessary.

As we desire to fulfill mission of proclaiming God’s Grace into our community we should see to have our Sabbath School grow, and be more inclusive.  As we are beginning a new quarterly study on the Book of Romans, consecrate and commit your time for a daily study, share lessons with family and friends, and invite them to celebrate learning reflections on Sabbath.

We all want to see our church grow, and the signal evidence for our readiness would be “bursting” Sabbath School attendance.  BY the way, that’s why the new church plants are called officially the “Sabbath School branch” before becoming gaining a “company,” and then a “church” status.

Ellen White advised that “Every church should be a training school for Christian workers.” (Ministry of Healing, p.149)  The Sabbath School is one of most significant purposes why we come to church.  The formation of small groups is the method of growth presented by Christ.

Are you a member of our church?  Your Sabbath School membership is first and minimum requirement.  Do you belong to a small group? That is where nurture takes place, where opportunities for mentoring, relationships building, and examining one’s faith takes place.

I praise God for reminding us His design for Church growth through the work in diverse regions of our world-wide church.