Seventh-day Adventist Church: Fastest Growing?

Last year an article by USA Today reported that the Seventh-day Adventist church is the "...fastest growing U.S. church" as the headline read. This was heralded as one can imagine by many within Adventism. It was indeed good news at the very least it was a positive article in a well known newspaper.

The Loma Linda University Seventh-day Adventist church is the largest  Adventist church in the U.S. with approximately 6,500 members. 

Yet even within the article Dr. Clouzet who is the director of the North American Division Evangelism Institue at Andrews University (where the Adventist Seminary is located) is quoted saying,

"We don't feel that we're growing very much, and that is a source of concern, especially for North America"

The article goes on to quote Clouzet saying the ones really growing and essentially driving up Adventist membership are Adventist Hispanics. He says,

"the one group that is growing very well...If we didn't have that group, we would look even more dismal."

 When I was in college and in seminary (Dr. Clouzet was one of my professors in both places by the way) in more than one occasion I often heard how are church wasn't growing. So when this article came out I was glad in one sense but really wanted to find out more. Are Seventh-day Adventist the fastest growing church in America?

Now I'm no statistician! Along those same lines I'm just reporting some of what I've come across online so this is not an in-depth statistical study. Plus sometimes depending on the source and what time they're reported, things can shift. With that said let me explain why Adventist may not really be the fastest growing church in America and then give some observations.

First lets go directly to the Adventist statistics website. and allow me to give you some of the numbers that I garnered from the website. The Adventist church in America is known as the North American Division, it includes Canada but for the purposes of this post which deals with the U.S only I have not included Canada's number. No offense Canada we love you:-)

2010 Adventist numbers:
Beginning membership: 1,047,333
New membership (baptism/profession of faith): 38,109
Churches in U.S.-4,926
If we take the above numbers the average church in the U.S will bring in nearly 8 people per year.

Yet the Adventist church as best it can keeps a lot of numbers. So it includes those that have dropped membership are missing and deceased.  That total was: 20,621 in 2010.

So if we take all that into consideration the U.S. Adventist church membership in 2010 started with 1,047,333 and ened with 1,064,256 for a net growth of 16,923. This would actually give the U.S. Adventist church an average growth per church of 3.43.

Next report:
The National council of churches every year does do an in-depth, and my understanding well respected research on church membership. It's called, "Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches 2012" In the report (I have not bought the book but just read what they stated online, you can read it HERE) if I'm understanding it correctly it clearly shows that there several other denominations that have had stronger growth in the U.S. than Seventh-day Adventist, which it states being up 1.61% but here are several other denominations that are reported being up...well...higher.

Jehovah's Witness-up 1.85%
Pentecostal Assemblies of God-up 20%
Assemblies of God-up 3.99%
National Baptist Convention, U.S.A-up 3.95%
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints-up 1.62%

Now interestingly enough Adventist along with the above mentioned were the only churches of the top 25 that reported growth according to the report. Again though it doesn't show us as the fastest growing.

The Adventist Review also reported on this report you can read its summary HERE.

Now again if I've misunderstood something, read reports incorrectly please let me know!
But what does all this tell us? Here are a few observations, thoughts, that honestly aren't new.

1. With the numbers from the Adventist website alone and Clouzet's comments we should be concerned  Seventh-day Adventist as a whole. Certainly there are thriving, growing Adventist churches. Yet according to the numbers there is a lot more work that needs to be done.
2. We must be creative, innovative, but of course biblical as we try to reach those around us with the gospel.
3. Adventist must be intentional in getting involved with the community which they are in and at the same time remain faithful through God's grace to the gospel.
4. Public evangelistic meetings are great, we shouldn't stop doing them, but we must understand this is just one form of evangelism. It has been known in our circles as one of the best methods and it's still a great one. Every church has to evaluate what will work and not work when it comes to public evangelism.
5. Churches need to have areas where people can plug in and become active. For example small groups, outreach ministries such as helping people in the community that are in need.
6. One of the first things that people will see is our worship services. Regardless of 'worship style' it is important, that as best as each church can. Each church must plan, pray, and prepare its worship service(s) so they will be the best they can as we worship a God who deserves the best!
7. It's great to see the spanish work growing as it is. Although perhaps it would be interesting to see (not sure how) how many hispanics have migrated to the U.S and for whatever reason not been able to transfer their membership from the church of their home country so they are accepted by profession of faith.
8. As followers of Jesus, Seventh-day Adventist must live intentional, missional lives. Living out the gospel in their lives where ever they work and play.
9. Though I've put it down here last, this is of first importance. We've been talking numbers. Nothing wrong with that, yet we must remember that behind every number is a soul that needs Jesus.

I could say more, but would love to hear what you have to say. Do you believe the Seventh-day Adventist church is growing the way it should? Tell me why? I know there are people who read this blog of other faiths. Would love to hear what you have to say. Respond here, hit me up on twitter, or email me!

Javi

Why I'm a Seventh-day Adventist Christian

Why are you Baptist? Catholic? Methodist? Presbyterian? Let me tell you why I'm a Seventh-day Adventist.

The reason I am a Seventh-day Adventist is because after studying for myself the bible I have found that what Seventh-day Adventist have come to develop as their doctrines, belief system is the closest to the bible of any denomination/religion that I have seen, heard, and read about. It is the denomination that I believe follows the teachings of Jesus the closest. 

Now I know...many will read this and find it boisterous, prideful, arrogant, and perhaps even stop reading at this point. Certainly you can, but, I hope you stick with me...

Now let me ask you this. As a bible believing Christian (if you are one) shouldn't you be able to say this about your church/denomination? You may say will I go to a non-denominational church. Ok, fine, then shouldn't you be able to say this about your non-denominational church? 

Biblically, aren't we suppose to find a church that most closely follows the teachings of Jesus? Right? 

Now with that said let me clarify. 

The fact that I believe the Seventh-day Adventist church most closely follows the teachings of Jesus is not:

1. Because I was raised Adventist.

2. I'm a paid pastor in the Adventist church.

Surely you can say, 'well your bias' and well I wouldn't disagree with you. Yet many years ago I essentially left the church but through God's grace and mercy as I started to respond to God's call in my heart I came back. I came back to the studying the Bible! I honestly wanted and still want to know and understand as best as I can this issue we often hear in Christian circles of 'following Jesus'. I'm still on that journey, it's not like I've reached some static point where I've mastered everything. Through God's grace and mercy I strive through to be more like HIM. 

Now let me clarify a few more things. Just because I believe that Seventh-day Adventist follow the teachings of Jesus most closely to the bible it doesn't mean:

1. That every person who says they're Adventist necessarily follows everything Adventist believe (I use to say I was Adventist mainly because I was raised Adventist)

2. That Adventist Christians don't make mistakes (I certainly have)

3. We can't question our beliefs and doctrines (we should study all things for ourselves)

4. That every Adventist church exemplifies the love of Jesus (could write many posts' on this)

5. That we shouldn't continue to study and dig deep into the things of God

6. We believe that we are the only people with truth

7. There aren't sincere bible believing (to what they have studied) Christians in other denominations/churches

8. Only Seventh-day Adventist will be saved

Now you may ask, 'what are some of the truths/beliefs that helped you come to this conclusion?' Good question, here are some:

1. The essence of the plan of redemption

2. The Seventh-day Sabbath

3. What happens after we die

4. How Jesus will return

Again the above are just some. 

Lastly, remember if someone who is a Seventh-day Adventist is meaner than the devil that doesn't take away the truth of what we believe any more than an unloving Baptist for example, makes all Baptist' unloving.

So why are you a ____________________?

Javi

My Interview with Rabbi Cohen

Recently I had the honor of sitting down and talking with Rabbi Valerie Cohen who leads the only Jewish synagogue in the Jackson, MS area where I live. I was excited to get to know her and want to thank her for being so kind in answering my questions. I also want to thank her secretary for giving me a little tour as I waited.

Living in the heart of the bible belt some probably wouldn't even think there would be a Jewish synagogue. The reality is Beth Israel just celebrated 150 years in the Jackson, MS area! Below you can see a short video they prepared for their anniversary last year. Take a moment and watch the video as it also gives a short synopsis of its history.

The Statue of Moses that survived the bombing as mentioned in the video!

Beth Israel Jackson is lead by Rabbi Valerie Cohen you can click here to read her bio on their website. Below I've highlighted some of the points of our conversation they are not direct quotes unless noted with quotation marks. Though I asked direct questions it was more of a conversation that at times jumped topics a bit which was great. I wrote down as much as I could. (RC=Rabbi Cohen)

What is Reform Judaism?
RC: There are essentially three different branches:
1. Orthodox-Believe both Hebrew scripture and Oral Traditions are from God
2. Reform: Which began in the 19th century as Judaism was trying to adapt and be relevant to the needs of the day.
3. Conservative: These felt that Reform Judaism had to some degree gone too far, and felt that there needed to be more of a middle ground between the Orthodox and Reform movements.

Rabbi Cohen made an interesting point that it was not Reform(ed) but Reform. Reformed gives the meaning that it has achieved and reached a final point of reformation. Yet this is not the 'Reform' belief as they believe that it will continue.

Beth Israel is part of the Union for Reform Judaism. You can click HERE (this website will give you more info instead of me posting it all here:) and read what they say is Reform Judaism.

Part of the difference in Reform Judaism as stated by Rabbi Cohen and the just mentioned website. Is the fact that they were the first to ordain women Rabbi's. "First women ordained was in...1972" stated Rabbi Cohen. Their website also states, "Reform Jews are also committed to the full participation of gays and lesbians in synagogue life as well as society at large."


How do you become a Rabbi?
RC: You get a four year degree, then 5-6 years of graduate work (seminary). Spend a year in Israel. Pastoral care internship and mentoring. Also of course intensive text study in Hebrew.


Rabbi Cohen mentioned that at the end of seminary essentially they are ordained. Their graduation is in part an ordination service.

What happens at a Reform Jewish service?
Beth Israel has two services. One is on Friday evening when Shabbat starts and the other, a more traditional service takes place on Saturday morning.


RC: There is a fixed liturgy about 50/50 being in Hebrew and English (friday nights). There is Rabbinic and Biblical text . The themes of the service are creation, revelation (God's gift of Torah) and redemption (the exodus with some allusion to future redemption). We will have Sabbath prayers, personal prayers, silent prayer, prayer for healing, and mourners. 


Music is a big part of the service. Rabbi Cohen mentioned the importance of the music in the service. The sermon (which lasts only 10-15min) may not always go well but if the music is good everything works out. Yet if the music is off, then the service didn't go well even if the sermon did. Most of the readings are set to music, its chanted or a melody. 


RC: In essence the service is lots of liturgy, 10-15min sermon, lots of singing. The service will last a little over an hour.


At his point I asked RC about the Sabbath:
Rabbi Cohen was obviously aware that I am a Seventh-day Adventist pastor. I spoke to her a little about our view of the Sabbath and then she gave me her perspective.


RC: Sabbath is seen as a gift. "The Sabbath is the most important holiday. In the Hebrew Shabbat means to stop or cease not to rest." She went on to mention how the world would be if everyone would stop their work and spend time with family and God. 


Rabbi Cohen mentioned many will celebrate Shabbat differently. "Some may not choose to come to the temple on Shabbat" Some may choose to spend it with their families at home or somewhere else. This is fine because it's in part what Shabbat is about. 


RC: "Judaism is complicated, multi-dimensional..."so it will vary what the Jewish person says the reasoning behind why one keeps the Sabbath. Yet the Sabbath as previously mentioned is obviously key. 


What is your belief in regards to what happens at death?
Rabbi Cohen mentioned some interesting points regarding this question but being as I've gone pretty long in this post. I will go with her short and simple answer:


RC: There is basically three main answers:
1. Nothing
2. I don't know-"most Jews don't know"
3. I don't care-"...just live your life now according to your understanding of God"


She mentioned and believes that there's really not a 'after life theology.'(in the Hebrews scriptures)  It seems to have come mainly from Rabbinic writings.


What is your view of Jesus?
Being the obvious fact that Jackson, MS has a high Christian culture and most I would venture to say believe in Jesus or have at least grown up hearing about Jesus. I thought it would be interesting to hear her perspective.


RC: "Jesus was a man who had great vision, rebelled against the institution of the time and obviously was a Jew. He lived an observant life, was not a Rabbi, but was a good teacher/leader."


In your time here have you had someone convert to Judaism?
RC: Yes...(I then asked, 'How does one convert?)
RC: "It's at least a year long process, must attend services, immerse yourself in the Jewish community." The individual will be mentored, must walk in the shoes of a Jew. (At this point I asked how does one know if they have walked in the shoes of a Jew?)
RC: There is a ritual 'Beit Din' where three people sit with the conversion student to determine if they are ready. Finally they go through 'Mikvah' which is essentially baptism by emersion. Important note is that the individual is completely naked for the baptism. (yes you read that correctly, it is of course done very discretely) Men of course must be circumcised.


Why I decided to meet with Rabbi Cohen?
First I again want to thank Rabbi Cohen for meeting with me. I sensed in her a love and purity for what she does and the community she ministers too. I learned a lot more than what I could possibly write in this one post. If I by chance mentioned and/or quoted something incorrectly I hope she will let me know and I will correct. 


Here are three quick reasons why I took this initiative:


1. I want to learn and interact more with my community. As mentioned Beth Israel has been around a long time, they have done much in the Jackson, MS community. I/we as a church can learn from that.
2. I enjoy interacting with others of different faiths (not just different denominations). It's great to be able to discuss, learn, and fellowship with other spiritual leaders.
3. I want people to know who Seventh-day Adventist are: In this context I'm not saying it in a way as to proselytize the people I meet but to get to know a bit of the individual, their beliefs and enter into a faith dialogue. Rabbi Cohen also had some great questions for me and what I believed. We simply had a great discussion. She was honest with me as she mentioned that fact that at first knowing a 'Seventh-day Adventist' was keeping she wasn't sure what to expect and didn't know a lot about us specifically. Yet know she knows a little more about who are Seventh-day Adventist as I know a lot more about Reform Judaism. 


 So I know this was one of my longer posts', but I hope that you were blessed and perhaps it might lead you to get to know (if you haven't already) more people in your community that are different than you. I'm not planning on stopping here as I want to hopefully interview several other faith leaders in my community.


Would love to hear what you think...


Javi