In 2019 members of the Biblical Research Institute (BRI) were active in a number of Bible conferences and theological symposia around the world. While the following list of activities in no way exhaustively depicts the varied work of BRI, it nevertheless gives a little glimpse into some important activities BRI has been engaged in.
From March 13–16, 2019, members of BRI, together with other speakers from the General Conference and theologians from West Africa, gave presentations at a Bible conference at Valley View University in Ghana on the theme of ecclesiology.
Artur Stele presenting on the subject of ecclesiology at Valley View University
Kwabena Donkor, BRI, presenting on the subject of ecclesiology at Valley View University
Participants at the Bible Conference at Valley View University
From May 26–28, 2019, a member of BRI participated in the spiritual retreat for pastors of the Swedish Union in Västeräng, Sweden.
From June 19–22, 2019, members of BRI, together with other speakers from Andrews University and the Inter-European Division, gave presentations at a Bible conference at the Seminary Villa Auroa in Florence, Italy, on the subject of the Trinity.
From July 3–6, 2019, members of BRI, together with other speakers from Central-America and South America gave presentations at a Bible conference at Montemorelos University in Mexico, on the topic of the sanctuary.
This is a picture of the main SDA church on the campus of Montemorelos University
From July 31–August 4, 2019, members of BRI, together with other theologians from South America, participated and spoke at XIII Biblical-Theological South-American Symposium in Peru on the theme of “Discipleship: Theology and Praxis.”
The beautiful church at Universidad Peruana Union (UPeU)
Participants at the XIII Biblical Theological South-American Symposium in Peru
Speaker at the XIII Biblical Theological South-American Symposium in Peru
From September 10–14, 2019, members of BRI—together with other speakers from the General Conference, the Ellen G. White Estate, and various schools in Africa—spoke at the first International Bible Conference of the Southern Africa Indian Ocean Division in Zambia. The theme of the Bible conference was “Reflections on Adventist Theology and Practice in the Southern Africa Indian Ocean Division Context.” On the beautiful campus of Rusungu Adventist University in Zambia, several hundred pastors and church leaders from the various countries of the division attended plenary presentations and numerous workshops.
Participants at the International Bible Conference at Rusangu University in Zambia
Elias Brasil de Souza speaks at Rusangu University
Participants at the International Bible Conference at Rusangu University, Zambia
From October 25–26, 2019, members of BRI, together with other speakers from Loma Linda, participated in the VII Bible Conference on the Spirit of Prophecy at Montemorelos University in Mexico.
Pastors and Speakers at the VII Bible Conference on the Spirit of Prophecy at Montemorelos University
Frank Hasel speaks to Pastors at Montemorelos University
From November 27–30, 2019, members of BRI, together with other speakers from the Ellen G. White Estate and Korea, gave presentations at Shamyook University, South Korea, for a symposium on the Spirit of Prophecy.
Beyond the active participation in various international bible conferences and theological symposia, members of BRI participate in many Biblical Research Committees (BRC) on the division level around the world. Here, articles for the revised Seventh-day Adventist Bible Dictionary are written by scholars from the different divisions and are discussed and approved. Several division BRCs also work on various book projects that serve specific needs in the Seventh-day Adventist Church (for instance, the BRC of the Inter-European Division recently published the book Adventists and Military Service: Biblical, Historical, and Ethical Perspectives [Madrid: Editorial Safeliz, 2019]; the BRC of
Valley View University, 2019
This list is not an exhaustive list of all the work in which members of BRI are involved. It illustrates, however, that BRI is making a valuable contribution to the world field in being a resource for the church and supporting various theological needs in different parts of the world. By aiming to promote the study and practice of Adventist theology, BRI encourages and facilitates important dialogue with the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist theological community and endeavors to foster theological and doctrinal unity in the world church.