Church

In spite of its affirmation of the priesthood of all believers, there is perhaps no function which Protestantism has so much neglected. Not only have Protestant laymen not assumed the priestly role, but until recently even the clergy have shunned it. A major task for Protestant churches today, no...

There are many sad stories in this fallen world in which we live. One among them, especially sobering from the perspective of God’s people, is the moral fall of a pastor, a leader of Jesus’ “flock” (John 10:16), and a person with a specific divine calling. 1. What Is a Moral Fall?—Definition Typi...

The situation prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the efforts to reduce the risk of infection as expressed through physical distancing and other safety precautions has posed new challenges to the church, not only in regard to conducting religious services but also certain ceremonies of the chur...

From time to time questions have arisen as to why Seventh-day Adventists have an open communion service, meaning that all who have committed their lives to Jesus Christ may participate and that “children learn the significance of the service by observing others participating.” Some who argue tha...

In this article I distinguish between “Church” with “C” and “church” with small “c.” Recently, a committee composed of several Seventh-day Adventist church employees—some from the General Conference and some from academia—was reviewing various agenda items when the chair noted that the General Co...

Ecumenism has a history as long as the division of the Christian church. Unity of the body of Christ has been a prayer and a dream since the beginning. Jesus prayed for unity and the apostles struggled to maintain unity. In the history of every church, you will find unity being challenged. The hi...

Today, more and more people are just concerned about their own wellbeing without caring much about society, family, or other groups of people. This may also influence Christians and their relation to the church. On the other hand, people like to meet in clubs, pubs, at sporting events, etc. becau...

The sixth day of Creation week drew to its close. The new planet with its inhabitants testified eloquently to the wisdom and ingenuity of its Maker. For the sixth time "God saw that it was good" (Gen 1;4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25). Beauty, harmony, completeness, and satisfaction filled the air. Then th...

Could you address the question of unity in the church? I am saddened by the many tensions I see in the church. I understand your concern. But keep in mind that both wheat and weeds are present in the church, and it’s important to seek unity in spite of the tensions. The unity of the church is roo...

Introductory Historical Sketch Seventh-day Adventists trace the formative stages of their movement to an enthusiastic revival of biblical prophetic studies which occurred in the first half of the 19th century, largely among Protestants but with limited Catholic participation. The collapse of the ...