reach the world - adventist archives · pdf fileod’s strategic plan to “reach the...
TRANSCRIPT
S T R A T E G I C P L A N 2 0 1 5 – 2 0 2 0
REACH the WORLD
REACH UP TO GOD • REACH IN WITH GOD • REACH OUT WITH GOD
2
3 Introduction
4 Mission Statement of the Seventh-day Adventist Church
6 Strategic Issues Emerging From Global Research, 2011–2013
12 The Reach of Grace
14 Reach the World
24 Timeline: 150 Years of History—and the next five years
26 Evaluation and Appendix
CONTENTS
AC Annual Council of the General Conference Executive Committee AH Ellen G. White, The Adventist Home CH Ellen G. White, Counsels on Health DA Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages Ed.Ellen G. White,Education FB Fundamental Belief (from the Statement of Fundamental Beliefs) KPIKey Performance IndicatorMENA Middle East and North Africa Union MH Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing
ABBREVIATIONS
3
General Conference President’s Introduction
God’sstrategicplanto“reachtheworld”wasunveiledafterthefallofourfirstparents,AdamandEve.Lovingly,ChristHimselfexplainedtothemtheplanofsalvationandsomeofitskeyperformanceindicators(KPIs),includ-ingHiscomingtoearthasaman,dyingasasacrificeforhumanity,andrisingagain.Thisdivinestrategicplan
wasformulatedbeforethecreationoftheworld,andafterthefallitwasexplainedandimplemented.
BeforeHisascension,Christ’sfinalwordstoHisdisciplesremindedthemto“reachtheworld,”making“disciplesofallthenations,baptizingtheminthenameoftheFatherandoftheSonandoftheHolySpirit,teachingthemtoobserveallthingsthatIhavecommandedyou”(Matthew28:19,20,NKJV).
TheGreatCommissionofChristhasbeenaguidinglightforHispeoplethroughthecenturiesandservesasthefoundationofthisStrategicPlan,2015–2020,forHisremnantchurchtoreachtheworldwiththeThreeAngels’MessagesandthewonderfulnewsofChrist’ssoonreturn.
ThisStrategicPlanfocusesonthemissionstatementoftheSeventh-dayAdventistChurchandouridentityandimplementationofourmission.Byexaminingthestrategicissuesthatemergedfromglobalresearchcarriedoutfrom2011to2013,specificobjectivesandKPIsweredevelopedtoprovidevisionanddirectionincarryingoutthechurch’sspecialmission.
IpraythatthisdocumentandplanwillbeanimportantandusefultoolfortheentirechurchasweworkunitedlyundertheguidanceoftheHolySpiritto“reachtheworld”forChrist.
Ted N. C. Wilson, presidentSeventh-dayAdventistChurch
4
Mission Statement of the Seventh-day Adventist Church
Our MissionThemissionoftheSeventh-dayAdventistChurchistocallallpeopletobecomedisciplesofJesusChrist,toproclaimtheeverlastinggospelembracedinthethreeangels’messages[Revelation14:6–12],andtopreparetheworldforChrist’ssoonreturn.
Our MethodGuidedbytheBibleandtheHolySpirit,Seventh-dayAdventistspursuethismissionthroughChristlikeliving,communicating,discipling,teaching,healing,andserving.
Our VisionInharmonywiththeBible’srevelations,Seventh-dayAdventistsseeastheclimaxofGod’splantheresto-rationofallHiscreationtofullharmonywithHisperfectwillandrighteousness.
Our IdentityTheSeventh-dayAdventistChurchseesitselfastheremnantchurchofend-timeBibleprophecy.Membersofthechurch,individuallyandcollectively,understandtheirspecialroleasambassadorsofGod’skingdomandasmessengersofthesoonreturnofJesusChrist.Seventh-dayAdventistshaveenlistedascoworkerswithGodinHismissionofreclaimingthe
worldfromthepowerandpresenceofevil,aspartoftheGreatControversybetweenChristandSatan.
Therefore,everyaspectofachurchmember’slifeisinfluencedbytheconvictionthatweliveinthelastdaysdescribedinBibleprophecyandthereturnofJesusChristisimminent.Seventh-dayAdventistsarecalledbyGodtoliveinthisworld.EveryactionoftheChristianlifeisdone“inthenameofJesus”andtoadvanceHiskingdom.
Implementation of Our MissionSeventh-dayAdventistsaffirmtheBibleasGod’sinfalliblerevelationofHiswill,acceptingitsauthorityinthelifeofthechurchandofeachbeliever,anditsfoundationalroleforfaithanddoctrine.Seventh-dayAdventistsbelievethattheHolySpiritisthepowerthattransformslivesandequipspeoplewithabilitiestoadvanceGod’skingdominthisworld.
CalledbyGod,guidedbytheBible,andempoweredbytheHolySpirit,Seventh-dayAdventists,whereverweliveintheworld,devoteourselvesto:
1. Christlike living—IllustratingthelordshipofJesusinourlivesbymoral,ethical,andsocialbehaviorsthatareconsistentwiththeteachingsandexampleofJesus.
5
2. Christlike communicating—Realizingthatallarecalledtoactivewitness,wesharethroughpersonalconversation,preaching,publishing,andthearts,theBible’smessageaboutGodandthehopeandsalvationofferedthroughthelife,ministry,atoningdeath,resur-rection,andhighpriestlyministryofJesusChrist.
3. Christlike discipling—AffirmingthevitalimportanceofcontinuedspiritualgrowthanddevelopmentamongallwhoacceptJesusasLordandSavior,wenurtureandinstructeachotherinrighteousliving,providetrainingforeffectivewitness,andencourageresponsiveobediencetoGod’swill.
4. Christlike teaching—Acknowledgingthatdevel-opmentofmindandcharacterisessentialtoGod’sredemptiveplan,wepromotethegrowthofama-tureunderstandingofandrelationshiptoGod,HisWord,andthecreateduniverse.
5. Christlike healing—Affirmingthebiblicalprin-ciplesofthewell-beingofthewholeperson,we
makehealthfullivingandthehealingofthesickapriorityand,throughourministrytothepoorandoppressed,cooperatewiththeCreatorinHiscompassionateworkofrestoration.
6. Christlike serving—FollowingtheexampleofJesus,wecommitourselvestohumbleservice,minister-ingtoindividualsandpopulationsmostaffectedbypoverty,tragedy,hopelessness,anddisease.
6
Strategic Issues Emerging From Global Research, 2011–2013Note: Over a two-year period, beginning in 2011, five major research projects took place globally. Almost 41,000 church members and nearly 1,000 former church members were interviewed or received and completed questionnaires about their beliefs, attitudes, experiences in the church, and spiritual-life practices. These included 4,260 pastors, almost 1,200 young people (recent graduates of Adventist colleges and universities in North America), and over 35,000 other church members. This unprecedented survey of the world church was carried out to provide a basis for strategic planning. In addition, each division and each General Con-ference department provided its assessment of the strategic priorities facing them in their part of the world or line of work, and each division proposed items that need to be addressed by the denomination as a whole. Finally, research undertaken for and presented at two global conferences held at the world headquarters (“It’s Time: Refocusing Adventist Urban Mission for the 21st Century” and “Sum-mit on Nurture and Retention: Discipling, Retaining and Reclaiming”) was taken into account. This global analysis highlighted a number of positives as well as a number of areas of concern; the most important are summarized here. The Strategic Plan is founded on this research.
S T R A T E G I C
I S S U E S
REACH the WORLD
7
1. SabbathSchoolemergesasapower-fulpositiveinchurchlifearoundtheworld.TheadultSabbathSchoollessonsarewelllikedandregardedasspiritu-allybeneficialinAfrica,LatinAmerica,andAsia;SabbathSchoolteachersareregardedhighlybychurchmembersaroundtheworldandso,too,istheoverallexperienceofSabbathSchool.Itisastrengthonwhichthechurchshouldbuild(includingintheareaofnurtureandretention;see3,4below).
2. LessthanhalfofallSeventh-dayAdvent-istsworldwidehaveexperiencedanydenominationaleducation,andmanypastorshavehadlimitedAdventisteducation.Thismaybeafactorinless-than-satisfactoryretentionandarisingvarietyofviewsconcerningkeydoc-trines(see4,7,and8below).Althoughthepercent-ageofchurchmemberswhohaveattendedAdvent-isteducationalinstitutionspartlyreflectsrapidchurchgrowthratherthanalackofcommitment
todenominationaleducation,thismeansthereisagrowingneedforeducationforthechildrenofthemanynewandrecentconverts.ThereisalsoaneedforpastorstoreceiveathoroughanddistinctivelyAdventisttrainingandtohaveopportunitiesforcontinuingeducation.
3. Manylocalchurcheslackrobustmechanismsformembercare—especiallyforthosewhoareatriskofleavingthechurch.Localchurchesneedpastorstoequipeldersandmemberscollectivelytoprovidepastoralcareforeachother.Thisneedemergesfromstudiesofformermembers,fromsurveysofpastorsandchurchmembers,andalsofromdenominationalstatistics.Whilethenumberofchurchmembershasgrownsignificantlyoverthepastfiftyyears,inthesameperiod,fouroutoftenofallmembershaveleft.Thereisanevident
8
needforcomprehensivemember-carestrategiestoenhancetheexperienceinthelocalchurchfamilyandthusimprovemembershipretentionpatterns.
4. Aswellasimprovingretentionrates,thereisalsoaneedtoinstilllifelongcommitmenttomembershipintheSeventh-dayAdventistChurch.Researchin-dicatesthatinmanyareasoftheworlddiscipleshipprogramsshouldbegreatlystrengthened,withbaptismbeingseenasthebeginningofalifeasafruitfuldiscipleofJesusChrist.
5. SecularthinkingandentertainmentareaffectingAdventistbeliefsandpractices,especiallyintheWesternworld,butincreasinglyinotherpartsoftheworldaswell.Thiswasevidentfromthesurveyofchurchmembersthroughouttheworldandwasastatedconcerninseveraldivisions’appraisalsofstrategicpriorities.Churchmembersurgentlyneedhelpinwiselyandbiblicallyevaluatingcontempo-rarysocialtrends
6. Thereisadeclineinmostdivisionsofpersonalcommitmenttoparticipationinvitalpersonal,fa-milial,andcorporatespiritualpractices—especiallyinpersonalBiblestudyandfamilyworship.Yetfre-quent,regularpersonalandfamilialprayer,Biblestudy,andworshiparefoundationsofthechurch,andoughttobestronglyencouraged.
STRATEGIC ISSUES
9
7. Beliefthatwitches’powersarerealandcanlegit-imatelybeusedbyAdventistsisrelativelyhighinseveraldivisions.Furthermore,significantnum-bersofAdventistsbelievethatevilspiritshavepowerevenoverChristiansoracceptthatspiritsofthedeadcancommunicatewithandcontroltheliving.WhilethesurveyofchurchmembersshowedthatacceptanceoftheAdventistdoctrineofthestateofthedeadishigh,itissignificantlylowerthanbeliefinotherdistinctivedoctrines(e.g.,theseventh-daySabbath).Theissueof“dualallegiance”shouldcontinuetobeaddressedinrelevantregions,whileeducationabouttheBible’steachingsonthestateofthedeadshouldbeundertakenglobally.
8. ThereisalsoasignificantdegreeofvariationinbeliefinotherlandmarkAdventistdoctrines,includingtheimminenceofChrist’ssecondcoming,theSanctuarydoctrine,andCreationasdescribedinScripture.Uncertaintyanddissentarelowbutevident;evenpastorsarereportingdoubts,thoughnottothesameextentaschurchmembers.Instructionindoctrineshouldnotberestrictedtobaptismalcandidates;activediscipleship(see4)shouldideallyincludelifelonglearningaboutthebiblicalbasisforAdventistdoctrinesandhowtheygiveafullerunderstandingofChristandsalvation.
9. ItisencouragingtonotethatbeliefinEllenWhite’spropheticgiftisverystrongallaroundtheworld.However,theproportionofchurchmemberswhoreportregularlyreadingherwritingsisvery
There is a decline in most
divisions of personal
commitment to participation
in vital personal, familial, and
corporate spiritual practices—
especially in personal Bible
study and family worship.
10
low;theproportionthatreportsreadingherdailyisless,ineverydivision,thantheproportionthathasneverreadherwritings.Thedatasuggeststhatreasonsforlowreadingratesincludeproblemswithdistributionand,insomepartsoftheworld,illiteracy.EllenWhite’swritingsneedtobemadeavailablemorewidelytochurchmembersintheirownlanguages.
10. Adventistmedia’simpactwithinthechurchisvar-ied;despitesomesuccesses,itsinfluenceislimitedinmanyareas.Althoughitisprobablyasignificantfactorinbringingpeopleintothedenomination,itmakeslessofanimpactonthosealreadyinthechurch.Relativelylowproportionsofmembersre-portAdventistbroadcast,print,anddigitalmediaasbeingsignificantinfluencesontheirlives.Theissueinsomeareasisdifficultyinaccessingmedia,morethanproblemswithitscontent.However,averylargepercentageofyoungpeoplegavelowratingstoAdventistsocialmedia.Denominationalmediahasunrealizedpotentialforimpactingcur-rentSeventh-dayAdventists.
11. Thespreadofmobiledevices,especiallysmart-phones,makingaccesstotheInternetevermorewidelyavailable,providesextraordinaryopportu-nitiesbothforwideningevangelismandwitnessandforrespondingtotheissuesidentifiedabove:promotingandenrichingBiblestudy,disseminat-ingEllenWhite’swritings,andenergizingandequippingchurchmembersforservice.
STRATEGIC ISSUES
11
12. Researchshowsthat,whileactualtitheamountscontinuetoincrease,faithfulnessintithingisdecreasing.However,relativelyfewchurchmem-bershaveseriousdoubtsabouteitherAdventistteachingsontithingorthewaythechurchusestithes.Theresearchindicatesthattheeasieritistoreturntithe,themorelikelymembersaretodoso;andthatthosewhoregardtithingaspartoftheirrelationshipwithChristaremorelikelytobefaithfulinreturningtithes.
13. Therearetwoongoingmajormissionalchallengestothismovement.First,thecountriesofthe“10/40Window”—theheartlandofthegreatworldreligions,whichinmanycasesfaceeconomicand/orpoliticalchallengesandhaverestrictionsonreligiousliberty.Second,thelimitedAdventistpresenceinlargeurbanareas,especiallyinNorthAfrica,Europe,theMiddleEast,andAsia.Thechallengeofthe10/40Windowwasrecognizedbythedenominationin1989and1990;theneedsoflargecitieswerethefocusin2013ofthe“It’sTime”conferenceandanAnnualCouncilresolution.Yetifthechallengesaretobemet,theworldwideSeventh-dayAd-ventistChurchneedstodeploymorefinancialandpersonnelresourcesinthe10/40Windowandinlargeurbanareasaroundtheworld.
12
The Reach of Grace“God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself” (2Corinthians5:19,NKJV).).
TheSeventh-dayAdventistChurchisaworldwidecommunityofbelieverscreatedbythegraceandinitiativeofGodthroughthelife,death,res-
urrection,andcontinuingheavenlyministryofJesusChrist.ThemissionthatcalledourcommunityintobeingbeganwiththeredemptiveactofGod;itwaspursuedbyGodinhumanhistorythroughgiftsgivenbytheHolySpirit;anditcontinuesasweparticipateinthedivineplantoreconciletoHimselfallpersonsestrangedbysin.
Believingitselftobetheend-timechurchofBibleprophecy,theglobalSeventh-dayAdventistChurchjoinsinGod’smissionbyproclaimingandenactingthethreeangels’messagesofRevelation14:6–12.Thefoundationalunderstandingofthechurch’sremnantidentityarisingfromthispassagecausesustocov-enantwithGodandeachothertoliveinafaithfulcommunitythatproclaimsthepriorityofworshippingChristasCreator(verse7)asEarthapproachesitsend.WeupholdtheBibleastheinspiredWordofGodandteachpeopleofallnationsthatsalvationthroughfaithinHimistheonlywayhumanbeingswilleverbejudgedrighteous.Aswehave“learnedChrist”sowefollowafterHimindiscipleship,separatingourselvesfromfalseformsofworshipandungodlypractices
T H E O LO G I C A L
FOUNDATIONS
REACH the WORLD
13
sothatourlivesbringHimglory.TheurgencyofourproclamationanddisciplingresultsfromlearningthecompassionthatcausedtheFather,Son,andSpirittoengageinTheirreconcilingmissionfrom“thefounda-tionoftheworld”(Ephesians1:4).
Seventh-dayAdventistscontinuallyseektobuilduptheremnantchurchasacommunitythatworshipsJesusfaithfullyastheCreator(Revelation14:7)onHisappointedday,theseventh-daySabbath.Weencour-ageeachothertoknowGodandglorifyHimthroughpersonalspiritualpracticestaughtintheWordofGod,includingprayer,meditation,andBiblestudy.Thisin-cludesacommitmenttolifelonglearningaswegatheraroundtheWordofGodforcommunalstudyandalsoparticipateinaglobalsystemofChristianeducation.Insodoing,we“reach up to God”inlovingresponsetothesalvationofferedthroughJesusChrist.
Seventh-dayAdventistsalsoseektonurtureandedifymembersofallagesthroughspiritualeducationinboththetruthsofScriptureandthehabitsofChris-tianlifestyle.Thiswholisticunderstandingbrings
allaspectsofhumanlifeunderthecontrolofChrist,aswerelyonHisgraceandpowertokeepHiscom-mandments(Revelation14:12).Wepromoteongoingspiritualdevelopmentthattrainsanddisciplesusformeaningfullivesofwitnessintheworld.Bythesemeans,we“reach in with God”tocareforeachotherandencouragegrowthineachotheraswepatientlywaitforChrist’sappearing.
Seventh-dayAdventistsparticipateinthemessageofthethirdangelofRevelation14throughmultipleformsofwitnessbywhichweinvitepersonsofallethnicitiesandallnationstoforsakelivesofsinandfalsehoodandjoinGod’send-timepeople(Revelation14:9–12).Because“theloveofChristcompelsus”(2Corinthians5:14,NKJV),wecommitourselvestoannouncingtheimminenceofChrist’ssecondcomingthroughpublicandprivateactsthatechothereconcilingmissionofGodinChrist.Ourlivespromotespiritualandsocialreconciliation,incarnatingthegoodnewsofJesusthroughdeedsofcaringthatmeethumanneedsforhealth,justice,andpeace.We“reach out with God” asweparticipateinHispersistentmissionofloveandgrace.
We promote ongoing
spiritual development
that trains and disciples
us for meaningful lives
of witness in the world.
O V E R V I E W
O B J E C T I V E S 1.ToinvolveAdventistmembersindailyBiblestudy 2.Toengageallmembersindoctrinalstudy,asessential
forspiritualmaturity 3.TomakeallmembersbetteracquaintedwithEllen
White’scounselandpropheticministry 4. Toincreasetheengagementofchurchmembersin
biblicallyauthenticspiritualpractices 5. Tofosteramongpastors,teachers,members,and
studentsindenominationalinstitutions,greaterap-preciationforandinsightfromastudyofScripturethatusesthehistorical-grammaticalmethodandhistoricistapproachtointerpretation,includingtheunderstandingofprophecy
6.Toencouragechurchmemberstoadoptregularpat-ternsofworship
14
REACH the WORLD
15
7.Toenhanceunityandcommunityamongchurchmembers
8.Tonurturebelieversinlivesofdiscipleshipandtoinvolvetheminservice
9.Toincreasetheengagementofyoungpeopleinthelifeofthechurch
10.Toaffirmtheadministrativeroleofpastorsinorganizationalleadership
11.Toimproveleadershippracticesinordertoenhancethecredibilityof,andtrustin,thechurchorganization,itsoperations,andmissioninitiatives
12.ToenhanceAdventistoutreachandpresenceacrossthe10/40Window
13.ToenhanceAdventistoutreachandpresenceinlargeurbanareasworldwide
14.Tomakeplantingnewgroupsofbelieversapriorityinallpartsoftheworld
15.Tosubstantiallyreorientourunderstandingandmethodsofmission
16.Toengageallchurchmembers,pastors,andleadersinfullpartnership
17.Toincreasetheinvolvementofyoungpeopleinthemissionofthechurch
18.Toencouragelocalchurchestotaketheinitiativeincommunicatingthethreeangels’messagesandcarryingoutthemissionoftheSeventh-dayAdventistChurch
19.Toraisetheprofileofmissiontonon-Christianreligionsandbeliefsystems
20.Tostrengthentheworldchurch’sglobalresourcesformission 21.Tooptimizecommunicationplansandmethodologiessoas
toempowertheworkandwitnessofthechurch
16
Reach the World
Acts 2:42, 47
I. Because biblical understanding is so central to our spiritual life and mission:
OBJECTIVE: ToinvolveAdventistmembersinregularBiblestudy
KPIs Significantincreasesinthenumbersofchurchmembersregularlyengagingin:A. IndividualBiblestudy,bywhichGodspeaks
tousinmeaningfulrelationshipB. BiblestudyinfamilyworshipC. Smallgroups
II. Because biblical doctrines express universal truth, and because research shows that Adventist understanding of doctrines needs attention:
OBJECTIVE: Toengageallmembersindoctrinalstudy,asessentialforspiritualmaturity
KPIs Significantincreaseintheunderstandingandacceptanceofthechurch’sFundamentalBeliefs,andinparticularof:A. Salvationbyfaith(FB10)B. Stateofthedeadandthepowerofprayerover
witchcraftandspiritualism(FB26,FB11)C. Thechurch(FB12,FB14)D. SecondComing(FB25)E. Creation(FB6)F. Sanctuary/InvestigativeJudgment(FB24)G. ThenatureoftheFundamentalBeliefsasa
wholeasBible-centereddoctrinesthatreflectaloving,graciousGod
KPI Improvedunderstandingofandcommitmenttoprinciplesofhealthfulliving(FB22)
KPI IncreasedprovisionandwidespreaduseofBiblestudyaidsonmobiledevicesandsocialmedia
III. Because Ellen White’s writings help us to understand the Bible better and provide practical and inspired counsel to the church:
OBJECTIVE:TomakeallmembersbetteracquaintedwithEllenWhite’scounselandpropheticministry
KPI IncreasedpersonalstudyofherwritingsKPI Betterunderstandingoftheprocessofher
inspirationKPI Faithfulapplicationsofhercounselforthe
twenty-firstcentury
17
KPI Increasedavailabilityofherwritingsinlocallanguages
KPI Significantlyincreasedavailabilityviamobiledevicesandonsocialmediaofherwritingsandofinformationaboutherimpactandministry
KPI MoreeffectiveuseofsocialmediatopromoteEllenWhite’swritings
IV. Because specific practices nurture and enhance biblical spirituality and safeguard against secularism, dual allegiance, and superficial religiosity, which research shows are growing problems in the church:
OBJECTIVE:Toincreasetheengagementofchurchmembersinbiblicallyauthenticspiritualpractices
KPIs Significantincreaseinnumbersofchurchmem-bersreportingregularengagementin:A. PrayerB. MeditationuponthelifeofJesusandbiblical
themes(DA82,83,207)
V. Because the teaching of the Bible should have “our freshest thought, our best methods, and our most earnest effort” (Ed. 186):
OBJECTIVE:Tofosteramongpastors,teachers,mem-bers,andstudentsindenominationalinstitutions,greaterappreciationforandinsightfromastudyofScripturethatusesthehistorical-grammaticalmethodandhistoricistapproachtointerpretation,includingtheunderstandingofprophecy
KPI Teachingthatinspiresstudentstostudymoredeeplyasshownthroughasystematicexamina-tionofhowBibleistaughtinAdventistschools
KPI CollegeBibleclassesthatsuccessfullybuildcon-fidenceintheBibleasdivinerevelation,trustinGod,andcommitmenttoHismission
KPI Seminaryandpost-seminarytrainingthatensurespastorsdemonstratebiblicalscholarshipthatisfaithfultotheuniqueSeventh-dayAdventistunderstandingofthemessageandmissionoftheremnantchurch
KPI ABiblestudycurriculum,inclusiveoftheSabbathSchool,thatisstrategicallydesignedtoeducateallages,atsuccessiveintervals,intheteachingsoftheSeventh-dayAdventistChurch
VI. Because true worship is a central element in our relationship with God, is highlighted in the three angels’ messages, and is an essential requirement for church growth:
OBJECTIVE:Toencouragechurchmemberstoadoptregularpatternsofworship
KPIsSignificantincreaseinnumbersofchurchmem-bersreportingregularengagementin:A. PersonalworshipB. FamilyworshipC. Corporateworship(SabbathSchooland
church)
Acts 2:44–46
18
VII. Because the church is called to be a spiritual community characterized by love and mutual forbearance, reflecting God’s love and presence:
OBJECTIVE: Toenhanceunityandcommunityamongchurchmembers
KPI Unityandmutualsubmissionamongindividualsandpeoplegroups
KPI ReclamationofformerandinactivemembersKPI Pastor-churchofficercooperationandteamworkKPI Cross-culturalunderstandingandrespectKPI Implementationofcomprehensive,widespread,
andpracticaltraininginconflictresolutionandreconciliationthroughouttheworldwidechurch
VIII. Because our Christ-given mission is to create communities of faithful disciples:
OBJECTIVE: Tonurturebelieversinlivesofdisciple-shipandtoinvolvetheminservice
KPI Churchmembersexpresslifelongcommitmenttothechurchandpersonal,prayerfulinvolve-mentinitsmission
KPI Evidenceofincreasedchurch-memberinvolve-mentinserviceinthechurchandcommunity
KPI EachdivisionandunionhasadesignatedNur-tureandRetentioncoordinatorandaNurtureandRetentioncommittee
KPI WidespreadadoptionofSeventh-dayAdventistmembershipsoftwaretoimproverecordsoflocalchurchmembership
KPI Improvedretentionratesofauditedmember-ship
KPI GeneralConferencedepartmentscollaboratingwithoneanotherandinconsultationwithdivisionleadersincreatingmaterialsthatmeetexpressedneedsintheareasofnurture,reten-tion,anddiscipling
KPI Eachdivisionholdsconferencesonnurture,retention,anddiscipling
KPIEvidencethatchurchmembersaroundtheworldrecognizetheneedfor,andsupporttherolesof,organizationalstructurefortheaccom-plishmentofmission
Reach the World
REACH IN WITH GOD
19
IX. Because the nurture of young people, with “mighty truths handed down . . . from generation to generation,” is “a sacred trust” (AH 501):
OBJECTIVE:Toincreasetheengagementofyoungpeopleinthelifeofthechurch
KPI Alldenominationalorganizations,includinglocalchurches,involveyoungpeopleindecision-makingforums,intheimplementationofprograms,andinpreparationforleadershiproles
X. Because of the vital importance of pastors in administration and mission:
OBJECTIVE:Toaffirmtheadministrativeroleofpas-torsinorganizationalleadership
KPI Churchleadersatalllevelsincludepastorsasanintegralpartoforganizationaladministration
KPI PastorsareappropriatelyqualifiedfortheirrolesKPI Churchmembersseetheirpastorashelping
themtousetheirtimeandtalentsincreativeministry
XI. Because the unity of the church requires effective, spiritual leadership and is affected by church members’ perception of the competence and accountability of leaders:
OBJECTIVE: Toimproveleadershippracticesinordertoenhancethecredibilityof,andtrustin,thechurchorganization,itsoperations,andmissioninitiatives
KPIThedenominationusesaspecificorientationpro-cessforexecutiveofficersofallunitsofdenomi-nationalstructure
KPI Everychurchentityusesaspecificorientationprocessforgoverningboardandexecutivecom-mitteemembers
KPI Allnewlyelectedleaderswillcompleteleader-shiptraining,conductedbyahigherleveloforganization
KPI Administratorsandpastorsannuallycompletejob-relatedcontinuingeducation
KPI Churchmembershipsurveysindicateincreasedconfidenceinalllevelsofleadership
20
Acts 2:43, 47
XII. Because the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church still has yet to make a deep impact in most countries of the 10/40 Window:
OBJECTIVE: ToenhanceAdventistoutreachandpres-enceacrossthe10/40Window
KPI Churchplantersoperatingineachcountryofthe10/40WindowwherethereiscurrentlynoSeventh-dayAdventistpresence
KPI Eachconference,mission,andregioninthe10/40Windowhasafive-yearplanforachievinga20percentincrease(overfiveyears)inthenum-berofnewgroupsofbelievers
KPI Partnershipscreatedbetweenselectedinstitutionsandmissioninitiativesinthe10/40Window
XIII. Because Adventists are not yet “doing the work that should have been done in these long-neglected cities” (CH 547), in which more than half of the world’s population now lives:
OBJECTIVE: ToenhanceAdventistoutreachandpres-enceinlargeurbanareasworldwide
KPI Twentypercentincrease,overfiveyears,intotalauditedmembershipinurbanareasofonemil-lionpeopleormore
KPI AtleastoneCenterofInfluenceforevery250,000peopleineachurbanareaofonemillionpeopleormore
KPI Improvedratioofmembershiptopopulationinallurbanareasofonemillionpeopleormore
KPI Improvedratioofworshippinggroupstopopulationinallurbanareasofonemillionpeopleormore
Reach the World
REACH OUT WITH GOD
21
KPI Institutionsactivelyassistingwithmissioninitia-tivesinurbanareasofonemillionpeopleormore
KPI Interdivisionalsponsorshipandsupportfunc-tioningforministryin100ofthemostunen-teredurbanareasofonemillionpeopleormore
KPI RegularreportsbeingmadeatGeneralConfer-ence,division,andunionmidyearandyearendmeetingsonprogressinreachingtheobjectivesofthe“It’sTime”document(2013AC)
XIV. Because planting new groups of believers has proven its effectiveness as a means of fulfilling the Great Commission:
OBJECTIVE: Tomakeplantingnewgroupsofbeliev-ersapriorityinallpartsoftheworld
KPI Eachconference,mission,andregionoutsidethe10/40Windowhasafive-yearplanforachievinga30percentincrease(overfiveyears)inthenum-berofnewgroupsofbelievers
XV. Because mission is more than an event and “Christ’s method . . . in reaching the people” (MH 143) needs to be more widely known and followed:
OBJECTIVE: Tosubstantiallyreorientourunderstand-ingandmethodsofmission
KPI Everydenominationalorganizationalunithasinitiatedandimplementedcomprehensivetrain-
ingofpastorsandchurchmembersinChrist’smethodofoutreach
KPI AllGeneralConferencedepartmentspromoteuseofChrist’smethodandproducematerialstrainingmembersinitsuse
XVI. Because every church member needs to be aware of, and committed to, helping meet global and local mission opportunities and needs, through personal involvement, prayer, and giving:
OBJECTIVE: Toengageallchurchmembers,pastors,andleadersinfullpartnership
KPI Eachdivision’sworldmissionofferingshaveincreasedataratecomparabletotherateofincreaseintithes
22
KPI Inlightofthedoctrineofspiritualgifts(FB17),leadersateverylevelareinvolvinglaymemberstoasignificantdegreeinmissionplanningandmissionactivities
KPI Increaseinnumberofchurchmembersprayer-fullyparticipatinginoutreach
KPI Increaseinchurchmembership
XVII. Because of the importance of transmitting mission commitment and responsibility to succeeding generations:
OBJECTIVE: Toincreasetheinvolvementofyoungpeopleinthemissionofthechurch
KPI Youthdepartmentsateverylevelareworkingincollaborationwithyoungpeopletodevelopwholisticmissioninitiatives,basedonChrist’s
method,whicharecreated,planned,andimple-mentedbyyoungpeople
KPI Increasedresourcesateverylevelforministrybyyouth
KPI Mission-focusedsocialmediaandmobiledeviceapplicationsdesignedandwidelyusedbyyoungpeople
XVIII. Because of the local church’s importance as a beacon to its community, its central role in organizational structure, and its primary responsibility for recognizing and responding to mission opportunities in the community:
OBJECTIVE: Toencouragelocalchurchestotaketheinitiativeincommunicatingthethreeangels’mes-sagesandcarryingoutthemissionoftheSeventh-dayAdventistChurch
KPI Everylocalchurchhasaplan,developedincon-sultationwithitsconference/mission,toreachitscommunityusingChrist’smethod
KPI Everylocalchurchdemonstratesinitiativeinaddress-ingthevarietyofmissionopportunitiesinitsterri-tory,drawingonthespiritualgiftsofallmembers
XIX. Because of the need to reach greater numbers of people from non-Christian religions and belief systems:
OBJECTIVE: Toraisetheprofileofmission tonon-Christianreligionsandbeliefsystems
REACH OUT WITH GOD
23
KPI GlobalMissionCentersreporttoAnnualCoun-cileachyearonapproachesto,andprogressin,reachingworldreligionsandbeliefsystems
KPI GlobalMissionCenterdirectors’reportstoAn-nualCouncilarewidelypublicizedbydenomina-tionalmedia
XX. Because the availability and consumption of resources are not well aligned with mission needs:
OBJECTIVE: Tostrengthentheworldchurch’sglobalresourcesformission
KPI Everyorganizationhassystematicallyreviewedandalignedresourcesinlightoftheworldwidemissionprioritiesofthedenomination
KPI AllGeneralConferencedepartmentshaveincreasedtheavailabilityoftheirtimeandresourcestoterritoriesinthe10/40Window,havingdoneso,asmuchaspossible,inresponsetomulti-yearplansprovidedbydivisionsandMENA
KPI TheGeneralConferenceappropriationscommitteehascarriedoutastudyandmaderecommendationstoAnnualCouncilofwaystoallocatemoreappro-priationstothe10/40Windowandtolargeurbanareas
KPI Increaseof20percentininternationalpersonnelservinginthe10/40Window
KPI Increaseof50percentinvolunteersservinginthe10/40Window
XXI. Because of the power of communica-tion channels and messaging in facilitating the global mission of the church:
OBJECTIVE: Tooptimizecommunicationplansandmethodologiessoastoempowertheworkandwitnessofthechurch
KPI Allorganizationsandchurchmembersunder-standstrategicmissionprioritiesoftheGeneralConference,theirdivision,union,localconfer-ence/mission,institutions,andlocalchurch
KPI Everyorganizationhasacommunicationplanbywhichmembersandorganizationsinitsterritorywillunderstandmissionprioritiesandknowhowtheycanparticipateinthem
KPI Allboardmembers,administrators,andemploy-eesofinstitutionsunderstandandembracetheirrolesindenominationalstructureandmission
“We have
nothing to fear
for the future,
except as we
shall forget the
way the Lord
has led us, and
His teaching
in our past
history.”
—Ellen G. White,
Life Sketches, 196
1 5 0 Y E A R S O F H I S T O R Y
24
January 8-182014
www.RevivalAndReformation.org
REACH the WORLD
The Seventh-day Adventist Church’s strategic plans are addressed by a variety of programs and initiatives.
How will YOU get involved and help to Reach the World?
2 0 1 0 2 0 1 5
Comprehensivemedicalministry
1 5 0 Y E A R S O F H I S T O R Y
25
26
Evaluation
InordertoassesstheimpactofthisStrategicPlanandtoshapefuturestrategicplanning,researchwillbecommissionedinthe2015–2020
quinquenniumthatwillmeasure,whereverpossible,theextenttowhichstatedKPIshavebeenachieved.TheattainmentofmanyoftheKPIslistedpreviouslywillbemeasuredbysurveysofchurchmembersandsomedenominationalemployees.Itisimportantthatinstrumentsforsuchresearchprojectsarealigned,asmuchaspossible,withtheobjectivesandKPIsofthisStrategicPlan.
Inadditiontosurveysofattitudes,perceptions,practices,andbeliefs,thedivisionsandGeneralConferencedepart-mentsshouldeachmaketheirownassessmentofthedegreetowhichtheyhaveachievedtheobjectivesoftheStrategicPlanandtheextenttowhichKPIshaveorhavenotbeenreached.Thisqualitativedatawillbeaddedtothelarge-scalehuman-subjectresearchoutlinedabove.
Itisenvisagedthatthisprocessofresearchandevalua-tionwillbeakeyfoundationforstrategicplanningforthe2020–2025quinquennium.
AppendixReach the World: Planning and implementation—conceptual overview
Research
Issues/NeedsMission Statement
Reach Up to God Objectives/KPIs Projects/Initiatives
Projects/Initiatives
Projects/Initiatives
Objectives/KPIs
Objectives/KPIs
Reach In With God
Reach Out With God
Divisions and GC Department Input
Reach the World
Strategic Plan
27
AppendixStrategic planning cycle for the global church
Biblical Understanding
Goals
Data Collection
Mission Statement
Issues
Evaluation of Global Trends
Action Plans
Implementation