One of the most important things to know about any organization is its mission statement. Possibly, the only factor more important than the mission statement of an organization is the character attributes of its leaders.
The best mission statements are very brief and they tell stakeholders and the public for what purpose the organization exists. Every decision should naturally be relevant to the fulfillment of an organization’s mission. Each action and communication should trace its purpose to the mission.
Several years ago I became interested in the mission statements of the various organizations that make up the Seventh-day Adventist Church after hearing a conference president state in a church business meeting that everyone knew that meetings based on prophecy did not work, adding that from that point forward churches were to hold public meetings exclusively on a “hope and wholeness” theme. And, a new “policy” had been put into effect—that all public evangelism efforts were to prospectively receive Conference approval to ensure compliance with Conference directives.
Reflecting back on that experience, I realized we had been given a preview of a new approach to evangelism. It has been carefully crafted not to offend and certainly not to warn anyone with specifics concerning future prophetic fulfillments. I understand the identification of powers that will array themselves against God is not politically expedient. We began to hear sermons on Isaiah 58, more specifically verses 6-7, while avoiding verses 1-2 and 12-13. “Present truth” was redefined based on a good statement in the book Evangelism, “The fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah contains present truth for the people of God. Here we see how medical missionary work and the gospel ministry are to be bound together as the message is given to the world. Upon those who keep the Sabbath of the Lord is laid the responsibility of doing a work of mercy and benevolence. Medical missionary work is to be bound up with the message, and sealed with the seal of God.”{Ev 516.4}. However, the original source of this quote provides that the three angels messages are “present truth.”[1] This new “present truth” was linked to “Christ’s method alone,”[2] an effective means of sharing the true everlasting gospel, but now applied to a “social gospel.”
This led to “social gospel” events held, not on Sunday, but during the Sabbath hours, including yard work, home maintenance projects, and acquiring groceries to deliver to the needy. In some churches this has progressed to “social justice” causes where adherents have rallied to support critical race theory, BLM, and various political positions nearly all of which square with agendas that can be traced to a socialistic ideology and/or a “new normal” for humanity at large.
Parallel to this “new normal” evangelism is the theme “Jesus. All,” as if “Jesus” was a doctrine separate and distinct from His prophets. One can speculate about the genesis of this “theology” however it likely includes a mix of de-emphasizing the prophetic works of Ellen White while extolling and isolating the virtues of love and acceptance.
In answer to this new evangelism we are given the following guidance:
“The present truth, the special message given to our world, even the third angel’s message, comprehends a vast field, containing heavenly treasures. No one can be excusable who says, I will no longer have anything to do with these special messages; I will preach Christ. No one can preach Christ, and present the truth as it is in Jesus, unless he presents the truths that are to come before the people at the present time, when such important developments are taking place.” {Ms33-1897.24}
Recently, I researched the various mission statements of unions and conferences in the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists by searching websites as well as Facebook pages. Here are some examples:
North America Division[3]
“To REACH North America with the distinctive, Christ-centered Seventh-day Adventist message of hope and wholeness.”
Atlantic Union Conference (Lancaster, Massachusetts)
“To support and facilitate our six conferences and institutions in reaching all people with the Adventist Christ-centered message of hope and wholeness.”
Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada (Oshawa, Ontario)
“proclaiming Christ, nurturing believers, and serving humanity.”
Columbia Union Conference (Columbia, Maryland)
“We encourage members to experience the mission by sharing Christ’s message of hope and wholeness and preparing people for His soon return.”
North Pacific Union Conference (Ridgefield, Washington)
“VISION 2020 embraces our primary mission to carry the distinctive, Christ-centered, Seventh-day Adventist message of hope and wholeness to the Pacific Northwest. God has called us to reach our own communities, our own neighbors. They are our mission field.”
Idaho Conference (Boise, Idaho)
“We are called to make disciples in our communities, sharing the distinctive, Christ-centered Seventh-day Adventist message of Hope and Wholeness.”
Oregon Conference (Gladstone, Oregon)
“It's All About Jesus!”
Hawaii Conference (Honolulu, Hawaii)
“We embrace people regardless of race, national origin, gender, age, or disability. Hawaii’s paradise is a microcosm of Heaven’s paradise.”
Georgia-Cumberland Conference (Calhoun, Georgia)
“To reach those around us with the unique Seventh-day Adventist Christ-centered message of hope and wholeness.”
Southwestern Union Conference (Burleson, Texas)
“Our mission is to equip and inspire the Southwestern Union territory with the distinctive Adventist message of hope and wholeness.”
Texas Conference (Alvarado, Texas)
“It is our mission to empower members, pastors, churches and schools in our territory to share the gospel message of God’s great love for all.
The above statements all contain good attributes and one would struggle to find fault with the language used. Some church organizations either don’t have or publish their missions. Shockingly, many mission statements found could easily be from any Christian denomination, and in some cases, be from any benevolent organization. Could anyone be judged harshly for wondering if these statements represent a message of “peace and safety”? How will we boldly proclaim the real “present truth” as did the early Christian church recorded in the Book of Acts?
Based on God’s Word, examine the contrast of the mission statement of our world church. I believe it represents an encompassing purpose and serves as a model for every church entity, and I might suggest, for individuals as well:
General Conference of SDA
“Make disciples of Jesus Christ who live as His loving witnesses and proclaim to all people the everlasting gospel of the Three Angels’ Messages in preparation for His soon return (Matt 28:18-20, Acts 1:8, Rev 14:6-12).”
Yes, as individuals we should consider using this mission to measure our personal goals and expenditure of all the resources God has provided. Here are some mission statements faithfully pointing to the gospel commission in context of the present truth of the third angels’ message:
Greater New York Conference (Manhasset, New York)
“Making disciples by touching hearts and changing lives with the Everlasting Gospel.”
Allegheny East Conference (AAC) (Boyertown, Pennsylvania)
“The Allegheny East Conference of Seventh-day Adventists exists to promote the sharing of the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ ethnically [TA ETHNAE - "to all people groups"] within its assigned territory through Christ-centered leadership and responsible resource management.”
Pennsylvania Conference (Reading, Pennsylvania)
“God has called His last-day people to reach everyone, everywhere with the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ. (Revelation 14:6-12) As members of Pennsylvania Conference, He has assigned us this corner of Earth as our mission field. The harvest of souls Jesus will reap at His return will in a large part be influenced by our faithful attention to the mission God has entrusted us with. The mission strategy for 2018-2023 unites us together in faithfully fulfilling our mission.”
Michigan Conference (Lansing, Michigan)
“Our mission is to make disciples of all people, communicating the Everlasting Gospel in the context of the three angels' messages of Revelation 14.”
Central States Conference (AAC) (Kansas City, Kansas)
“Believing in the imminent return of Christ, our mission in Central States Conference is to proclaim the everlasting Gospel* of Jesus Christ to every person in our nine state region inviting them to become fully devoted disciples of Jesus. *See Revelation 14:6-12”
Kentucky-Tennessee Conference (Goodlettsville, Tennessee)
“By depending on the Holy Spirit’s guidance to remain true to and further the Three Angel’s Message of Revelation 14, we are a ministry dedicated to the preparation of a people grounded in Scripture and ready for the soon return of Jesus Christ.”
Principally, God has given us time, means, and health. Are we honoring our Creator and Redeemer by carefully protecting and prayerfully deploying these gifts according to all the light we, as Seventh-day Adventists, have been given?
“I saw the necessity of the messengers, especially, watching and checking all fanaticism wherever they might see it rise. Satan is pressing in on every side, and unless we watch for him, and have our eyes open to his devices and snares, and have on the whole armor of God, the fiery darts of the wicked will hit us. There are many precious truths contained in the Word of God, but it is "present truth" that the flock needs now. I have seen the danger of the messengers running off from the important points of present truth, to dwell upon subjects that are not calculated to unite the flock and sanctify the soul. Satan will here take every possible advantage to injure the cause. But such subjects as the sanctuary, in connection with the 2300 days, the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, are perfectly calculated to explain the past Advent movement and show what our present position is, establish the faith of the doubting, and give certainty to the glorious future. These, I have frequently seen, were the principal subjects on which the messengers should dwell.” {EW 63.1-2}
Brothers and sisters, we are in a war where every decision brings us closer to whom we are choosing to serve. Based on this cursory review, what are your impressions of the purpose of our existence? Is your church and Conference mission statement aligned with all the light we’ve been provided in the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy?
Mark writes from Emmett, Idaho.
[1] “[Revelation 14:6-10.] This is the message of present truth. The first, second, and third angels’ messages are to be proclaimed at this time. These messages are not to be eclipsed by any other fancied specialties. Their force and efficiency are to continue as long as time is given for repentance.” {Ms22-1901.6-7}
[2] “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, “Follow Me.”” {MH 143.3}
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_American_Division_of_Seventh-day_Adventists