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

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

GeneralConferenceofSeventh-dayAdventists®12501OldColumbiaPikeSilverSpring,MD20904

www.adventist.orgwww.adventistmission.orgwww.adventistarchives.org