SDA Church Research Articles

Religious Involvement, Vegetarian Diet, and Mental Well-Being Among Seventh-day Adventists in Peru.

Mental well-being is conditioned by several factors, including religious involvement and diet. However, this evidence does not exist among members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church (SDA) in Latin America, particularly Peru. This study evaluated the association between religious involvement and vegetarian diet with mental well-being in members of the SDA Church in Peru. In this cross-sectional study, the sample included 767 participants, aged 18 to 59years. A face-to-face and online survey was administered that included information on the dietary regimen and sociodemographic characteristics. Religious involvement and mental well-being were measured using the 12-item version of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and the Duke University Religion Index (DUREL), respectively. A multivariate analysis was conducted to investigate the factors associated with mental well-being. Being female (β = 1.80, p < 0.001), coming from the highland region (β = 1.98, p < 0.001), having a basic educational degree (β = 1.85, p < 0.001), a higher level of religious involvement (β = 0.34, p < 0.001), and being vegetarian (β = 1.21, p < 0.001) were associated with greater mental well-being. This evidence highlights the implication of religious participation and a vegetarian diet in mental health, not only among SDA church members but also in a broader context. However, it should be recognized that direct transfer of church-based health promotion interventions and strategies to the general population can present challenges; therefore, it is suggested that these strategies should be adapted and adjusted to consider differences in the community context.

Mentoring for Discipleship and Spiritual Growth: An Assessment of Cases in Bentiu District of the SDA Church in South Sudan

This study sought to explore experiences in mentoring for discipleship and spiritual growth in Bentiu District of the SDA Church in South Sudan. The study involved three focus groups to receive data. There were two groups composed of seven participants each. The third group had eight participants, making a sample size of 22 respondents, selected randomly. Before venturing into the field to collect the data, the researcher secured permission from the Adventist church authority. Respondents signed the informed consent forms. Data analysis took place in the form of content analysis in the sense that the researcher assembled common themes to answer the research questions. Based on the findings, the study concludes that the youth in Bentiu District experienced mentoring for discipleship and spiritual growth through spiritual programs such as public evangelistic meetings, personal witnessing, small group meetings and through school programs. Women experienced mentoring through convention programs, association of younger women in various activities and through adult education programs. Special groups of people, also experienced the mentoring in various ways. The study recommends that church leaders need to explore more ways of mentoring the youth and the inexperienced by providing more trainings and involving them in spiritual programs. The church leaders should encourage disadvantaged women to enroll in adult education programs. Moreover, there is a need to integrate spiritual programs in the Adult Education programs so that women will be well equipped for service in the church and in the community.

Re-Imagining Mission: Early Educational and Evangelical Activities of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church to the Gusii of Western Kenya

Adventism has contributed significantly to the Gusii people. These contributions are wide in range and they encompass the totality of the Gusii community (Nyaundi1997; 221). They range from religion, education, society, economics, and politics, among many others. On this paper we focus more strongly on the contributions in the field of education. However, an attempt is made to analyze other contributions of SDA Church to the people of Gusii.

Assessment of financial management systems for sustainability of the SDA Church in South-East Kenya field, Kenya

The study aimed to examine the sustainability of the SDA church, South East Kenya Field's finance management systems. Critical gaps in managing the Church's finances have resulted in its unsustainability. Proper financial management systems are necessary to ensure the appropriate use of church resources for long-term sustainability. The Church is facing an economic crisis due to poor financial management, which has resulted in its inability to sustain itself. The Church cannot financially sustain itself and, therefore, cannot meaningfully impact the lives of members of society. The analysis drew upon Stewardship theory, which offered valuable guidance on financial management practices to ensure the long-term viability of the Church. The study used a descriptive research design, and data were obtained using interview schedules and questionnaires from a sample size of 355 participants. The study found that despite having all the financial systems and structures in place, the South East Kenya Field SDA church is still not self-sustaining. The systems need to be fixed since those to ensure that they are working are not adequately trained and not skilled. It recommended that the SDA church invest in its personnel in terms of empowerment in financial management for the Church's good.

A paradox of levirate marriage theology in the Seventh Day Adventist ecclesiology: A case of Itumbe station, South Kenya conference

The study sought to examine the participants’ perspectives on various aspects of levirate marriage theology in Seventh-day Adventist ecclesiology. The study employed the structural-functional theory of Emile Durkheim. The study’s target population was 774 respondents from the 8 districts that form the SDA church in Itumbe Station, and the sample size was 250 participants. Widowhood is a nerve-wracking life situation that not only affects the widowed person, but also the Christian community, the orphaned children that are under her care, who in most cases have to manage the loss of one of their parents. The study did not advocate for the abolishment of the SDA church teachings on marriage and Abagusii traditional levirate custom, rather it argued on the embracement of positive aspects of the custom while denouncing those that do not adhere to the well-being of the Christian widows; not all about levirate custom is bad. The study concluded that the SDA church in South Kenya Field, Itumbe Station, has made attempts to interpret Biblical teachings on marriage, considering it a permanent, monogamous contract solemnised by the church minister. The study recommends that SDA church should become aware not only of addressing the gospel message to individuals and showing how its teachings are contrary to the Abagusii levirate practice but also of the significant aspects found in the levirate practice itself.&#x0D;

Factors impeding the participation of women in the Seventh Day Adventist church hierarchy in Laikipia–Samburu station, Kenya

This study aimed at investigating factors impeding the participation of women in SDA hierarchy in Laikipia–Samburu Station, Kenya. The study explored patriarchal theory using qualitative descriptive survey design, targeting 1,080 pastors, church elders and departmental heads, lay members of SDA church in Laikipia-Samburu Station. The study employed proportionate purposive sampling procedure with sample size of 278 respondents. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and document analysis. The study established that gender representation in church hierarchy in practice is not balanced. The study also established that SDA has no written church policy prohibiting ordination of women but after completion of theological training women are commissioned while their male counterparts are ordained and licensed. The study recommends that the SDA General Conference Sessions should revise Church Policies and alter Church Manual to allow women ordination which is a New Light in SDA church. This is because women ordination is not against the scriptures but the SDA church practice which can be revised to increase women participation in the leadership of church hierarchy. The results of the study might have implication to SDA church in addressing challenges facing women in its hierarchy and also contribute useful insights to the religious scholars. Government and other ministries might also use the recommendations of these results to formulate policies towards uplifting women in general areas of leadership and in achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

Intervention Strategies to Curb the Exit of Adventist Members in North Rift Valley Field, Kenya

This study is about intervention strategies to curb the exit of Adventist members in North Rift Valley Field of the SDA Church in Kenya. Kapsokwony SDA Church was chosen as a case where critical number of members left the church for unknown reasons. Therefore, the study employed a case study design and used the interview schedule to receive information from 20 members. The study employed the thematic approach in analyzing data and established that church members’ dropout can be overcome through innovative and live programs, regular visits, training and involvement of church members in church activities as well as engaging members in small group unit activities. The study recommends that pastors, elders and Sabbath School leaders should conduct regular visitation to church members. Sabbath School department should organize small group ministries for prayers and bible study programs which may inspire members to feel the sense of unity and bring them together for mission, which will propel the retention of members. Pastors and elders should train and engage new converts for them to grow, adapt to church environment and connect with God and people. Finally, church leadership should produce resources for witnessing the good news to others.

180° Symposium 2022 Focus Group—Practitioners

Participants: Ricardo Bain (Pastor, Maranatha SDA Church), Steve Case (President, Involve Youth), Benji Ferguson (Youth Pastor, Carmichael SDA Church), Akram Kahn (Business Manager, Center for Youth Evangelism), Myoung Kwon (Pastor, Waukesha SDA Church).

Purposely Changing Church Culture when a Pandemic Forces Church Change: How the COVID Pandemic Impacted One Large SDA Church

The Carmichael SDA Church, located in the suburbs of Sacramento, California, seemed to be a gem in the Northern California Conference, with the largest membership, highest tithe, and largest pastoral staff. The pandemic put a halt to most of this church’s ministry, exposing some weaknesses and preventing the ministry it had developed over the years. Simultaneously, new forms of ministry sprung forth because of the sudden changes. The long-term impact of the pandemic challenges this church to move forward in new ways rather than attempting a restart as though nothing happened. This is a case study of how one congregation responded to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Impact of High Teacher Turnover on Sustainability of Seventh-Day Adventist Secondary Schools in Western Kenya

This study sought to examine the impact of high teacher turnover on the sustainability of SDA secondary schools in the West Kenya Conference of Seventh Day Adventist Church. The study was underpinned by sustainability transformation in education theory which postulates the identification of sustainability strategies and action plans for implementation. The mixed methods research approach was adopted in this study. This study utilized the descriptive research design and was conducted in WKUC of the SDA church which covers a total of 15 out of 47 counties in Kenya. The population of the study included 159 teachers, 2085 students in 11 schools, and 11 principals. The sample size comprised 11 schools and 113 teachers, and 6 Directors of Education. The validity and reliability of the research instruments was ascertained. The test-retest and the split-half reliability were ascertained by use of the Cronbach Alpha Coefficient, and reliability of 0.7 and 0.65 was arrived at, respectively. Study findings revealed that Student enrolment trends in SD. Schools were on a downward trend, and this needs to be addressed as soon as possible. The reasons that were cited for the low enrolment trends include; the high school fees charged by the schools, the negative perception of church members and the general public on SDA schools, and the quality of education provided, among others. This low enrolment of students led to the institutions suffering from limited financial resources. This later affected the payment of teachers. This made the teachers move to government schools where teachers are employed by the Teachers Service Commission, which has better terms of service than what the individual schools offer. Among the recommendations given were; the church administration and schools’ management should address issues that affect low student enrolments, such as the high fees charged by sourcing funds from other sources such as engaging in income-generating activities or partnering with the government so that the government can provide teachers to the schools, sensitize its members to take their children to SDA schools in order to boost their enrolment and endear church members and the public at large to change their perception of SDA schools through proper branding and serious marketing and advertisement.

Result of low student enrolment on the sustainability of Seventh-Day Adventist secondary schools in Western Kenya

This study examines the effect of low student enrolment on the sustainability of SDA secondary schools in the West Kenya Conference of Seventh Day Adventist Church. The study was underpinned by the sustainability transformation in education theory which postulates the identification of sustainability strategies and action plans for implementation. Therefore, the mixed methods research approach was adopted in this study. This study utilised the descriptive research design and was conducted in WKUC of the SDA church, covering 15 out of 47 counties in Kenya. The test-retest and the split-half reliabilities of the questionnaires were ascertained by use of Cronbach Alpha Coefficient, and reliability of 0.7 and 0.65 was arrived at, respectively. Study findings revealed that student enrolment trends in SDA schools were on a downward trend, and this needs to be addressed as soon as possible. This study recommends that the church administration and schools' management should address issues that affect low student enrolments, such as the high fees charged by sourcing funds from other sources such as engaging in income generating activities or partnering with the government so that it can provide and pay the teachers in the schools.

Result of low student enrolment on the sustainability of Seventh-Day Adventist secondary schools in Western Kenya

This study examines the effect of low student enrolment on the sustainability of SDA secondary schools in the West Kenya Conference of Seventh Day Adventist Church. The study was underpinned by the sustainability transformation in education theory which postulates the identification of sustainability strategies and action plans for implementation. Therefore, the mixed methods research approach was adopted in this study. This study utilised the descriptive research design and was conducted in WKUC of the SDA church, covering 15 out of 47 counties in Kenya. The test-retest and the split-half reliabilities of the questionnaires were ascertained by use of Cronbach Alpha Coefficient, and reliability of 0.7 and 0.65 was arrived at, respectively. Study findings revealed that student enrolment trends in SDA schools were on a downward trend, and this needs to be addressed as soon as possible. This study recommends that the church administration and schools' management should address issues that affect low student enrolments, such as the high fees charged by sourcing funds from other sources such as engaging in income generating activities or partnering with the government so that it can provide and pay the teachers in the schools.

Effect of ambition to succeed, achieve and compete in pastoral ministry: Healthy or hazardous to discipleship in SDA church north Rift Valley field in Kenya

pastors embrace it in order to succeed, achieve and compete. Most of the gospel ministers’ aspirations to go higher and the desire to possess more can affect ministerial lines positively or negatively. This study uses fifteen pastors from three stations as participants. These stations include Kitale, Mt. Elgon and Kapenguria. The research documents three Field departmental directors (Ministerial, Youth, and Evangelism) selected as informants. The instruments used to collect data was questionnaires and interviews. The study used random sampling in selecting the participants. The study revealed that there are positive aspects of ambition that, properly placed, can help pastoral ministry and the advancement of God’s cause. The engagement resulted in having an educated ministry, not novices. The qualitative analysis was done through interviews with the three departmental personnel and a few pastors. The information from the informants showed that pastors need to embrace change as the world changes. Those interviewed indicated that ambitious pastors engaged themselves in activities that resulted in character assassination, misappropriation of church funds, and involvement in dubious means of acquiring wealth against the norms of pastoral ministry. The interviews were geared towards the pastors’ views, understanding and perceptions on why they need to succeed, achieve and compete in pastoral ministry.

Should polygamous converts partake holy communion? A critical analysis of the SDA DOGMA

The study sought to investigate if polygamous converts in the SDA churches are allowed to partake Holy Communion and compare this with biblical teachings. This study employed the Social Exchange Theory to underpin the study. The study utilised a descriptive survey research design and employed the qualitative research paradigm in exploring the issue in the Biblical context. The target population was one Executive Director, 2,462 church members, 5 pastors and 143 Polygamous converts. The sample size of 464 respondents comprised 344 church members, 105 Polygamous converts, 9 elders, 5 pastors and one Executive Director. Data from the field was collected through interviews and self-administered questionnaires. The study also used simple random and purposive sampling techniques when selecting the sample respondents of one Executive Director, 9 elders and 5 pastors. The data were manually coded, entered into the computer, and analysed through the (SPSS) program. Data were presented descriptively through percentages, tables and figures. The study findings revealed that: 50 per cent of Polygamous converts and church members agreed that the SDA Church should choose whether to partake the Holy Communion or not without exclusion. The study also found that the Bible is silent on polygamy, so Polygamous converts should not be discriminated against. Therefore, the SDA Church should not discriminate against the Polygamous converts but should instead accommodate them and show them the love of Christ.

Christianity and Citizens’ Participation in the Electoral Process: A Case of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Southern Province of Zambia

This article assesses the influence that the Christian religious beliefs and practices of the Seventh Day Adventist Church (hereinafter SDA) in Zambia’s nascent democracy. By employing a comparative theoretical approach, it highlights religious motivations that are meant to drive the levels of participation of members of the SDA in the electoral process such as campaigns and voting. Furthermore, it identifies secular factors that influence their civic participation as well as the emergent trends that have become characteristic of SDA political involvement. In this light, the article argues that secular factors have increasingly become more predominant than Christian motivations in SDA members’ political involvement. This trend was evidenced by electoral results in Southern province of Zambia, which holds the stronghold of the Church’s membership. Thus, the article recommends, among other things, that leaders of the SDA Church should offer clear teachings and consistent guidance on members’ participation in politics. This will require, at least in the Zambian context, recalibrating the Church’s religious education on civic matters.

Cyberspace as a new area of mission for Seventh Day Adventist church, Kisii Central-Nyanchwa station, South Kenya conference

The aim of this study was to investigate the cyberspace as a new area of mission for Seventh Day Adventist church, Kisii central - Nyanchwa station, South Kenya conference. The study employed the Uses and Gratification theory of assessment to understand the involvement of the SDA church in cyberspace as a new area of mission in a manner that enlarges its evangelical horizons. Personal interviews were conducted with pastors, ICTs technocrats, youth, church clerks and church members to establish the place of technology in the mission of Kisii Central SDA church that makes technology an important area of mission in terms of use and church mission itself. The implied clusters gave data of both users and implementers of technology to benefit the church community. Analyses and data presentation used frequency tables and percentages. Therefore, it would be erroneous to think that technology is absolutely good. The study has demonstrated that cyberspace is a new mission area instrumentally and subject to evangelical church missions. Cyberspace technologies are becoming increasingly instrumental in the Kisii Central SDA church mission that gives her relevance in the technological society. In addition, cyberspace technologies are used in worship, prayer, the transmission of sermons and preaching of the gospel, motivational text messages, formation of online church groups, religious instructions. The study recommended that the church commit herself fully to finding viable ways to evangelize cyberspace as the new area of mission.

Determinants of the Internal Control Effectiveness of Selected Seventh-day Adventist Church Entities in Madagascar

Internal control must be the everyday life of each organization as it is the process established by the entity’s management for preventing and detecting frauds, errors, and thefts to achieve its established missions and objectives. The purpose of this study is to explore the determinants of the internal control effectiveness of four selected SDA church entities, composed by university, printing book, medical center, and conference, in Madagascar. With the target population of 310 workers, questionnaires and structured interviews were used to collect data after being analyzed with SPSS 23rd version. With the level of significance at 0.01, just four components of internal control of these four selected entities contribute to their internal control effectiveness, the dependent variable of the study. Accordingly, the determinants of the internal control effectiveness of these four selected entities by order of impact are the information and communication system, risk assessment, control activities, and monitoring of control. Based on the study’s findings, the main recommendation and implication is that an internal audit unit should exist within those entities.

Discipleship and Stewardship as Vital Aspects for Church Mission: A Case of Kwamrombo SDA Church in Arusha, Tanzania

This study sought to establish the linkage between stewardship and discipleship in the context of Kwamrombo SDA Church in Arusha City, using 20 church members as participants. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews and the thematic approach was employed in analysis. The study holds that in order to resolve the discipleship and stewardship issues in the Kwamrombo church, members need to make decisions to equally support the church through discipleship and stewardship. If couples plan their finances together, they will be more likely to remind each other on the importance returning tithe and giving offering faithfully. They will also be of help to their children and other church members. Church programs need be conducted in a holistic approach by encompassing both spiritual and economic empowerment aspects including entrepreneurship and personal financial management. There is need for intentional discipleship program that will enable the church members to know their God given responsibilities as Disciples of Christ. Church pastors and church leaders need to launch stewardship programs that will include faithfully receiving the word of God in their lives and living in harmony with the word. This will motivate members to return tithe, give offerings and participate in discipleship programs effectively.

Student Retention in Secondary Schools of Seventh-day Adventist Church in East Kenya Union Conference

The study assessed students’ retention in secondary schools of the SDA Church in EKUC. It employed a concurrent mixed methods research design and adopted an exploratory approach using a descriptive survey. The subjects of the study included students, principals, the Conferences/Field Education Directors and the Board of Management (BoM) chairpersons. Based on expectancy theory of motivation, the study adopted the concurrent mixed methods research design. The target population was the twenty Seventh-day Adventist Church maintained Secondary Schools in EKUC. The unit of analysis was eleven secondary school principals, five education directors and, eleven chairpersons of the school boards of management (BOM) and 335 students. Cluster sampling technique was used to get the samples. The target population was divided into five clusters (principals, students, education directors and, board chairpersons). Samples were obtained from each of these clusters. The instruments used for data collection were questionnaires for students. Interview schedules were organized for education directors, the school BoM chairpersons and the principals for triangulation. Observation schedule was also organized. This targeted the school infrastructure and generally all what goes on in the school. The school learning facilities and the behavior of teachers in school was also captured here. The other instrument used was the tool for document analysis to collect data for 8 years. Students (335) were required to fill the provided questionnaire, but the eleven principals, five education directions and eleven BoM chairpersons were subjected to interviews. Documentary analysis method was used to get information on KCSE performance for the same period of eight years. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations. Documentary analysis was done on records about teacher retention. Content analysis was done on responses from interviews and in open-ended questions. The findings show that there were high numbers of students in Form 2 and 3 who dropped within the year and those who joined. Students were being replaced as they dropped out in some of the years. All in all, there were high annual turnover rates. This could affect the learning processes as well as students’ academic performance. The study recommends the need for schools to put in place strategies for ensuring that students learning facilities were available. Students should also be motivated to remain in school. Bursaries and sponsorships for students from poor backgrounds should be availed. Spiritual guidance, work programs and flexible fees payment mechanisms should also be instituted so as to support children from poor background to remain in school.

Determinants of Teacher and Student Retention in Secondary Schools of Seventh-day Adventist Church in East Kenya union Conference

The study aimed at establishing the factors which influence the low retention of teachers and students in secondary schools of the SDA Church in EKUC. It employed a concurrent mixed methods research design and adopted an exploratory approach using a descriptive survey. This was to investigate the factors which influenced the retention of teachers and students in EKUC schools. Out of the twenty secondary schools in the Union, the researcher targeted eleven which sat for the national exams since 2008. The subjects of the study included teachers, students, principals, the Conferences/Field Education Directors and the BoM chairpersons. The study was based on the expectancy theory of motivation which states that certain behaviour leads to the expected outcome. In the research, certain behaviours by the relevant authorities should lead to high retention of students and teachers. Teachers should be availed bursary funds for career advancement, given incentives for motivation and be made to believe that they are appreciated by the school administration. The administration should assist the needy students to get financial support. The findings showed that two independent variables (school administration and motivation strategies) commonly contributed to the retention of teachers and students. School administration was the most common factor which contributed to low retention, among the two groups. It was found important to carry out exhaustive studies on each of the study variables for comparative purposes in public schools and undertake exploratory and in-depth studies on the same.