Gospel Socialization

Spreading the gospel is still the church's main focus in the 21st century.

The Communications Department of Northeastern Conference, conducted a workshop at the Hanson Place church on March 5. Members of the Brooklyn Temple Communications Department attended both morning and afternoon sessions. full story...

Record Earthquake Strikes Japan: ADRA Responds

Note: This was originally reported Friday, March 11, 2011
Author: Julio C. Muñoz, ADRA

SILVER SPRING, Md. - A powerful 8.9-magnitude earthquake shook the island nation of Japan damaging infrastructure and triggering a massive tsunami that swept through Japan’s north-eastern coast, killing hundreds of people according to initial media reports. The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is responding, coordinating efforts and assessing the needs in the worst hit areas in the northern region of Japan. full story...

ADRA has committed an initial response of $25,000 and has sent an assessment team toward the affected area to evaluate and prepare a broader response. ADRA Japan is providing food and shelter for train passengers that are stranded in Tokyo. This is taking place at the Central Tokyo Seventh-day Adventist Church. full story...

At present, 88 people have been confirmed dead and at least 349 people are reported missing. Local police are reporting that an additional 200 to 300 bodies have been found in the northeastern coastal city of Sendai with the casualty toll expected to climb. Initial reports indicate extensive damage to infrastructure, including at least three nuclear reactors. full story...

Dr. Jeff Gardere, America's psychologist, Interviewed for February 5, 2011 Sabbath School Program

Dr. Jeff Gardere who is known as America's psychologist was interviewed for the adult bible study guide lesson "Good Thinking" and the video was shown as part of the sabbath school program.

Omar Bourne who functions as both an associate sabbath school superintendent and associate communications director interviewed Dr. Gardere on positive thinking. You can see the entire interview clicking here.

Adventist Resources Increasingly on Smartphone Technology

Two organizations at the Seventh-day Adventist Church headquarters are putting more of their resources on smartphone technology.

Both the Sabbath School/Personal Ministries department and the estate of church co-founder Ellen G. White have recently released upgrades to their apps. The newly upgraded app from The White Estate now makes available all of White's published writings. The Sabbath School department puts in an app all its study guides, from Beginner through the Adult Bible Study Guide. full story...

Both apps are free; the iPhone/iPad versions are available in Apple, Inc.'s online iTunes store. full story...

The Sabbath School app is available for the iPhone, iPad and Android platforms in English, French and Spanish, said Falvo Fowler, the department's editor and executive producer. The app also features media produced by the department, including Sabbath School University videos, Daily Collegiate Quarterly readings, multi-language podcasts and Kindergarten lesson animations. Cool Tools, a resource for Sabbath School and small group leaders, is built into the app. full story...

Northeastern Conference to Host Nonprofit Leadership Certification Program

The North American Division Adventist Community Services has announced a nonprofit leadership certification program (NLCP) hosted at the Northeastern Conference headquarters. The program involves a basic curriculum May 15-19, 2011 and an advanced curriculum October 2-6, 2011. NLCP is designed to prepare pastors and lay-leaders for general management and social evangelism. full story...

Thirteen presenters are scheduled to teach attendees including Sung Kwon, the executive director for North American Division Community Services. Although NLCP is sponsored by Adventist Community Services the material is for all pastors and lay-leaders. Participants may be able to obtain three graduate credits from Washington Adventist University. full story...

Program participants will learn leadership and how to motivate and lead a their teams more effectively, to understand the various approaches to marketing and positioning for competitive advantage, and to identify and exploit to create values and understand ethics, principles, and issues in nonprofit leadership. full story...

Participants will also be taught Social Evangelism which includes theological concepts of social justice and public policy, community needs assessment and program development, cross-cultural ministry and management, and to understand the urban ministry. full story...