HOW CAN WE REACH THE DIFFICULT AREAS IN THE 10/40 WINDOW?
Careful plans are being laid for penetrating unreached areas. Global Pioneers and various evangelistic outreach methods are being employed to find practical and personal ways of beginning work in difficult settings. In addition, there are many media outreach opportunities being utilized to saturate difficult areas with the Seventh-day Adventist message. Certainly, the Holy Spirit directs those who are interested in the message of the various media programs. Please pray for the millions of unreached people groups in the 10/40 window.
SOME PEOPLE THINK THAT THE CHURCH IS BECOMING EXCESSIVELY ECUMENICAL. WHAT WOULD YOU TELL THEM?
There is always the danger that the church will want to become more and more like other churches in society. We must never let that happen. We are a unique people called of God as outlined in 1 Peter 2:9, Revelation 12:17, and Revelation 14:12. We are called to proclaim the messages of Revelation 14 and 18. We must resist the temptation to join ecumenical movements since this will neutralize our distinctive message. We should certainly be friendly and loving to all people, but maintain, by God’s grace, our distinctive approach to the world and our activities to point people to the true worship of God.
HAS OUR DIALOGUE WITH EVANGELICALS CHANGED THE SECTARIAN OPINION SOME MAY HAVE ABOUT US? HAS IT OPENED DOORS?
It depends on which people you may be talking to. Certainly, as we focus on Christ as the center of our lives and existence, people will understand us better. However, we should never diminish the respect given to our doctrinal beliefs, all of which have Christ as the center. It is important that we always lift up Christ in all we do so that people will have less reason to accuse us of being legalists.
IS IT IMPORTANT TO IDENTIFY WITH THE POPULAR EVANGELICALISM OR STICK TO OUR DISTINCTIVE MESSAGE?
I believe it is much more important to identify the distinctiveness in our message than to try to become more like evangelicals. We are Seventhday Adventists and we should be very willing to live and act as children of God with a great mission to proclaim the three angels’ messages. We should focus on our Biblical message which will tell the world that we are different . . . not in a bad sense, but because of the close association we have with Jesus and His soon return.
This question and answer column has been answered by Pastor Ted N. C. Wilson, the worldwide president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
If you have a question about church policy or procedure, let us know! Every quarter we address these issues in our “Question and Answer” column and we would love to hear from you! E-mail us at [email protected]
