Setting a benchmark for excellence, the Adventist Church in the Southern Asia-Pacific (SSD) region has gained recognition among Adventist regional headquarters for its full implementation of the Adventist Church Management System (ACMS). This achievement was celebrated during the Division-Wide Secretariat Convention at the Plagoo Holiday Hotel in Bali, Indonesia, from March 3–7, 2024.
The convention drew over 350 delegates from the church's secretarial sector, encompassing the administrative, secretariat, and financial branches of the church. Participants from various organizations and institutions in the division came together to advance their abilities in church management and communication.
One of the major highlights of the convention was the initiation of the ACMS. The mission of this program is to create, implement, and sustain an impactful Adventist church management software system, empowering local churches and enriching membership ministries. The overarching vision is to equip local churches for more efficient member service and assist leaders in strategic planning.
ACMS offers local fields a comprehensive range of capabilities. First and foremost, they enable the efficient management of local church membership, providing a streamlined and accessible system for overseeing membership records. Additionally, the tools facilitate seamless member transfers between churches globally, ensuring a smooth and interconnected experience for individuals within the Adventist community. Beyond membership management, the system supports targeted ministry efforts directed towards Adventist church members, those who were previously disconnected, missing, or are new to the faith, as well as specific Adventist church interests. Furthermore, the tools enable the recording of offices and responsibilities at various levels, from local churches to the General Conference, fostering transparent and accountable organizational structures. Importantly, this initiative is geared towards reforming and enhancing the accuracy of information tracking, ensuring a more reliable and precise foundation for decision-making and strategic planning within the Adventist community.
Since its establishment in 2016, the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) has fostered collaborative efforts with unions, missions, and conferences to effectively train church clerks and secretaries. This concerted approach aimed to facilitate the seamless adaptation of the system, initiating the crucial transition from analog to digital information management. Hailing from a region where technological progress unfolds gradually, the Adventist Church acknowledges the unwavering dedication and support of the division. Despite external challenges, the division's commitment has been instrumental in the successful full implementation of this system, marking a significant milestone in advancing the technological landscape within the Adventist community.
With a projected full implementation by the end of 2025, the division has currently completed the ACMS to an impressive 91%. Necy Tabelisma, Assistant Secretary and the leading force behind the ACMS implementation in SSD, acknowledges the challenges encountered during the migration process. Nevertheless, the Southern Asia-Pacific Division recognizes the intrinsic value of embracing technology as a pivotal tool in developing a streamlined system. This strategic move is aimed at effectively addressing the evolving needs of the Adventist Church, showcasing a commitment to efficiency and innovation within the organization.
The SSD Secretariat extends its appreciation to over 20 missions and conferences for their dedicated efforts in fully implementing the Adventist Church Management System. Notably, two unions, the Myanmar Union Mission and the Malaysia Union Mission, have emerged as trailblazers by successfully completing the migration process. Their exemplary commitment serves as a commendable milestone within the broader implementation of the ACMS.
"The most significant hurdle we faced was navigating technological immersion, comprehending the intricacies of the system, and ushering in a new platform amidst the traditional record-keeping practices deeply ingrained in our Asian context," remarked Tabelisma. She further emphasized, "The success story unfolded through effective leadership from the General Conference and the collaborative efforts between the division, missions, and conferences. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and other obstacles, our collective determination has propelled us steadily toward completion. We stand united, having overcome these hurdles, and are on the verge of completing this transformative migration," Tabelisma concluded.
Tiago Moises Silva dos Santos, the Product Manager of ACMS, praised the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) for its collective and unwavering commitment to the success of this program. "Achieving this feat is undeniably challenging, yet the division has demonstrated remarkable resilience. It serves as an inspiration for other divisions, showcasing that, despite numerous challenges, a slow but steady ascent towards completion is not only possible but achievable," remarked Dos Santos.
Dos Santos unveiled several innovative features within the ACMS program, notably highlighting the introduction of a groundbreaking application named ‘7Me’. This revolutionary application is designed to provide church members with a comprehensive and seamless church experience, all conveniently accessible through their phones, tablets, and desktops.
Edward Rodriguez, SSD Communication Department