On August 12, 2024, at the Baiyoke Sky Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand, the fourth and final session of the Bible Convention put on by the Adventist Church in the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) got underway. This convention is part of a series aimed at spiritual enrichment, strengthening foundational beliefs, and renewing the commitment of each minister in the region. The initiative, which started in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, and continued in Bali, Indonesia, now draws to a close in Bangkok.
"Chosen for Mission: Back to the Altar and Bible Conference" is SSD's proactive response to pressing concerns about spirituality and doctrinal confusion within the global Adventist Church. A 15-year longitudinal study, initiated in 1986 and covering lay members, pastors, and institutional workers, revealed troubling trends: 30% do not believe in the church’s teaching on Ellen G. White, 23% believe the dead are in heaven, 16% find it acceptable to consult witch doctors, 38% reject the doctrine of the investigative judgment, 44% disagree with the church’s teaching on the Trinity, and 22% of pastors do not believe in a literal six-day creation. These findings prompted church leaders to develop this conference to equip and empower ministers in this region to address the challenges facing the Adventist Church worldwide.
Pastor Roger Caderma, president of SSD, opened the meeting with a powerful reminder to Southeast Asian ministers about their divine calling and the crucial responsibility God has entrusted to them: to care for His flock and guide them back into His fold.
“Prayer is the lifeline of the soul; it sustains our spirituality and fuels our dedication to the church’s mission,” Caderma said. “Our first step in fulfilling this initiative is to seek God in prayer, renew our commitment to Him daily, and reflect His blessings and grace by proclaiming the message of salvation,” he added.
The "Back to the Altar" global campaign in the Southern Asia-Pacific region emphasizes seven key principles in the spiritual relationship with Christ. It begins with recognizing the importance of "coming to Jesus as one is," which naturally leads to honoring Him as Lord. These principles guide individuals to discover Jesus through His Word and in prayer. A daily relationship with Christ brings renewal and a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit into a person's life. This personal devotion results in an outpouring of God's love, initially toward family and then toward discipling others. By practicing these principles, individuals are empowered to fulfill and live out God's mission.
The convention aims to reach over 2,500 ministers across the SSD. The four Bible conferences were organized to provide delegates with ample time to review and absorb essential theological insights, ensuring they are thoroughly equipped by the conclusion of each gathering.
Organizers, particularly within the education sector, have also expressed a strong interest in organizing a similar gathering for teachers and school administrators. As educators, they play a crucial role in imparting Adventist doctrines and theology to students, making their involvement in such initiatives equally important.
Edward Rodriguez, SSD Communication Department