Kuhn Emphasizes Mission's Spiritual Treasures and Urgency Amid Global Challenges

On the second day of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division’s Year-End Meeting, Pastor Elbert Kuhn, Associate Secretary and Adventist Volunteer Services Director at the General Conference, delivered a stirring devotional message. Drawing from his family’s 11-year mission experience in Mongolia, Kuhn shared profound lessons on the spiritual gifts and purpose that mission work brings. Emphasizing that true treasures are found in service, he encouraged leaders to prioritize mission opportunities and reminded them of the unity, resilience, and commitment required to fulfill Christ's Great Commission in a world of unprecedented challenges.

Mission Impact

Kuhn emphasized that mission service provides treasures that only God can bestow. “You may have everything in life, but what is really precious God will give you in your mission service,” he said, underscoring the unique value mission work holds. He addressed the issue of why it is crucial for church leaders to actively coordinate mission opportunities for members, arguing that mission is both a responsibility and a privilege in a world of unprecedented events and difficulties.

Citing Matthew 24:14, Kuhn reminded attendees of the prophecy that the Gospel will be preached to all nations before the end, and he pointed out that while tragedies will continue, mission serves as the final sign of Christ’s imminent return. It is not grandeur, institutions, or displays that God seeks, Kuhn explained, but rather the “harmonious action of a peculiar people, chosen by God and precious,” quoting from Christian Service, p. 74. He stressed the unity required in mission, observing that, if believers were to work together under God’s direction, “they would move the world” (Christian Service, p. 75).

Challenges in Mission Field

Addressing a sobering reality, Kuhn shared statistics that outline the current generational challenges within the church. With 45% of members under 30, and most baptisms occurring between ages 11 and 15, the church faces high dropout rates in the 15-20 age bracket. 

Additionally, 70% of youth stop attending church within two years of high school graduation, and suicide ranks as the second-leading cause of death among those aged 15 to 25 in the United States. Kuhn stressed the need for church leaders to help young members find their purpose in Christ and to safeguard these precious souls from being lost, drawing inspiration from Luke 10:17-20.

Kuhn presented three essential responsibilities for church leaders in fulfilling their mission to God:

1. Helping Members Discover Their Purpose: Leaders are encouraged to guide church members in finding their God-given purpose, helping them understand their role in fulfilling the church's mission and fostering a sense of spiritual fulfillment.

2. Witnessing the Power of God in Action: Leaders have the unique opportunity to see God’s power at work in people’s lives as they engage in mission, which strengthens faith and affirms the impact of their service.

3. Living Faithfully in Alignment with God's Purpose: By leading with integrity and dedication, leaders exemplify Christ’s mission, aligning themselves with God’s purpose and fostering a spiritual legacy that reflects His love and truth.

Reflecting on the modern-day distractions, Kuhn warned of the devil’s tactic to “amuse” believers, a term rooted in the French phrase meaning to entertain with something trivial, diverting focus from what is essential. He noted that this challenge is especially pervasive among young people today, who often find themselves entertained by things that steal their relationship with God.

Kuhn urged the church to counter these distractions by actively equipping members to stay engaged with their faith. He referenced Gospel Workers, p. 351, which calls on spiritual leaders to create opportunities for every church member to participate in God’s work. Additionally, Kuhn cited Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 606, explaining that “unselfish labor for others” enriches character, bringing peace and happiness to the one who serves.

Kuhn reiterated that the mission imperative, challenging members to make the church a place of spiritual health and purpose until Christ’s return.