180 Symposium Publications
Document Type
Contribution to Book
Publication Date
2009
Abstract
Recent church attendance statistics indicate a high percentage of the millennial generation is exiting their local faith communities–either openly rejecting the values or silently slipping away. In addition to these two types of departure lies a third group not included in the statistics that appear faithful through attendance but in reality are disconnected. Should we combine these three categories our only success is retention with engagement. Which begs the answer to this question: Retention and engagement with what? Our once proclaimed uniform Adventist identity is crumbling by globalization. Today within two streets of each other you can experience practically opposite style churches – all justified under the new banner of culture. By honestly evaluating our theology we should be able to change the models in place that produce our current confused Adventist identity. Could we establish a flexible identity in a corporate image? Does the millennial generation leave because they choose or are forced? It is time to create a new leadership culture that embraces a more balanced Seventh-day Adventist Identity.
First Page
41
Last Page
45
Book Title
Ministering with Millennials: A Complete Report on the 180° Symposium
Editor
Roger L. Dudley with Allan Walshe
Publisher
Advent Source
City
Lincoln, NE
Series
The 180° Symposium
ISBN
9781577565307
First Department
Christian Ministry
Recommended Citation
De Oliveira, Japhet, "Adventist Identity Crisis: In the Leaders or the Led?" (2009). 180 Symposium Publications. 58.
https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/cye-pubs/58
Acknowledgements
Posed with permission, Center for Youth Evangelism at Andrews University