In its April 27, 2022 edition, the Adventist Review revealed that the most recent survey conducted by the General Conference (GC) Office of Archives, Statistics and Research shows that only 37 percent of Seventh-day Adventist church members across the globe engage in morning and evening devotions with their families. Also, only 52 percent of Adventists engage in daily personal devotions of any kind.(2)

Does this news help to explain why we have so many plateauing and declining congregations?  Does it really matter if we have a devotional life or not?

I’m convinced that daily worship makes all the difference in living the life of a disciple. Having experienced periods of sporadic worship and also times of regular, daily worship, I know the difference it makes to my journey as a disciple of Jesus.  I can speak of being spiritually weak, living off past reserves of being close to God but I can also testify of experiencing God’s presence and power in my life when I consistently worship Him.

It is very easy to fall out of the habit of daily worship. A few missed days can easily become a week, and before long, we’re running on empty while still active in the programs of the church. At this point, we’re simply carrying out rituals but our discipleship journey is at a standstill. We become dependent on inspirational or even entertaining sermons to give us a sense that we are close to God, but it’s an illusion.  To be close to God means to spend time with Him.

Spending time with God must be an intentional focus on the Creator Himself, worshipping Him and praying with the words of Scripture to express adoration and praise to Him. When we contemplate His glory, grace, majesty, and power, the Holy Spirit draws us to Him.  When we meditate on how He deals with people, the Holy Spirit impresses on us the need to do the same, to love as He loved. We’re motivated, driven to be witnesses. Faith becomes our constant companion, not just an occasional visitor.

Running on empty is the worst thing we can do to ourselves. It undermines every effort we make on our discipleship journey. It robs us of the joy of experiencing God’s power in our daily life and severely limits our desire and ability to disciple others for Him.

The power to greatly increase those percentages of worship is in our hands. Let’s re-rebuild the altar in our lives and in our homes.

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(1)https://adventistreview.org/news/new-initiative-seeks-to-increase-personal-and-family-devotions/
(2)https://documents.adventistarchives.org/Resources/Global%20Church%20Membership%20Survey%20Meta-Analysis%20Report/GCMSMetaAnalysis%20Report_2019-08-19.pdf
 

“As newly elected ministry leaders take up their responsibilities we want to immediately provide them with training and resources,” explained Pastor Halsey Peat, assistant to the president.  “It will also be an opportunity for them to learn how their ministry can align with the vision of their church to connect like Jesus.  Any leader, new or returning, who wants the best for his or her ministry will definitely want to attend this free training.”

The virtual training will take place on Sabbath afternoon, January 21 and on February 11, 2023, starting at 4:00 p.m. Ministry leaders will be to attend two different workshops on each of the two days.  Most workshops will be repeated, allowing leaders with more than one office to attend up to three or even four workshops.

REGISTER TODAY!
(https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEoc-ygrz8iEtYSC3iMO4L3B3-5mfkB1k1-)