Seventh-day Adventist missiologists and church leaders met recently to wrestle with the ongoing challenge of church members who retain non-Christian practices and beliefs from their former religions. This discussion was the focus of the Global Mission Issues Committee that met in April, at the Seventh-day Adventist Church World Headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland.

The meeting opened with presenters from Brazil, Africa, and the South Pacific giving examples of how this division of loyalty in the hearts of converts, known as dual allegiance, is hindering mission work. In many cases, new Christians feel incredible pressure to adhere to their old ways.

Dual allegiance may manifest itself differently in various cultures, but it is not limited to specific religions. “It is a pervasive, global problem, impacting all Christian organizations involved in cross-cultural mission,” said Michael L. Ryan, an Adventist world church vice president and committee chair.

Many involved in cross-cultural outreach have not fully understood and dealt with the deeply held belief that rituals and sacrifices are necessary to control evil spiritual forces, said Bruce Bauer, department of World Mission chair at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. Marriage problems, crop failure, infertility, and protection from spirits are seen as requiring supernatural activity. While eliminating the old ways, Bauer said, “Christianity has often failed to relate biblical answers to these people’s most pressing needs and fears.” The result is often reversion to former practices.

Missiologist Jon Dybdahl sees the root of dual allegiance stemming from people accepting a doctrine, such as the divinity of Christ, without being led to experience the personal implication of that doctrine, such as no longer fearing evil spirits because Christ is Lord even of demons.

“Before any evangelism begins, serious analysis of the local culture needs to be done at the deepest levels,” said Pat Gustin, former director of the church’s Institute of World Mission.

Ryan challenged attendees to envision practical steps for implementing change and chose representatives to compile recommendations based on the presentations and discussion. These recommendations will be edited by a select committee; reviewed by theologians, missiologists, and various levels of church leadership; and presented at the church’s spring world council in 2008.

“As a church we can’t turn a blind eye to this problem, or hope that it will just go away,” said Gary Krause, director of the world church’s Office of Adventist Mission. “It’s a significant threat to the life and effectiveness of the church. The Issues Committee is recommending tangible steps to help remedy the problem—and they’re not just Band-Aid solutions. They go to the heart of conducting outreach in a biblical, responsible way, and properly nurturing new believers in their new faith.”