The Adventist Church in the Southern Asia-Pacific (SSD) region recently convened leaders from all 11 countries within its territory for a conference aimed at reinforcing the church’s mission of leading with compassion, service, and discipleship. This gathering, anchored in the theme “Chosen for Mission: Lead like Jesus,” highlighted the importance of church administrators and directors from various Adventist organizations and institutions to remain rooted in biblical principles of leadership.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church launched the Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) initiative with the goal of giving church leaders the fundamental abilities and knowledge required for efficient ministry and administration. This program aims to strengthen leadership across all levels of the church, ensuring that leaders are well-prepared to guide their congregations and fulfill the church's mission in an ever-changing world. The conference underscored the need for leaders to embody the character of Jesus in their respective roles, demonstrating humility, integrity, and a commitment to service. It was emphasized that church administrators play a vital role in ensuring that the mission and vision of the church are effectively implemented. By managing the daily operations and supporting ministry efforts, they help maintain the momentum of the church’s work, allowing pastors and ministry leaders to focus on their spiritual responsibilities.

The event also addressed the challenges faced by church administrators, noting that their unique gifts and skills are crucial in supporting the church's mission. These leaders were encouraged to continue their vital work, knowing that their efforts are integral to the overall success of the church's mission in the region.

The SSD recently conducted two regional meetings as part of its LEAD Conference initiative. The first gathering took place in Makassar, Indonesia, from August 26 to 28, 2024, bringing together delegates from West and East Indonesia, Timor-Leste, and Malaysia. A second meeting was held in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, from September 2 to 4, providing a platform for church leaders and representatives from the countries of the Philippines, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia, to collaborate and strengthen their commitment to the mission of the church.

The Challenges of Leadership in the Adventist Church

As the world continues to develop, more trends continue to emerge regarding the current generation's significant impact on the ecclesiastical leadership of the church. Several factors, like economic, social, religious, technological, and political shifts, have changed the landscape of leadership, and the church needs to find a way to adapt without compromising faith and still upholding church doctrine and principles.

Like many religious organizations, the Adventist church is not exempted from evolving leadership challenges and controversial issues surrounding the organization. Despite these challenges, Adventist leaders around the world have navigated these challenges, maintaining unity, and preventing major divisions. The church's response underscores the need for visionary, adaptable, and empathetic leadership. To address these emerging issues effectively, Adventist leaders are called to engage in thoughtful dialogue, in-depth study, and prayer, while collaborating closely to uphold the church's core beliefs and mission.¹

Strategies for Church Leadership Development

Continuous growth and development are essential for any organization, and the Adventist Church, as a leading faith community, must exemplify this commitment. Establishing a robust system that emphasizes discipleship, leadership training, and development is crucial for ensuring the church's principles endure in an ever-evolving society. This proactive approach will help the Adventist Church remain relevant and effective in fulfilling its mission while nurturing the next generation of leaders.

During the LEAD Conference, a key piece of counsel emphasized the importance of strengthening the identity of Adventist organizations through diligent record-keeping. While often overlooked, this practice is vital to the church's foundation. Scripture highlights the significance of documentation, underscoring its role in preserving the church’s history, financial transactions, and corporate records. These details collectively build the church’s identity, establishing its authority and credibility as an organization.

Adventist organizations and institutions are encouraged to enhance their record-keeping practices for several reasons: to remember God’s work and faithfulness in the past, to uphold transparency and stewardship, to celebrate victories, milestones, and answered prayers, to provide clarity and resolve doubts, and to guide future endeavors based on past learnings and insights. By doing so, the church can ensure a strong, well-documented foundation that supports its mission and growth.

Abner De los Santos, vice president of the Adventist World Church (GC), emphasized the vital role of administrators and departmental directors in representing the church's mission during his message on Mission Refocus. He pointed out that leaders sometimes inadvertently take ownership of God’s mission, losing sight of its true purpose. Delos Santos stressed that "as leaders, we should not seek to change the mission, but rather allow the mission to work through us as God’s servants." His words serve as a reminder that the mission of the church should guide and shape leadership, rather than being altered by it.

During his first visit to the Philippines, Thomas L. Lemon, vice president of the GC, addressed the dangers of hedonism and its potential impact on leadership within church organizations. He elaborated on how the pursuit of pleasure and self-gratification, when entertained, can undermine the integrity and effectiveness of leaders, ultimately harming the church's mission and values. Pastor Lemon's message served as a powerful reminder of the need for leaders to remain vigilant and committed to the principles of selflessness and service. He reminded leaders that, “God does not call people into positions, He calls people for service.”

Exemplary Leadership in Finance

Leadership entails a great deal of responsibility and diligence in performing tasks to contribute to the advancement of the organization in which one is engaged. In the field of financial management, church leaders are advised to be honest and transparent in utilizing church money in their operations and transactions. 

Jacinth Adap, treasurer of the Adventist Church in the SSD region, emphasized the importance of aligning vision with God’s purpose. He explained that this alignment is crucial for the wise use of church resources, enabling the church to reach its full potential in advancing its mission. By focusing on God’s purpose while living a spirit of humility, the church can ensure that its resources are effectively utilized to further its goals and impact.

Collaboration between administrators, ministry directors, and church members creates opportunities for strategic, well-informed decisions that ensure sustainability and growth. The goal of each leader is not merely to manage finances, but to carefully strategize, define, and discern best practices for the optimal utilization of church resources. This cooperative approach allows the church to maximize its impact and advance its mission effectively.

Adapting Design Thinking Strategy for Innovations in Church Leadership

Change is an inevitable part of life, and in today’s rapidly evolving world, innovation and development are constants. This presents a significant challenge for leaders, including those in church administration, as they seek to create strategies that enhance services, systems, procedures, protocols, and the overall church experience. Adapting to these changes while remaining true to the church’s mission requires thoughtful planning and visionary leadership.

Barna Magyarosi, executive secretary of the Adventist Church in the Inter-European Division (EUD), introduced the design thinking model, highlighting its potential when adapted to church leadership. He explained that this approach can significantly enhance planning and development for future church initiatives. By promoting a deep empathic understanding of the needs and context of those served, forming diverse teams, engaging in dialogue-based conversations, generating multiple solutions through experimentation, and utilizing a structured and facilitated process, the design thinking model can lead to effective and impactful outcomes. Implementing this model allows the church to put its vision into action in a meaningful and practical way.

Several key topics were also covered, including teamwork, chairing committees, coaching, visionary guidance, and leading by example. These subjects are considered vital as the church prepares future leaders, offering attendees a comprehensive and global perspective on effective leadership.

In each presentation, delegates were provided time for in-depth discussions on the topic. These huddles enabled participants to share their perspectives and learn from one another, drawing on their diverse experiences and cultural backgrounds. This collaborative approach enriched the discussions and fostered a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

As the church continues to evolve in its mission strategies and initiatives, leaders in the SSD were encouraged to strive for excellence in leadership and to consistently exemplify the character, mission, and purpose of Jesus in their work.

Reference
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1. Ochorokodi, J. (2023). Adventist Leadership and Changing Trends: Navigating Meaning and Influence in a Dynamic World. East African Journal of Education and Social Sciences 4(3), 183-189. 

2. https://www.creativityatwork.com/design-thinking-strategy-for-innovation/

The original article was published on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division website.