The Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) has approved the appointment of Adventist-Muslim Relations (AMR) coordinators in local churches across Muslim-majority territories, establishing a more intentional approach to strengthening relationships with Muslim communities through friendship, mutual understanding, and compassionate service.

The decision, voted on during the division's Annual Council, establishes the position and responsibilities of local church AMR coordinators who will help congregations engage respectfully with their Muslim neighbors while providing spiritual guidance and pastoral support to individuals interested in learning about the Christian faith.

The initiative is led by Abner Dizon, SSD AMR director, and reflects the church's commitment to developing culturally sensitive approaches to mission in communities where religious beliefs and traditions are closely connected to family and social life.

Building bridges through friendship and compassion

Under the approved guidelines, local congregations may elect spiritually mature, compassionate, and responsible individuals to serve as AMR coordinators. These coordinators will work closely with pastors, church elders, church boards, and conference AMR leaders to strengthen awareness and encourage meaningful relationships with Muslim communities.

AMR coordinators will help church members better understand Muslim beliefs, traditions, and cultural practices through training programs, seminars, and other learning opportunities. These activities aim to equip members to build friendships and engage in faith conversations with sensitivity and respect.

The approved responsibilities also encourage practical expressions of kindness during important occasions in Muslim communities such as Ramadan, weddings, and times of personal or family hardship.

By participating in community life and responding to people's needs, local congregations can demonstrate Christian compassion while building relationships based on trust.

Equipping churches for culturally sensitive mission

The newly approved position also strengthens the church's capacity to provide appropriate spiritual support for Muslims who express an interest in learning about Christianity.

AMR coordinators will help equip church members to share their faith respectfully, avoiding confrontational approaches and recognizing the importance of personal choice, cultural sensitivity, and religious freedom.

Working alongside pastors and conference AMR leaders, coordinators will organize training sessions to prepare members for meaningful conversations about faith and for responding thoughtfully to questions about Christian beliefs.

Existing guidelines provide safe and suitable house worship gatherings for Muslims who are curious about Christianity and believers from Muslim backgrounds.

Such gatherings can offer opportunities for prayer, Bible study, fellowship, and spiritual care while accommodating participants' circumstances and needs, AMR representatives said.

Protecting privacy, dignity, and personal safety

A significant provision of the approved policy is its emphasis on confidentiality and safety.

AMR coordinators will be responsible for protecting the privacy, dignity, and well-being of those curious about Christianity, new believers, and their families.

In some communities, Muslims exploring a different religious faith may face sensitive family, cultural, or social circumstances. The policy, therefore, emphasizes discretion, responsible communication, and appropriate pastoral guidance.

AMR coordinators will carefully consider participants' safety when organizing gatherings, arranging follow-up activities, and coordinating with church leadership.

AMR guidelines also call for continued spiritual care and pastoral support, recognizing that individuals exploring Christianity may need personal guidance and a supportive community.

Sharing Christ through respectful relationships

SSD leaders said the approval marks a step toward strengthening the Adventist Church's engagement with Muslim communities across the Southern Asia-Pacific region.

Through the leadership of the Adventist-Muslim Relations ministry, local congregations will have a designated coordinator to help members develop greater cultural understanding, respond compassionately to community needs, and provide appropriate spiritual care, church leaders stated.

The initiative, they continued, also reinforces the importance of religious freedom, recognizing that meaningful conversations about faith must respect individual beliefs, personal decisions, and the dignity of every person.

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