Stories & Commentaries

Daniel R. Jackson has served as president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America for 10 years. He and his wife, Donna, an associate director for the NAD’s Ministerial Association, are retiring on July 1, 2020. Dan Weber, NAD communication director, recently sat down with the Jacksons to talk about their ministry, church life, fond memories, and what they hope for the future for the church.

Protests in the wake of George Floyd’s suffocation death may be leading to a sea change in terms of how Americans see race relations. Only time will tell. For those who believe transformation is needed sociologically and administratively throughout American Adventism, I pose the question: How do we accomplish such in a way that we relate to others as equal brothers and sisters in Christ, in an effort to present a strong witness to society?

Elisha was hiding in Dothan from his enemies because they had become aware that he knew exactly what they were doing as they tried to thwart the plans of God’s people. This is the historical context of the story. . . . Today we see a vast army encircling the camp around us. What will we do in the face of [COVID-19] — this great, silent, and invisible enemy that has come against us?

After years in disrepair and closure, 53 churches in east central India have reopened with the help of It Is Written. Spiritual, health, and social services have been initiated to keep them active; and local leaders, Bible workers, and volunteers are pitching in to help communities

Nearly two decades ago the Shoni and Michael Evans joined the small Adventist community that nurtured them and welcomed them in various ways, including the unexpected visit with the doubly unexpected gift of foster babies.

Ron felt impressed to hand the woman at the gas pump a GLOW tract. He did and the woman recommitted her life to Jesus, and she joined the Adventist church. But how can we share the message of hope during these uncertain times? What can we do when we are all staying at home and personal contacts with others aren’t as available or encouraged while we navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic?

Congregational care during this coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is essential, however, traditional congregational care is, at best, now very strained. Ministry is quite different than it was a few weeks ago. We cannot meet or gather as congregations. Caregiving for bereaving families unable to attend funeral services, members who may not be digitally connected, and those losing employment while working from home are just some examples of how ministry has shifted. The congregational need for dedicated pastoral care is self-evident.       

On the night of April 12, 2020, my wife Lou and I were getting ready for bed and listening to the weather forecasters announce the tornado watches and warnings. When they announced that the worst of the storms had passed, I turned the TV off. We changed ino our pajamas, said our prayers together, which is our nightly custom. The screech of metal and loud banging woke me from sleep. It was our tin roof being yanked off the house as a tornado hit.

While the entire church structure benefits in varying degrees, by far the largest portion of tithes in the North American Division (NAD) reverts back to the local church and school. To keep things simple, let’s follow a $100 portion of tithes to see where the funds go; and then, as an example, how NAD distributes its money.

Our hearts struggle to accept the reality of death. Existence is such a persuasive experience that we simply cannot conceive of a world in which we no longer exist. As a small child I used to spend more time than a youngster probably should trying to imagine a universe without me: how is it possible that prior to 1969 I did not exist at all?