I once served in a church where the leadership believed that faithfulness to God meant preserving a 1950s version of Adventism. They dressed, spoke, and sang as if it were still the 1950s. They looked back with nostalgia, thinking, “Look how great we were. If only we could return to that golden age of greatness.” This mindset stands in direct contrast to the warning in Ecclesiastes 7:10, which cautions against longing for the past. Sadly, this mentality made them judgmental, controlling, and at times, unsafe to be around.
This illustrates the danger of turning the past into an idol rather than using it as a springboard for the future. Our church’s legacy should be a foundation upon which we build, not something we worship. So, rather than clinging to the culture of past Adventism, perhaps we should emulate the faith and self-sacrifice of our pioneers—so that the Gospel can reach more people today.
True faith isn’t rooted in nostalgia. It’s about actively leaning into what could be, not resting on what was. A living faith takes the best of our heritage—our deep biblical roots, our commitment to health and education, our prophetic vision—and allows it to inspire something new for this generation.
Instead of saying, “It was so good when we did this or that,” we should boldly declare, “The best is yet to come.”
A culture where
innovation meets mission, courageously exploring new ways to connect with
today’s people in today’s world.
A culture where relationships matter more than regulations or local traditions, allowing people to encounter Jesus before they encounter barriers.
A culture that doesn’t just talk about the future but actively builds it—thriving in the present while staying true to the timeless message of hope.
Preserving the past may feel safe, but true transformation and growth happen when we prioritize Jesus’ "new commandment" in John 13:34. Merging the knowledge about the beasts of Revelation with this love-one-another lifestyle. This is how multiplication and impact happen.
So, what kind of Adventism do you want to see here? One that looks back or one that looks forward?
Let’s dream together.
Let’s move ahead together.
Let’s togetherner together.
