Originally published on the Lake Union Herald website: https://www.nadadventist.org/news/pentecost-2025-initiative-voted-north-american-division-executive-committee

During a special session of the NAD executive committee, a new initiative that includes funding assistance for local church proclamation initiatives is approved.

May 29, 2024  Columbia, Md.  North American Division Office of Communication

Pentecost dramatically impacted the early church. In fact, many Christians regard Pentecost as the birthdate of the Christian church (see Acts 2). On that day, the church multiplied in number from 120 to 3,000 believers. Pentecost marks the fulfillment of Jesus Christ’s promise to send the Holy Spirit to empower and guide His disciples.

And now, on May 29, 2024, the North American Division Executive Committee has voted to approve Pentecost 2025, an initiative to be launched for church leaders and members alike to seek the Holy Spirit’s power and mobilize for evangelism with the goal of holding at least 3,000 proclamation initiatives division wide in 2025. Starting in July, Adventists with approval from their church board can sign up to be part of Pentecost 2025, with the option to apply for startup funds.

“All of us can play a pivotal role in sharing the love of Jesus and the distinctive truths entrusted to us,” said G. Alexander Bryant, NAD president. “Moving forward with Pentecost 2025 helps us all embrace the mission and proclaim the gospel. This is an opportunity for each member to take the words of Matthew 24:14 to heart.”

The plan is straightforward. Using the rest of 2024 as planning and preparation time, a pastor or lay person is encouraged to take their proposal for a proclamation initiative (i.e. evangelistic meetings) to their local church board for an action of support. Upon voted church board approval, the person registers for Pentecost 2025 by filling out the NAD form at https://www.nadadventist.org/pentecost2025. There is an option to request, one time, up to $3,000 in financial assistance for their local event. Once the local conference designee provides approval the application goes to the union and then the NAD; and a resource welcome kit is sent to the church. Upon completion of the event a report will be submitted to the division.

“Pentecost 2025 is for all Seventh-day Adventist churches across the North American Division. Everymember, pastor, teacher, young adult, student, and children is encouraged to participate. We are urging total member involvement,” said Calvin Watkins, NAD vice president overseeing evangelism. “And we recognize that the majority of our churches are small and may need ‘seed money’ and resources that can help them chart the way forward. We hope to provide both to as many as possible. We are together in mission!”

To facilitate Pentecost 2025, not only will the NAD leadership lead by example through proclamation events and dedicated prayer time, resources and training will be made available through the North American Division website. “We are committed to equipping our members with the tools and knowledge necessary for effective evangelism. Whether it’s through innovative outreach strategies, digital platforms, or traditional methods, we must find ways to reach hearts longing for the hope and wholeness found in Jesus,” said Jose Cortes Jr, NAD Ministerial Association associate director for evangelism.

Plugging into Pentecost by joining the NAD’s list of proclamation initiatives means getting access to valuable tips and tools for evangelism — including regional training events and webinars — in a variety of contexts.

“Whether you are a church holding a traditional event, a family conducting a meeting with friends, a school leader inviting the community to an event, or an social media content provider hosting a Bible study, there will be resources and training to help you along the way,” said Kent Sharpe, NAD project director of Antioch initiatives.

“We want the Holy Spirit to descend on us as never before,” Bryant said. “The Pentecost serves as a reminder of the call to engage in mission and evangelism. This is not merely a historical event but a clarion call for us, as Seventh-day Adventists, to carry the everlasting gospel to every corner of the earth, starting here in North America.”

Answers to the Most-Asked Pentecost 2025 Questions

The NAD plans to open registration and the full version of the webpage on July 1, 2024. In addition to the Pentecost 2025 application, there will be a comprehensive list of resources, a short video introducing the initiative, and a detailed FAQs section. Below is a small selection highlighting the answers to the most-asked questions the division has already received.

What Is Required to Participate?

Pentecost 2025 is meant to encourage proclamation events that teach the Christ-centered, biblical teachings of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Appeals to accept Jesus as Savior and to join the Adventist Church through baptism or profession of faith need to be included. There should be at least 15 sessions (the first 10 could be done in a small group Bible study format) with five public preaching proclamation and appeals taking place.

What Is a Proclamation Event?

Proclamation events are strategically designed activities focused on communicating the message of the Christian gospel and the distinctive beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist faith to diverse audiences. These events adapt various engaging formats for maximum impact:

• Evangelistic Series: Public events that vividly present the gospel and Adventist doctrines, creating a welcoming environment for community exploration and connection with our faith.
• Bible Study Groups: Sessions held in-person or online, providing a communal setting for participants to delve into biblical teachings, fostering an environment of learning and spiritual enrichment.
• Health and Bible Study Proclaim Events: Emphasizing the holistic approach to evangelism, your church could for example utilize the latest resource from ASI and It Is Written with Pastor John Bradshaw, the “New Beginnings Health Bible Study Guide Set” available at It Is Written Shop. These guides combine physical well-being with spiritual growth, offering a comprehensive study experience that addresses the needs of the whole person.

The purpose of these events is to manifest and share the hope and love found in Jesus Christ, encouraging people to embrace the faith. By engaging in these proclamation events, we follow the biblical example set forth at Pentecost, empowering individuals to discover and grow in their spiritual journey under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

How Can I Engage my Community in Preparation for Pentecost 2025?

Ministering to the needs of people and developing relationships is critical if we are going to follow Jesus’ model for soul-winning. On an individual level we can do this by sincerely reaching out to neighbors, co-workers and others with friendship, encouragement, and acts of compassion. A church group might also use felt-needs seminars, food pantries, literature distribution, Bible studies, etc. Once the full version of the webpage is launched, check out the section 2024 – Preparing for Pentecost for resources and ideas for connecting with people in your community.

How Do I Start?

Embarking on the path of Pentecost 2025, you’re invited to deepen your engagement with evangelism through accessible, enriching resources and training opportunities. Here’s a roadmap to begin:

• Pray: Prayer must be the starting place for any event/series. Prayer must continue to be a hallmark of every Pentecost 2025 activity. There will only be success where the Holy Spirit is present and working in the lives of all involved.
• Leverage Essential Resources: Start with “New Beginnings,” an essential evangelistic toolkit that provides a solid foundation for sharing the gospel. Supplement this with resources such as “A Picture of God,” “Jesus 101,” and valuable programs from “It Is Written“ and “Breath of Life.”
• Undergo Comprehensive Training: Engage in “10,000 Digital Disciples Social Media Training,“ take advantage of regional training opportunities, or join the NAD’s monthly webinars (for those who have signed up and received approval). These sessions are crafted to enhance both your digital presence and your effectiveness in face-to-face evangelism.
• Engage with Believers: Registering to “Plug into Pentecost” connects you with a vibrant community of believers, all dedicated to the mission of gospel proclamation. This partnership ensures you’re equipped with the latest strategies, updates, and support.
• Focus on Evangelism and Bible Study: Direct your efforts toward leading public evangelistic series and conducting Bible study groups. These activities are pivotal for reaching broad audiences and facilitating deep scriptural engagement, promoting spiritual growth and understanding.
• Explore Financial Assistance: For pastors and church leaders, look into available financial sponsorship options to support significant evangelistic projects, ensuring their reach and success.