It has been nearly two decades since I was baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist Church. I didn’t want to become an Adventist. I fought it with every ounce of intellectual and spiritual strength I could muster. But the logic is too good—the theology is too pure.

Technically, I’m a fourth-generation Adventist, but in reality, I’m first generation. After my grandparents (on both sides) joined the church, it wasn’t long before their parents also discovered “the truth” and joined. But my parents had long abandoned the church and its teachings by the time they married one another. Therefore, I wasn’t raised going to church or with any real Christian teachings.

That all changed in 1974 when we were all baptized after a six-week Revelation Seminar. At 15 years old, I was ready to become the best Seventh-day Adventist I could be. Within a few weeks I convinced my family to become vegetarians, and soon I transferred to Portland Adventist Academy for the last year and a half of high school.

It was while attending Walla Walla College that I became disillusioned and turned my back on the church and renounced my Christianity. The legalism and associated guilt were too much to bear. I found I couldn’t live up to the standards imposed on me.

Ten years later, after much searching, I found a real relationship with Christ that began a journey eventually leading me back to Adventism. The only problem was that I didn’t want to be an Adventist. I assailed the church in dialogue with anyone who would listen. In my opinion, there were great problems that needed immediate attention. Theologically, I had no problem with the church—it was the bureaucratic, cultural and social issues that concerned me.

Two things helped me to see past the problems and allowed me to become a solid Seventh-day Adventist. First, in my professional career I learned the value of teamwork. Although I played organized sports all my life, it wasn’t until I began to sit on committees and chair them that I saw the true value of unity, cooperation and teamwork. Although compromise may be required, cooperative groups accomplish so much more than independently minded individuals.

The second thing that helped me see past the church’s problems was a statement made to me by my brother. After a long discussion where he patiently listened to my complaints against the church, he waited for the right moment, then spoke words that changed my life. He said, “It’s easier to change the church from the inside than from the outside.” It wasn’t long before I was rebaptized.

As my involvement in the church has increased, these two principles have served me well. Anyone with significant attachment to the denomination is going to see problems, but it is their approach to these issues that determines not only the future of the church, but their own peace of mind. I have determined that I want to be part of the solution and not add to the problems. Here are the steps I take to accomplish this:

First, I honestly try to evaluate what is within my span of control and what isn’t. As pastor of a local church, I can assume that “the buck stops here.” But in reality, about the only thing I have direct control over is my personal computer. Nearly everything else must be negotiated with my ministry teams, the conference, and everyone else who has direct stock in our local church.

Second, I try to assess the problems in the church openly and acknowledge their existence. Face it, we live in an imperfect world and things are only going to get worse as Satan exerts more and more control. By admitting that we have problems, we can begin to address them. Denial serves no one.

Third, I strive to think globally, and act locally. It is good to see the “big picture,” but it is important for those who live in glass houses not to throw stones. Jesus recommended that we remove the log from our own eye before we try to remove the sliver from another’s eye. Most people who are intensely focused on other people’s issues have been unable to resolve their own problems. Because their own lives are out of control, they seek to control others.

Fourth, I prioritize the issues and begin to tackle them systematically. A shotgun works well for hunting geese, but if you truly want to take down the big game, you’ll use a carefully aimed, high-powered weapon. Choose your battles and count the costs. Make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into.

Fifth, I try to evaluate my motives humbly and prayerfully, making sure that each issue is one that God is calling me to take on. It is better to be led by vision and not driven by fear, rage, hurt or arrogance. Know without a doubt that you are operating on God’s timing. It is always good to check yourself with trusted friends and colleagues—not just the ones who agree with you, either!

Finally, but not least, I seek to draw ever closer to the Lord. We can’t afford to let our quiet time diminish—in fact, we should increase the time we spend with God. Carefully examine your life and make sure you are free of any moral failures, pride, envy, or need for power and control.

To fix some issues it can take years—even generations. We need to be patient, trust in the Lord, and persevere. Impatience only leads to frustration, and unreasonable expectations are just premeditated resentments.

In my previous career I saw a huge problem shortly after I was hired. I was quick to offer a solution and vehemently advocated a change. Unfortunately, I found few who would listen to the passionate complaints of a 20-something rookie. Thirteen years later, as a mid-level manager, I was able to propose a solution to the problem I’d seen when I was first hired. Not only was the solution accepted, but I was made responsible for implementing it and assuring success for the new program. By patiently waiting for the right opportunity and working within the system, I helped to improve an already great organization.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church is a great organization. We have the strongest pastoral remuneration system of any large denomination. Arguably, we have one of the strongest missions and outreach organizations of any worldwide church. Our theology is sound and undeniably strong. Our educational systems are tremendous. Our members are committed.

Sure, we have problems. Adjustments need to be made. Few people can honestly debate this. However, it is not an easy task to make adjustments to an international organization with 13 million members. Unity and cooperation are principles that should dominate every discussion for change. It is more important to understand the multicultural complexities and various viewpoints before we seek to be understood.

While I respect and admire passion and vision, I know that these must be tempered with love, respect and unity. Jesus’s John 17 prayer should dominate our discussions. Paul’s counsel in Romans 14 must prevail.

I didn’t want to join this church in 1987, but after considerable soul-searching I jumped on board. I’m not going to leave now. I know we face a number of issues, but I’m a team player. I will fight to make this a better organization. I want to be part of the solution.

Gary Walters and his wife Jen are church planters in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Their website is: www.springsproject.com.