2005 General Conference Session in St. Louis

Adventist Today Report 3

Mission, yes, but without the Beasts and Horns? President Jan Paulsen’s keynote address on Thursday evening emphasized the central role of mission in the life of the church, but characterized it primarily in terms of tangible benefits Adventists bring to the communities in which they live. Many examples were given of ways Adventists are making a practical difference to their communities in different countries. “Our mission is broad and inclusive, and there is room for all, …And until he comes, this is what we will doâ€â€?and we will do it together.â€? Although much of the agenda for this session would be unavoidably concerned with technical matters, Dr. Paulsen said, special blocks of time had been reserved for a discussion concerning spiritual and doctrinal matters, just as had been the case in the early history of General Conference. Paulsen stressed that while a short presentation would be made from the podium, most of the time would be reserved for discussion. With respect to the future, Paulsen expressed two primary concerns: (1) The necessity for greater involvement of the youth (15-30), and (2) A need for a broader sense of ownership of the church by members, that is by the laity. Although such concerns are voiced so often they may sound like mere platitudes, Paulsen followed up with remarks that seemed striking. To laity: What you have done “…is good, but it is not enough. And I say to you: Don’t hold back!â€? To the youth: “I want you to come in and to partner with the rest of us. I want to make room for you, for you have energies and ideas which no one can quite match. If you don’t find the church interesting, you can make it interesting. Just don’t walk away. That would be the worst possible.â€? To youth, women, laity: “I want you who are young, I want the women, and I want laityâ€â€?and these overlapâ€â€'to claim and accept a much greater share of ownership in our church. Do not define the church as something other than yourselves; that would be a mistake. The church is not defined by election nor is it by who pays your salary. The church is defined by faith. You have faith? Then you are the church. So, I say to youâ€â€?especially you who are young: Come walk with me for Christ and His church. I will do my best to make space for you, for you are my partner. Christ invites you. The church needs you. And we are all one family of faith.â€? While it might be argued that Dr. Paulsen’s omission of language alluding to doctrinal distinctives in relation to mission is meaningless in view of the brevity of his address, his carefulness in communication suggests otherwise. While his personal commitment to the characteristic theology and eschatology of traditional Adventism is well-known, it appears he is attempting to lead the church to new self-understanding rooted more in a radical commitment to service and love as disciples to Christ in contrast to our historic self-definition as a people who are experts on prophetic theories.