Adventism Confronts Metamodernity: Theological Revival In The Advent Christian Church
“That’s your truth, and I’m happy for you. My truth leads me elsewhere.”--A real interaction I had when explaining the Gospel and Christ’s work to an acquaintance. Rooted in this statement is the idea that truth is found in the pragmatic outcome and experience of the individual, a common belief among postmodernists. In layman’s terms, if it works, then it’s true. Examples exist in the church, particularly the Advent Christian Church.
One Advent Christian Church’s ecclesiology can be radically different from another. One might have an Official Board and no elders or deacons, while another might have deacons and no elders. Some have elders, deacons, and an official board. Still, some look to their pastor as the lone elder while having a mix of the aforementioned leadership structures. The measure for most churches isn’t what the Bible teaches or rooted in a confessional identity undergirded by robust theology. Instead, the only test is effectiveness (pragmatism). Although much of Advent Christian history is tested by pragmatism, we are amid a sea change that sees theology–what the Bible teaches–as the guide for Advent Christian renewal.
Metamodernity
Benjamin Vincent in Christianity Today describes Metamodernity as “Apocalyptic hope (or what Vermeulen and Van Den Akker call“guarded hopefulness”) arises from and stands in contrast to the staid pessimism of postmodernism. It acknowledges that the world is in some sense “doomed” or at least in crisis, but responds to this fact with dark humor, sincere hopefulness (often expressed through irony), and a revolutionary spirit that actively rejects the passive resignation of past decades.”
Since 2015, my experience in the Advent Christian Denomination (ACD) has been shrugs and defeatism. We can’t. We’ve tried. Why bother? Embracing one’s impending death is admirable. I consider Tim Keller’s dignity and encouragement as he battled pancreatic cancer with candor and hopefulness, trusting and reflecting on Christ. The ACD has long declined over the last century, and repeated gut punches plague our collective psyche. And yet, specific segments of our association are digging in their heels to overcome the stigma of Advent Christian impotence. Here are some examples:
At the 2017 Triennial, the ACD voted to adopt a Trinitarian Statement of Faith, rejecting the dark cloud of non-Trinitarianism.
In 2019, ACGC’s Department of Leadership was formed, and the Ministry Training Institute (MTI) started to take shape.
In 2022, ACGC established the newly formed Department of Church Planting.
At the 2023 Triennial, two pastors presented their case for the ACD’s need to restructure due to the ongoing leadership crisis, and two separate task forces were created to consider that need.
In 2024, Advent Christian pastors wrote, edited, and published a Reformed–Conditionalist confession of faith (Whitefield Declaration).
In 2025, Tom Loghry writes the 2026 Declaration of Principles (2026 DOP) to replace the current DOP version and present it to the 2026 delegate body.
These events point to a retrieval of the early Adventist gusto. The return of Christ is imminent, and we do not have time for defeatism, nor would it be wise to misuse the resources God has called us to steward. Darren Bantz rightly states the following about the early Millerites: “People repented, reconciled, and reoriented their lives around eternity.”
There is a sincerity and hopefulness among many that transcends the pessimistic resignation of postmodernism that has plagued our minds. No one is more sincere and hopeful than Tom Loghry, editor of the Advent Christian Voices website and the 2026 DOP. When Tom first asked my opinion on the 2026 DOP, I admired his theological acumen but doubted its adoption. Then he gained endorsements from four Advent Christian Conferences and the pending endorsement from an Advent Christian regional body.
Tom’s steadfastness, perseverance, and relentless pursuit of our denomination’s good inspire all who witness it. It is a prime example of metemodernity–sincerity and hopefulness. This attempt is one to overturn the pessimism and apathy present among many by challenging us to consider our theological identity and move forward with a new sense of Christ’s power among his people.
Theological Revival
As mentioned above, over the last eight years, we’ve adopted a Trinitarian Statement of Faith, a small group has formed a Reformed–Conditionalist Confession of Faith, and we have the potential to adopt a new Declaration of Principles. Taken in its entirety, these events point to a clear renewal and revival of theology and its development among Advent Christians.
The 2017 adoption of the NAE Statement of Faith placed Advent Christian doctrine more squarely in the camp of Christian doctrine while remaining theologically broad. This encouragement led some pastors and churches, including myself, to become more involved in Advent Christian ministry outside the local church. The Whitefield Declaration of Faith, inspired by some non-creedalists, suggested we write our statement of faith or confession. So we did. Many copies continue to be purchased, and there is ongoing conversation about future works to help local churches, pastors, and laymen. Lastly, the 2026 DOP is an attempt by Tom Loghry to codify current beliefs, simplify the DOP, and further develop our Advent Christian theology.
In conversation with Tom, the editors of the Whitefield Declaration (of which I’m a part), and many other Advent Christians, our structural change is downstream from the ongoing theological revival, and all of it is part of a broader identity shift.
The Future of The Advent Christian Church
Advent Christians no longer want an identity rooted in great disappointments, failures, and nostalgia. We reject the idea that our fate as an association is doom and gloom. Our best minds must set a theological standard founded in Scripture, coupled with accuracy and precision. The resources God has made us stewards must be used wisely to spread the Gospel. Attitudes must shift towards we can and will rather than can’t and won’t.
I hope God will use the Advent Christian Church as a catalyst in bringing many sons and daughters into the Kingdom. If we repent of our collective pessimism and apathy, we will all turn to Christ, who forgives. The future is bright for Advent Christians, and I’m thankful for dear brothers like Tom Loghry who continue to push us along the way. Looking towards next year and the adoption of the 2026 DOP, Advent Christians will finally embrace the Christian faith (Principles 3 & 4) while maintaining its firm yet open-handedness regarding conditionalism (5 & 7). We will no longer measure truth or faithfulness by the postmodernist tendencies that’ve plagued us. Instead, may the Spirit renew our hearts and minds to continue the hard work of ministry undergirded by theological conviction.
24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. –Jude 24-25
