An Invitation to Advent Christian Renewal
Consider this both an invitation and a preface - I am inviting you to join me in the work of renewing the Advent Christian denomination.
As will become clear in time, this is an invitation to both insiders and outsiders alike. My pitch to all is very simple - we need a denomination fit for the end times. Now perhaps the “end times” makes you uncomfortable; goofy apocalyptic speculators spring to mind, even apart from the specter of William Miller. I share your sensitivity, having no interest in anything like that. More importantly, I believe God desires something else, not only from us, but from the Church universal.
Even so, that something else acquires a certain emphasis in light of the expectation of Christ’s return which defines the end times. Of course, even in the 1st century the Apostle Peter was saying, “The end of all things is near.” (1 Peter 4:7 CSB) Living nearly 2,000 years later, we certainly must say the same. Now, as then, the expectation of Christ’s return underscores the task of our time:
"This good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed in all the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” - Matthew 24:14 [CSB]
If you have read Matthew 28:19-20, you know the task of Gospel proclamation belongs to the Church and as Christ states above, the completion of this task culminates in Christ’s return. Anticipation is characterized by activity. This differs sharply from the passive notion that has sometimes seemed to define Advent Christian thinking – idle speculation about the signs of times, waiting with folded hands (even if with eagerness) as one might wait in a restaurant lobby for their name to be called for a table. The Church has been called to action, evermore and now more than ever.
This should be true of every denomination of the Church and especially true of the Advent Christian denomination. I need not critique our sister denominations to say that the Advent Christian denomination should be the vanguard of this Gospel imperative in anticipation of Christ’s return. She should spur other bodies onward and be a trim outfit, single-mindedly focused on completing the Gospel commission. This requires both resolute Christian orthodoxy and mission-minded charity in unity (think John 17), worthy distinctives in the eyes of God.
Reading the times, I would say this development is especially needful as Christians grow fractious and distracted by politics and current events – there is ever increasing temptation for us to get our eye off the ball. At the same time, there is also enormous opportunity as there appears to be a surprising rebirth of belief in God and unprecedented access to people worldwide due to technological advances.
I say this is an invitation to Advent Christian renewal. To be clear, this should be understood as invitation to make the denomination new; it is not a mere retrieval and nothing like renewing your driver’s license. It is more like renovating your home - there is basic continuity, but also significant development and improvement. I have kept this post intentionally simple - for more detail, please refer to my article found here and the follow up to it.
Every serious project has a timeline. While repairs and upkeep are a constant, significant work has a beginning and an end. Where is the end here? I see two things on the horizon:
The recommendations of the task force assessing the structure of the denomination. (ACGC initiative, report to be given at the 2026 Triennial)
A new edition of the Declaration of Principles. (my personal initiative)
As mentioned in my last post, I must remain a bit tight-lipped about 1 for now; the “end” here would of course entail actually putting any recommendations into action. Regarding 2, I am presently working on a new DOP, considered in the light of who we should become at this time, and am seeking feedback from others.
All of this probably appears audacious. Even so, I believe it is necessary, not only for the denomination’s welfare, but for our obedience to Christ at this hour. I hope you will accept this invitation.
