ATSS: Jim Wibberding, “California Adventists: A Case Study in Strength Through Diversity”
5 February 2025 |
Battle Creek narratives have long defined Adventist identity, shaping its doctrines, institutions, and sense of mission. But what happens when the same faith takes root in different soil? Early California Adventism offers a strikingly fresh perspective—one that is missional, inclusive, empowering, flexible, and creative.
California Adventists pioneered bold innovations that reshaped the movement. Women were trained and hired as pastors, challenging traditional gender roles. Ellet Waggoner and Alonzo Jones propelled righteousness by faith to the forefront, shifting the focus from legalism to grace. Jennie Ireland, a young white woman, crossed racial barriers by planting and pastoring the first Black Adventist church west of the Mississippi River. Sarah McCown sparked new outreach by starting and leading the first Chinese Adventist church in the United States. John Tay dreamed up the Pitcairn, Adventism’s first missionary ship, which carried the gospel to the South Pacific. Edson White scandalized the church with his “wild” music, foreshadowing future debates and innovations in worship styles.
Meanwhile, California Adventists were more relaxed about jewelry, alcohol, and dancing, demonstrating a different approach to lifestyle standards.
Join the conversation as we rediscover this dynamic heritage. Could reclaiming early California Adventism validate a more progressive faith today?
Teacher:
Dr. Wibberding is chair of the Theology Department at Pacific Union College (PUC). He specializes in applied theology and Biblical studies. Jim served as a pastor for seventeen years in Pennsylvania, Idaho, and Washington before joining the teaching faculty of the PUC Theology Department in 2017. Jim has also taught as adjunct professor to the DMin program at Andrews University and the MTS program at La Sierra University. Recently, he authored the forthcoming book Walking with the Pioneers: The Captivating Story of West Coast Adventism.
Moderator:
Gerald Lofthouse is a retired physician living in the Chicago suburbs.
How to join:
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81619285766
Passcode: ADVENTIST
ATSS starting time depends on where you are. If you’re on the west coast of the United States, it’ll be 10:30 AM. On the east coast, 1:30 PM. Times in Europe, Africa, and elsewhere will vary with local time changes. Please double-check the correct time where you live.
The class is intended to last about 2 hours, though the conversation often continues to 4 PM (Eastern time).
About our class:
- The AT Sabbath Seminar is intended to be a courteous forum.
- Stick to the topic in both comments and chat discussion.
- Make your comments and questions short—don’t dominate.
- Keep your microphones muted unless you are called upon to make your comment or ask your question.
- Indicate your interest in speaking by raising your electronic hand.
- Please use your name when you sign in, so we know who we’re addressing.
We look forward to getting acquainted with you!
YouTube channel:
You can see all of our previous ATSS recordings here.
Coming up:
- Bryan Ness
- Marcelo Reis
- Andreas Bochmann
- Warren Trenchard
- Stephen Ferguson
- Maury Jackson
- Steve Case
