ATSS: Reinder Bruinsma, “The Church Has a Future”
25 May 2022 |
The Christian church is in trouble, in particular in the Western world. Many denominations see their membership decrease and experience an exodus of the younger generations. Postmoderns may still have an interest in spirituality, but they turn away from institutional Christianity. Current trends also affect the Seventh-day Adventist Church. While the church is still growing in the global south, church growth is stagnant (or even negative) in large parts of the developed world. An intense theological polarization stifles the spiritual health of the church.
What is the future of the Christian church in general and of the Adventist Church in particular? Is there only reason for despair? Or are there also positive signs and do we have reason for hope? And can we realistically expect that the gospel mandate will be fulfilled and the Good News will be effectively communicated to the entire world?
Dr. Bruinsma does not pretend to have all the answers. He is, however, prepared to take an honest look at reality and to call a spade a spade. But at the same time he is convinced that God does not give up on his church. The church has a future because it is his church. However, the church of the future may be very different from the current denominational landscape, and the Adventist Church can only be an inspiring part of God’s future church if it can dramatically change and can once again become a source of relevant “present truth.”
Teacher:
Reinder Bruinsma lives in the Netherlands with his wife, Aafje. He has served the Adventist Church in various assignments in publishing, education and church administration on three continents. He still maintains a busy schedule of preaching, teaching and writing. His latest book is I Have a Future: Christ’s Resurrection and Mine.
Moderator:
Cherri-Ann Farquharson is an alternative energy consultant and planner working from Barbados.
How to join:
Watch the presentation here.
View the discussion powerpoint slides about how we want to see the church’s future here.
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 around the world:
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- Reykjavík: 5:30 PM
- College Place: 10:30 AM
- Lincoln: 12:30 PM
- Denver: 11:30 AM
- Bracknell: 6:30 PM
- Loma Linda: 10:30 AM
- Nairobi: 8:30 PM
- Gackle: 12:30 PM
- Hosur: 11:00 PM
- Waco: 12:30 PM
- Tulsa: 12:30 PM
- Helsinki: 8:30 PM
- Stockholm: 7:30 PM
- Hamburg: 7:30 PM
- Cape Town: 7:30 PM
- Madrid: 7:30 PM
- Paris: 7:30 PM
- Honolulu: 7:30 AM
- Cooranbong: 5:30 AM (Sunday)
- Perth: 2:30 AM (Sunday)
The class is intended to last about 2 hours, though the conversation often continues to 4 PM on the east coast of the United States.
About our class:
- The AT Sabbath Seminar is intended to be a courteous forum. We discuss and ask questions politely. We don’t accuse, get angry, or put people down.
- 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—under the “reactions” button.
- Please use your name when you sign in! Not your phone number, not your initials. This will help us differentiate you from unwelcome guests who want to disrupt us. You can set your name after signing on by clicking on the 3 dots next to your picture, which drops down a menu.
- If it should happen that we are attacked so that we have to stop the meeting, we’ll quickly post a new meeting link on our AT Facebook page.
We look forward to getting acquainted with you!
Coming up:
- Mathilde Frey
- Charles Scriven
- Austin Archer
- Marko Lucik
- Jim Walters
- Reinder Bruinsma
- Bryan Ness
