During the North American Division Executive Committee on May 29, 2024, NAD President G. Alexander Bryant reminds those in attendance about the July 1 registration opening for Pentecost 2025, the new initiative voted by the committee.
The initiative draws its name from the Pentecost narrative in Acts 2. Many Christians regard Pentecost as the birthdate of the Christian church. According to the account in Acts, on that day, the church multiplied in number from 120 to 3,000 believers. Pentecost dramatically impacted the early church and marked the fulfillment of Jesus Christ's promise to send the Holy Spirit to empower and guide His disciples.
Pentecost 2025 is an initiative for church leaders and members to seek the Holy Spirit’s power and to mobilize for evangelism with the goal of holding at least 3,000 proclamation events across divisions in 2025. These events, designed to communicate the gospel to various audiences, can include evangelistic series, bible study groups and health resources. Members or leaders approved by their church board can sign up to be part of Pentecost 2025, with the option to apply for startup funds.
“All of us can play a pivotal role in sharing the love of Jesus and the distinctive truths entrusted to us,” said G. Alexander Bryant, NAD president. “Moving forward with Pentecost 2025 helps us all embrace the mission and proclaim the gospel. This is an opportunity for each member to take the words of Matthew 24:14 to heart.”
The plan is straightforward. Using the rest of 2024 as planning and preparation time, a pastor or lay person is encouraged to take their proposal for a proclamation initiative to their local church board for support. Once the board approves, the person registers for Pentecost 2025 by filling out the form at https://www.nadadventist.org/pentecost2025. There is an option to make a one-time request for up to $3,000 in financial assistance for the event. Once the local conference designee provides approval, the application passes through the union and then the NAD; and a resource welcome kit is sent to the church. Upon the event's completion, a report will be submitted to the division.
“Pentecost 2025 is for all Seventh-day Adventist churches across the North American Division. Every member, pastor, teacher, young adult, student, and children is encouraged to participate. We are urging total member involvement,” said Calvin Watkins, NAD vice president overseeing evangelism. “And we recognize that the majority of our churches are small and may need ‘seed money’ and resources that can help them chart the way forward. We hope to provide both to as many as possible. We are together in mission!”
North American Division Communication
