“This special issue of The Journal of Adventist Education (JAE) is part of a long-standing tradition. Each quinquennium, a special General Conference issue featuring education reports from each division of the Seventh-day Adventist world church is produced to inform, inspire, and engender general support for the work of Adventist education.” In her editorial titled Eternity in Our Sight, Faith-Ann McGarrell compares current statistics to those 30 years ago. She also reviews the General Conference’s Strategic Plan for the quinquennium, Reach the World: Reach Up to God, Reach in With God, Reach Out With God. Articles in Volume 83, Issue 4 (2021) include:
Pressing Forward, Together by Lisa M. Beardsley-Hardy
“Education was placed in the driver’s seat during the 2015-2020 quinquennium. The annual 2016 LEAD conference led the way with the theme of ‘Educating for Eternity.’ Education, viewed in the context of the great conflict between good and evil, is a ministry involving the home, church, and school. In the highest sense, the work of education and redemption are one.” Also included is a statement describing the biblical basis for Seventh-day Adventist Education.
10 Reasons Adventist Schools Work
Reprinted and used with permission from North American Division Office of Education, this list describes ten important ways Adventist education benefits students.
East-Central Africa Division (ECD): Rapid Growth and Expanding Education Opportunities to Reach the World by Andrew Mutero
As the largest division in the world church, the ECD also runs the largest network of Adventist schools. “During this past quinquennium, the rallying call in the division was: ‘Mission Priority. It Is Harvest Time.’ And the theme for the ECD Department of Education has been: ‘Every Adventist teacher an evangelist; and every Adventist school, a house of God and the gate of heaven.’”
Euro-Asia Division (ESD): Adventist Education – A Life-transforming Experience for Students, Parents, Educators, and Church Members in the Euro-Asia Division by Ivan Riapolov
This update covers church initiatives, Adventist education as a life-changing experience, appreciation for those partnering in educational ministry, the Euro-Asia Division’s vision for the next quinquennium, and more.
Inter-European Division: Refreshing News from the “Old Continent” by Marius Munteanu
In the Inter-European Division, Adventist education is considered one of the division’s strategic areas of emphasis. Specific priorities were adopted.
Inter-American Division (IAD): In Inter-America, Adventist Education Is a Priority by Gamaliel Flórez
Amidst challenges in this fast-growing division, God has blessed Adventist education with achievements including implementing the ideals of Adventist education, enhancing educational quality, increasing the number of college and university-level programs offered, and preparing people for Jesus’ second coming.
North American Division (NAD): Transforming Lives for Time and Eternity by Arne Nielsen, Martha Ban, Gordon Bietz, Stephen Bralley, Desiree Bryant, Sandra Esteves, Marc Grundy, Leisa Morton-Standish, and Evelyn Sullivan
The authors state, “Through the curriculum, professional development, and technology resources, we equip our teachers at all levels to impact learning and help our students grow to love and embrace Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.”
Northern Asia-Pacific Division (NSD): Discipling Students – The Great Commission for Northern Asia-Pacific Division Schools by Richard Sabuin
Aligning with Christ’s Great Commission, “Discipling Students” was the aim for all Northern Asia-Pacific Division schools during the past quinquennium. “Strategies adopted to reach this aim include teacher training, upgrading programs, spiritual-life programs, mission initiatives, and other school activities.”
Publishing Note: Due to the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic and the twice-postponed General Conference session, this quinquennial issue was delayed. Reports in this issue cover the 2015-2020 quinquennium.
Author
CIRCLE Editor
The Curriculum and Instruction Resource Center Linking Educators (CIRCLE) helps Seventh-day Adventist educators locate the ever-expanding array of resources for the ministry of teaching. Visit CIRCLE.adventistlearningcommunity.com to find and share Adventist educational resources anytime, anywhere.