Discover More About Seventh-day Adventist Christians
Adventist History
The Seventh-day Adventist church grew in the mid 1840s during the Second Great Awakening, a time of religious revival in the United States. Its first members came from the Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, and Christian Connection congregations, but over the following decades the denomination has grown into a worldwide church with millions of members. The church is well known for its excellence in healthcare, education, and human service activities.
Adventist Mission
From the very beginning, Adventists have focused on the importance of education and healthcare in improving people’s lives. In fact, Adventists run the next-largest denominational education system in the world, second only to Catholic schools. Adventist hospitals and clinics are also numerous, including Portland Adventist Medical Center. You’ll find at least one Adventist healthcare center in many major metropolitan areas in North America. Adventists are also active providing schools and hospitals where they are needed around the world.
The Adventist Lifestyle
One of the founding principles of the Adventist church is a healthy lifestyle—a balanced combination of exercise, diet, and trust in God. Adventists are generally vegetarian, and do not smoke or drink alcohol. They operate successful stop-smoking clinics worldwide. Loma Linda, California, a primarily Adventist community, was recently named by researcher Dan Buettner a “blue zone” or “longevity oasis” where the residents not only have the longest life expectancy on earth, but are happier and healthier, too.
Adventists Today
Today the worldwide Adventist church has over 19 million members in more than 200 countries. Adventists operate 7800 schools worldwide with nearly 1.8 million students. They also run 175 hospitals worldwide, 140 nursing homes and retirement centers, 385 clinics and dispensaries, and 29 orphanages and children’s homes. In addition, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) International, a disaster relief organization, funds over 7,700 projects in over 130 countries.
What does the name “Seventh-day Adventist” refer to?
The name “Seventh-day Adventist” refers to two core beliefs. Respecting the fourth of God’s Ten Commandments, Adventists worship on Saturday, the seventh day of the week. “Adventist” refers to Jesus Christ’s promise to return and take his followers home to heaven. Adventists believe in the imminent advent, or return, of Jesus Christ. You can find out more about Adventists at www.adventist.org.
Does my family have to be Adventist for my child to attend an Adventist school?
Absolutely not, though you and your child will gain the full benefit from Adventist education if you are a Christian or at least sympathetic with Christian beliefs.
Will an Adventist school try to turn my child into a Seventh-day Adventist?
At an Adventist school, students’ freedom to think for themselves is respected and nurtured, and students are encouraged to learn how to make good moral decisions regardless of their creed or belief system. One key Adventist principle is that no one should be pressured into church membership, but join willingly as they choose. Children of Adventist parents become baptized members only when they are old enough to make the decision consciously and responsibly.
Are Adventist schools accredited? Do they provide as complete an education as other public or private schools?
Every Adventist school is accredited by a state or national accrediting body. In addition, the church Office of Education also operates a comprehensive accrediting process to maintain a high standard of excellence in all Adventist schools. We think you’ll find, as the Cognitive Genesis study is finding, that on average Adventist schools are better places to learn than any other.
You’re Invited!
If you would like to visit one of our local churches, you would be more than welcome! Below is a list of our local Seventh-day Adventist churches.
Beaverton Seventh-day Adventist Church
Beaverton Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church
Forest Grove Seventh-day Adventist Church
Forest Grove Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church
Hillsboro Seventh-day Adventist Church
Hillsboro Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church