What's a typical SDA service Like? And other stuff

[JodyTJ]

About 5-7 months ago I inquired on this forum about the SDA Church. I love the Church and it's teachings, and I love the people in it. But I've never actually set foot in a SDA church or even witnessed a service. I do intend on going to a service eventually, but I'd really like if I could get some "insight" into what it's like. I am aware that the service is different all over the world. I live in Canada, which according to Q3 2012, there are 65,000 Seventh-day Adventists! and I wish to be apart of that number some day.

Also, I plan on filling up my bookshelf with a whole bunch of SDA literature. If you guys could recommend me any books, from Ellen G. White to other Church Founders, and present-day leaders, that'd be awesome! I want to learn everything and anything about the SDA Church. Also, does the SDA Church have an official authorized version of the KJV/NIV (I want a KJV or NIV with SDA footnotes and guides, and what not) And which would you recommend, the KJV or NIV?

Oh, and I am completely awe struck that the Church baptizes over 1 million members (and to beat that, over 80% stay active! what church can boast that they have an activity rate close to 100%?).

Thank you and God bless!

Jody

 

[E.T.Elijah]

Hi Jody! It's great that you are so enthusiastic! As for a typical SDA church service...I would say it is pretty much just like any other denomination I have been to. At my church we usually start at 930am singin 3-4 hymns and then off to Sabbath school until about 1045am. Service starts at 11am beginning with song service and praise time, followed by childrens story and then family prayer (leading in praying for any prayer requests). There is a scripture reading which relates to the message. Then the sermon and closing prayer. At our church we have a fellowship potluck meal the 2nd and 4th Sabbaths of the month followed by a Bible study for those that would like to stay.

As for any particular SDA Bible versions...I would say that is pretty much up to each person. Although there is no official SDA Bible per say, most prefer the KJV or the New KJV. I myself have the KJV with Ellen White study notes at the bottom. It also has references in the margins for both Biblical and EGW writings. Very handy.

I have a pretty decent library of books. If I was to point someone to anything in particular I would try and find "Seventh Day Adventists Believe: A Biblical Exposition of 27 Fundamental Doctrines", "The Case for the Investigative Judgment" by Marvin Moore, "The Conflict of Ages" (Partriarchs & Prophets, Prophets & Kings, Desire of Ages, Acts of the Apostles, The Great Controversy) series by EGW, "Steps to Christ" by EGW. But I would also say just look for things that peek your interest. My wife is not so much of a prophecy and deep doctrinal person. She tends to gravitate towards true life and testimonial type books. Each of us is different and the Spirit impresses us each in a beautiful and wonderful way.

 

[AndrewK788]

Hey Jody! I love your enthusiasm!

The Seventh-day Adventist church has no official Bible that it prefers, nor does it have its own "translation" as some have tried to accuse us. I personally have NKJV that I've read through a few times now, but before that I was using an NIV. My only advice is pick a legitimate translation and not a paraphrase. Often the packaging on the Bible will tell which one it is.

There's a plethora of literature you could read. Obviously, Ellen White has many gems. Steps to Christ, The Desire of Ages, and The Great Controversy are three by her that are all excellent. As for other authors, it depends upon your interests I suppose. I personally like Clifford Goldstein's writing as well as George Knight's. "1844 Made Simple" by Goldstein is good, although if you're not into prophecy it might not be interesting to you. Like I said, there's a ton of good stuff out there. Any particular area that interests you more than others?

And about the actual church services... Have you ever been to a protestant service (Baptist, Methodist, non-denominational)? I only ask because I notice your profile lists you as Catholic, which certainly is a very liturgical church. If so, the Adventist "liturgy" is most similar to any one of those Protestant groups. We aren't as liturgical as Anglicas or Lutherans though if you're familiar with them. Though we have certain doctrines that are fundamentally different from these groups, such as the seventh day Sabbath and our understanding of the heavenly sanctuary, the actual worship services are often quite similar to our less-liturgical Protestant brethren. I could get more specific about anything you're curious about, but I am rambling so I shall cease with my rant.

God bless and I wish you luck in finding a good church family in the near future!

 

[JodyTJ]

Hi Jody! It's great that you are so enthusiastic! As for a typical SDA church service...I would say it is pretty much just like any other denomination I have been to. At my church we usually start at 930am singin 3-4 hymns and then off to Sabbath school until about 1045am. Service starts at 11am beginning with song service and praise time, followed by childrens story and then family prayer (leading in praying for any prayer requests). There is a scripture reading which relates to the message. Then the sermon and closing prayer. At our church we have a fellowship potluck meal the 2nd and 4th Sabbaths of the month followed by a Bible study for those that would like to stay.

As for any particular SDA Bible versions...I would say that is pretty much up to each person. Although there is no official SDA Bible per say, most prefer the KJV or the New KJV. I myself have the KJV with Ellen White study notes at the bottom. It also has references in the margins for both Biblical and EGW writings. Very handy.

I have a pretty decent library of books. If I was to point someone to anything in particular I would try and find "Seventh Day Adventists Believe: A Biblical Exposition of 27 Fundamental Doctrines", "The Case for the Investigative Judgment" by Marvin Moore, "The Conflict of Ages" (Partriarchs & Prophets, Prophets & Kings, Desire of Ages, Acts of the Apostles, The Great Controversy) series by EGW, "Steps to Christ" by EGW. But I would also say just look for things that peek your interest. My wife is not so much of a prophecy and deep doctrinal person. She tends to gravitate towards true life and testimonial type books. Each of us is different and the Spirit impresses us each in a beautiful and wonderful way.

Thank you so much! I was worried that the SDA service would be like the Catholic one. I find that Catholic services are very ritualistic and quite boring. And I am upset that no Bible studies are conducted. But I love the sound of the SDA service. It actually is what I've dreamed a service should be like but of course, every church is different.

I plan on getting either the KJV or the NIV, and possibly the NKJV. And if you could provide me a link with that Bible version that you have, the one with EGW study notes and references, that would be wonderful. Also, thank you so much for recommending those books. I can't remember what the Adventist book store is called online, but I hope they have those books.

Hey Jody! I love your enthusiasm!

The Seventh-day Adventist church has no official Bible that it prefers, nor does it have its own "translation" as some have tried to accuse us. I personally have NKJV that I've read through a few times now, but before that I was using an NIV. My only advice is pick a legitimate translation and not a paraphrase. Often the packaging on the Bible will tell which one it is.

There's a plethora of literature you could read. Obviously, Ellen White has many gems. Steps to Christ, The Desire of Ages, and The Great Controversy are three by her that are all excellent. As for other authors, it depends upon your interests I suppose. I personally like Clifford Goldstein's writing as well as George Knight's. "1844 Made Simple" by Goldstein is good, although if you're not into prophecy it might not be interesting to you. Like I said, there's a ton of good stuff out there. Any particular area that interests you more than others?

And about the actual church services... Have you ever been to a protestant service (Baptist, Methodist, non-denominational)? I only ask because I notice your profile lists you as Catholic, which certainly is a very liturgical church. If so, the Adventist "liturgy" is most similar to any one of those Protestant groups. We aren't as liturgical as Anglicas or Lutherans though if you're familiar with them. Though we have certain doctrines that are fundamentally different from these groups, such as the seventh day Sabbath and our understanding of the heavenly sanctuary, the actual worship services are often quite similar to our less-liturgical Protestant brethren. I could get more specific about anything you're curious about, but I am rambling so I shall cease with my rant.

God bless and I wish you luck in finding a good church family in the near future!

I am interested in prophecy, the trinity, and the heavenly sanctuary (I've heard this mentioned more by SDAs, so I am interested). And no, I've never been to a protestant service. However, one of my friends, who's a non-denominational Christian has invited me to his service. His father is the pastor, and the church is basically Pentecostal, but they label themselves non-denominational. I know that protestant services are much more uplifting and spiritual and more oriented towards that Bible.

Myself, I love the Bible. I don't care much for the "Tradition" that the Catholic Church is always raving about. And the Seventh-day Adventist Church appears to be a VERY Bible focused church.

And I loved the rant! I wanted to read more. I enjoy learning and listening to peoples opinions.

Also, if anyone wants to talk to me personally, I could give you my email via the PM on this site.

Thank you again!

 

[Guitaroman]

I'd be careful though because there are some SDA churches now that try and mimic catholic and other churches now. I'd say pray to find a church home before making a move. It could turn out that its better to worship at home and watch a live stream than to go to an SDA church that isn't about gods buisness and set you further away from god. I have a great SDA home I was blessed with one since birth lol, and I pray you find one as well.

 

[JodyTJ]

I'd be careful though because there are some SDA churches now that try and mimic catholic and other churches now. I'd say pray to find a church home before making a move. It could turn out that its better to worship at home and watch a live stream than to go to an SDA church that isn't about gods buisness and set you further away from god. I have a great SDA home I was blessed with one since birth lol, and I pray you find one as well.

Thank you. I'll try my best to find the right church. I have faith that the Seventh-day Adventist Church will provide me with a good home.