Introduction: The Joy of Good News
Imagine someone locked in a dark room for years, convinced that outside was only danger. Then one day, the door opens, and sunlight floods in. What do they feel? At first confusion, maybe fear, but then — joy. That is what it means to leave Adventism and discover the true gospel.
But here’s the question: once you’ve stepped into the light, what do you do? Hide it? Or open the door for others still inside? Evangelism is not just a duty; it is the overflow of joy. We share because we’ve been set free.
This chapter explores mission and evangelism specifically in the post-Adventist context — the unique challenges, opportunities, and strategies for sharing Christ with those shaped by Adventist teaching.
The Mission Mandate
Jesus’ last words were a commission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Matt. 28:19–20). Mission is not optional; it is the heartbeat of the church.
For former Adventists, this call has special weight. Many of us once proclaimed a distorted gospel. Now, having tasted freedom, we are called to proclaim the true gospel with clarity and love.
The Gospel We Share
Paul warns in Galatians 1:6–9 against “another gospel.” Adventism often adds law-keeping, Sabbath observance, or denominational loyalty as conditions for acceptance. But the true gospel is this:
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Christ died for our sins (1 Cor. 15:3).
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He was buried and raised (1 Cor. 15:4).
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We are justified by faith alone (Rom. 3:28).
Evangelism in a post-Adventist context must focus on clarity — distinguishing between law and gospel, shadow and substance, fear and freedom.
Unique Challenges in Evangelizing Adventists
A. Deep Loyalty to Ellen G. White
Many Adventists interpret Scripture through Ellen White. The challenge is helping them see the Bible as the supreme authority.
B. Fear of Leaving
Adventists are warned that leaving means rejecting “God’s remnant church.” Fear of damnation or deception is strong.
C. Familiarity with Christian Language
Adventists talk about grace, faith, and Jesus — but often redefine them. It can be hard to show the difference between gospel terms and Adventist theology.
D. Community Pressure
Adventism is not just a belief but a community. Leaving means losing family, friends, and identity. Evangelism must be compassionate to this pain.
Unique Opportunities for Evangelizing Adventists
A. Shared Language
Since Adventists use Scripture often, conversations can begin with the Bible.
B. Hunger for Assurance
Many Adventists lack assurance because of investigative judgment theology. The gospel offers the very assurance they crave.
C. Dissatisfaction with Legalism
Some Adventists feel the burden of endless requirements. They are ripe for hearing the freedom of the gospel.
D. Former Adventists as Witnesses
Those who have left have credibility. Their stories can be powerful testimonies to others still inside.
Evangelism Strategy: Word, Life, and Love
A. Word-Centered
Faith comes by hearing the Word of Christ (Rom. 10:17). Share Scripture patiently. Show how the Bible interprets itself without Ellen White.
B. Life as Testimony
Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Joy, peace, and assurance are visible apologetics.
C. Love Without Condemnation
Jude 22–23: “Have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire…” Approach with gentleness, not arrogance. Many Adventists expect hostility. Surprise them with love.
Evangelism Tools for Former Adventists
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Your Testimony — Share your story of grace. Don’t just critique Adventism; highlight Christ.
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Clear Gospel Tracts/Books — Provide resources that explain law and gospel simply.
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Bible Studies — Walk through Romans, Galatians, and Hebrews. These books dismantle legalism.
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Community — Invite them to gatherings where grace is experienced.
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Apologetics — Be prepared to answer common Adventist prooftexts (Col. 2:16, Rev. 14:12, etc.).
Evangelism as Relational, Not Transactional
Adventists are used to debate. But evangelism is not winning arguments; it is winning people.
1 Thessalonians 2:8: “We were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.”
Building relationships, showing patience, and walking alongside people is vital. Many will take years to leave Adventism. Evangelism is slow work, like gardening, not fast work, like vending.
Mission in History
It reminds us that Christ’s Great Commission was not a temporary task. The gospel was to spread beyond Israel to the nations. Today, evangelizing Adventists is part of that mission — bringing people out of the shadows into the kingdom of Christ.
AD 70 marked the end of temple-centered worship. In the same way, leaving Adventism marks the end of shadow-centered religion. Evangelism invites people into the full reality of Christ’s reign.
Analogy: The Bridge Out of Bondage
Think of evangelism as building a bridge. Adventists stand on one shore — tradition, law, fear. The gospel is the other shore — freedom, grace, assurance. Evangelists build the bridge, plank by plank, with Scripture, patience, and love.
If you had found the bridge to freedom, would you not want to guide others across?
Evangelism in Practice
A. With Adventist Family
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Listen well before speaking.
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Share personal faith stories, not just criticisms.
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Pray for open doors, not forced debates.
B. With Adventist Friends
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Offer resources discreetly.
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Be available when doubts arise.
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Invite them to experience gospel-centered worship.
C. With Adventist Communities
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Organize Bible study groups.
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Host ex-Adventist testimony events.
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Use online platforms to spread the truth.
The Role of the Local Church
Evangelism is not solo. The local church provides community, teaching, and support for seekers. Many ex-Adventists leave but never join another church, becoming isolated. A healthy church can be the context where evangelism bears lasting fruit.
The Role of Former Adventist Ministries
Groups like Former Adventists Philippines can serve as bridges:
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Offering safe spaces for questions.
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Providing apologetics resources.
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Connecting seekers with healthy churches.
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Training members to evangelize lovingly.
Encouragement for Evangelists
Evangelizing Adventists can be discouraging. Many resist. Some return to Adventism. Others cut off relationships. But remember: salvation is God’s work. We are sowers, not saviors.
Galatians 6:9 encourages us: “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
Practical Guidance for Former Adventists
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Know the gospel clearly. Be ready to explain law vs. gospel.
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Be patient. Leaving Adventism is a long process for many.
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Rely on prayer. Only the Spirit can open blind eyes.
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Live with joy. Let assurance be your testimony.
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Stay humble. Remember, you too were once in darkness.
Conclusion: The Overflow of Freedom
Mission and evangelism are not burdens but overflows. Former Adventists, you have tasted freedom. Don’t keep it to yourself. Share it with those still bound by shadows.
Evangelism in a post-Adventist context is unique, but it is gospel work — opening doors, shining light, building bridges. And the promise remains: the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Rom. 1:16).
Reflection Questions
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What Adventist friends or family members could you begin praying for today?
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How can your personal story be a bridge to the gospel for others?
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What fears keep you from sharing, and how can the Spirit overcome them?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for freeing us from shadows into Your marvelous light. Give us courage, love, and patience to share this freedom with others still bound in Adventism. Use our words, lives, and communities to shine Your gospel light. Amen.
For more inquiries, contact us:
Email: formeradventist.ph@gmail.com
Website: formeradventistph.blogspot.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/formeradventistph
Phone: 09695143944
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