Early in my visit I asked Pastor Bocaneanu the reason for Adventists' vitality in his field. He suggested four factors: among the first converts to the church were many professional people and leaders of society; Ellen White's books were translated early and circulate widely; Adventists from the beginning engaged in programs of social uplift; and, unlike other former satellites of the Soviet empire, Romania has remained a largely religious society.

From what I have seen, two other elements should be included: the strong sense of mission that pervades life and witness; and the strong leadership of the work. These two elements interact with the four he mentioned to make the church in Romania uniquely Adventist.

Interesting article, västergötland. Did you post the quote the Review article just to share?

Surely I wouldn't have hidden agendas?

I know of no part of the world where church leadership so intentionally reaches out to leaders of government and other churches and educates members on the need to involve themselves with society as a vital part of their witness.

"The church must not just operate within its environment, but must shape its environment," public affairs and religious liberty director Viorel Dima told me, emphasizing "shape." "Public figures should know the Seventh-day Adventist Church, think well of us, and be open to us. We should influence public opinion regarding the church."

Pastor Dima told of the challenge Adventists faced in his country: while the public's view of members individually was highly positive, the view of the church at the official level was negative, because church officials didn't interact with leaders of government and the other churches.

During the past few years the picture has changed dramatically. Dima organizes 20-50 symposia each year that bring leaders from government and academia together to discuss topics of current concern in society, with religious liberty as an ongoing emphasis. Adventists also attend and contribute to the discussions. Through this means the church has become widely known and respected at the highest levels of society.

In addition, Dima is organizing councils of influential Adventists in each of the 40 administrative regions of the country. These councils are to focus on social values for their region, such as the Red Cross or health or education projects. Primarily aiming to make the church more friendly, they will not involve themselves in public evangelism--that will come later!

http://www.adventistreview.org/2005-1506/story1.html

Richard,

How is it a marketing ploy to conclude that "Public figures should know the Seventh-day Adventist Church, think well of us, and be open to us. We should influence public opinion regarding the church" and "Adventists also attend and contribute to the discussions. Through this means the church has become widely known and respected at the highest levels of society." What about participating in society is "marketing"?

Also, what about "When I was working for a large software company, marketing would come in to a meeting and everyone would groan as we knew we were going to be facing a hour of 'friendly, happy, great, etc..' jargon on what was coming out and how they would present it." is the problem? Are we too friendly in church? Are we too happy in church? Are we too great in church? Well, perhaps we can be too great but I fail to see how church could be too friendly or too happy. We are after all not Catholic trying to appeace God through grumpy penance.