wfn.org | Adventist Strategic Planning on the Agenda

[APD_Info_Schweiz@compuserve.com]

August 30, 2000
Adventist Press Service (APD)
Christian B. Schaeffler, Editor-in-chief
CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
Fax +41-61-261 61 18
APD@stanet.ch
http://www.stanet.ch/APD

Adventist Church Places Strategic Planning 
High on its Agenda

Silver Spring, Maryland, U.S.A.   The Seventh-day 
Adventist Church has entered a new phase in which 
intentional, long-range planning is essential, says 
Dr. Michael Ryan, newly appointed assistant to the 
church president for strategic planning.  Ryan, who 
will also continue to serve in his current role as
director of the church's Global Mission initiative, 
was appointed August 29 by the Administrative 
Committee of the world church. 

"With more than 30 million Adventist Christians, 
including 11 million adult, baptized members, in 205 
countries, the size of our church family means that 
it's more important than ever that we anticipate and 
prepare for challenges," says Ryan. "The incredible 
diversity of our church is something from which we 
can draw a great deal of strength."

Ryan says that one of the biggest challenges facing 
the Adventist Church in the 21st century will be 
"creating processes and a church culture that keeps 
us unified as a world church."  He points to the 
recent growth of the Adventist Church in the so-
called 10/40 window-an imaginary rectangle that 
encompasses much of Asia, northern Africa and the 
Middle East.  In these places, says Ryan, there is a 
lack of "programs of stability"-such as church 
schools, Sabbath Schools, and other programs-that 
are taken for granted in areas where the Adventist 
Church has been established longer. 

"We need to be constantly thinking ahead of the 
curve, or else we'll find ourselves behind it," says 
Ryan.  He adds that strategic planning can "keep us 
moving together as a world church, making decisions 
together, considering and anticipating the different 
needs of our brothers and sisters around the world."

Ryan, a general field secretary of the church's 
General Conference, has been director of Global 
Mission since 1991. The General Conference Strategic 
Planning Committee will be chaired by Pastor Gerry 
Karst, a general vice president of the world church. 
(256/2000)