Date of Award

2-2016

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Department

Seminary

First Advisor

Carole Spencer

Abstract

The purpose of this dissertation is to explore the Biblical spirituality of the early Adventist Church in order to apply the spiritual principles learned to the contemporary church. Though it is God who changes people, the early Adventists employed specific spiritual practices to place themselves in His presence. Research revealed five main spiritual disciplines that shaped the Advent leaders and by extension the church. The first is Bible study: placing the Holy Scriptures as the foundation for all beliefs. The second is prayer: communication and communion with God. The third is healthful living: treating the body well so God’s work can be accomplished. The fourth is stewardship: recognizing God as the source of wealth and using it to further His kingdom. And the fifth is worship: dedicating the Sabbath to God from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. These practices are best viewed through the lives of the church leaders. The church leaders presented are William Miller and his method of Bible study; Ellen White and her methods and prescriptions for prayer; Joseph Bates and his quiet example of healthful living; James White and his financial choices to grow a worldwide movement; and John Nevin Andrews and his passionate belief in a need for worship of the holy.

The book included at the end of the dissertation is provided as a tool for the study and employment of spiritual disciplines in the Adventist church. The goal in creating this artifact is to make Biblical spirituality accessible to today’s Adventist. This book provides a platform for discussion and study on Biblical spirituality by combining the Biblical basis for five spiritual disciplines along with an example of an Adventist pioneer who exhibited that discipline in their life. The book also presents practical examples of how to get to know God better through the practice of each discipline and a form to record and evaluate the experiment.

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