November


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November 2025 Issue

Editorial

Don’t leave it out

Jeffrey O. Brown

My dissertation external examiner was a person of intimidating bearing. His large frame seemed to add power to himself and drain it from me. “Looking forward to doing business with you,” he said. His greeting seemed more of a threat than a welcome. Somehow, I saw him holding in his hand not my document but a knife and fork. And the piece of meat on his plate—was me. The defense seemed to be progressing well as adviser after adviser asked their questions. Then… Continue reading...

Embracing the valley: cover image

Embracing the valley: Finding divine purpose in seasons of ministerial drought

Leslie Williams

In the quiet solitude of his study, Pastor James stared at the half-written sermon that seemed to mock his efforts. After 20 years of ministry, he found himself in an unfamiliar spiritual landscape—barren, dry, and seemingly abandoned. His prayer life felt mechanical,…

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Welcome the stranger—it could be you cover image

Welcome the stranger—it could be you

Nelson Silva

Rarely had I witnessed such a busy hotel lobby at breakfast time. It seemed as if all the guests decided to eat at the same time. There was neither hot food in the serving trays nor a place to sit. After a long wait, I was able to get food but struggled to find a spot…

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Child sexual abuse and the church: cover image

Child sexual abuse and the church: From problem to solution

Sydney Segen

Let the little children come to me” (Luke 18:16, NCV). This verse packs some powerful messages: Jesus loves children, and He knows they are at the mercy of others. Furthermore, He wants them to know Him and all that He has to offer. But in our fallen world, countless…

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Does your church’s online presence need an upgrade? cover image

Does your church’s online presence need an upgrade?

S. Joseph Kidder, T. Jason Vanderlaan

There are many ways your church can improve its online presence, especially through livestreaming. If you want to minister to your current members as well as attract seekers to your church, the following tips and tools will increase your effectiveness. Does your church…

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Conflict and the pastor cover image

Conflict and the pastor

Marty Thurber

Even the pastor most skilled at fostering a healthy church will run into conflict. I pastored 20 churches over a 30-year span. I know from experience what church conflict is and how damaging it can be—to the church and pastor—if not dealt with correctly. What follows…

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More from this issue:

Practical Pointers

Supporting survivors of sexual violence from migrant, refugee, and asylum-seeking backgrounds

Reina Michaelson

Sexual violence is a deeply traumatic experience that affects individuals from all walks of life. For survivors from migrant, refugee, and asylum-seeking backgrounds, the journey to healing is often compounded by cultural, linguistic, and systemic barriers. As pastors and leaders, your role in creating a safe, supportive environment for these survivors is vital. These survivors often face unique challenges: Cultural attitudes around shame, honor, and victim-blaming… Continue reading...

Pastor’s Pastor

Seven activities that strengthen your ministry

Ramon J. Canals

I began my ministry in a church with more than 300 members. Wanting to serve effectively, I asked members to share the three most important things they expected from me. Their answers varied, but one stood out: “Pastor, we want you to stay healthy.” That response surprised me, yet it carried a powerful lesson. Jesus affirms this lesson in John 10:10: “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and… Continue reading...

Resources

Archaeology and Cultural Background Study Bible

Samuel L. Nunez

The Archaeology and Cultural Background Study Bible is the work of more than 80 Seventh-day Adventist scholars. Conceived under the general direction and executive production of Mario P. Marinelli, it contains more than 700 articles on biblical archaeology and history. This study Bible is dedicated to Siegfried H. Horn, a pioneering Seventh-day Adventist archaeologist who served as a missionary and professor. Notable features I found this Bible’s practical… Continue reading...

Dateline

Religious news from around the world

Photos: adventist.ua ADRA Ukraine launches a program to support children affected by conflict Kyiv, Ukraine The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Ukraine, the humanitarian arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, launched ADRA Kids. This new initiative is designed to support children whose families have been directly impacted by the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian conflict. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, thousands of Ukrainian children… Continue reading...