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Pennsylvania Conference of
Revealing Jesus, Making Disciples
Seventh-day Adventists
History
The work of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Pennsylvania began in July of 1851 when Adventist pioneers Hiram Edson and J. N. Andrews went into Potter and Tioga Counties. By 1853 there was a church in Ulysees.
The work continued across the northern tier of the state worked by pastor/evangelists from New York. The focus in the early years was from the Mansfield area west toward Bradford. In 1878, the Pennsylvania Conference was organized.
Today 101 churches, 14 church plants, 37 pastors, 18 lay pastors, and 10,600-plus members seek to deepen their walk with God and share the good news of Christ’s return.
In addition we operate 11 parochial K-8th grade schools, 3 parochial K-10th grade schools, a boarding academy, summer camp, heath education and medical ministry, and a network of community service centers.
Conference Core Values
The Pennsylvania Conference exists to glorify God through a passionate ministry that includes worship, instruction, fellowship, outreach and service. We are committed to achieving the highest quality in our work while building leaders and impacting the people of Pennsylvania. We will seek to respond with relevance to the needs of the people of Pennsylvania with the love of Jesus as a result of our dependence on God. Jesus Christ is the center of who we are and what we’re about. We can accomplish nothing apart from Him. (John 15:1-9) We value the following:
Adventist Hope ~ We are committed to the hope of Christ’s return, and we live the Christian life based upon Scripture, Spirit of Prophecy, the Three Angel’s Messages, and the Seventh-day Adventist Biblical beliefs. We will serve Jesus Christ with a grace-orientation to life, solid in doctrine, encouraging our people to serve God with gratitude rather than guilt and condemnation. (Romans 6:14, 2 Corinthians 8:7)
Evangelism ~ We are passionate for the lost and thus committed to purpose-driven innovation and relational ministry. We will teach and preach our distinctive message in a way that is meaningful to the people we are trying to reach. We will build the kingdom through creative and innovative ways that will cause truth to stand out clearly and distinctly. We will constantly evaluate our forms and methods, seeking cultural relevance and maximum ministry effectiveness for Jesus Christ. (1 Chronicles 12:32; Luke 19:10)
Integrity ~ We will do all things with honesty and integrity. This leads us to conduct all ministry with a grace and integrity that communicates honestly to enhance the credibility of Gospel ministry in the eyes of the world and all believers. (Leviticus 19:35,26; Deuteronomy 16:20 and 25:13-16; Daniel 6:4)
Dependence ~ Knowing that we can do nothing in and of ourselves, we will be surrendered and dependent on God. It is because of Jesus’ sacrifice that we have salvation. His indwelling Spirit enables us to lead lives of service. (John 15:1-9)
Excellence ~ We believe excellence honors God and inspires people; this requires us to do our best in all things. As His "image bearers" we will glorify God through well-planned and well-presented ministries. From small groups to community outreach to office management to our weekly Sabbath worship services, we will focus on reflecting the highest qualities of God’s character to all whom we serve. (Colossians 3:17, 23, 24; Proverbs 27:17)
Loving Relationships ~ Because people matter to God, they matter to us and we will treat them with respect and kindness just as Jesus demonstrated His love for us. We believe that loving relationships should permeate every aspect of church life because life changes happen best in relationships. (John 13:33-35; John 15:11-13; Romans 12:10; Ephesians 4:1-3)
Discipling ~ We see every member as a minister and are committed to empowering and equipping each one by fostering an environment of learning and growth, instilling within each person a sense of His purpose and His values. (Romans 12:6-8; Ephesians 4:11-13; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6; Colossians 3:17)
About Seventh-day Adventists
Adventists believe a Trinity of three persons--the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit--make up one God. They made salvation possible when Jesus, the Son, came to earth as a baby in Bethlehem and lived a sinless life in accordance with the Father's will. When Jesus was crucified for the sins of the people of the world and arose from the dead on the third day, victory was won for everyone. More >>
What Seventh-day Adventists Believe
As a Christian church, Seventh-day Adventists are a faith community rooted in the beliefs described by the Holy Scriptures. Adventists describe these beliefs in the following ways: More >>
Seventh-day Adventists accept the Bible as their only creed and hold certain fundamental beliefs to be the teaching of the Holy Scriptures. These beliefs, as set forth here, constitute the church's understanding and expression of the teaching of Scripture. More >>