Seventh-day Adventist Church
Grew out of the Millerite movement. Keeps a Saturday Sabbath and is known for health ministry and schools.
- U.S. size
- ≈ 1.3 million (U.S., approx) (North American Division statistics (approx))
- Founded
- 1863
- Church government
- Representative (conferences)
- Ordains women as pastors
- Commissioned yes; ordination is disputed
- Official site / locator
- www.adventistchurchconnect.org
Core beliefs
| Topic | What they teach | Scripture they cite |
|---|---|---|
| Scripture & authority | Scripture is the sole rule. Ellen G. White's writings are regarded as a continuing prophetic gift. | 2 Tim 3:16; Rev 19:10 |
| Salvation | By grace through faith in Christ, with an emphasis on obedience to God's law. | Eph 2:8; Rev 14:12 |
| Baptism | Immersion of believers. | Rom 6:3-4 |
| Lord's Supper | A memorial, preceded by foot washing. | John 13:14; 1 Cor 11:24-26 |
| Worship | On the seventh-day Sabbath (Saturday). | Exod 20:8-11; Mark 2:27-28 |
| Mary & saints | Mary is honored as a believer. The dead are believed to 'sleep' until the resurrection. | Eccl 9:5; 1 Thess 4:13-16 |
| Spiritual gifts | The gifts continue, including prophecy. | 1 Cor 12; Joel 2:28 |
About these numbers: figures are approximate and come from each body's own most recent report or the National Council of Churches' Yearbook of American & Canadian Churches. Bodies count members differently (baptized, confirmed, adherents, publishers), and some historically Black denominations have not published new figures in years. See also the Pew Religious Landscape Study and the ARDA. Belief summaries are our own short descriptions. Please read each church's own confession.