And may your hearts be fully committed to the LORD our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time (1 Kings 8:61, NIV).
The Cambridge Dictionary describes commitment as the “willingness to give your time and energy to a job, activity, or something that you believe in.” Do we, as Seventh-day Adventists, have a willingness to give our time and energy to Jesus Christ? The Global Church Member Survey asked church members in 2018 and 2023 how they would describe their commitment to Jesus.
Church Members’ Commitment to Jesus Christ
In 2018, 1.9% were not committed to Christ, 6.9% were not sure, and 6.8% had committed their lives to Christ in the past, but it had not lasted. For 37.9%, their commitment developed gradually over a period of time; for 16.2%, their commitment came suddenly; and for 30.3%, their commitment to Christ had been since they were young children. In total, 84.4% of members were committed to Jesus Christ and 15.6% were not committed or were unsure.
Five years later, in 2023, 1.6% of members were not committed to Christ; 4.7% were not sure; and 5.2% had been committed in the past but were not now. For 36.6%, their commitment had grown gradually over a period of time; for 15.4%, their commitment came suddenly; and for 36.6%, their commitment to Christ had been since they were children. The number of members who were fully committed to Christ in 2023, at 88.6%, increased from 2018 by 4.2%.
It is not clear why a small percentage of people who identify as Seventh-day Adventists feel that they have no commitment to Christ at all, but 9.9% of members are either unsure or feel that although they were once committed, they no longer are. Although we praise God that nearly 90% of church members are fully committed to Jesus Christ now, nearly 10% are lacking the peace and joy of knowing that they are connected to the Savior in a meaningful way. Can we identify the members of our local church who are struggling and give them the support they need to reconnect with Christ?
“Now that you have given yourself to Jesus, do not draw back, do not take yourself away from Him, but day by day say, ‘I am Christ’s; I have given myself to Him;’ and ask Him to give you His Spirit and keep you by His grace. As it is by giving yourself to God, and believing Him, that you become His child, so you are to live in Him. The apostle says, ‘As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him.’ Colossians 2:6” (Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ, p. 52).
You can access the full report at these links for 2018 and 2023.
Created in collaboration with the Institute of Church Ministry.
Published by ASTR on 8/26/2025.