For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God (Colossians 1:9–10, NIV).
The Global Adventist Pastors’ Survey of 2023 asked pastors to reflect on a series of personal activities associated with Adventist spiritual writings and practices.
Globally, pastors answered as follows:
- 96% of pastors had received a definite answer to a specific prayer request at some time.
- 89% of pastors had “made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ” that they still considered important in their life.
- 84% of pastors had experienced or witnessed divine healing of an illness or injury.
- 75% of pastors conducted family worship several times a week or more.
- 74% of pastors had felt a deep sense of spiritual peace and well-being a few times a week or more.
- 74% of pastors had felt a deep sense of wonder about the universe several times a week or more.
- 66% of pastors participated in prayer groups, Scripture study groups, or religious education programs several times a week or more.
- 66% of pastors read the writings of Ellen G. White several times a week or more (although 3.7% said that her writings were not available to them in their language).
- 62% of pastors read theological books or journals several times a week or more.
- 60% of pastors read Scripture once or more per day.
- 59% of pastors prayed outside of religious services once or more per day.
- 58% of pastors had shared their faith with non-believers or people from other religious backgrounds.
Prayed Outside of Religious Services
Participated in Prayer Groups, Scripture Study Groups, or Religious Education Programs
When the statistics were analyzed, researchers found that in Divisions with more individualistic cultures (e.g., ESD, IAD, EUD, NAD, TED, and UUC), a higher proportion of pastors prayed once or more a day, while in group-oriented societies (e.g., ECD and WAD), pastors participated more in prayer and study groups.
The germination of the seed represents the beginning of spiritual life, and the development of the plant is a beautiful figure of Christian growth. As in nature, so in grace; there can be no life without growth. The plant must either grow or die. As its growth is silent and imperceptible, but continuous, so is the development of the Christian life. At every stage of development our life may be perfect; yet if God’s purpose for us is fulfilled, there will be continual advancement. Sanctification is the work of a lifetime. As our opportunities multiply, our experience will enlarge, and our knowledge increase. We shall become strong to bear responsibility, and our maturity will be in proportion to our privileges (Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 65).
You can access the full report here.
Created in collaboration with the Institute of Church Ministry.
Published by ASTR on 11/3/2025.