Whether you heard about the Seventh-day Adventist Church through a traveling evangelist, during your online searches, or through a loved one or relative, you might be considering joining yourself.
There are a few steps involved in the process of becoming a member of the Adventist Church.
This is a process that happens as the Holy Spirit guides you. It’s best to not rush it. Let the Holy Spirit take you along at His pace for you.
You may not know much about God as you begin this journey, and that’s okay. That’s what it’s all about—learning about Him and His truth. You’ll want to pray often to talk to Him about what you are learning and thinking. And truly, we never stop learning about God and His goodness, no matter how long we have been Christian.
You may also already have a thriving relationship with God, which is wonderful! Coming to Adventism might be the result of God showing you further truth in the Bible.
But how exactly do you go about joining the church? Do you have to go somewhere or fill out a form?
In this article, we’re going to get into that. We’ll lay out the few steps you’ll want to follow, as well as why they’re important and some other common questions.
We’ll dig into:
- The steps to becoming an Adventist Christian
- How you know you’re ready
- Who is involved in the process to become an Adventist
- How long the process usually takes
Let’s start with what you want to know: the steps involved.
The steps to becoming an Adventist Christian
Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash
As we said before, the Holy Spirit will be your companion as you follow these few steps to becoming a Seventh-day Adventist. It doesn’t matter if you don’t know anything about God or have already developed a relationship with Him.
You’ll want to be careful not to treat these steps like boxes to check off just to say you did them. You want to be sure you resonate with the things you’re learning—do you believe in these things with your heart? To continue with the process, you’ll want to feel truly convicted.
Now let’s take a look at these steps!
Learn about Seventh-day Adventists
The first thing you want to do is learn about Seventh-day Adventists and their beliefs. As we already said, you never want to go into something blind. You want to spend time researching and understanding before making such a big decision.
You can learn about Adventists through other pages on this site or the church’s main website, Adventist.org. You can also read books published by Adventist publications like Pacific Press or the Review and Herald.
While you’re learning, you may also want to have a Bible on hand to study for yourself the things you read.
You can also request information from your local Adventist Church, which leads us to another step of the process.
Find your local church
When you have become familiar with Adventist beliefs, find your local church and attend Sabbath School and services one Sabbath. And this step doesn’t necessarily have to happen after the first step—attending church can help you as you learn about Adventists.
In visiting a church, you can get acquainted with the church members, who are always glad to have visitors! You can also meet the pastor or head elder.
Attending church also allows you to hear other beliefs you may not have come across in your initial reading.
Request Bible studies
The next thing you’ll want to do is request Bible studies. If you’ve attended your local church, you can ask the pastor or head elder, and they will be more than happy to study with you. You could also ask another church member or Bible worker at the church.
Why do Bible studies when you’ve already been learning about Adventism and the Bible?
This is a chance for you to do a deep dive into Adventist beliefs and how they line up with Bible teachings. You’ll go through the 28 Fundamental Beliefs and look at the core doctrines Adventists believe in. Some of these include the Second Coming, the Ten Commandments, and the state of the dead. You’ll also get a sneak peek at the history of the Adventist Church and its founders, like Ellen G. White.
Not only do you get a thorough, sequential study of the Word of God and Adventist beliefs, but you get to do it one-on-one with the pastor or another person studying with you. Here, you can ask any questions you may have. No questions are too silly! The person you are studying with wants you to ask questions because it means you’re thinking and want to know more.
When you finish your Bible studies, there aren’t any tests to “pass” them. They are designed to help you study God’s Word and build your relationship with Jesus Christ, not to pass a test. It is up to you to learn all you can.
Make the commitment
Once you feel you have a good, solid understanding of Adventist beliefs within the Bible, it’s time to officially commit yourself to your new beliefs. This is done through baptism.
Baptism is a public profession of faith—telling everyone openly that you have adopted belief in Jesus through the Adventist understanding of His Word. Baptism is a celebration—a wonderful time in your life.
In the Adventist Church, you’re baptized by immersion. This means you’re dipped totally underwater—the way the Bible instructs us to be.
On the technical side, baptism automatically makes you a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. This gives you a say in church matters and allows you to hold positions in the church, like deacon or treasurer.
If you have already been baptized by immersion into another Protestant denomination, you can also choose to make a profession of faith instead of being rebaptized.
A profession of faith is the same idea as baptism: it’s a formal declaration that you believe in Jesus and want to be part of the Adventist Church. You just aren’t immersed in water, like baptism.
Either at the same time or within the next weeks after your baptism or profession of faith, your church will likely have a reading, or public vote, on whether to accept you as a member. Don’t worry about this step: most people are eagerly voted in!
Why these steps are important
Following these steps is important because they help you understand more about the church you’re joining and the community of believers you’ll be a part of.
You’ll get to meet the head of the community—the pastor—and see how the church functions.
You’ll get to see how Adventists put their beliefs into practice daily. Not to mention you’ll get to learn what everything means and figure out the context behind everything you’ve heard or read.
All of these things will help you thrive in your new-found church community. This is why going through these steps is so fundamental.
But do you have to become a member to be a part of the church?
No, it’s not mandatory. But practically speaking, it’s a good idea if you want to be a part of the church to go ahead and become a member.
Logistically, membership helps keeps things organized in the structure of the church and the General Conference, the worldwide representative body of the church. We live in a world of databases and systems, so having a membership makes it easier in church structure.
But most of all, there is something special about membership. It makes a person feel especially connected to a community and prioritize their commitment there. When you become an official member, you are more likely to be involved, and because of your involvement, you’ll likely feel more like a part of that church family.
How you know you’re ready
As we’ve said earlier, there is no magic formula to determine when you’re ready. You don’t have to be a certain age or a certain economic status. People of all ages, from children to high school age to older people join the church, and people of all walks of life and economic status are welcome.
The Holy Spirit works on our hearts in its own time, little bit by little bit, guiding us to the truth as we are ready to receive it.
But it’s important to be sure of a few things before you make the commitment. You’ll want to accept the Lord Jesus as your Savior, and thoroughly understand our fundamental beliefs as the Bible teaches them, as we outlined in the steps above.
And, most importantly, you will want to feel really convicted of these things. You don’t want to become a member just because your spouse or friend did. You must personally want to believe in your heart the Biblical truths shown to you.
Who is involved in the process to become an Adventist
Normally, this will be the pastor, elder, or Bible worker in your area or local church. They will study the Bible with you and answer any questions you have along the way.
But other support can be great too! Any big decision can be a little stressful. If you have any relatives or friends who are Adventists, go to them for emotional support.
Also, new friends you’ve made at your Adventist Church will gladly give you support and help answer your questions. They will help you feel at home as you go through this big transition.
How long the process usually takes
There is no set time for when to complete the process of becoming an Adventist. It isn’t something that happens at the snap of your fingers. It takes time to learn and study everything.
When we’re learning what Scripture says, we are learning about God (John 1:1). Since God has existed forever, even a lifetime of Bible study is not enough to learn everything about Him. An introductory Bible study, like what you’ll take with a pastor, elder, or other trusted church members, will take time.
For everyone, it’s different. Some complete this process in a few weeks. For others, it takes several months or a year. For others, it might take longer. It depends on your pace.
If you’re chomping at the bit, wondering why certain aspects might be taking too long, keep in mind that God knows what’s best for us. In the New Testament, Jesus tells His Disciples that He knows even when a sparrow falls, and a human is so much more important than a sparrow (Matthew 10:29-31).
Let God work at His own pace, and He will do wonderful things in your life.
The important thing is to focus on what you’re learning, not how long it’s taking.
Becoming a Seventh-day Adventist can’t be a decision of a moment. It’s something that can come only after meditative study of the Bible and inner acceptance of the beliefs presented.
It’s about the state of your heart.
The process we discussed helps you get a well-rounded introduction to the new life you’ll find in Adventism through belief in Jesus.
If you want to learn more about the public commitment to Adventism and what it signifies,
Related Articles
More Answers
15 Examples of Prayer in the Bible
Prayer is the primary way we maintain our relationship with God. It’s our method of communication, and He miraculously hears every word that comes from our hearts.
Yes, There Are Health Benefits of Sunlight
The sun is something we see in the sky almost every day, and we don’t always give it much thought. Plus, we often have to be careful about prolonged sun or heat exposure so we don’t become dehydrated or overheated.
What to Expect When You Go to an Adventist Church
If you’re attending an Adventist church for the first time, you may wonder what it’s really like. While each Adventist church is unique in its collective personality and local culture, Adventist church services are generally similar to most other Protestant Christian church services.
Everything You Need to Know About Sabbath Meals
For Seventh-day Adventists, sharing a Sabbath meal with friends and family is one of the most special and memorable parts of the Sabbath.
Why do Adventists Emphasize Religious Liberty?
Adventists see religious liberty as an essential human right. After all, God endowed humanity with freedom of choice from the very beginning. So we believe it’s best for governments to also support their citizens’ rights to worship based on their convictions.
What Is the Fruit of the Holy Spirit in the Bible?
When we cultivate our relationship with Jesus, the Holy Spirit gives us traits that help us in our day-to-day activities and interactions. These are the fruit of the Spirit.
What the Bible Says About Resolving Conflicts
What the Bible Says About Resolving ConflictConflict. While it’s the main ingredient in a good story, it unfortunately can spoil things in real life. It might start from minor differences of opinion. But unchecked, it can turn into what feels like a full-blown war....
What You Need to Know About Temptation and How to Resist It
Ever felt like you face the same temptation day after day? The one temptation that always seems to resurface?
What Adventists Believe about The Experience of Salvation?
Adventists believe that salvation is a gift that anyone can receive through belief and commitment to Jesus Christ and His sacrificial death.
What do Seventh-day Adventists Believe about Marriage and Family?
The Seventh-day Adventist Church believes God made marriage and family as special blessings to reflect Him and His love for us.
What Do Seventh-Day Adventists Believe about God the Holy Spirit?
Besides believing in the full divinity of God the Father and God the Son, Adventists also believe in the full divinity of God the Holy Spirit. This post will go over what the Bible says about the Holy Spirit. You’ll learn:
How Ellen White’s Teachings Can Improve Your Health
Healthcare in the nineteenth century was said to leave “more disease than it took away” with its use of bloodletting and “medicines” like mercury and arsenic. As people questioned these methods, new approaches popped up. But which ones were reliable?
All About Seventh-day Adventist Colporteurs
The Seventh-day Adventist Church uses a variety of methods to spread the hope of the gospel to the world. One of these ways is through colporteuring, also called “canvassing” or “literature evangelism.”
Healing in the Bible
Have you ever felt like healing seemed so far away? Like it wouldn’t be possible for you? What you most want is a glimmer of hope or a bit of encouragement.
The Benefits of A Seventh-day Adventist Academy
Adventist academies are high schools (grades 9-12) that are owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
What Is Salvation, and How Do I Get Saved?
Salvation, or being saved, is what God wants for all of us. And since God created us with free will, this salvation is ultimately our choice. We become “saved” by accepting that Jesus Christ died on the cross, taking the punishment meant for sinners upon Himself. And since God is always listening, all we have to do to accept this gift is to tell God, “Yes. I accept.”
Ellen White’s Spiritual Counsel on Marriage
As one of the founders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Ellen G. White was held in high regard. She was a prolific author and was heavily engaged in the mission of the denomination, prayerfully pursuing the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
How Does Jesus Christ Help Us Overcome Sin?
You might have heard the phrase somewhere about “gaining victory over sin” through “the power of Jesus Christ” or “through the blood of Jesus,” etc. But what does that mean exactly, and how does it all work…especially if we’re still having to live out our lives in a world that’s still full of sin?
Does Prayer Work? If So, How Are Prayers Answered?
Prayer is how human beings reach out to a higher power. For Christians, it’s how we communicate with God.
Were All Ellen White’s Books Inspired?
As the most translated female author in the world, Ellen White wrote numerous books, articles, pamphlets, and more. These writings focused on developing Christian character, emphasizing Bible truth, practical tips for living well and staying healthy, and discussing effective methods of delivering the gospel message to the world.
What is the Spirit of Prophecy?
The Spirit of Prophecy, one of the spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit, is described as “the testimony of Jesus” (Revelation 19:10) and, according to Belief 18 of the 28 Adventist Fundamental Beliefs about Scripture, it will be one of the distinctive characteristics of the remnant of devout believers in the end times (1 Corinthians 14:1-5; Revelation 19:10; Revelation 12:17).
How Ellen White Influenced the Adventist Health Message
Seventh-day Adventists are known for their emphasis on healthy living. And Ellen G. White was a significant influence in the development of this priority and practice among Adventists.
What Did Ellen White Say About End-Time Prophecy?
We can read in Scripture about the series of events and signs that lead up to the second coming of Jesus Christ. And it sounds pretty intense, to say the least. The symbolic nature of the language of prophecy also can make things tricky to understand at first.
Faith and Works—Do Both Matter in the Christian Life?
In so many religions all throughout time, individuals work toward enlightenment, salvation, or the favor of a deity. People are taught subtly—or not so subtly—that if you only do enough good deeds, you’ll be worthy/ascended/redeemed/approved, etc.
Does the Bible Teach Predestination?
Do your choices, actions, and habits really matter to your eternal destiny? Or is the path you choose in life predetermined, and your life is just following a script that’s been laid out for you?
What Were Ellen White’s Visions About the Adventist Church?
Led by the Holy Spirit, Ellen G. White was given many messages, counsel, revelations, and visions about the Bible, history, prophecy, and how we can apply biblical principles to our daily lives.
Who was J.N. Andrews and How Did He Contribute to Adventism?
John Nevins Andrews (1829–1883) was an influential leader in the early days of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He was a Bible scholar who helped shape several Adventist beliefs and juggled many roles in the Church. Most notably, he was the first official missionary for the Adventist Church outside North America.
Who Are Adventists
The Seventh-day Adventist Church—“Adventists” for short—is a Christian denomination of ordinary people who seek to follow Jesus and live out His mission in this world. Established in 1863, we hold to the Protestant principle of sola scriptura, which means the Bible guides everything we do.
What Seventh-day Adventists Believe about Christian Behavior
The patterns of actions and words that make up behavior are central to any type of belief system because they flow from those beliefs. Seventh-day Adventists look to the Bible, with Jesus as the perfect example, for guidance on shaping our daily behavior.
Didn’t find your answer? Ask us!
We understand your concern of having questions but not knowing who to ask—we’ve felt it ourselves. When you’re ready to learn more about Adventists, send us a question! We know a thing or two about Adventists.