Engaging and retaining volunteers remains a central challenge for many contemporary congregations. While volunteer burnout and declining participation are widespread concerns, certain church initiatives and mission projects successfully foster high levels of engagement, organic recruitment, and proactive leadership development.
The Arthur Daniells Institute of Mission Studies at Friedensau Adventist University addresses these dynamics through practice-oriented research, networking, and ongoing education.
Addressing the Volunteer Participation Gap
Many modern congregations face difficulties in encouraging members to assume regular responsibilities. However, specific initiatives demonstrate that cultivating a culture of joyful service and shared responsibility is achievable through intentional strategy.
To explore these models, the upcoming ADIMIShare program highlights successful church projects and leadership frameworks. Through expert interviews and case studies, the initiative examines:
Practical recruitment strategies: Proven methods for identifying and inviting new volunteers.
Overcoming operational challenges: Addressing common hurdles in ministry participation.
Leadership pipelines: Deliberate pathways for mentoring and developing future leaders.
Institutional Background and Mission
Founded on August 18, 2009, by Winfried Noack, László Szabó, and Stefan Höschele, the Arthur Daniells Institute of Mission Studies operates as an interdisciplinary center for theological and social science research in community development and mission.
The institute is named after Arthur G. Daniells, tenth president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, whose tenure in the early 20th century prioritized structured training, strategic planning, and the effective deployment of missionary personnel.
Core Objectives and Activities
The institute’s operational framework encompasses several key areas:
Research & Development: Advancing interdisciplinary scholarship in church development, integrated ministry across age groups, and missiological regional studies (with an emphasis on Europe and Africa).
Academic Cooperation: Partnering with external universities and mission-focused institutions on joint research initiatives.
Conferences & Symposia: Hosting academic forums on contemporary developments in missiology.
Consulting & Training: Providing resources, continuing education, and training programs—particularly in small group ministry—to support the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Germany, the Inter-European Division, and international partners.
Upcoming Event: ADIMIShare
To put these principles into practice, the next ADIMIShare session focuses on equipping believers for outreach and sharing the gospel:
Topic: Gospel – Train to Share: How to equip believers to share the gospel
Date & Time: October 15, 2026, at 7:00 PM (CET)
Format: Online via Zoom
Registration Deadline: October 10, 2026
Registration Link: adimis.org/adimishare
Through programs like ADIMIShare, the institute bridges academic research and practical church application, equipping ministry leaders with empirical insights and actionable frameworks for sustainable community growth.
