The rise of secularism challenges the Seventh-day Adventist Church to rethink its approach to mission. In societies where traditional religious expressions often feel distant or irrelevant, one of the most effective ways to connect with people is through small, transparent communities. These groups offer a space where faith can emerge organically, allowing individuals to experience its meaning and relevance in everyday life.
Yet European Adventism has long struggled to implement small group ministry effectively, often favoring event-based approaches to church life and outreach. Large gatherings, public evangelistic campaigns, and institutional programs have typically taken precedence, while the relational and grassroots model of small groups has remained underdeveloped in many areas.
The Arthur Daniells Institute of Mission Studies (ADIMIS), based at Friedensau Adventist University, is leading the way in this mission paradigm shift. Through research, training, and networking, ADIMIS supports the church in a range of activities—from statistical analysis of church growth across Europe to training church planters, pastors, and small group leaders.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, ADIMIS was tasked with creating an online training program for small group leaders. In response, Dr. László Szabó, ADIMIS director, developed a fresh, contemporary model. This innovative program uses an online platform not just to teach about small group ministry, but to create a dynamic, team-based learning environment. Participants don’t just study small groups—they participate in them, experiment with them, and grow through shared experience.
The response has been outstanding. So far, 1,045 participants from 15 countries have joined the training, supported by the Inter-European Division (EUD). This high level of engagement presented a unique challenge for project manager Szilvia Szabó. Because the training is team-based, each participant is expected to take an active role within a group, assume leadership responsibilities, and receive peer feedback. Managing this interactive format at scale required careful planning, creativity, and a strong support system to preserve the personal and practical dimensions that make the training effective.
The aim goes far beyond promoting a single model of small group ministry. The training is designed to help participants develop leadership skills, navigate group dynamics, manage challenges, and identify opportunities for evangelism and mission within their local context.
Currently, ADIMIS is running two active training cohorts: one with over 20 participants for the French-speaking Conference in Switzerland, and another with more than 120 participants for the Italian Union.
For more information or to get involved, visit adimis.org.
