Church Ministries provides leadership and support to our six local conferences in the areas of Children’s Ministries, Young Adults, Sabbath School, Small Group Ministries, Health Ministries, Personal Ministries and Evangelism, and Family Life and Recovery.
2021 started off in prayer with the MAUC 10 Days of Prayer! Every conference’s Prayer Ministries team rallied and provided leadership for prayer opportunities throughout the conference territory on January 6-16, 2021. Each conference participated in a 30-minute LIVE online broadcast on the OUTLOOK magazine social media platforms inviting viewers to pray and dedicate their lives to Christ. Over 8,500 viewers were reached.
Summer Camp Recruiting was an interesting feat this year. Each camp is making plans for an in-person experience. To fill the positions, we were able to have a Recruiting Fair at Union College in January, along with a virtual recruiting fair sponsored by the Association of Adventist Camping Professionals. Camp directors are still making final decisions of individuals to employ, but are optimistic that this summer will be better than last year.
MAUC Pathfinder Bible Experience Our Pathfinder ministry took a major hit because of the pandemic and not being able to meet in person. We worked with our North American Division Pathfinders Ministries to provide the Pathfinder Bible Experience virtually. In February, 12 teams from across our union signed on to be challenged on the biblical knowledge they studied. All the teams placed in the top three positions. Let’s congratulate Mountain Experience (Central States), College View (Kansas-Nebraska), Ankeny (Iowa-Missouri), Light of the World (Minnesota), Aurora (Rocky Mountain), and Lees Summit (Iowa-Missouri).
NAD Momentum Youth Sabbath School during the month of March featured the Mid-America Union. Youth, youth leaders, and pastors preached, led Sabbath school.
Evangelism and Small Groups
The mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church is to share the everlasting gospel with the entire world. The most effective way to accomplish that mission is through small groups in the local church. Specific seminars and materials are provided to help pastors and small groups within the church as they share the everlasting gospel in preparation for Christ’s soon return.
Family Life
Because so much of what impacts an individual’s spiritual development happens as a result of family issues and needs, Family life covers a wide variety of ministries. Seminars and materials for specific needs are provided and encouraged. Such seminars include materials for singles, premarital counseling, parenting skills, and marriage enrichment.
Recovery and Spiritual Development
The good news of the gospel extends to healing the brokenhearted, binding up the wounds of those who are emotionally damaged, setting at liberty those who are held captive by addiction, and aiding those who are victims of abuse. Specific seminars and materials for individuals and families seeking recovery from abuse, emotional damage, and depression are provided.
Adventist Community Services is the humanitarian agency of the Seventh-day Adventist Church that works within the United States and Bermuda. Adventist Community Services meets people’s immediate needs through social services including:
- Tutoring and mentoring programs
- Youth volunteer groups
- Health screening
- Education
- Inner city missions
- Disaster response
In the Mid-America Union, Adventist Community Services Disaster Response provides services to disaster victims, their families, and communities. When disaster strikes, local church and conference disaster coordinators evaluate the damage and situation, and then take appropriate action. Collection centers are designated to receive donated items and distribution centers are set up to serve the needs of victims with clothing, household items and other items. If needed, Adventist Community Services Disaster Response manages warehouse operations where donated goods are stored and organized for distribution. It also provides door-to-door visitations, listening posts, and pastoral care for disaster victims’ emotional and spiritual needs.
During the summer season, youth camps are part of many children’s summer activities, and provides a fun experience with the opportunity to make new friends, while participating in outdoor activities in an environment intentionally committed to strengthening the camper’s relationship with God and His creation.
Together with National Camps for the Blind, camps in the Mid-American Union also provide special opportunities for blind children and adults are able to enjoy the camp experience, providing self-confidence and motivation to participants.
The Mid-America Union is home to 8 summer camps and organizes events throughout the year to enhance the summer camp program. Camp facilities may be rented for church, corporate, or family events. Each camp has a variety of facilities and opportunities available to you.
Children’s Ministries
Adventurer Club
Adventurer Club is a comprehensive ministry focused on parenting skills. The age group is seven to nine years of age. Clubs meet weekly or monthly in local churches. Awards are earned by the children and parenting skills are learned by the parents. Yearly events include special fun days and campouts organized by the local conferences.
Pathfinder Club
Pathfinder Club is the scouting ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Clubs meet weekly in local churches. Meetings incorporate earning honor badges and working on progressive class work. Camping skills are enhanced by campouts. Events, including camporees and fairs, are planned by local conferences.
For more information visit midamericacamporee.org.
Providing practical resources, training, and mentoring opportunities to youth leaders and their youth, and creating a youth ministries presence in every church.