Did you know that the Igreja Adventista do Sétimo Dia is more than just a church? It is part of a global movement. This movement focuses on faith, health, and community. Let’s uncover some fascinating aspects of this church.
The Igreja Adventista do Sétimo Dia is among Brazil’s largest evangelical denominations. It has about 1.52 million members. This makes it the sixth-largest. Assembleia de Deus is the largest with 12.3 million members.
Founded in the United States in 1863, the church quickly spread worldwide. Guilherme Miller and Ellen G. White were its founders. A key teaching is Jesus Christ’s return. They believe this return is soon. The church also promotes a healthy lifestyle. This includes clean water, healthy eating, fresh air, sunlight, and exercise. Rest and trust in God are important too.
A unique aspect is their day of rest. Seventh-day Adventists observe Saturday. Most Christian churches rest on Sunday. The first missionaries arrived in Brazil in the late 1800s. They brought literature from the Argentinian Adventist Church.
In 1896, the first Brazilian Adventist church was founded. This Igreja Adventista do Sétimo Dia was in Gaspar Alto, Santa Catarina. Pastor Frank H. Westphal established it. Today, the church is in 206 countries. These are divided into 13 regions. The world headquarters is in Silver Spring, Maryland, USA. The South American Division is based in Brasília, Brazil. It was founded in 1916.
The Igreja Adventista do Sétimo Dia has a broad structure. It includes churches, hospitals, schools, and universities. They also have food industries, publishers, recorders, and media outlets.
The church uses mass communication extensively. In 1943, they launched their first radio program. It was called Voz da Profecia or The Voice of Prophecy. By 1943, it aired on 14 stations. Today, the program still airs. A television version began in 1983.
The Brazilian version adapted content. It used sermons and songs from the King’s Heralds. In 1962, the Brazilian quartet Arautos do Rei formed. They recorded their first album the following year. At that time, over 250 stations broadcast the program. The program’s headquarters opened in Rio de Janeiro in 1962.
The Igreja Adventista do Sétimo Dia later created more media. These included the radio show Fé para Hoje. TV shows like Encontro com a Vida and Está Escrito followed. In 1989, they obtained licenses for their own media. The first grant was Rádio Difusora Guanduense Ltda.
Milton Soldani Adonso supported the church’s communication. He donated land for Rede de Comunicação Novo Tempo’s headquarters. This was in Nova Friburgo. Other businessmen supported the church through FE. FE stands for Adventist Businessmen, Executives and Professionals in Brazil.
Rede Novo Tempo de Comunicação creates content. It is in Portuguese and Spanish. This serves all countries in the South American Division. The Division also has a Communication Department. They set media guidelines and offer training. They participate in the Global Adventist Internet Network. This network promotes technology use for the church’s mission.
As you stand before the Igreja Adventista do Sétimo Dia, remember its history. It is a story of faith, community, and global impact. From its start in the US to its growth in Brazil, this church continues to spread its message.