The three-day 17th AIIAS Annual Theological Forum themed “Asian Faces of Adventist Mission” was held on AIIAS campus from October 30 – November 1. Each year the forum brings scholars as well as church workers from national and international destinations to discuss relevant topics. This year, the 220 attendees were theology students, pastors, professors, and ministerial directors.
The 17th Theological forum allowed for a multi-cultural dialogue about the opportunities and challenges the Seventh-day Adventist Church faces in the mission field. The various perspectives of what characterizes Adventist mission in an Asian setting were discusses and acknowledged.
“Christianity began as an Asian religion and therefore has deep roots, but through the centuries other competing world religions now make evangelism very difficult,” wrote Dr. Michael W. Campbell, Forum Coordinator and Assistant Professor of Adventist Studies at AIIAS, in a letter to the attendees.
Annually, the forum provides a platform for an honest assessment of what Adventist mission currently looks like to see what has developed and what needs to continue developing.
“AIIAS is the perfect location for such a forum. It is our responsibility to host this event since we are a theological training center. It helps not only those on campus but those who are now working in different institutions within the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD).”
The five guest speakers are specialists in biblical studies and focused on Biblical foundations. They are: Dr. Gregory Whitsett, the director of the Global Mission Center for East Asian Relations at the General Conference Office of Adventist Mission; Dr. Jiří Moskala a professor of Old Testament exegesis and theology and the dean of the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University; Dr. Bruce Bauer, a professor of World Mission and chair of the World Mission Department at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University; Dr. Félix Cortez is an Assistant Professor of New Testament Literature at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University; Dr. Doug Venn is the Adventist Mission Director for the Southern-Asia Pacific Division (SSD).
The 18th AIIAS Annual Theological Forum will be held from November 14 – 16, 2015 on AIIAS campus and will focus on Ellen G. White and the prophetic gift. All are invited to attend.
