Share
Anchored & Reaching with Kavin Mannoia
The Diversity of Unity: Is the SDA a Cult - with Dr. Timothy Gillespie
Season 7, Ep. 4
•
In this episode of "Anchored & Reaching," Kevin Mannoia dives into the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church's beliefs and history with Dr. Timothy Gillespie, Dmin, Lead Pastor, Crosswalk Redlands and Teaching Pastor, Crosswalk Global Network of Churches. They discuss the SDA's origins in the Millerite movement and the Great Disappointment, the denomination's development including its health and educational work, and address misconceptions labeling it as a cult. Gillespie emphasizes the SDA's commitment to scripture, education, and the importance of understanding the denomination within the broader Christian community. The discussion also covers the Adventist emphasis on the Sabbath and how it shapes their identity and perception by others in the Christian faith.
Key Takeaways
- The SDA Church's foundation on the Millerite movement and the Great Disappointment.
- The role of Ellen White and her contributions to SDA theology and practice.
- The denomination's extensive work in health and education as expressions of their faith.
- Challenges and misconceptions faced by the SDA Church, including being labeled as a cult.
- The significance of the Sabbath in SDA belief and practice, and its impact on the denomination's relationship with the wider Christian community.
Helpful Bible References
- Hebrews 4:9-10 - Rest in Christ as the Sabbath rest.
- Revelation 14:12 - The patience of the saints, keeping the commandments of God and faith in Jesus.
- 2 Peter 1:20-21 - Understanding prophecy and scripture.
Keywords
Seventh-day Adventist, SDA, Ellen White, Great Disappointment, Sabbath, cult misconceptions, Christian unity, health ministry, education
About Anchored & Reaching
"Anchored & Reaching" is a thought-provoking weekly podcast designed for curious Christians who aspire to impact the world while remaining deeply rooted in their faith. Hosted by Kevin Mannoia, each episode features engaging conversations, practical insights, and diverse perspectives from Christian leaders who embody the dual values of being anchored in Christ and actively reaching out to the world. Join Kevin every week as he encourages you to live a dynamic Christian life, grounded in biblical truth and fueled by a passion for positive change.
Email: podcast@anchoredandreaching.com
Website: https://anchoredandreaching.com
More episodes
View all episodes
1. Your Identity is Your Anchor - Personal Identity
16:21||Season 1, Ep. 1In this 8 part series on “Your Identity is Your Anchor” we’ll discuss how every pastor and Christian leader will confront tough times. The best response is not just being skillful at handling pressure, but having a sound identity formed with intention over time. That’s where the power of Christian leadership and pastoral influence comes from.In this episode Dr. Kevin Mannoia discusses the importance of recognizing that your identity goes deeper than what you do and asks us to consider what underlying factors drive our actions.2. Your Identity is Your Anchor - Personal Identity Discussion
25:36||Season 1, Ep. 2Susanna and Kevin unpack the temptation to define yourself by what you do. They look at how, beneath the surface, your values and identity are much more important than you might imagine.In this 8 part series on “Your Identity is Your Anchor” we’ll discuss how every pastor and Christian leader will confront tough times. The best response is not just being skillful at handling pressure, but having a sound identity formed with intention over time. That’s where the power of Christian leadership and pastoral influence comes from.3. Your Identity is Your Anchor - Ministry Identity Lesson
20:47||Season 1, Ep. 3You’ve heard it before: you’re more than your job. But how do we parse that when it comes to ministry? The call to ministry isn’t just about the work you do; it’s about a formational process that anchors your character and values in the will of God.In this 8 part series on “Your Identity is Your Anchor” we’ll discuss how every pastor and Christian leader will confront tough times. The best response is not just being skillful at handling pressure, but having a sound identity formed with intention over time. That’s where the power of Christian leadership and pastoral influence comes from.4. Your Identity is Your Anchor - Ministry Identity Discussion
25:26||Season 1, Ep. 4Susanna and Kevin discuss how the call to ministry changes us: the way we view ourselves, our expectations, and how we relate to others. By definition, the call to ministry moors us in the values and will of the one who calls us.In this 8 part series on “Your Identity is Your Anchor” we’ll discuss how every pastor and Christian leader will confront tough times. The best response is not just being skillful at handling pressure, but having a sound identity formed with intention over time. That’s where the power of Christian leadership and pastoral influence comes from.5. Your Identity is Your Anchor - Identity in Crisis Lesson
17:19||Season 1, Ep. 5Crisis is an inevitable part of life. How you approach crises will determine whether or not the challenges you face bring spiritual growth or tear you down. With an identity grounded in values and character that come from God, crises can even become an opportunity.In this 8 part series on “Your Identity is Your Anchor” we’ll discuss how every pastor and Christian leader will confront tough times. The best response is not just being skillful at handling pressure, but having a sound identity formed with intention over time. That’s where the power of Christian leadership and pastoral influence comes from.6. Your Identity is Your Anchor - Identity in Crisis Discussion
26:13||Season 1, Ep. 6Kevin Mannoia and Susanna Fleming unpack the idea of “identity in crisis” - how crisis is an inevitable (and often healthy) part of life. They discuss how knowing our identity in Christ, staying grounded through connection, and remembering our mission can give context to our crisis and provide opportunities for spiritual growth.In this 8 part series on “Your Identity is Your Anchor” we’ll discuss how every pastor and Christian leader will confront tough times. The best response is not just being skillful at handling pressure, but having a sound identity formed with intention over time. That’s where the power of Christian leadership and pastoral influence comes from.7. Your Identity is Your Anchor - Identity in Mission Lesson
18:09||Season 1, Ep. 7Kevin Mannoia talks about how salvation is the foundation from which we engage in the true end goal of the Gospel: the Kingdom of God being made manifest in our lives and the lives of people around the world.In this 8 part series on “Your Identity is Your Anchor” we’ll discuss how every pastor and Christian leader will confront tough times. The best response is not just being skillful at handling pressure, but having a sound identity formed with intention over time. That’s where the power of Christian leadership and pastoral influence comes from.8. Your Identity is Your Anchor - Identity in Mission Discussion
22:05||Season 1, Ep. 8If we are to be considered Christ followers, we have to be thinking about what it means to engage in the mission that Jesus outlined during his time on earth. Kevin Mannoia and Susanna Fleming discuss how we might better frame salvation as the method to fulfilling our broader mission as members of the Kingdom of God.In this 8 part series on “Your Identity is Your Anchor” we’ll discuss how every pastor and Christian leader will confront tough times. The best response is not just being skillful at handling pressure, but having a sound identity formed with intention over time. That’s where the power of Christian leadership and pastoral influence comes from.1. Generous Engagement - Why Engage?
18:49||Season 2, Ep. 1Christians are called to engagement with the world. That’s what we mean when we say we are “the hands and feet of Jesus,” bringing the Kingdom of God wherever we go. Unfortunately, we often choose to engage in ways that can feel more like a sales pitch than real concern for the world in which we live and participate.Becoming generous in our engagement requires a mindset like that of Christ, where salvation isn’t giving up on the world but is instead redemption of God’s creation. “Your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven,” wasn’t a platitude - it was the goal. Let’s consider what that looks like as we prepare ourselves for generous engagement.