NewsNuggets Page 5

RMCNews – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … The Mile High Academy (MHA) principal Andrew Carpenter, Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) Department of Education leadership team Diane Harris and Paul Negrete, and pastors from the churches that support MHA, came together to see how they could collaborate to support the combined mission and support growth in churches and schools. From this collaboration manifested a two-day event entitled Mission Summit held February 21-22 at MHA in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, that brought together over 350 attendees.

“The first gathering was here at Mile High Academy, and we began to chat about how we could better interact with the school. I asked the question of what we have done collectively as churches together in the past and no one could remember, so then the ball really began to roll,” remarked Mark Weir, lead pastor Denver South Seventh-day Adventist Church. “I just want to say how thankful I am for the area pastors who stepped up in all areas of responsibility. What we really want is not just an event, but a beginning of a catalyst that says we are intentional on the mission of Jesus.”

The event was sponsored by RMC, MHA, Denver South, Denver West, Littleton Seventh-day Adventist churches, and LifeSource Adventist Fellowship (LAF) in the southern Denver suburbs. The event began Friday evening with a praise service, mission spotlight, and an evening message from Tim Madding, director of the North American Division Evangelism Institute.

Madding remarked on current statistics showing a decline or plateau in church membership throughout North America attributing common reasons to include “mission drift,” resistance to change, inward focus, church conflict, management issues, aging congregations, spiritual lukewarmness, and some churches attributing their lack of growth to external factors.

Madding did however stress that he believes churches are not too far gone and that the mission of the church is still possible, that mission being making disciples of Jesus. He highlighted that the new generation of church leaders are more open to change and mission fulfillment and that the transformation of people is the work of the Holy Spirit, not human effort alone. He called for a full surrender to Jesus to lead the revival and for the church to shift from complacency to actively loving and reaching people as Jesus did.

The second day of the event, February 22, began with Sabbath school for the youth and a praise and worship service for the adult attendees. Madden provided the message for the worship service by discussing the mission and purpose of the church, defining it as bringing people to Jesus and helping them grow as “mature disciples.” He provided steps to make mature disciples and encouraged church leaders to focus more on the mission than “running programs.”

Steven Harris, an attendee and LAF member, commented, “I have been wondering how to broach a conversation that I deemed would be difficult, but now I see it’s going to be actually kind of easy after listening to today’s Sabbath school and sermon. I will stop hesitating to bring that conversation up with a new friend of mine and see how I can be helpful in furthering their walk with Jesus, because that’s what we’re all here for.”

A potluck was held directly after the worship service that was attended by most present, and afternoon breakout sessions were held on evangelism led by Madding and Weir. Serve and share opportunities were made available in the afternoon. These opportunities included creating cards of encouragement for nursing home residents, care packages for the unhoused, gratitude goodie bags for local healthcare workers, creating prayer journals, and an afternoon walk to take prayer requests from the surrounding community.

“At the creative station, we’re making cards for nursing home residents to encourage them and remind them that God loves them,” commented Deborah Gandia, creation station volunteer and Littleton Church member. “We are also providing little prayer journals and bookmarks that you can take home with you just so you can continuously carry God around with you and be praying for people who you might meet.”

Heidi Carpenter, LAF associate pastor, led the closing Sabbath Vespers program and opened with a question: “Do you remember a time when you had a ministry with someone—reaching out to someone—and it did something to your heart starting a flame? That flame is what I call mission spirit. It starts in the heart of a follower of Jesus when they have one of those experiences and other experiences fan that flame,” she continued.

Heidi spoke of the parable in Mark 4 commenting, “I love the fact that this verse says that God is the one who does the growing. One of my biggest worries with ministry was, ‘what if I don’t do it right?’ The main point is God is asking you to do something, do anything. And He’s the one that can take it and make it what it should be.”

The event wrapped up with a simple meal and game night, including basketball, volleyball, and board games for participants to enjoy fellowship in fun after two very full days of worship and activity.

“Two things that I’ve appreciated this weekend is, one, feeling like one big family and not separated, isolated groups who don’t really know each other. And I hope that that happens more,” commented Sonia Huenergardt, an attendee and member of Newday Seventh-day Adventist Church.

She continued, “The other thing I’ve really appreciated is hearing an emphasis on discipleship. It’s been something I’ve longed for and something I’ve felt other people were longing for too. Not just the instruction to go read your Bible and grow as a Christian, but some really practical helps for how to do that. I’m really happy to hear we are talking about leading people to Jesus and helping people grow in Jesus. And I hope we continue to do that.”

“Mission Summit was about more than just powerful messages, excellent music, inspiring testimonies, and delicious food,” remarked Godfrey Miranda, lead pastor at the Little Church. “It was about collectively recalibrating our focus on God’s mission and practically demonstrating that we are truly in this together.”

The leadership committee for Mission Summit and the Rocky Mountain Conference would like to acknowledge and thank everyone who put in their time and support for the event. Portions of the event were recorded. CLICK HERE to see the full library of recordings or watch them below.

—RMCNews

Hugh Davis – Lincoln, Nebraska … In an episode of 3ABN Today, Wintley Phipps, international singer, songwriter, and currently pastor of the  Palm Bay Seventh-day Adventist Church in Palm Bay, Florida, introduced a groundbreaking new tool, GospelTruth.Ai, designed to assist Christians in their study of the Bible and sermon preparation.

This artificial intelligence (AI) application is specifically trained to provide biblically accurate responses and generate complete sermons, distinguishing it from mainstream AI models like ChatGPT, which, as Phipps noted, often reflect a mix of secular and religious perspectives.

The Problem with Traditional AI

Phipps expressed concerns about conventional AI models, which he likened to the “Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.” He pointed out that these models pull information from both secular and religious sources, leading to responses that may not always align with biblical teachings. When discussing theological topics such as the Sabbath, he found that mainstream AI often presented conflicting or non-biblical viewpoints, requiring extensive back-and-forth to align the response with Scripture.

A Biblical Approach to AI

To address this challenge, Phipps and his team developed GospelTruth.Ai, an AI system trained exclusively on vetted biblical resources, including the Bible, the writings of Ellen G. White, and trusted theological materials. Unlike general AI tools that “skim” information and often provide repetitive answers, GospelTruth.Ai employs a proprietary linguistic search algorithm that deeply mines Scripture and related texts, producing fresh, in-depth perspectives each time a user requests information.

Key Features of GospelTruth.AI

1. Biblically Sound Responses – The AI has been trained to ensure that every response aligns with Scripture and trusted theological sources.
2. Full Sermon Generation – Rather than simple Q&A responses, the tool generates complete sermons and teachings on any biblical topic.
3. Deep Theological Research – Utilizing a unique algorithm, the AI “mines” biblical texts rather than skimming, ensuring deeper insights.
4. Multilingual Capabilities – Users can generate sermons and teachings in multiple languages, making it accessible worldwide.
5. Efficient Sermon Preparation – With traditional sermon preparation often requiring 30–40 hours of study, GospelTruth.Ai  allows pastors to reclaim time for prayer, family, and other ministerial duties.
6. Export and Sharing Options – Sermons can be easily copied, exported, or shared for immediate use.

A Game-Changer for Pastors and Laypeople

During the demonstration, Phipps showcased how quickly the AI tool generates well-structured sermons. He emphasized that this tool is not just for pastors but also for laypeople who wish to study and understand Scripture more deeply. By simply entering a topic such as “gospel and salvation” or “trials,” users receive a full, well-researched sermon in seconds.

Phipps likened GospelTruth.Ai  to the research assistants used by historical preachers like Charles Spurgeon, who had teams of young ministers gathering information for him. With AI, this process is now automated and instantaneous, allowing for thorough, efficient, and theologically sound sermon preparation.

Addressing the Crisis in Christian Churches

A key motivation behind this tool is the declining church attendance across denominations. According to recent research, regular church attendance among members of the Seventh-day Adventist church has dropped from 67% in 2014 to just 15% in 2024. He pointed out that the primary reason people attend church is the quality of the sermon, not necessarily the music or technology used in worship services. GospelTruth.Ai  aims to equip pastors with the ability to deliver well-researched, inspiring messages that can help draw people back to church.

Phipps sees GospelTruth.Ai  as a divine tool to support a new generation of preachers and teachers. Whether for pastors preparing weekly sermons or laypeople seeking to deepen their biblical understanding, this AI-driven resource offers a powerful, reliable way to engage with God’s Word. As Phipps concluded, “I pray that God will use this to inspire a new generation of preachers and teachers.”

For the full interview, visit this link.

—Curated by ChatGPT and edited by Hugh Davis, Mid-America Union Conference Communication associate director. Republished with permission from OUTLOOK Adventist News March 3, 2025, article. Photos supplied.

Fred Hardinge – Montrose, Colorado … A monthly community health outreach program titled Health Bites: Simple Steps to Wellness launched February 25 at the Montrose Seventh-day Adventist Church in Montrose, Colorado. Over 20 people attended the first session, and the program will focus on good food, fellowship, and health facts.

This opening session commenced with a brief Bible lesson on the topic of health and prayer. Attendees were given fellowship time to get acquainted with other people at their tables while enjoying a simple meal of selected soups and crackers.

The meal was followed by short cooking demonstrations on how to prepare the soups. The evening concluded with a presentation by a registered health professional and an opportunity for the audience to ask questions.

Montrose Church’s Health Ministries Committee, led by Dr. Fred Hardinge, who is also an elder at the church, has planned a regular schedule of high-impact, low-intensity programs for most months in the coming years. “This deliberate approach reinforces the sustainability of our ministry within the community,” Harding remarked.

He continued, “The name and logo we chose reflect that wellness results from many simple steps toward good health. The green leaf symbolizes growth and vibrancy, while the circle suggests a wholistic approach encompassing the whole man: physical, mental, social, and spiritual.”

Please contact the Montrose Seventh-day Adventist Church for more information on the program.

—Fred Hardinge, DrPH and registered dietician, is the director of Montrose Seventh-day Adventist Church Health Ministries Committee. Photos supplied.

Karrie Meyers – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, recently wrapped up its inspiring FOCUS Week culminating with a vibrant Culture Celebration and Parade, February 24-28. FOCUS Week, which stands for “Focus On Christ’s Ultimate Sacrifice,” is a biannual tradition at MHA, designed to deepen students’ faith through daily chapel services and engaging messages about Christ’s love and sacrifice.

This year, MHA was honored to welcome Miguel Tello as the guest speaker. Tello is an experienced educator, mentor, and certified mental health coach with over 20 years of experience. His journey includes serving as a missionary in Bolivia for 11.5 years where he directed a children’s home and cofounded another children’s home and boarding academy in the jungle.

Today, he and his wife, Tara, run PM Orchards, a ministry dedicated to helping young adults transition into adulthood, strengthen academic skills, secure college scholarships, and break cycles of trauma.

With a heart for education and mental health, Tello delivered daily chapel messages for each of MHA’s school levels, sharing powerful personal stories of God’s faithfulness and practical ways to “Abide in Christ.” His messages deeply resonated with students, including MHA junior student Logen, who shared, “This was one of my favorite FOCUS Weeks. I really appreciated how Mr. Tello shared the struggles he faced, yet he always reflected on how much God continued to bring positives into his life.”

The week concluded with MHA’s Culture Celebration and Parade, where students proudly represented their cultural heritage through traditional attire and colorful flags. The gym was alive with energy as classrooms marched in, displaying the diverse backgrounds that make up the MHA community.

A special missionary spotlight was shared by Gabi DuBose, wife of MHA fifth-grade teacher Jason DuBose, who talked about her experiences as a student missionary in Palau, followed by an inspiring message from Tello about how Christ answers prayers—even in the most unexpected ways.

To top off the morning, students and guests enjoyed a selection of bite-sized foods from around the world. Cindy Roldan, MHA’s director of Student Services, who coordinated the event, reflected on its impact, saying, “It was so much fun seeing our students proudly representing their heritage. Though we come from different backgrounds, this celebration reminded us that we are all One in Christ.”

MHA hopes to expand the Cultural Celebration and Parade into a larger community-wide event, inviting even more families and friends to take part in this meaningful tradition. Roldan concluded, “As MHA looks to the future, traditions like FOCUS Week and the Cultural Celebration will allow MHA to continue to foster a learning environment where faith, heritage, and community come together, shaping and inspiriting the next generation.”

—Karrie Meyers is the marketing and development coordinator at Mile High Academy. Photos supplied.

Jose Briones – Denver, Colorado … In the latest episode of the Living Generously podcast series, Roger Hernandez, Southern Union Conference Ministerial and Evangelism director, dives into the heart of evangelism, offering practical and inspiring insights for Seventh-day Adventists in North America. Grounded in the North American Division Pentecost 2025 initiative, the discussion emphasizes evangelism as an essential, everyday practice for meeting the needs of communities and staying relevant.

Hernandez paints a vivid picture of evangelism, describing it as “one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.” He encourages churches to weave evangelism into every aspect of their activities—beyond isolated events—whether it’s through youth programs like Pathfinders or ministries for men and women. Using relatable metaphors, such as the process of courting, he simplifies evangelism as building relationships that naturally lead to declarations of faith.

Challenging misconceptions, Hernandez advises churches to focus on positivity and celebrate small wins rather than dwelling on participation gaps. He highlights the diversity of evangelistic methods, urging individuals to embrace their unique talents—whether it’s teaching Bible studies or something as personal as baking a cake—to contribute to a shared mission.

The podcast also spotlights personal connections, stressing the power of visitation and the need to rebuild trust within church communities. Hernandez emphasizes collaboration among church leaders and proposes tools like a sermon calendar to ensure consistent teaching across multiple congregations.

Prophecy is another key theme, described as a source of assurance in an uncertain world. Hernandez calls for courage, curiosity, compassion, and Christ-centeredness in evangelistic efforts, encouraging listeners to embrace risks and engage in a lifestyle of sharing their faith.

Ultimately, the episode serves as a motivational call, challenging Christians to embed evangelism into their daily lives and reflect its principles in every interaction.

CLICK HERE to listen to the full episode, and CLICK HERE to see the full list of previous and future series episodes. To listen to the full podcasts on YouTube, CLICK HERE.

—Jose Briones is the RMC Stewardship Promotion and Content creator. Photo by Alicia Steels of Unsplash.