Staff
Our mission
Adventist Community Services (ACS) is the official community outreach ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist church in the North American Division territories, which include the United States, Canada, Guam-Micronesia, and Bermuda. Committed to a holistic ministry, ACS serves the whole person by addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Our mission is to “serve communities in Christ’s name,” bringing hope, compassion, and practical support to those in need.
Our vision
- Expanding community services to foster meaningful initiatives that address evolving needs.
- Building strong networks through collaborative partnerships to amplify resources and growth opportunities.
- Integrating education into leadership development to empower individuals for sustainable change and an inclusive community.
Our core values
- Sharing – We proclaim the good news of salvation by actively demonstrating the love of God.
- Connecting – We build relationships by connecting people with their community family and to God.
- Ministering – We minister to the communities we serve by focusing on their physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being.
- Discipleship – We empower and engage members to serve their communities by teaching, mentoring, and equipping in holistic ministry.
How we serve
Through church-based programs, ACS mobilizes members to use their skills and knowledge to meet the needs of their communities. Service areas include:
- Disaster Response – Providing relief and recovery assistance in times of crisis.
- Emotional and Spiritual Care – Offering "emotional first aid" and spiritual guidance to those impacted by crisis and traumatic experiences.
- Community Development/Urban Ministry – Providing on-going practical programs that make a real difference in urban and local communities.
- Older Adult Ministry – Promoting well-being and active engagement among older adults in the church and community.
- Young Adults in Service – Equipping young adults for meaningful service.
- Tutoring/Mentoring Programs – Supporting educational growth and personal development.
Through these ministries, ACS remains committed to serving communities in Christ's name, bringing hope and healing.
Resources
- ACS A Quick Start Guide
- ACS Ministry Handbooks: Caregivers Ministry, Crisis Care Ministry, Elder Care Ministry (available on www.adventsource.com)
- "Burst the Bubble: Finding Your Passion for Community Outreach," by Sung K. Kwon ($15.99 from www.adventsource.com)
- CareOptions: Family Healthcare Advisory Program
- Catalog of materials, videos, activities for churches to communicate ministries of compassion.
- Grant Applications
Leadership Development
- Community Services and Urban Ministry Certification Program (CSUMCP): This community-based program equips participants to be engaged with critical service learning to create a sustainable impact in their communities. The Community Services & Urban Ministry Certification Program course contains fifteen learning modules, which include instructional videos, learning activities, PowerPoint presentations, video scripts, and quizzes. After completing the entire curriculum, each participant will earn 2.0 continuing education units.
- Six ACS Ministry tracks (Disaster Response, Emotional and Spiritual Care, Community Development/Urban Ministry, Older Adult Ministry, Young Adult Emergency Services Corp, and Tutoring/Mentoring Programs).
- Emotional and Spiritual Care Provider Program – ICISF
- Older Adults Ministry Certification Program
- Disaster Response Certification Program