Encyclopedia of Seventh-day Adventists (ESDA)

encyclopedia.adventist.org

A brand-new online Encyclopedia of Seventh-day Adventists (ESDA) was launched on July 1, 2020. This incredibly valuable resource is the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s first online reference work. The ESDA currently contains more than 2,100 articles on Adventist history, crucial events and themes, organizations, entities, institutions, beliefs, and people, more than 3,600 photographs, and a growing collection of videos. Hundreds of new articles and photographs will be added to the ESDA in the upcoming weeks and months, with thousands being added in the months and years ahead. The ESDA draws on the expertise of hundreds of authors and editors worldwide, from many cultures and ethnicities. It is a great tool, not only for those seeking to learn more about the Adventist Church, but also for those looking to witness to others. Check out the Encyclopedia of Seventh-day Adventists at http://encyclopedia.adventist.org.

All ESDA articles include bylines for their authors as well as notes and a list of sources. The goal of each article is to provide a primary source-based, honest, open, comprehensive, and rigorous representative of the diversity and richness of Adventism that will be fully understandable to both church members and the public.

We hope that teachers and students will enjoy using the ESDA for research and preparing devotional messages for classes and prayer meetings as well as for sharing about our church’s heritage with parents and friends. One of the goals of this encyclopedia is to strengthen the Adventist identity as a fast-growing, worldwide movement. Adventist educators can use this resource as a missional tool to reach both their students and their communities with the Adventist message.

Look for articles about your school and renowned educators—or you can volunteer to write articles about them if they have not been written yet. We welcome members from all walks of life with expertise on a given subject, not only scholars specializing in history or theology, to contribute articles to the ESDA and to suggest new topics. Browse the Article list on the ESDA website and to consider the following suggestions: What are some other topics that merit inclusion in the Encyclopedia of Seventh-day Adventists? Is there a largely forgotten person or series of events that you think people should know about? It may be the Adventist work in the country or city in which you were born or live. You may want to suggest an article on a school or ministry or write about Adventists’ engagement with an issue such as social activism, religious freedom, or the environment. If you want to suggest a new topic or contribute a new article, please check the Get Involved page for author’s guidelines, and send an e-mail to [email protected] or leave a message at the ESDA website (https://encyclopedia.adventist.org/contact-us).

We hope you enjoy perusing the new Encyclopedia of Seventh-day Adventists at https://encyclopedia.adventist.org!

Dragoslava Santrac

Dragoslava Santrac, PhD, is Managing Editor for the Encyclopedia of Seventh-day Adventists. Dr. Santrac holds a PhD in Old Testament (North-West University RSA/Greenwich School of Theology, U.K.) and an MA in Biblical Languages and Old Testament (Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan, U.S.A.). During the past 15 years, she has taught biblical studies at Belgrade Theological Seminary (Serbia) and The University of the Southern Caribbean (Trinidad), and currently serves as Adjunct Professor of Religion at Washington Adventist University (Takoma Park, Maryland, U.S.A.). She has also served as an Editor for the South-East European Union and the Biblical Research Institute (BRI). Dr. Santrac has authored several books and articles on Old Testament theology, the Book of Psalms, and biblical studies.


Adventist Teacher Connect

http://teachers.adventistlearningcommunity.com

Adventist Teacher Connect (ATC) is a free online platform that provides a central connecting point for Adventist teachers and schools. This platform allows teachers and administrators to connect and collaborate with other educators and classrooms across the North American Division and the world. Through technology, video conferencing, networking, and collaborative lessons, teachers can partner to create academic and faith-based learning experiences for students, extending learning beyond classroom walls.   ATC also provides opportunities for students to engage in Project-Based Learning (PBL). Educators can find project ideas as well as share their own­ projects and results with a community of teachers. ATC is partnering with various Seventh-day Adventist ministries and organizations by asking them to create project challenges for schools. This allows schools to become involved in the mission of these organizations, and to make meaningful contributions to their communities and churches.

Paola Franco-Oudri

Paola Franco-Oudri, MAT, is Associate Director for the Adventist Learning Community (ALC) North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists in Columbia, Maryland, U.S.A.