MISSION
The mission of the Institute of Church Ministry (ICM) is to research issues that affect mission and ministry. ICM harnesses the expertise and resources of Andrews University and the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary to support denominational decision-makers within the North American Division (NAD) and facilitate the larger Adventist Church in the accomplishment of its goals.
PURPOSE
The purpose of ICM is to provide resources for mission and ministry in meeting the challenges of a variety of issues in the contemporary world. ICM’s mission and purpose are carried out through research, publications, development of materials, information processing, and consultation.
PHILOSOPHY
The work of ICM is based on the belief that the tools of social science can join with Biblical and theological insights in advancing the objectives of the church.
HISTORY
The concept of the Institute of Church Ministry began in 1978 when the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists (NAD) asked Andrews University Seminary professor, Des Cummings, Jr., to direct a study of church growth within the Division. The need for empirical research in the field of church ministry became apparent, thus prompting the establishment of ICM at the November 1979 meeting of the Andrews University Board of Trustees. The Institute officially opened on January 1, 1980. Des Cummings, Jr. served as director until August 1984. Roger L. Dudley, emeritus professor of Christian Ministry at the Seminary, has served as director since then.
ICM is located on the lower floor of the Seminary building, room S136. It includes space for the director, administrative assistant, student assistants, important records, and research materials. In 1984, ICM entered into a sustaining relationship with the North American Division (NAD) which has continued to be its major client.
OUR TEAM
Petr Cincala, PhD, Director.
Born and raised in Czechoslovakia (The Czech Republic since 1993), Dr. Petr Cincala attended the theological seminary in Prague (1994); he then completed his M.Div. (1997), MSW (2000), PhD. in mission (2002) at Andrews University. After graduating, he worked as an intern pastor in the Bohemian Conference (2000-2003).Dr. Cincala served as volunteer community organizer, lecturer, and freelance missionary in the Czech Republic from 2003-2012, founded and led the nonprofit organization Generations Center, launched and coordinated a nationwide Marriage Week campaign, and led Generation Gospel Choir, which has been made mostly of atheists.
Since 2013, Dr. Cincala has worked as the director of the Institute of Church Ministry at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary. Besides involvement in various church related research projects, Dr. Cincala works with the World Mission Department as a methodologist and is the director of Doctor of Missiology program.
Dr. Cincala serves as the US national partner for Natural Church Development, directs Life Renewal personal growth resources, and is the managing editor of the Journal of Applied Christian Leadership.
Petr is married to Daniela and, together with their four boys Timothy, Jonathan, Nathanael and Matthew, they love ministering to God and other people.
René Drumm, Associate Researcher
Michelet William, MSA, MDiv, PhD student in Missiology
More than 20 years of experience in church-related ministries and working with international NGOs such as ADRA, World Vision and Plan International. Founder of Team in Action to Save Kids, a mission-driven nonprofit organization supporting children’s education in Haiti and Mali
Allison Sauceda, Administrative/Editing Manager
Daniela Cincala, Products Manager
MAJOR COMPLETED PROJECTS
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