“A Descriptive Analysis of the Adventist Membership Trends”

Abstract

This descriptive study analyses Adventist membership trends in the Papua New Guinea Union Mission between 2014 and 2024. 
Drawing on annual denominational membership, baptism, attendance, and organizational data, it compares two quinquennial periods and assesses selected strategic-plan indicators. The findings identify uneven growth, substantial losses through missing and dropped members, limitations in reporting, and increasing pressures on pastoral care and church capacity. Although baptisms remained the principal source of membership growth, the exceptional increase associated with PNG for Christ in 2024 highlights the urgent need for stronger retention, discipleship, reporting, and pastoral-support systems. The study recommends clearer membership targets, strengthened Sabbath Schoolbased discipleship, improved accountability, and sustainable pastor-to church-to-member ratios..