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SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
THE SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION
2022-2023 GLOBAL CHURCH MEMBER SURVEY
RESEARCH REPORT
Elizabeth M. Role, PhD
Principal Investigator
Pastor Qedumusa Mathonsi, MBTS
Research Coordinator
May 2023
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgments……………………………………………………………………
List of Abbreviations………………………………………………………………..
Executive Summary………………………………………………………………….
Report…………………………………...……………………………………………
Survey Results and Analysis………………………………………………….……..
Section 1. Personal Demographics…………………………………………..
Adventist Educational Experiences……………………………………
Section 2. Household & Religious Demographics…………………………..
History with the Seventh-
day Adventist Church……………………..
Section 3. Religious Behaviors and Roles……………….……………………
Religious Activities Involving People in the Local Church……………
Religious Activities Done Alone or With Family………………………
Social Media Use……………………………………………………….
Purposes of Social Media Use…………………………………….
Effects of Social Media Use………………………………………
Programs and Initiatives of the General Conference of the
SDA Church…………………………………………………………….
Awareness and Participation……………………………………...
Methods of Communicating GC Programs and Initiatives
to Church Members……………………………………………….
Section 4. Religious Attitudes and Experiences………………………………
Access to White’s Books and Adventist Publications in a
Language that is Understood…………………………………………..
Nurturing and Reaching Out Activities of the Local Church………….
1
3
4
9
13
13
16
19
21
33
33
43
51
51
60
64
64
68
73
81
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SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Overall Satisfaction with and Commitment to the Church
and to Jesus Christ……………………………………………………...
Attitudes that May Not Always Relate to Religion…………………….
Sabbath-
Keeping Experience………………………………………….
Church Members’ Well-
Being…………………………………………
Section 6. Beliefs……………………………………………………………..
Salvation and God’s Grace……………………………………………..
State of the Dead………………………………………………………..
Adventist Education…………………………………………………….
Other
Beliefs……………………………………………………………
The Adventist Church and Cultural Context…………………………...
Sermon Topics………………………………………………………….
Understanding of the Bible and the Writings of Ellen G. White……….
Teachings of the Seventh-
day Adventist Church……………………….
Sectio
n 7. Health………………………………………………………………
APPENDIX 1 Sample (Expected and Actual)………..……………………………
Sample Frame Template for Union………………………………...
APPENDIX 2 Ethics Clearance Application Form………………………………..
Ethics Approval……………………………………………………
90
92
96
97
102
102
102
103
104
122
126
130
133
138
146
148
149
150
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SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We acknowledge the assistance and support of the following individuals. Without them, this
research endeavor would not be successful.
Dr. Ted N. C. Wilson, President, General Conference
Dr. David Trim, Director of Archives, Statistics, and Research (AStR), General Conference
Dr. Galina Stele, Research Program Evaluation Assistant (AStR), General Conference
Dr. Petr Cincala, Institute of Church Ministry Director, Andrews University
Dr. Gideon Reyneke, Executive Secretary, Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division
Mrs. Evodia Khumalo, Administrative Secretary, SID Secretariat
Mr. Hopekings Ngomba, SID Treasurer
Dr. Galenakgosi Orapeleng, Executive Secretary, Botswana Union Conference
Pastor John Kamedi, Executive Secretary, North Botswana Conference
Pastor Phemelo Seboka, Executive Secretary, South Botswana Conference
Pastor Wesley ORIEUX, Executive Secretary, Indian Ocean Union Conference
Sahondra RAZAFIMIARANA Somauroo, IOUC Administrative Secretary
Pastor Lalaniaina RATSIMBAZAFY, Executive Secretary, Central Malagasy Conference
Pastor Tefintsoa RABERANTO, Executive Secretary, East Malagasy Conference
Pastor Vissen MOOTOOSAMY, Executive Secretary, Mauritius Conference
Pastor Kissinger RAMANANTSOA, Executive Secretary, North Malagasy Conference
Pastor Charlin RABENAMANA, Executive Secretary, North-West Malagasy Conference
Pastor Teddy AH KIUNE, Executive Secretary, Reunion Conference
Christie SUMUN, Administrative Secretary, Seychelles Mission
Pastor Honore A. RAKOTONDRASOA, Executive Secretary, South-East Malagasy Conference
Pastor Thierry Frederic RANDRIAMBOAVONJY, Executive Secretary, South-West Malagasy
Conference
Pastor Innocent Chikomo, Executive Secretary, Malawi Union Conference
Pastor Brian Chafunya, Executive Secretary, Central Malawi Conference
Pastor Macleod Ngwira, Executive Secretary, North Malawi Conference
Pastor Patriarc Chaluchalu, Executive Secretary, South Malawi Conference
Pastor Jose Moreira, Executive Secretary, Mozambique Union Mission
Pastor Antonio Victorino, Executive Secretary, Central Mission
Pastor Calavete Sabonete Ossifo, Executive Secretary, North Mission
Pastor Gilberto Fondo, Executive Secretary, North-East Mission
Pastor José Cote, Executive Secretary, South Mission
Pastor Osvaldo Vunge, Executive Secretary, North-Eastern Angola Union Mission
Mrs. Teresa Macanzo, Administrative Secretary, NEAUM
Pastor Benício Luvundo Francisco Camisa, Executive Secretary, Angola East Mission
Pastor Francisco Esteves Domingos, Executive Secretary, Angola North Mission
Pastor Fernando Armindo, Executive Secretary, Angola North-East Mission
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SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Pastor Baltazar Mateus Ngola, Executive Secretary, Angola South Luanda and Cabinda Mission
Dr. Tommy Namitondo, Executive Secretary, Northern Zambia Union Conference
Pastor Angel Chipulu, Executive Secretary, Copperbelt Zambia Conference
Pastor James Chapi, Executive Secretary, Luapula Zambia Conference
Pastor Chipo Miyoba, Executive Secretary, Midlands East Zambia Conference
Pastor Adamson Shanyinde, Executive Secretary, Midlands West Zambia Conference
Pastor Godfrey Mwansa, Executive Secretary, North Zambia Field
Pastor Christopher Mwampokota, Executive Secretary, North-West Zambia Conference
Pastor Leandro Lima, Executive Secretary, Sao Tome and Principe Attached Field
Pastor Trevor Kunene, Executive Secretary, Southern Africa Union Conference
Pastor Mxolisi Ncube, Associate Executive Secretary, Southern Africa Union Conference
Pastor Arnold Alexander, Executive Secretary, Cape Conference
Pastor Henry Ngwira, Executive Secretary, KwaZulu Natal-Free State Conference
Pastor Kashasha Matamu, Executive Secretary, Namibia North Conference
Pastor Luxson Matomola, Executive Secretary, Namibia South Conference
Dr. Hannes Fourie, Executive Secretary, Northern Conference
Pastor Phaswane S. Makuwa, Executive Secretary, Trans-Orange Conference
Dr. Vanny Munyumbwe, Executive Secretary, Southern Zambia Union Conference
Maureen S. Ng’ambi, Personal Assistant to the Executive Secretary, SZUC
Pastor Tinto Ngulube, Executive Secretary, East Zambia Field
Pastor Francis Chibiya, Executive Secretary, Lusaka Conference
Pastor Johan Siachibila, Executive Secretary, South Zambia Conference
Pastor Mutti Kangungu, Executive Secretary, West Zambia Field
Pastor Johnnie Namwako, Executive Secretary, Woodlands Conference
Pastor Fernando Chala, Executive Secretary, South-Western Angola Union Mission
Pastor Justino Teles de Oliveira, Executive Secretary, Central Association Mission
Pastor Ndjimbo Tyindongo, Executive Secretary, South Association Mission
Pastor Cremmer Mpofu, Executive Secretary, Zimbabwe Central Union Conference
Pastor Dumisani Masikize, Executive Secretary, Central Zimbabwe Conference
Pastor Simbarashe Mhako , Executive Secretary, North-West Zimbabwe Conference
Pastor Zibusiso Ndlovu, Executive Secretary, Zimbabwe East Union Conference
Pastor Sunny Musiiwa, Executive Secretary, East Zimbabwe Conference
Pastor Ahmed Kahn, Executive Secretary, North Zimbabwe Conference
Pastor Nceku Msimanga, Executive Secretary, Zimbabwe West Union Conference
Pastor Sindiso Mpofu, Executive Secretary, South Zimbabwe Conference
Pastor Sikhumbuzo Dube, Executive Secretary, West Zimbabwe Conference
Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division Church Pastors, Officers, and Members
Data Entry Clerks: Esther Kampira, Namboo Mwansa, Siphokazi Senoamadi,
Riaka RANDRIANANTOADRO (IOUC)
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SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
BUC Botswana Union Conference
ECD East-Central Africa Division
GC General Conference
GCMS Global Church Member Survey
IOUC Indian Ocean Union Conference
IWG I Will Go
MUC Malawi Union Conference
MUM Mozambique Union Mission
NEAUM North-Eastern Angola Union Mission
NZUC Northern Zambia Union Conference
SAD South American Division
SAUC Southern Africa Union Conference
SDA Seventh-day Adventist
SID Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division
SP Strategic Plan
STPM Sao Tome and Principe Mission
SWAUM South-Western Angola Union Mission
SZUC Southern Zambia Union Conference
UEAB University of Eastern Africa, Baraton
ZCUC Zimbabwe Central Union Conference
ZEUC Zimbabwe East Union Conference
ZWUC Zimbabwe West Union Conference
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SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A total of six thousand and nineteen (6,019) church members in the SID territory participated in
the paper survey collected in person (95.1%) and electronic survey completed asynchronously
over internet (4.9%). They come from 13 unions (BUC, IOUC, MUC, MUM, NEAUM, NZUC,
SAUC, STPM, SWAUM, SZUC, ZCUC, ZEUC, and ZWUC) located in 14 countries namely,
Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Reunion,
Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Data were gathered
using a questionnaire in 3 languages: English, French, and Portuguese.
Personal Demographics
Majority of the respondents were males (59.1%), are not employed in Seventh-day Adventist
institutions (78.7%), have at least some secondary/high school education (82.4%), and have not
attended an Adventist school in all levels of education (59.2%). Among those who have
Adventist educational experiences, the average number of years spent attending Adventist
schools is 6.01 with a standard deviation of 4.11. The average age of participants is 40.14, with
ages ranging from 15 to 91 years. All levels of education from primary/elementary to
professional/graduate school are represented. Among the 4.3% who identified as deaf and 9.1%
who have some form of disability, 34% indicated that they sometimes or often find it more
difficult to participate in church activities than other church members.
Household and Religious Demographics
Majority of the respondents are married and living with spouse (55.3%), with at least one of
biological children is still a child or teenager living at home (56.2%), have children who are all
still being raised in or are members of the SDA church (61.3%), with a household size of at
most nine (87.6%) observing the Sabbath (91.1%), are holding church office in a local church
(69.6%), and attend church that is not in close proximity to a Seventh-day Adventist institution.
Church members in small, medium, and large churches in rural and urban areas are represented.
Five hundred and eight (8.4%) respondents identified themselves as not baptized member of the
SDA church nor joined the church by profession of faith. 44.9% grew up in and have been
connected to the church since birth and 40.6% belong to the first generation of Adventists in the
family. On average, participants were members of the church for 19.57 years, with the longest
member baptized in 1951 (71 years as church member). Ten respondents (0.2%) were baptized
in 2022.
Majority of the respondents grew up in a family with at least one biological or adoptive parents
or other guardians (79.8%). About 47% of the respondents were given the opportunity to decide
about bedtime, entertainment, and choice of friends when they were teenagers, either on their
own or with parent(s), guardian(s) or other authority figure.
About 55% considered themselves as active participant (28.8%) or active leader (26.6%) before
the coronavirus pandemic. There was a slight improvement in current church involvement (post-
pandemic) with 60.6% who indicated that they are active participants (33.4%) or active leaders
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SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
(27.2%) in their church. 60.5% of the participants indicated that throughout the pandemic,
worship services in their church continued either as face-to-face (23.3%) or remotely for a period
of time when they could not meet in-person (37.2%). On a personal level, 83.4% continued to
worship during the pandemic, either face-to-face in church (20.9%) and with other Adventists
but not in church (38.7%) or remotely (23.8%) for a period of time. Only 32.4% of the
participants are members of a church which developed new ministries during or as a result of the
pandemic. They were provided methods that enabled them to continue their usual pattern of
returning tithe (73.3%) and giving offerings (70.4%).
Religious Behavior and Roles
The four church religious activities more frequently engaged in by the respondents in the last 12
months are: in-person church services and Sabbath school attendance almost every week and
attendance in prayer meeting at the local church and attendance in church services remotely by
radio, television, or internet approximately once a month.
The five religious activities less frequently engaged in by the respondents in the last 12 months
are: receiving a visit from a pastor or from a church elder and attendance in Pathfinders’
meeting only once or twice and helping with a church ministry during the week and Sabbath
School attendance remotely by radio, television, or internet at least once a quarter.
The five personal and family religious activities more frequently engaged in by the respondents
are: having personal prayer (at times other than meals), spending time thinking about Jesus’ life,
reading the Bible, and studying the Sabbath school lesson more than once a week and having
morning or evening worship with family members about once a week.
The five personal and family religious activities less frequently engaged in by the respondents
are: using the Adventist Review magazine or website, reading a magazine or newsletter from
local union or conference, and reading Adventist World magazine less than once a month and
watching other Adventist television channels or programming and listening to an Adventist radio
broadcast once or a few times a month.
The five most common use of social media for about once a week are to study the Bible, for any
purpose, to share Bible studies with family, friends, or other people in their social network, to
read or respond to posts by Adventist churches, organizations, and institutions, and to attend
church. Using social media as a distraction from doing other activities is done for only less than
once a month. Moreover, social media use makes the church members feel more connected to
family and friends.
Among the programs and initiatives developed by the General Conference, majority of the
church members participated in 10 Days of Prayer (63.2%), Total Member Involvement (58.8%),
Annual Week of Prayer (58.6%), and Revival and Reformation 58.5%). Least participation is in
Adventist Possibility Ministries (25.2%). Twenty percent (20%) have not heard of the I Will Go
Strategic Focus 2020-2025. In the last 12 months, church members hear communication of
information about one or more of the GC programs and initiatives to church members once a
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SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
month at church. The least form of communication is reading a website in which church
members get information only once or twice in the last 12 months.
Religious Attitudes and Experiences
The religious attitudes and experiences to which at least 70% of the respondents registered
agreement are:
x I apply what I learn from the Bible to my daily life (80%).
x I apply what I learn from Sabbath School lessons to my daily life (78%).
x I feel proud of my church and its role and reputation in my community (76%).
x Youth and young adults are actively involved in carrying out the mission of my local
church (75%).
x Other people in my church care about me (72%).
x My local church has a program for preparing young people to become leaders (70%).
Less than 45% of the church members expressed agreement to the following statements:
x I currently provide financial support for children (mine or others) to attend a Seventh-
day Adventist school (34%)
x I attend a church that makes worship services available online (40%).
x Although I am religious, it does not affect my daily life (42%).
15% have no access to or have not tried to access Ellen G. White’s books in a language they
understand. Majority (57%) of church members are able to access printed Adventist publications
in their local language available at major church gatherings, such as camp meetings or
conferences.
At least 70% of the respondents perceive that there is a need to increase efforts for their local
church in reclaiming former church members and in meeting the needs of the local community.
At least 70% of the respondents perceive that there is a need to increase efforts for their
personal involvement in reclaiming former church members, in meeting the needs of the local
community, in including young people in carrying out the mission of their local church, and in
evangelistic outreach to the local community.
43% of the respondents are very satisfied with their local church, with an average degree of
satisfaction of 4.07 on a scale of 1 to 5. Majority (77.5%) indicated that
it is very likely that they
will be attending a Seventh-day Adventist Church for the rest of their life (average likelihood of
4.72 on a scale of 1 to 5).
About 34% have been committed to Christ since they were a young child and continue to be
fully committed to Him up to the present.
At least 45% often feel that their life is filled with meaning and purpose, feel a deep sense of
responsibility for reducing pain and suffering in the world, and help others with their religious
questions and struggles. Majority are positive about Sabbath-keeping with 82% cope better with
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SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
the stresses of the week when they keep the Sabbath faithfully and 84% consider the Sabbath as
part of who they are and not something that they do because they have to.
Despite having gone through the pandemic, majority of the church members have positive well-
being, 67% of whom more often have a sense of gratitude and 63% have grown spiritually over
the past 12 months. 48% have never been bothered by feeling down, depressed, or hopeless over
the last 2 weeks.
Beliefs
More or less 85% of the respondents are in agreement with various Seventh-day Adventist
beliefs. 43% believe that different world regions of the Adventist Church should be allowed after
consultation with the worldwide church to set their own administrative policies.
Although 84% believe that when people die, their bodily remains decay and they have no
consciousness or activity until they are resurrected, there are 35.6% who also believe that the
soul is a separate, spiritual part of a person and lives on after death. Moreover, 31.67%
agreed/strongly agreed to both statements.
Regarding beliefs on Adventist Education, two-thirds of respondents believe in the uniqueness of
SDA education) (66.9%) and that every local church should either operate or contribute to the
operation of a school (66.5%). Church members who believe that SDA education has distinct
theological and worldview differences from public education tend to support the local church’s
operation of or contribution to an Adventist school.
Some church members still believe in other religious beliefs such as:
x People who have died believing in Christ are in heaven right now (22.7%).
x People who have rejected Christ are burning in Hell right now (18.6%).
x Christians may go to witch doctors or spiritual healers for protection or healing (17.7%).
x The dead have powers to communicate with and influence the living (12.8%).
On the relationship between the Adventist Church and one’s cultural context, 70.7% believe that
to be a Seventh-day Adventist means to reject certain elements of the culture around them and
66.8% perceive that there are ideas in their culture that contradict their faith.
Sermon topics frequently preached by pastors identified by at least 70% of the respondents are
second coming of Jesus (80.4%), Sabbath (80.3%), mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church
(74.8%), and three angels’ messages (70.5%). Seldom preached is the state of the dead.
48% and 60%, respectively, have a correct understanding of the divine inspiration of the Bible
and of Ellen G. White. 10.4% understand that Ellen G. White copied what God told her word for
word, and wrote without being influenced by her own place and time.
Generally, church members embrace the individual teachings of the SDA church wholeheartedly.
Nevertheless, more than 10% either do not accept or have major doubts/some questions about
some individual teachings of the SDA church:
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SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
x Before Christ returns, God will decide who is to be saved and who will be eternally lost
(23.3%).
x The investigative pre-Advent judgment began in 1844 (13.5%).
x The Church’s interpretation of end-time prophecies (11.9%).
Health
Only 12% of the respondents are vegans/vegetarians. More or less 85% of the church members
have never used addictive drugs within the last 12 months. 66% have a correct understanding of
scientific research on alcohol use (there is no safe level of alcohol use). 70.2 % are familiar with
the Adventist Health Message and 28% follow the Adventist Health Message a great deal. More
or less 75% are positive about the Adventist Health Message. 33.3% believe that they can choose
which parts of the Health Message to follow and which to ignore.
There are 46.7% who believe that following the health message ensures their salvation. The
percentage of the vegans/vegetarians who believe that following the Health Message ensures
their salvation is significantly higher than their non-vegetarian counterparts.
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SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
REPORT
Introduction
In 2012-2013, a research team from the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton comprising Dr.
Elizabeth Role (principal investigator) together with Dr. Lameck Miyayo, Dr. Elijah Njagi, Dr.
Nehemiah Nyaundi, Pastor Caesar Wamalika, Dr. Fanta Hotamo, Dr. Joseph Masinda, Dr. Yona
Balyage, and Dr. Rei Kesis conducted a global church member survey (GCMS) in three (3)
divisions in the African continent (East-Central Africa Division, Southern Africa-Indian Ocean
Division, and West-Central Africa Division) on spiritual life patterns, beliefs, and attitudes of
ordinary members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The data from this survey contributed
to the development of the World Church’s 2015-2020 Strategic Plan (SP), Reach the World,
particularly on creation of specific objectives on the strengthening of spiritual life of church
members, and their nurture, retention, as well as involvement in their local churches, mission,
and evangelism.
A follow-up survey was done in 2017-2018 by Dr. Elizabeth Role and her team members
composed of Dr. Rei Kesis, Dr. Lameck Miyayo, Dr. Yona Balyage, and Mrs. Dianah Rop. It
measured progress of church members in the African continent in three aspects reflected in the
Reach the World 2015-2020 SP: Reach Up to God, Reach In with God, and Reach Out with God.
The research data from this survey contributed to the development of the World Church’s 2020-
2025 strategic focus: I Will Go (IWG).
This project, the 2022-2023 GCMS, measured the progress of church members in three aspects
reflected in the I Will Go (IWG) 2020-2025: Mission, Spiritual Growth, and Leadership, laying a
foundation for the development of a new SP for the global Seventh-day Adventist Church. This
survey report covered the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division comprising 13 unions.
Data were gathered from 6,019 church members (66% of the expected 9,180 sample). The
breakdown of participation per union is as follows:
Sample
Size
Data
Gathered
Percentage
Botswana Union Conference
180
132
73%
Indian Ocean Union Conference
1,140
902
79%
Malawi Union Conference
900
628
70%
Mozambique Union Mission
690
452
66%
North-Eastern Angola Union Mission
720
414
58%
Northern Zambia Union Conference
1,260
922
73%
Sao Tome and Principe Mission
60
59
98%
Southern Africa Union Conference
1,170
509
44%
Southern Zambia Union Conference
1,080
485
45%
South-Western Angola Union Mission
540
484
90%
Zimbabwe Central Union Conference
540
491
91%
Zimbabwe East Union Conference
540
171
32%
Zimbabwe West Union Conference
360
370
103%
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SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Three unions, SAUC, SZUC, and ZEUC, were under-represented in the sample, having gathered
less than 50% of the expected number of participants in the survey. In SAUC, two conferences
(Lesotho Conference and Swaziland Conference) did not participate in the GCMS. SAUC did
both paper (42.4%) and online (57.6%) surveys. There were online survey participants who
indicated Lesotho as their country but used the unique link of Northern Conference.
Sampling Techniques
Each conference/mission/field was represented in the sample. The churches were stratified in
terms of size (small, medium, and large membership) and location (urban and rural). The survey
made use of stratified and convenience sampling such that church members from each stratum
who were willing to participate were involved in the study.
The size of churches was classified based on membership as follows:
Small – less than 100 members
Medium – 100 to 500 members
Large – more than 500 members
The conferences/missions/fields were allowed to modify the classification of churches as large or
medium. If the highest church membership in the conference/mission/field does not exceed 500,
then the district pastors can do the necessary re-classification.
The conference/mission/field executive secretary with the assistance of district/church pastors
identified the churches involved in the survey ensuring representativeness in terms of
membership and location within their territory. The number of churches (based on size and
location) that participated in each conference/mission/field was determined as follows:
Number of Churches in the Sample
Total Number
of Churches
Small
Medium
Large
Total
Urban
Rural
Urban
Rural
Urban
Rural
1,000 or more
3
3
3
3
3
3
18
500 – 999
2
2
2
2
2
2
12
100 – 499
1
1
1
1
1
1
6
50 – 99
1
1
1
3
10 – 49
1
1
2
Less than 10
Church with the largest membership
1
In conferences/missions/fields with at least 10 churches, the number of church members
expected to participate in the study per church category was based on the following rule:
Large church 50 members
Medium church 30 members
Small church 10 members
In conferences/missions/fields with less than 10 churches, 30 members from the church with the
largest membership was involved in the survey.
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SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Details of the sample and sample frame template are shown in Appendix 1.
Methodology
In February 2021, the principal investigator communicated with Pastor Gideon Reyneke, SID
executive secretary, and provided detailed information about the survey and its logistics. She
introduced Pastor Qedumusa Mathonsi, SID associate executive secretary, as the GCMS research
coordinator for SID.
Ethics Approval. On February 24, 2021, the principal investigator submitted an
application for ethics approval of the research proposal to the Research Ethics Committee of the
University of Eastern Africa, Baraton (UEAB), an accredited Ethics Review Board of the
National Commission for Science, Technology, and Innovation (NACOSTI) of Kenya. The
application was approved on March 6, 2021. The application and letter of approval are in
Appendix 2.
Data-gathering Procedures. In May 2021, the principal investigator obtained the email
addresses of the executive secretary of each union from SID executive secretary and email
addresses of the conference/mission/field executive secretaries from the union executive
secretaries. Upon receipt of the email addresses, she communicated with all executive secretaries
about the GCMS and sent them the cover letter written by Dr. Ted Wilson for the questionnaire.
The principal investigator sent the questionnaire, the sample frame, and a document outlining
procedures of data-gathering and reimbursement of expenses to the union/conference/mission/
field executive secretaries of the unions (BUC, MUC, NZUC, SAUC, SZUC, ZCUC, ZEUC, and
ZWUC) which used the English version of the questionnaire via e-mail attachment as well as
those administrative fields of the unions (MUM, SWAUM, and STP) which used the Portuguese
version (translated by SAD and shared by Dr. Galina Stele) beginning mid-June 2021 informing
them that the data-gathering period will be between July to October 2021. The union executive
secretaries were requested to send all filled questionnaires to the office of Pastor Qedumusa
Mathonsi in SID headquarters by November 30, 2021.
The French version of the questionnaire translated by ECD, the sample frame, and a document
outlining procedures of data-gathering and reimbursement of expenses were sent to the IOUC in
mid-July 2021 with a request to send all filled questionnaires to the SID headquarters by
December 15, 2021.
The sending of the Portuguese version of the questionnaire and other data-gathering documents
to NEAUM was delayed until the end of July 2021 after the election of the mission officers
during the union session. Their data-gathering period was set between August to November 2021
and they were requested to send all filled questionnaires to the SID headquarters by December
15, 2021.
SAUC requested that they be allowed to do both paper and online surveys. With the assistance of
Dr. Petr Cincala, unique survey monkey links were created for the 8 conferences of SAUC. The
principal investigator sent these links to the respective conferences in August 2021.
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SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Using the guide in classifying churches based on membership, the executive secretaries with the
assistance of pastors identified the participating churches from urban and rural areas. The
photocopying of the questionnaire was done in each conference/mission/field.
Members of the selected churches who were present during the time of data collection and were
willing to participate in the study filled the questionnaires. The filled questionnaires from the
churches were brought by the person in-charge of data-gathering to the mission/conference/field
office and eventually transmitted to the union executive secretary’s office. As soon as all
questionnaires from the churches of each conference/mission/field were gathered, the union
executive secretary organized the delivery of these questionnaires to the office of Pastor
Qedumusa Mathonsi in the SID headquarters using the most convenient and secured method
(courier or hand-delivery). Pastor Mathonsi and Mrs. Khumalo monitored the data collection
and regularly updated the principal investigator of the status of data collection.
The sending of the filled questionnaires to the SID headquarters was delayed in some territories
due to border closures where land transportation (cheapest courier service) from one country to
another was restricted. By the end of February 2022, the SID headquarters have received filled
questionnaires from most unions.
Data Entry and Analysis. The entry of data in EXCEL was done under the supervision
of Mrs. Evodia Khumalo. The principal investigator trained the prospective data entry clerks on
March 1, 2022 via Zoom. The training session was recorded.
It was not possible for IOUC to transmit the filled questionnaires from Madagascar to South
Africa. For this union, data entry was done locally. Mrs. Evodia Khumalo shared the recorded
training session with the IOUC secretariat to guide the data entry clerk engaged to do the job.
Data entry was done from March to mid-June 2022. Additional data were received from
NEAUM, SWAUM, and SAUC. Data entry ended in mid-September 2022.
Questionnaires which have responses only to most of the questions in the demographics sections
(sections 1 and 2) were discarded. As soon as data entry was done for each conference/mission/
field, the EXCEL file was sent to the principal investigator for data cleaning and analysis.
Analysis of data was done by the principal investigator using Statistical Package for Social
Sciences (SPSS) version 28.
Page | 13
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
SURVEY RESULTS AND ANALYSIS
Section 1: Personal Demographics
Country
N
%
Angola
898
14.9%
Botswana
132
2.2%
Lesotho
10
0.2%
Madagascar
819
13.6%
Malawi
628
10.4%
Mauritius
29
0.5%
Mozambique
452
7.5%
Namibia
78
1.3%
Reunion
29
0.5%
Sao Tome and Principe
59
1.0%
Seychelles
25
0.4%
South Africa
421
7.0%
Zambia
1407
23.4%
Zimbabwe
1032
17.1%
Language of the questionnaire
N
%
English
3733
62.0%
French
877
14.6%
Portuguese
1409
23.4%
Gender
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Male
3556
59.1
60.0
Female
2368
39.3
40.0
Total
5924
98.4
100.0
No Response
95
1.6
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 14
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Age range
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
up to 20 years of age
369
6.1
6.3
21-35 years of age
2084
34.6
35.5
36-54 years of age
2399
39.9
40.9
55 years of age and older
1016
16.9
17.3
Total
5868
97.5
100.0
No Response
151
2.5
Total
6019
100.0
Descriptive Statistics
N
Minimum
Maximum
Mean
Std. Deviation
Age as of 2022
5868
15
91
40.14
14.405
Do you identify as a person who is Deaf?
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Yes
259
4.3
4.4
No
5641
93.7
95.6
Total
5900
98.0
100.0
No Response
119
2.0
Total
6019
100.0
Do you have challenges or impairments in any of these areas: physical, emotional, mental,
cognitive, developmental, visual (not easily corrected with glasses), or hearing?
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Yes
546
9.1
9.2
No
5366
89.2
90.8
Total
5912
98.2
100.0
No Response
107
1.8
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 15
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
If you reported challenges or impairments, or identified as a person who is Deaf, have you
found it more difficult to participate in church activities than other people in your church?
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
This rarely or never happens to me.
186
3.1
27.9
This sometimes happens to me.
160
2.7
24.0
This often happens to me.
67
1.1
10.0
This question does not apply to me.
254
4.2
38.1
Total
667
11.1
100.0
No Response
5352
88.9
Total
6019
100.0
Are you currently or have you been in the past employed by the Seventh-day Adventist
Church?
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Yes, employed in the past, but not
currently.
372
6.2
6.4
Yes, employed currently by the
Adventist Church.
721
12.0
12.4
No, never employed by the Adventist
Church.
4736
78.7
81.2
Total
5829
96.8
100.0
No Response
190
3.2
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 16
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
What is the highest level of school you have completed?
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
I have never attended school.
102
1.7
1.8
Some elementary/primary school.
238
4.0
4.2
Completed primary school.
403
6.7
7.1
Some high/secondary school.
1057
17.6
18.6
High/secondary school graduate.
1073
17.8
18.8
Vocational school
299
5.0
5.3
Some college or university.
745
12.4
13.1
College or university graduate.
1346
22.4
23.6
Graduate school (including Masters,
PhD, law degree, medical degree, DMin,
or comparable).
431
7.2
7.6
Total
5694
94.6
100.0
No Response
325
5.4
Total
6019
100.0
Adventist Educational Experiences
I have attended an Adventist school.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
No
3566
59.2
78.4
Yes
985
16.4
21.6
Total
4551
75.6
100.0
No Response
1468
24.4
Total
6019
100.0
I attended Adventist elementary or primary school while living in the community.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
No
3639
60.5
86.3
Yes
577
9.6
13.7
Total
4216
70.0
100.0
No Response
1803
30.0
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 17
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
I attended Adventist elementary or primary school while living on campus.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
No
3771
62.7
94.6
Yes
217
3.6
5.4
Total
3988
66.3
100.0
No Response
2031
33.7
Total
6019
100.0
I attended Adventist secondary school while living in the community.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
No
3653
60.7
88.0
Yes
500
8.3
12.0
Total
4153
69.0
100.0
No Response
1866
31.0
Total
6019
100.0
I attended Adventist secondary school while living on campus.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
No
3707
61.6
92.5
Yes
302
5.0
7.5
Total
4009
66.6
100.0
No Response
2010
33.4
Total
6019
100.0
I attended Adventist college or university while living in the community.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
No
3745
62.2
93.6
Yes
254
4.2
6.4
Total
3999
66.4
100.0
No Response
2020
33.6
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 18
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
I attended Adventist college or university while living on campus.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
No
3722
61.8
92.9
Yes
285
4.7
7.1
Total
4007
66.6
100.0
No Response
2012
33.4
Total
6019
100.0
Range of years spent in SDA schools
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
1-3 years
348
5.8
29.7
4-6 years
389
6.5
33.2
7-9 years
226
3.8
19.3
10-12 years
128
2.1
10.9
13-15 years
42
.7
3.6
16-18 years
17
.3
1.5
19 years and above
20
.3
1.7
Total
1170
19.4
100.0
No Response
4849
80.6
Total
6019
100.0
Descriptive Statistics
N
Minimum
Maximum
Mean
Std. Deviation
What is the total
number of years that
you
have spent
attending Adventist
schools?
1170
1
25
6.01
4.113
Page | 19
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Section 2: Household and Religious Demographics
Range of number of people in immediate household
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
1-3
1195
19.9
20.5
4-6
2791
46.4
47.8
7-9
1285
21.3
22.0
10-12
406
6.7
7.0
13-15
100
1.7
1.7
16-18
35
.6
.6
19 and above
29
.5
.5
Total
5841
97.0
100.0
No Response
178
3.0
Total
6019
100.0
Descriptive Statistics
N
Minimum
Maximum
Mean
Std. Deviation
How many people live
in your
immediate
household (including
yourself)?
5841
1
25
5.72
2.952
Range of number of people in immediate household observing the Sabbath
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
1-3
1822
30.3
31.3
4-6
2617
43.5
44.9
7-9
1043
17.3
17.9
10-12
275
4.6
4.7
13-15
49
.8
.8
16-18
18
.3
.3
19 and above
6
.1
.1
Total
5830
96.9
100.0
No Response
189
3.1
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 20
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Descriptive Statistics
N
Minimum
Maximum
Mean
Std. Deviation
How many people in
your immediate
household (including
yourself) observe the
Sabbath?
5830
1
22
4.94
2.710
Marital status
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Married and living with your spouse
3329
55.3
57.1
Married and living apart
191
3.2
3.3
Never married/single
1531
25.4
26.3
Divorced and single
167
2.8
2.9
Separated
120
2.0
2.1
Widowed
258
4.3
4.4
Living together, not married
234
3.9
4.0
Total
5830
96.9
100.0
No Response
189
3.1
Total
6019
100.0
At least one of my biological children is still a child or teenager living at home.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
No
1955
32.5
36.6
Yes
3382
56.2
63.4
Total
5337
88.7
100.0
No Response
682
11.3
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 21
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
There is at least one child or teenager who is not my biological child living in my home
(such as a stepchild, grandchild, adopted child, or a child or teenager from another family).
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
No
2663
44.2
53.7
Yes
2296
38.1
46.3
Total
4959
82.4
100.0
No Response
1060
17.6
Total
6019
100.0
Are all of your children still being raised in the Seventh-day Adventist Church or are they
all members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church?
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Yes
3689
61.3
65.8
No, I have at least one child who is still
part of the church, and at least one child
who has left the church.
422
7.0
7.5
No, none of my children are still part of
the church.
167
2.8
3.0
I do not have any children.
1328
22.1
23.7
Total
5606
93.1
100.0
No Response
413
6.9
Total
6019
100.0
History with the Seventh-day Adventist Church
I am a Seventh-day Adventist.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
No
342
5.7
6.7
Yes
4799
79.7
93.3
Total
5141
85.4
100.0
No Response
878
14.6
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 22
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
I have been baptized as a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church or joined the
Church by Profession of Faith.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
No
508
8.4
10.2
Yes
4492
74.6
89.8
Total
5000
83.1
100.0
No Response
1019
16.9
Total
6019
100.0
I am in the first generation of Adventists in my family.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
No
2325
38.6
48.8
Yes
2444
40.6
51.2
Total
4769
79.2
100.0
No Response
1250
20.8
Total
6019
100.0
At least one of my parents is or was a Seventh-day Adventist.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
No
1810
30.1
38.8
Yes
2856
47.4
61.2
Total
4666
77.5
100.0
No Response
1353
22.5
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 23
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
At least one of my grandparents is or was a Seventh-day Adventist.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
No
2368
39.3
52.7
Yes
2126
35.3
47.3
Total
4494
74.7
100.0
No Response
1525
25.3
Total
6019
100.0
At least four continuous generations of my family (including myself, a parent, a
grandparent, and a great-grandparent) have been members of the Seventh-day Adventist
Church.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
No
2808
46.7
59.6
Yes
1904
31.6
40.4
Total
4712
78.3
100.0
No Response
1307
21.7
Total
6019
100.0
I am not sure what history my family has with the Adventist Church.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
No
2883
47.9
66.4
Yes
1460
24.3
33.6
Total
4343
72.2
100.0
No Response
1676
27.8
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 24
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Range of years as SDA church member
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
1-9 years
1485
24.7
26.2
10-19 years
1564
26.0
27.6
20-29 years
1288
21.4
22.7
30-39 years
862
14.3
15.2
40-49 years
289
4.8
5.1
50-59 years
96
1.6
1.7
60 years and above
24
.4
.4
Not a Seventh-day Adventist
Church member
52
.9
.9
Baptized in 2022
10
.2
.2
Total
5670
94.2
100.0
No Response
349
5.8
Total
6019
100.0
Descriptive Statistics
N
Minimum
Maximum
Mean
Std. Deviation
Number of years as a
Seventh
-
day Adventist
Church member as of
2022
5608
1
71
19.57
12.686
*Excluding those baptized in 2022
Page | 25
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
At what age did you join the Seventh-day Adventist Church?
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
I grew up in the church, and have been
connected to the church since birth.
2705
44.9
46.6
I grew up in the church, but left for a
while before returning one or more
times.
259
4.3
4.5
My immediate family and I joined the
Adventist Church before I reached the
age of 13.
301
5.0
5.2
I joined the Adventist Church before I
reached the age of 13,
although my
immediate family did not.
244
4.1
4.2
I did not grow up in the church and
joined while aged 13-20.
991
16.5
17.1
I did not grow up in the church and
joined after age 20.
1304
21.7
22.5
Total
5804
96.4
100.0
No Response
215
3.6
Total
6019
100.0
Do you hold a church office at your local church? A church office is any leadership position
in a ministry in your local church.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Yes
4187
69.6
71.4
No
1674
27.8
28.6
Total
5861
97.4
100.0
No Response
158
2.6
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 26
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Approximately how many people attend your church on a typical Sabbath?
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
less than 25
160
2.7
2.8
25-50
600
10.0
10.4
51-100
1054
17.5
18.3
101-150
791
13.1
13.7
151-200
717
11.9
12.4
201-300
822
13.7
14.2
301-400
553
9.2
9.6
401-500
397
6.6
6.9
501-1000
504
8.4
8.7
1001-2000
115
1.9
2.0
more than 2000
60
1.0
1.0
Total
5773
95.9
100.0
No Response
246
4.1
Total
6019
100.0
Approximately what is the membership size of your church?
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
less than 25
116
1.9
2.0
25-50
403
6.7
7.0
51-100
737
12.2
12.8
101-150
649
10.8
11.3
151-200
740
12.3
12.9
201-300
811
13.5
14.1
301-400
599
10.0
10.4
401-500
490
8.1
8.5
501-1000
731
12.1
12.7
1001-2000
316
5.3
5.5
more than 2000
146
2.4
2.5
Total
5738
95.3
100.0
No Response
281
4.7
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 27
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
What is the setting where the church is located?
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Large city center (downtown)
1049
17.4
18.5
Elsewhere in a large city
787
13.1
13.9
In a suburb of a large city
938
15.6
16.5
A smaller city
716
11.9
12.6
A small town or village
1076
17.9
19.0
A rural area
1106
18.4
19.5
Total
5672
94.2
100.0
No Response
347
5.8
Total
6019
100.0
Church is located near an educational institution, such as a school or university
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
No
3330
55.3
63.2
Yes
1936
32.2
36.8
Total
5266
87.5
100.0
No Response
753
12.5
Total
6019
100.0
Church is located near a medical institution, such as a hospital or clinic
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
No
3742
62.2
74.7
Yes
1267
21.1
25.3
Total
5009
83.2
100.0
No Response
1010
16.8
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 28
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Church is located near a church administrative office, such as a Conference, Union, or
Division office
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
No
3566
59.2
70.2
Yes
1515
25.2
29.8
Total
5081
84.4
100.0
No Response
938
15.6
Total
6019
100.0
Church is located near some other church institution, such as a publishing house or health
food business
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
No
4029
66.9
81.8
Yes
894
14.9
18.2
Total
4923
81.8
100.0
No Response
1096
18.2
Total
6019
100.0
Which of the following best describes the family situation in which you grew up?
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
In a family with two biological or
adoptive parents, or other guardians
(including grandparents or other
relatives)
3649
60.6
63.8
In a family with one biological or
adoptive parent, or other guardian
(including a grandparent or other
relative)
1156
19.2
20.2
In a foster family or in an institution
163
2.7
2.8
In some other situation
752
12.5
13.1
Total
5720
95.0
100.0
No Response
299
5.0
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 29
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
When you were a teenager, before you left home, how were decisions usually made about
the music that you listened to, the media (television, movies, or websites) that you viewed,
the time that you went to bed, or the friends that you spent time with?
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Parent(s), guardian(s), or other
authority figure decided
2036
33.8
34.8
We decided together
850
14.1
14.5
I decided for myself
1968
32.7
33.7
Not applicable
994
16.5
17.0
Total
5848
97.2
100.0
No Response
171
2.8
Total
6019
100.0
The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way that some people participate with their
church. Think back to a time just before the pandemic started in late 2019. How would you
describe your involvement in your local church before the coronavirus pandemic?
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
I did not attend church or participate
at all in church activities.
334
5.5
5.9
I attended church through recorded or
live
-streamed audio or video, but
otherwise did not interact with the
church.
662
11.0
11.6
I attended church activities and
services, but rarely participated or
interacted with church members.
1035
17.2
18.2
I considered myself a casual
participant.
326
5.4
5.7
I considered myself an active
participant.
1735
28.8
30.5
I considered myself an active leader in
my church.
1601
26.6
28.1
Total
5693
94.6
100.0
No Response
326
5.4
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 30
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
How would you currently describe your involvement in your local church?
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
I do not attend church or participate at
all in church activities.
193
3.2
3.4
I attend church through recorded or
live
-streamed audio or video, but
otherwise do not interact with the
church.
461
7.7
8.1
I attend church activities and services,
but rarely participate or interact with
church members.
1052
17.5
18.4
I consider myself a casual participant.
367
6.1
6.4
I consider myself an active
participant.
2010
33.4
35.1
I consider myself an active leader in
my church.
1638
27.2
28.6
Total
5721
95.0
100.0
No Response
298
5.0
Total
6019
100.0
During the pandemic, what happened to worship services at the church that you attended?
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
My church continued to meet face-to-
face throughout the pandemic.
1401
23.3
24.2
My church met remotely for a period
of time when we could not meet face-
to-face.
2237
37.2
38.7
My church closed for a period of time
and there was no remote worship
option.
1883
31.3
32.6
My church closed permanently.
257
4.3
4.4
Total
5778
96.0
100.0
No Response
241
4.0
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 31
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
During the pandemic, which of the following best describes your worship experience?
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
I continued to meet in a church face-
to-face.
1259
20.9
21.9
I met face-to-face with other
Adventists, but not in a church (for
example, in a home church).
2330
38.7
40.6
I attended my local church remotely
for a period of time.
1020
16.9
17.8
I attended an Adventist church located
in a different place remotely for a
period of time.
413
6.9
7.2
I stopped attending church for a
period of time.
690
11.5
12.0
I attended a non-Adventist church
either face-to-face or remotely.
33
.5
.6
Total
5745
95.4
100.0
No Response
274
4.6
Total
6019
100.0
Did your church develop any new ministries during or as a result of the pandemic?
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Yes
1949
32.4
33.8
No
2544
42.3
44.1
I do not know
1279
21.2
22.2
Total
5772
95.9
100.0
No Response
247
4.1
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 32
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
I was provided with one or more methods that enabled me to continue my usual pattern of
returning tithe
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
No
Yes
Total
1237
20.6
21.9
4412
73.3
78.1
5649
93.9
100.0
No Response
370
6.1
Total
6019
100.0
I was provided with one or more methods that enabled me to continue my usual pattern of
giving offerings
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
No
1108
18.4
20.7
Yes
4235
70.4
79.3
Total
5343
88.8
100.0
No Response
676
11.2
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 33
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Section 3: Religious Behaviors and Roles
This section is about the activities engaged in by church members which are part of their
religious experience. These activities may have been done with members of the local church they
attend or done alone or with family members.
Religious Activities Involving People in the Local Church
The survey results reveal that majority of church members engage in the following
religious activities that typically involve other people not only with family but also with the
members of the local church at least almost every week in the last 12 months: attended church
services in person (72.6%) and attended Sabbath School in person (65%). Close to one-half of
church members attended a prayer meeting at their local church (45.7%) and attended church
services remotely by radio, television, or internet (43.7%) at least once a month.
Home visitation is crucial to the task of a pastor and a church elder as modeled by Paul
(Acts 20:20). This is wanting in the homes of SID church members. In the last 12 months, 40%
of church members never received a visit from their church pastor with only 17% received a
visit at least once a month, while 35% never received a visit from their church elder with only
20.8% received a visit at least once a month.
Page | 34
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Frequency of engagement in the last 12 months
Descriptive Statistics
N
Min
Max
*Mean
Std.
Deviation
attended church services in-person.
5545
0
6
4.01
1.614
attended Sabbath School in-person.
5261
0
6
3.80
1.780
attended a prayer meeting at my local
church.
5147
0
6
2.79
2.127
attended church services remotely by radio,
television, or internet.
5028
0
6
2.67
2.193
attended a small group organized through my
church.
5127
0
6
2.39
2.177
helped with a church ministry on Sabbath.
4921
0
6
2.36
2.069
spent time forming new friendships with
non-Adventists in my community.
5208
0
6
2.35
1.979
received a visit from a church member.
5174
0
6
2.22
1.949
witnessed to non-Adventists in my
community.
5137
0
6
2.22
1.963
spent time meeting the needs of non-
Adventists in my community.
5228
0
6
2.14
1.911
attended Sabbath School remotely by radio,
television, or internet.
4127
0
6
2.04
2.116
helped with a church ministry during the
week.
4924
0
6
1.97
2.022
participated in communion service.
4973
0
6
1.79
1.813
attended a public evangelistic meeting in my
area.
4954
0
6
1.66
1.918
received a visit from a church elder.
5127
0
6
1.51
1.796
attended a Pathfinder meeting.
4946
0
6
1.39
1.883
received a visit from my pastor.
5205
0
6
1.31
1.708
*Scale of Interpretation of the Mean:
0.00 – 0.49 Never 3.50 – 4.49 Almost every week
0.50 – 1.49 Only once or twice 4.50 – 5.49 Every week
1.50 – 2.49 At least once a quarter 5.50 – 6.00 More than once a week
2.50 – 3.49 Once a month
Page | 35
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Attended church services in-person.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
324
5.4
5.8
only once or twice
424
7.0
7.6
at least once a quarter
197
3.3
3.6
once a month
229
3.8
4.1
almost every week
1728
28.7
31.2
every week
2049
34.0
37.0
more than once a week
594
9.9
10.7
Total
5545
92.1
100.0
No Response
474
7.9
Total
6019
100.0
Attended church services remotely by radio, television, or internet.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
1400
23.3
27.8
only once or twice
706
11.7
14.0
at least once a quarter
294
4.9
5.8
once a month
304
5.1
6.0
almost every week
889
14.8
17.7
every week
958
15.9
19.1
more than once a week
477
7.9
9.5
Total
5028
83.5
100.0
No Response
991
16.5
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 36
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Attended Sabbath School in-person.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
556
9.2
10.6
only once or twice
357
5.9
6.8
at least once a quarter
190
3.2
3.6
once a month
246
4.1
4.7
almost every week
1473
24.5
28.0
every week
2000
33.2
38.0
more than once a week
439
7.3
8.3
Total
5261
87.4
100.0
No Response
758
12.6
Total
6019
100.0
Attended Sabbath School remotely by radio, television, or internet.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
1683
28.0
40.8
only once or twice
538
8.9
13.0
at least once a quarter
249
4.1
6.0
once a month
253
4.2
6.1
almost every week
582
9.7
14.1
every week
647
10.7
15.7
more than once a week
175
2.9
4.2
Total
4127
68.6
100.0
No Response
1892
31.4
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 37
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Attended a small group organized through my church.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
1710
28.4
33.4
only once or twice
623
10.4
12.2
at least once a quarter
440
7.3
8.6
once a month
344
5.7
6.7
almost every week
700
11.6
13.7
every week
925
15.4
18.0
more than once a week
385
6.4
7.5
Total
5127
85.2
100.0
No Response
892
14.8
Total
6019
100.0
Attended a prayer meeting at my local church.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
1199
19.9
23.3
only once or twice
689
11.4
13.4
at least once a quarter
512
8.5
9.9
once a month
384
6.4
7.5
almost every week
838
13.9
16.3
every week
1022
17.0
19.9
more than once a week
503
8.4
9.8
Total
5147
85.5
100.0
No Response
872
14.5
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 38
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Attended a public evangelistic meeting in my area.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
2082
34.6
42.0
only once or twice
823
13.7
16.6
at least once a quarter
691
11.5
13.9
once a month
367
6.1
7.4
almost every week
338
5.6
6.8
every week
360
6.0
7.3
more than once a week
293
4.9
5.9
Total
4954
82.3
100.0
No Response
1065
17.7
Total
6019
100.0
Attended a Pathfinder meeting.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
2598
43.2
52.5
only once or twice
686
11.4
13.9
at least once a quarter
505
8.4
10.2
once a month
274
4.6
5.5
almost every week
313
5.2
6.3
every week
333
5.5
6.7
more than once a week
237
3.9
4.8
Total
4946
82.2
100.0
No Response
1073
17.8
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 39
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Participated in communion service.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
1613
26.8
32.4
only once or twice
893
14.8
18.0
at least once a quarter
1242
20.6
25.0
once a month
300
5.0
6.0
almost every week
289
4.8
5.8
every week
346
5.7
7.0
more than once a week
290
4.8
5.8
Total
4973
82.6
100.0
No Response
1046
17.4
Total
6019
100.0
Helped with a church ministry on Sabbath.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
1368
22.7
27.8
only once or twice
841
14.0
17.1
at least once a quarter
592
9.8
12.0
once a month
367
6.1
7.5
almost every week
658
10.9
13.4
every week
734
12.2
14.9
more than once a week
361
6.0
7.3
Total
4921
81.8
100.0
No Response
1098
18.2
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 40
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Helped with a church ministry during the week.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
1773
29.5
36.0
only once or twice
857
14.2
17.4
at least once a quarter
550
9.1
11.2
once a month
392
6.5
8.0
almost every week
511
8.5
10.4
every week
529
8.8
10.7
more than once a week
312
5.2
6.3
Total
4924
81.8
100.0
No Response
1095
18.2
Total
6019
100.0
Received a visit from my pastor.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
2431
40.4
46.7
only once or twice
1082
18.0
20.8
at least once a quarter
658
10.9
12.6
once a month
344
5.7
6.6
almost every week
255
4.2
4.9
every week
216
3.6
4.1
more than once a week
219
3.6
4.2
Total
5205
86.5
100.0
No Response
814
13.5
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 41
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Received a visit from a church elder.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
2132
35.4
41.6
only once or twice
1119
18.6
21.8
at least once a quarter
623
10.4
12.2
once a month
401
6.7
7.8
almost every week
320
5.3
6.2
every week
297
4.9
5.8
more than once a week
235
3.9
4.6
Total
5127
85.2
100.0
No Response
892
14.8
Total
6019
100.0
Received a visit from a church member.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
1213
20.2
23.4
only once or twice
1249
20.8
24.1
at least once a quarter
674
11.2
13.0
once a month
565
9.4
10.9
almost every week
581
9.7
11.2
every week
480
8.0
9.3
more than once a week
412
6.8
8.0
Total
5174
86.0
100.0
No Response
845
14.0
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 42
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Witnessed to non-Adventists in my community.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
1207
20.1
23.5
only once or twice
1260
20.9
24.5
at least once a quarter
665
11.0
12.9
once a month
566
9.4
11.0
almost every week
538
8.9
10.5
every week
455
7.6
8.9
more than once a week
446
7.4
8.7
Total
5137
85.3
100.0
No Response
882
14.7
Total
6019
100.0
Spent time forming new friendships with non-Adventists in my community.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
1090
18.1
20.9
only once or twice
1282
21.3
24.6
at least once a quarter
660
11.0
12.7
once a month
562
9.3
10.8
almost every week
623
10.4
12.0
every week
506
8.4
9.7
more than once a week
485
8.1
9.3
Total
5208
86.5
100.0
No Response
811
13.5
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 43
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Spent time meeting the needs of non-Adventists in my community.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
1249
20.8
23.9
only once or twice
1278
21.2
24.4
at least once a quarter
772
12.8
14.8
once a month
551
9.2
10.5
almost every week
517
8.6
9.9
every week
495
8.2
9.5
more than once a week
366
6.1
7.0
Total
5228
86.9
100.0
No Response
791
13.1
Total
6019
100.0
Religious Activities Done Alone or With Family
Among the religious activities done either alone or with family, more than 50% of church
members exhibit the following behaviors either more than once a week or daily or more than
once a day: have personal prayer (at times other than meals) (71.5%), read the Bible (68.9%),
spend time thinking about Jesus’ life (68.7%), have morning or evening worship with family
members (55.7%); and study the Sabbath School lesson (54.5%). On the other hand, more or less
50% of the survey respondents never use the Adventist Review magazine or website (54.8%),
read a magazine or newsletter from their local union or conference (47.8%), and read Adventist
World magazine or website (45.3%).
On returning tithe, 64.8% of church members specify it as “Tithe” or someone else (e. g.
treasurer of the Adventist institution where the church member is employed) specifies it
(electronic or regular).
Page | 44
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Frequency of engagement most of the time
Descriptive Statistics
N
Min
Max
*Mean
Std.
Deviation
have personal prayer (at times other than
meals).
5583
0
5
4.04
1.517
spend time thinking about Jesus’ life.
5528
0
5
3.99
1.443
read the Bible.
5669
0
5
3.92
1.305
study the Sabbath School lesson.
5515
0
5
3.51
1.534
have morning or evening worship with
members of my family.
5482
0
5
3.37
1.863
read the writings of Ellen G. White.
5368
0
5
2.52
1.744
watch Hope Channel programming.
5396
0
5
1.81
1.948
listen to an Adventist radio broadcast.
5316
0
5
1.79
1.897
watch other Adventist television channels
or programming.
5424
0
5
1.77
1.830
read Adventist World magazine or
website.
5350
0
5
1.21
1.569
read a magazine or newsletter from my
local union or conference.
5322
0
5
1.06
1.468
use the Adventist Review magazine or
website.
5312
0
5
.89
1.420
*Scale of Interpretation of the Mean:
0.00 – 0.49 Never 2.50 – 3.49 About once a week
0.50 – 1.49 Less than once a month 3.50 – 4.49 More than once a week
1.50 – 2.49 Once or a few times a month 4.50 – 5.00 Daily or more than once a day
Page | 45
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Read the Bible.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
104
1.7
1.8
less than once a month
315
5.2
5.6
once or a few times a month
518
8.6
9.1
about once a week
584
9.7
10.3
more than once a week
1619
26.9
28.6
daily or more than once a day
2529
42.0
44.6
Total
5669
94.2
100.0
No Response
350
5.8
Total
6019
100.0
Study the Sabbath School lesson.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
415
6.9
7.5
less than once a month
321
5.3
5.8
once or a few times a month
477
7.9
8.6
about once a week
1019
16.9
18.5
more than once a week
1411
23.4
25.6
daily or more than once a day
1872
31.1
33.9
Total
5515
91.6
100.0
No Response
504
8.4
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 46
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Read the writings of Ellen G. White.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
982
16.3
18.3
less than once a month
746
12.4
13.9
once or a few times a month
957
15.9
17.8
about once a week
794
13.2
14.8
more than once a week
935
15.5
17.4
daily or more than once a day
954
15.8
17.8
Total
5368
89.2
100.0
No Response
651
10.8
Total
6019
100.0
Have morning or evening worship with members of my family.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
792
13.2
14.4
less than once a month
417
6.9
7.6
once or a few times a month
476
7.9
8.7
about once a week
443
7.4
8.1
more than once a week
968
16.1
17.7
daily or more than once a day
2386
39.6
43.5
Total
5482
91.1
100.0
No Response
537
8.9
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 47
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Have personal prayer (at times other than meals).
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
327
5.4
5.9
less than once a month
275
4.6
4.9
once or a few times a month
361
6.0
6.5
about once a week
319
5.3
5.7
more than once a week
918
15.3
16.4
daily or more than once a day
3383
56.2
60.6
Total
5583
92.8
100.0
No Response
436
7.2
Total
6019
100.0
Read Adventist World magazine or website.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
2728
45.3
51.0
less than once a month
866
14.4
16.2
once or a few times a month
718
11.9
13.4
about once a week
323
5.4
6.0
more than once a week
397
6.6
7.4
daily or more than once a day
318
5.3
5.9
Total
5350
88.9
100.0
No Response
669
11.1
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 48
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Use the Adventist Review magazine or website.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
3297
54.8
62.1
less than once a month
737
12.2
13.9
once or a few times a month
524
8.7
9.9
about once a week
257
4.3
4.8
more than once a week
291
4.8
5.5
daily or more than once a day
206
3.4
3.9
Total
5312
88.3
100.0
No Response
707
11.7
Total
6019
100.0
Read a magazine or newsletter from my local union or conference.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
2876
47.8
54.0
less than once a month
917
15.2
17.2
once or a few times a month
667
11.1
12.5
about once a week
314
5.2
5.9
more than once a week
297
4.9
5.6
daily or more than once a day
251
4.2
4.7
Total
5322
88.4
100.0
No Response
697
11.6
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 49
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Listen to an Adventist radio broadcast.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
2245
37.3
42.2
less than once a month
614
10.2
11.6
once or a few times a month
590
9.8
11.1
about once a week
507
8.4
9.5
more than once a week
595
9.9
11.2
daily or more than once a day
765
12.7
14.4
Total
5316
88.3
100.0
No Response
703
11.7
Total
6019
100.0
Watch Hope Channel programming.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
2347
39.0
43.5
less than once a month
593
9.9
11.0
once or a few times a month
527
8.8
9.8
about once a week
424
7.0
7.9
more than once a week
658
10.9
12.2
daily or more than once a day
847
14.1
15.7
Total
5396
89.6
100.0
No Response
623
10.4
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 50
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Watch other Adventist television channels or programming.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
2168
36.0
40.0
less than once a month
718
11.9
13.2
once or a few times a month
683
11.3
12.6
about once a week
553
9.2
10.2
more than once a week
644
10.7
11.9
daily or more than once a day
658
10.9
12.1
Total
5424
90.1
100.0
No Response
595
9.9
Total
6019
100.0
Spend time thinking about Jesus’ life.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
217
3.6
3.9
less than once a month
316
5.3
5.7
once or a few times a month
427
7.1
7.7
about once a week
435
7.2
7.9
more than once a week
1088
18.1
19.7
daily or more than once a day
3045
50.6
55.1
Total
5528
91.8
100.0
No Response
491
8.2
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 51
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
When you return tithe, which of the following descriptions best fits the way that you return
tithe?
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
I specify it as “Tithe” or someone
else specifies it (electronic or
regular).
3899
64.8
70.2
I do not indicate it as tithe at the
time of giving and simply place it
in the offering plate.
427
7.1
7.7
I distribute those ten percent at
my discretion.
587
9.8
10.6
I do not return tithe.
638
10.6
11.5
Total
5551
92.2
100.0
No Response
468
7.8
Total
6019
100.0
Social Media Use
Social media (apps and websites where communities of people post text, images, audio,
video, and respond to posts) is a common way for people across the world to communicate.
Church members were asked about their engagement in social media activities.
Purposes of Social Media Use
The most common purposes of social media use on which the engagement of
approximately 50% of the survey participants is at least about once a week are: to study the Bible
(58.3%), for any purpose (53.1%), to share Bible studies with family, friends, or other people in
one’s social network (48.1%), and to read or respond to posts by Adventist churches,
organizations, and institutions (48%). Approximately one-third of church members never use
social media as a distraction from other activities that they should be doing (38.1%), to worship
Page | 52
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
with other believers (other than for a church service) (32.2%), and to learn about the life of
Ellen G. White (29.9%).
Frequency of social media use most of the time
Descriptive Statistics
N
Min
Max
*Mean
Std.
Deviation
to study my Bible.
5461
0
5
3.08
1.862
for any purpose.
5321
0
5
3.01
2.051
to share Bible studies with family, friends, or
other people in my social network.
5436
0
5
2.64
1.842
to read or respond to posts by Adventist
churches, organizations, and institutions.
5310
0
5
2.63
1.924
to attend church.
5261
0
5
2.49
1.837
to pray with others.
5314
0
5
2.34
1.883
to share about prayer requests and answered
prayer.
5291
0
5
2.30
1.869
to help advance the mission of the Seventh-day
Adventist Church.
5321
0
5
2.30
1.829
to learn about religious topics that pastors or
Sabbath School teachers have not talked about.
5314
0
5
2.27
1.819
to read or respond to posts by other Christian
churches, organizations, and institutions.
5280
0
5
2.00
1.892
to read and connect to the writings of Ellen G.
White.
5269
0
5
1.95
1.775
to learn about the life of Ellen G. White.
5223
0
5
1.85
1.759
to worship with other believers (other than for
a church service).
5245
0
5
1.85
1.797
as a distraction from other activities that I
should be doing.
5093
0
5
1.67
1.857
*Scale of Interpretation of the Mean:
0.00 – 0.49 Never 2.50 – 3.49 About once a week
0.50 – 1.49 Less than once a month 3.50 – 4.49 More than once a week
1.50 – 2.49 Once or a few times a month 4.50 – 5.00 Daily or more than once a day
Page | 53
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
For any purpose.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Never
1213
20.2
22.8
less than once a month
423
7.0
7.9
once or a few times a month
490
8.1
9.2
about once a week
298
5.0
5.6
more than once a week
767
12.7
14.4
daily or more than once a day
2130
35.4
40.0
Total
5321
88.4
100.0
No Response
698
11.6
Total
6019
100.0
To read or respond to posts by Adventist churches, organizations, and institutions.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
1279
21.2
24.1
less than once a month
544
9.0
10.2
once or a few times a month
601
10.0
11.3
about once a week
569
9.5
10.7
more than once a week
1064
17.7
20.0
daily or more than once a day
1253
20.8
23.6
Total
5310
88.2
100.0
No Response
709
11.8
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 54
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
To read or respond to posts by other Christian churches, organizations, and institutions.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
1904
31.6
36.1
less than once a month
601
10.0
11.4
once or a few times a month
705
11.7
13.4
about once a week
532
8.8
10.1
more than once a week
739
12.3
14.0
daily or more than once a day
799
13.3
15.1
Total
5280
87.7
100.0
No Response
739
12.3
Total
6019
100.0
To study my Bible.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
963
16.0
17.6
less than once a month
380
6.3
7.0
once or a few times a month
609
10.1
11.2
about once a week
554
9.2
10.1
more than once a week
1220
20.3
22.3
daily or more than once a day
1735
28.8
31.8
Total
5461
90.7
100.0
No Response
558
9.3
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 55
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
To share about prayer requests and answered prayer.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
1468
24.4
27.7
less than once a month
620
10.3
11.7
once or a few times a month
791
13.1
14.9
about once a week
566
9.4
10.7
more than once a week
942
15.7
17.8
daily or more than once a day
904
15.0
17.1
Total
5291
87.9
100.0
No Response
728
12.1
Total
6019
100.0
To pray with others.
Frequency
Percent
Valid
Percent
never
1455
24.2
27.4
less than once a month
634
10.5
11.9
once or a few times a month
723
12.0
13.6
about once a week
643
10.7
12.1
more than once a week
876
14.6
16.5
daily or more than once a day
983
16.3
18.5
Total
5314
88.3
100.0
No Response
705
11.7
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 56
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
To learn about the life of Ellen G. White.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
1797
29.9
34.4
less than once a month
804
13.4
15.4
once or a few times a month
829
13.8
15.9
about once a week
524
8.7
10.0
more than once a week
732
12.2
14.0
daily or more than once a day
537
8.9
10.3
Total
5223
86.8
100.0
No Response
796
13.2
Total
6019
100.0
To read and connect to the writings of Ellen G. White.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
1695
28.2
32.2
less than once a month
803
13.3
15.2
once or a few times a month
822
13.7
15.6
about once a week
561
9.3
10.6
more than once a week
805
13.4
15.3
daily or more than once a day
583
9.7
11.1
Total
5269
87.5
100.0
No Response
750
12.5
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 57
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
To help advance the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
1378
22.9
25.9
less than once a month
701
11.6
13.2
once or a few times a month
850
14.1
16.0
about once a week
622
10.3
11.7
more than once a week
899
14.9
16.9
daily or more than once a day
871
14.5
16.4
Total
5321
88.4
100.0
No Response
698
11.6
Total
6019
100.0
To learn about religious topics that pastors or Sabbath School teachers have not talked
about.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
1421
23.6
26.7
less than once a month
670
11.1
12.6
once or a few times a month
809
13.4
15.2
about once a week
682
11.3
12.8
more than once a week
933
15.5
17.6
daily or more than once a day
799
13.3
15.0
Total
5314
88.3
100.0
No Response
705
11.7
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 58
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
To share Bible studies with family, friends, or other people in my social network.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
1124
18.7
20.7
less than once a month
606
10.1
11.1
once or a few times a month
814
13.5
15.0
about once a week
666
11.1
12.3
more than once a week
1035
17.2
19.0
daily or more than once a day
1191
19.8
21.9
Total
5436
90.3
100.0
No Response
583
9.7
Total
6019
100.0
To attend church.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
1358
22.6
25.8
less than once a month
457
7.6
8.7
once or a few times a month
503
8.4
9.6
about once a week
1062
17.6
20.2
more than once a week
977
16.2
18.6
daily or more than once a day
904
15.0
17.2
Total
5261
87.4
100.0
No Response
758
12.6
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 59
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
To worship with other believers (other than for a church service).
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
1940
32.2
37.0
less than once a month
690
11.5
13.2
once or a few times a month
694
11.5
13.2
about once a week
648
10.8
12.4
more than once a week
701
11.6
13.4
daily or more than once a day
572
9.5
10.9
Total
5245
87.1
100.0
No Response
774
12.9
Total
6019
100.0
As a distraction from other activities that I should be doing.
Frequency
Percent
Valid
Percent
never
2294
38.1
45.0
less than once a month
582
9.7
11.4
once or a few times a month
582
9.7
11.4
about once a week
412
6.8
8.1
more than once a week
609
10.1
12.0
daily or more than once a day
614
10.2
12.1
Total
5093
84.6
100.0
No Response
926
15.4
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 60
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Effects of Social Media Use
On average, 76% of the survey respondents use social media. Among those who use
social media, majority find social media use as making them feel more connected to friends and
family (76.9%) and as good for their spiritual well-being (52.9%). Forty-five percent (45%) find
social media use as good for their mental health and 51% feel like they are missing out on what
is happening when they cannot use social media.
Descriptive Statistics
N
Min
Max
*Mean
Std.
Deviation
When I use social media, I feel more connected to
friends and family.
4734
1
5
3.85
1.082
When I use social media, it is good for my
spiritual well-being.
4686
1
5
3.31
1.184
When I use social media, it is good for my mental
health.
4689
1
5
3.18
1.326
When I use social media, I find it hard to stop
when I need to.
4567
1
5
3.12
1.185
When I use social media, I have been hurt by other
people’s words.
4364
1
5
2.92
1.226
When I use social media, I often respond in anger
to people online.
4500
1
5
2.87
1.280
*Scale of Interpretation of the Mean (excluding those who do not use social media):
1.00 – 1.49 Strongly disagree 3.50 – 4.49 Agree
1.50 – 2.49 Disagree 4.50 – 5.00 Strongly agree
2.50 – 3.49 I am not sure
Page | 61
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
When I use social media, it is good for my mental health.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
I do not use social media
864
14.4
15.9
Strongly disagree
535
8.9
9.9
Disagree
904
15.0
16.6
I am not sure
1060
17.6
19.5
Agree
1611
26.8
29.7
Strongly agree
457
7.6
8.4
Total
5431
90.2
100.0
No Response
588
9.8
Total
6019
100.0
When I use social media, it is good for my spiritual well-being.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
I do not use social media
670
11.1
12.5
Strongly disagree
403
6.7
7.5
Disagree
889
14.8
16.6
I am not sure
915
15.2
17.1
Agree
1799
29.9
33.6
Strongly agree
680
11.3
12.7
Total
5356
89.0
100.0
No Response
663
11.0
Total
6019
100.0
When I use social media, I feel more connected to friends and family.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
I do not use social media
613
10.2
11.5
Strongly disagree
226
3.8
4.2
Disagree
470
7.8
8.8
I am not sure
398
6.6
7.4
Agree
2311
38.4
43.2
Strongly agree
1329
22.1
24.9
Total
5347
88.8
100.0
No Response
672
11.2
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 62
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
When I use social media, I often respond in anger to people online.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
I do not use social media
1036
17.2
19.8
Strongly disagree
1188
19.7
22.7
Disagree
1807
30.0
34.6
I am not sure
469
7.8
9.0
Agree
500
8.3
9.6
Strongly agree
223
3.7
4.3
Total
5223
86.8
100.0
No Response
796
13.2
Total
6019
100.0
When I use social media, I have been hurt by other people’s words.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
I do not use social media
894
14.9
17.0
Strongly disagree
608
10.1
11.6
Disagree
1290
21.4
24.5
I am not sure
657
10.9
12.5
Agree
1459
24.2
27.7
Strongly agree
350
5.8
6.7
Total
5258
87.4
100.0
No Response
761
12.6
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 63
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
When I use social media, I find it hard to stop when I need to.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
I do not use social media
787
13.1
14.9
Strongly disagree
644
10.7
12.2
Disagree
1565
26.0
29.6
I am not sure
517
8.6
9.8
Agree
1265
21.0
23.9
Strongly agree
509
8.5
9.6
Total
5287
87.8
100.0
No Response
732
12.2
Total
6019
100.0
When I cannot use social media, I feel like I am missing out on what is happening
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
I do not use social media
700
11.6
13.0
Strongly disagree
630
10.5
11.7
Disagree
1096
18.2
20.3
I am not sure
572
9.5
10.6
Agree
1595
26.5
29.6
Strongly agree
796
13.2
14.8
Total
5389
89.5
100.0
No Response
630
10.5
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 64
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Programs and Initiatives of the General Conference of the SDA Church
The General Conference developed several specific programs and initiatives for churches
all across the world. Are the church members aware of, or have they participated in, these
programs and initiatives?
Awareness and Participation
Among these programs and initiatives where majority of the survey participants have
participated in are 10 Days of Prayer (63.2%), Total Member Involvement (58.8%), Annual Week
of Prayer (58.6%), and Revival and Reformation (58.5%). The I Will Go Strategic Focus 2020-
2025 was unveiled in July 2020, however, as of the last quarter of 2021 up to the second quarter
of 2022 when the data were gathered in SID, 20.4% of church member participants have not
heard of this program. About one-third of church members have heard about Comprehensive
Health Ministry, Global Mission, and Mission to the Cities but have not participated. Moreover,
30% of the survey participants have not heard of the Enditnow program.
I Will Go Strategic Focus 2020-2025
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
I have not heard of this program
1225
20.4
22.2
I have heard about this program,
but not participated
1477
24.5
26.7
I have participated in the program
2821
46.9
51.1
Total
5523
91.8
100.0
No Response
496
8.2
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 65
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Total Member Involvement
Frequency
Percent
Valid
Percent
I have not heard of this program
566
9.4
10.4
I have heard about this program,
but not participated
1334
22.2
24.5
I have participated in the
program
3540
58.8
65.1
Total
5440
90.4
100.0
No Response
579
9.6
Total
6019
100.0
Revival and Reformation
Frequency
Percent
Valid
Percent
I have not heard of this program
584
9.7
10.6
I have heard about this program, but
not participated
1380
22.9
25.1
I have participated in the program
3524
58.5
64.2
Total
5488
91.2
100.0
No Response
531
8.8
Total
6019
100.0
Mission to the Cities
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
I have not heard of this program
1438
23.9
26.9
I have heard about this program,
but not participated
1840
30.6
34.4
I have participated in the program
2072
34.4
38.7
Total
5350
88.9
100.0
No Response
669
11.1
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 66
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Comprehensive Health Ministry
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
I have not heard of this program
1640
27.2
30.8
I have heard about this program,
but not participated
2022
33.6
38.0
I have participated in the
program
1655
27.5
31.1
Total
5317
88.3
100.0
No Response
702
11.7
Total
6019
100.0
Believe His Prophets
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
I have not heard of this program
1495
24.8
27.8
I have heard about this program,
but not participated
1572
26.1
29.2
I have participated in the
program
2313
38.4
43.0
Total
5380
89.4
100.0
No Response
639
10.6
Total
6019
100.0
10 Days of Prayer
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
I have not heard of this program
576
9.6
10.5
I have heard about this program,
but not participated
1105
18.4
20.1
I have participated in the
program
3807
63.2
69.4
Total
5488
91.2
100.0
No Response
531
8.8
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 67
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Adventist Possibility Ministries
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
I have not heard of this program
2319
38.5
43.7
I have heard about this program,
but not participated
1472
24.5
27.7
I have participated in the
program
1514
25.2
28.5
Total
5305
88.1
100.0
No Response
714
11.9
Total
6019
100.0
Annual Week of Prayer
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
I have not heard of this program
792
13.2
14.6
I have heard about this program,
but not participated
1108
18.4
20.4
I have participated in the
program
3529
58.6
65.0
Total
5429
90.2
100.0
No Response
590
9.8
Total
6019
100.0
Global Mission
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
I have not heard of this program
1047
17.4
19.6
I have heard about this program,
but not participated
1865
31.0
34.9
I have participated in the
program
2435
40.5
45.5
Total
5347
88.8
100.0
No Response
672
11.2
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 68
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Enditnow
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
I have not heard of this program
1808
30.0
33.7
I have heard about this program,
but not participated
1601
26.6
29.9
I have participated in the
program
1950
32.4
36.4
Total
5359
89.0
100.0
No Response
660
11.0
Total
6019
100.0
Methods of Communicating GC Programs and Initiatives to Church Members
There had been different methods of communicating the GC programs and initiatives to
church members. The method that is most frequently used by church leaders in SID is through
announcements in church and this is done once a month in the last 12 months, on average. At
least 30% of the respondents have never received information about these programs and
initiatives by reading a website (43.3%) and on the television or radio (36.1%).
Page | 69
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Frequency of hearing one or more of the GC initiatives in the last 12 months
Descriptive Statistics
N
Minimum
Maximum
*Mean
Std. Deviation
At church
5322
0
5
2.85
1.699
On social media
5168
0
5
2.27
1.887
By word of mouth
5208
0
5
2.02
1.749
By reading a church
publication
5052
0
5
1.88
1.754
At a seminar or meeting
5071
0
5
1.86
1.570
On the television or radio
5057
0
5
1.62
1.789
By reading a website
5042
0
5
1.35
1.716
*Scale of Interpretation of the Mean:
0.00 – 0.49 Never 2.50 – 3.49 Once a month
0.50 – 1.49 Only once or twice 3.50 – 4.49 Almost every week
1.50 – 2.49 At least once a quarter 4.50 – 5.00 Every week
By word of mouth
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
1457
24.2
28.0
only once or twice
910
15.1
17.5
at least once a quarter
944
15.7
18.1
once a month
491
8.2
9.4
almost every week
791
13.1
15.2
every week
615
10.2
11.8
Total
5208
86.5
100.0
No Response
811
13.5
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 70
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
At church
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
604
10.0
11.3
only once or twice
798
13.3
15.0
at least once a quarter
924
15.4
17.4
once a month
640
10.6
12.0
almost every week
1165
19.4
21.9
every week
1191
19.8
22.4
Total
5322
88.4
100.0
No Response
697
11.6
Total
6019
100.0
At a seminar or meeting
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
1384
23.0
27.3
only once or twice
849
14.1
16.7
at least once a quarter
1196
19.9
23.6
once a month
748
12.4
14.8
almost every week
516
8.6
10.2
every week
378
6.3
7.5
Total
5071
84.2
100.0
No Response
948
15.8
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 71
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
By reading a church publication
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
1673
27.8
33.1
only once or twice
794
13.2
15.7
at least once a quarter
786
13.1
15.6
once a month
595
9.9
11.8
almost every week
660
11.0
13.1
every week
544
9.0
10.8
Total
5052
83.9
100.0
No Response
967
16.1
Total
6019
100.0
On the television or radio
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
2171
36.1
42.9
only once or twice
765
12.7
15.1
at least once a quarter
531
8.8
10.5
once a month
466
7.7
9.2
almost every week
629
10.5
12.4
every week
495
8.2
9.8
Total
5057
84.0
100.0
No Response
962
16.0
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 72
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
By reading a website
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
2607
43.3
51.7
only once or twice
651
10.8
12.9
at least once a quarter
463
7.7
9.2
once a month
427
7.1
8.5
almost every week
516
8.6
10.2
every week
378
6.3
7.5
Total
5042
83.8
100.0
No Response
977
16.2
Total
6019
100.0
On social media
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
never
1493
24.8
28.9
only once or twice
713
11.8
13.8
at least once a quarter
524
8.7
10.1
once a month
597
9.9
11.6
almost every week
1014
16.8
19.6
every week
827
13.7
16.0
Total
5168
85.9
100.0
No Response
851
14.1
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 73
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Section 4: Religious Attitudes and Experiences
To have a better understanding of the different types of experiences of members in the
SDA church, the survey asked about church members’ religious attitudes and experiences with
their face-to-face or virtual interactions not only in the local church but also in the Adventist
community. At least 70% of church member participants apply what they learn from the Bible to
their daily lives (79.9%), apply what they learn from Sabbath School lessons to their daily lives
(78.4%), feel proud of their local church and its role and reputation in their community (75.5%),
agree that youth and young adults are actively involved in carrying out the mission of their local
church (74.7%), feel that other people in their church care about them (72.3%), and perceive
that their local church (72.2%) and their conference/mission (69.5%) has a program for
preparing young people to become leaders. Fifty percent or less of church members are in
agreement to the following statements: My local church offers training on conflict resolution and
reconciliation (50%), Although I am religious, it does not affect my daily life (41.5%), I attend a
church that makes worship services available online (39.8%), and I currently provide financial
support for children (mine or others) to attend a Seventh-day Adventist school (33.7%).
Page | 74
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Descriptive Statistics
N
Min
Max
Mean
Std.
Deviation
I apply what I learn from the Bible to my daily life.
5596
1
5
4.08
.850
I apply what I learn from Sabbath School lessons to my daily
life.
5538
1
5
4.06
.834
I feel proud of my local church and its role and reputation in my
community.
5573
1
5
4.05
.951
Youth and young adults are actively involved in carrying out the
mission of my local church.
5612
1
5
3.97
.983
Other people in my church care about me.
5552
1
5
3.94
.914
My conference/mission has a program for preparing young
people to become leaders.
5583
1
5
3.92
.968
My local church has a program for preparing young people to
become leaders.
5660
1
5
3.91
1.022
My pastor cares about me.
5611
1
5
3.83
1.067
Youth and young adults play an important role in decision
-
making in my local church.
5570
1
5
3.79
1.048
I apply what I learn from Ellen White’s writings to my daily life.
5489
1
5
3.78
1.010
My local church offers training on nurture and discipling of
church members.
5567
1
5
3.73
1.079
My Sabbath School teachers or leaders care about me.
5612
1
5
3.72
1.076
My local church has a program for preparing new members to
become leaders.
5582
1
5
3.62
1.062
My local church has the ability to communicate across cultures,
clans, tribes, and religion.
5448
1
5
3.59
1.081
I attend a church that plans activities for everyone in my family.
5509
1
5
3.55
1.194
My local church offers training on conflict resolution and
reconciliation.
5509
1
5
3.41
1.147
Although I am religious, it does not affect my daily life.
5361
1
5
3.04
1.356
I attend a church that makes worship services available online.
5426
1
5
2.93
1.427
I currently provide financial support for children (mine or
others) to attend a Seventh-day Adventist school.
5418
1
5
2.80
1.319
*Scale of Interpretation of the Mean:
1.00 – 1.49 Strongly disagree 3.50 – 4.49 Agree
1.50 – 2.49 Disagree 4.50 – 5.00 Strongly agree
2.50 – 3.49 I am not sure
Page | 75
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
My Sabbath School teachers or leaders care about me.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
380
6.3
6.8
Disagree
303
5.0
5.4
I am not sure
1046
17.4
18.6
Agree
2639
43.8
47.0
Strongly agree
1244
20.7
22.2
Total
5612
93.2
100.0
No Response
407
6.8
Total
6019
100.0
My pastor cares about me.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
327
5.4
5.8
Disagree
276
4.6
4.9
I am not sure
953
15.8
17.0
Agree
2506
41.6
44.7
Strongly agree
1549
25.7
27.6
Total
5611
93.2
100.0
No Response
408
6.8
Total
6019
100.0
Other people in my church care about me.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
188
3.1
3.4
Disagree
179
3.0
3.2
I am not sure
835
13.9
15.0
Agree
2931
48.7
52.8
Strongly agree
1419
23.6
25.6
Total
5552
92.2
100.0
No Response
467
7.8
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 76
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
I feel proud of my local church and its role and reputation in my community.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
161
2.7
2.9
Disagree
278
4.6
5.0
I am not sure
586
9.7
10.5
Agree
2638
43.8
47.3
Strongly agree
1910
31.7
34.3
Total
5573
92.6
100.0
No Response
446
7.4
Total
6019
100.0
I attend a church that plans activities for everyone in my family.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
440
7.3
8.0
Disagree
759
12.6
13.8
I am not sure
827
13.7
15.0
Agree
2320
38.5
42.1
Strongly agree
1163
19.3
21.1
Total
5509
91.5
100.0
No Response
510
8.5
Total
6019
100.0
I attend a church that makes worship services available online.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
1208
20.1
22.3
Disagree
1248
20.7
23.0
I am not sure
574
9.5
10.6
Agree
1530
25.4
28.2
Strongly agree
866
14.4
16.0
Total
5426
90.1
100.0
No Response
593
9.9
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 77
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Youth and young adults play an important role in decision-making in my local church.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
269
4.5
4.8
Disagree
457
7.6
8.2
I am not sure
792
13.2
14.2
Agree
2727
45.3
49.0
Strongly agree
1325
22.0
23.8
Total
5570
92.5
100.0
No Response
449
7.5
Total
6019
100.0
Youth and young adults are actively involved in carrying out the mission of my local
church.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
206
3.4
3.7
Disagree
332
5.5
5.9
I am not sure
576
9.6
10.3
Agree
2830
47.0
50.4
Strongly agree
1668
27.7
29.7
Total
5612
93.2
100.0
No Response
407
6.8
Total
6019
100.0
My local church has a program for preparing young people to become leaders.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
221
3.7
3.9
Disagree
405
6.7
7.2
I am not sure
691
11.5
12.2
Agree
2689
44.7
47.5
Strongly agree
1654
27.5
29.2
Total
5660
94.0
100.0
No Response
359
6.0
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 78
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
My conference/mission has a program for preparing young people to become leaders.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
188
3.1
3.4
Disagree
264
4.4
4.7
I am not sure
945
15.7
16.9
Agree
2608
43.3
46.7
Strongly agree
1578
26.2
28.3
Total
5583
92.8
100.0
No Response
436
7.2
Total
6019
100.0
My local church has a program for preparing new members to become leaders.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
282
4.7
5.1
Disagree
557
9.3
10.0
I am not sure
1232
20.5
22.1
Agree
2425
40.3
43.4
Strongly agree
1086
18.0
19.5
Total
5582
92.7
100.0
No Response
437
7.3
Total
6019
100.0
I currently provide financial support for children (mine or others) to attend a Seventh-day
Adventist school.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
1033
17.2
19.1
Disagree
1635
27.2
30.2
I am not sure
722
12.0
13.3
Agree
1417
23.5
26.2
Strongly agree
611
10.2
11.3
Total
5418
90.0
100.0
No Response
601
10.0
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 79
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
I apply what I learn from the Bible to my daily life.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
134
2.2
2.4
Disagree
181
3.0
3.2
I am not sure
470
7.8
8.4
Agree
3136
52.1
56.0
Strongly agree
1675
27.8
29.9
Total
5596
93.0
100.0
No Response
423
7.0
Total
6019
100.0
I apply what I learn from Sabbath School lessons to my daily life.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
118
2.0
2.1
Disagree
174
2.9
3.1
I am not sure
528
8.8
9.5
Agree
3129
52.0
56.5
Strongly agree
1589
26.4
28.7
Total
5538
92.0
100.0
No Response
481
8.0
Total
6019
100.0
I apply what I learn from Ellen White’s writings to my daily life.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
238
4.0
4.3
Disagree
400
6.6
7.3
I am not sure
911
15.1
16.6
Agree
2730
45.4
49.7
Strongly agree
1210
20.1
22.0
Total
5489
91.2
100.0
No Response
530
8.8
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 80
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Although I am religious, it does not affect my daily life.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
943
15.7
17.6
Disagree
1210
20.1
22.6
I am not sure
710
11.8
13.2
Agree
1705
28.3
31.8
Strongly agree
793
13.2
14.8
Total
5361
89.1
100.0
No Response
658
10.9
Total
6019
100.0
My local church has the ability to communicate across cultures, clans, tribes, and religion.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
340
5.6
6.2
Disagree
500
8.3
9.2
I am not sure
1230
20.4
22.6
Agree
2378
39.5
43.6
Strongly agree
1000
16.6
18.4
Total
5448
90.5
100.0
No Response
571
9.5
Total
6019
100.0
My local church offers training on conflict resolution and reconciliation.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
478
7.9
8.7
Disagree
670
11.1
12.2
I am not sure
1343
22.3
24.4
Agree
2163
35.9
39.3
Strongly agree
855
14.2
15.5
Total
5509
91.5
100.0
No Response
510
8.5
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 81
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
My local church offers training on nurture and discipling of church members.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
311
5.2
5.6
Disagree
483
8.0
8.7
I am not sure
871
14.5
15.6
Agree
2622
43.6
47.1
Strongly agree
1280
21.3
23.0
Total
5567
92.5
100.0
No Response
452
7.5
Total
6019
100.0
Access to White’s Books and Adventist Publications in a Language that is Understood
Only 40.4% of church members are able to always access books by Ellen G. White in a
language that they understand. More than half of the respondents are able to access printed
Adventist publications in their language which are available at major church gatherings, such as
camp meetings or conferences (57.3%) or at an Adventist Book Center Store (55.1%).
Have you been able to access books by Ellen G. White in a language that you understand?
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Yes, always.
2431
40.4
46.0
Yes, for one or more of
Patriarchs and Prophets, ... but
not always for others.
1171
19.5
22.2
Only sometimes.
745
12.4
14.1
No, not at all.
557
9.3
10.5
I have not tried to access books
by Ellen G. White.
333
5.5
6.3
I do not know who Ellen G.
White is.
46
.8
.9
Total
5283
87.8
100.0
No Response
736
12.2
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 82
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Access to electronic books and/or other digital publications available for free
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
No
2708
45.0
50.4
Yes
2664
44.3
49.6
Total
5372
89.3
100.0
No Response
647
10.7
Total
6019
100.0
Access to electronic books and/or other digital publications available to be purchased
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
No
2913
48.4
56.8
Yes
2212
36.8
43.2
Total
5125
85.1
100.0
No Response
894
14.9
Total
6019
100.0
Access to printed publications available at local church book center
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
No
2241
37.2
43.1
Yes
2954
49.1
56.9
Total
5195
86.3
100.0
No Response
824
13.7
Total
6019
100.0
Access to printed publications available at an Adventist Book Center Store
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
No
1901
31.6
36.5
Yes
3314
55.1
63.5
Total
5215
86.6
100.0
No Response
804
13.4
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 83
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Access to printed publications available at major church gatherings, such as camp
meetings or conferences
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
No
1785
29.7
34.1
Yes
3450
57.3
65.9
Total
5235
87.0
100.0
No Response
784
13.0
Total
6019
100.0
Nurturing and Reaching Out Activities of the Local Church
Church members were asked about how their local church nurture people attending the
church and reach out to the community and former members as well as about their involvement
in nurturing (taking care of and helping other church members spiritually, emotionally, and
physically) and reaching out (spreading the Gospel and conducting evangelistic outreach, serving
people in the community around your church to meet their material, social, or health needs, or
reclaiming former members) activities.
More or less 3% responded that the nurturing and reaching out activities do not apply to
their church. On average, survey participants think that the nurturing and reaching out activities
of their local church as well as their involvement in these activities need to increase.
Page | 84
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Descriptive Statistics
N
Min
Max
Mean
Std.
Deviation
Overall reclaiming of former members by my
church…
5231
1
5
4.17
.904
My involvement in reclaiming of former church
members…
5217
1
5
4.17
.876
Overall efforts by my church to meet the needs
of my local community…
5319
1
5
4.10
.868
My involvement in including young people in
carrying out the mission of my local church…
5221
1
5
4.09
.865
My involvement in evangelistic outreach by my
church to the local community…
5310
1
5
4.08
.867
My involvement in efforts to meet the needs of
my local community through my church…
5331
1
5
4.08
.844
My involvement in caring for and nurturing local
church members…
5296
1
5
4.06
.846
Overall inclusion of young people in carrying
out the mission of my local church…
5227
1
5
4.06
.879
Overall caring for and nurturing members by my
church…
5310
1
5
4.04
.870
Overall evangelistic outreach by my church in
the local community…
5316
1
5
4.02
.938
*Scale of Interpretation of the Mean (excluding the response does not apply to my church):
1.00 – 1.49 Needs to decrease greatly 3.50 – 4.49 Needs to increase
1.50 – 2.49 Needs to decrease 4.50 – 5.00 Needs to increase greatly
2.50 – 3.49 Is at the right level
Page | 85
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Overall evangelistic outreach by my church in the local community…
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Does not apply to my church
235
3.9
4.2
Needs to decrease greatly
180
3.0
3.2
Needs to decrease somewhat
118
2.0
2.1
Is at the right level
853
14.2
15.4
Needs to increase somewhat
2427
40.3
43.7
Needs to increase greatly
1738
28.9
31.3
Total
5551
92.2
100.0
No Response
468
7.8
Total
6019
100.0
My involvement in evangelistic outreach by my church to the local community…
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Does not apply to my church
178
3.0
3.2
Needs to decrease greatly
109
1.8
2.0
Needs to decrease somewhat
125
2.1
2.3
Is at the right level
773
12.8
14.1
Needs to increase somewhat
2530
42.0
46.1
Needs to increase greatly
1773
29.5
32.3
Total
5488
91.2
100.0
No Response
531
8.8
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 86
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Overall efforts by my church to meet the needs of my local community…
Frequency
Percent
Valid
Percent
Does not apply to my church
155
2.6
2.8
Needs to decrease greatly
106
1.8
1.9
Needs to decrease somewhat
125
2.1
2.3
Is at the right level
764
12.7
14.0
Needs to increase somewhat
2483
41.3
45.4
Needs to increase greatly
1841
30.6
33.6
Total
5474
90.9
100.0
No Response
545
9.1
Total
6019
100.0
My involvement in efforts to meet the needs of my local community through my church…
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Does not apply to my church
143
2.4
2.6
Needs to decrease greatly
99
1.6
1.8
Needs to decrease somewhat
128
2.1
2.3
Is at the right level
731
12.1
13.4
Needs to increase somewhat
2674
44.4
48.8
Needs to increase greatly
1699
28.2
31.0
Total
5474
90.9
100.0
No Response
545
9.1
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 87
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Overall caring for and nurturing members by my church…
Frequency
Percent
Valid
Percent
Does not apply to my church
127
2.1
2.3
Needs to decrease greatly
100
1.7
1.8
Needs to decrease somewhat
141
2.3
2.6
Is at the right level
876
14.6
16.1
Needs to increase somewhat
2506
41.6
46.1
Needs to increase greatly
1687
28.0
31.0
Total
5437
90.3
100.0
No Response
582
9.7
Total
6019
100.0
My involvement in caring for and nurturing local church members…
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Does not apply to my church
133
2.2
2.4
Needs to decrease greatly
89
1.5
1.6
Needs to decrease somewhat
121
2.0
2.2
Is at the right level
842
14.0
15.5
Needs to increase somewhat
2556
42.5
47.1
Needs to increase greatly
1688
28.0
31.1
Total
5429
90.2
100.0
No Response
590
9.8
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 88
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Overall reclaiming of former members by my church…
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Does not apply to my church
194
3.2
3.6
Needs to decrease greatly
118
2.0
2.2
Needs to decrease somewhat
149
2.5
2.7
Is at the right level
607
10.1
11.2
Needs to increase somewhat
2195
36.5
40.5
Needs to increase greatly
2162
35.9
39.9
Total
5425
90.1
100.0
No Response
594
9.9
Total
6019
100.0
My involvement in reclaiming of former church members…
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Does not apply to my church
201
3.3
3.7
Needs to decrease greatly
96
1.6
1.8
Needs to decrease somewhat
140
2.3
2.6
Is at the right level
641
10.6
11.8
Needs to increase somewhat
2259
37.5
41.7
Needs to increase greatly
2081
34.6
38.4
Total
5418
90.0
100.0
No Response
601
10.0
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 89
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Overall inclusion of young people in carrying out the mission of my local church…
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Does not apply to my church
156
2.6
2.9
Needs to decrease greatly
88
1.5
1.6
Needs to decrease somewhat
135
2.2
2.5
Is at the right level
930
15.5
17.3
Needs to increase somewhat
2281
37.9
42.4
Needs to increase greatly
1793
29.8
33.3
Total
5383
89.4
100.0
No Response
636
10.6
Total
6019
100.0
My involvement in including young people in carrying out the mission of my local church…
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Does not apply to my church
166
2.8
3.1
Needs to decrease greatly
87
1.4
1.6
Needs to decrease somewhat
131
2.2
2.4
Is at the right level
823
13.7
15.3
Needs to increase somewhat
2361
39.2
43.8
Needs to increase greatly
1819
30.2
33.8
Total
5387
89.5
100.0
No Response
632
10.5
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 90
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Overall Satisfaction with and Commitment to the Church and to Jesus Christ
On a scale of 1 to 5 (1 being very dissatisfied and 5 being very satisfied), the mean
degree of satisfaction is 4.07 with a standard deviation of 1.095. Forty-three percent are very
satisfied with their local church. The mean likelihood of attending the SDA church for the rest of
the member’s life is 4.72 with a standard deviation of .727. More than three-fourths (77.5%) of
the church members responded that it is very likely that they will attend the SDA church for the
rest of their life. Moreover, 82.2% indicated that they are currently fully committed Jesus Christ,
whether their commitment to Christ has developed gradually over a period of time (34.6%) or
came suddenly and was changed (14.1%), or they have been committed to Christ since they were
young (33.5%).
How satisfied are you with your local church?
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Very dissatisfied
254
4.2
4.5
2
219
3.6
3.9
3
976
16.2
17.5
4
1551
25.8
27.7
Very satisfied
2591
43.0
46.3
Total
5591
92.9
100.0
No Response
428
7.1
Total
6019
100.0
Descriptive Statistics
N
Minimum
Maximum
Mean
Std. Deviation
Degree of satisfaction
of members with local
SDA church
5591
1
5
4.07
1.095
Page | 91
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
How likely is it that you will be attending a Seventh-day Adventist Church for the rest of
your life?
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Very unlikely
81
1.3
1.4
2
72
1.2
1.3
3
219
3.6
3.9
4
585
9.7
10.4
Very likely
4665
77.5
83.0
Total
5622
93.4
100.0
No Response
397
6.6
Total
6019
100.0
Descriptive Statistics
N
Minimum
Maximum
Mean
Std. Deviation
Likelihood of attending a
Seventh
-
day Adventist
Church for the rest of the
member's life
5622
1
5
4.72
.727
Page | 92
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Which of the following best describes your commitment to Jesus Christ?
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
I am not committed to Christ.
95
1.6
1.7
I am not sure if I am committed to
Christ.
164
2.7
3.0
I committed my life to Christ at a
specific moment in my life, but it
didn’t last.
309
5.1
5.6
My commitment to Christ has
developed gradually over a period of
time and I am fully committed to
Christ now.
2081
34.6
37.8
My commitment to Christ came
suddenly and I was changed; I am
fully committed to Christ now.
846
14.1
15.4
I have been committed to Christ since
I was a young child and continue to be
fully committed to Him now.
2015
33.5
36.6
Total
5510
91.5
100.0
No Response
509
8.5
Total
6019
100.0
Attitudes that May Not Always Relate to Religion
Close to 50% of the survey participants indicated that they often feel their life is filled
with meaning and purpose (55.7%), feel a deep sense of responsibility for reducing pain and
suffering in the world (47.7%), and help others with their religious questions and struggles
(46.7%). A quarter (24.9%) of the respondents never apply their faith to political and social
issues.
Page | 93
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Descriptive Statistics
N
Min
Never
Max
Often
Mean
Std.
Deviation
I feel my life is filled with meaning and
purpose.
5436
1
5
4.37
.979
I feel a deep sense of responsibility for
reducing pain and suffering in the
world.
5445
1
5
4.15
1.129
I help others with their religious
questions and struggles.
5545
1
5
4.06
1.188
I give a significant amount of time to
help other people.
5472
1
5
3.92
1.171
I show that I care a great deal about
reducing poverty in society.
5375
1
5
3.53
1.344
I give a significant amount of money to
help other people.
5412
1
5
3.41
1.357
I apply my faith to political and social
issues.
5356
1
5
3.10
1.605
I help others with their religious questions and struggles.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Never
316
5.3
5.7
2
312
5.2
5.6
3
936
15.6
16.9
4
1168
19.4
21.1
Often
2813
46.7
50.7
Total
5545
92.1
100.0
No Response
474
7.9
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 94
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
I feel a deep sense of responsibility for reducing pain and suffering in the world.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Never
264
4.4
4.8
2
275
4.6
5.1
3
714
11.9
13.1
4
1323
22.0
24.3
Often
2869
47.7
52.7
Total
5445
90.5
100.0
No Response
574
9.5
Total
6019
100.0
I give a significant amount of time to help other people.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Never
235
3.9
4.3
2
490
8.1
9.0
3
1108
18.4
20.2
4
1289
21.4
23.6
Often
2350
39.0
42.9
Total
5472
90.9
100.0
No Response
547
9.1
Total
6019
100.0
I give a significant amount of money to help other people.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Never
583
9.7
10.8
2
937
15.6
17.3
3
1218
20.2
22.5
4
1034
17.2
19.1
Often
1640
27.2
30.3
Total
5412
89.9
100.0
No Response
607
10.1
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 95
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
I show that I care a great deal about reducing poverty in society.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Never
566
9.4
10.5
2
714
11.9
13.3
3
1179
19.6
21.9
4
1146
19.0
21.3
Often
1770
29.4
32.9
Total
5375
89.3
100.0
No Response
644
10.7
Total
6019
100.0
I apply my faith to political and social issues.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Never
1496
24.9
27.9
2
578
9.6
10.8
3
733
12.2
13.7
4
966
16.0
18.0
Often
1583
26.3
29.6
Total
5356
89.0
100.0
No Response
663
11.0
Total
6019
100.0
I feel my life is filled with meaning and purpose.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Never
166
2.8
3.1
2
151
2.5
2.8
3
520
8.6
9.6
4
1248
20.7
23.0
Often
3351
55.7
61.6
Total
5436
90.3
100.0
No Response
583
9.7
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 96
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Sabbath-Keeping Experience
More than 80% of the church members cope better with the stresses of the week when
they keep the Sabbath faithfully (81.7%) and signified that keeping the Sabbath is part of who
they are and not something that they do because they have to (83.5%).
When I keep the Sabbath faithfully, I cope better with the stresses of the week.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
147
2.4
2.6
Disagree
148
2.5
2.7
I am not sure
336
5.6
6.1
Agree
1898
31.5
34.2
Strongly agree
3019
50.2
54.4
Total
5548
92.2
100.0
No Response
471
7.8
Total
6019
100.0
Keeping the Sabbath is part of who I am, not something that I do because I have to.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
151
2.5
2.7
Disagree
151
2.5
2.7
I am not sure
238
4.0
4.3
Agree
1704
28.3
30.6
Strongly agree
3324
55.2
59.7
Total
5568
92.5
100.0
No Response
451
7.5
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 97
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Church Members’ Well-Being
In general, the descriptions of positive well-being are mostly true for the church members
over the past 12 months. They indicated that they more often have a sense of gratitude and have
grown spiritually leading to changing their priorities and spending more time thinking about
spiritual questions. Despite the pandemic, 61% signified that their faith has not been shaken and
they are sure what they believe. Moreover, more than 48% have never been bothered by feelings
of discouragement, depression, or hopelessness over the last two weeks. It should be noted,
though, that there were few who have had suicidal thoughts (8.8%), have attempted suicide
(4.6%), and have harmed themselves (13.1%) during the past 12 months.
Extent to which statements are true over the past 12 months
Descriptive Statistics
N
Min
Max
*Mean
Std.
Deviation
I more often have a sense of gratitude.
5414
1
5
3.96
1.041
I have grown spiritually.
5598
1
5
3.81
1.153
Because of spiritual changes I have been
through I have changed my priorities.
5456
1
5
3.77
1.143
I spend more time thinking about spiritual
questions.
5338
1
5
3.70
1.150
In some ways I think I am spiritually lost.
5275
1
5
2.24
1.363
I feel I have lost some important spiritual
meaning that I had before.
5288
1
5
2.05
1.360
My faith has been shaken and I am not sure
what I believe.
5311
1
5
1.71
1.219
*Scale of Interpretation of the Mean:
1.00 – 1.49 Not true at all for me 3.50 – 4.49 Mostly true
1.50 – 2.49 A little true for me 4.50 – 5.00 True for me a great deal
2.50 – 3.49 Somewhat true
Page | 98
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
I have grown spiritually.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Not true at all for me
288
4.8
5.1
A little true for me
558
9.3
10.0
Somewhat true
955
15.9
17.1
Mostly true
1929
32.0
34.5
True for me a great deal
1868
31.0
33.4
Total
5598
93.0
100.0
No Response
421
7.0
Total
6019
100.0
Because of spiritual changes I have been through I have changed my priorities.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Not true at all for me
314
5.2
5.8
A little true for me
483
8.0
8.9
Somewhat true
1015
16.9
18.6
Mostly true
1991
33.1
36.5
True for me a great deal
1653
27.5
30.3
Total
5456
90.6
100.0
No Response
563
9.4
Total
6019
100.0
I more often have a sense of gratitude.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Not true at all for me
200
3.3
3.7
A little true for me
344
5.7
6.4
Somewhat true
825
13.7
15.2
Mostly true
2168
36.0
40.0
True for me a great deal
1877
31.2
34.7
Total
5414
89.9
100.0
No Response
605
10.1
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 99
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
I spend more time thinking about spiritual questions.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Not true at all for me
305
5.1
5.7
A little true for me
561
9.3
10.5
Somewhat true
1057
17.6
19.8
Mostly true
1926
32.0
36.1
True for me a great deal
1489
24.7
27.9
Total
5338
88.7
100.0
No Response
681
11.3
Total
6019
100.0
In some ways I think I am spiritually lost.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Not true at all for me
2375
39.5
45.0
A little true for me
874
14.5
16.6
Somewhat true
812
13.5
15.4
Mostly true
800
13.3
15.2
True for me a great deal
414
6.9
7.8
Total
5275
87.6
100.0
No Response
744
12.4
Total
6019
100.0
My faith has been shaken and I am not sure what I believe.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Not true at all for me
3670
61.0
69.1
A little true for me
525
8.7
9.9
Somewhat true
390
6.5
7.3
Mostly true
449
7.5
8.5
True for me a great deal
277
4.6
5.2
Total
5311
88.2
100.0
No Response
708
11.8
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 100
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
I feel I have lost some important spiritual meaning that I had before.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Not true at all for me
2875
47.8
54.4
A little true for me
776
12.9
14.7
Somewhat true
565
9.4
10.7
Mostly true
661
11.0
12.5
True for me a great deal
411
6.8
7.8
Total
5288
87.9
100.0
No Response
731
12.1
Total
6019
100.0
Frequency over the last 2 weeks
Little interest or pleasure in doing things
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Not at all
2688
44.7
48.6
Several days
1772
29.4
32.1
More than 7 days
458
7.6
8.3
Nearly every day
608
10.1
11.0
Total
5526
91.8
100.0
No Response
493
8.2
Total
6019
100.0
Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Not at all
2875
47.8
52.9
Several days
1550
25.8
28.5
More than 7 days
474
7.9
8.7
Nearly every day
536
8.9
9.9
Total
5435
90.3
100.0
No Response
584
9.7
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 101
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Experience during the past 12 months
I have had suicidal thoughts.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
No
4998
83.0
90.4
Yes
528
8.8
9.6
Total
5526
91.8
100.0
No Response
493
8.2
Total
6019
100.0
I have attempted suicide.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
No
5183
86.1
95.0
Yes
274
4.6
5.0
Total
5457
90.7
100.0
No Response
562
9.3
Total
6019
100.0
I have harmed myself.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
No
4717
78.4
85.7
Yes
788
13.1
14.3
Total
5505
91.5
100.0
No Response
514
8.5
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 102
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Section 6: Beliefs
In general, survey participants are in agreement with most SDA belief statements. At
least 70% strongly agreed that the true Sabbath is the seventh-day (Saturday) (75%), the head
of the Church is Christ (74.9%), the Seventh-day Adventist Church is God’s true last-day church
with a message to prepare the world for the Second Coming of Christ by proclaiming the Three
Angels’ Message (71.1%), and salvation is through Jesus Christ alone (70.9%).
Salvation and God’s Grace
On beliefs about salvation and God’s grace, majority agreed/strongly agreed to the
following statements: Salvation is through Jesus Christ alone (88.4%), I am saved the moment I
believe and accept what Jesus has done for me (83.9%), The reason that I do good works is
because I have been saved by grace (74.2%), I will not get to heaven unless I obey God’s law
perfectly (72.3%), and In order to receive God’s grace, I must first live by His rules (55.7%).
However, there seems to have a mix-up on these beliefs as 2,389 (40%) participants believe all
statements. Moreover, 49.9% believe that the more that they follow health and lifestyle
standards, the more likely they will be saved.
State of the Dead
Although 84% believe that when people die, their bodily remains decay and they have no
consciousness or activity until they are resurrected, there are 35.6% who believe that the soul is
a separate, spiritual part of a person and lives on after death. In addition, 22.7% believe that
people who died believing in Christ are in heaven right now and 18.6% believe that people who
have rejected Christ are burning in hell right now.
What is thought-provoking is the fact that even though a great majority of the survey
participants are in agreement with the biblical view on the state of the dead, which is held by the
Page | 103
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
SDA Church, the traditional belief still creeps in the worldview of a good number of the church
members. One-thousand nine hundred and six (31.67%) agreed/strongly agreed to both of these
statements: When people die, their bodily remains decay and they have no consciousness or
activity until they are resurrected and The soul is a separate, spiritual part of a person and lives
on after death. Furthermore, 9% of the respondents who believe in the biblical (SDA) view of
the state of the dead also believe that people who died believing in Christ are in heaven right
now and people who have rejected Christ are burning in hell right now.
Adventist Education
Regarding beliefs on Adventist Education, two-thirds of respondents believe that there
are very distinct theological and worldview differences between what is being taught in a public
or government school and what is being taught in a Seventh-day (uniqueness of SDA education)
(66.9%) and that every local church should either operate or contribute to the operation of a
school (66.5%). Correlation analysis revealed that there is a significant positive correlation
between belief on the uniqueness of SDA education and belief on local church’s operation
of/contribution to SDA schools, ρ(5286) = .389, p < .001. This implies that church members who
believe that SDA education has distinct theological and worldview differences from public
education tend to support the local church’s operation of or contribution to an Adventist school.
Correlation
Belief on local
church's operation of/
contribution to SDA
schools
Belief on the
uniqueness of
SDA education
Spearman’s
Correlation Coefficient
.389
**
Sig. (2-tailed)
<.001
N
5288
**. Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed).
Page | 104
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Other Beliefs
Belief in witchcraft and communicating with the dead is still alive among church
members in SID. There are 17.7% of the survey participants who believe that Christians may go
to witch doctors or spiritual healers for spiritual healing and 12.8% believe that the dead have
powers to communicate with and influence the living.
Regarding beliefs related to church unity in diversity, 43% believe that different world
regions of the Adventist Church should be allowed after consultation with the worldwide church
to set their own administrative policies. Additionally, two-thirds of church members believe that
church unity means uniformity in more than doctrinal belief.
Close to 85% of survey participants are in agreement with the Biblical teaching that
sexual intercourse should be exclusively reserved for marriage (84.9%) and that marriage is a
union between an adult man and an adult woman (84.7%).
Page | 105
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Descriptive Statistics
N
Min
Max
*Mean
Std.
Deviation
The true Sabbath is the seventh day (Saturday).
5556
1
5
4.76
.599
The head of the Church is Christ.
5584
1
5
4.75
.618
The Seventh-day Adventist Church is God’s true
last
-day church with a message to
prepare the world
for the Second Coming of Christ by proclaiming the
Three Angels’ Message.
5633
1
5
4.68
.682
Salvation is through Jesus Christ alone.
5599
1
5
4.67
.728
My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.
5582
1
5
4.63
.766
God wants me to take care of my body by avoiding
alcohol, tobacco, and the irresponsible use of other
drugs.
5619
1
5
4.63
.820
Ellen White’s writings are the result of the spiritual
gift of prophecy.
5582
1
5
4.58
.714
The Seventh-day Adventist Fundamental Beliefs are
the teaching of Holy Scripture.
5635
1
5
4.58
.733
Fulfillment of prophecy and events in the world
indicate that Christ’s coming is very near.
5588
1
5
4.56
.871
The Bible teaches that sexual intercourse should be
exclusively reserved for marriage.
5463
1
5
4.56
.743
I believe God created the universe.
5556
1
5
4.53
.991
The Bible teaches that marriage is a union between
an adult man and an adult woman.
5498
1
5
4.52
.777
The Seventh-day Adventist Fundamental Beliefs as
a whole reflect the loving and gracious character of
God.
5537
1
5
4.51
.717
I believe in a personal God who seeks a relationship
with human beings.
5546
1
5
4.51
.893
Tithing is still required of all people by God.
5444
1
5
4.50
.773
Prayer in the name of Jesus is the only way to defeat
evil powers and demonic spirits.
5545
1
5
4.50
.878
The most effective method for reaching people for
Christ is to mingle with them, meet their needs, win
their confidence, and then bid them to follow Christ.
5567
1
5
4.49
.832
*Scale of Interpretation of the Mean:
1.00 – 1.49 Strongly disagree 3.50 – 4.49 Agree
1.50 – 2.49 Disagree 4.50 – 5.00 Strongly agree
2.50 – 3.49 I am not sure
Page | 106
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Descriptive Statistics (continuation)
N
Min
Max
*Mean
Std.
Deviation
When people die, their bodily remains decay and
they have no consciousness or activity until they are
resurrected.
5584
1
5
4.48
.984
I am saved the moment I believe and accept what
Jesus has done for me.
5547
1
5
4.47
.874
All believers are called by God to serve each other
without distinction of race, culture, education,
nationality, gender, or wealth.
5560
1
5
4.47
.915
Only people who accept Jesus as their personal
Savior can go to Heaven.
5537
1
5
4.45
.888
I believe God created the world in six literal days in
the relatively recent past.
5401
1
5
4.40
1.037
The sanctuary doctrine is vital to Adventist
theology.
5454
1
5
4.34
.855
In order to reach people for Christ, we need to get to
know them and their needs before we preach the
Gospel to them.
5467
1
5
4.29
.944
I am loved by God even when I sin.
5446
1
5
4.24
1.010
The reason that I do good works is because I have
been saved by grace.
5393
1
5
4.15
1.059
Because Jesus was able to live without sinning, it is
possible for believers to grow in Christian maturity
so that in the final days of Earth’s history we will
reach a state of sinless perfection.
5498
1
5
4.13
1.044
I will not get to Heaven unless I obey God’s law
perfectly.
5540
1
5
4.07
1.243
Church unity means uniformity in more than
doctrinal belief.
5296
1
5
4.02
1.086
*Scale of Interpretation of the Mean:
1.00 – 1.49 Strongly disagree 3.50 – 4.49 Agree
1.50 – 2.49 Disagree 4.50 – 5.00 Strongly agree
2.50 – 3.49 I am not sure
Page | 107
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Descriptive Statistics (continuation)
N
Min
Max
*Mean
Std.
Deviation
There are very distinct theological and
worldview differences between what is being
taught in a public or government school and
what is being taught in a
Seventh-
day Adventist
school.
5388
1
5
3.96
1.024
Every local church should either operate or
contribute to the operation of a school.
5397
1
5
3.94
.983
Jesus Christ will return in my lifetime.
5397
1
5
3.52
1.089
The Holy Spirit is God’s power in the world,
not a Person.
5463
1
5
3.51
1.570
In order to receive God’s grace, I must first live
by His rules.
5456
1
5
3.43
1.502
The more that I follow Adventist health and
lifestyle standards, the more likely I will be
saved.
5379
1
5
3.34
1.399
Different world regions of the Adventist
Church should be allowed after consultation
with the worldwide church to set their own
administrative policies.
5315
1
5
3.29
1.340
People have a certain amount of faith and they
really cannot do much to change it.
5330
1
5
2.85
1.338
The soul is a separate, spiritual part of a person
and lives on after death.
5430
1
5
2.66
1.638
People who have died believing in Christ are in
Heaven right now.
5504
1
5
2.16
1.538
People who have rejected Christ are burning in
Hell right now.
5428
1
5
2.04
1.419
Christians may go to witch doctors or spiritual
healers for protection or healing.
5535
1
5
1.86
1.419
The dead have powers to communicate with
and influence the living.
5528
1
5
1.70
1.262
*Scale of Interpretation of the Mean:
1.00 – 1.49 Strongly disagree 3.50 – 4.49 Agree
1.50 – 2.49 Disagree 4.50 – 5.00 Strongly agree
2.50 – 3.49 I am not sure
Page | 108
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
The Seventh-day Adventist Fundamental Beliefs are the teaching of Holy Scripture.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
81
1.3
1.4
Disagree
66
1.1
1.2
I am not sure
144
2.4
2.6
Agree
1533
25.5
27.2
Strongly agree
3811
63.3
67.6
Total
5635
93.6
100.0
No Response
384
6.4
Total
6019
100.0
I believe in a personal God who seeks a relationship with human beings.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
176
2.9
3.2
Disagree
96
1.6
1.7
I am not sure
173
2.9
3.1
Agree
1375
22.8
24.8
Strongly agree
3726
61.9
67.2
Total
5546
92.1
100.0
No Response
473
7.9
Total
6019
100.0
The soul is a separate, spiritual part of a person and lives on after death.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
2267
37.7
41.7
Disagree
577
9.6
10.6
I am not sure
441
7.3
8.1
Agree
1012
16.8
18.6
Strongly agree
1133
18.8
20.9
Total
5430
90.2
100.0
No Response
589
9.8
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 109
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Salvation is through Jesus Christ alone.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
90
1.5
1.6
Disagree
69
1.1
1.2
I am not sure
117
1.9
2.1
Agree
1053
17.5
18.8
Strongly agree
4270
70.9
76.3
Total
5599
93.0
100.0
No Response
420
7.0
Total
6019
100.0
I believe God created the world in six literal days in the relatively recent past.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
255
4.2
4.7
Disagree
172
2.9
3.2
I am not sure
211
3.5
3.9
Agree
1302
21.6
24.1
Strongly agree
3461
57.5
64.1
Total
5401
89.7
100.0
No Response
618
10.3
Total
6019
100.0
The Seventh-day Adventist Church is God’s true last-day church with a message to
prepare the world for the Second Coming of Christ by proclaiming the Three Angels’
Message.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
61
1.0
1.1
Disagree
52
.9
.9
I am not sure
172
2.9
3.1
Agree
1068
17.7
19.0
Strongly agree
4280
71.1
76.0
Total
5633
93.6
100.0
No Response
386
6.4
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 110
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
I will not get to Heaven unless I obey God’s law perfectly.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
438
7.3
7.9
Disagree
356
5.9
6.4
I am not sure
398
6.6
7.2
Agree
1532
25.5
27.7
Strongly agree
2816
46.8
50.8
Total
5540
92.0
100.0
No Response
479
8.0
Total
6019
100.0
The most effective method for reaching people for Christ is to mingle with them, meet their
needs, win their confidence, and then bid them to follow Christ.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
109
1.8
2.0
Disagree
117
1.9
2.1
I am not sure
226
3.8
4.1
Agree
1587
26.4
28.5
Strongly agree
3528
58.6
63.4
Total
5567
92.5
100.0
No Response
452
7.5
Total
6019
100.0
Fulfillment of prophecy and events in the world indicate that Christ’s coming is very near.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
184
3.1
3.3
Disagree
70
1.2
1.3
I am not sure
120
2.0
2.1
Agree
1254
20.8
22.4
Strongly agree
3960
65.8
70.9
Total
5588
92.8
100.0
No Response
431
7.2
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 111
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Christians may go to witch doctors or spiritual healers for protection or healing.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
3725
61.9
67.3
Disagree
511
8.5
9.2
I am not sure
231
3.8
4.2
Agree
465
7.7
8.4
Strongly agree
603
10.0
10.9
Total
5535
92.0
100.0
No Response
484
8.0
Total
6019
100.0
When people die, their bodily remains decay and they have no consciousness or activity
until they are resurrected.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
261
4.3
4.7
Disagree
83
1.4
1.5
I am not sure
189
3.1
3.4
Agree
1207
20.1
21.6
Strongly agree
3844
63.9
68.8
Total
5584
92.8
100.0
No Response
435
7.2
Total
6019
100.0
God wants me to take care of my body by avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and the irresponsible
use of other drugs.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
149
2.5
2.7
Disagree
79
1.3
1.4
I am not sure
101
1.7
1.8
Agree
1056
17.5
18.8
Strongly agree
4234
70.3
75.4
Total
5619
93.4
100.0
No Response
400
6.6
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 112
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
The head of the Church is Christ.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
61
1.0
1.1
Disagree
29
.5
.5
I am not sure
88
1.5
1.6
Agree
896
14.9
16.0
Strongly agree
4510
74.9
80.8
Total
5584
92.8
100.0
No Response
435
7.2
Total
6019
100.0
The true Sabbath is the seventh day (Saturday).
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
45
.7
.8
Disagree
44
.7
.8
I am not sure
83
1.4
1.5
Agree
869
14.4
15.6
Strongly agree
4515
75.0
81.3
Total
5556
92.3
100.0
No Response
463
7.7
Total
6019
100.0
Ellen White’s writings are the result of the spiritual gift of prophecy.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
61
1.0
1.1
Disagree
46
.8
.8
I am not sure
240
4.0
4.3
Agree
1456
24.2
26.1
Strongly agree
3779
62.8
67.7
Total
5582
92.7
100.0
No Response
437
7.3
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 113
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
I am saved the moment I believe and accept what Jesus has done for me.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
133
2.2
2.4
Disagree
133
2.2
2.4
I am not sure
228
3.8
4.1
Agree
1529
25.4
27.6
Strongly agree
3524
58.5
63.5
Total
5547
92.2
100.0
No Response
472
7.8
Total
6019
100.0
I believe God created the universe.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
272
4.5
4.9
Disagree
96
1.6
1.7
I am not sure
119
2.0
2.1
Agree
971
16.1
17.5
Strongly agree
4098
68.1
73.8
Total
5556
92.3
100.0
No Response
463
7.7
Total
6019
100.0
People who have died believing in Christ are in Heaven right now.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
3051
50.7
55.4
Disagree
725
12.0
13.2
I am not sure
364
6.0
6.6
Agree
506
8.4
9.2
Strongly agree
858
14.3
15.6
Total
5504
91.4
100.0
No Response
515
8.6
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 114
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
All believers are called by God to serve each other without distinction of race, culture,
education, nationality, gender, or wealth.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
176
2.9
3.2
Disagree
110
1.8
2.0
I am not sure
247
4.1
4.4
Agree
1430
23.8
25.7
Strongly agree
3597
59.8
64.7
Total
5560
92.4
100.0
No Response
459
7.6
Total
6019
100.0
Only people who accept Jesus as their personal Savior can go to Heaven.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
129
2.1
2.3
Disagree
128
2.1
2.3
I am not sure
340
5.6
6.1
Agree
1492
24.8
26.9
Strongly agree
3448
57.3
62.3
Total
5537
92.0
100.0
No Response
482
8.0
Total
6019
100.0
Jesus Christ will return in my lifetime.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
314
5.2
5.8
Disagree
300
5.0
5.6
I am not sure
2347
39.0
43.5
Agree
1154
19.2
21.4
Strongly agree
1282
21.3
23.8
Total
5397
89.7
100.0
No Response
622
10.3
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 115
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Prayer in the name of Jesus is the only way to defeat evil powers and demonic spirits.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
170
2.8
3.1
Disagree
71
1.2
1.3
I am not sure
210
3.5
3.8
Agree
1479
24.6
26.7
Strongly agree
3615
60.1
65.2
Total
5545
92.1
100.0
No Response
474
7.9
Total
6019
100.0
The dead have powers to communicate with and influence the living.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
3852
64.0
69.7
Disagree
668
11.1
12.1
I am not sure
235
3.9
4.3
Agree
350
5.8
6.3
Strongly agree
423
7.0
7.7
Total
5528
91.8
100.0
No Response
491
8.2
Total
6019
100.0
My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
105
1.7
1.9
Disagree
75
1.2
1.3
I am not sure
134
2.2
2.4
Agree
1139
18.9
20.4
Strongly agree
4129
68.6
74.0
Total
5582
92.7
100.0
No Response
437
7.3
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 116
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Church unity means uniformity in more than doctrinal belief.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
277
4.6
5.2
Disagree
214
3.6
4.0
I am not sure
762
12.7
14.4
Agree
1910
31.7
36.1
Strongly agree
2133
35.4
40.3
Total
5296
88.0
100.0
No Response
723
12.0
Total
6019
100.0
Different world regions of the Adventist Church should be allowed after consultation with
the worldwide church to set their own administrative policies.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
815
13.5
15.3
Disagree
598
9.9
11.3
I am not sure
1325
22.0
24.9
Agree
1393
23.1
26.2
Strongly agree
1184
19.7
22.3
Total
5315
88.3
100.0
No Response
704
11.7
Total
6019
100.0
The sanctuary doctrine is vital to Adventist theology.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
84
1.4
1.5
Disagree
103
1.7
1.9
I am not sure
568
9.4
10.4
Agree
1829
30.4
33.5
Strongly agree
2870
47.7
52.6
Total
5454
90.6
100.0
No Response
565
9.4
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 117
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
In order to reach people for Christ, we need to get to know them and their needs before we
preach the Gospel to them.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
131
2.2
2.4
Disagree
262
4.4
4.8
I am not sure
300
5.0
5.5
Agree
1979
32.9
36.2
Strongly agree
2795
46.4
51.1
Total
5467
90.8
100.0
No Response
552
9.2
Total
6019
100.0
The Seventh-day Adventist Fundamental Beliefs as a whole reflect the loving and gracious
character of God.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
54
.9
1.0
Disagree
60
1.0
1.1
I am not sure
228
3.8
4.1
Agree
1845
30.7
33.3
Strongly agree
3350
55.7
60.5
Total
5537
92.0
100.0
No Response
482
8.0
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 118
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Because Jesus was able to live without sinning, it is possible for believers to grow in
Christian maturity so that in the final days of Earth’s history we will reach a state of sinless
perfection.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
227
3.8
4.1
Disagree
251
4.2
4.6
I am not sure
562
9.3
10.2
Agree
1974
32.8
35.9
Strongly agree
2484
41.3
45.2
Total
5498
91.3
100.0
No Response
521
8.7
Total
6019
100.0
The Holy Spirit is God’s power in the world, not a Person.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
1187
19.7
21.7
Disagree
428
7.1
7.8
I am not sure
324
5.4
5.9
Agree
1465
24.3
26.8
Strongly agree
2059
34.2
37.7
Total
5463
90.8
100.0
No Response
556
9.2
Total
6019
100.0
People who have rejected Christ are burning in Hell right now.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
3039
50.5
56.0
Disagree
845
14.0
15.6
I am not sure
426
7.1
7.8
Agree
518
8.6
9.5
Strongly agree
600
10.0
11.1
Total
5428
90.2
100.0
No Response
591
9.8
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 119
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
In order to receive God’s grace, I must first live by His rules.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
1039
17.3
19.0
Disagree
647
10.7
11.9
I am not sure
415
6.9
7.6
Agree
1637
27.2
30.0
Strongly agree
1718
28.5
31.5
Total
5456
90.6
100.0
No Response
563
9.4
Total
6019
100.0
The more that I follow Adventist health and lifestyle standards, the more likely I will be
saved.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
851
14.1
15.8
Disagree
802
13.3
14.9
I am not sure
722
12.0
13.4
Agree
1694
28.1
31.5
Strongly agree
1310
21.8
24.4
Total
5379
89.4
100.0
No Response
640
10.6
Total
6019
100.0
I am loved by God even when I sin.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
234
3.9
4.3
Disagree
198
3.3
3.6
I am not sure
286
4.8
5.3
Agree
2059
34.2
37.8
Strongly agree
2669
44.3
49.0
Total
5446
90.5
100.0
No Response
573
9.5
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 120
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
The reason that I do good works is because I have been saved by grace.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
240
4.0
4.5
Disagree
273
4.5
5.1
I am not sure
416
6.9
7.7
Agree
1960
32.6
36.3
Strongly agree
2504
41.6
46.4
Total
5393
89.6
100.0
No Response
626
10.4
Total
6019
100.0
People have a certain amount of faith and they really cannot do much to change it.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
1111
18.5
20.8
Disagree
1151
19.1
21.6
I am not sure
1232
20.5
23.1
Agree
1095
18.2
20.5
Strongly agree
741
12.3
13.9
Total
5330
88.6
100.0
No Response
689
11.4
Total
6019
100.0
There are very distinct theological and worldview differences between what is being taught
in a public or government school and what is being taught in a Seventh-day Adventist
school.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
220
3.7
4.1
Disagree
242
4.0
4.5
I am not sure
903
15.0
16.8
Agree
2213
36.8
41.1
Strongly agree
1810
30.1
33.6
Total
5388
89.5
100.0
No Response
631
10.5
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 121
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Every local church should either operate or contribute to the operation of a school.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
149
2.5
2.8
Disagree
313
5.2
5.8
I am not sure
931
15.5
17.3
Agree
2300
38.2
42.6
Strongly agree
1704
28.3
31.6
Total
5397
89.7
100.0
No Response
622
10.3
Total
6019
100.0
Tithing is still required of all people by God.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
65
1.1
1.2
Disagree
98
1.6
1.8
I am not sure
262
4.4
4.8
Agree
1650
27.4
30.3
Strongly agree
3369
56.0
61.9
Total
5444
90.4
100.0
No Response
575
9.6
Total
6019
100.0
The Bible teaches that sexual intercourse should be exclusively reserved for marriage.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
65
1.1
1.2
Disagree
79
1.3
1.4
I am not sure
209
3.5
3.8
Agree
1471
24.4
26.9
Strongly agree
3639
60.5
66.6
Total
5463
90.8
100.0
No Response
556
9.2
Total
6019
100.0
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SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
The Bible teaches that marriage is a union between an adult man and an adult woman.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
68
1.1
1.2
Disagree
118
2.0
2.1
I am not sure
211
3.5
3.8
Agree
1577
26.2
28.7
Strongly agree
3524
58.5
64.1
Total
5498
91.3
100.0
No Response
521
8.7
Total
6019
100.0
The Adventist Church and Cultural Context
Members of the SDA Church, being a worldwide church, live in very different cultural
contexts. This survey looked at the culture of church members in terms of their lifestyles, value
systems, traditions, and beliefs.
What stands out in this section of the survey is the church members’ belief that Adventists
should avoid amusements and entertainments that are not in harmony with the Spirit of Christ
with 79% concurrence. 77.6% signified that they would welcome someone from a different
cultural background as part of their local church family knowing that Adventists from other
parts of the world are very much like them in the way they live their faith as indicated by 69.3%
of the respondents. 66.8% believe that there are ideas in their culture that contradict their faith,
thus, 70.7% think that these elements in their culture around them should be rejected if a church
member is to remain as a Seventh-day Adventist.
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SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Descriptive Statistics
N
Min
Max
*Mean
Std.
Deviation
Adventists should avoid amusements and
entertainments that are not in harmony with the
Spirit of Christ.
5468
1
5
4.29
.952
I would welcome someone from a different
cultural background as part of my local church
family.
5463
1
5
4.15
.933
When I meet or hear about Adventists from
other parts of the world, they are very much like
me in the way they live their faith.
5469
1
5
3.94
.956
To be a Seventh-day Adventist means to reject
certain elements of the culture around you.
5529
1
5
3.89
1.169
There are ideas in my culture that contradict my
faith.
5373
1
5
3.83
1.123
People outside of the Adventist Church can have
important insights into
God’s character and
plans.
5371
1
5
3.65
1.079
I am most comfortable in a church where
everyone shares my cultural background.
5321
1
5
3.09
1.288
*Scale of Interpretation of the Mean:
1.00 – 1.49 Strongly disagree 3.50 – 4.49 Agree
1.50 – 2.49 Disagree 4.50 – 5.00 Strongly agree
2.50 – 3.49 I am not sure
To be a Seventh-day Adventist means to reject certain elements of the culture around you.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
408
6.8
7.4
Disagree
396
6.6
7.2
I am not sure
469
7.8
8.5
Agree
2362
39.2
42.7
Strongly agree
1894
31.5
34.3
Total
5529
91.9
100.0
No Response
490
8.1
Total
6019
100.0
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SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
When I meet or hear about Adventists from other parts of the world, they are very much
like me in the way they live their faith.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
141
2.3
2.6
Disagree
336
5.6
6.1
I am not sure
818
13.6
15.0
Agree
2584
42.9
47.2
Strongly agree
1590
26.4
29.1
Total
5469
90.9
100.0
No Response
550
9.1
Total
6019
100.0
People outside of the Adventist Church can have important insights into God’s character
and plans.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
333
5.5
6.2
Disagree
455
7.6
8.5
I am not sure
1037
17.2
19.3
Agree
2487
41.3
46.3
Strongly agree
1059
17.6
19.7
Total
5371
89.2
100.0
No Response
648
10.8
Total
6019
100.0
There are ideas in my culture that contradict my faith.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
337
5.6
6.3
Disagree
450
7.5
8.4
I am not sure
563
9.4
10.5
Agree
2482
41.2
46.2
Strongly agree
1541
25.6
28.7
Total
5373
89.3
100.0
No Response
646
10.7
Total
6019
100.0
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SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
I am most comfortable in a church where everyone shares my cultural background.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
724
12.0
13.6
Disagree
1256
20.9
23.6
I am not sure
951
15.8
17.9
Agree
1615
26.8
30.4
Strongly agree
775
12.9
14.6
Total
5321
88.4
100.0
No Response
698
11.6
Total
6019
100.0
I would welcome someone from a different cultural background as part of my local church
family.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
151
2.5
2.8
Disagree
242
4.0
4.4
I am not sure
400
6.6
7.3
Agree
2528
42.0
46.3
Strongly agree
2142
35.6
39.2
Total
5463
90.8
100.0
No Response
556
9.2
Total
6019
100.0
Adventists should avoid amusements and entertainments that are not in harmony with the
Spirit of Christ.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
176
2.9
3.2
Disagree
162
2.7
3.0
I am not sure
373
6.2
6.8
Agree
1941
32.2
35.5
Strongly agree
2816
46.8
51.5
Total
5468
90.8
100.0
No Response
551
9.2
Total
6019
100.0
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SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Sermon Topics
Topics that Sabbath speakers more frequently preached in church which were identified
by at least 70% of the survey participants are: Second Coming of Jesus (80.4%), Sabbath
(80.3%), The Mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church (74.8%), and The Three Angels’
Messages (70.5%). There were 30% of the respondents who indicated that the topics State of the
Dead and Reading and Sharing Adventist Literature and Publications are seldom preached by
Sabbath speakers in church.
Frequency of Preaching in Church
Descriptive Statistics
N
Min
Max
Mean
Std.
Deviation
Second Coming of Jesus
5249
1
4
3.49
.668
Sabbath
5369
1
4
3.40
.686
The Mission of the Seventh-day Adventist
Church
5378
1
4
3.25
.758
The Three Angels’ Messages
5341
1
4
3.15
.780
Spirit of Prophecy
5312
1
4
3.05
.776
Righteousness by Faith
5216
1
4
3.03
.759
Wholistic Healthful Living—the importance
of health for the body, mind, spirit, and social
relationships
5178
1
4
2.98
.801
Daniel and Revelation
5328
1
4
2.97
.799
The Sanctuary
5212
1
4
2.83
.820
Reading and sharing Adventist literature and
publications
5183
1
4
2.80
.833
State of the Dead
5158
1
4
2.77
.829
*Scale of Interpretation of the Mean (excluding the response I do not know):
1.00 – 1.49 Never 2.50 – 3.49 Frequently
1.50 – 2.49 Seldom 3.50 – 4.00 Very Frequently
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SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Righteousness by Faith
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
I do not know
242
4.0
4.4
Never
123
2.0
2.3
Seldom
1053
17.5
19.3
Frequently
2577
42.8
47.2
Very frequently
1463
24.3
26.8
Total
5458
90.7
100.0
No Response
561
9.3
Total
6019
100.0
Spirit of Prophecy
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
I do not know
121
2.0
2.2
Never
98
1.6
1.8
Seldom
1186
19.7
21.8
Frequently
2396
39.8
44.1
Very frequently
1632
27.1
30.0
Total
5433
90.3
100.0
No Response
586
9.7
Total
6019
100.0
Sabbath
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
I do not know
77
1.3
1.4
Never
40
.7
.7
Seldom
501
8.3
9.2
Frequently
2104
35.0
38.6
Very frequently
2724
45.3
50.0
Total
5446
90.5
100.0
No Response
573
9.5
Total
6019
100.0
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SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Second Coming of Jesus
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
I do not know
91
1.5
1.7
Never
53
.9
1.0
Seldom
355
5.9
6.6
Frequently
1807
30.0
33.8
Very frequently
3034
50.4
56.8
Total
5340
88.7
100.0
No Response
679
11.3
Total
6019
100.0
Wholistic Healthful Living—the importance of health for the body, mind, spirit, and social
relationships
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
I do not know
156
2.6
2.9
Never
126
2.1
2.4
Seldom
1341
22.3
25.1
Frequently
2233
37.1
41.9
Very frequently
1478
24.6
27.7
Total
5334
88.6
100.0
No Response
685
11.4
Total
6019
100.0
Reading and sharing Adventist literature and publications
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
I do not know
212
3.5
3.9
Never
207
3.4
3.8
Seldom
1808
30.0
33.5
Frequently
1995
33.1
37.0
Very frequently
1173
19.5
21.7
Total
5395
89.6
100.0
No Response
624
10.4
Total
6019
100.0
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SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
The Sanctuary
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
I do not know
199
3.3
3.7
Never
165
2.7
3.0
Seldom
1773
29.5
32.8
Frequently
2055
34.1
38.0
Very frequently
1219
20.3
22.5
Total
5411
89.9
100.0
No Response
608
10.1
Total
6019
100.0
State of the Dead
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
I do not know
255
4.2
4.7
Never
239
4.0
4.4
Seldom
1805
30.0
33.3
Frequently
2043
33.9
37.7
Very frequently
1071
17.8
19.8
Total
5413
89.9
100.0
No Response
606
10.1
Total
6019
100.0
Daniel and Revelation
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
I do not know
123
2.0
2.3
Never
111
1.8
2.0
Seldom
1443
24.0
26.5
Frequently
2256
37.5
41.4
Very frequently
1518
25.2
27.8
Total
5451
90.6
100.0
No Response
568
9.4
Total
6019
100.0
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SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
The Three Angels’ Messages
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
I do not know
111
1.8
2.0
Never
89
1.5
1.6
Seldom
1007
16.7
18.5
Frequently
2235
37.1
41.0
Very frequently
2010
33.4
36.9
Total
5452
90.6
100.0
No Response
567
9.4
Total
6019
100.0
The Mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
I do not know
91
1.5
1.7
Never
86
1.4
1.6
Seldom
785
13.0
14.4
Frequently
2223
36.9
40.6
Very frequently
2284
37.9
41.8
Total
5469
90.9
100.0
No Response
550
9.1
Total
6019
100.0
Understanding of the Bible and the Writings of Ellen G. White
Regarding the church members’ understanding of what the Bible (as a whole is), 48%
identified the statement The Bible is the work of people who were inspired by God and who,
though expressing their message in terms of their own time and place, expressed eternal truths
and 21.6% selected the statement The Bible is the work of people who were inspired by God and
who represented God’s message in terms of their own place and time. Concerning the closest
understanding of church members of the writings of Ellen G. White, 59.9% have the
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SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
understanding that Ellen G. White was inspired by God and though she presented God’s message
in terms of her own place and time, expressed eternal truths in harmony with and pointing to the
Bible and 11.5% identified the statement Ellen G. White was inspired by God and presented
God’s message in terms of her own place and time. It is worth noting that 2% of the survey
participants do not know who Ellen G. White is.
Understanding of what the Bible (as a whole) is
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
The Bible contains no more truth or
wisdom than do the religious books of
other world religions.
146
2.4
2.7
The Bible is the work of people who
collected stories that had been created
to explain the mysteries of life...
147
2.4
2.8
The Bible is the work of people who
genuinely loved God and ...
331
5.5
6.2
The Bible is the work of people who
copied what God told them word for
word and ...
497
8.3
9.4
The Bible is the work of people who
were inspired by God and who
represented God’s message ...
1300
21.6
24.5
The Bible is the work of people who
were inspired by God and who ...
expressed eternal truths.
2890
48.0
54.4
Total
5311
88.2
100.0
No Response
708
11.8
Total
6019
100.0
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SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Understanding of the writings of Ellen G. White
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
I do not know who Ellen G. White is.
120
2.0
2.2
Ellen G. White’s writings contain no
more truth or wisdom than do the
religious works written ...
99
1.6
1.9
Ellen G. White was a person who
created stories of supernatural
guidance in order to explain the
mysteries of life.
195
3.2
3.7
Ellen G. White was inspired by God
and presented God’s message in terms
of her own place and time.
693
11.5
13.0
Ellen G. White was inspired by God
and ... expressed eternal truths in
harmony with and pointing to the
Bible.
3606
59.9
67.6
Ellen G. White copied what God told
her word for word, and wrote without
being influenced by her own place
and time.
624
10.4
11.7
Total
5337
88.7
100.0
No Response
682
11.3
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 133
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Teachings of the Seventh-day Adventist Church
In general, SID church members embrace the teachings of the SDA Church
wholeheartedly. In particular, at least 60% of the respondents indicated that they wholeheartedly
embrace the following individual teachings: There is one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, a
unity of three eternal equal Persons (71.5%), Adventists should eat a healthful diet and abstain
from unclean foods identified in Scripture (68.4%), and Adventists should abstain from alcohol,
tobacco, and the irresponsible use of other drugs (65.6%). The teaching Before Christ returns,
God will decide who is to be saved and who will be eternally lost is not accepted by 11.7% of
the church members, with 3.6% having major doubts about it and 8% having some questions
about it.
Descriptive Statistics
N
Min
Max
*Mean
Std.
Deviation
There is one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, a
unity of three eternal equal Persons.
5544
1
5
4.69
.699
Christ is acting as our advocate before God in
the heavenly sanctuary right now.
5414
1
5
4.66
.742
Adventists should eat a healthful diet and abstain
from unclean foods identified in Scripture.
5402
1
5
4.66
.755
Adventists should abstain from alcohol, tobacco,
and the irresponsible use of other drugs.
5386
1
5
4.53
.995
Ellen G. White was a prophet.
5316
1
5
4.50
.885
The Church’s interpretation of end-time
prophecies.
5198
1
5
4.37
.914
The investigative pre-Advent judgment began in
1844.
5362
1
5
4.37
.996
Before Christ returns, God will decide who is to
be saved and who will be eternally lost.
5286
1
5
3.94
1.402
*Scale of Interpretation of the Mean:
1.00 – 1.49 I do not accept it 3.50 – 4.49 I accept it because the Church
1.50 – 2.49 I have major doubts about it teaches it
2.50 – 3.49 I have some questions about it 4.50 – 5.00 I embrace it wholeheartedly
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SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
There is one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, a unity of three eternal equal Persons.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
I do not accept it.
74
1.2
1.3
I have major doubts about it.
54
.9
1.0
I have some questions about it.
155
2.6
2.8
I accept it because the church
teaches it.
960
15.9
17.3
I embrace it wholeheartedly.
4301
71.5
77.6
Total
5544
92.1
100.0
No Response
475
7.9
Total
6019
100.0
The investigative pre-Advent judgment began in 1844.
Frequency
Percent
Valid
Percent
I do not accept it.
176
2.9
3.3
I have major doubts about it.
172
2.9
3.2
I have some questions about it.
463
7.7
8.6
I accept it because the church
teaches it.
1227
20.4
22.9
I embrace it wholeheartedly.
3324
55.2
62.0
Total
5362
89.1
100.0
No Response
657
10.9
Total
6019
100.0
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SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Christ is acting as our advocate before God in the heavenly sanctuary right now.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
I do not accept it.
96
1.6
1.8
I have major doubts about it.
54
.9
1.0
I have some questions about it.
147
2.4
2.7
I accept it because the church
teaches it.
993
16.5
18.3
I embrace it wholeheartedly.
4124
68.5
76.2
Total
5414
89.9
100.0
No Response
605
10.1
Total
6019
100.0
Before Christ returns, God will decide who is to be saved and who will be eternally lost.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
I do not accept it.
706
11.7
13.4
I have major doubts about it.
219
3.6
4.1
I have some questions about it.
483
8.0
9.1
I accept it because the church
teaches it.
1176
19.5
22.2
I embrace it wholeheartedly.
2702
44.9
51.1
Total
5286
87.8
100.0
No Response
733
12.2
Total
6019
100.0
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SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
The Church’s interpretation of end-time prophecies.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
I do not accept it.
121
2.0
2.3
I have major doubts about it.
120
2.0
2.3
I have some questions about it.
476
7.9
9.2
I accept it because the church
teaches it.
1464
24.3
28.2
I embrace it wholeheartedly.
3017
50.1
58.0
Total
5198
86.4
100.0
No Response
821
13.6
Total
6019
100.0
Ellen G. White was a prophet.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
I do not accept it.
144
2.4
2.7
I have major doubts about it.
93
1.5
1.7
I have some questions about it.
273
4.5
5.1
I accept it because the church
teaches it.
1278
21.2
24.0
I embrace it wholeheartedly.
3528
58.6
66.4
Total
5316
88.3
100.0
No Response
703
11.7
Total
6019
100.0
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SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Adventists should abstain from alcohol, tobacco, and the irresponsible use of other drugs.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
I do not accept it.
264
4.4
4.9
I have major doubts about it.
87
1.4
1.6
I have some questions about it.
147
2.4
2.7
I accept it because the church
teaches it.
939
15.6
17.4
I embrace it wholeheartedly.
3949
65.6
73.3
Total
5386
89.5
100.0
No Response
633
10.5
Total
6019
100.0
Adventists should eat a healthful diet and abstain from unclean foods identified in
Scripture.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
I do not accept it.
98
1.6
1.8
I have major doubts about it.
69
1.1
1.3
I have some questions about it.
135
2.2
2.5
I accept it because the church
teaches it.
981
16.3
18.2
I embrace it wholeheartedly.
4119
68.4
76.2
Total
5402
89.7
100.0
No Response
617
10.3
Total
6019
100.0
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SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Section 7: Health
Majority of the survey participants are meat eaters (65.6%). Only a minority described
themselves as vegans (4.1%) and lacto-ovo vegetarians (7.9%). More than 80% have never used
alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and opiates without a prescription within the last 12 months.
On the understanding of scientific research on alcohol use, 65.9% think that overall, there
is no safe level of alcohol use. Half (50.5%) of the respondents are very familiar with the
Adventist Health Message. There are 3.8% who do not know what the Adventist Health Message
is. Only 28% follow the Adventist Health Message a great deal.
In general, church members are positive about the Adventist Health Message as a whole,
with only one-third (33.3%) who concur to choosing which parts of the Health Message to follow
and which to ignore. There were 83.2% who are in agreement to the statement: The Adventist
Health Message emphasizes all of the following: physical health (e. g. diet, exercise), mental
health, emotional well-being, social support, and relationships as a part of spiritual growth.
There were 47.7% of the respondents who believe that following the Health Message
ensures their salvation. Does this belief make a difference in the church members’ dietary
choices?
Among the 437 vegans/vegetarians, 59% agreed/strongly agreed and 28.6%
disagreed/strongly disagreed that following the health ensures their salvation whereas among the
2,174 participants who described themselves as non-vegetarians (with fish in their diet or meat
eater), 50.7% agreed/strongly agreed and 30.7% disagreed/strongly disagreed to the said
statement. Chi-square test results reveal that the difference in the distribution of observed data is
significant. The percentage of the vegans/vegetarians who believe that following the Health
Page | 139
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Message ensures their salvation is significantly higher than their non-vegetarian counterparts, χ
2
(2, N = 4,728) = 14.653, p = .001.
Crosstabulation
Following the health message
ensures my salvation.
Total
Disagree/
Strongly
Disagree
Not sure
Agree/
Strongly
Agree
Dietary
Choices
Vegan/
Vegetarian
Count
125
54
258
437
% within Dietary
Choices
28.6%
12.4%
59.0%
100.0%
Non-
vegetarian
Count
1317
800
2174
4291
% within Dietary
Choices
30.7%
18.6%
50.7%
100.0%
Total
Count
1442
854
2432
4728
% within Dietary
Choices
30.5%
18.1%
51.4%
100.0%
Chi-Square Test
Value
df
p-value
Pearson Chi-Square
14.653
2
.001
N of Valid Cases
4728
Dietary choices: Would you describe yourself as…?
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
A vegan (no animal products of any
type)
249
4.1
4.7
A vegetarian (lacto ovo—using eggs
and dairy products)
476
7.9
9.0
A person who includes fish in my
diet, but no other meat
626
10.4
11.8
A meat eater once a week or less
(eating meat includes eating red meat
or poultry)
1851
30.8
35.0
A meat eater a few times a week
1534
25.5
29.0
A meat eater most days
557
9.3
10.5
Total
5293
87.9
100.0
No Response
726
12.1
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 140
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
How often have you used alcohol within the last 12 months?
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Never
5087
84.5
91.7
Once or twice
253
4.2
4.6
3 to 10 times
116
1.9
2.1
More than 10 times
92
1.5
1.7
Total
5548
92.2
100.0
No Response
471
7.8
Total
6019
100.0
How often have you used tobacco within the last 12 months?
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Never
5343
88.8
96.6
Once or twice
63
1.0
1.1
3 to 10 times
73
1.2
1.3
More than 10 times
50
.8
.9
Total
5529
91.9
100.0
No Response
490
8.1
Total
6019
100.0
How often have you used marijuana within the last 12 months?
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Never
5324
88.5
96.9
Once or twice
65
1.1
1.2
3 to 10 times
57
.9
1.0
More than 10 times
48
.8
.9
Total
5494
91.3
100.0
No Response
525
8.7
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 141
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
How often have you used opiates without a prescription within the last 12 months?
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Never
5154
85.6
94.5
Once or twice
151
2.5
2.8
3 to 10 times
73
1.2
1.3
More than 10 times
78
1.3
1.4
Total
5456
90.6
100.0
No Response
563
9.4
Total
6019
100.0
Understanding of scientific research on alcohol use
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Overall, there is no safe level of
alcohol use.
3967
65.9
74.7
Alcohol, in moderation (1-2
drinks a day), does not do much
harm.
117
1.9
2.2
Alcohol, in moderation (1-2
drinks a day), promotes health
and is safe to use.
112
1.9
2.1
I am not sure.
1118
18.6
21.0
Total
5314
88.3
100.0
No Response
705
11.7
Total
6019
100.0
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SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
How much do you know about the Adventist Health Message?
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
I do not know what the Adventist
Health Message is.
228
3.8
4.3
I know just a little about the
Adventist Health Message.
909
15.1
17.0
I am somewhat familiar with the
Adventist Health Message.
1188
19.7
22.2
I am very familiar with the
Adventist Health Message.
3037
50.5
56.6
Total
5362
89.1
100.0
No Response
657
10.9
Total
6019
100.0
Do you follow the Adventist Health Message?
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Never
158
2.6
2.9
Rarely
614
10.2
11.2
Occasionally
1091
18.1
19.8
A moderate amount
1949
32.4
35.5
A great deal
1685
28.0
30.7
Total
5497
91.3
100.0
No Response
522
8.7
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 143
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Beliefs About the Adventist Health Message
Descriptive Statistics
N
Min
Max
*Mean
Std.
Deviation
The Adventist Health Message emphasizes all
of the following: physical health (e. g. diet,
exercise), mental health, emotional well
-
being,
social support, and relationships as a part of
spiritual growth.
5410
1
5
4.47
.743
Following the Health Message increases the
probability that a person will live longer.
5381
1
5
4.29
.844
The Health Message is a core part of Seventh-
day Adventist belief that cannot be questioned.
5395
1
5
4.13
.912
The Health Message has largely been
supported by scientific discoveries.
5315
1
5
3.94
1.055
Following the Health Message ensures my
salvation.
5304
1
5
3.33
1.336
I can choose which parts of the Health
Message to follow and which to ignore.
5288
1
5
2.83
1.315
*Scale of Interpretation of the Mean:
1.00 – 1.49 Strongly disagree 3.50 – 4.49 Agree
1.50 – 2.49 Disagree 4.50 – 5.00 Strongly agree
2.50 – 3.49 I am not sure
The Health Message is a core part of Seventh-day Adventist belief that cannot be
questioned.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
106
1.8
2.0
Disagree
240
4.0
4.4
I am not sure
579
9.6
10.7
Agree
2384
39.6
44.2
Strongly agree
2086
34.7
38.7
Total
5395
89.6
100.0
No Response
624
10.4
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 144
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Following the Health Message increases the probability that a person will live longer.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
81
1.3
1.5
Disagree
162
2.7
3.0
I am not sure
385
6.4
7.2
Agree
2224
36.9
41.3
Strongly agree
2529
42.0
47.0
Total
5381
89.4
100.0
No Response
638
10.6
Total
6019
100.0
I can choose which parts of the Health Message to follow and which to ignore.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
1027
17.1
19.4
Disagree
1416
23.5
26.8
I am not sure
839
13.9
15.9
Agree
1420
23.6
26.9
Strongly agree
586
9.7
11.1
Total
5288
87.9
100.0
No Response
731
12.1
Total
6019
100.0
The Health Message has largely been supported by scientific discoveries.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
231
3.8
4.3
Disagree
297
4.9
5.6
I am not sure
846
14.1
15.9
Agree
2119
35.2
39.9
Strongly agree
1822
30.3
34.3
Total
5315
88.3
100.0
No Response
704
11.7
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 145
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Following the Health Message ensures my salvation.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
690
11.5
13.0
Disagree
871
14.5
16.4
I am not sure
932
15.5
17.6
Agree
1609
26.7
30.3
Strongly agree
1202
20.0
22.7
Total
5304
88.1
100.0
No Response
715
11.9
Total
6019
100.0
The Adventist Health Message emphasizes all of the following: physical health (e. g. diet,
exercise), mental health, emotional well-being, social support, and relationships as a part of
spiritual growth.
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Strongly disagree
60
1.0
1.1
Disagree
59
1.0
1.1
I am not sure
283
4.7
5.2
Agree
1904
31.6
35.2
Strongly agree
3104
51.6
57.4
Total
5410
89.9
100.0
No Response
609
10.1
Total
6019
100.0
Page | 146
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
APPENDIX 1
Sample (Expected and Actual)
UNIONS/CONFERENCES/MISSIONS/FIELDS
Sample
Churches
Members
Expected
Actual
Botswana Union Conference
6
180
132
1
North Botswana Conference
3
90
2
South Botswana Conference
3
90
Indian Ocean Union Conference
38
1,140
902
1
Central Malagasy Conference
6
180
2
East Malagasy Conference
6
180
3
Mauritius Conference
2
60
4
North Malagasy Conference
6
180
5
North West Malagasy Conference
6
180
6
Reunion Conference
2
60
7
Seychelles Mission
1
30
8
South East Malagasy Conference
6
180
9
South West Malagasy Conference
3
90
Malawi Union Conference
30
900
628
1
Central Malawi Conference
6
180
2
North Malawi Conference
6
180
3
South Malawi Conference
18
540
Mozambique Union Mission
23
690
452
1
Central Mission
6
180
2
North Mission
12
360
3
North-East Mission
2
60
4
South Mission
3
90
North-Eastern Angola Union Mission
24
720
414
1
Angola East Mission
6
180
2
Angola North Mission
6
180
3
Angola North-Eastern Mission
6
180
4
Angola South Luanda and Cabinda
Mission
6
180
Northern Zambia Union Conference
42
1,260
922
1
Cooperbelt Zambia Conference
12
360
2
Luapula Zambia Conference
6
180
3
Midlands East Zambia Conference
6
180
Page | 147
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
4
Midlands West Zambia Conference
6
180
5
North Zambia Field
6
180
6
Norwest Zambia Conference
6
180
Sao Tome and Principe Mission
2
60
59
Southern Africa Union Conference
39
1,170
509
1
Cape Conference
12
360
2
KwaZulu Natal-Free State Conference
6
180
3
Lesotho Conference
2
60
4
Namibia North Conference
3
90
5
Namibia South Conference
2
60
6
Northern Conference
6
180
7
Swaziland Conference
2
60
8
Trans-Orange Conference
6
180
Southern Zambia Union Conference
36
1,080
485
1
East Zambia Field
6
180
2
Lusaka Conference
6
180
3
South Zambia Conference
12
360
4
West Zambia Field
6
180
5
Woodlands Conference
6
180
South-Western Angola Union Mission
18
540
484
1
Central Association Mission
12
360
2
South Association Mission
6
180
Zimbabwe Central Union Conference
18
540
491
1
Central Zimbabwe Conference
6
180
2
North-West Zimbabwe Conference
12
360
Zimbabwe East Union Conference
18
540
171
1
East Zimbabwe Conference
12
360
2
North Zimbabwe Conference
6
180
Zimbabwe West Union Conference
12
360
370
1
South Zimbabwe Conference
6
180
2
West Zimbabwe Conference
6
180
TOTAL
306
9,180
6,019
Page | 148
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Sample Frame Template for Union
TOTAL
Number of Number of Number of
Members Churches Members
per Church
Name of Conference 18 540
Large church (urban area) 3 50 per church = 150
Large church (rural area) 3 50 per church = 150
Medium church (urban area) 3 30 per church = 90
Medium church (rural area) 3 30 per church = 90
Small church (urban area) 3 10 per church = 30
Small church (rural area) 3 10 per church = 30
Name of Mission/Conference 12 360
Large church (urban area) 2 50 per church = 100
Large church (rural area) 2 50 per church = 100
Medium church (urban area) 2 30 per church = 60
Medium church (rural area) 2 30 per church = 60
Small church (urban area) 2 10 per church = 20
Small church (rural area) 2 10 per church = 20
Name of Field/Mission/Conference 6 180
Large church (urban area) 1 50
Large church (rural area) 1 50
Medium church (urban area) 1 30
Medium church (rural area) 1 30
Small church (urban area) 1 10
Small church (rural area) 1 10
Name of Mission/Conference 3 90
Large church (urban area) 1 50
Medium church (rural area) 1 30
Small church (rural area) 1 10
Name of Mission/Conference 2 60
Medium church (urban area) 1 30
Medium church (rural area) 1 30
Name of Mission 1 30
Church with the largest membership 30
TOTAL ____ ____
Page | 149
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
APPENDIX 2
Ethics Clearance Application Form
Page | 150
SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION FINAL REPORT
Ethics Approval
