Pastors, teachers, principals and conference administrators from across the Northern California Conference gathered in Sacramento, Calif., on Feb. 12 for a special ValueGenesis2 report. Dr. Bailey Gillespie gave a PowerPoint presentation that highlighted results of the ValueGenesis2 census in the NCC. About 400 employees came together for the event.

“As pastors and educators, we work together as youth ministers,” said Berit von Pohle, NCC education superintendent. “The material presented gave us encouragement for what we have been doing over the past few years and, more importantly, has compelled us to continue to work with families as we draw young people closer to Jesus.”

The ValueGenesis2 surveys focused on faith, values and commitment in the home, church and school — three critical venues for faith. They were distributed to Adventist youth in grades six through 12 in 2000, and the results were compared with the original ValueGenesis census that was collected in 1990. Gillespie’s presentation not only delineated the changes that have taken place in Adventist youth in those 10 years, but he also specifically compared and contrasted the overall findings in the North American Division to the data collected in the NCC. “It was one of the best in-services we’ve had,” said Monica Greene, principal of Hilltop Christian School. “It showed that we have great kids, but we have more work to do to continue to foster their spiritual growth.”

The data showed areas where the Adventist denomination needs improvement and areas where it has been successful. According to the study, 74 percent of the youth enjoy their experiences in the Adventist educational system, and 70 percent are satisfied with their local church. With that said, the data collected reveals that a majority of Adventist youth do not fully adhere to the traditional Adventist Church beliefs on Ellen White, the remnant church and the sanctuary.

Gillespie feels though this is a challenge for the teachers and pastors in the North American Division. “We have to work on reconstructing these doctrines,” he said. “We have to find ways to make them new in the lives of young people so their experience makes sense in their lives. We have to really be given permission to get creative. Those are challenges that face us and I would pass this challenge on to you.”

In planning this event, the conference administration hoped to reiterate the need to reach young people. “The most striking part of the presentation,” said Jon Cicle, pastor of the Vallejo Central church, “was the data that showed the important role that pastors and teachers play in strengthening the home-life of our youth.”