Seventh-day Adventist Church Leaders Call for Context-Specific Urban Mission Approaches

Manuel Arteaga, director of the Center for Urban Mission (CFUM) at the Seventh-day Adventist General Conference, urged church leaders to embrace diverse urban contexts during his report at the Annual Council on October 11, 2026. He emphasized that cities are not uniform, but rather distinct in their cultural, social, and spiritual landscapes. “There’s no such thing as ‘the city,’” Arteaga said, stressing that each city requires a unique approach to mission work. His remarks called for a shift from a one-size-fits-all model to strategies that reflect the specific needs and realities of urban communities.

Arteaga’s report, presented during the third day of the Annual Council, drew on the early church’s experience of Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit enabled the apostles to communicate in the languages of diverse crowds. This principle, he said, guides CFUM’s work, which focuses on developing mission approaches tailored to individual cities rather than exporting a single model. As one of six Global Mission Centers, CFUM collaborates with church divisions to create contextually relevant strategies for urban outreach.

The report highlighted CFUM’s efforts to engage with local leaders and communities over the past year. Through visits to various regions, the center sought to understand the “voices” of cities and develop mission approaches that resonate with their unique challenges and opportunities. Arteaga emphasized that effective urban mission begins with listening and learning, rather than imposing external solutions.

Arteaga also addressed the importance of church planting in urban settings, noting that congregations should not merely establish themselves in cities but “do life with the city.” This involves understanding the community’s needs, building relationships, and integrating into the fabric of urban life. Such an approach, he argued, fosters deeper connections and more meaningful spiritual growth.

The Center for Urban Mission continues to work with church leaders to develop contextual strategies for mission work. By prioritizing local insights and adapting to the specific dynamics of each city, CFUM aims to equip missionaries and church planters with the tools needed to share the gospel effectively. This focus on contextualization aligns with the Adventist Church’s commitment to proclaiming the one gospel in diverse cultural settings, as emphasized in Micah 6:8—“to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”

Source: Read the original report