About Us

History

The Biblical Research Institute was established as a service department by action of the General Conference Committee in 1975. The historical roots of the institute go back to the Defense Literature Committee (established 1943) and the Committee on Biblical Study and Research (established 1952).

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Purpose

The Biblical Research Institute staff consists of several Adventist theologians working at the world headquarters of the Seventh-day Adventist Church who promote the study and practice of Adventist theology and lifestyle as understood by the world church.

The Institute provides theological resources for the administration and departments of the General Conference and the world church. It identifies areas of doctrinal and theological discussion seeking to enhance their understanding and builds commitment to the truths of Scripture.

It encourages and facilitates dialogue with the Seventh-day Adventist theological community, endeavoring to foster doctrinal and theological unity in the world church.

The institute also directs the work of the Biblical Research Institute Committee which consists of about forty members from around the world.

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Staff

		Ángel M. Rodríguez, Th.D. Director ........................ Special Interest: Old Testament Sanctuary and Atonement Old Testament Theology
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		Kwabena Donkor, Ph.D. Associate Director ........................ Special Interest: Systematic Theology Christian Philosophy Theological Method
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		Ekkehardt Mueller, Th.D., D.Min. Associate Director ........................ Special Interest: New Testament Book of Revelation Hermeneutics Applied Theology
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		Gerhard Pfandl, Ph.D. Associate Director ........................ Special Interest: Old Testament Book of Daniel Near Eastern Archaeology Spirit of Prophecy
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		Brenda Flemmer Administrative Secretary
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		Marlene Bacchus Desktop Publishing Specialist/Webmaster
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Function and Responsibilities

The different functions of the Biblical Research Institute can be grouped under three main headings: Research, apologetics, and service to the church. Among its more specific functions are the following:

Theological Research

• Identifying areas in which biblical research is needed in the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
• Organizing and conducting research using institute personnel and theologians from the world field as needed.
• Exploring new areas of truth.
• Enhancing the understanding and expression of biblical truth.
• Studying issues of biblical interpretation.

Apologetics

• Responding to challenges to biblical doctrines as held and understood by the church.
• Engaging in dialogue with other religious communities in order to reduce tensions, misunderstandings, and prejudice against the church.
• Responding to enquiries about specific theological and doctrinal issues in the world field.
• Reviewing manuscripts for denominational publication to offer suggestions for improvement.
• Preparing materials as needed by the church in defense of truth.

Service

• Assisting the General Conference administration on matters of biblical interpretation, doctrine, and church trends.
• Serving the world field as a resource in the areas of biblical interpretation and doctrine.
• Providing seminars in biblical studies and theology for pastors, Bible teachers, administrators, and other interested workers, and teaching intensive courses in theological seminaries around the world.
• Organizing and conducting Bible Conferences.
• Facilitating publication of substantial theological books and articles.
• Producing and making available to administrators, pastors, and lay people material in oral, written, and electronic form.
• Fostering and maintaining contact with the community of Seventh-day Adventist scholars in biblical studies, theology, and related areas.
• Providing a forum for the presentation and discussion of papers on biblical and theological topics.
• Serving as an agency for the evaluation of theological interpretations, ideas, and theories.
• Conducting Bible Lands Seminars.

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Seminars, Conventions, Teaching Assignments

The Biblical Research Institute provides seminars in biblical studies and theology for pastors, Bible teachers, church administrators, and other interested workers. Upon request the institute staff presents lectures at meetings for pastors and conventions of scholars and theologians and teaches intensive courses on College and University level around the world.

Bible Conferences

The Biblical Research Institute is responsible for organizing Bible Conferences for pastors as well as Bible Conferences for scholars and theologians in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The next major event is the Second International Bible Conference for Bible Teachers (see below) and Theologians in Turkey.

Bible Lands Tours

Upon request the Biblical Research Institute conducts Bible Land Tours. These tours offer in-depth exploration of Jerusalem and the lands of the Bible, past and present, at a level not available to ordinary tourists. These Seminars are especially attractive to pastors and other persons interested in serious exploration of the Bible and Bible lands.