Why I am an Advent Christian
Interview of Erik Reynolds by Justin Nash
Life among pagans
Oxford, Massachusetts, a small town near New England’s second-largest city, is where I was raised. Before entering the United States Army at 18, I grew up in a non-Christian home to divorced parents and an abusive step-father. It wasn’t until Basic Training that I heard the gospel, and this is where I repented of my unbelief and trusted in Christ Jesus. After getting married, having two children and serving eight years as an Intelligence Analyst in the Army (two deployed in the Global War on Terror), I sensed a call into vocational ministry. We moved from Augusta, Georgia, back to Oxford, where I finished my bachelor’s degree and served as an intern at a Southern Baptist church in Worcester.
God's providence
I met Dr. Glenn Rice of Oak Hill Bible Church through the elementary school my children attended. Through our meeting, I was made aware of a youth ministry position available at Oak Hill. I became the youth pastor, then the associate pastor and finally became the pastor of Hickory Grove Advent Christian Church in Four Oaks, N.C. God used Dr. Rice as a mentor and friend. I learned of the Advent Christian eschatological distinctives of which I became convinced.
Good friends
Since pastoring in the Advent Christian Church, I’ve made close friends in ministry. These friends have not only been confidants but co-laborers in service to the Lord. Most of these friends continue to be sounding boards for all things theological, practical and spiritual. When I’ve found that I align more theologically and missiologically with other traditions, these comrades of conviction bring me back through conversations about working together for current and future gospel ministry to see the kingdom of God grow and be glorified.
This cohort of friendships provides robust and challenging conversations to discuss important matters and exchange ideas. These friendships are genuine, transparent and intimate. God has provided me with fellow pastors to discuss interpretive challenges, understandings of the atonement and shared concern over our ability to cooperate in missions with those with whom we differ regarding the nature of God. At the same time, we’ve encouraged one another to persevere in ministry and Advent Christian ministry in particular despite our occasional bouts of cynicism and discouragement.
Hope for tomorrow
It’s tempting to grow discouraged when one considers the rapid decline of Advent Christian churches and membership. Likewise, our theological ambiguity serves as our greatest asset and, for others, a cause for despair. No matter where one may fall on the spectrum, it seems that we’ve made great strides in our collective efforts to train leaders, revitalize churches and plant new works. Just as there is blessed hope in Christ’s second coming, so there is between now and then. At times I’ve felt out of place, a man without a home, but the Advent Christian Denomination has given me opportunities to serve Jesus and proclaim his soon return.
God does not need the Advent Christian Denomination, but the Advent Christian Denomination needs God. I continue to pray that the Lord would use us for his glory and kingdom. Our future is uncertain, but there is certainty in God’s kingdom remaining eternal. Ultimately, I remain an Advent Christian because God has used this network to allow me to serve him and preach Christ crucified.
Erik Reynolds is pastor of Hickory Grove Advent Christian Church in Four Oaks, NC. He’s a bachelor’s and master’s graduate of Liberty University and is currently enrolled as a master’s student at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and doctor of ministry through Liberty University. Erik’s written two books and multiple Bible Study guides for one-on-one discipleship. He’s also the co-host of Bible & Banter, a Facebook live show hosted by Advent Christian Voices. His ministry and research interests include church history, the trinity, Holy Spirit, church health, discipleship and evangelism.
“Why I am an Advent Christian,” The Advent Christian Witness, Winter 2022.