Fullerton SDA Church

Signs of a Dying Church?
by Jeff Lee

What's going on?
Why have SO MANY members who are professionals, attorneys, doctors, and devoted Christians leaving
Fullerton for other churches? Click Here

the Fullerton Seventh-day Adventist Church

Why is the trend of giving is declining at the Fullerton Church?

Everyone knows that a business grows it's because it is doing something right. But when a church grows it's because God is pleased with the leadership there. As I predicted approx. a two years ago, the FSDA Church is only getting sicker. Membership is declining and the most important indicator of well being: Tithe, is down. When members don't give, unfortunately, it's because they're not pleased with the way God's money is being used. Of course we should be giving with the faith that God is in control. So there lies the deep root of this problem: Lack of faith. Especially of the leadership. This "Faith" problem is why our church is in the position it is. So I present that when our faith is increased, so will the works. More...

From the Pastor’s desk
FSDA Church Bulletin Feb. 16th, 2008

Dear Church Family:

I have shared with you in the past that our church is in the midst of a financial crisis. In 2007 we received nearly $32,000 less tithe compared to the previous year. If it were not for the rental income we would be in a dire situation in meeting our church budget needs.

As responsible stewards of the Lord’s money we have to appeal to you for your help. There are several ways a church member can help. First, be a faithful steward by returning the tithe (10^th part of your monthly income) regularly. Second, pray for God’s blessing. Third, help us cut down our expenses. For instance, each member can be helpful by turning off lights not in use, using water economically, and help us on work bee days. Fourth, Church Ministries’ leaders are urged to spend funds wisely and frugally. Fifth, cut down cost for potlucks. We have once-a-month potluck event. There is no need to spend money for extra food. The idea behind the potluck is that each church family brings cooked food enough for their family members and a little extra for visitors. Sometime there is an extra potluck for a special occasion and there may be a little expense involved. Church members can bring paper plates, forks and spoons, and napkins as a special. The church will be responsible for the tableware and paper goods.

I appeal to you to please help us curtail the use of electricity, water, and other church-related expenses. I hasten to thank each one of you for your support and cooperation. May the Lord bless you during 2008

(Originally posted on the official FSDA web site, Feb 2008)

Hear what the Holy Spirit says to the churches.

Plenty of beautiful, unused space
Declining or steady number of baptism, attendance, and giving
Worship services are proper but "blah"
Little excitement for outreach or mission to save the lost
Sins of the saints tolerated
Few new and young families
Church work is perceived as what takes place inside the church building only
Message is biblically-sound but does not connect with the need of people, or needs-based ministry but without reference to what the Bible says
Prevailing sense of complacency
Chronic shortage of leaders
Leaders and members function out of a sense of duty, rather out of joy and vision
Witness and outreach effort are done mainly by the pastors
Real decision-making is done in a small group of older, better-known members
A high percentage of inactive members

Do any of these
describe the
Fullerton SDA Church?

This is a call for change.

- Darren Valen

Pray for our church!

Praise be to God. He is in control. This prophetic message given to me and those who love our church, those who have children whom we desire will worship Christ and attend this church in the future is to be patient.

Change will come and the year 2015 will be a time of very special and wonderful change.

Our Fullerton Seventh-day Adventist Church will finally be renewed by the Spirit—It will soon be a refuge for those who desire forgiveness. It will once again be filled with the Spiritually hungry being fed with the Word and shine as a beacon of light to the community.

Scripture will be the guide and not tradition. The Fullerton SDA church will once again be transformed! Praise the Lord. Praise the Creator of all. Praise His son Christ!

Want to respond, comment or question?

Feel free to email me at:

darrenvalen@gmail.com