ASI was established to help the Seventh-day Adventist Church connect with a growing lay ministry movement dedicated to spreading the gospel worldwide. Initially, it included about fifty institutions like schools, hospitals, and shops focused on soul-winning. For seventy-five years, ASI has supported Adventist laypersons in sharing the gospel globally. Today, ASI’s mission to empower Adventist laity is more relevant than ever.

Our Story: The Legacy of ASI

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Just before His ascension, Jesus answered the question, “Why are we here?” with a command for all who bear His name: “Go and make disciples of all nations.” The disciples and early Church embraced this command, sharing His story everywhere, enduring punishment, and selflessly helping those in need. Adventist pioneers also responded to His call, focusing their lives on the soon-coming Savior, the Everlasting Gospel, and the Three Angels’ Messages, growing from a small, dejected band to a worldwide movement of service. ASI, along with its supporting ministries, professional, and business members, follows this command, inspired by the commitment of those before us. We work to share the good news of salvation and the soon-coming Savior with all nations, using every means and resource in cooperation with the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

ASI was founded in 1947 as a General Conference department to foster cooperation and communication between Church leaders and lay supporting ministries. Self-supporting ministries uniquely developed in the Southern United States, inspired by Madison College, established in 1904 by Drs. E.A. Sutherland and Percy Magan. Following the Apostle Paul’s example of self-supporting evangelism as a tentmaker, Madison-trained laypersons used health centers, schools, sanitariums, businesses, and other means to spread the gospel and establish churches while supporting themselves.

Sutherland and Magan, experienced leaders in Adventist education at Union, Battle Creek, Walla Walla, and Emanuel Missionary Colleges, emphasized Bible-based, rural, and practical training for missionaries, avoiding the worldly focus on classics, sports, and competition. Guided by a close relationship with Ellen G. White, they embraced biblical truths, righteousness by faith, and the Spirit of Prophecy, advocating for educational reforms often resisted by students and church leaders.

In 1903, Sutherland and Magan resigned from denominational employment and, with Ellen White’s support, founded the Nashville Agricultural and Normal Institute (renamed Madison College in 1930) as a lay self-supporting ministry. Former General Conference President Robert H. Pierson described Sutherland as a man of God, action, innovation, and leadership. Through providence, hard work, and vision, Madison College thrived, equipping students with practical skills for missionary work.

By ASI’s formation in 1947, over 50 supporting ministries were advancing the Adventist mission. Over time, ASI expanded to include businesses and professionals, building on Madison’s legacy. The keys to ASI’s success—adherence to truth, principled innovation, problem-solving, and providential guidance—continue to support the Seventh-day Adventist Church. E.A. Sutherland served as ASI’s first president, while Percy Magan stabilized the College of Medical Evangelists at Loma Linda.

Heaven is our ultimate goal, and we eagerly await the second coming of Christ. ASI seeks to inspire lay Adventist Christians to become disciples of Jesus by teaching the clear word, fostering cooperation with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, creating opportunities for sacrificial service, supporting Christ-like ministries, providing a platform for ministries to share their stories, and encouraging resource-sharing with those dedicated to hands-on service.

Becoming a member requires commitment, but true discipleship is costly—few are willing to pay the price of believing, joining, and living as Jesus did. ASI offers a place for spiritual learners, a space to grow as team players within the Seventh-day Adventist Church, opportunities for short-term evangelism to all nations, connections for business and professional members to find trusted partners, and a chance for seekers to begin anew in service—all because Jesus is coming soon.

God’s final gift of grace to sinners is revealed in the everlasting gospel—a call to remember His creation, honor His justice, worship Him, and live Spirit-filled lives of forgiveness and surrender. This gospel reflects God’s character of love in redeemed humanity, who faithfully follow His word. Beyond receiving this gift, we are called to share the Good News with everyone, everywhere, to all nations and people, using every means possible.

ASI is blessed with ministries that pioneer healthful living, teaching generations to honor our bodies as God’s temple. These lessons guide us to live healthfully, respecting the gift of life He entrusted us.

As we await Jesus’ return, we are called to notice, care for, and serve the disadvantaged, hungry, thirsty, lonely, sick, and imprisoned—without waiting to be asked.

Sharing Christ in the marketplace is really just sharing Christ wherever you are. It's in your work, in your business, as you interact with people in the community, it's wherever you go.

Pat Humphrey

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