Just some average citizens walking down the road, just a few community members planting a garden, just a group of people constructing a building. . . . But are these things really as “common” as they seem to be? Or is all this something more? Could all these various activities, seemingly insignificant on their own, be part of a much bigger action plan? In Thompson Falls, Montana, a burgeoning movement of Adventists says, “Yes, it is!”

To understand what’s going on, let’s go back in time and take a look at where this little group is getting their inspiration. After the Great Disappointment of 1844, the few believers in the second Advent were left reeling. As one can imagine, it was a huge blow to their faith, even though they knew the prophecies had pointed to October 22, 1844. Faithfully, they went back to their Bibles to study what had gone wrong, and God revealed the truth to them.

What happened in the following years—how a broken little body of believers, mostly led by young people in their teens and 20s, grew into a fully organized church with unprecedented growth—is fascinating.

Today, evangelism and missions are a big part of our church’s mission. But in the early years of the church, Adventists believed that probation had closed for those who had rejected the Millerite message of 1844. Because of this “shut-door” theology, no real efforts were made to spread the three angels’ messages beyond their own gatherings. If probation had already closed for everyone else, they reasoned, evangelism would be pointless.

Within approximately 10 years, this theology was corrected, and Adventists came to an understanding that the message of Jesus’ soon return, along with the other truths they were discovering, was meant for everyone. Then the Advent movement embarked on its greatest period of growth, starting in the United States, with a pioneering spirit invading every level of the organization through a variety of simple but innovate methods of evangelism. These methods went beyond creating a unified, thriving church, although that alone would seem remarkable.

Through the pen of inspiration, we see a picture of a thriving church that produces more thriving churches, beginning with the individual members themselves. It is a model of discipleship. Some of these methods do not look like traditional “evangelism,” but they were guided by the practical guidance God imparted through Ellen White, counsel such as the following:

“Every church should be a training school. . . . Its members should be taught how to give Bible readings, how to conduct and teach Sabbath School classes, how best to help the poor and to care for the sick. . . . There should be schools of health. . . and classes in various lines of Christian help work” (MH p. 149).

“Visit every family in the neighborhood, and know their spiritual condition” (6T p. 296).

“Invite your neighbors into your home, and read with them from the precious Bible and . . . invite them to unite with you in song and prayer” (MH pp. 152, 153).

“Let the leaflets and tracts, the papers and books, go in every direction” (RH June 10, 1880).

“Christian farmers can do real missionary work in helping the poor to find homes on the land, and in teaching them how to till the soil and make it productive” (MH p. 193).

“Instruction should be given in regard to the preparation of simple, wholesome foods” (GW p. 362).

“Medical missionary work is the pioneer work of the gospel” (MH p. 144).

In short, the ministry model we have been given is that of Christ Himself while on earth:

“Christ’s example must be followed. . . . Relieve the physical necessities of your fellow men, and their gratitude will break down the barriers, and enable you to reach their hearts” (9T p. 127).

Local church members in the 1800s had a pioneering spirit, and God caused their work to prosper. Imagine what our churches would look like if we followed this inspired model today! We have the assurance that if we follow the Pattern, we cannot fail.

A little group of Adventist believers in Montana is experiencing the results of this pioneering spirit firsthand. In 2023, the Thompson Falls Company began meeting in Pastor Donavon Kack’s living room with about 15 attendees. It was the first time in nearly 50 years that an SDA group had met in this town of 1,500 people.

The members immediately went to work. They prayed for community members by name, and practiced Bible study methods during prayer meetings. Church members were trained as facilitators of the Nedley Depression & Anxiety Recovery Program. The community response was enthusiastic, resulting in five full programs back-to-back and approximately one 100 participants within a single year (not counting repeat attendees). This gave birth to monthly Thrive walks with an average of 50 people gathering shortly after sunrise for an hour-long walk together.

Every event the church members held became an opportunity to build relationships within the community, from graduations and weddings to harvest parties, Christmas caroling, and cooking classes. They also held at least one evangelistic series each year.

Today, nearly three years after the little church group first began meeting, weekly attendance averages around 50 people (the group is now a full-fledged "church"). While many of these are transfers from other Adventist churches (a testament to the sense of unity, purpose, and mission that comes with being part of a church plant), approximately fifteen are new members. And, much like the early Adventist church, about half of Thompson Falls’ regular attendees are under the age of thirty-five.

God has miraculously provided 39 acres of property to meet the needs of this growing fellowship of believers. Today, a workshop is nearing completion, which will be used for church services temporarily, and then for hands-on classes after a church building is constructed. More than two acres are currently under cultivation as a community/group garden, and improvements continue to be made for future projects. Eventually, the property will host camp meetings, hiking trails, health classes, and retreats.

Following God’s counsel for church growth is not impossible. His plan still works—even with all the distractions and complications of modern society. People still need tangible help, support, and friendship. And from meeting their practical needs, an interest in spiritual things is awakened.

Through a pioneering spirit and a willingness to follow His pattern, His blessings are flowing just as He promised.

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