This study investigates the unprecedented April 2024 evangelistic campaign by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Papua New Guinea, which resulted in 170,854 baptisms. The research aims to understand the factors contributing to this large-scale church growth through qualitative methods, including interviews with local church leaders and analysis of documents. It compares PNG's experience with historical revivals in Korea, Africa, India, and the ministry of Billy Graham. Employing thematic analysis within an interpretive paradigm, the study identifies culturally embedded, historically shaped, and spiritually grounded dynamics that fostered sustainable movement-building over institutional expansion.
Key insights:
Key factors contributing to the campaign's success included long-term spiritual preparation, decentralised leadership, and the empowerment of lay members through movement-building approaches such as Discovery Bible Reading. Cultural elements like the wantok system, generosity, and respect for big man leadership undergirded relational evangelism. Health outreach and small-group discipleship complemented public preaching, contributing to holistic mission engagement. Leadership at all levels facilitated strong ownership and logistical execution, though challenges in contextualisation (e.g., Western presentation materials) and future retention of converts were identified. The study concludes that deep spirituality, cultural embeddedness, decentralisation, and systemic integration are common across effective revivals globally.
Impact and outcomes:
This research provides actionable insights for global mission strategy, advocating a shift from event-based outreach to long-term, contextually grounded disciple-making movements. The findings have already informed training at Avondale University and may shape future campaigns across the South Pacific and beyond. It demonstrates a model of holistic, decentralised evangelism that is adaptable to other cultural contexts.
Researchers:
Pastor Neil R. Thompson, Ministry Practicum Director, Avondale University 
Dr Cynthia Faye Barlow, Discipleship Coordinator and Researcher, Avondale University 
Dr Unia K Api, Lecturer and Researcher, Pacific Adventist University
Dr Kepha Pondi, Asia-Pacific Research Director, Pacific Adventist University
Prof. Tracie Mafile’o, Research Professor and Associate Dean Research and Research Training at Avondale University.
Prof. Robert K. McIver, Professor, Avondale University Seminary.
Partners/Collaborators:
South Pacific Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church
Research outputs:
Funder(s) and amount:
South Pacific Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church
Fields of Research Codes:
500405 Religion, Society and Culture
500401 Christian Studies
Status:
Current
More information:
Neil Thompson [email protected]
Cynthia Barlow [email protected]
Sustainable Development Goals:
