ASRS/SBL annual meetings, November, 2008, Boston, MA

The Survey In 2000 a survey was conducted in Los Angeles area using a questionnaire, which was distributed among ministers, educators, church administrators, and laity. Since the variables of this research were very complex and difficult to measure, no attempt was made to produce any conclusive and quantifiable results, but instead patterns in data were looked for, and the researcher sought to offer a better understanding of the complexity. The overall pattern of this research was of qualitative nature A questionnaire was designed for testing doctrinal consistency as well as to examine a range of organizational and leadership related issues. The questionnaire consisted of three sections. The most extensive part contained the twenty-seven doctrines of the church as spelled out in the official SDA doctrinal statement “27 Fundamental Beliefs of the SDA Church.” Each doctrinal belief formed a cluster of three variables, as the respondent was asked to react to three questions with regards of each of the twenty-seven doctrines. The questions dealt with the following issues: • The perceived importance of the doctrine to the denomination; • The perceived biblical validity of the doctrine; • The respondent’s personal belief in the doctrine. The questionnaire was mailed to a total of 261 recipients in the greater Los Angeles area. Each respondent received exactly the same packet, which included a copy of an unmarked questionnaire, a postage paid self-addressed return envelope, and an introductory letter assuring a complete anonymity. The sample consisted of 157 pastors, thirty-five administrators, thirty-eight educators, and thirty one lay persons. Of the 261 questionnaires sent, 111 were returned, which constituted 42.5 percent of the total number.