An official department of the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University, founded in 1979 as the Institute of Church Ministry by Desmond Cummings, Jr. The purpose of this new institute was to share the expertise and resources of Andrews University with the SDA Church in North America, thus aiding denominational decision-makers and facilitating the larger church in the accomplishment of its goals. As such, ICM serves as the North American Division strategic resource center, with a sustaining grant from the division. In 1993 ICM became the home of the Center for Latino Research on Religion and Society, also sponsored by the North American Division. In addition to its ongoing relationship with NAD, ICM provides services on a fee basis for other denominational entities. It lists the General Conference, local conferences and churches, and SDA journals among its clients.
The work of ICM is based on the belief that the tools of social science can join with biblical and theological insights in advancing the objectives of the church. Its mission is conducted through field-based research, preparing marketing reports based on census data, publications, preparation of various materials, information processing, and consultation. Some of the areas in which ICM has been active are a 10-year longitudinal study of the retention of youth in the SDA Church, lay member involvement in local congregations, the most effective training for pastoral ministry, SDA Church growth factors, SDA ministerial morale, human relations, youth drug usage, church giving patterns, preferences of readers of the Adventist Review, SDA women in leadership, SDA Hispanics, and attitudes of SDA members in a variety of areas. The information gained has been shared with the church through published books, manuals, pamphlets, journal articles, and research reports. Some findings have been shared with the wider world through publications in scholarly journals. Institute personnel also make presentations at church conventions, ministers’ meetings, teachers’ meetings, camp meetings, and in local congregations.
In addition to full-time staff, ICM employs students to assist in the various tasks. These include seminary students in training for ministry, who gain valuable practical experience relevant to their future vocation. ICM also consults with other Andrews University faculty members in departments such as marketing, communications, and behavioral science when their expertise can prove beneficial in meeting a challenge. Desmond Cummings, Jr., served as director of the institute from 1979 to 1984. Roger L. Dudley has served as director from 1984.