The Seventh-day Adventist Church’s mission from the beginning has been to share God’s truth in the Bible. And as times have changed, we’ve explored new ways of doing this—one of those being movies.
Interested in what the Adventist Church has put out? Or wondering what movies feature Adventists?
Here, we’ll introduce you to those films and cover:
- Why media is important in Adventist ministry
- The purpose of Adventist movies
- How to tell what kind of Adventist movie it is
- A list of Adventist movies
- Where to watch Adventist movies
First, let’s look at the role media plays in Adventist ministry.
Why media is important in Adventist ministry
The Adventist Church has always used whatever medium possible to present the Gospel to others, whether through pamphlets, books, or more recently, radio, television, and the internet.
Though the Bible wasn’t written at a time when all these different types of media existed, it provides us with principles we can apply to these methods today. Our desire is to take advantage of every opportunity to reach out to people with the love of Jesus Christ.
And that’s meant getting creative with film.
Film is a great way for Adventists to integrate the storytelling theme we value with an engaging and thought-provoking visual presentation.
Adventists have used film in many different ways to reach audiences—whether livestreaming church services and posting them on YouTube or creating short videos and movies.
The North American Division of Adventists (NAD) even puts on the Sonscreen Film Festival, where, once a year, young filmmakers gather to debut short films they’ve created. These films are designed to be uplifting—for Christian evangelism, outreach, or social awareness.
Let’s take a closer look at the reasons Adventists make films.
The purpose of Adventist movies
Many Adventist movies are created for the purpose of evangelism. Some of our biggest productions highlight the end times and the Second Coming of Jesus since these topics are so important to what Seventh-day Adventists believe.
These movies are produced by the church and its affiliated ministries like Hope Channel and Amazing Facts. They represent official Adventist teachings and aim to help viewers understand topics in the Bible through a visual story.
Another purpose of Adventist movies is to inform. While the movies about the end times inform viewers about Bible prophecy, others educate viewers about Adventism specifically.
One well-known example is Tell the World. This feature film takes viewers on a journey of the founding of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It shows the true story of how one of our founders, Ellen White, began her ministry and how Adventists developed some of our key doctrines through diligently studying the Bible.
Then, there are some movies that simply seek to provide uplifting entertainment through a spiritual lens.
For example, Hope Channel released a family movie called The Mysterious Note. This little film was meant to help parents and children understand the meaning of stewardship—responsibly caring for what God has given us.
Several movies also prominently feature Adventists, even though they are not produced by the church. Here are a few:
- Hacksaw Ridge: The story of Desmond Doss, a World War II medic and Seventh-day Adventist who refused to bear arms, yet saved 75 men and received the Congressional Medal of Honor
- The Conscientious Objector: A documentary of Desmond Doss
- Gifted Hands: The story of Ben Carson, the famous Seventh-day Adventist surgeon
- The Adventists: A documentary exploring the Seventh-day Adventist lifestyle and reasons why Adventist church members live so long
While these movies prominently feature Seventh-day Adventists, they are not produced by the church or any affiliate ministries. We encourage you to watch them with discretion.
How can you tell which movies are produced by the Adventist Church and which ones aren’t? Read on to find out.
How to tell what kind of Adventist movie it is
If a movie is officially put out by the church, it’ll be copyrighted by the church or one of its ministries, like Amazing Facts, Hope Channel, or 3ABN. These movies endorse Adventist theology and don’t contain any questionable elements like language or undue violence.
If the copyright is by an individual name, ministry, or group not directly affiliated with the church, exercise caution before viewing the movie. Do some research to be sure it’s something you are comfortable watching.
Also realize, any theology presented in these unaffiliated movies that is attributed to Adventists may not be official Adventist theology.
Of course, this is not to discourage you from viewing those movies. Many movies out there are inspiring and uplifting in their own right. They just may not accurately represent the Adventist Church.
So which ones are put out by the Adventist Church? Let’s take a look.
A list of Adventist movies
Here are several movies produced by the church:
- Tell the World: As we already mentioned, this movie shows how the Adventist Church began.
- The Hopeful: This movie is a sequel to Tell the World and depicts the Millerite Movement and the start of the Adventist Church, highlighting the challenges and the hope of this group of believers who looked forward to the Second Coming of Christ.
- Opposites: Two people live totally different lives in Brazil, providing a new perspective on the extremes of poverty and wealth in society.
- Revelation: The Bride, the Beast, and Babylon: This documentary breaks down the symbolism found in the book of Revelation.
- A Matter of Conscience: Learn what happened to some British Seventh-day Adventist conscientious objectors in World War I.
- The Mysterious Note: A family moves to take ownership of a store when their children find a mysterious note that might change everything.
- Final Events: A two-part documentary in which Pastor Doug Batchelor presents what the Bible says about end-time events.
- War in Heaven, War on Earth: This movie explores the founding of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and its connection to the Civil War.
Where to watch Adventist movies
Many Adventist movies are free on YouTube or other similar online platforms. Some can also be rented, streamed, or purchased on platforms like Vimeo. And, many of them are available at the Adventist Book Center if you’d like to get them in a DVD format.
In all our movie productions, Adventists seek to glorify God. Whether we’re telling the Adventist story, sharing biblical messages, or providing wholesome entertainment, we strive to create films that will bring viewers a little closer to Jesus.
If you’d like to learn more about Adventists and what we choose to watch,
If you’d like to learn more about Adventists and what we choose to watch,
Related Articles
More Answers
How Adventists View the End of the World
The end of the world is no fun to think about. But here’s how we can actually find hope and comfort in what’s to come.
What Is an Adventist Medical Missionary?
A medical missionary in the Adventist Church is someone who cares for the medical needs of people as a way of showing the love of Jesus. They may travel to another country, or even just serve in their hometown.
Is the Seventh-day Adventist Church Protestant?
With so many Christian denominations, it can be hard to keep track of which ones share which beliefs. Let’s look at the core Protestant beliefs of Adventism.
Are Seventh-day Adventists Evangelicals?
According to its origins and definition, evangelicalism is about following Jesus and the Bible and sharing the Gospel through the way we live our lives. Adventists wholeheartedly harmonize with these principles.
Could Anything Keep Me from Becoming an Adventist?
We are each saved through Christ. But when it comes to church membership, are there certain beliefs or expectations to become an Adventist?
Do Seventh-day Adventists Have “Rules”?
We uphold principles we believe will help us maintain a closer relationship with Jesus and His Word. Learn how these principles guide Adventist lifestyles.
Do Seventh-day Adventists Have “Rules” For Marriage?
Around the world, many cultures and religions have various marriage traditions, expectations, or even rules when it comes to choosing a partner, planning the wedding, extended family logistics, or a number of other things.
Can a Seventh-day Adventist Marry a Non-Adventist?
Yes. Seventh-day Adventists are not under any official rules that dictate who they can or cannot marry. This is a personal, life-altering decision between the couple and God.
What Adventists Believe About Alcohol and Tobacco Use
The Seventh-day Adventist Church has historically discouraged the use of alcohol and tobacco. Even before the church started in 1863, its leaders were realizing the negative effects of these substances.
Is the Soul Immortal? Exploring What Adventists Believe
Based on the way the Bible describes humanity in comparison to God and angels, Seventh-day Adventists believe souls are not something you have, but something you are.
Jewelry—Why Do Many Seventh-day Adventists Choose Not to Wear It?
If you walk into a Seventh-day Adventist church service, you might notice that many people aren’t wearing earrings, bracelets, necklaces, or sometimes even wedding rings.
International Pathfinder Camporee
Youth aged 10-15 in the Adventist Church’s global Pathfinder program look forward to the International Camporee every 5 years. This event brings together Pathfinders from around the world for exciting activities.
How Adventists interpret Bible prophecy
Bible prophecy conjures up a variety of emotions in people. For some, it feels exciting or mysterious.
Moviegoers’ Guide to The Hopeful: The Facts Behind the Film
Learn where and when you can watch The Hopeful and how to get tickets. Already seen it? We’ll uncover the real story that inspired this film.
How Are Seventh-day Adventists Different from Other Protestants?
As a Protestant Christian denomination, the Seventh-day Adventist Church regards the Bible as the ultimate guide and looks to Jesus Christ as the only way to salvation. We do have some differences of belief or interpretation when it comes to topics like Bible prophecy, end-time events, the Sabbath, and a person’s state after death.
How Adventists Handle Death and Funerals
Most Seventh-day Adventist funeral services are similar to those of other Protestant denominations, such as Methodists, Baptists, or Presbyterians, but you might find a few differences or unique nuances.
Do Seventh-day Adventists Believe Only They Will Go to Heaven?
No, Adventists definitely don’t believe they’re the only ones that will go to heaven. As a matter of fact, we don’t believe admittance into heaven is ever based on which church or denomination we belong to. People all over the world from different Christian denominations, religions, and walks of life will be welcomed by Jesus.
What Is Children’s Sabbath School in the Adventist Church?
Children’s Sabbath School is a Bible program offered every Sabbath at Adventist churches for children from birth to age 18. These classes give children the chance to learn Bible stories, make new friends, and participate in fun activities.
Do Adventists Observe Easter-Related Holidays?
Jesus Christ’s resurrection, celebrated on many Easter-related holidays, is central to the beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. And that means we seek every opportunity to remember it.
An Overview of Seventh-day Adventist Higher Education
The Seventh-day Adventist Church has about 118 tertiary schools around the world. Though many of them are within North America, you’ll also find Adventist universities in countries across the world—places like Croatia, Austria, Brazil, Madagascar, and the Philippines.
The Ten Commandments from a Seventh-day Adventist Perspective
Ever eaten a salad and gotten a big piece of green stuck in your teeth? And you didn’t realize it was there until you looked in the mirror? (Because no one ever told you!)
The Benefits of A Seventh-day Adventist Academy
Adventist academies are high schools (grades 9-12) that are owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Are Seventh-day Adventists Christians?
Yes, the Seventh-day Adventist Church is a Protestant Christian denomination formed in 1863. Just like other Christians, we believe that Jesus Christ is our Savior and seek to follow the principles of the Word of God.
Do Adventists Celebrate Christmas?
In general, most Seventh-day Adventists do celebrate Christmas.
Since our denomination doesn’t have specific guidelines about holidays, it’s up to each member to decide whether to celebrate it based on their personal convictions and study of the Bible.
What Does the Bible Say About Modesty
Seventh-day Adventists and Christians in general try to ensure their outward presentation and lifestyle glorify God. This often involves daily habits like the ways we hold conversations, the ways we dress and accessorize, and the ways we regard other people when we’re out and about.
How Do Adventists Make Movie and Music Choices?
How do Adventists decide what music to listen to and which movies to watch? Learn how Bible principles can help us make better entertainment choices.
Does the Seventh-day Adventist Church Believe in Paying Tithe?
Seventh-day Adventists believe in paying tithe and offerings based on the biblical command and our commitment to being wise stewards of God’s resources. These donations help fund the mission of the Adventist Church by supporting pastors, missionaries, church expenses, and evangelistic projects, among other things.
Seventh-day Adventist World Population and Demographics
The Adventist Church has more than 22 million members and 100,000 churches worldwide, plus a large system of hospitals, schools, and publishing houses. Learn more about this diverse church.
What Is a Seventh-day Adventist Camp Meeting?
Although camp meetings didn’t begin with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, they’re as much an Adventist thing as haystacks.
Camp meeting is an extended event for Adventists (and non-Adventists) of all ages to gather and participate in spiritual seminars and activities. During the event, attendees often camp in tents, campers, or RVs.
Didn’t find your answer? Ask us!
We understand your concern of having questions but not knowing who to ask—we’ve felt it ourselves. When you’re ready to learn more about Adventists, send us a question! We know a thing or two about Adventists.