ACFRP Celebrates Creation at Andrews University

From July 17–19, 2025

Ronny Nalin, director of the Geoscience Research Institute, served as a keynote speaker for the conference.

Andrews University hosted the annual Adventist Conference on Family Research and Practice (ACFRP) from July 17–19 at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary. Under the theme “Celebrating Creation: Marriage, Family, and the Sabbath,” Adventist counseling and theological professionals gave presentations on what a biblical lifestyle should look like in a contemporary context. The Department of Family Ministries of the General Conference (GC) of Seventh-day Adventists, in collaboration with the North American Division (NAD) of Seventh-day Adventists and Andrews University, co-sponsored the event.

The conference targeted family life leaders, pastors, students, and professionals from local churches, conferences and other Adventist institutions. Caundee Cauvin, a conference organizer and graduate assistant at the seminary, further described ACFRP as a space for “meaningful research and dialogue,” with the end goal of promoting family healing and restoration. Attendees were given the opportunity to attend both in person and online, taking part in discussions on strategic ways to approach family therapy, family studies and family ministry.

The ACFRP had six plenary presentations and several breakout sessions over the three-day gathering. Some of the conference’s highlights were its four keynote speakers, starting with Ronny Nalin, the director of the Geoscience Research Institute. Nalin spoke for the Thursday evening program on the topic of “Uniformitarianism, Catastrophism, and God’s Agency in Nature,” pointing out how geological data and studies can provide evidence for the intentional and divine Creation found in the book of Genesis. Nalin also provided the opening plenary session on Friday, July 18, with the title “The Great Reversal: How the God of Creation Week Transforms Lives.” In it, he discussed how “Christ’s silent will to rescue” is illustrated through Creation and the rest of scripture.

On Friday afternoon, the first set of breakout sessions took place. Attendees selected from presentations given by an array of psychologists, professors and pastors from across the United States. One of the presentations was given by Elaine Oliver, associate director of the Department of Family Ministries for the GC, who spoke on “Religion, Purpose and Happiness as Predictors of Student Resilience.” Other breakout presentations spoke about post-pandemic stress on Chinese immigrants, familial anxiety, domestic violence, Sabbath rest and worship, and premarital counseling.

The third plenary session, which also served as a vespers service to open the Sabbath on Friday night, was presented by Richard Davidson, senior research professor of Old Testament interpretation at Andrews University. He spoke about Christ’s vision for relational intimacy with the topic of “God’s Creation Intent for Marriage: Heterosexual, Monogamous, and Permanent.” Using scripture, Davidson identified God’s ideal and perfect intent for His children and their romantic relationships.

On the final day of the conference, the Sabbath morning plenary was given by Hyveth Williams, director of the Doctor of Ministry program in the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary. Williams spoke about “restoring the broken,” sharing God’s appreciation for beauty and sentimentalism through Creation and the gift of the Sabbath. She also emphasized that “Sabbath wasn’t a rule but a relationship” and noted the importance of modeling spiritual relationships, especially amid a modern world of rising divorce rates, envy and violence. Williams concluded that through strengthening the values of family, marriage and the Sabbath, church members can find meaning in their lives—rather than letting “algorithms fuel the quest for purpose,” as many do through social media consumption.

In the afternoon, attendees engaged in additional breakout sessions. Andrews faculty members Ainsworth Joseph, assistant professor of discipleship and family ministries, and Kristina Freed, adjunct professor, led two sessions. Joseph spoke about helping at-risk children from a biblical perspective, and Freed shared a “blueprint for relational thriving.”

Willie Oliver, director of the Department of Family Ministries for the GC, led the third breakout session. His presentation was titled,“In the Image of God: Giving Attention to Who We Are,” and he spoke on the biblical standards for sex and marriage, citing 1 Corinthians 6:9–11 and Leviticus 18:22. He spoke against the potential harmful methods of “reparative therapy” and shared, “the Seventh-day Adventist Church is not against anyone; we are for what’s in the word of God.”

The closing keynote presentation was given by Jo Ann Davidson, senior research professor of systematic theology at Andrews. Her talk, titled “God is a romantic,” detailed the positives of a God-filled marital relationship. Davidson affirmed human sexuality and romance as a God-given blessing, illustrating the loving relationships between men and women, like Jacob and Rachel, found throughout the Bible. She also shared biblical examples of God’s immense love for His people and the church.

“The ACFRP is more than just a conference—it’s a community and a growing network of professionals, scholars and students passionate about family life and faith,” said Cauvin. “It provides opportunities for continuing education, mentorship, research exposure, and real-life application in ministry and clinical settings. It’s open to individuals across backgrounds who are committed to making a difference in homes and communities.”

The next ACFRP will take place in 2027, with further details to be announced. More information about the ACFRP and the Family Ministries departments of the GC and NAD can be found on their respective websites.