Adventist Churches

With roots in the radical Reformation, Adventists have not placed great emphasis on sacraments. Nevertheless, they traditionally have regarded Communion, baptism, and sometimes marriage as sacred acts. Footwashing, ordination, and anointing the sick are also practiced, though with less frequency. Throughout the history of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, there has been a tension about how to honor the presence of God in worship. The denomination developed in the era of camp-meeting revivals and moved with the frontier across America. The earliest Adventist worship occasions tended to be exuberant, with much personal vocal response. God's presence was felt to be immediate and close. Once regular weekly worship began, however, the idea of being in the presence of God was reflected in quiet reverence, which was understood to mean silence except for directed activities (hymns, Amens, etc. ). Members were strongly encouraged to refrain from all conversation with one another as soon as th…