Mission
The mission of the Institute of Church Ministry (ICM) is to research issues that affect mission and ministry. ICM harnesses the expertise and resources of Andrews University and the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary to support denominational decision-makers within the North American Division (NAD) and facilitate the larger Adventist Church in the accomplishment of its goals.
Purpose
The purpose of ICM is to provide resources for mission and ministry to meet the challenges of a variety of issues in the contemporary world. ICM’s mission and purpose are carried out through research, publications, development of materials, information processing, and consultation.
Philosophy
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.
History
The concept of the Institute of Church Ministry began in 1978 when the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists (NAD) asked Andrews University Seminary professor, Des Cummings, Jr., to direct a study of church growth within the Division. The need for empirical research in the field of church ministry became apparent, thus prompting the establishment of ICM at the November 1979 meeting of the Andrews University Board of Trustees. The Institute officially opened on January 1, 1980. Des Cummings, Jr. served as director until August 1984. Roger L. Dudley, emeritus professor of Christian Ministry at the Seminary, has served as director since then.
ICM is located on the lower floor of the Seminary building, room S136. It includes space for the director, administrative assistant, student assistants, important records, and research materials. In 1984, ICM entered into a sustaining relationship with the North American Division (NAD), which has continued to be its major client.
Our Team
Petr Cincala, PhD
Director
Born and raised in Czechoslovakia (The Czech Republic since 1993), Dr. Petr Cincala attended the theological seminary in Prague (1994); he then completed his M.Div. (1997), MSW (2000), PhD. in Mission (2002) at Andrews University. After graduating, he worked as an intern pastor at the Bohemian Conference (2000-2003).
Dr. Cincala served as a volunteer community organizer, lecturer, and freelance missionary in the Czech Republic from 2003-2012, founded and led the nonprofit organization Generations Center, launched and coordinated a nationwide Marriage Week campaign, and led Generation Gospel Choir, which has been made mostly of atheists. Since 2013, Dr. Cincala has worked as the Director of the Institute of Church Ministry at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary. Besides involvement in various church-related research projects, Dr. Cincala works with the World Mission Department as a methodologist and is the director of the Doctor of Missiology program. Dr. Cincala serves as the US national partner for Natural Church Development, directs Life Renewal personal growth resources, and is the managing editor of the Journal of Applied Christian Leadership.
Petr is married to Daniela and, together with their four boys Timothy, Jonathan, Nathanael, and Matthew, they love ministering to God and other people.
Rene Drumm, PhD, MSW
Senior Researcher
René Drumm is a Senior Research Professor of Sociology and Adjunct Professor, School of Social Work at Andrews University. Dr. Drumm serves as the research methodologist for the Institute of Church Ministry at Andrews University’s Theological Seminary.
Working in higher education for nearly 30 years, Dr. Drumm’s positions included serving as the associate dean for the College of Health at the University of Southern Mississippi, dean of the School of Social Work at Southern Adventist University, MSW clinical program director at Andrews University and BSW program director at Southwestern Adventist University.
Dr. Drumm’s research interest is in the intersection of social issues and faith communities. Focusing on domestic violence, faith-based residential treatment, and sexual identity formation, Dr. Drumm has authored numerous academic articles and book chapters.
Dr. Drumm holds a PhD degree in sociology with an emphasis in family studies from Texas Woman’s University and a Master of Social Work from Michigan State University.
Injae Son, MDiv., MSCID
Research Associate
Injae Son is a Research Associate at the Institute of Church Ministry (ICM) and a staff member at Andrews University. With his analytical and management skills, he assists in various research projects and analyzes quantitative and qualitative data for practical reports. Before joining the ICM, he worked as a coordinator in the Strategies, Marketing, and Enrollment Management Division and as a Planning and Development Manager at a U.S.-based international non-profit organization. His experience encompasses various domains, including youth and young adult ministry, higher education, humanitarian service, nonprofit organization management, and evaluation and research. His topics of interest are parachurch, program evaluation, evaluation capacity building, and evaluating faith-based organizations (FBOs).
Injae is a Ph.D. candidate in the interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Evaluation program at Western Michigan University. He graduated from Andrews University with two degrees, a Master of Divinity and a Master of Science in Community and International Development.