When Indiana pastor Christian Smith began seeing more online videos claiming Seventh-day Adventists were a cult, he grew concerned about the misinformation being spread.
One podcast in particular caught his attention. A guest claimed Adventists believed Jesus was a created being and wasn’t divine, a teaching Smith knew was directly contradicted by the church’s fundamental beliefs. “If you disagree, that’s fine, but at least operate under the correct information,” Smith said.
The experience got him thinking. What if he could create short, engaging videos addressing common misconceptions about Adventists? Something people could easily find online when searching for answers.
The timing seemed right. The North American Division had launched Pentecost 2025, encouraging churches to find ways to share the gospel. Rather than organize a traditional proclamation event, Smith, a pastor with a passion for filmmaking, envisioned something that could continue reaching people long after the initiative ended.
More than a year later, that vision has become a 10-part series titled “What Do Seventh-day Adventists Believe?” available at whatdoadventistsbelieve.com or whatdoseventhdayadventistsbelieve.com
Each video runs approximately seven to 10 minutes and explores core Adventist teachings. Smith deliberately begins with the gospel, allowing subsequent episodes discussing topics such as the Sabbath, the Rapture, death, Judgement to build on that foundation. “I wanted to start with the gospel to make that central because that is central to everything and it’s very misunderstood,” he said.
Bringing the Vision to Life
Smith wanted the videos to be professionally produced. He enlisted his friend Shadai Perez, a filmmaker whose clients have included Microsoft and Disney, who agreed to help at a fraction of the usual production cost.
Smith wrote all 10 scripts before traveling to Texas in September 2025. The team filmed the entire series in one intensive week using professional cinema cameras. Perez and his team handled editing and built the website.
Funding came from Pentecost 2025, the Indiana Conference and local church contributions.
While filming, Smith wondered whether the web addresses people might naturally search when researching Adventist beliefs were already taken. To his surprise, they were available. “I felt like God had preserved those for this project specifically,” he said.
The completed videos were presented at his Fort Wayne church over 10 Sabbaths, followed by live panel discussions. The series concluded in October 2026, with eight baptisms at the church on the final Sabbath.
But Smith is especially excited about what happens next. The videos remain available for anyone to watch, and Bible study leaders can use them to introduce topics before meeting with people to discuss questions.
A Pastor with a Camera
Smith’s filmmaking ministry has an unlikely beginning. For much of his life, he was an atheist. Bible prophecy eventually led him to the Adventist Church. After his baptism around 2010, he attended the Amazing Facts Center of Evangelism, where he learned to give Bible studies.
He soon realized many church members couldn’t take four months away from their responsibilities for similar training. Why not record Bible study lessons and make them available online?
There was one problem. Smith knew nothing about filmmaking. He started experimenting anyway, eventually developing a YouTube channel and learning from experienced filmmakers, including Perez and Indiana-based videographer Joshua Martin.
His background as an atheist continues to shape his approach. He understands why people question Christianity and hopes his videos will help them find reliable information about God and Adventist beliefs.
More to Come
Smith is already planning a second series focusing on Bible prophecy, the subject that first drew him to Christianity. His goal is to explain prophetic teachings clearly while treating those who disagree with respect. “I don’t want it to be an attacking series,” he said.
He’s discussing the project with the Indiana Conference and exploring funding opportunities for 2027.
Meanwhile, the first series continues to serve as an evangelistic resource. And Smith has no plans to put away his camera. “This is a part of my ministry. It’s not separate,” he said. “Some pastors might write books and that is an important ministry, but God has called me to filmmaking, the printing press of our day.”
Watch the trailer https://whatdoadventistsbelieve.com/promo.mp4
Debbie Michel is editor of the Lake Union Herald.