— ABOUT ADVENTIST COMMUNITY SERVICES

Faith expressed through practical service.

ACS helps churches understand their communities, respond to human needs, and build relationships that make hope visible.

— WHO WE ARE

A network of people committed to compassionate action.

Adventist Community Services is the community outreach ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America. We support local churches and ministries with training, tools, coordination, and a shared commitment to serve every person with dignity.

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— OUR FOUNDATION

What guides the work.

01

Mission

Equip and empower churches, leaders, and volunteers to Serve communities in Christ’s Name.

02

Vision

Communities where people experience dignity, belonging, practical support, and renewed hope.

03

Values

Compassion, collaboration, preparedness, stewardship, respect, and service rooted in faith.

04

Philosophy

The mission of ACS is “Serving Communities in Christ’s Name,” which means serving the whole person, a concept known as holistic ministry.

— OUR STORY

Built on decades of local service.

1874

In 1874, ACS began as the “Dorcas and Benevolent Association” composed of women providing clothes, food, financial support and services to needy families in churches and in their communities.  This is why until the World War II era, the humanitarian work of local Seventh-day Adventist churches was known as the Dorcas Society. Dorcas was a disciple in the early Christian church in the city of Joppa who was well regarded as a person who was always doing good and helping those in need (Acts 9:36-43).

1879

In 1879, the Dorcas Societies wanted to involve their husbands so the Good Samaritan Society was organized.

1953

In 1953, the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church broadened the concept of service to urban ministry. This new organization was named Seventh-day Adventist Health and Welfare Services (SAWS).

1972

In 1972, the name was changed to Adventist Community Services (ACS).

1983

In 1983, the church organized the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) International to serve societies outside of North America more effectively. ADRA is a church owned non-governmental organization (NGO) that works at a global level sponsored by the Seventh-day Adventist Church to provide international relief and development.

2005

In 2005, ACS expanded its ministry with ACS International under the General Conference Sabbath School and Personal Ministry Department to focus on Adventists in community services and outreach ministries at the local church level.

— OUR STORY

How we serve.

ACS equips churches, volunteers, and community leaders to meet immediate needs, strengthen relationships, and help communities thrive. Select a ministry area to explore the work.

COMMUNITY CARE

Local ministries that respond with dignity

Food assistance, clothing, mentoring, colder-adult support, and other services shaped around local needs.

PREPARED RESPONSE

Trained people ready to serve

Resources, training, and coordination that help churches serve effectively before, during and after a crisis

COMMUNITY CARE

Local ministries that respond with dignity

Food assistance, clothing, mentoring, colder-adult support, and other services shaped around local needs.

PREPARED RESPONSE

Trained people ready to serve

Resources, training, and coordination that help churches serve effectively before, during and after a crisis

— OUR INVITATION

Bring compassion closer to home.

CONNECT WITH ACS