Madrid Adventist Church Partnership: Faith and Community

On Sabbath, May 23, the Alenza Madrid Church held the second meeting of its Madrid Adventist Church Mentoring Program. This project, spearheaded by the Alenza Women’s Ministry (MAR), pairs newly baptized members with mentors who accompany them in their first steps of faith.

THE ORIGINS OF MENTORING IN THE ADVENTIST CHURCH
This practice dates back to the 2nd century A.D. At that time, new converts were entrusted to the care of a Christian of proven faith. Being a Christian was illegal, so these godfathers and godmothers acted as spiritual mentors and witnesses to the faith. Thus, the faith was passed on from person to person through closeness and daily example.

BEGINNING AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROJECT
The sponsorship project began in June 2024 with 11 baptized members. Throughout 2025, 27 more people joined. Additionally, in April of this year, 6 new members were baptized. Therefore, there are currently 44 baptized members paired with their sponsors. Each sponsor accompanies their sponsored member through prayer, conversation, and presence. It is hoped that this initiative will continue to grow and be a source of blessing for the entire congregation.

UNITY AND FELLOWSHIP IN ALENZA
The Alenza Youth Hall hosted this celebration of unity. In total, nearly 80 guests participated. First, they enjoyed a fellowship meal, and then they shared a pleasant afternoon in fellowship. All of this reflected the spirit of the early church, as described in Acts 2:42(NIV): “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

These kinds of gatherings strengthen the bonds within the community. For this reason, MAR will continue to organize activities that promote spiritual accompaniment among its members.¹