Solusi University has hosted its first International Theological Forum, bringing together Adventist scholars, pastors, administrators, and students from four continents for a four-day conversation on Scripture, Adventist identity, and the church's mission in a rapidly changing world.

Held from 27–30 May 2026 under the theme "Faithfulness to Scripture and Adventist Theology in a Changing Mission Environment," the forum drew presenters from Africa, North America, the Pacific, and the Middle East. The gathering, the first of its kind in the university's history, is expected to become an annual platform for theological engagement within the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Forum Executive Coordinator Dr. Innocent Gwizo said the event was born out of a growing conviction that Adventist theology and mission require deliberate reaffirmation in an increasingly complex world.

"The Scriptures, Adventist theology and its mission are critical elements that warrant attention," Gwizo said. "These elements contribute to our identity and unity and mission; they must be safeguarded at all times."

He said the forum aimed to emphasise the role of Scripture as the foundation of mission, affirm Adventist theology amid competing voices, and provide space for robust theological discussion. "Theological pillars of the Seventh-day Adventist Church face challenges; there is a need to affirm their foundations," he said.

Solusi University Vice Chancellor Professor Khumbulani Mpofu said the forum came at a time when the church is being called to remain firmly grounded in Scripture while navigating a shifting mission landscape. He warned that theological education must move beyond the transfer of information.

"We are living in unprecedented times where theological education has been seen to be failing to bring about the transformation that it should bring to our communities," Mpofu said. "It has just been taken as information with no transformational power."

Mpofu said higher education institutions have a responsibility to prepare missionaries who both understand Scripture intellectually and embody its teachings in ministry. "Conversations that bring together international and local Biblical scholars, theology professors and students, and practising missionaries become critical now, more than ever," he said.

Dean of the Faculty of Theology and Chaplaincy Dr. Nkosiyabo Zvandasara said the forum was intentionally designed to confront a single, urgent question: "In times of rapid change, how do we maintain faithfulness to Scripture and to the distinctive Adventist theology God has made us custodians of?"

Zvandasara said churches today are confronted by secularism, syncretism, poverty, and rapidly evolving communication technologies. "The Bible is our non-negotiable foundation for mission," he said. "The Bible is not one voice among many. It is the authoritative voice. The moment we abandon the authority of Scripture, we lose our prophetic calling."

The forum's keynote was delivered by Professor Jiří Moskala, Dean of the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University in the United States and one of the church's leading Old Testament scholars. Across several presentations, Moskala explored Adventist identity, the prophetic significance of Daniel 7, and the doctrine of the pre-Advent judgment.

In one of his most anticipated sessions, titled How to Expect God's Judgment Without Going Crazy?, Moskala addressed common misconceptions surrounding divine judgment, emphasising that God's judgment is not primarily about condemnation but about justification, deliverance, and vindication.

"The judgment of God not only determines our life, but makes our life what it really is," he said. "What God thinks about us is the most important of all questions."

Other international presenters explored a range of topics central to Adventist theology and mission. Professor Larry Lichtenwalter examined the continuing relevance of Revelation and Daniel to Adventist identity. Professor John Reeve focused on Christ-centred theology and the believer's relationship with Jesus. Professor Elisha Marfo addressed the growing challenge of dissident ministries and dual allegiance among African Adventists. Dr. Melak Tsegaw explored contextual biblical studies, stewardship, and balanced understandings of the investigative judgment.

Local scholarship also featured prominently. Zimbabwe East Union Conference Ministerial Director Dr. Morris Mlambo presented research tracing the development of Adventism in Zimbabwe from 1910 to 2000, highlighting the role of indigenous leadership in church growth. Dr. Clifford Sibanda explored Solusi's historic role as the birthplace of Adventist missionary training in Africa. Breakout sessions covered disability theology, contextualisation, evangelism, and biblical interpretation.

Beyond the scholarly programme, delegates participated in worship, fellowship, and heritage tours marking Solusi University's historic contribution to the Adventist mission on the African continent.

Organisers expressed hope that the forum will become a permanent feature on the church's academic calendar, creating a recurring space where faith, scholarship, and mission intersect.