sda

SDA most commonly refers to the Seventh-day Adventist Church, a Protestant Christian denomination with a global presence. The church emphasizes observance of the Sabbath on Saturday, health and lifestyle reform, and the expectation of Christ’s imminent second coming. It upholds the Bible as its primary authority and teaches salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. The denomination emerged from 19th-century revival movements in the United States and was formally established as the Seventh-day Adventist Church in 1863, with earlier associations linking to the Millerite movement. The name reflects both Sabbath observance and Adventist eschatology.

Organizationally, the church is governed internationally by the General Conference, with regional divisions, national unions, and local congregations. It operates a global network of educational institutions, publishing houses, media outlets, and healthcare facilities. Education and health ministries are central to its mission, including numerous primary and secondary schools and a system of hospitals and clinics. Worship typically centers on weekly Sabbath observance, study of Scripture, communal prayer, and fellowship.

Beliefs and practices commonly associated with the SDA Church include the authority of Scripture, belief in the Trinity, salvation through Jesus, and the hope of resurrection. A distinctive health message promotes temperance and the avoidance of alcohol and tobacco, along with an emphasis on overall healthy living. The church also engages in humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and advocacy for religious liberty, often operating independently of national government policies through its network of institutions and volunteers.

Other uses: SDA is an acronym that can refer to a variety of organizations, programs, or terms in different fields, depending on context. This article describes the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the most common meaning of the acronym.