UKXIJ paajs^ sjenxasomojj Letters

Parsonage allowance alert resources for those in the ministry. J. Ron du Preez responds: A thoughtful I am happy to report that the problem Alfred Johnson II, Central States reading of my article shows that only a outlined in the November 1995 issue Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, small part deals with the question of a has been solved. President Clinton Kansas City, Kansas biblical basis. Just as in Acts 15, where recently signed into law the Small the written Word of God is referred or Business Job Protection Act of 1996, Divine designs for dealing with alluded to twice as much as the work of which included a provision that the rental ethical issues the Holy Spirit, so I have the same value of any parsonage or a parsonage Ron du Preez© article (September balance in my article. allowance for a retired minister is not 1996) demands a challenge. One can The point is that these early subject to self-employment (SECA) agree that Acts 15 is a great place to find Christians did indeed go to the written tax. While the Church Retirement a model for dealing with church issues. Word of God (see Acts 15:15-17, etc.) Benefits Simplification Act of 1995 did Mr. du Preez has some very good points in order to discover which ethical not make it through Congress, we are and insights into what happened at that standards were to be followed by the pleased that this significant provision first church council. But du Preez© believers. Obviously, by omitting any survived to be included in the ©96 Act. article violates the central and obvious reference to circumcision, while Thank you to all of the clergy who reality in the whole Acts 15 story. mentioning other vital moral matters, responded to this call to write to their Indeed, it contradicts that reality! Du they were indicating that they U.S. Senators and Representatives, Preez asserts no less than nine times, in understood that this Old Testament urging a legislative solution to the various ways and allusions, that the ritual was not binding on Christians. problem. Thomas E. Wetmore, council at Jerusalem was following The careful Bible scholar recognizes Associate General Counsel, General "scriptural" or "word of God" or that Christians were not required to Conference of Seventh-day Adventists "biblical basis," etc., in finding the maintain what Ellen White calls "the solution to the circumcision issue in the ceremonial distinction of circumcision" If at first you don©t succeed beg early church. He tries to make the point (Acts of the Apostles, 141, cf., 194, for mercy that they found guidance for their 195). Other theologians note that after In the August 1996 issue of conclusion to dispose of the requirement the cross, this ritual was no longer Ministry, Jim Cress©s article about in Scripture. Nothing could be further needed (see Berkhof©s Systematic failure thrilled me. You see, at Union from the truth! Theology, p. 620; Leon-Dufour©s College elementary school, Mrs. The careful student of Scripture Dictionary of Bible Theology, p. 79). Moyers was merciful to me. She let knows that not only is there no In other words, circumcision was me take the 6th grade Bible exam four reference to Scripture as the basis of actually part of the ceremonial law (in times, until I finally passed! the decision they made, but all the its broader sense) that was done away Anna English, my 8th grade teacher, Scripture was in favor of those who with at the cross. told my parents that I would have to wanted to retain the circumcision Concerning Acts 15, Ellen White repeat the 8th grade unless I significantly standard. No one at the Jerusalem notes: "The Holy Ghost saw good not to improved. My dad saw to it that I council used any scriptural argument impose the ceremonial law on the improved. whatsoever to justify the conclusion Gentile converts; and the apostles and At Maplewood Academy, Mr. Ford they came to. They just said, "It elders, after careful investigation of called me into his office two months seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to the subject, saw the matter in the same before graduation (©39) and informed us . . ." to dispose of the requirement. light" (Story of Redemption, p. 307, me that I probably would not graduate, In discarding circumcision, the Chris [emphasis added]). which scared me into enough midnight tian teachers in Jerusalem were clearly Thus, the actions of these early hours to eke through chemistry. setting a different course from Moses. Christians did not contradict God©s At Peabody College for Teachers The real message of Acts 15 is that Word, but instead faithfully followed (Vanderbilt) I failed my doctoral orals. the new pathways in which God chooses Scripture as they understood the wider When I retook them I passed over the to lead His people cannot always be scope and broader meaning of the negative vote of the chairman. found in previous Scripture, and that ceremonial laws. In brief, Acts 15 Praise the Lord for mercy.... Felix sometimes the church has to move teaches that as believers seek for A. Lorenz, Jr., Northville, Michigan ahead on the basis of practical and guidance on ethical issues, they need to redemptive considerations, under the be sensitive, both to the guidance of the June issue guidance of the Holy Spirit, even when Holy Spirit as well as to the divinely- The June 1996 issue of Ministry was there is no previous paradigm to refer inspired Scriptures, neither of which a winner from cover to cover. Keep on to. Elder K. Walter, Springfield, will contradict the other. Ron du being used by the Lord to provide rich Oregon. Preez, Collegedale, Tennessee

If you©re receiving MINISTRY bimonthly without having paid for a subscription, it©s not a mistake. Since 1928 MINISTRY has been published for Seventh-day Adventist ministers, but we believe the time has come for clergy everywhere to experience a resurgence of faith in the authority of Scripture and in the great truths that reveal the gospel of our salvation by grace, through faith alone in Jesus Christ. We want to share with you our aspirations and faith in a way that we trust will provide inspiration and help to you too. We hope you will accept this journal as our outstretched hand to you. Look over our shoulders, take what you want and find helpful, and discard what you cannot use. Bimonthly gift subscriptions are available to all licensed and/or ordained clergy. Requests should be on church letterhead. 2 MINISTRY/NOVEMBER 1996 First Glance

This month we take up the issue of homosexuality. Although 2 Letters there is some significant reflection in one or two of our theme 4 Are you ready to quit? articles on the source and "curability" of homosexuality, our Will Eva primary focus is on the more general challenge of how to be pastors following Christ in our care of those who are 5 Without a smile Walter Pearson homosexual. In addressing this question, we must declare a foundational 6 Compassion an alternative lifestyle belief that along with some heterosexual behavior, the practice John C. Cress of all homosexual behavior is foreign to God©s original design 10 A homosexual in my congregation? for human sexuality. Sexuality is not only to be experienced Kate McLaughlin and celebrated within the bounds of heterosexual marriage as a beautiful "recreative" divine gift, but is also to be embraced, 12 Homosexuality: establishing a Christian backdrop for pastoral care because of its inherent powers, as a "procreative" gift. It is this Thomas E. Schmidt foundational procreative capability that homosexuality, by its innate physical design, is clearly unable to achieve and thus to 15 Do you pray for gays? authentically celebrate. This obvious and natural inadequacy Julia C. S. Vernon in homosexual relationships demonstrates the foreignness of 16 Ministry through a sewing machine and a cookbook homosexuality to God©s will and creative genius, and to what is essential in human sexuality and our very existence. 18 Ten commandments for improving pastoral marriage counseling We believe it is critical to preserve the integrity of God©s Barry C. Black original design and craft of humanity. We believe also that this same humanity is jaded when one human being steps in to 22 Christians and the homosexual destructively judge the personal life of another. Thus we are J. Grant Swank, Jr. contending for a christocentric, biblical, and decisive approach 23 A cry from the valley of death as we care for those with homosexual concerns. Bruce Moyer We will not all agree with what we read in this issue, but 26 A practical theology of ordination whatever our thinking, it is always ours to exercise the spirit of Keith A. Burton Christian forbearance. 28 Caring in the age of AIDS James A. Cress 30 Seminary extension courses for North America Benjamin D. Schoun 31 Shop Talk

Ministry is the international journal Walter L. Pearson, Jr. Ekkhardt Mueller, Euro-Africa SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: Steve Hanson of the Seventh-day Adventist Joel Sarli P.O. Box 219, CH 3000 Ministerial Association. Michael A. Speegle Berne 32, Switzerland Ministry, (ISSN 0026-5314), the interna Heikki Silvet, Euro-Asia tional journal of the Seventh-day Adventist ASSOCIATION SECRETARY: CONSULTING EDITORS: Isakovskogo St. #4, Korpus 1, Ministerial Association 1996, is published James A. Cress Matthew Bediako Stroghino, 123181 Moscow, Russia monthly by the General Conference of Ellen Bresee Jaime Castrejon, Inter-America Seventh-day Adventists and printed by the EDITOR: Willmore D. Eva Floyd Bresee P.O. Box 140760 Review and Herald Publishing Association, Gerard Damsteegt Miami, FL 33114-0760 55 West Oak Ridge Drive, Hagerstown, MD ASSISTANT EDITOR: Julia W. Norcott Raoul Dederen William C. Scales, Jr., North America 21740,U.S.A. Subscriptions:US$25.00for Robert Folkenberg 12501 Old Columbia Pike 12 issues worldwide, air mail US$39.85. SEMINAR DIRECTOR: John M. Fowler Silver Spring, MD 20904 Single copy US$2.25. Member Associated Nikolaus Satelmajer Roland R. Hegstad Alejandro Bullon, South America Church Press. Periodicals postage paid at Karen Holford Caixa Postal 12-2600 Hagerstown, MD. This publication is avail SPECIAL ASSISTANT EDITORS: Herbert Kiesler 70279 Brasilia, DF, Brazil able in microfilm from University Microfilms Miguel Angel Cerna Alfred C. McClure Ray Zeeman, Southern Africa Union International. Call toll-free 1-800-521-3044. Esther F. R. Knott George W. Reid P.O. Box 468, Bloemfontein 9300 Or mail inquiry to: University Microfilms Eric C. Ward Angel Rodriguez Free State, South Africa International, 300 North Zeeb Road, Ann Ariel Roth John Willmott, Southern Asia Arbor, MI 48106. PRINTED IN U.S.A. EDITOR EMERITUS: J. Robert Spangler William H. Shea SDA Complex, Post Box 2, HCF Russell L. Staples Hosur, Tamil Nadu, India 635110 Editorial Office: 12501 Old Columbia Pike, PASTORAL ADVISORY: Richard Tibbits Eric Winter, South Pacific Silver Spring, MD 20904. Stamped, self- J. Ray Bailey 148 Fox Valley Road addressed envelope should accompany S. Peter Campbell INTERNATIONAL EDITORS: Wahroonga. N.S.W. 2076, Australia unsolicited manuscripts. Office telephone: Charles Ferguson Walton Whaley, Africa-Indian Ocean Peter Roennfeldt, Trans-European 301-680-6510; Fax: 301-680-6502. E-mail Desmond Francis 22 Boite Postale 1764 119 St. Peter©s Street via CompuServe: 102555,70 or 74532,2425. Robert Lloyd Abidjan 22, Cote d©lvoire, West Africa St. Albans, Herts, AL1 3EY, U.K. Sam Miller George Johnson, Asia Pacific Postmaster: Send address changes to Dwight Nelson 5 Temasek Blvd., #10-01 Suntec City Tower COVER DESIGN: Harry Knox Ministry, 55 West Oak Ridge Drive, Donald Stoyanowski Singapore 038985, Rep. of Singapore Hagerstown, MD 21740. Eric C. Ward Eugene Hsu, East Asia Association LAYOUT: Regina Hayden House 1004, Grandview Terrace CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Siu Lam, Tuen Mun, N.T., Hong Kong Galen Bosley Joel Musvosvi, Eastern Africa MARKETING: Mark Thomas Sharon Cress P.O. Box H.G. 100, Highlands Rex D. Edwards Harare, Zimbabwe, Africa ADVERTISING SALES: Melynie Tooley Volume 69 Number 11 MINISTRY/NOVEMBER 1996 3 Editorials Are you ready to quit?

Will Eva

s this a day of trouble for you? Are wonder of a Father who is all there for friend, it speaks volumes to anyone you about ready to quit? Has your us. Perhaps it is in the name of prac pressed from every direction. Here are Iheart grown hard and cynical? Have ticality that we have come to a point at a few excerpts: you made mistakes that cause you to which we take His help for granted. "His word to you is, ©Fear not: for I think you cannot survive? Are the armies Instead of dealing with Him directly, we have redeemed thee, I have called thee of hell at your door? The Lord God is turn to other intermediary agencies. by thy name; thou art mine.© ... He is your hiding place! Jesus will not allow If this is a dark day for you, is it not waiting to take you into a harbor of the evil one to destroy the good work at the heart of all that ministry is about gracious experience, and He bids you, He has begun in you. Ask Jesus to plant to be able to say with potent assurance ©Be still, and know that I am God.©You a new seed in your heart. Let go of all that there are those things, or there is have had a time of unrest; but Jesus says your distractions and read God©s Word. that One who is of ultimate reality and to you, ©Come unto me, . . . and I will Pour out your soul to Him in prayer." who is a very present help in time of give you rest.© ... ©Then are they glad,© These are the simple words of a letter trouble? Familiar as it all may be, it is because they are privileged to rest in the I received the other day. It immediately our privilege to hold up and to hold on arms of everlasting love. Put away your made me think of our world family of to some of these basics here and now: distrust of our heavenly Father. Instead pastors and their families and how, now "The Lord is my light and my of talking of your doubts, break away and again, things seem to fall apart for salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord from them in the strength of Jesus, and us amid the battles of daily life and is the strength of my life; of whom shall let light shine into your soul by letting ministry. I be afraid?" (Ps. 27:1).* Pressed from your voice express confidence and trust For all of us there come times, and all sides, David knew where his strength in God. Do not talk of your inefficiency even extended periods, when we are was. He was clear on what he needed and your defects. When despair would shaky and vulnerable deep in our souls. and wanted above everything else: "One seem to be sweeping over your soul, Perhaps a personal crisis or family thing I have desired of the Lord, that will look to Jesus, saying, He lives to make pressure, or a series of negative events, I seek: That I may dwell in the house of intercession for me. Forget the things lead us, at first almost unaware, into the Lord all the days of my life, to behold that are behind, and believe the promise, darkness. Or perhaps we have come to the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in ©I will come to you,© and ©abide with see or feel that much of our struggle is a His temple" (verse 4). you.©" f result of our own mistakes and failures, David also knew why he wanted it: Is there anything more cleansing than either personal or professional. At other "For in the time of trouble He shall hide an all-out encounter with God, a time of times our days of trouble come when me in His pavilion; in the secret place no-holds-barred confession, when we someone has said or done something that of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He take up the Book of books to hear God©s has hurt us deeply. At such times our shall set me high upon a rock" (verse voice in our being, and when our souls troubles are especially potent if that 5). Isaiah says the same: "Fear not, for break through to Christ Himself and we someone has a high profile and the thing I am with you; be not dismayed, for I humbly claim the mercy, grace, and has been made public. Still we have had am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, empowering presence of the Holy Spirit? to carry on with the positive functions I will help you, I will uphold you with The times of pressure and darkness are of everyday pastoring, despite the My righteous right hand" (Isa. 41:10). the times that call us to just this! turmoil. And going on can be difficult I rediscovered another letter the indeed. other day. It was the last letter written During these times I have found that by a very wise woman who knew her * All Scripture quotes are from The New King it is amazingly easy for us to turn to Lord and had seen and experienced all James Version. * Ellen G. White, Testimonies to Ministers every source of comfort, support, and the rigors of life and ministry. Although (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., strength that we can find, neglecting the this letter was written to a woman 1923), pp. 516, 517. 4 MINISTRY/NOVEMBER 1996 Without a smile

Walter Pearson

he image of Chelsey Thomas or events that surround them. They are arose. The loving eyes of Jesus were still was enough to demand my severely limited when it comes to upon me, and His smile filled my soul T attention, though I had intended forming relationships, because they with gladness. His presence filled me only to browse the headlines on the seem arrogant or unkind. Evidently with holy reverence and an inexpressible evening news. She was only 8 years old. smiles are more important than we love."© At first glance she seemed rather realize. In view of our troubled times, some ordinary. Ordinary, that is, until she tried Under normal circumstances the might think that it is time for Christians to smile. Chelsey was born without the effort to produce a smile barely seems to trade in their pleasant countenances muscles that make that simple facial worthy of prolonged discussion, but and adopt appropriately serious faces. gesture possible. smiles are becoming more and more After all, the trials that are foretold in The culprit is a rare illness known rare these days. The dangers that the Bible cannot hope to inspire a joyful as Moebius syndrome. It attacks early confront people who live in thickly spirit. Could it be that even Christ would in fetal development and inhibits the populated urban centers practically be challenged to appear happy in these development of the facial nerves. As a demand the projection of a "city face." times? result, the muscles don©t function. One Conventional wisdom suggests that a "It is often said that Jesus wept, but in 2 million children are affected by the hardened exterior tends to lessen one©s that He was never known to smile. Our disorder. They have trouble sucking or vulnerability to scams or even physical Saviour was indeed a Man of Sorrows, swallowing, and their fingers may be attacks. Since television tends to present and acquainted with grief, for He stubby and webbed. urban society as the norm, the city face opened His heart to all the woes of men. Chelsey Thomas©s case brought is gaining ground. Society in general But though His life was self-denying attention to Moebius syndrome as none seems to be less cordial. and shadowed with pain and care, His other before. The pictures of this Palm- People probably have a right to spirit was not crushed. His countenance dale, California, schoolgirl also brought expect Christians to be more pleasant did not wear an expression of grief and hope to others who might never have than others. If one of the fruits of the repining, but ever one of peaceful understood the reason for their plight. Spirit is joy, an occasional smile is the serenity. His heart was a wellspring of When her story first hit the airwaves, least that a Christian should be willing life, and wherever He went He carried one side of Chelsey©s face had already to show the world. Nevertheless a long rest and peace, joy and gladness." 2 been surgically repaired. Dr. Ronald face worn to signify religious virtue has We are called upon to reflect the Kuker skillfully executed a procedure tended to outdistance the simple mes "peaceful serenity" that marked Christ©s that gave her the ability to flex one sage in a smile. visage despite the challenges that we cheek and lift that corner of her lips. The smile of Christ, though seldom must overcome. The capacity to be Her heroic effort was touching. mentioned, takes center stage in the pleasant in spite of apparent difficulties Chelsey was eager to have the next following quotation: "I tried to shield is not really possible within our own operation. This one would enable her myself from His gaze, feeling unable strength. We must conscientiously rely to control both sides of her face and to endure His searching eyes, but He on our dependable Source. generate a symmetrical smile. Her drew near with a smile, and, laying His Prayerfully consider the gesture that ultimate desire was to be able to express hand upon my head, said: ©Fear not.© The means so much to Chelsey Thomas. Seek herself in a way that most people take sound of His sweet voice thrilled my to be a channel of light for someone you for granted. She simply wanted to smile. heart with a happiness it had never before meet, even if you only share a smile. Without the ability to smile, people experienced. I was too joyful to utter a who suffer from Moebius syndrome are word, but, overcome with ineffable 1 Ellen G. White, Early Writings (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1882), p. 80. often perceived as stupid. They appear happiness, sank prostrate at His feet.... 2 , Steps to Christ (Mountain View, unaware of or unconcerned about people At length my strength returned, and I Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1956), p. 120. MINISTRY/NOVEMBER 1996 5 Compassion an alternative lifestyle

John C. Cress on* was apprehensive about people to treat them in ways that they returning to church, having put might not otherwise treat individuals D a great deal of distance between from whom they differ and with whom himself and the spiritual tradition in they disagree. Thoughtful Christians which he had been raised. He was fearful will avoid generalizations in favor of a that members of the local congregation more informed and realistic picture. would misunderstand and reject him A candid view of because of who he was and where he Choosing our words carefully homosexuality had been. Throughout most of his adult The term homosexual simply de life Don had actively pursued an openly scribes a sexual orientation. Despite the suggesting gay lifestyle. By the time of his return fact that the terms "gay" and "lesbian" courageous ways to the church he had been diagnosed as are frequently used as virtual synonyms a carrier of the human immunodefi for the word "homosexual," the terms of pastoring ciency virus (HIV) and had begun a gay and lesbian more precisely describe process of recovery from both chemical attitudinal and behavioral responses to homosexual people. and sexual addictions. the homosexual orientation, rather than There are not a few like Don. Many the orientation itself. One may be homo pastors and congregations have already sexual but not gay or lesbian in the same grappled with the reality of having way that one may be a "dry alcoholic" homosexuals in their membership or of having the inclination to drink but having them seek it. In the near future abstaining. Critics of this view point out many more will. This article suggests that homosexual sounds too clinical and ways that churches and their leaders that popular culture assumes no semantic may positively respond to homosexual difference between gay and homosexual. persons and the issues surrounding Some pro-gay activists have embraced them, so that the witness of our congre the term "queer," seeking to disarm the gations may be both prophetically clear pejorative label and its intimidating and genuinely compassionate toward impact. For purposes of clarity and as a persons struggling with issues of moral means of helping to illuminate God©s consequence. calling to individuals with same-sex attractions, I use the term homosexual Turning down the stereotypes to describe men and women with same- Homosexuals are often assumed to sex orientations but who may or may not look and act like certain exaggerated be sexually active. John C. Cress is the campus chaplain at media portrayals soft, effeminate Walla Walla College, males and "butch" or over-masculinized Who is homosexual? College Place, females. One pastor quickly discarded The term homosexuality represents a Washington. his stereotypes when a professional broad spectrum of desires and behaviors football linebacker attended his services ranging from incidental experiences of and confided that he was homosexual. arousal or experimentation to lifelong Beyond perpetuating gross inaccuracies, preferences for same-sex intimacy. The such caricatures diminish the humanity seven-point heterosexuality/homo of homosexuals, encouraging some sexuality scale presented by Alfred MINISTRY/NOVEMBER 1996 Kinsey and his associates in their homosexual females, compared to the held and closely examined moral groundbreaking 1948 report on male general population. Other chemical convictions. sexuality in America describes the dependencies are dramatically higher There are many theories about what continuum of experiences for individuals for homosexuals, and a dispropor causes homosexuality. A synthesis of who are exclusively heterosexual (0 on tionately high number of homosexuals the most comprehensive studies the scale) to those who are exclusively experience depressive disorders and suggests that homosexuality results homosexual (6 on the scale). suicidal thoughts and actions. The from a complex matrix of factors. Thoughtful pastors and churches will incidents of HIV infection and other Thomas E. Schmidt, in his informed distinguish between a person©s orien sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), treatment of homosexuality from an tation and his or her choice to act on as well as infections from a host of evangelical Christian perspective, the basis of and in response to such other pathogens and parasites, are Straight and Narrow? Compassion and desires in sexually intimate ways. They dramatically higher among homo Clarity in the Homosexuality Debate, should no more condemn persons for sexuals, as are certain physiological presents a multiple-variable model for their homosexual orientation than they traumas among males associated with homosexual identity formation.4 Bio would condemn a heterosexual for insertive anal intercourse rectal logical factors as well as cultural and desires of an illicit nature. Both must tearing, chronic incontinence, prostate environmental influences combine with be held to a biblical standard of behavior damage, and hemorrhoids, ulcers, and one©s moral climate, personal choices, in spite of their strong inclinations. fissures, which open the system to and behavioral experiences to form the additional infections.3 basis of one©s sexual identity, according Prevalence and problems Activists, seeking to propagate the to Schmidt.5 A summary of the most objective "gay myth" that homosexuals are as Don©s experience was consistent and thorough research available today happy and healthy as the rest of the with the large body of data indicating a suggests that Don was among the population, minimize the well-docu close association between adult homo approximately 6 percent of the popu mented negative health statistics. sexuality and the child©s experience of lation who experience some type of Outspoken individuals on the other end significant family dysfunction. Other same-sex relations during his or her of the ideological spectrum, some contributing factors are the loss of a lifetime and approximately 1 percent of Christians among them, often diminish father to death or divorce before the age the population who consistently desire their case by exaggerating and sensa of 106 and childhood sexual abuse. To same-sex practices. 1 These figures differ tionalizing the data and vilifying the date, no conclusive evidence exists to greatly from the popularly accepted homosexual. Thoughtful Christians must point to genetic factors of causation myth (based on misinterpretations of steer clear of avoidance and naivete on despite significant research efforts in skewed data in the Kinsey report) sug the one hand and the harsh judgmen- that direction. gesting that 10 percent of the population talism of those on the other side of the What should be clear is that the is homosexual.2 The 10 percent factor "culture wars" over homosexual issues. process of identifying possible causes has been often cited to suggest a degree They must create an informed and of homosexuality in no way negates the of normalcy for homosexuality. A compassionate response in the face of necessity of moral responsibility on the corresponding leap in logic has allowed the immense suffering experienced by part of the homosexual. As William many people to conclude that normal many homosexual men and women. Johnsson recently wrote, "Adventists equals natural and natural is the distinguish between tendencies and equivalent of morally acceptable. What causes homosexuality? practice: we all have inclinations in An accurate understanding of the From an early age Don knew intui various directions, but what counts is numbers may help the church under tively that he was different from his peers. how we respond to these drives by stand that to the degree that it operates When he learned that there were words God©s grace." 7 within the surrounding culture and to describe who he was and how he felt, reaches out evangelistically to draw he discovered that such terms were Can homosexuals change their hurting humanity to Christ, it must frequently pejorative, punctuated with orientation? expect to find persons with homosexual expressions of hatred, disgust, and fear. Successful "conversions" have been inclinations within its fellowship. Despite his keen intellect, winsome reported by secular therapists and Health problems associated with personality, and many talents, Don religious "change ministries" using a homosexuality go well beyond the encountered the indicators of rejection variety of techniques.8 Because the much-publicized, global acquired everywhere. His theology studies on a evidence for "conversion" is often immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) conservative Christian college campus anecdotal and because definitions and crisis. Rates of alcohol consumption run only compounded his despair over the methodologies differ so widely, it is twice as high for homosexual males and powerful inclinations within him that ran irresponsible to suggest that all homo as much as seven times as high for so diametrically counter to his strongly sexuals may become heterosexual by MINISTRY/NOVEMBER 1996 7 following a particular program. Some, direction not only for reasons of the truth that will set men and women however, have achieved a significant hospitality. free. The recognition of the difference level of change. J. Boswell, and later L. William between orientation and behavior is a "I prayed fervently for God to change Countryman, presented studies sug beginning point for discernment on this me," Don told me. "I did not choose gesting that Romans 1:26, 27 declared issue. homosexuality. Why would I choose to same-sex relations cultically impure but We must be faithful to Scripture, be misunderstood and rejected? God can not sinful. Schmidt responds by saying: affirming what its clear sense affirms, change my orientation, I am convinced "Paul©s profound analysis of the human avoiding what it prohibits, and pro of that, but for whatever reason He has condition in Romans 1 finds in homo claiming boldly the good news of Jesus not. What He has done for me, however, sexuality an example of sexual sin that Christ, which brings salvation and is just as miraculous," Don said with falsifies our identity as sexual beings, wholeness to all. Novel and revisionist deep emotion in his voice. "He has just as idolatry falsifies our identity as interpretations come and go, but God©s delivered me from multiple addictions created beings. Homosexual behavior is Word has proved itself for centuries to and has enabled me to remain sexually ©revolting,© not because heterosexuals find stand firm and trustworthy in the midst abstinent." In a talk he gave to students it so they have their own dirt to deal of cultural chaos. Faithfulness to the at his alma mater shortly before he died with (2:22) but because it epitomizes Bible also means following Christ and of AIDS, Don left no doubt about what in sexual terms the revolt against God. exemplifying His attitudes in the way we he believed to be the gospel imperative It is sinful because it violates the plan of deal with those doing battle with difficult for his life: "No sex with other people God, present from the creation, for the "sins of the flesh." and no sex with myself." union of male and female in marriage. u We must be redemptive, seeking to heal Don believed his stance to be the only Same-sex relations are condemned by and using our words to show Christ to way for him to maintain biblical fidelity Scripture because they stand in oppo others. Christians whose lives have been and moral integrity. It was not an easy sition to God©s created order and His deeply touched by Christ will prefer choice. Not only did he feel continuing plan revealed from the beginning. While straightforward, descriptive terminology misunderstanding from the heterosexual it is true that the Creation stories do not to emotionally charged language, stereo majority, but because of his choice of present us with neatly packaged com typing, and name-calling. Zealots accused celibacy he faced bitter opposition and mands about sex, they do provide "a of being "homophobics" rarely soften rejection by homosexuals who had basis for biblical commands and for their rhetoric. Branding gays and lesbians formerly been his friends, including some subsequent reflection on the part of those as "perverts" and "shameful sinners" only in the Kinship organization who had been who wish to construct a sexual ethic to drives them further from the only One instrumental in leading him back to Christ. meet changing situations."12 who can make a difference in their lives. The apostle James recognizes a We must be fair and not create double What does the Bible really say? distinction between orientation and standards for homosexuals. The sins of Despite attempts by revisionist behavior. Every person "is tempted when, the practicing homosexual are no more theologians to suggest that the Bible by his own evil desire, he is dragged or less serious than the sins of those who, affirms or condones intimate same-sex away and enticed. Then, after desire has with a member of the opposite gender, relationships, "only towering cynicism conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, act independently of God©s ideal of can pretend that there is any doubt about when it is full-grown, gives birth to sexual intimacy within the relationship what the Scriptures say about homo death" (James 1:14, 15, NIV). For all of heterosexual marriage. sexuality," states Michael Ukleja.9 who possess human nature and wrestle We must be humble. "People who Sherwin Bailey©s word count study with a host of temptations, this should picture themselves as soggy sailors argues that the sin of the men in Genesis come as welcome news. Only in the clinging to overturned boats are not apt 19 who desired to "know" Lot©s guests arena of moral choices and behavioral to treat their fellow flotsam with was merely a breach of hospitality. responses to one©s inclinations is sin or contempt. . . . What is needed are Bailey correctly notes that in only 12 of the resistance of it possible by God©s unrighteous people who recognize the the 943 uses of the Hebrew word yada grace. Inclination alone does not universal need to receive God©s mercy ("to know") in the Old Testament does constitute sin. and power for obedience, whatever the term refer to sexual intercourse.10 But one©s particular distortion of God©s what Bailey minimizes, of course, is the How shall we then respond? intent for sexuality. The log must come importance of context in determining the We must be discerning, allowing our out of the eye." 13 meaning of words. Lot©s offering his perspectives to be shaped more by We must be accountable to one own virgin daughters instead of his the Word of God and refined by His another. Wisdom recognizes that to hold guests for the sexual satisfaction of his Spirit than by the polemical winds of homosexuals and unmarried hetero rude neighbors indicates that he knew social opinion raging around us. Mature sexuals to an equal standard of sexual exactly what the men wanted, and Christians will be informed and balanced, abstinence ensures their well-being in purposely tried to lead them in a different avoiding polarization and fully embracing ways that other options cannot. Celi- 8 MINISTRY/NOVEMBER 1996 bacy, despite the popular protests to My friend Don will be looking for us 5 Ibid. See especially Schmidt©s diagram (figure 1 on page 152) for a visual representation of his the contrary, need not assign one to on resurrection morning. He will also be causation model. relational loneliness, nor is sexual looking for others who had similar 6 M. T. Saghir and E. Robins, Male and Female Homosexuality: A Comprehensive Investigation gratification the equivalent of life orientations to his on this earth, and who, (Baltimore: Williams Wilkins, 1973), pp. 139, 296, fulfillment, as so often seems to be like him, will be there because Christians 297. represented in the popular media. chose to reach out in life-transforming 7 William G. Johnsson. "Seven Deadly Delu sions," Adventist Review, July 25, 1996, p. 5. Heterosexual Christians must be love through the grace of Jesus Christ. 8 See Bob Davies and Lori Rentzel. Coming Out accountable for their own peculiar He will be looking for evidence among of Homosexuality: New Freedom for Men and sexual aberrations as well as the the assembled "great multitude" that V/omen (Downers Grove, 111.: InterVarsity Press, 1993), for a comprehensive and practical guide for tendency to hate those who are different. more and more congregations came to persons desiring change in their sexual orientation. We must create a new paradigm for embrace compassion as Christ©s Written from an evangelical perspective, it documents studies by believers and non-Christians ministry a life model of Christian alternative lifestyle while they awaited alike, affirming the possibility of change, and clarity and compassion. Christian His return. describes a process by which change can occur. See compassion, exercised in informed, also William E. Masters and Virginia E. Johnson, 1 T. W. Smith, "Adult Sexual Behavior in 1989: Homosexuality in Perspective (New York: Bantam, balanced, redemptive ways, is the real Number of Partners, Frequency of Intercourse and 1979), pp. 400ff., for evidence from respected "alternative lifestyle" of our age. We Risk of AIDS," Planning Perspectives 23 (May/June "secular" researchers that change is possible. They must learn to understand, embrace, 1991): 102-107. Smith©s data on the incidence of reported a success rate of nearly 72 percent for homosexuality are corroborated by recent com homosexuals seeking change at the end of their six- and bring healing to hurting homo prehensive studies conducted by the National Center year period of inquiry. sexuals. We must risk our cherished for Health Statistics, as well as other studies 9 P. Michael Ukleja, "Homosexuality and the Old reputations to reach out beyond our compiled under Smith©s direction at the National Testament," Bibliotheca Sacra 140(1983): 259-266. Opinion Research Center at the University of 10 D. Sherwin Bailey, Homosexuality and the comfort zones. We must minister to Chicago. Western Christian Tradition (London: Longmans, AIDS sufferers in same the way Jesus 2 J. H. Court and J. G. Muir, eds., Kinsey, Sex Green, and Co., 1955). See also John J. McNeill, The touched the shunned lepers of His day. and Fraud: The Indoctrination of a People Church and the Homosexual (Kansas City: Sheed (Lafayette, La.: Huntington House, 1990). Andrews and McNeill, 1976) for another example of Jesus© example underscores the point 3 Thomas E. Schmidt, Straight and Narrow? a revisionist attempt to posit the Scriptures as that we need not compromise our Compassion and Clarity in the Homosexuality condoning homosexuality. moral convictions in order to embrace a Debate (Downers Grove, 111.: InterVarsity Press, 11 Schmidt, p. 85. 1995), pp. 112-126. <2 Ibid.,p. 41. lifestyle of compassion toward sinners. 4 Ibid., pp. 150-153. 13 Schmidt, p. 55. "The program is good. The price is right. I am learning just as much as 1 would in a classroom, if not more... As I work as a pastor,. Home Study International helps me keep sharp and increases my theological understanding on current issues. The fact that I©m continuing to study will ultimately be a positive factor in my career." ©© :©-©}© .: , ,. ;i; ©r,©-"©;©;/";,, " . V©©©-"-.. Pastor Marvin Glass ,- >/UPS-Si© ©;" ,....©.©-: ."©©:&> Summer 1995

|i^

tj|if^

fiip^ education :diyision oflHome Study International. GRIGGS UNIVER si T©Y 12501 OLD COLUMBIA PIKE, SILVER SPRING, MD 20904-6600 1-800-782-4769

MINISTRY/NOVEMBER 1996 9 A homosexual in my congregation?

Kate McLaughlin even years ago we learned that to God, even though it is not through our youngest son is a homo our church, and his decision to be S sexual. At that point our ignorance celibate as an answer to prayer, because and prejudice met head-on with our love we have witnessed such a vibrant and for our son. I©m glad to say that love joyful change in his life that we cannot won out. Since that time we have doubt God©s leading. The story isn©t learned a great deal about homosexuality. over yet. We have also come to realize how many How should a people©s lives are touched by this hidden What does the homosexual need from church extend its pain. As I have become more able to a pastor? open up about our son©s homosexuality, Understanding. I suspect that many ministry to the and especially since I wrote a book church members, including pastors, still homosexual in its about our family©s experience (My Son, view homosexuality as we did before Beloved Stranger), I have been amazed learning about our son simply as a midst? to discover that nearly everyone I talk sexual perversion that people choose, with about it has a friend or relative who probably for "kicks." The truth is that is homosexual. people don©t consciously choose sexual And my son? What happened to orientation. The homosexual©s choice is him? As a child, he was always sensitive whether or not to follow a homosexual to spiritual things. He gave his heart to lifestyle. God when he was 9 years old and was When you understand that, you baptized a year later. His ambition was begin to realize some of the difficulties to be a missionary teacher. He told us homosexuals face, especially those who he prayed all through his childhood and have been brought up in a religious teens that God would change him. home. Conditioned by the attitude of When that didn©t happen, he turned his both society and the church toward back on God near the end of his college homosexuals, yet recognizing this dread years. He met another boy who was gay, thing in themselves, they learn early to and before long they were living deny a part of their personality and to together. Although he had decided he wear a protective mask around others. didn©t believe in God, he and his friend A crisis of faith often develops when loved music and sang in the choir of a their prayers for deliverance go church in his community. After a few unanswered. And when they finally years he found his way back to God, come to terms with being homosexual, decided to follow a celibate lifestyle they often want to stop hiding and be and joined the church in which he had open about it, but are prevented by their been singing. fear of rejection by church and society. Throughout all this, in spite of our Education. The debate still rages, pain and disappointment, we have both in scientific and religious circles, maintained a close and loving rela over the cause of homosexuality. My tionship with our son, recognizing that personal conclusion, based on extensive God continues to love us even when we reading and talking to a fair number of Kate McLaughlin is a pseudonym. make mistakes. We see his coming back homosexuals and their families, is that 10 MINISTRY/NOVEMBER 1996 probably most are born with a homosexuals change into heterosexuals. artistic nature, which they can offer in homosexual orientation that, outside of There have been moral problems in this God©s service. a divine miracle, cannot be changed. organization in the past. And because of Others, I think, have a confused this and other considerations, I believe What do parents of a homosexual sexual identity because of childhood they hold out an unrealistic expectation need from their pastor? sexual abuse, and these may possibly be for the person with a true homosexual Understanding. As a pastor, you helped by therapy. Then there are those orientation. need to understand that when parents in the middle of the spectrum between Another Adventist organization for first learn their son or daughter is a homosexuality and heterosexuality, homosexuals is Kinship. Because most homosexual, they usually fall into a called bisexuals, who are attracted to of its members subscribe to an alter state of shock. Even though they may both sexes. If strongly motivated by the native interpretation of Scripture and have been aware that something about desire to obey God, they can choose to believe that a monogamous homosexual their child was different, they have limit their romantic attachments to the relationship is acceptable for them, the probably never admitted to them opposite sex. They, I believe, are the Adventist Church does not officially selves the unthinkable possibility that ones who can be helped by the "change" recognize Kinship. Despite the draw it could have anything to do with ministries of various denominations. backs of Kinship, the organization does homosexuality. One common misconception that provide something our church does not They may experience any of a whole many people have is that it is a common offer a loving, supportive atmosphere range of emotions: anger, denial, grief, practice for homosexuals to try to lure for those homosexuals who love their guilt, fear, or shame. Dreams of their young boys into homosexuality. Much church, but find no escape from their child©s future lie shattered about them. of the confusion in this arena results orientation. If, as frequently happens, they learn from confusing homosexuals with I believe there is a compelling need about their child©s homosexuality and pedophiles, those who are sexually for our church to provide a publicly diagnosis of AIDS at the same time, attracted to children. acknowledged support group for those their shock and grief are profoundly Of course, I don©t claim to be an homosexuals who desire to live a compounded. Husbands and wives expert. There are many different celibate lifestyle. They need to expe often react in markedly different ways, opinions, and I don©t think anyone fully rience warm acceptance and support and this is likely to put stress on their understands this complex problem. But from other church members, who marriage. if you really want to help homosexuals understand that, like anyone engaged in Awareness. When their child "comes and their families, you owe it to them serious warfare against sin, they may out of the closet," parents literally take to become more knowledgeable about not win every battle. We need to show his or her place in it. Feeling that they these complexities.* them the same forgiveness and patience must somehow be responsible, they Openness. The stigma attached to as we do someone who occasionally tend to take on the stigma the church being homosexual breeds secrecy and gives in to the temptation of pride, and society has attached to homo shame. The church should provide a jealousy, or heterosexual deviation. sexuality. Very few parents feel able to safe place where those with this Love. The deepest and most basic talk to anyone about it, yet talking is orientation can be honest about their emotional need of the human being is what they most need. problem. They need a place where they for love and companionship. Single A pastor needs to be aware of any can talk about their confusing emotions heterosexuals can fill this need, to some small indication parents may give of and their resulting spiritual problems, extent, by sharing their lives with a the emotional turmoil they are going a place where others engaged in the roommate of the same sex, but even this through. This might be revealed in battle against sin will pray with and for is problematic and probably not pos asking veiled questions about homosex them. sible for the homosexual. Thus theirs is uality or in an unexplained depression As a pastor, once you have put aside often the loneliest of lives. or other sudden mood change. your own ignorance and prejudice, you Recognizing this, the church ought Utmost tact is needed in reaching out can help educate your church, too, and to reach out to them in love, including to these parents. Often they are longing encourage them to face the fact that a them as cherished members of the for someone just to notice their distress significant minority of our members church family in compensation for the and ask them what is the matter. Their struggle with a homosexual orientation. normal desires for home and family hearts may be bursting with questions Support. To my knowledge, the only which they must renounce. and emotions they need to express, but attempt the Seventh-day Adventist The church itself will be well they are unable to bring the subject up Church has made to provide help for compensated for its efforts to encourage themselves. You may be able to create homosexuals has been to unofficially and retain its nonpracticing homosexual an opening by simply asking "How back Homosexuals Anonymous, an members. As a group, they are known have things been going lately?" or "I©ve organization that attempts to help to be highly blessed with gifts of an Continued on page 29 MINISTRY/NOVEMBER 1996 11 Homosexuality: establishing a Christian backdrop for pastoral care

Thomas E. Schmidt he telephone rang at 2:00 a.m. observed that the emerging issue for Frank, a gay Christian, had just pastoral response is not only theological Tfinished reading my book and or psychological. It is, rather, a matter of wanted to thank me for encouraging him personal experience in moral decision- to reevaluate his lifestyle and to seek making. Increasingly, those who defend help. It was 5:00 a.m. in his time zone, homosexual unions are setting aside the and I must confess that my impulse was disputed biblical passages and scientific to extricate myself from having a opinions, and claiming the positive What are some of conversation with someone who seemed experience of some as a guiding principle the issues long-winded and a possible wacko. for all. Loving, monogamous same-sex However, as I listened I realized that this unions, some advocates contend, provide underlying care for call might have been made by me, with a model for Christian homosexual the homosexual in only some details changed (the 2:00 a.m. practice. If we would only listen to their part of it for one!). stories, some suggest, we might learn your congregation? Frank is a man who experiences from their experience and thus let go of sexual temptation. He is well aware that our prejudices. the small comfort supplied by sex does At this point I could launch into a not replace the deeper comfort only God discourse on the growing impact of can supply, but he is driven by needs for postmodernism, but pastors today need human companionship and touch. not study Foucault to recognize the spirit Analysis of how he got this way, or behind these words: "I©m not too sure exegesis of key biblical passages, do not what the Bible says, or what science says, help in the middle of the night. but this seems right to me, so I©m going And so I listened to Frank. Then I let to do it." The notion is hardly new that him listen to me, and we became friends. without a clear locus of authority "all the Now we talk every few weeks (at people did what was right in their own reasonable times) and share the assurance eyes" (Judges 21:25). What is new is that that "He who rescued us from so deadly this attitude has invaded the church, and a peril will continue to rescue us ... as it will pervade the church if pastors you also join in helping us by your respond to a new generation only with prayers" (2 Cor 1:10, 11)." We are two denunciations of relativism. When the men with very different temptations, but passengers are already drowning in the with the same Lord, who wants to water, it doesn©t help to tell them they transform our fallen natures, making were better off in the boat. What we need Thomas E. Schmidt, Ph.D., a New Testament them like His perfect nature. are forward-looking strategies, ways to scholar, is the author of address the needs and attitudes of a Straight and Narrow? The emerging issue postmodern culture. These strategies Compassion and Clarity in the Homosexuality Debate My friendship with Frank is personal, must express the way of our Lord, who (InterVarsity Press, 1995), but may have broad applications. As I is the same yesterday, today, and forever. widely acclaimed as the have engaged audiences around the most helpful resource in In this article I offer a few suggestions support of a traditional country and attempted to keep up on the that I hope will stimulate further discus moral stance on literature produced by Christian advo sion and constructive action on the part homosexuality. cates of homosexual practice, I have of pastors and leaders. More specifically, 12 MINISTRY/NOVEMBER 1996 I will offer a series of amplified state premarital sex, divorce, and primetime Genesis and Romans is crucial in ments that address two issues: first, the pornography? Unfortunately, it is true countering the argument that when Paul role of experience in the current moral that the cutting edge of morality is often speaks against homosexuality, he speaks debate; and second, the advancement of in actuality the edge of a cliff. only of pederasty. The most common a traditional moral stance by pastors and Rule by experience makes all rules "dust in the air" approach of revisionists church leaders. questionable. The argument from expe is to discard Old Testament passages rience attempts to shift the discussion as irrelevant pre-Christian casuistic Experience and moral authority from the question Why is this right in apprehensions, and to discount Romans God©s presence may be known where view of scriptural teaching? to How can 1:26, 27 (cf. 1 Cor. 6:9, 10; 1 Tim. 1:10) His preference is not. Have you ever this be wrong in view of this life- as limited only to the man-boy relations known someone in your church who enhancing experience? Or more bluntly, prevalent in the New Testament pagan exhibited the fruits of the Spirit? Perhaps How dare you question what 7 experience world. It is crucial to understand how they even took part in church leadership. as positive? One problem I have with this Paul bridges the testaments by deriving Then you discovered that for some time shift is that it leaves little to say in his proscription in Romans from the that person had been involved in wrong response to virtually any traditionally Creation and Fall narratives of Genesis doing of a financial or sexual nature? Did proscribed behavior. Advocates of (including the Sodom story) and not you conclude that the person was not a pedophilia, for example, argue along simply from changing cultural mores. Christian or that the Spirit was not behind similar lines: They say Scripture is silent Paul©s expression definitely reveals his the good things he or she was doing? Or or ignorant of modern relationships of reliance on underlying principles that are did you decide that the shady business mutual consent and that the condition of integrally connected to the biblical norm deal or the adulterous affair was morally pedophilia is immutable and perhaps of heterosexual marriage. I can only permissible because an otherwise genetically determined. People©s oppo summarize here what I develop in detail remarkable person was involved? sition to pedophilia stems, they say, from in my book, in which I enlarge on the The point here is not to deny the unreasoning prejudice and so on. But if meanings of the relevant biblical reality of experience or the ministry gifts we object to pedophilia only because we passages in light of modern revisionist of those who engage in same-sex feel more strongly against it than we do treatments. relationships. Rather, the point is that against homosexuality, why can©t we We are embodied souls. The notion experience and ministry gifts do not experience new feelings later and become that the human body can transcend its constitute an argument in favor of the more tolerant? To make experience the biological function and reproductive morality of that behavior. If it is morally rule is to invite moral chaos. potential is Gnostic, not Christian. Unfor permissible, it must be so on grounds Liberation from guilt is more tunately, the ongoing influence of the other than good experience or impressive compelling than liberation from shame. ancient Greek dichotomy between body giftedness. Guilt is a recognition that I have done and soul, coupled with the more recent Experience may dictate when all else wrong; shame is a feeling imposed on influence of Eastern thought, has opened fails, but all else hasn©t failed. If, in fact, me by others© disapproval. What I have the door to extreme spiritualizations of Scripture were silent about sexual ethics observed in comparing the accounts of sex. In the biblical view each of us is (and I mean not only the proscription those who have experienced deliverance an embodied soul whose sexuality is texts but also the presumption of the from homosexual practice (guilt) and rooted in a unified being with a potential normativeness of heterosexual marriage those who have experienced deliverance reaching into eternity. How our bodies throughout the Bible); or if we had no from homophobia (shame) is that the work and what we do with them matter reason on medical, psychological, or stories of the former strike me as much greatly to a God who makes us His social grounds to question the behavior; closer to the New Testament message temples (1 Cor. 6:19). or if we had no strong Christian tradition of salvation from sin. That is, those who Experience is a two-way street, and that spoke consistently to the issue, then leave the lifestyle do not spiritualize their only ex-gays have walked both sides. we might want to give experience or victim status; rather, they experience the Why do those who claim to represent giftedness a louder voice. power of Christ to find new behaviors tolerance not tolerate the voice of ex- But the fact is, the voice of experience and even new desires. This makes sense gays? Instead, many of them level on this issue is a very recent voice, and to me as I think of my own heterosexual accusations of self-deception at ex-gays the obvious suspicion is that it expresses temptations: my transformation in and promote negative anecdotal stories Christian conformity to the surrounding Christ does not begin with self-vali of ez-ex-gays. It seems to me, however, culture rather than decisive leadership in dation, but with humility regarding my that those who have left the homosexual the culture. What has the church gained own fallen nature. lifestyle (published accounts include since the sexual revolution of the sixties? Mario Bergner, Andy Comiskey, and Jerry What have women gained by our tacit Advancing a more traditional stance Arterburn) possess an experience that compliance with the proliferation of Noting the connection between includes that of practicing homosexuals MINISTRY/NOVEMBER 1996 13 (e.g., Mel White, Gary Comstock, "holding the line" against a "liberal distanced from people and people- Leonard Goss), while the latter have not agenda" with respect to homosexual oriented approaches. It is easy to get so experienced the transforming power of practice. Instead, the church should find caught up in serving the cause of Christ Christ. We should consider carefully the in this issue a springboard to open that we neglect the way of Christ. The voices of those who have seen both sides discussion of all areas of sexuality. After gospel is not ultimately about changing of the experience. all, heterosexuals do the vast majority laws, but about changing lives. The nature I nurture debate is an of the sinning, and have tiptoed around Frankly, when it comes to homo interesting question, but not a moral the issues far too long in our churches. sexuality, I think that the so-called question. While acknowledging the The longer we keep the monster in the culture wars in politics, law, and advantage of media-driven claims that closet, the bigger it grows. education were lost some time ago. This sexual behavior is determined by Discussion must begin and end with is not said from a pessimistic perspective inexorable, invisible forces, most acknowledgment of our general sexual or to be discouraging. Rather, it is meant educated gay activists acknowledge in- fallenness. I began this article with the to be a call to us who are Christians to house that scientific and moral questions story of a small success, not because my renounce all power except the power of are not the same. Adulterers, or pedo record has been an unqualified success, the love of Christ. This is an energy that philes, or pornographers, will gain little but because I have learned that God is welcomes hurting people into a home. sympathy from the claim that their genes more likely to use me as a vulnerable It offers healing. It celebrates the made them do it. Why should the fellow human than as a pedestaled expert. transformation of our natures, whether homosexual be considered in a different How refreshing it is to hear a pastor talk we are homosexual or heterosexual genetic light? No, however fascinating about a serious problem he is having right sinners, until we all come into the or apparently comforting it may be to now! How frightening it is for a pastor measure of Christ©s full stature. explore how the patterns of genetic to do this. But we cannot afford to quote structure and social surroundings combine Romans 1 while neglecting the challenge to create for each of us a moral context, of hypocrisy in Romans 2. We must stress * Bible texts in this article are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version. we must nevertheless also recognize our the points of analogy or similarity responsibility to act obediently within between our own fallen sexual nature and that context. As moral agents we say yes those of the people we wish to exhort. or no to each potential sexual encounter. Congregations must be educated and CEUCREDT • CEU CREDIT • CEU CREDIT • CEU CREDIT -CEU2 Celibacy is not a booby prize. One resource-ready. Some Christians are standard defense of homosexual practice gifted to work the front lines, others work Counseling people in crisis is that the struggling heterosexual can behind the scenes, but all are obligated You can earn 20 contact hours of continuing hope for marriage, whereas the homo at least to know what and why they education credit for thel2-part crisis series by: sexual has no such outlet. This approach believe. Congregations can be trained in 1 Reading the entire 1 2 articles. is ineffective in many respects. The hope 2 Completing the exercises that conclude the 1 2 basic responses and can make counseling articles of an eventual marriage is hardly a referrals. Churches can also make helpful 3 Reading Jard De Ville©s Jnferpersona/ Re/anonsbips control mechanism against the pressure literature available to congregation What will it cost? toward immediate gratification; and even members, discreetly if necessary. A few 1. For the bi-monthly readers $9.95 for the additional 6 within marriage the problem is often not volunteers at a local AIDS hospice speak Ministry. physical but relational, and there may volumes about the Christian©s ability to 2. A $5 processing fee a total of $ 1 4 95 if you have not already paid for the additional 6 Ministry issues be a strong desire for multiple partners. distinguish human care from moral The real problem is that our culture analysis. Homosexuals are flawed people What will I receive? 1 Jard De Ville©s /nferpersona/ Relationships free. overemphasizes and overvalues sexual like all of us, and it must be said of those 2 A certificate of completion authorizing CEU credit. fulfillment. We could learn much from who perceive them as enemies whose the positive experience of those within wounded can be left dying on the What do I do now? Send your name, address, and a copy of [his ad to the church over centuries who have battlefield, "it will be more tolerable for Rex D Edwards, director, Ministry Continuing Education practiced the gift of celibacy. Celibacy Sodom [on the day of judgment] than for 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904 has a strong tradition that extends back that town" (Luke 10:12). LJ I am enclosing $ 1 4.95 for the 6 Ministry issues, to the apostles and, by all means, to Change occurs one person at a time. /nferpersona/ Re/a/ions/iips, and the CEU Jesus Himself. When someone is called This seemingly harmless suggestion is certificate to live a life of celibacy, must we think perhaps the most controversial. I do not of them as somehow crippled or seriously support the focus of some Christians deprived? on political and legal means to preserve The church must expand the matter traditional Christian standards of Make checks payable to Ministerial Continuing Education. to forthrightly include other issues of morality. Public policy debates easily sexuality. There should be no question of become cold, issue-oriented, and seriously CREDIT • CEUCREDT • CEU CREDIT • CEO CREDIT -CEU = 14 MINISTRY/NOVEMBER 1996 Do you pray for gays?

Julia C. S. Vernon f course I do," answered my grow wary. Then he would smile and ministerial colleague. "I pray say, "Just put in a good word for me O for gays as a group. In addition, sometime today." Was he afraid of I pray for individuals I know who are prayer because he thought it would be gay." the kind of prayer my colleague described "What kind of prayers do you pray?" in our conversation? "Well, let©s see. I pray for God to One day I approached the subject When the prayer convict them that homosexuality is an differently. "Jon,* we©ve been talking abomination. I ask Him to rebuke the about some pretty heavy things. I feel ended, tears welled enemy who is working so hard to deeply moved that you©ve let me in to up and overflowed. deceive people into accepting the gay share them. What I©m going to ask is lifestyle as normal. And I claim them pretty personal, I know, and it©s up to Softly he said, "No for Jesus Christ." you. I©ll respect whatever you say. "How do they react when you pray Would it be OK for us to share a prayer one ever did that for like that?" together?" me before." "I don©t know. I don©t think there He was silent for a long time, then have ever been any gays around to hear looked up at me with a pu/zled frown. my prayers." "I think I©d like that, but I don©t know "OK, but what if a gay person was how." there right beside you while you were "How about if I say the words out praying? How would you pray then?" loud, and you share them inside "I wouldn©t much. It©s the truth, and yourself?" I©m bound to say it. Maybe if they heard "OK, let©s do that." my prayer, it would do them some I offered Jon my hand, and slowly good." he took it. Together we closed our eyes. "Dear God, our Friend in heaven. A visit with grief Thank You for Jon. Thank You for Our conversation faltered. Memory bringing us together to share this time. took me back to a hospital where I had Lord, I just want to lift my friend up once served as a chaplain. A dear friend and ask You to take good care of him. lay limp and pale on the bed. Grief had You know how alone and scared he wrung him cruelly during the years that feels sometimes. So please stay with he©d tended his friend dying of AIDS. him and be his friend. Please give him Now, exhausted by his friend©s death, hope in his heart and comfort him. Julia C. S. Vernon is the director and founder of he©d begun losing his own health. Lord, I entrust him to You because You Pastoral Care Associates We©d visited with each other nearly are trustworthy and You care. Thank of Utah. every day. Sometimes we talked about You for loving Jon. Amen." everyday topics, sometimes about his When the prayer ended, Jon looked up struggles with illness, sometimes about with enormous, childlike eyes. Tears his spiritual journey and death. Yet we welled up and overflowed. Softly he said, never prayed together. Whenever I "No one ever did that for me before." asked if he wanted prayer, something would change in him. He seemed to * a pseudonym MINISTRY/NOVEMBER 1996 15 Ministry Reports Ministry through a sewing machine and a cookbook

in her own home sewing blouses, dresses, or shirts. With the help of ADRA she organized a tailoring class in which Suman taught sewing and salvation. But she urgently needed more sewing machines, and besides that, she had no money for practice cloth, scissors, needles, and thread the simple items required for her to continue conducting her classes. Last April the Seasoned With Love cookbook profits were just becoming available. When Suman met Sharon Cress in Pune and presented her request, it was an answer to prayer for both women. Sharon had been praying for the Lord to show her the first pastor©s wife who should receive a portion of s part of the ongoing program favorite recipes provided by ministers© these funds, and Suman was praying for of the Ministerial Association wives). The purpose of the worldwide a way to continue her ministry. Aof the General Conference sale of this cookbook is to provide Through the combined ministries of during this quinquennium, the asso funding for pastoral wives to share the these women, and especially because of ciation is holding World Ministers© love of Christ where they feel God is Suman©s long-term ministry in her Councils in all of the world divisions leading them to do so. hometown, 27 women have been bap of the church. In April 1996 Sharon Cress, Here is where the inspiring story of tized to date, with 13 of them becoming Shepherdess International director, along Suman Khajekar comes in. Suman is independent sewers as a direct result of with Dorothy Watts, Adly Campos, and the wife of a pastor working in a small Suman Khajekar©s work and witness. Rae Lee Cooper, participated with the town in the western Indian state of association in conducting three World Maharashtra, and as such she attended Ministers© Councils in the Southern the World Ministers© Council in Pune. Asia Division. For a long time Suman had possessed a During this month of meetings sev burning desire to share Jesus© love with eral hundred ministers© wives attended, the less fortunate where she lives. Long and blessings were shared by presenters before the Council in Pune she had and attendees alike. The women leaders asked herself, "Why not start a ministry from the General Conference, who are for the women in my community?" also pastoral spouses, especially served She had begun working with the the pastoral spouses in India. poor, neglected, and abused women of During the General Conference her town. She wanted to give them session in Utrecht, Sharon Cress had dignity. She wanted them to use their announced the publication of her new hands and their minds to earn a living. Shepherdess International cookbook, She was led to the simple sewing Seasoned With Love (a collection of machine, something a woman could use 16 MINISTRY/NOVEMBER 1996 r -rf ^jOS^^T]^ ••u'o^ 'j^j.^ .^rpx;' 1'7 J '^/-a-"^ Gifts'FromIJTS frv"* Mj>"*-J H«rp— Eternal Adoratio >nal piano solo^ KV ,'^ A&ris^CoUecUon Backer BeamiS 7 accla™ed artist B "Pe°Ple Need theTo^S^^ indude; tM§ & "Undivided,""ThA^, L5 There Be Praise." Lord' i Christmas carols Most

«:;::if;;

-»?' •fiijsft r'lafci I >r«

join in the eria of Christmas and «o Holy Mht - M Ten commandments for Counseling improving pastoral marriage peogle in crisis counseling

y preparation lacked depth and substance. The ink psychology reflect the light of biblical principles. For example, was still wet on my seminary diploma as her tear- rational emotive psychological theory asserts that the root of stained face taunted my feelings of inadequacy. Her psychopathology is illogical thinking. Marriages in trouble can marriage was floundering, and my efforts to resurrect therefore be helped by assisting spouses in learning to challenge principles memorized in seminary psychology illogical assumptions and substitute them with logical ones. . class seemed futile. How could id, ego, and superego The notion that distorted thinking can be problematic is bring some semblance of sanity to her challenging circumstances? reminiscent of the biblical statements "As a person thinks, so "My husband is willing to come with me to counseling, is he or she" (see Prov. 23:7) or "Be transformed by the renewing Pastor," she whispered, only making me feel more desperate. of your mind" (Rom. 12:2, NIV). These feelings of desperation impelled me to pursue advanced Perhaps both secular and religious theorists can help improve studies in counseling and psychology. I thought an extended stint our pastoral marriage counseling strategies. We can use the in the classroom would enable me to master the elusive discipline results of their empirical research to assist couples in finding of counseling. My earnest quest kept me in school for many years, answers to marital difficulties. After all, if the labors of secular seeking for the secrets, digging for the nuggets of understanding theorists have uncovered pharmacological solutions to bipolar that would help me save failing marriages. disorders, schizophrenia, and other maladies, they may also Some of my well-meaning colleagues, more experienced and have something valuable to say about marriage. Also, since mature than I, suggested that my academic pilgrimage would religious theorists have assisted people in finding peace in a lead only to broken cisterns. They asserted confidently that the chaotic world, an inner serenity that the world can neither give key to strong marriages was simply to embrace solid biblical nor take away, we must embrace their contributions also. principles that were usually antithetical to the themes of secular Nearly a quarter century of practicing pastoral counseling psychology. They informed me that secular psychology had has convinced me that a prudent blending of both sacred and little to offer those who seek to build marriages on firm foun select secular perspectives can contribute to making more dations. With stern countenances and prophetic intonations they effective and Spirit-filled marriage counselors. Some would reminded me of the perils of psychological seduction. argue that to speak of sacred and secular approaches to One of these friends gave me a book to read by Dave Hunt counseling is to erect a false dichotomy. After all, many so- and T. A. McMahon entitled The Seduction of Christianity. In called theorists are Christian believers. Perhaps from the themes that insightful book, statements leaped out to reinforce the of both spiritual and clinical research we can discover some notions propounded by my friends regarding the dangers of commandments that may improve the pastor's ability to provide psychology. I read the following statement: "We must have substantive intervention to married couples in crisis. These counseling for one another. But it must be based on the Bible commandments have helped me in my quest to become a more and not upon questionable psychological theories. Unfor effective pastoral marriage counselor. tunately in the area of psychology we have adopted beliefs and practices that have neither scientific nor biblical basis"' Know the times I was almost persuaded. Effective pastoral marriage counselors should know the Years spent in the study of psychology on the graduate level, times and the environmental factors that affect marriages. Like however, have convinced me that some assertions of secular the sons of Issachar, those who strive to maximize their counseling gift will "know the times and know what Israel is to Barry C. Black, CHC, USN, has a Doctor of Ministry in pastoral psychology, do" (see 1 Chron. 12:32). and is the fleet chaplain of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. What essential knowledge of the times can help us facilitate 18 MINISTRY/NOVEMBER 1996 Partllot'al2-p

marital improvements? Well, the days of Ozzie and Harriet are get off to a strong start may be one of the most significant gone. Marked changes in styles of living have occurred in the contributions the pastoral marriage counselor can make. past few decades. In many world cultures the Leave It to Beaver marriage paradigm is a thing of the past. Divorce no longer Hear both sides carries a terrible stigma, and the traditional, stable two-parent Proverbs 18:17 reminds us that "the first one to plead his family is now only one of many acceptable models for cause seems right, until his neighbor comes and examines him" relationships. People even discuss the ostensible viability of (NKJV). When the pastoral marriage counselor provides same-sex marriages. guidance for only one of the marriage partners, it is nearly Our times are characterized by increased mobility of impossible to provide successful intervention. Marriage individuals, making it more difficult to put down stable roots. involves mutual need satisfaction, making it imperative that The extended family support sources are fewer, and economic the counselor hear from both partners. challenges add to the pressures placed on marriages, challenging I have found it helpful to begin counseling with both partners, the emotional security and the material stability people seek. even if eventually some separate sessions may be helpful. Values and roles are less clearly defined, increasing the strains Usually it is a good idea to permit the one who appears the on relationships. In many cultures today both spouses work more reluctant about coming to counseling to be the first to outside the home setting. speak. If the counselor has already spoken with the other spouse, These factors make an impact on marriages. They produce it may be helpful to inform the spouse who was absent about a wear and tear that make some of the solutions offered in the what you as a counselor know from the preliminary interview. past glib and inappropriate. Many of the people we counsel today In hearing both sides of the story, the counselor should will have lived together before getting married. This influences maintain a spirit of helpful neutrality. Counselors are not the nature of our counseling, both during premarriage and through referees. They should respond to what is said in the counseling the stages of marriage. A sensitivity to the myriad influences sessions, pointing out from time to time what seems consistent that affect contemporary marriage will make us more effective with the Word of God and common sense. But counselors should pastoral marriage counselors. not dominate the sessions with their verbiage. Counselors are there to listen, to hear, to facilitate, to explore, to enable. This Maximize premarital counseling opportunities process has a greater chance of success when counselors possess You must "nip it in the bud," said Barney Fife on the old a sanctified objectivity that compels them to get the complete Andy Griffith Show. When it comes to the possible pitfalls of picture, to hear both sides of the story so that both spouses as any given marriage, this is particularly true. Many potential individuals know they have been listened to and heard. marriage problems can be identified during premarital counseling. Often the prelude to serious difficulties in child Refuse to play the blame game rearing, financial matters, spiritual concerns, communication Marriage counseling can easily degenerate into frenetic problems, and inlaw challenges can be seen, in embryo, during sessions in which the partners launch blame at each another. premarital counseling. Premarital relationships that border on When marriages are in trouble, such attempts to establish blame the abusive rarely have a chance for later success, and the are inevitable. Rarely does a husband or wife view their marital pastoral marriage counselor must have the courage to confront problems primarily from the perspective of what he or she has and speak the truth in love. contributed when it comes to triggering difficulties. Regardless of one's approach to premarital counseling, there Interestingly, even when one spouse will admit to some misdeed, should be at least three goals. First, the pastor should make he or she may blame the other partner for making the destructive some appraisal of the couple's readiness for marriage. There behavior necessary. are tests and other aids to help accomplish this. Other aspects Spouses play the blame game for a variety of reasons. If it of the couple's readiness for marriage will usually surface during can be established that the marital problems are primarily the the counseling sessions. Second, the counselor, in most fault of the other partner, it probably provides an excuse for instances, should seek to use these sessions as an educational the "innocent" one not changing. This denial of personal opportunity, filling in knowledge gaps and helping to inform responsibility can make one partner the scape goat for all that and empower the prospective husband and wife. Third, the is bad in the marriage. pastor should discuss the procedural details for the wedding But wise pastoral therapists will refuse to tolerate the blame ceremony. Often this is all that the couple wants from premarital game, because this game makes it difficult to produce win/win counseling, but they should receive the complete package. solutions to serious problems. If counselors allow the couple At one point in my ministry, nearly 10 percent of the people to continue their blaming exchanges, an unending seesaw battle who attended my premarriage seminars decided either to postpone of attack and counterattack ensues. Usually by the time the the wedding or to cancel it completely. That troubled me at first. couple reaches the pastoral counselor, they are already proficient I have since come to believe that perhaps a service of love was in this form of combat. being performed for those couples who decided against imme Competent pastoral helpers refuse to reinforce blame game diate union. Far better to admit a mistake and extricate oneself behavior. They will interrupt, intervene, teach, or redirect the than to complicate matters by forging ahead. Pastoral marriage interaction so that constructive changes can occur. I have found counselors can save themselves much future, painful labor by doing it helpful to encourage each partner not to focus on how bad a thorough job of premarital counseling.2 Ensuring that marriages the other spouse is, but rather to discuss calmly what behavior MINISTRY/NOVEMBER 1996 19 Part 11 nla 12-partscries

has occurred that affected him or her negatively. I seek to teach nonjudgmental counseling environment in which options can them the difference between confrontation and assault. be explored with spiritual sensitivity and objectivity. Confrontation identifies the behavior and its effects. Assault judges or evaluates the behavior to the detriment and Focus on goals diminishment of the other partner. Research has also shown the importance of goal-setting in counseling. Instead of focusing on marriage problems, most Understand the counseling process of the counseling encounter should involve proactively Charles Stewart, in his book The Minister as Marriage examining the direction the marriage should take and how to Counselor, defines marriage counseling in this way: "Marriage get on the right road. Michele Davis writes: "We believe that counseling is a process in which a counselor helps persons, people know themselves best and that they are the experts on couples, or families to make plans and to solve problems in the what needs to change, not the therapist. So when therapy area of courtship, marriage, and family relations. It is a phase begins, clients are asked, 'What is it that you would like to of the general sphere of counseling; however, the problems change?' and this is the starting point in therapy. If couples dealt with are in the area of courtship, marriage, and family complain of fighting about how time is spent, solutions to relations." 3 Notice that the counselor doesn't solve the this complaint are sought. No underlying problem is assumed, problems but serves as a facilitator. no complicated meaning is attributed to the fighting. The goal In the same volume (pp. 82, 83) Charles Stewart gives five as it is defined by the client is the goal for therapy." 4 Focusing realistic goals of marriage counseling that provide us with on goals also keeps the counseling experience from insights into the counseling process: degenerating into the blame game; it accentuates the positive, • Marriage counseling is limited to current problems in overcoming evil with good (see Rom. 12:21). relationships between marriage partners. • The counselor helps the couple to begin to communicate Teach coping skills feelings to one another again. Often the pastoral marriage counselor must educate people • The counselor helps the couple to adjust to certain about how to accept the things they cannot change and how to situations in the marriage which cannot be changed, including cope when one's spouse will not change. This sometimes each other's character traits. includes teaching people what not to do, as well as what to do. • The counselor helps the couple to play down personal Learning to cope can mean developing more realistic expec goals and to work toward ones which are mutually set. tations. Some people expect marriage to do too much; they • The counselor aids each partner to understand the other want their spouse to change while they remain the same. This and his/her role in the marriage, such counseling giving him/her often involves more of a "control issue" than a genuine need. opportunity to adjust to what the mate and the marriage demands. Often a marriage characterized by challenging differences Stewart concludes, "This is the nub of marriage counseling: the can be helped by improving the communications. Michele understanding of each other's role images and role relations." Davis recommends teaching couples how to communicate The marriage process, therefore, involves a focus upon better through "the structured fight." Often communications current challenges, enhancing communication and conflict break down in marriage because both parties attempt to talk at resolution skills, facilitating a cooperative spirit, and assisting the same time and no one is listening. This habitual sparring with a better understanding of marital roles. An understanding style can be interrupted by the structured fight. The steps are of this process is critical for those who seek to empower others very simple:5 to improve their marriages. 1. Toss a coin to decide who talks first. 2. The winner gets to vent for 10 uninterrupted minutes. Master the discipline 3. Then the other person gets a 10-minute turn. Counseling has developed into a multifaceted discipline, and 4. Then there needs to be 10 minutes of silence before conscientious pastoral marriage counselors will acquaint another round is started with a coin toss. themselves with the nuances of this field. Numerous research This simple tactic and others like it, from the empirical research studies in the marriage and family area of psychology can of counseling theory, can be used by the pastoral counselor to inform pastoral counselors in their work. enhance marriages. For example, research has shown that nonverbal as well as Learning to cope may involve teaching people to appreciate verbal cues from counselors can facilitate the therapeutic their differences. Differences that are not immoral, unbiblical, process. The acrostic SOLER is used to describe the way coun or unethical should be respected. When a person appreciates selors' nonverbal communication can enhance the counseling his or her spouse's differences, it is an affirmation of his or her experience: loved one's significance. Squarely: Sit facing the counselee squarely. Open: Assume an open stance with uncrossed legs Build a healing community and arms. The pastoral marital counselor has an obligation to be Lean: Lean forward. proactive. A part of being proactive entails working to create a Eyes: Make eye contact. supportive and healing community that will nurture rela Reflect: Reflect the feelings you hear from the client. tionships. This may mean providing a substantive ministry to The counselor serves as a sounding board, providing a singles, helping to prepare them to make quality choices 20 MINISTRY/NOVEMBER 1996 Partllofal'2-partseries

regarding marriage. This may mean sponsoring marriage enrichment training that will improve relationships that are already doing well. This may mean training laypersons in CONTINUING EDUCATION EXERCISE counseling, so that people can help one another. We must not wait for the storm to strike and then react. We must diligently prepare people for inevitable challenges by building healing Ten commandments for improving communities. pastoral marriage counseling Strengthen the family Proactive pastoral marriage counselors will also seek to 1. Self-administer the Taylor-Johnson Temperament Analysis strengthen families. Many marriage problems are exacerbated Test. This test allows husbands to describe their wives and wives their husbands. If you are married, ask your spouse to take the by family and parenting issues, and the same counselor who test as well and discuss your findings. This instrument is an prepares people in the premarriage setting should be interested excellent tool for premarital counseling. in the family. He or she should assiduously seek to improve 2. Develop the schedule for a Marriage Enrichment weekend. and empower families, strengthening the cords between parents Use as a resource for this project a book like Larry Hof and and children. William R. Miller's Marriage Enrichment, Philosophy, Process, Some people think children help make a marriage stronger. and Program (Bowie, Md.: Robert Brady Co., 1981). The schedule This is often not the case. Often children can place additional should include an arrival time, introductions, goal-setting strains on an already shaky marriage. Many couples who hoped activities, communication skills sessions, and enough activities having children would help make the marriage stronger discover to go from Friday at 7:00 p.m. to Sunday at 6:00 p.m. Please that "bundles of joy" can add to the load. include some free time for the couples. 3. Remember your most challenging pastoral marriage In an effort to strengthen parents to bear that load, pastoral counseling experience and outline the strengths and weaknesses counselors can offer family life training, stressing assertive of that intervention. Christian parenting skills. Couples should be challenged to 4. Read the prayer of Francis of Assisi ("Lord, make me an "walk the walk." Children learn about our real priorities more instrument of thy peace.") and then write an essay on how this from our actions than from our words. can be the counselor's prayer. Pastoral marriage counselors can also encourage couples to make God's Word relevant to their children. Parents and children should read the Bible together. Deuteronomy 6:4-7 states: "Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one! And you shall Suggested reading love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your Billie Abies, Therapy for Couples (San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, soul and with all your might. And these words, which I am 1984). This book emphasizes a family approach to counseling commanding you today, shall be on our heart; and you shall that is extremely effective. It is based upon wonderful research teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when and clearly explains the nature of marriage and the phases of you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when couple therapy. you lie down and when you rise up" (NASB). These 10 commandments can provide a springboard for Michele Weiner-Davis, Divorce Busting (New York: Summit launching more effective approaches to pastoral marriage Books, 1991). This book is an excellent primer in a counseling. We must know the times as we seek to maximize revolutionary and rapid program for marital intervention. It is based upon a cognitive approach to marriage counseling. premarital opportunities. Remember to hear both sides, while refusing to play the blame game. Continue to gain a deeper Frank M. Datilio and Arthur Freeman, eds., Cognitive Behavioral understanding of the counseling process, becoming a lifelong Strategies in Crisis Intervention (Robbinsdale, Minn.: student of the discipline. Keep counseling focused on goals, Ouilford Press, 1994). This book introduces the cognitive while helping people to accept the things they cannot change. approach to counseling, which can be extremely helpful in Strive to build a healing community that will include strong the marriage counseling setting. Pastoral counselors can families. Like the Decalogue, the fulfillment of these benefit from a knowledge of cognitive behavioral theory. commandments is love. • Timothy Foster, Called to Counsel (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1986). This book provides a capsule course in counseling, discussing counseling do's and don'ts in an easily 1 Dave Hunt and T. A. McMahon, The Seduction of Christianity (Eugene, understandable format. Foster is a Ph.D. and licensed Oregon: Harvest House, 1985), pp. 187, 188. psychologist. 2 See Mary Bartusis' Off to a Good Start (New York: Donald Fine, Inc., 1991), a guide for engaged couples and newly weds, written by a practicing Larry Hof and William Miller, Marriage Enrichment (Bowie, psychiatrist for 32 years, with a specialty in marital and sex therapy. Md.: Robert Brady Co., 1981). This book provides everything 3 Charles Stewart, The Minister as Marriage Counselor (Nashville: you may ever need to know about the marriage enrichment Abingdon, 1983), p. 21. movement, discussing the philosophy, the process, the target 4 Michele Weiner-Davis, Divorce Busting (New York: Summit Books), pp. 87, 88. population, and the research on marriage enrichment. 5 Ibid., p. 153. MINISTRY/NOVEMBER 1996 21 Christians and the homosexual

J. Grant Swank, Jr. hey're rude, lewd, and obscene!" teen, the thrice-divorced man five pews a Christian friend said to me about back? Do we cut on the kid with the pony- Tthe gay protesters marching down tail or the man with tattoos all over his arms? the city streets. The Christian does not snub these A parishioner handed me a videotape people. Love is not "rude" (1 Cor. 13:5, of gays staging scenes publicly in order to RSV). Instead, the Christian puts out the get attention for their goals. carpet for the lost and the weary, the sinful What do real A political leader asked me to assist in and the wayward. "cleaning up our society" of the "gay So why not the homosexual? Christians do when debris." So when the newspaper blasted the confronted with a I visited a church in Texas recently. The religious community for its aloofness bulletin said that the congregation was regarding gays, I immediately wrote that spiritually fallen "inclusive" and championed "diversity"— we were welcoming them. Why? Because world? two buzzwords indicating the uncritical we have an "alternative lifestyle" that they welcome of homosexuals. I immediately just might want to consider. Not all of understood the code language. them, after all, are totally convinced of I read daily letters to the editor of our "their way." Some of them are even local paper. The war goes on: pro- embarrassed by the shenanigans put on in homosexual letters versus con. Sometimes their name. And there are others who are I think the page is going to catch fire. just plain confused and lonely. They may A cousin of mine is dying today of even be quite tired. AIDS. He contracted the disease through The Christian cannot afford to put up a blood transfusion, but some people fences or pass by on the other side of the clearly wonder if that is indeed how he road. He cannot simply play denial—"I was infected. don't see a homosexual; do you see a The dean of a cathedral in our city goes homosexual?" "Love is patient and kind" on television to endorse pro-gay agendas (verse 4, RSV). before the voters. Granted, there is sin on all sides— The all-gay chorus is invited to sing in gossip, live-ins, bickering in churches, a popular sanctuary nearby. A clergy- intemperance with food and alcohol, woman will provide the invocation to the fornicating homosexuals and hetero proceedings. sexuals, meanness on church boards, It puzzles me what all the fuss is about. pornography, and illicit sex on church- I am a Christian. I can deal with this. I do related campuses. not need a seminar to clarify my ethics. I So what do real Christians always do J. Grant Swank, Jr., is the pastor of the Church do not need to listen to some speaker from when confronted with a spiritually fallen of the Nazarene, California clean out my head on the world? They put out the welcome sign: Windham, Maine. subject. Nor do I need all those books from "Come on in, all you who are weary and publishing houses setting forth moral burdened down. There is another way. positions. And I wondered ... Christ provides it. Jesus has come to reveal I wondered: Does the religious the way of light and love and peace and community snarl with others with whom holiness." we disagree? Do we put up our dukes Is that compromising the gospel against the alcoholic, the promiscuous message? I think not. • 22 MINISTRY/NOVEMBER 1996 A cry from the valley of death

Bruce Moyer Moyer: Ron, were you brought up Moyer: No pastor seemed safe a Seventh-day Adventist? enough? Ron: Yes, I was raised in an Adventist Ron: No. There was no one to go to. home. Both my parents were Adventists. Moyer: Do you think homosexuality I attended Adventist schools from first is fairly common in the Adventist grade to college. The school experience Church? was not a happy one for me, perhaps Ron: I'm no expert, but it seems because of the secret consciousness of that within the Adventist Church the A young man what was developing within me. Living ratio is about the same as in the general talks frankly about in the Adventist school system was a very population, and that's about 1 in 10. painful experience. In college I studied Regardless of figures, the reality is that what it means to theology for the first three and a half years, there are people within the church experience the and then dropped out. Later I completed struggling with homosexual issues. nursing and worked as a nurse. Moyer: Is there any help for homo agonies of Moyer: When did you discover that sexuals in the Adventist Church? you were a homosexual? How did this Ron: What do you mean by help? homosexuality make you feel? Moyer: Does the church today have and AIDS Ron: Well, when I was around 5 or any place in its structure or any place 6 years old, I felt that I was different in its doctrinal understanding that a from others. I didn't have a name for it person with a homosexual orientation at first, but around 10 or 12 I realized can go and say, "I need to deal with what these differences meant. It was a this" ? very painful experience. It was not Ron: Homosexuality doesn't seem something I wanted. It was not some to be a topic that the Adventist Church thing I had chosen. For years I tried to is comfortable discussing. The only option make it not so. available to me was to stay in the church Moyer: How did you deal with this and pretend that I was "normal." Or else realization? go way out there. Unfortunately I chose Ron: I couldn't speak to anyone the latter. When I was in the system, there about my feelings. I was convinced that was no room to discuss sexual issues at if anyone knew, I would be subject to all, let alone homosexual problems. prejudice and hatred. I didn't know how Moyer: You©ve heard of the change common homosexuality was. I thought ministries that claim that homosexuals I was probably the only one in the can be changed into heterosexuals? world. So I lived in an atmosphere in What do you think of this claim? Bruce Moyer, STD, is the associate director of which I always had to hide. I repressed Ron: I don't know a lot about the the Institute of World my feelings. It was awful. change ministries. I have had some very Mission, Andrews Moyer: You had nobody with whom bad experiences with people from University, Berrien you could discuss your feelings? change ministries. I don't feel com Springs, Michigan. The Ron: No. I certainly couldn't discuss fortable with their focus, because I don't name of the interviewee, "Ron," is a pseudonym. it with my parents. The church? At that feel comfortable telling God what His time my concept of the church was that will is. In my case the most eloquent it was not a safe place to discuss such thing I can do is to submit my sexuality an issue. to God and let Him tell me what's MINISTRY/NOVEMBER 1996 23 appropriate, instead of me telling God good, and part of it was very painful. it. However, the reason I have come back what's appropriate and that He needs They are doing something that the to the church is that there are important to change me into a heterosexual. Adventist Church is not doing, and that issues that are unique to Adventism, Moyer: Do you know of any people is to create a forum for those with such as observance of Sabbath and who have actually ceased being homo homosexual issues. I don't agree with the health message, that are important sexual and have become heterosexual? their conclusions on what's appropriate to me. The Adventist Church has a Ron: Not personally. I've heard of behavior. So my relationship with Kin tremendous amount of truth. I've not some, but I think the real question is a ship has been somewhat difficult. always been comfortable with how they little more complex than that, because Moyer: Does Kinship promote a have chosen to use this truth. So it's been human sexuality is not so cut and dried. response of uniformity or variety? kind of difficult for me to come back. One can't say that someone is 100 Ron: From my limited experience Moyer: You are very open in your percent homosexual or 100 percent with Kinship I would say a variety of views about the church and homosex heterosexual. There are people with all responses. Within Kinship there are those uality. In the light of this openness, how levels and mixtures of the two. And so who feel that the best way to deal with have you been received by Adventists? it's difficult to say someone has been homosexuality is celibacy. At the other Ron: It depends upon which gen changed. Some may find it possible to end of the spectrum are people who feel eration we're talking about and what live a heterosexual lifestyle, but that may that promiscuity and everything is area of the country. I've had a number not be true for all people. I don't really healthy and OK. I have really felt uncom of different responses, although people feel comfortable with a measuring stick fortable with a lot of these positions. have never been unkind to me. By and that tells you when you've graduated Moyer: You ©ve recently been recon large my parents'generation can't deal from the school of healthy sexuality. ciled, I think that©s the right term to use, with it. What usually happens is that a Moyer: I understand that you ©ve had with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. wall goes up and they become very some contact with an organization Ron: I came back to God through a uncomfortable and run as fast as they known as Kinship. What do you think 12-step recovery. I never expected to can the other way. I've been very well of their work? return to Adventism, and quite frankly received by college-age Adventists. Ron: Part of their work was very I was not amused when God suggested They've been very supportive of me,

The Hidden World of the Pastor • April 9-11,1997 • Washington, D.C./ Baltimore area

EXPERIENCE RENEWAL, LEARN HOW REAL PASTORS COPE.

Featuring: • Bob Bretsch, Portland—pastors 1,200-member congregation which has experienced dynamic change. • Brennon Manning, New Orleans—author of Ragamuffin Gospel, Signature of Jesus, and other books on practical spirituality. • William Self, Atlanta-pastors 1,000-member John's Creek Baptist Church, Alpharetta. • Ken Swentland, Boston—academic dean at Gordon Conwell Seminary and author of Hidden World of the Pasfor. • Morris Vendon, Loma Linda—author of over 30 books on practical spiritual growth and pastor of 2,200-member Azure Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church. Cost: $179.00 per participant for all presentations plus complimentary Reservations copy of It Won©t Fly If You Don©t Try and Information: Pre-registration discount: $109.00 by February 28, 1997 (Save $70.00) (301)937-8118 Spouse Attending: $49.00

24 MINISTRY/NOVEMBER 1996 and they can see the valuable me kind of pushed the whole thing to gospel has really helped me in dealing inside, even if they don't necessarily the back of my mind. The reality, of with my mortality. feel comfortable with all of my life course, was different: almost all who Moyer: That©s a beautiful statement. experiences. are infected with HIV eventually As you reflect on your experience, what Moyer: Now, you have AIDS. When develop AIDS. That reality hit me should the church do for those who suffer did you discover this? harshly. as you do? Ron: In the fall of 1985 I found out If I had not come back to God Ron: Officially, the church has not that I was HIV positive. It is possible I through recovery, I don't know how I been very helpful to me. In fact, I was infected in the spring of 1984. And would be dealing with it at this point. haven't really sought any help from the this was back when we hardly even It is so devastating, emotionally and church, again because I didn't feel it was knew about the disease. otherwise. The concept of dealing with a safe place. At the local church level, Moyer: This sudden discovery that one's death while in one's mid-30s is however, I found acceptance. I can you had AIDS how did you cope with not a normal task. In addition, there is openly talk about the issues of homo this? How did this affect your daily life? society's outlook on the disease and the sexuality and AIDS. As far as what the Ron: At first I lived in denial. way it judges AIDS patients. I've also church "should" do, it's a tough question. Because AIDS is an unusual disease had to deal with a lot of physical limi It's hard for me to dictate what's and remains dormant in the system for tations and many changes in my life. appropriate behavior for someone else. many, many years after one is infected Moyer: As you struggled with the But perhaps there's something the with HIV, one tends to ignore the disease, what factors helped you the church could do. We've always said that problem. When I first found out about most? we are a loving people, and now it my HIV infection, the opinion in the Ron: The 12-step program has been seems that we have a chance to prove medical community was that probably most useful in dealing with the illness that. Dealing with AIDS is a very only 3 to 10 percent of those who were as well as recovering from sexual difficult situation, and it raises all sorts infected would go on to have full addiction. But I can't really separate of other issues, such as whether or not blown AIDS. So at the beginning it 12-step from my Christian experience. we feel comfortable with the concept wasn't much of a threat to me. I just An appropriate understanding of the Continued on page 29 Citrus Fund Raising The Healthy Alternative Pastors! Equip your leaders with the ability to raise funds for mission trips, youth activities. Pathfinder clubs, building projects, choir/musical group supplies - what's on your wish list? A six-month program offering different tastes from" ^ month-to-month, generating repeat orders and steady profits along with a unique way to open new doors for community outreach by making friends in the community! Hundreds of churches are raising thousands of dollars each year!

For information about how your church can join OLDEN HARVEST our program call us for a FRUIT CO. free sales kit today! TOLL-FREE 1-800-826-9099

MINISTRY/NOVEMBER 1996 25 Viewpoint A practical theology of ordination An interpretive model of ordination from the New Testament data Keith A. Burton

recent article in the Adventist necessitates that we not interpret its nized ecclesiastical offices in the early Review (May 1995) stated that organizational structure in the shadow church: the episcopate (episkopos) and A the Seventh-day Adventist of the Israelite priestly system that had the diaconate (diakonos). 1 These Church does not possess a clear its locus in the Temple. Rather, the early positions are categorized as offices, and theology of ordination. If that is the church was structured along the lines should not be confused with spiritual case, then under what premise have we of the diasporic synagogues with its "functions" (prophesying, speaking in been ordaining over the past century and localized organizations. tongues, administration, evangelism, a half? I think that what the author In the early Christian congregations, etc.). The rhetorical placement of epis meant to say was that the decision to members who demonstrated a spiritual kopos ("bishop" or "overseer") before ordain women as elders has obscured ability to lead were so recognized by diakonos ("deacon" or "minister") in the theological basis under which we ordination. Jesus apparently com the passages where both offices are have conducted ordinations in the past. menced this practice when He selected mentioned indicates that the episcopate The semantics behind the charge not the 12 disciples to assist Him. Later, as was the highest position. This assertion withstanding, I do believe that it is time the apostles saw a need for further is supported by the fact that the leader for the church to revisit systematically assistance, others were chosen (Acts of the local church in the late first and the relevant biblical passages that 6:1-7). The routine nature of this prac early second centuries is referred to as address the issue. tice is demonstrated with the ordination the episkopos. While some may wish Recent discussions have shown that of Paul and Barnabas in Acts 13:2, and to equate the episkopos to the contem there is a fundamental difference their practice of ordaining elders as they porary conference-appointed pastor, it between ordination and "officiation." established and strengthened local is more correct to view this individual Most will agree, to some extent at least, churches (14:23). as the equivalent of our local church on the universal applicability of ordi One notices in the New Testament elder. The diakonos, on the other hand, nation, but there is much disagreement that ordination was reserved for those was a support person—an assistant concerning both the occupation of and who had specific leadership gifts. Not pastor or specialized minister.2 the status assigned to certain offices.The every gift demanded an official recog problem is not only fueled by issues of nition or installation into a church Selection of officers from among the gender, but also enlivened by the leadership position. From the wording ordained hierarchical question. In other words, of Acts 14:23 and Titus 1:5, it appears Although the episkopos was the are there really progressive ordinations that those who were ordained fell under "pastor" of the congregation, the office for deacons, elders, and pastors? In this the general category of presbuteroi was probably administered by the article I will attempt to address these ("elders"). The ordination was not to a presbuterios ("presbytery" or "board of issues and reevaluate our understanding specific leadership position such as elders"), which was made up of congrega of ordination in the light of officiation. teacher, apostle, pastor, or evangelist. tional presbuterios. As mentioned above, This observation is further evident in the term presbuterios appears to be a Biblical teaching on ordination the fact that the apostles Peter and John general designation for church leaders, Ordination is a public recognition identify themselves as presbuteroi (1 and not the title of a particular office. that a person possesses the spiritual gifts Peter 5:1; 3 John 1). Thus we see that Since the qualifications for the person necessary for leadership ministry. The while the church leaders may have per who is selected presbuterios is similar to nature of the New Testament church formed distinct functions, they all bore that of the episkopos, it is safe to assume the generic designation "presbuterios©© that the episkopos was chosen from Keith A. Burton, Ph.D., is an assistant professor among Has,presbuterios (see Titus 1:5-9). of New Testament at Oakwood College, Biblical teaching on officiation The tendency to view episkopos and Huntsville, Alabama. Paul informs us of only two recog presbuterios as synonyms is probably 26 MINISTRY/NOVEMBER 1996 a result of the assumption that both are department or a special ministry should the local elder, and does not auto references to church offices. However, automatically be ordained as an elder. matically lead to installation into the this association is diminished if one After all, his or her election has been based office of episkopos? accepts that the presbuterios comprised on the recognition of certain spiritual a body of people who demonstrated gifts. With this change in perspective, At issue: ecclesiology gifts for ministry, only a select number what is now called the church board In conclusion, I think I have estab of whom were church officers. would be correctly defined as the "board lished sufficient grounds to support my The presbuterios were responsible for of elders" (presbuterios). contention that a theology of ordination electing candidates into specific offices It is also interesting to note that the must operate vis-a-vis a theology of (1 Tim. 4:14), and its members were also New Testament church elected the officiation. Of course, I have operated involved in remunerated ministry (1 Tim. pastor (episkopos) from among the under the conviction that the adminis 5:17-22).Since presbuterios is a reference presbuteroi. The local congregation was trative model outlined in the New to a person, rather than an office, it is more aware of its own needs than any Testament is somewhat paradigmatic possible that the college of presbuteroi external committee of centralized bishops. for the church in consequent ages. embodied in the presbuterios consisted Furthermore, it had the added advantage While this conviction raises serious of potential, current, and retired people of assessing more accurately whether questions about our current organi who qualified for the offices of episkopos or not a certain person exemplified the zational structure, it helps to clarify and diakonos. characteristics of an episkopos. some of the ambiguities that have As we move toward the twenty-first surrounded the discussion of ordination. An ordination model in the light of century, there is a need to reevaluate the I have also argued that the fact that officiation role of the local church in both the one possesses certain gifts for ministry Having established an exegetical ordination and the officiation processes. does not necessitate that he or she be basis and the original context for In fact, in two thirds of the world, the automatically channeled to the pastorate. Pauline practice, how shall we relate bulk of the pastoral work is already The truth is that although all presbuteroi these words to our ecclesiastical administered by laypeople, and the possessed the gifts and qualifications situation as we move toward the twenty- "head elder" functions as the "pastor." for ministry, every one did not serve in first century? Rather than bemoan the undesirable the office of episkopos. As teachers, The honest observer will imme "pastor-to-church" ratio in many non- evangelists, preachers, administrators, diately notice that the current model of Western sections of the church, we need and counselors, their task was to support ministry in the Adventist Church is to acknowledge the people's choice of the work of the episkopos. The desig considerably different from the biblical pastor and develop more programs for nation was not an indication of what one. While our present model consists the formal training of the first elder, they did, but who they were. As members of a hierarchy that includes elder, who, in a technical sense, is the elected of the presbuterios, men and women deacon, and pastor, an organizational episkopos ("bishop in resident"). will exercise their spiritual gifts, model based on the early church will This is not to say that those who whether in the official capacity of contain only two levels: bishops and choose to enter the itinerant ministry do diakonos or episkopos, or otherwise. deacons. In fact, while apparently not have a place in the biblical At issue here is our ecclesiology. hierarchical, the levels themselves will organizational model. However, those of How are we to understand and interpret be detached from the board of elders us who undergo formal seminary training the roles of males and females who have (presbytery), thus making it an "egali should be aware of our positions. The been called to ministry? If indeed the tarian hierarchy." The egalitarian nature elder who is assigned to a church by the Pauline admonition is to apply to the of the organization stems from the fact conference should recognize that his or local congregation, then all who are that every member of the board of elders her role is that of diakonos assistant to graced by the Spirit with leadership gifts has received the same ordination. the episkopos. Only if the local presbu should be so recognized. The fact that Further, the person elected to serve as terios so chooses should the conference they are called indicates their ordination bishop or deacon functions as a repre representative occupy the office of from God, and the church has the sentative of the board, and not its ruler. episkopos. As with the ministries of Paul, responsibility to see to it that they invest Additionally, the adoption of a Barnabas, Timothy, Silas, and Peter, the their gifts in the nurturing of the body biblical model will move the locus of task of the conference-appointed elder of Christ. Nonetheless, in affirming the authority from the administrative levels should be that of evangelist and equipper. gifts of our brothers and sisters, it is our of the organization to the local church. This in no way diminishes the essential responsibility to remain within biblical In the early church, it was the local nature of the function, but it puts things guidelines and not to adopt models that congregation that endorsed a person's back into a biblical perspective. All in restrict the full ministerial potential of leadership gifts. Similarly, in our time, all, the ordination of the conference the total membership. every person who is elected to head a "elder" is in no way superior to that of Continued on page 29 MINISTRY/NOVEMBER 1996 27 Pastor's Pastor. Caring in the age of AIDS

James A. Cress

y friend and colleague, Eldon protect their spouse or potential partner will, it must love the sinner though E. Carman, who directed the from the consequences they fear they despising the sin. The church must MAdventist dental mission have brought upon themselves. Grief provide a safe haven for those who have program for many years, recently and embarrassment at their own fallen victim to Satan's temptations and discussed his postretirement ministry of foolishness are typical expressions of who desire a place to begin again. The counseling HIV-positive individuals. many heterosexuals. Denial and hope followers of Jesus can be supportive of Comparing HIV and its resulting less fatalism are the reaction of many people with problems without condoning AIDS pandemic to leprosy of biblical homosexuals. their actions. We must communicate the days, Carman shared his reasons for Innocent people can be infected with inseparable principles of Jesus that volunteering 20 hours per week coun HIV by their irresponsible partners. sinners are welcome here and to go and seling those who seek anonymous Today there is little chance of being sin no more! testing and who must then wait three infected from blood transfusions in If the church fails to minister, who weeks to determine whether they face North America because of an aggressive will communicate God's plan for a potential death sentence. "While campaign to protect the blood supply. restoration? Christians have historically traveling the world to establish dental But children born to drug users are at provided leadership in health care and clinics, I observed the devastating great risk, as is anyone who shares an education. No less today, the community results of HIV. After my wife's death, I injection needle. needs to know that believers are wanted to serve others. If I can help one Regardless of how they became interested in every disease that sin individual, practically and spiritually, infected, individuals with HIV need inflicts and that Jesus is the true Balm then my efforts will be worthwhile." kindness and empathy. Jesus reached of Gilead to heal sin-sick souls. One Carman's work includes specific out to those of His day who were Adventist church participated in a insights and actions that help churches infected with leprosy. His followers community health fair by distributing to minister more effectively in the age express His ministry by serving those HIV prevention pamphlets and drug of AIDS: who suffer this plague. The church must prevention information. AIDS is not just a homosexual talk about how to prevent HIV and how Support groups offer opportunities disease. Although the AIDS epidemic to minister to those infected. Not to serve. Congregations can host in North America spread first and most everyone with HIV will develop AIDS, recovery groups, education forums, rapidly among male homosexuals, but every individual with AIDS has blood drives, parenting classes, and today the HIV situation mirrors the rest previously contracted the HIV virus. other community services. Individual of the world and affects heterosexuals Adults would be amazed at the ignor members can volunteer in schools, more significantly than we imagine. By ance of young people about basic facts counseling centers, crisis lines, and the year 2000, more women than men of anatomy, bodily functions, and hospices. AIDS patients are often are expected to be infected with HIV. sexuality. The church should help isolated and lonely. They need food Few congregations and virtually no parents find ways to teach their young preparation and delivery, assistance extended families will remain without sters how to live chaste, informed, and with errands, transportation, and simple having a member infected with HIV. responsible lives in a world saturated friendship. Simple actions will commu Knowledge of risk does not prevent with temptation and opportunities for nicate Jesus' love. None should wonder the consequences of foolish behavior. immorality. whether the church cares about the wider Many individuals who come to the Love, acceptance, and forgiveness community. The community will readily dental clinics for HIV testing report that must be communicated. Jesus is just as refer seekers to a church that expresses their contact was from a casual sexual willing to forgive the sin of judg- caring nurture for those in trauma. encounter, often with their judgment mentalism as He is the sins of sexual Support can be extended to the impaired by alcohol. Now they want to promiscuity. If the church will do Christ's families of those affected by AIDS. 28 MINISTRY/NOVEMBER 1996 Many are fearful of what has attacked the Holy Spirit will work in the life of us who feel compelled to love because their own reputation or standing in their child. Often things may get worse of who God is and because of our society as a result of a relative with before they get better, but a parent's relationship to Him should be able to HIV. Compassionate expressions of love, understanding, support, and work through this issue and find our understanding friendship may help a acceptance can hasten their child's own ways to reach out to the AIDS frightened fellow member face the reconciliation with God. Many parents community. uncertain tomorrows for a family feel that unless they are continually Moyer: As one having AIDS, what member they love. Offering a word of reminding their child that what he or she do you really expect the church to do? encouragement or sharing a prayer of is doing is wrong, they will be seen as Ron: First, the church should be support is real ministry. condoning sinful behavior, but this only clear about what God says about homo Above all else, it is our privilege alienates them from their family as well sexuality. I do not believe anymore that to offer hope! Hope for release from as God. The Holy Spirit can accom homosexuality is a healthy lifestyle. sin and abundant life now, and hope plish what we cannot. Many Adventist churches are not for restoration and eternal life at willing to address the issue. There are Jesus' return. Blessed hope! Blessed My prayer other churches that are willing. But we assurance! When the church commu I believe it will be a sign of our aren't willing to talk about the issue at nicates this hope, it is Christ's body church's spiritual maturity when we all. I need to belong to a church that's at its best! • recognize that this complex problem clear about what God's will is in this affects our church, when we are willing area, at least what my perception of to bring it out into the open and discuss God's will is in this area. it with honesty and frankness, and Second, I need to belong to a group A homosexual in my when we offer sympathetic support to of people who can recognize that there's congregation? those who struggle with one of the a valuable person inside here, one whom most confusing and painful of sin's God loves very deeply. I'm tired of Continued from page 11 curses on the human race. dealing with rejection. It's painful. • How wonderful it would be if our noticed that something seems to be church could lead the way in showing This interview was adapted from a taped troubling you. Is there anything you'd caring, Christian compassion to homo conversation. Since then, Ron has died. We have used a pseudonym to protect "Ron" and his like to talk about?" It is also important sexuals, neither ostracizing them for an family. to continue creating opportunities for orientation over which they have no them to talk; it may take some time ultimate control, nor encouraging them before they feel safe enough to discuss to accept something less than God's what is really on their hearts. best for their lives, but instead supporting A practical theology Reassurance. Probably one of the them with love and understanding as first questions that occurs to Christian they seek to follow God's will. My of ordination parents after discovering that their prayer is that you, as a pastor, will help Continued from page 27 child is homosexual is Will my child to make this happen. • be lost? Usually this is because they do not understand the difference between * I would recommend starting with Barbara 1 See 1 Tim. 3:lff.; Titus 1:5-9; and Phil. 1:1. Johnson's Stick a Geranium in Your Hat and Be See also Martin Dibelius and Hans Conzelmann, a homosexual orientation and homo Happy. If you can keep an open mind and The Pastoral Epistles (Philadelphia: Fortress, sexual behavior. overlook obvious theological differences, Is the 1972), p. 50, who recognize that in 1 Timothy, You can reassure them that God Homosexual My Neighbor? by Scanzoni and "the existence of the episcopate and diaconate is Mollenkott, presents a balanced overview of presupposed." loves and wants to save everyone. He homosexuality. 2 See article by H. W. Beyer, "diakonos," does not hold people responsible for a Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, condition over which they have no vol. 2, pp. 81-93. choice—only for the way they choose 3 Having said this, I am well aware that in light of the wording of Acts l:14ff., some see the to relate to it. And if they make the A cry from the apostles as episkopoi (see Samuel Koranteng- wrong choice, they can be led by the Pipim, Searching the Scriptures: Women©s Holy Spirit to repent of that choice. valley of death Ordination and the Call to Biblical Fidelity Continued from page 25 [Berrien Springs, Mich.: Adventists Affirm, Education. You can help parents 1995], pp. 56f. If this was indeed the case, then understand that the two most important the apostles' role would be something like that of things they can do for their son or of homosexuality. The church has no a conference president who serves as the general daughter are to show the same uncon healthy forum where young people overseer of a certain constituency. However, an examination of the territory covered by the ditional love that God showed us while can discuss this issue. But we can't apostles renders it unlikely that their constituency we were yet sinners, and to pray that wait for an official stance—those of was restricted by geographical boundaries. MINISTRY/NOVEMBER 1996 29 Seminary News 1997 Seminary extension courses for North America Benjamin D. Schoun

he Seventh-day Adventist Theolo Here are the steps to take: 1. Contact intensive on time. 7. Complete the gical Seminary offers extension your union ministerial director to review postintensive requirements and send T courses every year in each union your qualifications for participation and them to your instructor. For further in the U.S. for pastors and church leaders. obtain the appropriate course requirement inquiries, call 800-253-2874 and ask for These courses can be used toward the M. A. sheets, preregistration form, and book extension 3544, or call 616-471-3544; in pastoral ministry, the D.Min., or for con order form. 2. Arrange your plans with E-mail: [email protected]; fax: tinuing education. The courses are offered your conference administration. 3. Send 616-471-6202. For updates on the as intensives lasting one week, with some your preregistration form to the seminary. schedule below, check the CompuServe assignments to be completed before, and 4. Order your books. 5. Complete your Adventists On-line Library, section others after, the class begins. preintensive assignments. 6. Come to the "Schools/Education." •

Seminary M.A.Min./D.Min. extension courses for 1997

Atlantic Union—Atlantic Union College Mid-America Union—Union College M.A.Hin. Jan. 5-9 CHHN534 Youth Leadership R.Wisbey H.A.Min. and D.Min. Har. 16-20 OT5T5IO Archaeology and the Bible D. Herling M.A.Nin. Hay 25-29 CHMN527 Church Leadership and Administration B. Schoun H.A.Min. Aug. 17-21 MSSN606 Church Growth in World Mission B. Bauer M.A.Min. June 1-5 CHIS674 Development of SDA Theology G. Knight H.A.Min. Aug. 24-28 THST678 Science and Religion J. Baldwin Hispanic H.A.Hin. Jan. 5-9 OTST564 Pentateuch A. Dupertuis D.Hin. Aug. 17-21 CHMN667 Health Evangelism 5. Proctor Hispanic H.A.Min. Hay 11-15 NTST657 Theology of Hebrews A. Valenzuela D.Min. Aug. 24-28 MSSN735 Strategies for Church Growth B. Bauer Hispanic M.A.Hin. Hay 18-22 HSSN560 Mission to the World Staff D.Hin. Jan. 5-9 CHMN720 Current Issues in Youth Ministry R.Wisbey North Pacific Onion-Walla Walla College D.Min. May 25-29 CHHN727 Leadership in Church Organizations B. Schoun H.A.Hin. and D.Min. Jan. 12-16 CHMN622 Seminar in Personal Evangelism R. Norton D.Min. June 1-5 CHHN638 Seminar in Leadership B. Schoun H.A.Hin. Aug. 17-21 CHMN505 Biblical Preaching K. Stout M.A.Hin. Aug. 24-28 OTST520 Theology of the Old Testament R. Davidson Canadian Union—Participants attend the nearest location in the U.S. D.Min. Aug. 17-21 CHMN730 Advanced Sermon Design K. Stout D.Min. Aug. 24-28 CHMN7IO Seminar in Worship K. Stout Columbia Union—Columbia Union College H.A.Min. and D.Hin. Mar. 16-20 NTST646 New Testament Exegesis: Parables R. Johnston Pacific (Mm-Pacific Union College (March), SE California Conference Office M.A.Hin. Aug. 24-28 CHMN524 Introduction to Religion and Society H.Kis (August), Andrews University (Hispanic MAMin. Residency courses in June-July) M.A.Min. and D.Hin. Mar. 16-20 CHMN606 Techniques of Church Planting D.Kilcher M.A.Hin. Aug. 31-Sept 4 THST670 Principles of Christian Ethics H.Kis Hispanic H.A.Min. Mar. 16-20 THST6I9 Principles and Hethods of Theology A. Dupertuis M.A.Min. Aug. 24-28 CHMN555 Pastoral Counseling J. North H.A.Hin. Aug.3l-Sept4 CHIS688 Contemporary Trends W.Douglas Hispanic H.A.Hin. Aug. 24-28 GSEM534 Writings of E.G. White Viera HispM.A.Min.atAy June 16-26 CH1S674 Development of SDA Theology Staff Hispanic H.A.Hin. Aug. 31-Sept 4 THST627 Roman Catholic Tneology A. Dupertuis Hisp M.A.Min. at AD June 30-July 10 CHIS567 Hispanic-American Church History C. Sepulveda D.Min. Aug. 24-28 CHMN755 Church and Society H.Kis HispH.A.Min.atAU, July 14-24 HSSN569 Hission to the World Staff D.Min. Aug. 31-Sept. 4 CHHN756 Demographics and Urban Studies B. Hoyer D.Hin. Aug. 24-28 CHMN665 Advanced Pastoral Counseling J. North D.Min. Aug. 3I-Sept4 CHHN640 Seminar in Pastoral Counseling j. North Lake Union—Andrews University, Theological Seminary H.A.Min. Feb. 23-27 NTST605 Gospel of John J. Paulien Southern Union—Southern College HA.Min. Sept. 7-11 CHHN524 Introduction to Religion and Society H.Kis M.A.Min. and D.Hin. Mar. 9-13 THST629 Ecumenical Trends D. Fortin MJUIin. Sept. 14-18 THST670 Principles of Christian Ethics D. Fortin M.A.Min.andD.Min. Aug. 24-28 CBMH6IO Teaching Ministry R.Hoon Hispanic M.A.Min. June 16-26 CHIS674 Development of SDA Theology Staff M.A.Min. Aug.3l-Sept.4 GSEH6IO Doctrine of the Sanctuary R.Gane Hispanic M.A.Hin. June 30-july 10 CHMN600 Preaching From the NT A. Valenzuela Hispanic H.A.Hin. Jan. 19-23 CHHN555 Pastoral Counseling A. Valenzuela Hispanic H.A.Min. July 14-24 MSSN560 Hiss to the World Staff Hispanic M.A.Hin. May 4-8 THST674 Christian Personal Ethics A. Dupertuis D.Min. Feb. 3-6 CHHN622 Seminar in Personal Evangelism R. Norton Hispanic M.A.Min. May 11-15 THST605 Doctrine of Christ A. Dupertuis D.Min. Feb. 10-13 GSEM790 D.flin. Dissertation Proposal Seminar A. Valenzuela D.Min. Aug. 31-Sept. 4 CHMN623 Innovative Evangelism D. Newman D.Hin. Feb. 17-20 THST705 Theology and Practice of Hinistry F. Canale D.Hin. June 16-19 GSEH790 D.Min. Dissertation Proposal Seminar R.Wisbey Southwestern Union—Southwestern Adventist College D.Min. June 23-26 CHHN735 Strategies for Church Growth R. Norton fl.A.Hin. and D.Hin. Jan. 19-23 THST636 Doctrine of Righteousness by Faith P. van Bemmelen D.Hin. June 30-July 3 CHMN638 Seminar in Leadership Staff M.A.Min. and D.Min. Aug. 3-7 CHMN6IO Teaching Ministry W.Ferris D.Hin. June 30-July 3 CHMN62I Preaching in Public Evangelism J. Fowler M.A.Min. Aug. 10-14 NTST667 New Testament Theology: Ecclesiology R. Johnston D.Hin. July 7-10 CHHN640 Seminar in Pastoral Counseling Staff D.Min. Aug. 10-14 CHMN623 Innovative Evangelism N.Satelmajer

Benjamin D. Schoun is the associate dean of the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. 30 MINISTRY/NOVEMBER 1996 Shop Talk

Pointers for guest question beforehand, When The elders said, "Brothers, you are for Jesus Christ preachers do I close? we want you to speak to and His salvation, His You're invited to preach 6. If you quote the Spirit the people if you have a forgiveness, His love. at a local church. It's your of Prophecy, identify the message of encouragement You'll be appreciated and first time there. You know author. Use a variety of for them" (Acts 13:15, you'll be invited back.— very few if any of the identification phrases such TEV). Elders still seek Charles Mitchell, pastor, congregation. The make up, as, "An early SDA pioneer, such. Palm Springs Seventh-day the history, the peculiarities Ellen White, noted,. .." or 11. Choose terminology Adventist Church, Palm of this congregation are not "The author of a popular known by nonmembers. Springs, California. familiar to you. Adventist book on the life Delete SDA buzzwords Here are a few suggestions of Christ entitled Desire of such as Ingathering, Spirit $25 for your ideas which will help to prepare Ages stated ..." of Prophecy, The Third Please send us a sug you for your appointment. 7. Do not chastise the Angel, The Three Angels' gestion about how pastors Before the appointment, church. Messages, Dorcas Society, can make their ministry communicate adequately 8. If you plan to make Sister White, The Red more effective or less with the pastor, head elder, an altar call or ask for some Books, etc. stressful. If we publish it, or church secretary as to kind of physical response, 12. Be sparing of giving we will send you US$25. your sermon title, Scripture let the pastor know before too much advice, as if you If your idea promotes a reading, and possible the service. have all the answers. product or service you are appropriate hymns. 9. Do not utilize Remember, a short message selling, we'll be glad to 1. Be on time. Arrive at illustrations which might is much more palatable consider it for publication the church early enough to elicit great pain (e.g., suicide than one that is unending. but won't pay you $25! become acquainted with the stories). 13. If you have a real Send ideas to Ministry, physical layout (just in case 10. Focus on encour dramatic sermon, leave it Shop Talk Editor, 12501 the building catches on fire agement. Remember when home. Present Jesus, lift Old Columbia Pike, Silver from your preaching) and to Paul and Barnabas arrived Him up, affirm, encourage. Spring, MD 20904. U.S. meet and greet people. in Antioch in Pisidia .and Present hope. Give your citizens, please include Remember, they're part of went into the synagogue? testimony of how grateful Social Security number. your family! 2. Pick up a bulletin. Read it thoroughly. Note the order of service. Find out whether you are to offer the invocation or benediction. Talk it over with the pastor, or elder in charge. Don't try to wing it. Do others stay on the platform during the sermon? How do you close? How do you exit the rostrum? 3. Bring an offering. 4. Always assume non- SDAs will be sprinkled throughout your audience. Speak so they will understand everything. enTaIh Mledi SL 5. Prepare your message with sections which could be included or excluded in case of a time factor adjustment or glitch in schedule. Don't go on Bible credits: Scripture quotations marked NASB are from the New American Standard Bible, © The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, and on after 12:00 when 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977. Texts credited to NIV are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright © 1973, people are used to getting 1978, 1984, International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Bible texts credited to RSV are from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946,1952, 1971, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches out at noon. Ask the of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by permission. MINISTRY/NOVEMBER 1996 31 f /pecial Holiday Discounts The Inspirational Violin of Jaime Jorge* Compact Disks: Cassettes: Reg. $13.95 Now$12.95 Reg. $9.95 Now$8.95

I Am Not Worthy We Shall How Great Thou Art Behold Him I Stand Before You Lord People Need The Lord Will There Be Any Stars? At The Cross My Great Desire Your Love Stay; With Me O Glorious Love You'H Never Flee As A Bird Nearer, Still Nearer Jesus Died For Me Walk Alone At Eventime Patriotic Medley Will You Be Ready O Magnify The Lord Via Dolorosa I Am Not Worthy I'd Rather Have Jesus Because He Lives Far Beyond The Sun Great Is Thy Faithfulness He Hideth My Soul My Jesus I Love Thee The Love Of God Make Us One The Old Rugged Cross Beyond The Rainbow We Shall Behold Him ...and more! I Choose Him Today You'll Never Walk Alone The Holy City (1995) The Word Is Alive It Is Well With My Soul ...and more! Just A Closer Walk Morning Has Broken (1990) ...and more! There Is A Fountain (1993) Abide With Me ...and more! (1991) The Word The Bible from 26 Translations Gold-Embossed Bonded Leather: Reg. $89.95 Now $79.95 Hardback: Reg. $69.95 Now $59.95 The Last Trolley Out How NOT to Prepare for the End! by Morris Venden Reg. $12.95 Now$11.95

If not yet at your local Christian Bookstore, call now for immediate shipping: (8OO)447-4332 Prices expire 2/28/97, and do not include shipping and handling.

""For concert booking information, call (501) 736-2244