July 31, 1993
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J I O U
N IO J I L I U I I M N/ I O V I n o i at c i ib u —p t tralia cos s Au by red ste i Heig
The Pillar Doctrines-6
Pastoring Pastors-7 Signs Video in Churches Next week (August 7) church members in Australia and New Zealand will be viewing a video Adventist Boom that promotes the work of the church's evangelistic magazine, Signs of the Times. The video is a first for the Signs campaign and was created in a joint effort by Signs Publishing Company and the in South Adventist Media Centre. Pictured previewing the video are some of the Signs staff (from the left): America 1 4 Karen Miller, Doug Burns, Dorothy Powrie, Travis Manners and Helen Guest. EDITORIAL
told I was the church of tomor- row—often. I suppose that means now. It's Our Responsibility So if this is my church, I want contem- porary evangelism. it out of the plastic wrapper and read it And if we don't do something about he church before she got home. It's an outstand- it, every negative statement I've made Thas deter- ing magazine. in this editorial will be inevitable— mined to put the Good Health has an uncertain future. we'll see the end of Signs. Being told church's money Non-Adventist health professionals the church is yours doesn't make. it so. where the praise the magazine, government If we want something for our church, church's mouth newsletters use it as a resource, and we have to do something about it: is, by giving some 2000 Adventists read it. If we want church growth, we have ever- increasing I liked Signs magazine. I remember to get involved. If we want this church amounts of getting it free at church once a year in to remain functioning, we have to sup- church funds to evangelism. If a project August. Great read. I used to read it at port each other. doesn't have an evangelistic base, it's friends' places because usually they'd Many, many people (some 6000) do relegated lower down the funding pile. subscribe, and I guess I never got subscribe to and sponsor Signs. And Here, at Signs, we have a magazine around to it (subscribing just always many have done so before I learned to that is totally evangelistic—distinctly seemed a parent thing to do). read. They made the church theirs by Christian, distinctly Adventist. And it To my mind, Signs is an effective being involved in it. They're the quiet receives no subsidy from the church. evangelistic Adventist magazine. And achievers of this church. They're the Financially, Signs of the Times doesn't yes, I work here; and yes, I could be Mr and Mrs Chelbergs of this world even make the funding pile. biased; but yes, it is a terrific magazine. who visited my father and my then Every week we receive positive com- Lack of commitment is going to kill non-Adventist mother with Signs. They ments from non-Adventists who sub- Signs. It finished Alert and is destroy- made things happen. scribe to or receive the magazine. It's ing Good Health. And, with respect, this editorial is impossible to measure how many peo- And I know there are people reading not for them, because I know how frus- ple are influenced for Christ by Signs this who are like me and never get trated this must make them feel. of the Times. But they are. around to subscribing to anything, let This editorial is for people like you I remember when Alert magazine alone Signs—well, now it's time. and me, who want the best to happen, disappeared. I noticed because it I feel like turning over tables. I feel but never actually commit ourselves to wasn't there anymore. I was a teenager like being non-budget-mental and say- it; who are so used to being passive then and it used to come to the library ing, Why are we allowing the only evan- bystanders of the church that we forget of the state school I attended. Our fam- gelistic magazine we have to spiral that the church may actually need us. ily didn't subscribe, so I read it at downwards into rapid suicide? Signs needs two things to survive: the school. Great magazine. If your friends aren't going to a continued support of those quiet I missed it when it finished, but then "Dead Sea Scrolls" evangelistic cam- achievers; and every non-subscribing it was too late to do anything about it. paign, they might want to read in Signs Adventist to sponsor two subscriptions. Leonie, a friend I shared house with, about why Bernhard Langer, the Then, for the first time for many years, started to get Good Health magazine. golfer, is a Christian (in the upcoming Signs will be financially on top. And The then editor, Gary Krause (a friend November issue). Signs will survive. of hers), said subscriptions were falling, The Signs is relevant. It's doing some- Then we won't be a church waiting so she began to buy the magazine to thing practical about making the lives of for things to happen. We'll be a church help out. I'm glad she did, because then your non-Christian friends better. putting its money where its mouth is. I could get to read it. Sometimes I'd rip I'm a youth of yesterday, who was Karen Miller
Official Paper Subscriptions South Pacific Division, Departments and Services: Communication, Public Affairs and Seventh-day Adventist Church $A31.00 $NZ43.40. ADRA Harold Halliday (Director), Neil Religious Liberty Ray Coombe South Pacific Division All other regions, $A67.00 $NZ94.00. Air Hughes, Peter Truscott Education Les Devine (Director), Barry mail postage rates on application. Order Adventist Health Percy Harrold Hill, Ian Howie, Owen Hughes, Max Miller, Editor Bruce Manners from Signs Publishing Company, (Director), Harley Stanton Bob Spoor Assistant Editors Lee Dunstan, Warburton, Victoria 3799, Australia. Adventist Health Services—Life Plus Health Food Eugene Grosser (Director), Karen Miller Printed weekly by Signs Publishing Don Bain (Director), Val Charlton John Davey, Greg Gambrill, Allan Staples Editorial Assistant Michelle Abel Company. Adventist Media Centre Nat Devenish Ministerial Association John Gate Editorial Secretary Glenda Fairall Archivist and Statistician Roy Clifford Publishing Bruce Campbell Copy Editor Graeme Brown Directory of the South Pacific Division Auditing Service Max Mitchell (Director), Risk Management Service Robert Smith Senior Consulting Editor Laurie Evans 148 Fox Valley Road, Wahroonga, NSW Ernie Moffitt, Earle Robson, Neville Trust Services Jim Lansdown Manuscripts All copy for the RECORD 2076. Phone (02) 489 7122. Sawert, Robert Stratford (Legal Trustee: Australasian Conference should be sent to: The Editor, RECORD, President Bryan Ball Christian Services for the Blind and Association Limited. A.C.N. 000 003 930 Signs Publishing Company, Warburton, Secretary Laurie Evans Hearing Impaired Ray Coombe Secretary: Tom Andrews, Assistant Victoria 3799. Manuscripts or computer Treasurer Tom Andrews Church Ministries Bryan Craig (Director Secretaries: Richard Milne, Properties; disks will be returned only if accompanied Assistant to President Gerald Clifford and Family Ministries), Wilfred Bili Bruce Jackson, Finance.) by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Associate Secretary Vern Parmenter (Stewardship), Colleen Buxton (Children's Phone (059) 66 9111. Fax (059) 66 9019. Associate Treasurers Owen Mason, Ministries), Barry Gane (Youth), Alwyn Lynray Wilson Salom (Personal Ministries), Eric Winter Cover Photo: I I edlcy Anderson Field Secretary Gerhard Pfandl (Sabbath School) Vol 98 No 29
2 RECORD July 31. 1993 LETTERS
We are told our bodies consist of The topic of water divining/dowsing Self-interpreting Bible water and minerals. That's why we can has caused considerable interest, but In his article "Prophecy and Current accept the possibility of a person stand- this is the last letter we will be printing Events" (RECORD July 3, 1993), Dr ing on a particular site being able to on the topic. Gerhard Pfandl rightly says that "the respond to minute changes in the elec- Bible is its own interpreter." He then tromagnetic environment caused by Signs Suggestion retreats from that position by claiming the presence of moving water or miner- I help in the Christchurch Women's that the "historicist principle of inter- al deposits underground. Prison doing voluntary work in the pretation is the only justifiable method Roy Stirling is simply using the flower garden. I get called the Flower to interpret apocalyptic prophecies." wires as antennas, just as our TV or Lady. Why resort to such an intellectual radio uses an antenna. There is no mys- Every so often, Signs of the Times approach when the Bible is well able to tery to it. ADRA deserves an apology, are deposited in each cell block of the interpret itself also in the area of apoc- for they are using God's channels to men's and women's prison. Fortunately alyptic prophecy? relieve human suffering. R Kranz, Vic an Adventist man has been able to Ellen White predicted a "great minister spiritually in the men's prison revival" when we better understand the Wizard Sticks and I am able to, in a limited way, as I prophetic books (Testimonies to What prompts me to write is "Shame work with the girls. Ministers, pages 113, 114). Revelation, on ADRA" (July 3, 1993). I am sure Signs could give us a real boost if she says, is "full of truth that we need the writer is a sincere person. If he you would please include the New to understand" (Testimonies to knew that Ellen White once employed Zealand address for the free Bible- Ministers, page 116). She also men- a water diviner I feel sure it would put study courses advertised in the maga- tioned that the "solemn messages given his mind at rest. zine. As soon as prisoners advise they in their order in the Revelation are to The story is told by Arthur White in wish to study, we can go in and contact occupy first place in the minds of God's The Early Elmshaven Years. "With them. D L Prouting, SNZ people" (Testimonies for the Church, what anxiety we surveyed the ground Vol 8, page 302). and tried the wizard water stick and Of the four Bible-study advertise- In my efforts to allow the Bible to discussed the possibilities. . . . Finally ments run in Signs, a New Zealand determine its own sequence of events, I we chose a place and began digging address is featured on three. Your letter have arrived at an understanding of the down through the surface of the dry has made sure that a New Zealand prophecies concerning seals and trum- earth where the dust flew more than 20 address is put on the fourth. Thanks for pets that I find logical and attractive, feet below the surface" (page 366). pointing out the problem. and that strongly reinforce the views of [The area had experienced drought for our pioneers on a pre-Advent judg- eight or nine years.] After digging Views expressed in Letters do not necessarily repre- ment and the close of probation. deeper than 24 metres, an underground sent those of the editors or the denomination. Letters should not exceed 250 words and should be mailed to Ron Earle, SA stream was found, "plenty of water for RECORD Editor, Signs Publishing Company, all purposes!" Fay Morris, WA Warburton Victoria 3799. Writers must include their No More Ignorance name, address and telephone number. Letters received more than three weeks after the date of the issue carrying Oh that people, especially Advent- the article to which they respond will normally not be ists, would not be so ignorant of the printed. All letters will be edited to meet space and liter- laws of nature that the Creator has put ary requirements, but the author's original meaning will not he changed. Not all letters received will he published. in place. VSt Water dowsing (divining—Letters, July 3—is a misnomer) is merely based on electromagnetic fields. Those who I'M 4FFRAID THE SIGNS have large amounts of electrical resis- Fog pRISoNS KNIsTIC tance cannot dowse very well, if at all. Poer teoRK LIKE 7NT There are a lot of unknowns about it ,45V777/ER WIN,4FRED simply because ignorant, religious peo- ple have decided it was of the devil— because they could not understand it. C J G, NZ Apologise to ADRA There is scientific evidence why water divining works. In every material substance there is an atom that consists of a neutron and a proton. An electron revolves around the neutron and caus- es a magnetic field. The electromagnet- ic force of an atom attracts its own kind.
RECORD July 31. 1993 3 visitors. If you are willing to (069) 77 1619. Bosnia-Herzegovina. "The Romanian Church be available as a helper for programs are well-presented A new Romanian the crusade, regardless of Musical Distinctions and appreciated in Sarajevo," Seventh-day Adventist your skills, phone (067) 52 Evita Menkens (left) and said Tihomir Kukolja, church has been organised in 2909, or write to: "Breath of Francis Bobongie (right) won Adventpress director from Melbourne, Victoria. The 40 Life," PO Box 4, Moree two Trinity College Zagreb, Croatia, who recent- members and their children NSW 2400. Exhibition Awards for ly visited Sarajevo. "The 15- have functioned as a compa- pianoforte and one for minute program is produced ny for several years. The new PE Lecturer Needed weekly, and deals with topics church, under the leadership An advertisement for a concerning real-life situa- of Pastor Paul Boeru, meets physical education lecturer tions." The programs were for regular services in the for Avondale College, in the idea of Nikolina William Arnold Hall on the Noticeboard of July 10, gave Mustapic, a journalism stu- campground in Nunawading. an incorrect deadline for dent, who is public relations The Romanian church will applicants. The correct dead- officer for the Adventist seek official admission to the line is August 16. Further Development and Relief sisterhood of churches that information and applications Agency (ADRA) in comprise the Victorian should be addressed to: The Sarajevo. Working together Conference at the next con- Principal, Avondale College, with professional technicians, ference session. PO Box 19, Cooranbong, O he and another producer pre- NSW 2265. pare the program for broad- Ararat Restaurant casting. It is aired before Members of the Ararat Church 50 Years Old -g- noon every Thursday. Seventh-day Adventist In 1943 the Temora "Through this radio ministry church, Victoria, are plan- (NSW) company became the singing. Francis also gained Seventh-day Adventists are ning to open a vegetarian Temora Seventh-day the highest distinction marks contributing to the already restaurant in a shop adjacent Adventist church. Three in Australia in 1992 in her well-established humanitari- to the police station. The years after officially becom- piano examination. The two an work of ADRA. Given members have also volun- ing a church, the church talented musicians attend the situation in Sarajevo, teered to manage and staff Mackay Seventh-day where the main preoccupa- the restaurant. The restau- Adventist church in tion of all citizens is to sur- rant would "present to the Queensland. vive, one admires an initia- public a healthful alternative tive that requires not only in the area of diet reforms." Hat-trick for Ballarat skill but also fresh ideas," Mr The church members are also Students and teachers of Kukolja commented. The planning to introduce the Ballarat Adventist radio ministry is one of a
Lifestyle seminars and a nat- Primary School, Victoria, variety of Seventh-day he ural-remedies clinic incorpo- is won the prize for the "Best Adventist presences in the
rating hydrotherapy and R F School Entry" in the Ballarat media. The media also massage at a later date. to: Begonia Festival procession ho announce arrivals of ADRA P for the third year running. convoys. In spite of the Volunteers Needed members bought a building Their theme this year was tragedy in Sarajevo, Seventh- The Moree "Breath of and transported it to the pre- "God Colours Our World." day Adventists are talking Life" crusade for Aboriginals sent site at 127 Polaris Street, The school bus was decorat- about hope and showing and Islanders will be held Temora, with the aid of sev- ed as a giant paintbox, while actions of love.—ANR nightly from October 16 to eral trucks and tractors (pic- the students were colourfully November 18 in Moree, tured). The Temora mem- dressed as flowers, frogs, Youth Congress NSW. The featured speaker bers are celebrating this 50- birds, butterflies, cows, Some 700 young people is Afro-American evangelist year anniversary on sheep, donkeys and a few attended a four-day youth Pastor Charles D Brooks. September 4 and invite all artists with large paintbrush- congress in Zagreb, Croatia. The planning team needs past members and friends to es. The congress was the first volunteers to help with all attend. There will be morn- held under the auspices of aspects of the program— ing service at 11 am, followed the Croatian-Slovenian from operating the PA sys- by lunch, an afternoon pro- Conference. Marusevec tem to putting up tents. gram and an evening pro- Radio in Sarajevo Seminary was the setting for Aboriginal denominational gram. Speakers on the day For more than six months a series of meetings with the leaders in Moree have will be Pastor Neil Lawson, the Seventh-day Adventist theme "By Love—Serve One offered full support for the Pastor Lyndon Schick and church in Sarajevo, Bosnia- Another." Pastor Ole crusade, some even offering Pastor Don Fehlberg. For Herzegovina, has been Kendel, youth leader from their own backyards as space more information contact broadcasting "Voice of the Trans-European for erecting private tents for John and Robin Fisher on Hope" programs on Radio Division, was the main
4 REcoRD july it. I093 FLASHPOINT speaker for the congress. tions have been organised in Among the variety of previously unentered areas Avondale Homecoming congress events was a Bible- during the past three years. The alumni homecoming committee for the 1993 reading marathon. The entire Congregations have been Avondale College homecoming on August 27 and 28 are Croatian Bible was read in organised among the E-Gaw endeavouring to contact students whose last year at 57 hours and 28 minutes by and Lahu tribes for the first Avondale is one of those listed below. If you have not young people who attended time. Chapels for these received your personal invitation, or know the where- the congress. The marathon groups have recently been abouts of someone who hasn't, please contact the appro- was supplemented by a Bible completed. priate person—also listed below: competition, which involved 1933 Lyn Bartlett (049) 77 1107 three different age groups. Cairo Baptisms 1943 Don Halliday (049) 70 5248 The competition trophy was In Cairo, Egypt, more than 1953 Annette Bailey (049) 77 1249 awarded to Edvard Miler, a 20 people made a decision 1963 Merle Bruce (049) 77 1807 first-year theology student for baptism following a five- 1968 Margaret Ashton (049) 77 2078 from Pula.—ANR week evangelistic program. 1973 Denise Roy (049) 77 1842 Pastor Sven Jensen, the 1983 Rose Robinson (049) 77 2683 China Report church ministries director for In China there have been the Middle East Union, led 28,000 baptisms during the the campaign. An enthusias- Smit, Middle East Union divided into several individu- past two years. Since 1990, tic team of youth assisted by communication director, al mini-series. The first the annual distribution of translating the messages into says, "The Lord continues to episodes will be screened Bibles and other religious Arabic and helping as need- bless the difficult work in the next year.—The Times books has increased from ed. Sabbath meetings drew Middle East." 4665 to 17,367. about 150 people. Week- Obscene Bible night attendance averaged I 1*=`111 4!71111111111 An atheist in Brooklyn Thailand Mission 100 people. An extreme filed a petition with the local The Thailand Seventh-day Islamic group threatened to Bible on TV school district to have the Adventist Mission has been burn down the church if two The whole of the Old Bible outlawed in school requested to conduct a Bible large banners promoting the Testament is being made into libraries. Gene Kasmar, 55, conference concerning last- meetings were not taken a television series. The pro- said the Bible was "lewd, day events for 20 Baptist pas- down. The meetings contin- ject, called "The Bible," is indecent and violent" and tors and many lay leaders in ued, and the banners were co-funded by American tele- was "unsuitable for schools." the Lahu area of Thailand. damaged, but no harm was vision magnate and owner of He offered 20 pages of bibli- Global Mission outreach has done to the church. Despite CNN, Ted Turner, an Italian cal references to such sub- faced a challenge in these obstacles, seven people group called LUX and the jects as concubines, wine, Thailand, as the country has were baptised in the German multimedia group nakedness and incest. The the highest population of Heliopolis Seventh-day Kirch. The series is being assistant superintendent of Buddhists in the world. Adventist church as a result directed by Joseph Sargent of the Brooklyn Center District, However, many congrega- of the campaign. Pastor Bert the original "Star Trek" tele- Dennis Morrow, responded vision series. The film series that the Bible does indeed will last 35 hours. The first portray some poor human Perth to Update Church Roll two episodes, starring decisions. "But," he added, Perth Seventh-day Adventist church is currently try- Richard Harris as Abraham "just as the newspaper ing to update its church roll. As a former conference and Barbara Hershey as attempts to accurately report office—city church, they are having difficulties locating Sarah, have just been com- the evils of humankind as many people. If you have any information as to the pleted in Morocco. The pro- well as the good, the Bible whereabouts of the following people, could you please ducers believe that "in a appears to report about real contact the church clerk, John Houghton, care of the world increasingly dominat- people, real problems and Perth Seventh-day Adventist Church, 50 Havelock ed by the media, televising real history."—The Christian Street, West Perth, WA 6005. The names are: Dianne `The Bible' is the best way to News Carter, Terry Chapman, Glen Cracknell, Carol Davis, make its contents and mes- Horace Doddenead, Lee Ellison, Loenie Ellison, J sage available to the greatest ANR: Adventist News Emslie, E Emslie, Colin Fletcher, Sheray Givney, number of people around the Review Kathleen Greenway, Merlene Hall, Shirley Harris, world." The project is to he AR: Adventist Review Lynelda Kingston, A Macri, Gary McDowall, Geoffry McMahon, Lennard Oakes, Marjory Pitt, Ngaire Pound, Marie Pringall, Gerlardus Riekerink, Fayrene Shaw, Donald Shepherdson, Jessie Shepherdson, Leanne August 7 Signs of the Times Rally Day Tully, Peter Vanderweeden, Brenda Vanderweeden, August 14 Pathfinder Day; Pacific Adventist College David Wilson, Kay Wilson and Daisy Wroth. Offering August 21 Sabbath School Emphasis Day
RECORD July 31. 1993 5 MIN The Pillar Doctrines by George R Knight
These five doctrines came to be that would need to be corrected. unified set of beliefs. Thus to challenge seen as the "landmark" or "pil- It is important to realise that the five one part of the system is to challenge all lar" doctrines. pillar doctrines did not stand alone. of it. They formed a unified doctrinal- The second organising and unifying prophetic package. At the core of this biblical image for Sabbatarian y early 1848 the Sabbatarian package were two biblical ideas—the Adventism's theology was that of the BAdventist leaders, through exten- sanctuary and the three angels' mes- three angels of Revelation 14. These sive and intensive Bible study, had come sages. messages not only tied all of Adventist to basic agreement on at least five Of the centrality of the sanctuary in theology to the sanctuary service with points of doctrine: Sabbatarian belief, Roswell F Cottrell its judgment (and salvation) message, L The personal, visible, premillennial wrote in 1863: "We find, not only that but it enabled the Sabbatarians to place return of Jesus the sanctuary is the grand centre of the themselves in the flow of prophetic his- 2. The cleansing of the sanctuary, with Christian system, as the earthly was of tory. Christ's ministry in the second apart- the typical, but that this subject is the Beyond that, the three angels' mes- ment having begun on October 22, centre and citadel of present truth. And sages eventually became the prophetic 1844—the beginning of the antitypical since our temple is in heaven, and in force that spread Seventh-day Adventist day of atonement that temple, 'the ark of the testament,' missions throughout the world as the 3. The validity of the gift of prophecy, containing 'the commandments of God,' church sought to take its unique mes- with progressively more of the believers and in the midst of these command- sage "to every nation, and kindred, and seeing Ellen White's ministry as a mod- ments, the Sabbath of the Lord, fenced tongue, and people" (Revelation 14:6). ern manifestation of the gift around by nine moral precepts that can- But that mission vision was far from the 4. The obligation to observe the sev- not be overthrown, it is no wonder that minds of the few struggling Sabbatarian enth-day Sabbath and the place of the the enemies of the Sabbath should, not Adventists in the late 1840s. Sabbath in the great end-time conflict only strive to abolish the Ten On the other hand, even then they prophesied in Revelation 11-14, and Commandments, but to abolish the true were beginning to catch the prophetic 5. That immortality is not an inherent sanctuary in which they are deposited." import of the three angels for their human quality; people receive it only It is important to emphasise both the work. In 1850 James White published through faith in Christ. centrality of the sanctuary in Adventist an important article summarising their These five doctrines came to be seen theology and the fact that conclusions on the topic. as the "landmark" or "pillar" doctrines theology is a White equated the first angel's mes- of Sabbatarian Adventists, and later sage (see Revelation 14:6, 7) with the Seventh-day Adventists. These five Millerite preaching of the second beliefs set this branch of Adventist off, advent. For him the time element in not only from other Millerite bodies, "the hour of his judgment is come" was but from other Christians in general. crucial. Those five distinctives stood at the heart "The whole advent host," he penned, of the developing Sabbatarian "once believed" that something special Adventism and made them a distinctive would happen about 1843. "The unbe- people. As such, those doctrines were lief of those who doubt now," he contin- highly valued and avidly preached by ued, "does not prove that we were all the seventh-day people. mistaken then. The passing of time, and The Sabbatarians, of course, shared the perpetual backsliding and unbelief many beliefs with other Christians, such of Adventists has not changed the truth as salvation by grace through faith in of God into a lie; but it remains truth Jesus' sacrifice and the efficacy of still." prayer. But their preaching and teaching The second angel (see Revelation emphasis fell on the distinctive pillar 14:8), White emphasised, "followed" the doctrines. This emphasis grew partly out first angel. When, in reaction to the of the fact that they had to defend these preaching of the soon return of Christ, beliefs in their encounters with other the churches began to shut their doors Christians, and partly out of their desire to the Millerites and disfellowship them, to share these teachings with those who Anticipating the Advent is available from then—under the leadership of Charles did not know them. This one-sided Adventist Book Centres. Price: $A17.80, Fitch—the second angel sounded the emphasis eventually led to problems $NZ26.95 message of "Babylon is fallen.... Come
6 RECORD July 31. 1993 FEATURES out of her, my people." "The second angel's message called us out from the fallen churches where we Pastoring are now free to think, and act for our- selves in the fear of God," penned White. "It is an exceedingly interesting fact, that the Sabbath question began to Pastors be agitated among the second advent believers immediately they were called out of the churches by the second by John Gate angel's message. God's work moves in order. The Sabbath truth came up in just The local church pastor is the the right time to fulfil prophecy." key person in the church's our pastors. Condensed into a concise White saw the message of the third structure. job description it would cover four angel (see Revelation 14:9-12) as the cli- main areas: max to this prophetic movement. It 1.Spiritual leadership would be God's last message of mercy s a pastor I have a special group 2. Administrative leadership to the world just prior to the great har- Aof parishioners. Nearly every 3. Pastoral leadership vest of souls at the second advent (see one of them goes to a different church 4. Evangelistic leadership. Revelation 14:15-20). on Sabbath. There are about 960 of Everything a pastor is expected to do He pointed out that in Revelation 13 them scattered over a vast area—in 13 can be listed under one of these head- and 14 and in the message of the third countries. My ministry is to minister to ings. A church is adequately pastored angel there are but two classes of people. ministers. You might say I'm the pas- when the four leadership ministries are One persecutes the saints and receives tor's pastor. cared for in balance. Very few pastors the mark of the beast, while the other I make no pretence about being able are equally skilled and effective in all continues to be patient in waiting for to visit them all personally, but the four areas, so they need to harness the Christ to return (in spite of the October Ministerial Association is a team. I gifts and talents in the local church 22, 1844, disappointment) and is "keep- have counterparts in the five unions, membership. ing the commandments of God." and each conference and mission has a However, church members also have "Never," wrote James as he moved minister to represent the pastor's inter- expectations of their pastor, and often toward his presentation's emotional cli- ests. Through this team network we they communicate those expectations max, "did I have such feelings while endeavour to give our pastors pastoral very directly to the pastor. Add to that holding my pen as now. And never did I support. the vision and expectations the pastor see and feel the importance of the The worldwide church has designat- and pastoral family have for them- Sabbath as I do at this moment. Surely ed 1993 as the "Year of the Pastor." We selves and the church and the picture the Sabbath truth, like the rising sun are endeavouring to recognise the pas- can become complex and, sometimes, ascending from the east, has increased toral family in a special way this year. frustrating. the light, in power and in importance The local church pastor is the key From the outside, the life of a pastor until it is the great sealing truth.... person in the church's organisational may appear easy. But from the inside it "Many stopped at the first angel's structure. A new pastor is ordained as can be very stressful. message, and others at the second, and a pastor of the worldwide Seventh-day Now, the last thing most ministers many will refuse the third; but a few will Adventist Church. In a special way the would want is for anyone to be patron- `follow the Lamb whithersoever he pastor represents the vision, direction ising about their ministry; but at the goeth,' and go up and possess the land. and plans of the worldwide church to same time, most ministers would func- Though they have to pass through fire the local congregation, while leading tion more effectively and freely if they and blood, or witness the 'time of trou- the local church in unison with the knew that the members of their ble such as never was,' they will not worldwide family churches. Local churches were aware of their pastor's yield, and 'receive the mark of the church pastors have a powerful influ- concerns, and acknowledged their beast,' but they will struggle on, and ence in maintaining unity in the sister- understanding in an affirming way. press their holy warfare until they, with hood of churches. Of course, pastors and pastoral fami- the harps of God, strike the note of vic- As I visit with pastors at minister's lies don't have these needs only in tory on Mount Zion." meetings, camp-meetings etc, I find 1993. It's just that this year we want to Truly the Sabbatarian Adventists saw almost complete unity among the min- heighten the awareness of members to themselves as a movement of prophecy. isters in their commitment to Jesus and the needs of their pastoral family, and Because of their convictions they often His message for today, in their vision encourage support for the pastor. referred to their movement as the for the church, and in their enthusiasm Pastoral ministry has a high stress "Third Angel's Message." ❑ for the work of ministry. component, but it also has great But pastors and their families are rewards. Pastors feel a sense of reward, Adapted from George R Knight, Anticipating the human, and each has different security and appreciation in their min- Advent: A Brief History of Seventh-day Adventists, Pacific Press, 1993. Dr Knight is an strengths and weaknesses. istry when there are baptisms and spiri- Adventist historian. As a church we have expectations for tual growth in their local congregation;
RECORD July 31. 1993 7 when the local conference administra- tion takes an active interest in and sup- port's the pastor's ministry; and when To Appreciate you members extend genuine appreciation and affirmation. A ministry of appreciation and encouragement. Here's how you can help me in my ministry by encouraging and affirming your church pastor—not just this year Dear but anytime in the future. • Adopt an attitude of understand- ing and sensitivity to the stresses in pastoral ministry. For example, some pastoral families face difficulties when transferred away from children or par- ents. • You should expect your pastor to be a spiritual person, but remember, Date Signature spirituality does not equate with per- fection. Your pastor is human. Love "Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8), deeds. Let us not give up meeting together . . . but let us encourage one and is patient, keeps no record of another—and all the more as you see the day approaching. Hebrews 10:24, wrongs, does not delight in evil, but 25. rejoices with the truth. It always pro- tects, trusts and preservers. Love never fails (1 Corinthians 13). your pastor. Or put it in the offering favour for me. D • Be affirming. An affirming person plate with your tithes and offering next looks for the good in others and Sabbath as a thank-you offering. Do it John Gate is the Ministerial Association secre- expresses it in an encouraging way. Be right now—for your pastor and as a tary for the South Pacific Division. a Barnabas. His real name was Joseph, but because of his encouraging and affirming ways they called him Barnabas—which means "son of Used by God encouragement" (Acts 4:36). • Do something practical and spe- cial—especially this year. For example, as told by Don Pink at an opportune time pray with and for your pastor and pastoral family. Invite about his late wife for the family home for a meal. In most ome time ago I some time. cultures sharing a meal with guests is a received a lead Before I left I asked if demonstration of acceptance, friend- card for the south of I could share my story ship and fellowship. Perth. Seeing it was some with him—he replied, • Arrange something special at distance from home, I "You've got 10 minutes." church. Maybe a pastor's day—a spe- left it for some weeks After I'd shared my testi- cial Sabbath where the pastoral family until I was down that mony he said these words is acknowledged. Encourage each way. When I called and that I'll never forget: church department to do something asked for the woman "Don, I've had a number special in honour of the pastor. Be cre- whose name was on the of people sit in that chair, ative. card, her husband said men of renown, politi- Each conference has a copy of a she had passed away four cians, archbishops, but video prepared by the General weeks earlier. I expressed none of them have ever Conference Ministerial Association on my sympathy, and he invited me in and told me that story. Thank you." "How to Love Your Pastoral Family." proceeded to show me around the He asked the. price of the books and, It's full of good ideas on how to show house. without looking at them, handed me a appreciation for your pastor, your pas- Both he and his wife had furnished cheque. I left. I was told that six months tor's spouse and their children. Why the house lavishly. They had silver from later he too passed to his rest. not contact your conference president one country, riches from another. What a privilege to be used by God or ministerial association secretary and Finally he asked me into his plush to share a message that may have given ask for a copy of that video. office and asked me to sit down. this man a chance for the kingdom. D Why not make use of the affirmation Then he said, "Don, all that expen- note with this article? Write an affirm- sive furniture is now worthless. It Don Pink, a literature evangelist from Western ing message, right now, and give it to counts for nothing." Then he talked Australia, tells of a visit to a country property.
8 REcom) july 31. 1993 He Never Had a Chance by Leith Higgins
So many dreams remain unfulfilled famous, powerful, rich or even righ- with life's losers looking in one direction and so little is accomplished. teous. Life for them becomes more of a for something they will never have. spectator sport, watching those who The story of the pool of Bethesda is e had been waiting 38 years look like winners. for those who have never had a chance, Hbeside the pool of Bethesda. Among the losers is this man who those still wanting to win. Life is passing Every so often, they believed, an angel never had a chance. Had he given up ? them by and they can never expect to be would come and cause the water to His answer is pathetic, in the true satisfied. As a result so much talent is move. The first person who managed to sense of the word: "Sir, I have no one to wasted. So many dreams remain unful- crawl into the pool at that time would help me into the pool when the water is filled and so little is accomplished. Even be healed. The sick and the suffering stirred. While I'm trying to get in, some- in the church a lifetime may pass while jostled for position beside the pool. one is always ahead of me." just watching the righteous race. When the waters moved sick people He could hardly expect help, and he Maybe if we stop looking at the pool clawed and climbed over each other, couldn't help himself, but despite all this we will hear the still, small voice of God trying to be first. What chance did he he still wanted that one big win. saying, "Do you want to get well?" have against those with lesser ailments? Ellen White wrote of a vision where Or, like those at the pool, unable to He spent a lifetime waiting. Then she saw two crowns being offered to the take their eyes off the water, will we say: one Sabbath a stranger appeared and people of this world; the crown of life, "Lord, I'll be satisfied with a bit more said, "Do you want to get well?" and the crown of earthly treasure. She money. I'll be really happy if you solve Today we see many like him. "By sin describes how the clamorous crowd this dilemma for me, if you let me have we have been severed from the life of surged forward to grasp hold of the one little win." God. Our souls are palsied. Of our- crown of earthly treasure, the winners Jesus ignored the man's comment selves we are no more capable of living grasping this crown at others expense. about the pool and simply said, "Get a holy life than was the impotent man But in the background "images of up! Pick up your mat and walk." capable of walking" (The Desire of want and wretchedness appeared in the Before he could think, his body was Ages, page 203). multitude, and looked wistfully at the in motion for the first time in 38 years. "For all have sinned, and fall short of treasures there, and turned hopelessly It happened just like that. Healing the glory of God" (Romans 3:23, NIV). away as the stronger overpowered and came when he obeyed the voice of God "The heart is deceitful above all things drove back the weaker. Yet they would and got up and walked away from the and beyond cure. Who can understand not give up thus" (Testimonies for the pool. ❑ it?" (Jeremiah 17:9, NIV). Church, Vol 1, page 348). This vision Leith Higgins is an elder of the Maida Vale church in Just as they gathered around seems to parallel the story of the pool, Western Australia. Bethesda, waiting for their big chance, so today we find them gathering around their Bethesdas—their Bethesda could STARTING POINT be money, power, status, fame or even God. If only they could get there first. So they strive to get ahead, chasing Godly Ministers and Members careers, ambitions, fame and fortune. Jesus once told of a Pharisee who Comments about the Sabbath school relate to the gifts God has given them prayed, "God, I thank you that I am not lesson for August 7 in the light of gross godlessness and like other men—robbers, evildoers, apostasy? (See 1 Timothy 4:14.) adulterers—or even like this tax collec- Paul challenges the younger Timothy 3. Are these gifts reserved only for tor. I fast twice a week and give a tenth to live out his Christianity in a practical the clergy, or are we all gifted to reach of all I get" (Luke 18:11, 12). This man way in a world full of godlessness, false the world for Christ? (See 1 obviously thought he had already won doctrine and apostasy; a world that Corinthians 12.) the race, but was he a winner? parallels the world in which we are In the race to the pool there are so called to live our Christianity today. Action many who look like they've won, but What impact am I making on the when we take a closer look we find they Reflection world? Jesus will not come while His aren't winners at all. And therein lies 1. Why does Paul advise Timothy to people simply bemoan the terrible con- the problem; if we kept on looking, "have nothing to do with godless myths ditions in the world and the church. would we ever find a winner? and old wives tales"? (1 Timothy 4:7, Rather, He has promised the gift of the And it's easy to find the losers. NIV; see 1 Timothy 4:10). Holy Spirit so that, together, we can They're the majority who don't become 2. How are the people of God to make a change.—Barry Oliver
RECORD July 31, 1993 13 Adventist Boom in South America our days were set aside in the South members of the South American "The more than 400,000 members of FAmerican Division (SAD) in the Division who meet in more than 11,000 the Inca Union (Peru and Bolivia) first week of July for spiritual, evange- churches," reports Pastor Folkenberg. meet in 3400 congregations attended listic and administrative planning by "These congregations are cared for by by 220 pastors—an average of more approximately 100 of the SAD union 1100 pastors. Global Mission domi- than 15 churches per pastor. The 40,000 and conference personnel. Pastor nates the thinking of the members and baptised during 1992 represent a Robert Folkenberg, General leaders alike. They reported that dur- growth rate of 10 per cent. Conference president, attended the ing the past three years 1200 previously "Tragically during recent months in meetings. unentered communities now have the Lake Titicaca Mission 18 church "There are more than 1.2 million churches. leaders have lost their lives and 15 more are in prison today. Their impris- onment is politically motivated. They Island Church Celebrates 80 Years were unwilling hosts to rebels who demanded to be housed and fed. When the government discovers in whose home the rebels stayed, the 'hosts' are imprisoned. "In spite of these events, evangelism continues. After ADRA [the Adventist Development and Relief Agency] com- pleted a 10-month agricultural training program in an area traditionally diffi- cult to evangelise, attitudes to the church changed. There are now 1000 people attending church each Sabbath. "Members of the Titicaca area decid- ed to evangelise further by building c0 and operating a 10 kW AM radio sta- 0_ tion. By their gifts of bicycles, produce, 0_ sheep, llamas and alpacas they have A virtual entourage of musicians and guest speakers shared a weekend with church members of raised $A25,000 toward the cost of the Lord Howe Island as they celebrated 80 years of Adventism. station. They expect to start broadcast- ing in October. -rhe Seventh-day Adventist church on Sabbath-day program in the local com- "Thousands have attended mass- Lord Howe Island recently celebrat- munity hall. More than 100 people evangelistic 'Revive' meetings held in ed 80 years of Sabbath-keeping. The first attended. Pastor Youlden is now plan- different countries in the SAD. Church Adventist to visit Lord Howe Island was ning a short evangelistic campaign for members prepare for these meetings a weatherbound Pastor John Cole, en the island during Easter, 1994. for six months before the speaker, route to Norfolk Island in 1896. Pastor Len Barnard was visiting mas- Pastor Alejandro Bullon, South Periodic visits during the next 17 ter of ceremonies for the Anzac Day America's ministerial secretary, begins. years culminated in 13 baptisms in 1913 program, while three visiting "More than 30,000 attended the Rio and the formation of the Lord Howe Adventists took part in the march. de Janeiro effort and in Sao Paulo an Island Seventh-day Adventist church. Pastor Percy Holmes, a former pastor auditorium seating 15,000 was filled for A special program was conducted to on Lord Howe Island, also participated. two nights, with many more waiting to celebrate the event from April 22 to 26. "The weekend culminated on get in. The evening's sermons were The congregation of 22 was supported Sunday evening with a special concert broadcast nightly by area radio sta- by guests from the Greater Sydney for church and community members," tions. Follow-up work is carried on by Conference: Pastor Adrian Craig, pres- reports Mr Brewin. local pastors and church members. ident; Peter Brewin, secretary-treasur- Service awards were presented to "In Manaus, a city of 1.2 million on er; Dr Tom and Pam Ludowici, from Beth Wilson from Lord Howe Island the Amazon River, one of every 50 the Sydney Adventist Hospital; Pastor and Shirley Summerscales from people is an Adventist. Geoff Youlden, Adventist Media Norfolk Island for their 29 and 18 "In the East Brazil Union, 15 new Centre evangelist; and the 11-member years, respectively, of service as trea- churches are being established by 14 Wahroonga Church Brass, led by surers of their churches. laity-financed Bible workers. These Kingsley and Karen Wood. "For those of us who attended the Bible workers were assigned areas The program commenced with anniversary, it was a blessed time of fel- unentered by Adventist evangelism. Pastor Youlden presenting a vesper lowship and a tremendous witness to "Church work in the unentered program, and leading out in the the community," says Mr Brewin. areas of the SAD is flourishing."