INTERNATIONALI

JJOURNAL FOR PASTORS

JJUNE 2008

What is a Christian to do? FIRSTGLANCE

Ministry® is the international journal of the Seventh-day Adventist® Ministerial Association and has been published since 1928. Stem cell research: What is a Association Secretary James A. Cress 5 Editor Nikolaus Satelmajer Christian to do? Associate Editor Willie E. Hucks II The debate rages in religious, scientifi c, and government Consultant to Editor Myrna Tetz Editorial Assistant Sheryl Beck circles. And the answers aren’t easy. Database Assistant John Feezer IV Allan Handysides Professional Growth Anthony Kent IN Contributing Editors Jonas Arrais, Sharon Cress, EVERY John M. Fowler, Clifford Goldstein, Anthony Kent, ISSUE Peter Prime, Kit Watts Evangelism—The heartbeat of International Editors 10 Chinese Robert Wong Letters the church: An interview with Indonesian Edwin T. Pandjaitan Japanese Yukio Ebihara 3 Mark Finley Korean Sung Sun Hong Portuguese Zinaldo Santos “Preaching each evening in an evangelistic meeting Russian Ilie Leahu Editorial Spanish Marcos Blanco (South America) is spiritually exhilarating,” states the speaker for the Spanish Fernando Zabala (Inter America) 4 upcoming Discoveries ’08 series. Such passion all International Advisors Alejandro Bullón, Ron Clouzet, Daniel Duda, R. Danforth Francis, Passmore preachers should possess. Hachalinga, John Kakembo, Ilie Leahu, Miguel Luna, Dateline Hector Sanchez, Houtman Sinaga, Bruno Vertallier, 28 Nikolaus Satelmajer and Willie E. Hucks II Gary Webster, Measapogu Wilson Consulting Editors Leslie Baumgarter, S. Peter Campbell, Ben Clausen, John C. Cress, Raoul Dederen, Book Review Ron Flowers, Jeanne Hartwell, Michael Hasel, Roland The biblical canon: Do we have Hegstad, Mitchell Henson, Gerry Karst, Kathleen 29 16 Kuntaraf, Ekkehardt Mueller, Norma Osborn, Jan the right Bible? Paulsen, Robert Peach, Leslie Pollard, Ángel Manuel Rodríguez, Fredrick Russell, Maylan Schurch, Loren Pastor’s Pastor Diverse and competing defi nitions and interpretations Seibold, William Shea, Penny Shell, Dan Smith, Russell 30 Staples, Richard Tibbits, Steve Willsey, Edward Zinke regarding the canon exist in scholarship. Check out the Advertising Editorial Offi ce reason for such diverse interpretation. Subscriptions/renewals/address changes [email protected] (email); John C. Peckham 301-680-6512 (phone); 301-680-6502 (fax) Ministerial Resource Center Cathy Payne 888-771-0738, 301-680-6508 Down from the pulpit Cover Illustration 316 Creative 20 Layout 316 Creative Our ministry does not end with the spoken Word, for there Subscriptions 12 issues: United States US$32.50; Canada and overseas US$45.50; single copy US$3.00. are other things we can and must do after coming down To order: send name, address, and payment to Ministry® Subscriptions, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, from the pulpit. Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600 U.S.A. Clifford Owusu-Gyamfi Web site www.ministrymagazine.org To Writers We welcome unsolicited manuscripts. Before submitting, review the writers’ guidelines at www.ministrymagazine.org. Please send manuscripts Understanding and relating to via email with your name, address, and telephone 22 number. Send editorial correspondence to the new worldview [email protected]. Ministry® (ISSN 0026-5314) is a journal of the Is there another era after the postmodern era? The author Ministerial Association, © 2008, published monthly by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists® and discusses this question. printed by Pacifi c Press® Pub. Assn., 1350 N. Kings Road, Nampa, ID 83687-3193. Member Associated Church Aleksandar S. Santrac Press. Standard mail postage paid at Nampa, Idaho. Adventist®, Seventh-day Adventist®, and Ministry® are the registered trademarks of the General Conference Corporation of Seventh-day Adventists®. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. Vol. 80 Number 6 Bible credits Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.

2 MINISTRY June 2008 Letters

Our Readers Respond...

Hospitality, equality, and church. The article thus overlooks the houses is that of breaking bread—not mutual submission references to the temple as the place of a worship activity, but the sharing of a gor Lorencin’s article on hospitality, worship for the early church and makes meal, a fellowship dinner. Iequality, and mutual submission too readily a connection between any All of this means that the early (“Hospitality and not Patronage: Lessons mention of a house, or part thereof, and church in Jerusalem did not meet for in Relationships From 3 John,” February a house church. worship in homes. That does not mean 2008)—the gracious and humbly serving Acts 1:12, 13 does indeed men- that activity associated with worship did spirit of Jesus—offers potent medicine tion the disciples as entering a house not take place in homes. Certainly we for many church ills. It would make (actually the text says “upper room”), today do not only pray at church; we an excellent sermon or church board but the text explicitly states that these pray in our homes far more than we meeting handout. were their living quarters while in Jeru- do at church (at least we should). Just A word or two, though: yes, as gener- salem. The gathering in the next verse like we might meet for a special prayer ally used, a person who is “patronizing” may very well have taken place in that service in someone’s home, so did the has a superior attitude and treats others upper room. But does the mention of early church. The prayer meeting in Acts as inferiors—a plague in any church. prayer equate the room with a church? 12 is one such service. But it must be However, according to the Oxford Do believers only pray in churches? remembered that it took place late at English Dictionary, most “patrons” are Acts 12:10–17 does mention a night when the temple would not be not “patronizing”: “a chief sense” of gathering in a house. Again, Donkor available. Nowhere in Acts is teaching the word patron, as generally used, takes the mention of prayer as indication described as taking place in a house is one who “takes under his favour that this is a “house-worship” setting. until 5:42 and this only after the death and protection”; “lends his infl uential That seems a bit odd, as the passage threats (5:33) of the Sanhedrin. support to advance the interests of indicates that this takes place in the This does not mean that there some person, cause, institution, [or] art middle of the night (note that Peter are no house churches in the New [as in ‘patron of the arts‘] ; . . . or is an and the guards are sleeping and all Testament. Paul clearly mentions ‘advocate and defender.’ ” And patron- the doors, including the entrance, one in his letters (Rom. 16:5; 1 Cor. age generally means “to give patronage are locked). The setting also indicates 16:19; Philem. 2). But the references to; to uphold, protect, defend.” Still, that this was no regular prayer service, Donkor puts forth must be reduced. For the author was clear and consistent in but a prayer session for a specific Philippi, there is no mention of a house deriving patron and patronage in their purpose—Peter’s imprisonment. in Acts 16:11–15, and 25–34 describe (rarely used) negative sense from the But that Donkor’s reading of these Paul and Silas in jail—not in a house (usually negative) word patronizing. passages as references to worship church; they are only brought to the —Bonnie Johnson, Loma Linda, California, services in homes is not the plain sense jailer’s house for a meal, not a worship United States of the passages is reinforced to the service. Jason’s house is not a house references to temple worship in Acts. church but where Paul and Silas are New Testament house Acts clearly indicates that the temple staying in Thessalonica. Acts 18:7, 8 churches is the place where believers gather for may well indicate that a meeting takes wabena Donkor has written an worship. Donkor refers to Acts 2:42 for place in the house of Titus Justus, but Kinteresting article (“New Testament the agenda of Christian worship and interestingly, this is only after meeting in House Churches: A Model for Today’s applies that to the references to meet- the synagogue becomes untenable. So Complex World?” April 2008). But I ings in houses elsewhere. But 2:42 does this leaves us with three clear passages must urge several cautions. First, there not indicate that this worship took place that mention house churches, none of seems to be an assumption that the in a home. We must look to 2:46 for the them in Acts. In Acts the meeting place house church was the standard model worship location—the temple. This is of believers is established as the temple for early Christian worship and that any skipped over to the mention of houses and then the synagogue. Only when mention of a house indicates a house in the next clause. The activity in the Continued on page 27

June 2008 MINISTRY 3 Editorial

Diffi cult decisions

hat diffi cult decisions have you and guides us in the diffi cult decisions NIKOLAUS SATELMAJER had to make in your life? Some we have to make, we have to believe Wof them are private and others that God will also guide them in their public, but each of us faces decisions diffi cult decisions. The decisions they that we wish we did not have to make. make may not be the ones we’d make; Perhaps it’s a decision about a move or in fact, they may be opposite from what health care for parents. Do I move or do we recommend, but we cannot pretend I stay? What do I do if someone in my that God only guides us. family doesn’t want to move? Where can Jesus exhibited great trust in His fol- I get the best care for my parents? Who to trust in God, this does not mean lowers. John 17 gives a good example of will provide it? that the problems disappear or that the how Jesus trusted His followers and those We as ministers not only have to consequences will always be what we who would become His followers. In part make diffi cult decisions, but often we’re want. But the fear factor disappears. it says, “ ‘Father, I want those you have asked to help others with theirs. Church given me to be with me where I am . . .’ ” members face issues of marriage, fi nance, Trust God’s Word (John 17:24). Even after He spoke those education, health care, jobs—and often I, like many ministers, enjoy reading words, the betrayal, the Crucifixion, these members, as well as people in and visiting libraries and bookstores. and the dispersal of the disciples was the community, will come asking for Although my schedule does not allow yet to come. input. Whenever individuals come, we too many opportunities, when I do go Those words of trust reach into our recognize that ministry involves a lot of to bookstores, I notice sections on advice own age and lives. Jesus wants us to trust. But what do we say to people? in every imaginable fi eld: fi nance, diet, be with Him. If Jesus can trust us to be What questions do we ask? While we personal happiness, marriage, children— His followers, surely, as ministers of the cannot always give them the answers the list is endless. Some are helpful; but gospel, we need to trust the people who they would like to hear, there are, I we, as ministers, need to go beyond come to us. believe, at least three principles that we those books for ourselves and for the Our lead article by Allan Handysides can use to help provide counsel that will people to whom we minister. Ultimately, deals with complex issues of modern be valuable. we need to place trust in God’s Word. health technologies—an example of The Word of God records what God some of the diffi cult choices that our Trust God said many years ago, but it also gives members face and for which they seek While we do not possess unusual God’s message to us today. Hebrews our input. wisdom or knowledge, our personal 4:12 reminds us, “For the Word of God What input will you give to them dependence on God enables us to is living and active.” Whenever we try in these very complex issues of life and provide meaningful input to those who to help people understand that God’s death? The three principles to which I come to us. We live in a world in which Word is living and active, we must assure refer in this editorial do not always give the very technologies that are supposed them that the presence of God’s Word an immediate answer. But I believe they to help us often separate people from in their lives will give them direction to will help the people travel in the right others and at times distance them from face the challenges and make the right direction as they make the decisions they God. We serve a personal God who has decisions. ultimately have to make. an interest in each one. While tempted to trust in the latest Trust in the people you serve * All Bible verses are from the New International experts in whatever fi eld, to forget God, Healthy relationships are built Version. and trust in idols, Isaiah 42:17* tells us on trust between human beings and not to trust in them. Instead, we should between God and human beings. Just as remind ourselves of Psalm 56:11: “In God trusts us, we likewise need to trust Tell us what you think about this editorial. Email us God I trust; I will not be afraid.” When the individuals whom we serve. And, at [email protected] or write to us we trust in God, and when we tell others just as God’s Word transforms our lives at 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904.

4 MINISTRY June 2008 A few months later, a beaming Rod and Betty whispered to the pastor as they left the church after the service, “We’re pregnant!” About three months later, Rod and Betty met him again after the service. Rod was still beaming; Betty a little less so. “Guess what, pastor,” he said. “We’re having triplets.” And they did—a little girl and two identical boys. Betty looked a little less manicured at times Stem cell and Rod a little more rumpled than before, but they were a happy growing family, a real asset to the church. research: Don left and eventually became a conference president. One day, during camp meeting, Rod and Betty, fl anked by three beautiful children, greeted What is a Christian him. They looked fabulous—Rod had gained a little paunch, but Betty was still beautiful and the children so well behaved. Later, at Betty and Rod’s to do? request, the three had a chance to visit. “Pastor,” said Betty, “when we underwent IVF, they harvested seven eggs. They implanted three, but there are four still frozen. They charge Allan Handysides itting in his study, the pastor welcomed us two hundred dollars a year for storage, but two faithful and wonderful church mem- last month we were approached to offer them bers, Rod and Betty.* They had requested for research. They want to make the eggs into a private meeting. Don, the pastor, no- stem cells.” ticed they were a little more fl ushed than Rod cut in, “They say there are great possibili- Susual. After the initial greetings, Rod looked at ties that stem cells will be used for treatment of Betty. She responded, “You start, Rod.” diseases like cancer, degenerative diseases, heart Over the next few minutes, they poured their failure, even common problems like diabetes. hearts out over their inability to have children. Do you think it’s right for us to give the eggs Soon, they began to focus on their main concern: for research?” what did the pastor think about in vitro fertiliza- Don’s mind began to race. He hadn’t really tion (IVF)? kept up with the news. What was it he had read Their doctor proposed that Betty should about embryonic and adult cells? undergo hormonal stimulation to produce a What should he say? The issue was complex, cluster of eggs that would be harvested through diffi cult. It impacts areas of theology, ethics, and a special irrigating syringe. These eggs would be choice. exposed to Rod’s sperm in a special chamber, and then the best candidates for implantation in Getting some facts Betty’s uterus would be selected after about 48 Asking for a little time to think, the pastor Allan HandysidesHandysides, MBMB, hours. The hope, of course, was that this would went to his computer and did some research. ChB, is director of the result in pregnancy. He found that stem cells possess the ability to Health Ministries Pastor Don, looking at Rod and Betty, multiply into lines with specifi c functions. He Department, General Conference of inquired of their concerns. found that a blood stem cell can differentiate Seventh-day Adventists, “Well,” replied Betty, “they may get more its “offspring” into multiple types of blood cells, Silver Spring, eggs than they can put in my uterus. If they do, and that from these cells all the two hundred Maryland, they propose to freeze any extra eggs, and we or so specialized cells found in the human body United States. could possibly use them later.” are derived. Stem cells themselves become Don looked at this couple. They were about somewhat specialized too. In other words, a 35 years old, and would make wonderful parents. careful search in tissues may find stem cells It would be terrifi c for them to have children. within them, but these stem cells are sparse in “Betty,” said the pastor, “since the doctors say number, diffi cult to harvest, and often will only your fallopian tubes are blocked, I think this would develop into the tissue from which they were be a wonderful thing for you to do.” derived. So, whatever potential these “adult”

June 2008 MINISTRY 5 cells have, it’s nowhere near as good The next day, Don met with Rod “No,” replied Betty. “But if it were an as that found in the fertilized egg itself. and Betty. abnormal fertilized cell, carrying a dread- Scientists have found that cells in the “Well,” he said, “I have really learned ful disease like Tay-Sachs—which means egg are potent stem cells that can be a lot, but I had to navigate past all the certain death by the age of three—there directed to grow, we believe, into any sites that are committed to promot- are still folk who would say it should be kind of human organ. The promise of ing or condemning the whole idea! implanted.” an embryonic stem cell lies in this great The Internet includes just a babble “That’s OK for them to say, but what capacity to become any kind of tissue. If of confusion, but I actually found the if it were you?” interjected Rod. “I don’t a kidney or lung, heart muscle or brain National Research Council and Institute see this as an abortion, because there is cell were to be developed from such of Medicine of the National Academies no pregnancy. I don’t think life exists stem cells, the possibilities for replacing the most helpful. They have printed before a pregnancy starts.” degenerated or ailing tissues in living Guidelines for Human Embryonic Stem “It’s not about what we think,” Betty patients seem enormous. Such tissues Cell Research.” said, looking at the pastor. “The question would, however, be derived at the “But the scientifi c stuff doesn’t help is, What does the Bible say?” expense of the “potential” development us with the ethical dilemma, pastor,” “The diffi culty is that these questions of a whole baby. interjected Betty. are quite out of the context of Bible A fertilized egg, or one cell, will “What does the Bible say about times,” said Don. “Really, we can look rapidly produce dozens of cells—any one stem cell research? That is really our for principles only. In Genesis, it says of which, at this early stage, is capable question,” said Rod. God formed Adam when He breathed of being removed and of functioning as “We were told,” added Betty, “when into his nostrils the breath of life, and the fertilized egg it came from. This has we had the diagnosis of the triplets, that he became a living soul, but, of course, led to geneticists removing a single cell the doctors were willing to ablate one this ‘breath of life’ was not the same as from an embryo and testing that cell for of them to help the other two survive, a baby’s fi rst breath. It had the life force genetic disease. and I’m really glad we decided to keep of the Creator in it.” With such a cell found to be healthy, all three—but I don’t know what we “So, if life begins before the breath, the embryo from which it was taken has would have done if there had been six!” does it start with conception, implanta- the capability of being implanted where said Betty. tion, when there is blood, or when?” it may continue to grow and produce a “Sometimes it’s hard to know what asked Rod. normal baby. In fact, any cell taken from is the greater good,” said Don. “Again, the Bible is not direct in the embryo possesses such potential “We’re sure, at our age, we don’t answering this question,” answered that an individual could, if implanted want more children,” said Rod. “And Don. “We look at texts such as Psalm in a uterus under favorable conditions, we don’t know anyone that wants the 139, where David talks of being known become an identical twin to the embryo eggs.” of God when he was ‘curiously wrought,’ from which it was derived. This potency “What happens if they are not used as the King James Version puts it, signify- is being sought by research scientists. for fertility purposes?” asked Don. ing embryonic formation. But then, Seeking this potency, scientists have “They eventually die off or will be again, the Old Testament punishment looked at taking an unfertilized ovum thrown out,” said Betty, “and that’s the for causing a miscarriage was not the and placing a nucleus from a regular whole problem. What a dreadful waste same as for killing a person, suggesting cell within it called the process of cloning, to let them just die off.” a sliding scale of value.” but its purpose would be to develop Don’s mind went back to the advice Rod interjected, “But what about stem cells. he had given to go ahead with the in those texts that say ‘the life is in the vitro fertilization. Things are never easy! blood’? Does that mean that life begins What to do? As he thought about it, he remembered when blood forms, which would only Rod and Betty had been asked to the sign he had seen the pro-life paraders occur after some six weeks of gestational give their fertilized eggs or embryos for waving, “If it’s not a baby, you’re not age?” research. They were too old to parent pregnant.” He wondered, If you’re not “We just don’t know for sure, Rod,” these embryos; they could offer them for pregnant, is it a baby? Don answered, “though most Christians adoption in someone else’s womb, but “I feel the crux of this matter,” want to avoid ever willingly destroying hundreds of thousands of such embryos he said, “revolves around when an a pregnancy at any stage.” are available. The question facing them, individual life begins. When a cell is Betty looked imploringly at Don. in reality, was what to do with these taken to test that the fertilized egg is “But I’m not pregnant, pastor. These are fertilized eggs? genetically normal, and indeed found to microscopic cells in a petri dish.” Don scratched his head in bewilder- be normal, then the egg is implanted. Just then, old man Hetherington ment. Does the pastor have to be the Should a normal baby develop, then no was wheeled past in his wheelchair. His fi nal arbiter of ethics in these complex one questions that its life was taken to face was blank, his hands trembled. questions? guarantee its health, do they?” Suffering with Parkinson’s disease, he

6 MINISTRY June 2008 Effective outreach matches the medicine to the need.

A starving person’s first priority won’t be a lecture on Daniel. A Thai Buddhist won’t be overly interested in why Saturday rather than Sunday is the Sabbath. We must make sure our methods reach people where they are. Gary Krause shares biblical and contemporary examples of sharing one’s faith. Can we Adventists get beyond our- selves to making a genuine difference in the lives in our communities? Krause thinks we can. We must.

ISBN 13: 978-8163-2269-5 ISBN 10: 0-8163-2269-4 64
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© 2008 85590/467 Prices subject to change. looked pathetic. They all thought, Could Betty interrupted, “But we didn’t “Yes,” said the pastor, “it would go stem cell research one day reverse his create these embryos for research!” a long way to relieving some anxieties condition and give him back his strength “I’m not saying you did,” replied about the whole process.” and vigor? Don, “and in this circumstance, I’m Rod and Betty looked at each other. Pastor Don was refl ective. “I would unsure what to advise—but do feel that, “So, the church doesn’t have rules on say there is so much debate on the actual even if you were to agree to research, this, pastor?” asked Rod. point in time that life begins that we may there should be the strictest ethical “Not our church,” said Don. “After never be able to answer the question. handling of the tissues, with special all, we are the church, and we haven’t However, surely, as Christians, we need committees overseeing the research.” been able to come to an easy ‘Thus to have certain principles in mind when Rod nodded his head. “They have saith the Lord.’ And neither have our considering such issues. those committees at the university, pas- theologians reached a clear consensus. “I would list them as, fi rst, a deep tor, and they have a good representation Perhaps this is one of those areas where respect for human life, recognizing it as of theologians on the committee. And, we each, individually, have to come to a mysterious, magnifi cent, and God-given. you know, pastor, it is also a Christian conclusion that we consider comfortable I believe we have to respect human imperative to be involved in helping for us, because the church cannot be dignity, yet we do have a responsibility others. Christ spent a lot of His time our conscience. When we do this— to advance human health. We also, as healing the sick.” prayerfully and intelligently—then we Christians, are committed to the allevia- “I personally would feel better if they permit the Spirit to guide.” tion of human suffering. Truthfulness, only took a cell or two off the embryo, personal autonomy, and justice are so and I could then consider the original * Rod and Betty are pseudonyms. important to the Christian. Yet, I also feel embryo as a kind of ‘tissue donor,’ ” said embryos should never be created for the Betty, “and in that way, we could always Tell us what you think about this article. Email us at sole purpose of research or advancement bequeath the embryo to a couple later if [email protected] or write to us of knowledge.” they wanted to try and have a baby.” at 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904.

Ethical considerations regarding human embryonic stem cell research

o grasp the signifi cance of these human tissues depleted by age or question: when does human life concerns, one must appreciate disease. However, obstacles hinder such begin? Tthe potential that is offered by practical applications. First, adult stem Some Christians, basing their views embryonic stem cells and how they dif- cells are scarce. They usually represent a on the Creation story (Gen. 2:7), believe fer from most body cells as well as from tiny fraction of the cells in a tissue, and that a human life begins with the fi rst adult stem cells. Our bodies are almost separating them from the other body breath after birth. On this view, a new entirely made up of cells that perform cells is diffi cult. Another constraint is that human life begins at the time of birth. highly specialized functions. Biologists their versatility is limited. Research with embryonic stem cells can have identifi ed about 200 different cell Embryonic stem cells have attracted obviously be accommodated within this types, such as muscle cells, nerve cells, enormous attention because they have position. and skin cells. Each type has a strictly unique capabilities. In contrast to adult Other Christians believe that a new defined range of activities. Working stem cells, embryonic stem cells have and unique person comes into existence together, these specialized cells make amazing fl exibility; they can become at conception. They point to biblical human life possible. almost any cell type, a capacity called evidence that prenatal life is real and pluripotence. They are also self-renewing, valued (Ps. 139:13). This view often Adult stem cells replicating indefi nitely to make more leads to the conclusion that, from the The medical appeal of adult stem embryonic stem cells when conditions moment of conception, an embryo cells is based on their two defi ning char- are appropriate. deserves the protection accorded to acteristics: versatility and self-renewal. any other human being. From this Once isolated and allowed to grow in Ethical concerns perspective, no potential benefi t to other the laboratory, adult stem cells could, Current discussion about embryonic humans could justify the destruction of in principle, be used to replenish certain stem cells focuses on a fundamental a human embryo.

8 MINISTRY June 2008 Still other Christians hold that the 3. Advancing human health. Humans moral status of prenatal life develops can become host to the indwelling gradually through many important Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19; 2 Cor. 6:16; stages, in a crescendo building to Eph. 3:14–19; 5:30–32), which permits birth. Scripture speaks, for example, them to become refl ections of God’s of having been “knit together” in the character while remaining mortal. This womb (Ps. 139:13), thus indicating indwelling follows the awareness of an awareness of a developmental God and a conscious desire to yield to process. The legal status assigned to His infl uence. prenatal life differed from that given Independent life reaches the highest to an established personal life (Exod. degree of wholeness when the Holy 21:22–25). According to the develop- Spirit indwells the life. In light of this mental view, implantation is of crucial belief, Adventists promote the health of importance because further progress all with the objective of obtaining the is impossible if an embryo does not highest degree of wholeness possible. become implanted in a uterus. Another 4. Alleviating human suffering. God’s important time is the onset of organized plan for human beings includes a grow- neurological activity. Viability, when the ing understanding and appreciation of fetus is capable of sustained life outside the wonders of His creation (Ps. 8:3–9; How a prayer room the womb, is another signifi cant step 139:1–6, 13–16; Matt. 6:26–29). could benefi t your church in prenatal development. While the Efforts to understand the basic struc- developmental view may include the tures of life through careful research • Creates a beautiful, artistic place made to encourage people to commune with God. belief that early embryos have human should be encouraged, especially when • Facilitates concentrated and focused potential and possess symbolic moral such investigation holds the promise prayer in a place where Jesus and the Bible value that is worthy of respect, this view of serving human health. Christians are the sole focus. • Provides a welcoming and safe place for may also allow embryo research after accept the responsibility to prevent suf- either privacy or small-group Communion. taking into account both the stage of fering and preserve or restore human • Focuses artistic or graphic designs on a embryo development and the purpose health whenever feasible (Luke 9:1, 2; Scripture theme or a season of the year. • Offers a safe place to express deep of the research. Acts 10:38). emotions, fi nd peace, share fellowship, 5. Truthfulness. Christians favor seek reconciliation for broken relation- Principles truthfulness and openness (Prov. 12:22; ships, discover solace, or experience res- toration with Jesus. 1. Respect for the gift of human life. Eph. 4:15). Thus, research with embry- • Supports prayer warriors who could Our Creator is the Giver and Sustainer onic stem cells should be governed by commit to prayer “shifts” to maintain of human life (Gen. 1:30; 2:7; Ps. 36:9; clear presentations of the truth about continuous prayer or be available as prayer partners. Acts 17:24–28). The Bible prescribes the proposed research, without exag- • Presents a place to bring individuals protection of human beings, and God geration of the potential benefi ts or the into relationship with Jesus who might holds them accountable for taking research’s success. not feel comfortable at fi rst in a large group setting. the life of another (Gen. 9:5, 6; Exod. 6. Personal autonomy. God has given • Supports the mission of the church—a 20:13; Deut. 24:16; Prov. 6:16, 17; human beings freedom to think and to place to release stress, cool off emotion- Rom. 13:8–10). Scripture portrays the act, and the Creator calls on each person ally, share testimony, experience anointing services, or rest from the pressures of over- Creator as involved in the development to make principled decisions (Gen. 3; extended schedules. of human life during pregnancy (Ps. Deut. 30:19; Gal. 5:13; 1 Pet. 2:24). • Encourages busy professionals to stop 139:13) and stipulates penalties for Decisions about research with stored by the church during a busy week to seek God’s guidance. those who would negligently injure a embryos should be made by those who • Develops a habit of prayer. developing fetus (Exod. 21:22–25). have legitimate authority to give their • Maintains focus on seeking the Holy 2. Protection of human dignity. consent. Spirit’s power for evangelism. • Avails a quiet space to listen to God. Human beings were created in God’s 7. Justice. Scripture teaches that • Gives the surrounding community a own image (Gen. 1:26, 27) and thus people should be treated fairly (Deut. safe place to learn more about God’s love were given personal dignity. Care 10:17–20; Amos; Mic. 6:8; Matt. and the church’s message. must be exercised to avoid actions that 5:43–48). If benefi ts result from stem —South Pacifi c Division Record, March 29, 2008 would threaten or diminish the personal cell research, these should be made dignity of human beings. With reference available on the basis of medical needs to embryonic stem cell research, this and not on the basis of perceptions of means that embryos should not be cre- social worth or wealth. ated for purposes of research or merely for commercial gain.

June 2008 MINISTRY 9 NS: How do you communicate to such varied audiences in different parts of the world, speaking different languages, embracing various cultures and patterns of thinking? Do you prepare differently for Evangelism— such an event? MF: I’ve conducted eighteen satellite events. This year I will conduct three more: in São Paulo, Brazil; Johannesburg, South Africa; and Orlando, The heartbeat Florida. When I began satellite preaching back in 1995, I tried to preach in forty languages to forty different cultures at once through forty different translators. The same sermon, translated by that of the church: many persons to that many audiences. Soon we discovered that it was not the most effi cient way to evangelize. We then went to ten major An interview with locations in the world and did satellite events attempting to tailor the message to the culture. The secret is contextualization. For example, Mark Finley African illustrations are different than Asian stories. Each culture has its own uniqueness. I spend a lot of time trying to understand the city I am preaching in, the customs of the people and Nikolaus Satelmajer In a continuing quest to uplift the primacy of sharing their historical background. and Willie E. Hucks II the gospel worldwide, Ministry editors Nikolaus Satelmajer and Willie E. Hucks II interviewed Mark Finley, a general vice president of the world church of Seventh-day Adventists and an evangelist who has preached around the world for more than 35 years.

Nikolaus Satelmajer (NS): The fi rst time I saw you in action as an evangelist on television (TV) was in Mostar, Bosnia. The war had just slowed down. I was walking down the street among the rubble, and I saw a TV inside a little store. A few people were NikNikolaus l SSatelmajer, l j DMin, is editor watching the program. What was your feeling as you of Ministry. were broadcasting worldwide for the fi rst time?

Mark Finley (MF): In 1995 I distinctly remem- ber walking onto the stage in Chattanooga, Tennessee, knowing that we had six hundred and seventy-six churches tuned in to this fi rst NET event at the same time. For some, satellite evangelism may have seemed a little impersonal, but it really was not. People identifi ed with the messages being preached. We received faxes from all over the country like the one from a couple who said, “Our marriage is falling apart, Graphics also help in contextualization. Willie EE. Hucks IIII, but we came to your meetings, and Jesus has Preaching the resurrection in the Philippines and DMin, is associate come into our lives. We’re going to give it describing blue-eyed, blond people coming out editor of Ministry. a second chance.” When we got a message of the grave doesn’t make sense. You’ve got to from Florida about a young drug addict who have Asian features. Likewise, storytelling must came to Christ, it wasn’t impersonal anymore. also be culturally sensitive. If I’m preaching in Photos by: I recognized that there were tens of thousands Africa, I’ll use a lot more village stories and tell Anthony Kent hearing the Word. village-based parables as the African mind-set is

10 MINISTRY June 2008 much more story oriented. If I’m in Asia, in the community, pray for them and the possibilities of technology. At that I recognize the infl uence of the family visit them, look for the names of every time, no other denomination had used and extended family. The biblical truth non-Adventist spouse, look for young satellite evangelism in any signifi cant is the same, but how we adapt that people who are not in the Adventist way in a series of evangelistic meetings. truth is different. I ask my host to send Church any more and plan to visit each A few years earlier, George Vandeman me stories and illustrations in advance. of them. Organize visitation teams, hold conducted a seminar in eight locations There have been times I have had fi fteen multifaceted seminars in the church, via satellite. In Southern California, translators, and for two hours before the and be involved in intense prayer Warren Judd, Dan Houghton, and I meeting I reviewed the sermon with sessions. With such preparation, the and a number of others uplinked a lay them and asked them what illustrations meetings will be a success. It’s the old training seminar to about ten churches, they would use if they were preaching. biblical principle—whatever you sow, and we sensed satellite evangelism I listened to them and contextualized you reap. had real possibilities. It was electrifying my preaching. for Adventists to see these messages WH: You mentioned six months as a time come into their churches. In 1996 our Willie Hucks (WH): How do you frame. Do you generally need that much evangelistic meetings via satellite were prepare pastors and churches for a NET lead time before a meeting starts? uplinked to forty countries in multiple series? languages. MF: I like at least six months; that would MF: I use what I call fi ve eternal verities be a minimum. Typically, I take twelve to NS: I was one of the pastors that par- of evangelism. First, churches grow eighteen months to prepare. Right now ticipated in Canada and I recall the when there’s spiritual renewal. So we we are getting ready for a campaign to enthusiasm of our congregation and active begin by making pastors aware of the be held in Forest Lake Church in Apopka, participation in that event. necessity for spiritual renewal in the Florida, fi ve months from now. We have local church. That means prayer bands just concluded a series on “Empowered MF: It was exciting to see church and praying for individual people. by the Spirit” for all churches in the members enthused about evangelism Second, churches grow when members area. These are studies on the ministry again. The Adventist Church has now are equipped and trained to serve. of the Holy Spirit—the outpouring of the conducted two hundred satellite events We develop a countdown schedule Spirit, the reception of the Spirit, the true in almost every continent and baptized on equipping and training members, and false counterfeit gifts of the Spirit, almost one and a half million people. helping them to discover their gifts. My Pentecost repeated, end-time symbols of We just had our fi rst satellite event in wife, Ernestine, often conducts extensive the Spirit—a fi ve-part series on spiritual the Swahili language called Safari Africa seminars on soul winning and evange- renewal that will lead to a deeper prayer from Nairobi, Kenya. lism for local churches preparing for our ministry. My wife is training seventy to evangelistic series. Third, churches grow eighty lay people as lay Bible workers NS: A pastor who may have a number of when there is multifaceted community for Orlando. Bible instructors and a churches, inundated with all kinds of pro- outreach. We begin to look at different signifi cant number of young people will grams, may be told that NET evangelism kinds of community outreach—small be involved in a multifaceted approach to is needed to be successful. What would you groups, Bible study ministry, seminar reach the city of Orlando for Christ. The say to such a pastor? ministry, health ministry, family life master plan to prepare that city for the ministry—events that make an impact fi nal campaign will take nine months. MF: As you look at your district of three on the community. Fourth, churches or four churches with less than one grow when there’s a reaping event. We NS: What got you started in satellite hundred members each, think of it this encourage churches to focus on some evangelism? way: “When can you get some of these reaping evangelistic event each year. evangelists to come and preach in your Every outreach program of the church MF: The history of NET evangelism is churches?” It’s unlikely they will come. must ultimately lead to and culminate in an interesting one. Back in 1995 the But you can bring them in via satellite. a reaping event. Finally, churches grow Adventist Church in North America You can also enjoy top quality music. when there is nurture. was looking at their growth patterns. Begin planning strategically. Motivate One sure way to fail in evangelism is Evangelism was losing its effectiveness in your members. Get them involved, and to do no preparation. If you think that certain population segments. In strategic have them invite their friends. Even if you a NET evangelistic event is a panacea planning sessions, the questions came don’t have a large advertising budget, a for soul winning and all you have to up: “What can we do to lift the vision of motivated church is a great asset. At the do is turn on the projector, you will our pastors, inspire them with possibili- end, if you baptize even a few people in fail. Six months before the series you’ll ties for outreach and evangelism? What that small church, that’s going to make need to organize prayer events, look can we do that will make a major impact a difference. You will have high-impact, at the names of every former Adventist in North America?” We began to explore low-cost evangelism.

June 2008 MINISTRY 11 NS: So this is a resource rather than command, the church must be faithful to and a receptivity to the gospel, such as another program to do in your church. Christ’s commission. Should we preach we have not experienced before. Societ- God’s message in language that people ies in transition are much more open to MF: Very much so. understand? Certainly. Should we speak the gospel. However, if our skills and gifts to the contemporary needs of society for evangelism are atrophied because NS: Every age labels itself and labels the from a biblical base? Of course. Should we do not take the opportunity now to past. Our time is known as the postmodern the church continually try new ways to preach, we will not be prepared for the era. One characteristic of postmodernism is reach contemporary society? Defi nitely. doors God is going to open in the near a lack of interest or ability to hear the mes- Should we adjust the biblical demands future. The central point is keep preach- sage of the Bible. What is your perspective and message to accommodate a secular ing the gospel, keep preaching, keep on that? Are people listening? lifestyle. Never! preaching, and let God move through your life with the Holy Spirit. Some day MF: Essentially, postmodernism is the WH: How have you seen evangelism soon He’s going to open up hundreds absence of God in life. Compare our and evangelistic methods change over of hearts and minds, maybe tens of times with that of Paul. Today we have the years? Where do you see evangelism thousands, for you to preach to. a movie called Gladiator. We look at the going? No longer does the evangelist screen, and we see people killing one preach and people listen. Now evan- another. Ancient Rome invented Gladi- MF: I’ve been in the Adventist ministry gelism emphasizes interactivity and ator; only you went to the colosseum to for forty years now. Back in the early connectivity between the evangelist see the real gladiator. A lot of the drama 1970s when I went into evangelism, our and the audience. In our Discoveries we see on the screen today is an imita- major thrust was propositional truth. If ’08 satellite series from October twenty- tion of the fi rst century. Or take luxury. I preached, for example, on the state four through November twenty-nine in The Romans had feasts that lasted for of the dead, my concern was to prove Orlando, we will attempt to make our months. Theirs was a morally twisted, clearly and powerfully that death is but a meetings more interactive. We will also godless society. Or take sports and rest until the resurrection. So I took every develop an interactive Web page with entertainment. The Romans built great text to prove the biblical truth about YouTube opportunities for questions, amphitheatres and stadiums in every death and challenge all the erroneous and we will make it possible both city—just for the purpose of pleasure interpretations. How did I prove to a personally and electronically for people through sports, dramas, and plays. largely Sunday-keeping audience that to connect and interact. They’ll be able But Rome was not all pleasure. Saturday is the seventh day of the week? to see themselves on the screen live The city had a scholarly, intellectual Again, through propositional truth. and ask questions during our satellite side. The Romans had a philosophical Over the years, the primary question series. I’ll have a live chat room after bent that went back to Socrates and has shifted. Society no longer necessarily the meeting, and anybody can log on Plato. The only formal religion of the asks, What is truth? Its current concern— a computer, and we’ll interact with time—Judaism—made little impact on is truth relevant? In spite of this change, them. We will have outlines that we the daily life of the average person. I still make clear and plain the essence of will review with people and lessons that Against that background of pleasure, biblical teaching, but I spend less time they participate in. entertainment, culture, philosophy, trying to prove the nature of death and military might, denial of the true God more time trying to provide the assur- WH: What impact has the act of preach- resulting in the meaninglessness of ance of God’s hope and resurrection for ing, the act of evangelizing, had on your life, Paul talked about the foolishness those who are facing death. I still power- own spiritual growth? of preaching and how the gospel must fully proclaim the truth of the Sabbath, break through and meet the needs but I also include the signifi cance of rest MF: For me, evangelism is life transform- of human hearts in a confused and in Christ. So we blend the propositional ing. It drives me to my knees in prayer, meaningless world. with the relational. as well as to the Word of God. Preaching Now, turn to our times. The com- I see another change in evangelism each evening in an evangelistic meeting mand of Jesus for His church to preach today. Revelation 14:6, 7 speaks of the is spiritually exhilarating. Let’s suppose the gospel has not become less important everlasting gospel to every nation, kin- the evangelistic meeting starts at seven because of postmodern society. There is dred, tongue, and people. Evangelism in the evening. I’m in the auditorium no place in the Bible that urges the evan- today must be multicultural. The world between fi ve-thirty and six. I sit in a gelist to use the sociological approach or has become smaller. The evangelist must chair on the stage and look at each of a psychological agenda. I don’t read in understand diversity and be sensitive to the seats before me. I imagine here’s the Bible anywhere, “Go you therefore people from different backgrounds. where Mr. Brown who’s sixty-eight and philosophize”; the risen Christ I believe that our world is headed for years old is going to sit. Here’s where says, “Go ye therefore and preach the stupendous crisis, and when that occurs, that young single mother with two gospel.” To be faithful to the biblical there will be a readiness, an openness, children sit. Here’s where that lovely

12 MINISTRY June 2008 young couple in their early twenties aisle. There was something about see- a psychological phenomenon called sit. I visualize the audience entering ing them come to Christ and become “programmed nonresponse”—a loss the hall and pray for each of them. I part of the Adventist message. Within of ability to respond. If your intellect sit there and meditate on the power the last few months, I was engaged in is informed and your emotions are of God’s Word and seek God for them. a major campaign in Africa, and what aroused and you are not given an It’s a spiritually revolutionary time for a joy it was to see that some of the opportunity to respond, you may young people gradually lose your ability to respond. we baptized The more you deny the reality of what’s in 1971, over going on in your life and fail to respond

me. I get up and go over my sermon thirty-fi ve years again and again and again. Every time ago, are now I preach it, it’s like it’s burning in my in Africa as mis- own soul and I can’t wait to tell the sionaries. People story of Jesus. Any pastor who is simply ask why am I an evangelist? Because emotionally, the more you lose the involved in church board meetings and Jesus was. God had only one Son, and ability to respond. If a person comes to in church fi nances, but not in outreach, He was an evangelist! church week after week and there is no is stunting their own spiritual growth. You asked about people who infl u- opportunity to respond in any way—no Any pastor who is not involved in Bible enced me in evangelism. The early hand raising, no card to fi ll out, no studies, small groups, or some form pastors that you intern with help to standing, no coming forward, a spiritual of evangelistic outreach can easily set the tone for your whole ministry. inertia is created and apathy fostered. become overburdened and burned out I pastored with Pastor O. J. Mills in Impression without expression leads in ministry. Soul winning is the lifeblood Hartford, Connecticut. Pastor Mills had to depression. An evangelist must aim of ministry. I’ve been doing evangelism a passion for souls. I thank God for him. not simply to inform, but to transform. for forty years and I can’t wait until the In my fi rst district he said to me, “Mark, I Transformation begins with that fi rst next campaign comes. want you to concentrate on giving Bible step of responding to Christ. studies.” So, I spent fi fteen to twenty NS: You and evangelism just go together. hours a week giving Bible studies. That WH: Why do you think preachers today When you look back, who are some of the made a signifi cant difference in my life. don’t make appeals like they used to? people who have inspired you? I also worked with Elder W. D. Frazee. He taught me how to make altar calls. MF: Some preachers feel that appeals MF: My fi rst evangelistic meeting was I remember he said to me, “Mark, I’m are too emotional. Spurgeon said it well: in Trenton, Georgia, at the bottom of going to make an altar call tonight, can a sinner has a heart as well as a head. I a hill in a tent during the rainy season. you go down and greet the people?” I understand Billy Graham has a number There were nights when the tent had a said, “I’m uncomfortable with that, and of letters in his fi les from psychologists— few inches of water covering the fl oor. I don’t think I can do it.” And he worked letters that affi rm his making appeals. preached to about one hundred and fi fty with me kindly to help me understand They may not agree with the content people and do not remember baptizing how to make an appeal and minister to of his preaching, but they do agree a person. But I sensed that I received those who came forward. I long to see with the importance of giving people an a deeper infi lling of the Holy Spirit in the power of God come down in my opportunity to respond simply from the that series. God did something in my evangelistic meetings. aspect of inner healing. They believe it own life. Later during my fi rst major In some sectors of the church, we is cathartic for people to come forward. evangelistic series, I remember making have moved away from the whole Quite fascinating. So preachers must not a call and seeing people come down the idea of appeals. This reminds me of forget that people are physical, mental,

June 2008 MINISTRY 13 WESTPOINT OF EVANGELISM answers to solve the riddle of life. It’ll be fresh, new, and relevant.

Fresh Wind– WH: Is this going to be podcast also?

Fresh Fire MF: Yes, we’ll be podcasting, webcasting Dec. 7-10, 2008 streaming video. Every bit of technology Simi Valley, California that we can use, we’re going to use.

A special council for evangelists, pastor- NS: I have one more question. If Jesus evangelists, lay evangelists and young people interested in winning hearts for Christ. comes in your lifetime, what would you like to be doing when He returns? Keynote speaker: Ron E. M. Clouzet, D.Min. MF: There are two dreams I have when NADEI Director, NAD Ministerial Secretary Prof. of Christian Ministry and Pastoral Theology Jesus comes. One is to be preaching and Andrews University making an appeal, seeing Jesus come, Find more information online at: http://ministerial.puconline.org/ and ascending to meet Him. But there is another dream that I want more. I’d Sponsored by Voice of Prophecy and Pacific Union Conference, in association with Amazing Facts, Faith For Today, It Is Written, The Quiet Hour, and the North Pacific Union Conference. like to be having family worship with my wife, my three children, and their spouses and see every single one of them spiritual beings. They have emotions to participate. We’ll use new graphics saved when He comes. That would be as well as an intellect, and the gospel and will have new sermon content. the greatest joy of my life. must appeal to every aspect of life. Discoveries ’08 will take the viewer on a Another reason why some preachers journey. The ancient past casts light on NS: Looking back historically, our early hesitate to make appeals is their failure the present and provides principles to pioneers didn’t go to places because there to understand the role of appeals. Why change our lives today. So, for example, was an assurance of success, but because make an appeal if God already knows? we’ll travel to ancient Egypt, examine that’s what needed to be done. Proverbs 16 tells us that when we have the pyramids, review the great desire certain thoughts and act on them, our of the ancients to have eternal life, MF: Exactly. If evangelism becomes a thoughts are strengthened. Thoughts and we’ll talk about Jesus. We’ll travel numbers game, it makes a real mockery lead to actions, and actions lead to to Petra, see human sacrifi ce, and talk of God’s calling. Many young thinking further thoughts. So when we make about the sacrifi ce of Christ. We’ll travel pastors have tuned out evangelism appeals, we cooperate with the Holy to Pompeii, see people living in luxury, because they see it only as how many Spirit to strengthen and intensify the visit their homes, see how in an instant people can be manipulated into bap- thought patterns so that the individual that city was wiped out, and we’ll talk tism. But evangelism is the proclamation will be solidly committed to Christ. Our about the coming of Christ and how of the gospel and the truth of God’s responsibility as preachers is to give our to develop a greater value system than Word—to present the indictment of the audiences the opportunity to respond the things of this world. We will travel Holy Spirit, allowing God to move hearts to the gospel and not worry how many to the caves of the Waldenses and see and transform lives. It’s the essence of will respond. We need to leave that the need to have a basis for our faith God’s highest calling. God doesn’t call with God. in Scripture. We will go to the island of me to success; He calls me to faithful- Patmos and discover a message for our ness. And if I am faithful, He takes upon NS: Let’s talk a little bit about your time in the book of Revelation. We will Himself the responsibility for the success upcoming series in Florida. What are your travel to Rome and look at how church of the meetings. If young preachers dreams for it and what counsel would and state united in the Middle Ages and keep that in mind, they will not weary you give to congregations in anticipation learn end-time lessons. So, we’ll preach themselves or become anxious about of the series? every doctrine of Scripture, but base it success. Preach God’s Word and He’ll in the ancient past. One thing about take care of the rest. MF: The series is called Discoveries the contemporary world, with the ’08. It will be held in Orlando, Florida, postmodern mind-set, there’s a sense WH: Thank you so much for blessing our and broadcast via Hope Channel of mystery—a desire to understand how readers with your insight and experiences. throughout North America in English, the future will be impacted by the past. French, Spanish, and Portuguese, and Many people today are not religious, Tell us what you think about this article. Email us at rebroadcast to the whole world. We but they are spiritual, and they look [email protected] or write to us want to encourage every single church to the ancient past and want to fi nd at 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904.

14 MINISTRY June 2008

fact contain not only the transmission of objective data, but also the interpretation of that data. Indeed, it is impossible to communicate history without the inclusion of interpretation. Such interpretations, however, may or may not be accurate. This becomes a special problem when the conclusions communicated by the historian or scholar are uncritically received as correct, without recognition that the presentation The biblical includes interpretation impacted by presupposi- tions of the author. Thus, defi nitions of canonicity are greatly impacted at the level of presuppositions, whether canon: these presuppositions are expressed or implied. The crucial presupposition regards the origin of the biblical books. In particular, a major driving Do we have the force of the diversity of canon definitions is the preconception regarding the possibility or impossibility of divine revelation. Is the canon right Bible? determined by humans or by God? If one rules out the possibility that God has communicated about Himself to humans, one will also rule out the divine appointment of the canon. On the John C. Peckham an Brown’s novel The Da Vinci Code other hand, faith in divine self-revelation would became famous or infamous for permit a defi nition which views the canon as a suggesting a romantic relation- divinely appointed standard. ship between Mary Magdalene and Jesus. A lesser known charge Two major defi nitions of canon ofD this work however, is its frequent assertion For the sake of this discussion, let us consider that the biblical canon was arbitrarily imposed two main defi nitions of canonicity which fl ow by church authorities in the fourth century A.D. from these positions. The fi rst, community canon, and has little or no inherent authority. Brown also views the canon as “something officially or suggests that there were other sacred books with authoritatively imposed upon certain literature.”1 equal, or even greater, validity than the Bible. It is Here the canon is defi ned as a set of writings widely recognized that Brown’s fi ctional retelling selected by the community as a standard. of history includes glaring inaccuracies at nearly Accordingly, canonicity is viewed as imposed every turn. Even though a brief survey of history upon the writings that do not necessarily merit would easily discredit Brown’s fanciful and fi ctional canonicity. Thus, the contents of that canon hypotheses, the question of canonicity deserves may be fl exible, and the authority resides in the a careful study. In fact, the essential root of the community to select the writings in the canon question is even now under heavy discussion in used for theology. John C. Peckham, scholarship. This central issue pertaining to biblical The second defi nition, intrinsic canon, holds MDiv, is a PhD canon may be summarized in two closely related that the canon was determined by God, and candidate in questions: Is the origin of the canon divine or recognized (not determined) by humans.2 Here, systematic theology human? What or who determined the contents the books of Scripture are intrinsically canonical at Andrews University, and authority of the canon? The answers to these due to their divine origin. This inherent canonical Berrien Springs, questions ground the conception of the nature authority is bestowed by divine authority, inde- Michigan, United States, and authority of the Bible. pendent of human recognition for its inherent and also pastors authority. Only the divine origin gives the books Seventh-day Adventist churches in Presuppositions and defi nitions their authority; the recognition of that divine Jeffersonville, Diverse and competing definitions and origin leads to the proper function of the canon New Albany, and interpretations regarding the canon exist in in the lives of individuals and believers. Scottsburg, Indiana, scholarship. What is the reason for such diverse Thus, the formative factor of the possibility United States. interpretation? Presuppositions may be identifi ed of divine revelation often leads to the difference as major factors. In matters of history, it is impor- between the position that the community tant to recognize that statements presented as determines the canon and the position that God

16 MINISTRY June 2008 Their Commitment to Christ Is it enough for kids just to show up at church and sit in the pew? No way! Keep your youth growing strong in their faith—and actively sharing it. Seeing them in heaven will definitely be worth the effort!

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3 WAYS TO SHOP • Call 1-800-765-6955 • Visit your local Adventist Book Center® • AdventistBookCenter.com determines the canon, with the commu- canonical books, or intrinsic canonicity. revelation, requires that the contents nity recognizing the canon. In the former, Thus, the intrinsic-canon approach will of the books must not contradict, but the books are granted their place in the apply criteria to identify the books that be in accord with all past revelation canon by humans, while in the latter, God determined and intended to be a (Deut. 13:1–3; Mal. 3:6; Isa. 8:20; God grants the placement in the canon. part of the canon. Matt. 5:17, 18; Matt. 24:35).9 The last This difference is crucial to the nature of Furthermore, this intrinsic-canon criterion, self-authentication of divine the canon. If one states that the com- approach values the internal data of purpose, is perhaps the most important munity makes such determination, then Scripture that supports the crucial need but also the most diffi cult to identify the focus will be placed on the history to correctly identify the divinely intended objectively. It means that true canonical of that determination and the possibility canon. The Old Testament (OT) explicitly merit lies in the action of God in the of contemporary changes in the scope mentions divine revelation and the revelation, inspiration, and preservation of that canon. If one, on the other intentional preservation of that revelation of the books and may be recognized in hand, believes that God determines the as an authority for the community.4 The the contents of the books.10 canon, the central question is how the New Testament (NT) records abundant It should be noted, however, that this community should recognize the scope evidence that supports the existence of presentation of the criteria and applica- of that canon. an OT canon and its acceptance by Jesus tion is necessarily oversimplifi ed. I am not who passed it on to His followers.5 The suggesting that the mere presentation of Implications of the defi nitions NT is also clear about its own authority these criteria lays to rest the questions According to the community-canon as the Word of God.6 Thus, it seems that about canonicity. However, it does move defi nition, any data that does not include internally, the biblical writers suppose an the question from the history of canon specified lists of canonical books is authoritative collection of OT and NT lists to the question of the rightful, dismissed as lacking relevance. Notably, books, in other words, a canon. Also of intrinsic place in the canon of the books in this view the quotations and usage interest, although not conclusive, is the themselves. It would be naïve to believe of the canonical books in early church early record of the usage by the church that the debate would be quieted based ages, the fi rst to fourth century, are not documented in the writings of the early on this perspective. However, it seems evidence of an authoritative canon since church fathers.7 I suggest that if we quite valid to move from this defi nition they are not canon lists, and thus do not accept the reality of divine revelation of canon to an investigation of the books meet the requirements of this defi nition. to humans, then we should adopt the themselves to a decision based on their Rather, the data deemed conclusive for intrinsic-canon defi nition and focus on merits as canonical. I have personally the history of the formation of the canon the correct identifi cation of the books conducted just such an investigation and is restricted to the sample of extant lists themselves based on criteria that identify am satisfi ed that the 39 books of the OT of books that have come down to us the books as sound, reliable conduits of and the 27 books of the NT do in fact through history. This will then lead to divine revelation. meet all criteria of canonicity and are a fourth century A.D. dating, based on thus worthy of acceptance as the divinely the Council of Carthage in A.D. 397, or Suggested criteria for the commissioned word of God, authorita- later, for the formation of the canon recognition of the divinely tive for all faith and practice.11 Moreover, since lists from before this time are few determined canon I have found no other books that can and deemed inconclusive.3 Admittedly, The main criteria that aid in the meet these criteria.12 Therefore, I have this is an argument from silence, since recognition of the divinely appointed concluded that the 66-book canon is the we only have what has come down to canon include: (1) divinely commissioned correctly recognized revelation of God. us through history. authorship, (2) consistency with other At this point, the issue of the closing However, if the canon is approached revelation, and (3) self-authentication of of the canon must be briefl y addressed. from a different defi nition, the history divine purpose. Divinely commissioned Because the revelations contained in then is interpreted much differently. The authorship simply means that the the OT and NT contain all the necessary history of canon lists is a valid endeavor author has divine authority to transmit revelations of God’s activity in the history of study in its own right. However, if one revelation with such divine commission of salvation, the canon is fi ttingly closed applies the intrinsic-canon defi nition, seen in the work of prophets throughout by the NT writings. The canonical books then such history should not be taken the OT. In the NT, this commission contain purposely selected information to provide conclusive answers regarding is seen in the work of apostles and that make up the full revelation of God in the rightful scope or authority of the first generation Christians who were Jesus Christ. The NT teaches that Christ canon. It may provide information about directly connected to the apostles and fulfi lled the entire OT as the complete the books accepted by the author of a thus had apostolic guidance available.8 revelation of God (Matt. 5:17). More- given document and perhaps to a spe- This, of course, requires that the books over, Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit cifi c community, but it does not provide be written during the time of the would guide the apostles into “all truth” much information beyond that which prophets and apostles, respectively. The (John 16:13). If we have the authentic, reaches to the level of the merits of the second criterion, consistency with other divinely commissioned apostolic writings

18 MINISTRY June 2008 along with the OT, we have all canonical confi dently utilize it as the authoritative 7 For instance, the NT canonical books were so revelation and no need exists for further rule of faith and practice. widely used that the entire NT except 11 verses could be reconstructed from the church fathers covenant revelation. This, however, In summary, then, the canon of of the second to fourth centuries. For a full does not mean that the Holy Spirit no Scripture consists of books of divine tabulation see Norman L. Geisler and William E. longer bestows the prophetic gift; but, revelation appointed by God to serve Nix, A General Introduction to the Bible: Revised and Expanded (Chicago: Moody Press, 1986), 419–433. it does mean that no postapostolic as an authoritative rule of faith and 8 In Against Apion 1.8, Josephus points out a clear prophet will be canonical. practice. These books are, afterward, succession from Moses to the prophets who recognized by the community to be testifi ed with “an exact succession of prophets.” He also suggests a closed OT canon at his time Summary and conclusions divinely commissioned, whether pro- (ca. A.D. 70) since he states “no one has been so It is no coincidence that these criteria phetic or apostolic, of proper antiquity, bold as either to add anything to them [the OT], lead to the recognition of the 66-book consistent with previous revelation, to take anything from them, or to make any change in them.” An example of the importance canon. These books were providentially and self-authenticating. On the basis of authorship in the NT is Paul’s emphasis of his preserved through the agency of the of its intrinsic canonicity, Scripture is handwriting that marked the letter as truly from church, and further proof that God has accepted and used as the revelation of him (1 Cor. 16:21; Gal. 6:11; Col. 4:18; 2 Thess. 3:17; Philem. 19). aided in the recognition of these books. God. I propose that all 66 books of the 9 An important historical example of this criterion However, without supposing this as Protestant canon belong to the divinely was the case of Serapion at Rhossus, who fact, one may still come to recognize inspired, preserved, and intended canon originally allowed usage of the so-called Gospel of Peter but later rejected it altogether because it this same collection of books through of Scripture, to which no books may be implied docetism. Eusebius, 216. H.E. 6.12.3. the application of criteria such as those removed or added. As such, the canon 10 It should be noted that inspiration alone does suggested in this article. One who of Scripture is the only authoritative and not equal canonicity. It is true that in numerous places the Bible records prophetic books that does not already believe that God has trustworthy foundation for theology are not part of the canon. Other books, such as communicated revelation to humanity and practice. Shepherd of Hermas, were considered by some to may suspend judgment and proceed be inspired but were not recognized as canonical because they did not meet the other criteria, such 1 James A. Sanders, “The Issue of Closure in the to engage the Bible on its own terms. as apostolicity. Inspiration is thus required, but is Canonical Process,” in The Canon Debate, eds. not the only indication of a canonical book. The awareness of such presuppositions, Lee Martin McDonald and James A. Sanders 11 Of course, the primary objection that might be then, may allow movement past the (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 2002), 252. leveled against this claim is the questions of dat- 2 “By virtue of their inspiration, and its resultant a priori dismissal of revelation to the ing and authorship that are popular in historical internal self-authentifi cation and self-validation, critical approaches to the Bible. I would contend matter of how one might recognize biblical books were ‘recognized’ as canonical.” that the conclusions that contradict the internal such revelation if it existed. Gerhard F. Hasel, “Divine Inspiration and the testimony of the books are speculative, inconclu- Canon of the Bible,” Journal of the Adventist Theo- The church, on the other hand, sive, and contested. There is a great deal of data logical Society 5/1 (1994): 69. that may support the prophetic and apostolic operates in the arena of faith and 3 It should be noted that there is an abundance authorship of the OT and NT respectively. Some cannot operate within the framework of data open to interpretation. Much of the data that supports such a position is laid out in interpretation, as noted previously, is directly tied of secular presuppositions. To be sure, studies such as Archer, A Survey of Old Testament to the pre-existent defi nition of what constitutes Introduction, 3rd ed. (Chicago: Moody Press, there is room for patient dialogue, but canonicity. 1998), and D. A. Carson, Douglas J. Moo, and the pressure to adopt common presup- 4 God commanded Moses that His revelation be Leon Morris, An Introduction to the New Testament written, preserved, and passed on (Exod. 17:14; positions would drastically impact the (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992). For an in- 24:4; 31:18; 34:27; Deut. 10:5; 31:9, 25, 26). After vestigation of the history, consult F. F. Bruce, The church. Frankly, the believer has the Moses, other inspired writers such as Joshua, Canon of Scripture (Downers Grove, IL: InterVar- same right to their presuppositions or Samuel, Isaiah, Jeremiah, just to name a few, car- sity Press, 1988), and Lee Martin McDonald, The ried on the recording of revelation (Josh. 24:26; worldview as any others. The believer Formation of the Christian Biblical Canon (Peabody, 1 Sam. 10:25; Isa. 30:8; Jer. 30:2). Later writers MA: Hendrickson, 1995). who affi rms faith in the possibility or referred to and revered earlier Scriptures (1 Kings 12 The OT Apocrypha are ruled out by the Jews’ actuality of divine revelation will be 2:3; Ezra 3:2; Jer. 26:18; Ezek. 14:14, 20; Dan. 9:2; self-testimony regarding the cessation of proph- Mic. 4:1–3, etc.). able to employ these standards in ecy after the time of Artaxerxes (ca. 450 B C 5 Jesus is clear about the authority of the OT . .). recognizing the divine merits of the (Matt. 21:42; 22:29; 26:54, 56; Luke 24:44, 45; Josephus, Against Apion 1.8, clearly specifi es that canon without accepting that the John 2:22; 5:39; 10:35; 17:12). The rest of the the authoritative prophets were only “till the reign of Artaxerxes” (Cf. 1 Macc. 9:27), Regarding canon is determined by a community NT testifi es to the OT writings as authoritative Scripture (Acts 17:2; 18:28; Rom. 1:2; 4:3; 9:17; the NT, the Shepherd of Hermas might be the clos- or tradition. Such an approach may aid 10:11; 11:2; 1 Cor. 15:3, 4; Gal. 3:8; 2 Tim. 3:16; est book but was ruled out because, according to believers to further ground their faith 2 Pet. 1:20, 21). the Muratorian Fragment, it was written in the mid-second century and thus not by an apostle. in the Bible and may also facilitate an 6 1 Tim. 5:18 quotes directly from Luke 10:7. Peter declares the writings of Paul to be Scripture along Recently touted, so-called gnostic books, such unbeliever’s ability to honestly engage with the OT and collects them (2 Pet. 3:15, 16). as the Gospel of Thomas, fail all the criteria with the issue of the scope of the canonical Moreover, the gospel is regarded as the very word pseudonymous authorship, contradiction to previous revelation, and a total lack of evidence books, sift through interpretations, and of God (Acts 8:14; 11:1; 12:24; 13:46; 17:13; 18:11; 19:20). Paul is clear that he does not speak on his of divine origin or appointment. potentially come to faith in the Bible own authority but by that of God (Rom. 15:15; as the recognized revelation of God. 1 Cor. 2:13; Gal. 1:12; Eph. 3:5; 1 Thess. 2:13) and Concurrently, the church can continue commands his letters to be read (Col. 4:16; Tell us what you think about this article. Email us at 1 Thess. 5:27). Finally, Revelation testifi es of itself [email protected] or write to us to testify of the life-changing power of as direct revelation from God and adds that no at 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904. the Bible through the Holy Spirit and one should change its words (Rev. 1:1; 22:18, 19).

June 2008 MINISTRY 19 She sighed and began her sad story, and afterward we prayed together. Later I found that our discussion brought some big changes in her life. Through the mercy of God, I was able to help her away from the pulpit in ways that, in the pulpit, I never could. Sermons fall into ears like the sower’s seeds do in the soil. At the end of each sermon some will cry out saying, “ ‘What shall we do?’ ” (Acts 2:37, NIV). Such a question can be asked only away from the pulpit. These are precious moments to give help, guidance, and encourage- ment to your members as they struggle with life’s questions and challenges. These are, in fact, precious moments to minister to souls the Down from the way Jesus did. Christ’s example Jesus preached for a long time on the moun- pulpit tain. Thousands heard Him. He taught them principles of the kingdom of heaven, and they marveled at His gracious and powerful message. Ellen White says, “The Saviour’s divine love and Clifford Owusu-Gyamfi fter I had finished preaching, a tenderness drew the hearts of men to Him.”* woman of about 35 approached “When he came down from the mountainside, me and confessed, with tears, that large crowds followed him” (Matt. 8:1, NIV), and she had been committing sexual Jesus had time for all of them. sin. After all these years, after all Thus it must be with ministers who dedicate Athe sermons that she had heard me preach, she time to individual members, one-on-one. Our continued in this practice. She had felt bad but ministry does not end with the spoken Word, for couldn’t let go. Then she met me away from the there are other things we can do and must do pulpit, we spoke one-on-one, and through the after coming down from the pulpit. grace of God she was made whole. Many have wanted just this: to meet the The list pastor one-on-one and talk about their anxious 1. Take time to shake hands. Some congrega- lives. Some have had their diffi cult questions tions have a tradition of the pastor shaking answered, many have been blessed by a word hands after every worship service. Extending a of prayer, and all have been glad to have the handshake is an expression of friendship, but hearing, sympathetic ear from their shepherd. don’t always have them come to you. Take Some preachers disappear after coming the time to walk over to a member, shake their down from the pulpit. Many congregations have hand, and say, “God bless you,” or “God loves Clifford Owusu- admired preachers whose hands they never had you.” Maybe that simple gesture will help heal Gyamfi is the district the chance to even shake. a broken heart or put a spark of encouragement pastor for Yeji in I myself always disappeared after the pulpit into a discouraged soul. the Central Ghana discourse, but recently I discovered how wrong 2. Take time to hear them. A preacher must Conference, that was. I now know that, in fact, I can have a never be separated from people and must love Kumasi, Ashanti, more powerful ministry away from the pulpit—yet them. At times you may be in a rush, but you Ghana. still near the pulpit—than I can in the pulpit. shouldn’t avoid your members, for they want somebody to listen to them. If you don’t have The ministering minister time to hear the people, then don’t steal their I had just preached a sermon, and afterward time by having them listen to you. The disciples a woman came and said, “Pastor, the Lord has had wanted Jesus to send the people away inspired hope into my life through your sermon. (Mark 6:36), but Jesus stopped them. After Thank you.” receiving attention from the congregation, “Why?” I asked. “Have you been going Jesus gave attention to those individuals in it. through hopeless circumstances?” After preaching Christ’s love, you must lovingly

20 MINISTRY June 2008 minister one-on-one. Nothing more that you’ve forgotten them. I once build your own faith. The people are than just taking a few minutes to listen embarrassed myself when a church good for you because they are your fi eld to someone can make all the difference member came to me, and I could not of labor. If you tend to it well, you’ll enjoy in their world. recall her name. In John 10:14, Jesus the fruits. If you are too busy to take time 3. Take time for visitors. All churches, demonstrated a striking ministerial ethic, with your members, then you are too at some time or another, have visitors “ ‘I know my sheep’ ” (NIV). Do you busy to be an effective minister. with their names listed in the visitors’ know your sheep? Can you call them record book. They might have been by name? After preaching about the Conclusion invited by family members or friends or ancient saints, mingle with the living Ministry includes more than elo- perhaps they came on their own. They’re ones. Call on them by name and say to quence at the pulpit. The TV newsroom there, and visitors need to be recognized one, “Sister Janet, happy Sabbath. How brings to the public a small facet of and made to feel as if they belong. We is your husband’s condition?” Or say to a larger job done outside its walls. are good at recognizing them, but poor another, “Brother Antwi, how are you? Broadcasters, in a few minutes, give at making them feel as though they are I didn’t see you at the midweek prayer a summary of what might have taken part of us. As a preacher, before leaving meeting. Is everything alright?” Jesus will hours, days, or even weeks to amass. the pulpit, make the visitors understand one day call you by your name. Why not It’s the same with the minister: much the joy that they’ve brought to your do likewise to your members? of what you do is away from the pulpit. church congregation by coming, and 5. Don’t be too busy. You say, “I’m not Sure, you might give great homilies to give them a special welcome. Then meet able to meet people after coming down packed churches every Sabbath. But them after the service has ended, and from the pulpit because I’m so busy with you must never forget that your most you could, in a few minutes, do more other pressing issues.” I say, let these important sermons could be given after good than your discourse from the pulpit other issues sit by the wayside. Give of you’re done preaching. ever could. yourself, one-on-one, to your members. 4. Call them by their names. One Little else in your ministry can be that * Ellen G. White, Thoughts From the Mount of Bless- major trait of successful pastors is that important. And, as you help others with ing (Mountain View, CA: Pacifi c Press, 1956), 47. they know their church members by their burdens, you will be relieved from Tell us what you think about this article. Email us at name. If you can’t recognize the names your own. By hearing their joy, your joy [email protected] or write to us of some members, this would suggest will increase. By praying for them, you at 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904.

June 2008 MINISTRY 21 to summarize the characteristics of the new “movement.” However, there are some basic noticeable changes in society that might be described as the emergence of PPM. Very often the relationship between PPM and postmodernism is analogous to that between Understanding postmodernism and modernism. It reacts to and is critical of features of postmodernism. Speaking about the ideological content of these philosophical and cultural trends, one could and relating affi rm the following sequence of thought. While modernism ruled with an iron fi st of reason and objective truth and postmodernism with a hard-core critique of rational capacities, subjec- to the new tive perspectivism, and total relativism where anything goes, it seems that PPM rules and will rule with performatism, new transcendency, and new utopia. Let me tentatively explain these worldview three as the most important tenets of PPM. Tenets of post-postmodernism n his work City as Landscape: A Post- First, performatism. Performatism is a kind Aleksandar S. Santrac Postmodern View of Design and Planning,1 of demonstration of the effect. We all know that Tom Turner stresses that “The modernist performance is something that needs to attract age, of ‘one way, one truth, one city’ is attention. The movie industry plays with the dead and gone. The postmodernist age application of this principle. While postmodernism Iof ‘anything goes’ is on the way out. Reason denies the possibility of objective truth and affi rms can take us a long way, but it has limits. Let us destruction of truth, PPM plays with the remaining embrace post-postmodernism—and pray for a pieces of truth as effects without any meaning. better name.” Modernism roughly covers the Through a critique of the concept of truth and period from the emergence of philosophical fi nal purpose of reality, the interplay between rationalism of the seventeenth century through signs and symbols becomes very important in the end of the twentieth century. Many this performative perspective. In this context, the believe that the fall of the Berlin wall in 1989 success of The Da Vinci Code was expected. symbolically represents the starting point for Secondly, new transcendency is, in a sense, a new era of postmodernity, although French a continuation of the postmodern “open door” philosophical postmodernism came on the world for the irrational and the supernatural. Where scene in the seventies. Logically, every system postmodernism with its total critique of ratio of thought and every cultural phenomenon just opened the door for the supernatural, PPM has its limits, as Turner argues. It seems that entered with powerful and deep interest for the today the postmodernist emphasis on pluralism, mythical and mystical. Today, people are not perspectivism, subjectivism, and antirationalism interested in rational presentations of reality. does not satisfy intellectuals who always search Recent novels and movies like The Lord of the for a new criticism. Rings and the Harry Potter series demonstrate an Aleksandar S. Santrac, Much has been said about postmodernism. interest for a new perspective on reality that could DPhil, pastors the My purpose here does not include the discus- be called religious fi ction.4 While the science Neuilly sur Seine sion of the features of this widely accepted fi ction of postmodernism criticized the rational and Ivry sur Seine contemporary worldview—or mix of many approach to science and its limits, religious fi ction Seventh-day Adventist worldviews.2 I would like to address the ques- in PPM tries to criticize offi cial forms of religion churches in tion of the nature of the trend that ideologically and lead people to a new transcendency of myth Paris, France. and historically3 comes after postmodernism and religious mystical and mythical stories.5 He is also and its implications on the life and mission of Stories and heroes that resemble the myths of the visiting scholar, the church. In this succession of cultural periods, Middle Ages have returned to the contemporary Notre Dame University, South Bend, Indiana, what really comes after postmodernism? There scene. While postmodernism rejected religion United States. are no books explicitly written about post- and affi rmed total immanence (from the perspec- postmodernism (PPM). It would be diffi cult tive of this world only), PPM offers the possibility

22 MINISTRY June 2008 of a transcended world of religious PPM and Christian faith In the modern world, Christ was fi ction in which humanity has lost the Since we already live in the PPM era, presented as the Word. In the post- real present or future perspective. It it seems crucial to affi rm some basic modern world, He was to be presented is quite certain that PPM restores the points of dialogue between biblical as an “Image.” In the PPM world, concept of objective truth, but, unlike Christianity and PPM. however, Christ as the cosmic Ruler classical and modern philosophy, can Unlike PPM that only partially and Savior who is coming again needs neither validate nor invalidate religion.6 reacts to the postmodern subjective to be presented as performative power. Since some objective truth exists—but approach to the truth, the Scriptures The PPM period, in the perspective of there is no trust in official forms of affirm objective revealed truth and Adventist prophetic revelation, accords religion—myths logically fi ll the gap of not just performative or subjective with the rise of spiritualism. Spiritualism people’s interest for something stable, value of facts. God is real and actively has to do with the controversy between or just seemingly steady. Myths of the involved in the world and not just a two confl icting powers—that of Christ past in the new clothes of fictional necessary effect or imaginary fi gure. and Satan. Truth in Christ is successful religion become the imaginary world Christ never acted with performance as much as it demonstrates its power of comfort and escape for disillusioned for its own sake in order to astonish against the power of satanic lies and humanity. It seems that PPM could be and shock His followers. His miracles deceptions. This does not diminish labeled as Neoromanticism, Neoimpres- were signs of spiritual truths. He spoke rational adherence to the truth. On the sionism, and Neoclassicism7 with the truth and acted in truth, and truth was contrary, it affi rms a biblical-rational strong emphasis on feelings caused by the appealing force (see John 7:16, concept of the spiritual war between the the emergence of a new and mythical 17; 8:31, 32). Nowadays, in the PPM powers of good and the powers of evil approach to religion. culture of performance, it is not hard (see Eph. 6:10–18). Final evangelism, Finally, new utopia has become to imagine the powerful delusion of the as we know, is possible only through closely connected to the idea of new antichrist’s miracles. power of the Spirit of the apostolic age. transcendency. Postmodernism had a In contrast to PPM, the Bible does Affi rming the biblical content of the strong anti-utopian perspective. Post- not speak about transcended myth as preaching of Christ, Paul develops this modernists did not believe in a realized the invention of the human mind (writ- idea in 1 Corinthians 2:4, 5, “My mes- ultimate world. They did not support the ers of the Scriptures). Stories of the Bible sage and my preaching were not with idea of progress towards utopian society are based on God’s genuine and true wise and persuasive words, but with of total tranquility and peace. This is why perspective of the inspiration process demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so postmodernism criticized communism that is always truthful and reliable (see that your faith might not rest on men’s and Christianity. PPM, however, with a 2 Pet. 1:19–21). wisdom, but on God’s power” (NIV). new transcendency offers a new chal- Finally, unlike PPM, Christianity This power transforms, heals, regener- lenge of a desire for the utopian world.8 affi rms the coming of the future world ates, and creates a new being. With all the problems that planet Earth realized, not by historical development Christ is not myth, of course, but in has, this is not strange at all. Religious of human religious consciousness, the dialogue and encounter with the scientists convince us that science and but through divine supernatural new transcendency of religious fi ction technology failed in the realization action in human history, namely the we need to affi rm biblical religious of this utopia, and they affirm that second coming of Christ (see Rev. “fi ction.” The power of the biblical “religious consciousnesses” of humanity 19:11–16). story of Christ would be stronger would lead us to the point of ultimate Thus, PPM and the Christian faith than the powers of mythical stories eternal peace. Not to mention that this are basically incompatible worldviews. invented by human minds. Since seems like a New Age perspective that However, in our evangelistic efforts we people are more and more interested unfortunately has become compatible might recognize points of PPM as a new in religion, very often counterparts of with the perspective of a substantial part possibility for mission in the twenty-fi rst biblical Christianity and the church as of the Christian world. century. an institution, we do not need always Speaking about political changes, to present rational arguments about there are some indications that PPM Evangelism in the age of PPM the truthfulness of biblical faith. We transforms society into a multicultural Evangelism in the twenty-first need to be a living performance of phenomenon ruled by the Neoto- century needs to be performative with Christ. We need to live and die for talitarian ideologies.9 It seems that an emphasis on transcendency and the true story of the Scriptures. This after tolerance of postmodernism, the utopia. What does this mean in view of authenticity of faith might offer the “ghost of the past,” totalitarian spirit the fact that biblical Christianity could new power of biblical fi ction. appears again in many forms on the not and must not sacrifi ce its content Finally, Christ has promised a much world stage. and power in Christ? How could we more attractive and powerful world of How should Christians view, respond be relevant today in the context of the realization than religious scientists who to, and evaluate PPM? PPM culture? promise new utopias. The power of

June 2008 MINISTRY 23 the true world is much more effective 1 Tom Turner, City as Landscape: A Post-Postmodern 4 Religious fi ction emerged out of the spiritual than the power of utopia. The second View of Design and Planning (London: E & F science fi ction of the 1960s and 1970s. Good exam- coming of Christ is plausible because Spon., 1996), 10. ples of this fi ction were Isaac Asimov and Arthur 2 The most comprehensive overview of the basic C. Clarke. people realize that this planet is rushing features of postmodernism from an evangelical 5 It is interesting that in one of the Post-postmodern into self-destruction. They see the rise of perspective is still Stanley Grenz, A Primer on manifestos, a belief in ghosts and miracles is neo-Marxist or religio-political powers Postmodernism (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. explicitly mentioned (http://www.adamgottschalk that promise a new utopia, but they Eerdmans, 1996). For a more concise overview .net/words/popomo.html, point 14 and 15). also see or will see that these promises of philosophical postmodernism, see Aleksandar 6 See Morton A. Kaplan, “Post-postmodern Science S. Santrac, Deconstruction of Baudrillard (New and Religion,” International Journal on World Peace, stir vain hope, especially when the York: Edwin Mellen Press, 2005), 7–19. The 18, no. 1, (March 2001). different tragedies of the planet will results of this study might be considered as 7 As Turner argues in City as Landscape: A Post- have multiplied. Next time you pray a post-postmodern (PPM) reaction to Jean Postmodern View of Design and Planning, 8. for the ultimate peace of this world, be Baudrillard’s postmodernism. This reaction 8 There are some new movements that want, for aware of the issues at hand. There are includes an evaluation of postmodern ideas example, to restore communist and Marxist views and “turning these ideas against themselves” (as a new utopia) against the postmodernistic per- two powers in the great confl ict for the (deconstruction idea). spective; see Antonio Callari, Stephen Cullenberg, realization of the ultimate world. 3 I propose September 11, 2001, as a symbolic and Carole Biewener, Marxism in the Postmodern Therefore, what comes beyond date of the commencement of PPM, although Age: Confronting the New World Order (New York: postmodernism might create an envi- some argue that Turner’s book in 1996 deserves Guilford Press, 1995). ronment that could serve to advance such a role. September 11 became the fi rst 9 http://anagennesis.townhall.com/g/bcdebeb9 shocking performative action (simulation within -fafb-47d8-8f63-78383b38a7d1?comments=true. the gospel. This is possible only if the reality) and the beginning of unpredictable and disciples of Christ recognize the fi nal uncertain history (maybe the end of history). After wake-up call and receive the power that September 11, everything becomes possible, and is beyond any power, whether in this humanity has no ground of hope or “anchor” Tell us what you think about this article. Email us at [email protected] or write to us world or in the world to come. of historical certainty. PPM basically affi rms this uncertainty and performance as key postulates. at 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904.

24 MINISTRY June 2008 PLANNING FOR THE

“Sometimes you have to face harsh realities before you do what’s right.” Pastor Minervino (Minner) and Evelyn Labrador Clearwater, Florida

he first question our leaving two small children. T financial advisor asked With no will or guardianship us about retirement was: Do directions, the children’s future you have a will and other estate was left to the courts. The custody planning documents? We didn’t. Within weeks, two dispute, together with probate costs, significantly tragedies in our church showed us how important reduced the children’s inheritance. When we thought estate planning can be. A beloved deacon suffered about our own family, we knew we couldn’t live a serious stroke. Machines kept him alive, but he with uncertainty. We had to fulfill our obligations could no longer communicate. Loving relatives found as parents, as pastors of the flock and as responsible themselves in a painful conflict that could stewards of God’s goods. Now that we have have been avoided, if only our church wills, we are so relieved. We know that if member had signed an advance medical anything happens to us, our sons will be directive. Then, a young couple related to raised in an Adventist home. a church member died in a car accident, Trust Services Call us toll free: 1-877-WILLPLAN

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meeting in the synagogue becomes possibility of house churches in the early leads a Pathfi nder Club full of older boys untenable is there a possible reference church. Thus, it speaks rather cautiously who are not Adventists. Out of the blue in Acts to meeting in a house. of “practical reasons to suggest that in one meeting night, they asked to go to Early Christians did indeed meet Jerusalem there were probably a plurality church that Sabbath. So my friend, a bit in homes. But that does not seem of house churches” (p. 6); that Acts 2:42 apprehensive, took them. They behaved to be the preferred place of wor- provides a list that “seems to indicate well for a change but were quietly “loi- ship. The earliest believers preferred an agenda for early Christian worship” tering” in the foyer between Sabbath to meet in the temple. Outside of (p. 6). Neither is the argument being School and church when a member Jerusalem they preferred to meet in made for house churches intended to approached them and sternly told them the synagogue. House churches were deny other possible group settings, they were not to be there. My friend a sociological (persecution from the including the temple. The point is made showed up moments later and they all Jews) and economical (unable to afford deliberately and minimally that the said “OK, we’re done, ready to go home their own buildings) phenomenon. We “house,” in a real sense, “became a unit now!” That was it, end of story. That should be very careful in understand- or group in the structure of the early small group had doubled the attendance ing all the patterns of early Christian Christian community” (p. 5). Indeed, it at church that Sabbath for an hour— worship and the reasons for the rise of is explicitly acknowledged that “the fi rst no wonder some of our churches are house churches before we take them Christians taught in the temple court SMALL! Will those boys want to go back over as a model for today. They met and took part in the prayer services some day? Only God knows. a practical need, and we have to ask there,” although it is also suggested —Robert Holbrook, email whether the same practical need exists that this “did not prevent them from today. In places where persecution or engaging in their own teaching activities A contradiction? economics precludes owning buildings in the houses” (p. 6). hank you for recommending the for regular worship, the house church Kent’s point about Acts 1:12, 13 TEllen G. White Complete 2007 CD. model may indeed be a blessing to as referring to the dwelling quarters You say “Every pastor should own this God’s church today. of the disciples may not be disputed. important study tool that brings all of El- —Matthew Kent, Berrien Springs, Michigan, However, the possible implication that len G. White’s published writings within United States for that reason it could not have func- instant reach” (Resources, Ministry, Feb- tioned as a house church raises an issue ruary 2008). Kwabena Donkor responds about our understanding of the nature In the same issue, I read an article atthew Kent’s comments are of house churches. Signifi cant scholarly titled, “The Missing Men,” where the Mwell taken, although I would like opinion suggests that these properties author says, “Take every opportunity to make a few general observations that were purportedly used for religious to arrange excursions to soccer, base- without dealing specifi cally with pointed gatherings served at the same time ball, football, hockey, and basketball questions raised about the use of as living quarters. Perhaps it needs to games.” particular texts. To begin, the article be pointed out that the term “house Isn’t it time for Ministry to promote did not intend to leave the impression church” in the article is used specifi cally only activities that hold to the high- that there is unassailable evidence for in the sense of “groups of believers est ideals? During my ministry, I’ve the existence of house churches as the meeting regularly in the intimacy of a made it a practice to stay away from modus operandi of the early church. home . . .” (p. 5). It may be that by all worldly sports and I’ve led many Therefore, some textual references applying our conventional understand- hikes and backpack trips encouraging that are brought into the discussion ing of church to these early Christian men and women to find recreation are there only as circumstantial evidence fellowship groups, they may not qualify in outdoor activities. During just one and not as directly pointing to house as churches at all. Whether in doing so fi ve-year period, three men decided to churches. Kent, therefore, appears to we may be involved in anachronisms become ministers and two more chose stretch the point a little too far when he remains an open question. to become teachers. All are active in characterizes the article as arguing that pastoral and teaching ministry today, the “house church” was the preferred The lady in the aisle and I could tell you about many oth- place of worship for the early Christians. on Jacobsen’s article (“The Little ers. Yes, God wants real men! Indeed, there is no direct evidence either DLady in the Aisle,” April 2008) —Wellesley Muir, Oakhurst, California, way on a preferred place of worship, brought tears to my eyes because I recall United States house churches or temple. The article a very recent (too recent!) incident that is only arguing tentatively for the happened to a good friend of mine who

June 2008 MINISTRY 27 Dateline

Making a Difference If you would like more informa- easier. The greater the intensity of tion about the AVS program, visit exercise, the greater the weight loss. t. Albans, England—The Adven- www.adventistvolunteers.org. [Karen Exercise combats chronic dis- Stist Volunteer Service (AVS) is Plaatjes/TED News]. ease. Exercising regularly helps prevent growing, in both numbers and effective- or manage high blood pressure. Choles- ness. At the moment, 23 people from terol levels also are benefi ted. Exercise the Trans-European Division (TED) of Is Your Health “In Step”? gives “good” cholesterol (HDL) a boost the Seventh-day Adventist Church are and lowers “bad” cholesterol (LDL). providing services in schools, orphan- rlando,Florida,United States— Exercise strengthens your heart ages, hospitals, churches, and other OA nationwide health movement and lungs. Exercise keeps your entire institutions in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, is sweeping across the United States. cardiovascular tree working better, China, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Mexico, The Seventh-day Adventist Church has providing the energy you need to New Zealand, Palau, Thailand, United whole person health imbedded within accomplish the things you enjoy Kingdom, and the United States. its core principles. In fact, according to doing. In addition, 46 volunteers from the Adventist Health Study-1, Adventists Exercise improves sleep. Statis- other parts of the world are working live on average ten years longer than tics reveal that 60 percent of the country in TED territory. This makes a great the average American because of the suffers from sleep deprivation. deal of difference to both them and Adventist lifestyle of faith and healthy For more information, visit our Web the communities they serve. TED choices. site at www.instepforlife.com. [Candace Executive Secretary Harald Wollan, Today, those statistics may be Huber/Florida Hospital] commented, “The AVS program gives changing. The challenges of the seden- individuals the opportunity to serve in tary American lifestyle and the struggle a different mission fi eld ... thus giving to implement exercise on a regular basis “Pentecost and More” invaluable service abroad and at the may also be affecting Adventists. same time providing a link between With that in mind, the Adventist ingston, Jamaica—March 15 saw the home church and the mission fi eld, Church in North America is sponsor- Kthe culmination of yearlong efforts whether far or near. Not only will the ing “In Step” beginning in July 2008. of personal and community outreach recipient fi eld receive a blessing, but the This will be a nationwide endeavor to throughout the Inter-American Divi- volunteers themselves will be blessed encourage all Adventists to engage in sion (IAD) of the Seventh-day Adventist through the service rendered.” regular exercise. Walking is a type of Church with the “Pentecost and More” Manny Nelson is currently serving exercise that most can engage in, even worship services. in New Zealand as an assistant youth if one has never exercised and needs to Several thousand worshipers gath- pastor. When asked why he was an begin to get in shape—or if one already ered in downtown Kingston, Jamaica, Adventist Volunteer, his response was, has a disease or a chronic condition. where Israel Leito, president of “To simply do something that makes a Although there are additional articles the IAD, delivered the sermon. The positive impact on someone else’s life. on the “In Step” Web site, those who highlight of the worship event was Doing it within the Adventist framework wish to start now can begin to consider the baptism of hundreds of people is important to me as I want my efforts how their exercise needs will impact throughout Jamaica. to be connected to the work of Jesus their daily or weekly schedules. The worship service, broadcast whether subtly or overtly.” Here are some tips for motivation: live by the Hope Channel, featured Leana Edwards is serving in Exercise improves your out- baptismal services that were also Burkina Faso. She is seeing her dream look. A 30-minute walk can reduce being conducted in Mexico, Colombia, of making a difference come true. She stress, as chemicals secreted during Venezuela, and throughout the Carib- says, “I know my dream is being real- exercise leave you feeling happier and bean. In all, more than 30,000 people ized each day because I am placing my more relaxed. were baptized as a result of the faithful life in the hands of God. I think being a Exercise helps you manage ministries of pastors and other believers. volunteer is an amazing opportunity to your weight. Exercise helps you burn [Willie E. Hucks II] go on an adventure with God.” calories—making weight management

28 MINISTRY June 2008 R ESOURCES

dominant as she predicted. However, events and wondered whether Adventist BOOK REVIEW Douglass gives evidence that today spiri- eschatology would really happen the tualism in its various forms is a dominant way it has been presented, Douglass religious infl uence in society. Astrology, shares evidence on these issues that witchcraft, and many neo-pagan activi- builds a good case for the relevance of Dramatic Prophecies of Ellen ties have become a part of our social her prophetic gift. White: Stories of World Events religious fabric. —Reviewed by Denis Fortin, dean and profes- Divinely Foretold, by Herbert In the 1880s, Ellen White’s prediction sor of theology, Seventh-day Adventist Theo- Edgar Douglass, Nampa, ID: Pacifi c of a resurgence of the infl uence of the logical Seminary, Andrews University, Berrien Press, 2007. modern papacy and the dominance Springs, Michigan, United States. of the United States in world politics n eight captivating chapters, Herbert were predictions no one took seriously IDouglass, also author of the college outside of Adventism. Yet, today, as textbook Messenger of the Lord on Ellen Douglass points out, the bishop of Rome RESOURCES White’s life and ministry, presents some has an unprecedented world infl uence of Ellen White’s most dramatic prophecies and the same can be said of the United of end-time events placed in the context States. Who could have predicted, even of our current national and world events. a few decades ago, that the two domi- ilver Spring, Maryland, United What makes this book of special value nant world powers at the beginning of SStates—The Ellen G. White Estate is the author’s skillful compilation of a the twenty-fi rst century would be the now publishes a quarterly electronic variety of examples of messages that papacy and the United States? Douglass magazine for children ages 9–14 titled: were largely ridiculed at the time they believes Ellen White accurately predicted Ellen White—Visionary for Kids. The e-zine were spoken but have proven to be true these future developments and gives is both in Web and PDF formats and in retrospect. numerous examples of how her predic- is available online at: www.whiteestate The eight chapters cover Ellen tions have been fulfi lled in the last 30 .org/vez. White’s predictions of the American years. The magazine features kid-friendly Civil War and the rise of spiritualism in In the last chapter of the book, Adventist heritage stories, a question- the nineteenth century, her counsels on the author describes how Ellen White and-answer corner, pictures of the race relations and health reform, the rise predicted in the 1880s that the future pioneers, Ellen of the infl uence of the modern papacy would see numerous religious revivals White citations (lan- and the dominance of the United States within Christianity, many of them guage-adapted for in world politics, her vision of the great influenced by non-Christian spiritual children), as well controversy between good and evil, practices. Douglass argues that the as puzzles, mazes, and, fi nally, the overpowering appeal of eclectic nature of modern Christian spiri- and other inter- non-Christian spirituality within modern tuality, which combines Eastern, New active learning Christianity. Age, and Christian practices to satisfy the tools. Children In my opinion, four of the chapters spiritual hunger of a biblically illiterate will receive $25 stand out and make a good contribution Christian population, is a fulfillment for their pub- to the Adventist understanding of end- of Ellen White’s prediction. Personal lished articles, time events. In the 1840s and 1850s, feelings and a subjective approach to stories, and draw- Ellen White predicted that there would spirituality have facilitated a counterfeit ings. Guidelines available at the Web be a resurgence of spiritualism in the spiritual experience. site. Links to the Portuguese and Korean United States. Being predominantly a This book will appeal to those editions of Visionary are available at: Protestant and Christian nation then, who wish to know more about these www.WhiteEstate.org. spiritualism was not a dominant trend predictions of Ellen White and how they Check it out today, and pass on the or a signifi cant religious infl uence. When are being fulfi lled in our day. Although good news to teachers, parents, Pathfi nder making her prediction, it was doubtful through the years some people have and Sabbath School leaders, and most of that spiritualism would ever become as doubted her basic outline of end-time all—kids! [Darryl Thompson].

June 2008 MINISTRY 29 Pastor’s Pastor How to guarantee a crowd

small framed illus- You Have Ever Lost a Loved One, Here’s tration hanging in Hope for You.” Amy offi ce depicts James A. Cress Visuals. Your preaching will make delivery men unloading a greater impact if you utilize visuals to mannequins from a de- convey the message. Adventists have livery van. The lettering historically used prophecy charts and on the van says “Rent a other visuals to illustrate great Bible Crowd.” themes. Fresh, innovative illustrations As thousands of allow you to cover more information congregations prepare because your audience sees the texts to conduct public evange-e- onscreen as they hear you preach. listic meetings in 2008 and 2009, we need battery of health options, a practical ser- Cash. Have you ever been paid to better methods for bringing people into vice provided as a component of public attend church? When I approach the our venues. I have found the following proclamation demonstrates interest in topic of stewardship, I announce in methods help guarantee an audience: the welfare of your attendees and makes advance, “I intend to talk about money, Pray. Nothing is more successful a fi ne introduction to a regular “healthful but not your money. And to illustrate this in arresting the attention of potential living” feature. concept, I will pay you my own money converts than enlisting the power of God Valuable gift. Avoid prize draw- to hear this sermon.” Then, I give each upon your venture. Form your church’s ings or lotteries, but do encourage attendee a ten-cent coin that quickly and prayer warriors into groups and set attendance by providing everyone a disarmingly demonstrates the relatively them loose to support every aspect of gift of spiritual value if they are present small 10 percent tithe that God asks us evangelism with earnest prayer for the for a compelling sermon series. I always to return in comparison to the abundant Holy Spirit’s outpouring. present the Lord’s Day as a two-part blessings He guarantees for faithfulness. Relevant topics. We live in pro- sermon and provide each attendee with This light-hearted, chuckle-producing phetically momentous times. Don’t be a complimentary copy of Your Bible & illustration disarms as it instructs. content to rehash old sermons or repeat You or Bible Readings for the Home. Such Bible marking. We give each illustrations from the past. Even the books may seem ordinary to you but individual a personal Bible and open mighty evangelistic heroes of bygone are compelling to those seeking truth. each topic with a class highlighting eras will not sound as fresh as the topics Remember, the content of the gift is essential texts on the sermon theme. As you develop to address current issues. more important than the monetary everyone underlines and make notes in Read your newspaper along with your value. Again, when I present the spiritual the margin, Scripture comes alive. Bible and make the messages you preach gift of prophetic guidance, I give each Open agendas. Announce your signifi cant for today. attendee a copy of Steps to Christ. intentions clearly and avoid disguising Share your personal experience. Film series. I’ve discovered the your identity or purpose. How much Sharon and I discovered that we can power of a continuing series, such as better to clearly advertise that you are significantly increase attendance by the fi lm JESUS, especially in areas of the inviting the public to explore Bible advertising an upcoming sermon in world where the basic gospel story may truths? Personally, I’ve found that which we share our personal story. be unknown. People will arrive early to conducting my evangelistic activities in To those who attend your series, you witness these compelling scenes from Adventist facilities reassures the public become a personality in whom they are our Savior’s ministry. that an established church is sponsoring interested. We show our baby pictures, Arresting titles. The purpose this special event. photos of our wedding, our pets, our of titles is to catch the attention of A subsequent article will discuss ministry adventures, and tell the story of potential attendees. Sermon titles may more attendance-increasing methods. God’s leading in our personal lives. Then, range from the ridiculous to the sublime Even now as you plan strong evangelistic after a dozen or so slides about us, we depending on the culture in which you initiatives, build some of these concepts transition into the call of God into min- preach. I once heard a very successful into your preparation. You’ll experience istry and the amazing gift of His grace preacher advertise his topic on man’s greater results and your own preaching for our lives, which easily introduces the condition in death as “Is There Sex After will be encouraged as “your crowd” is concept of personal salvation. Death?” Attendance grew mightily guaranteed! Offer a valuable service. Whether when he approached a basic Bible Tell us what you think about this editorial. Email us a simple blood pressure check and message with such verve. Personally, I at [email protected] or write to us glaucoma screening or a more complex prefer “Real Hope for Your Lonely Life: If at 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904.

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