January 15, 1998

Cutting Edge

God’s Great Big Kingdom The author of Present Truth in the Real World argues for flexibility in mission—as never before. New Feature: Cutting Edge Conversations LETTERS

Mission to the Golden Triangle take on such a force—and sadly Book Mark William Johnsson’s report on David there aren’t too many around. Thanks for the monthly Book Mark and Jennifer Dill feature and for the insights of your (see “Far and Away,” —Harold H. Mulder reviewers. Recent reviews—such as Nov. 20) was great! ESCONDIDO, CALIFORNIA Ella Rydzewski’s November 20 thoughts I help support this on Life After Death—give a wider view- family, know them point on many topics in popular personally, and I don’t really understand why Knott discussion in the secular media. know of their sin- finds it necessary to look for a sinister cere desire to spread the gospel. I so purpose to the Promise Keepers. —Bert Cooper admire the young families who will “Why come to the nation’s Mall GRASS VALLEY, CALIFORNIA go out and live among the people . . . ?” he asks, assuming that if Wash- they are trying to convert—as Jesus ington, D.C., is involved, it must be did. They need our prayers, letters, political. But that’s not always the Representative? and encouragement. case. Gathering on the Mall is a great On page 20 of the November 13 way to get attention. And they got World Edition is a picture of some of —Lynn Rose attention—some good, some bad. I the policy makers for the Seventh-day SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND see no political threat in an effort Adventist Church. Of the 55 people focused on getting closer to God and pictured, five appear to be women. I Note: Most of the inside photos accompa- serving others. Service is what Chris- could identify no young people. Is this nying this piece were supplied by Jeremy tianity is all about. a reasonable representation of our Duerksen, who was not credited for his church’s policy makers? excellent work. Our apologies.—Editors. —Douglas Kingsfield BAVARIA, GERMANY —W. R. Olson, M.D., F.A.C.S. MUNISING, MICHIGAN A Gathering Growl Bill Knott’s succinct evaluation of the Divorce and Remarriage Com- Promise Keepers’ rally (see “A Gathering mission When the Family Splits (cont.) Growl,” Nov. 20) was most impressive. In “Adventists Study Divorce and I am very grateful for William Johns- Emotional unity on such basic issues Remarriage” (Nov. 20) Jonathan Gal- son’s “When the Family Splits” could easily become a coercive power lagher reports that world leaders met (November NAD Edition). Timely. that destroys individual freedoms. in September to discuss the various Insightful. Excellent. It is sad that we issues raised by divorce and remarriage must consider the growing number —Walter Tate in a Christian context. Have any (though a very small percentage) of AVON PARK, FLORIDA members of this commission suffered our churches and pastors who fall into the pain of divorce? the congregational quicksand. The issue here is not just a church gover- This editorial was most perceptive. It —J. Blake Hall nance matter, but an attitude, a mind- would only take a spark, a miscon- VIA E-MAIL set that overlooks who we really are strued event parlayed by a fanatical and why we are here. leader, to turn such a “sacred Two of the commission’s 20 members assembly” into a deadly mob. Only a have experienced divorce.—Editors. —Phil Dunham courageous politician would dare to CANYONVILLE, OREGON

2 (66) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 15, 1998 This article was very disturbing to church and try to turn it into a minia- me. Johnsson says that we are more ture Willow Creek. Because some than a local church; we are a world- congregations wander away from the wide church. I agree, but could that denomination, why paint all Willow be why so many of our churches in Creek alumni with the same congre- North America are dead, why only gational brush? COVER STORY half of the people on our books go to A group of us in a suburb of Port- church? If the pastors can’t even pay land, for instance, are planting a new 8 Lions and Tigers and Bears for the electricity, how can they Adventist Church. Though many in Sometimes we’re challenged by afford programs for reaching the lost the core group have been to Willow circumstances to view things from in their local areas? It seems that a Creek and one of us still carries “bag- a radically different perspective. little more could be kicked back to gage” about the way an employment BY JON PAULIEN the local churches, which are just as situation was handled, we remain very important as churches overseas. committed to being part of the sister- ARTICLES hood of churches. I believe careful —Doug Geraci research will prove that the vast 14 God Is Not Fair And that can be a good thing. GERMANTOWN, MARYLAND majority of those who have been to BY JEFF BROMME Willow Creek remain firmly commit- Though no reliable attendance figures exist ted to the Adventist structure, even 22 Post Rumblings for the entire North American Division, with its sometimes frustrating ways. “Ready to Rumble,” reprised. calculations based on reports from various A COMPILATION unions show that 56 percent (483,414) of —Jay E. Prall members attend church on Sabbath, says OREGON CITY, OREGON 24 Portrait of a Servant the NAD Secretariat.—Editors. His disciples asked an important question, so Jesus told them a story. BY SARAH COLEMAN Those who split from the Adventist I knew nothing of either of these con- Church do so from a variety of posi- 26 The Ghost and Mrs. White gregations and appreciate Johnsson’s tions. Those who follow them show a Did you hear the one about Ellen courage in speaking to the topic. Too willingness to follow an individual White’s message from beyond often I hide my eyes and ears from rather than their own studied theo- the grave? BY ROGER W. COON areas that I wish didn’t exist. They logical position. True Adventists rarely go away. Because of this article I have a loyalty to God and a sense of DEPARTMENTS have begun to crystallize my own fellowship within the organization. I response to that situation, should I ache as I see good members enamored 2 Letters ever need one, and I am grateful that I by cute phrases rather than listening 7 Give & Take have Johnsson’s balanced words with to the Word of God. I see the will- 13 The X-Change which to start. I appreciated his shar- ingness to follow “what is emotion- ing his knowledge accumulated over ally pleasing” as tempting and deadly 17 Book Mark time as to the eventual outcome of as was original sin. 18 World News & Perspectives such decisions. The seeds of the theology/spirituality 29 Leaving the Comfort Zone controversy are in many churches. As —Mary Bishop we near the end-time, loyalties will 30 Cutting Edge Conversations VIA E-MAIL become evidenced and we shall see a 31 Reflections falling away. In no way should we encourage it, but in no way should we EDITORIALS I found the rhetorical question regard- become discouraged by it. 5 For All Generations ing Willow Creek Community Church’s influence on Adventists to —William R. Johnson, M.D. 6 Roll in the Snow CHICO, CALIFORNIA be very troubling. Twice I’ve been to ISC D Willow Creek’s leadership conference. NEXT WEEK HOTO

I didn’t go to find theology or to wan- P der down some congregational path- My Dad and His $100 Bill BY way. As Johnsson pointed out, senior He kept it in case of emergencies— PHOTO pastor Bill Hybels emphasizes over someone else’s. VER O and over not to go back to your home C

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 15, 1998 (67) 3 “Behold, I come quickly . . .”

Our mission is to uplift Jesus Christ through stories of His matchless love, news of His present workings, help for knowing Him better, and hope in His soon return. The Adventist Review (ISSN 0161-1119), published since 1849, is the general paper of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It is published by the General Conference of Sev- enth-day Adventists and is printed 40 times a year each Thursday except the first Thursday of each month by the Review and Herald® Publishing Association. Periodicals postage paid at Hagerstown, MD 21740. Copyright © 1998, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Publishing Board: Robert S. Folkenberg, chair; Phil Follett, vice- chair; Lowell Cooper; William G. Johnsson; A. C. McClure; Dorothy Watts; Ted N. C. Wilson; Martin Ytreberg; Robert Nixon, legal advisor

Executive Publisher and Editor William G. Johnsson Associate Editors Roy Adams, Bill Knott Managing Editor Myrna Tetz News Editor Carlos Medley Assistant Editors Stephen Chavez, Andy Nash Editorial Assistant Ella Rydzewski Administrative Secretary Chitra Barnabas Editorial Secretaries Mary Maxson, Jean Sequeira Art Director Bill Kirstein Designer Bill Tymeson Design Assistant Alan Forquer Desktop Production Stephanie Kaping Ad Sales Melynie Tooley Subscriber Services Steve Hanson Marketing Coordinator Ray Tetz

Consulting Editors: Robert S. Folkenberg, Matthew Bediako, Phil Follett, Robert J. Kloosterhuis, A. C. McClure, Jan Paulsen, Leo Ranzolin, R. F. Rawson, Calvin B. Rock, G. Ralph Thompson Special Contributors: P. D. Chun, L. T. Daniel, L. J. Evans, Ulrich Frikart, Lee Huff, Israel Leito, Ruy H. Nagel, L. D. Raelly, Ron Watts, Bertil Wiklander

To Writers: We welcome unsolicited manuscripts. (Please query before submitting long articles.) Include address, telephone number, and Social Security number, where available. Address all editorial correspondence to 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600. Editorial office fax number: (301) 680-6638.

E-mail: Internet: [email protected] CompuServe network: 74617,15

Subscriptions: US$38.97 for 40 issues, US$50.97 for 52 issues. Add $10.20 postage for addresses outside North America. To order, send your name, address, and payment to your local Adventist Book Center or Adventist Review Subscription Desk, Box 1119, Hagerstown, MD 21741. Single copy, US$2.50. Prices subject to change without notice. Subscription queries and changes of address: Call l-800-456-3991, 301-791-7000, ext. 2439. or E-mail [email protected].

Postmaster: Send address changes to Adventist Review, 55 West Oak Ridge Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740.

Scriptures credited to ICB are quoted from the Interna- tional Children’s Bible, New Century Version, copyright © 1983, 1986, 1988 by Word Publishing, Dallas, Texas 75039. Used by permission. Texts credited to NIV are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Bible texts credited to RSV are from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, 1971, by the Divi- sion of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by permission.

PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. Vol. 175, No. 3

4 (68) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 15, 1998 EDITORIAL For All Generations BILL KNOTT

ut on the rolling hills of Cornwall in southwestern The God of my ancestors must have also smiled approvingly at England lies the smallest scrap of a village. There the sight of dripping Yankee Baptists climbing out of farm ponds aren’t many good ways to get to Harrowbarrow, at Sunday baptismal services. In the farm country along the New nor many good reasons York-Quebec border and in the wooded for going there. hills of the Berkshires, several genera- ONo mighty sailors left from there tions of rock-ribbed Baptists took shape. to tame the seven seas. No plaques in God tended that These Vreelands have been in America the schoolyard proclaim that some for 350 years or so, with a few years in prime minister called this hamlet family tree Canada when they ended up on the home. No, in fact, the only thing of wrong side of the Revolutionary War. note I know about Harrowbarrow is of yours. When I stand in a lake on a summer that my grandfather came from there, afternoon to baptize someone who has that the man whose name I carry taken a stand for Jesus, I thank God for loved the rolling green hills along the river and the stone and the Baptists in my background. And I smile when I remember the plaster houses of the town. The grandfather I never met makes story of the Friday afternoon that my English grandfather told his this town famous for me. future in-laws he couldn’t work for them on Saturday—and thus I spent two days in Harrowbarrow when I was in college, provoked an entire evening of controversy. The God of my ances- walking the lanes fringed with primrose and broom, listening to tors must have looked down on more than one rip-roaring theo- a kindly Anglican priest tell stories of the parish, meeting a few logical fight over the decades. long-distance relatives who smiled at this eager boy from I could go on, for there is more—more about Finnish Luther- America out looking for his roots. I searched the slag heaps of ans and French Catholics and Yankee Congregationalists in the the mines that surround Harrowbarrow, finally deciding on two family I married into. But by now, the point is clear enough. My slices of granite that decorate my bookcase today—not worth a story is neither special nor unique. Each of us has a story at least thing to anyone who knows his rocks, but worth a vast amount as interesting—a story of a God who patiently watched the to me. Those rocks are pieces of my roots. growth of our family tree with love and tenderness. Our ancestors Even more important to me was the small frame building may have been French Huguenots or Peruvian Incas or Russian that once housed the Methodist church. Today it’s only a gen- Orthodox or Lebanese Muslims, but when they knelt down on eral store, heavy with the smell of cheese and pipe smoke. the ground and poured out their hearts to God, He read the secret Locals still remember it by its original name—Knott Chapel— faith of their hearts, and He honored it. And slowly, inexorably, the only building to which the family left its name. It’s com- through the decades and the centuries, God tended that family forting for an Adventist preacher to discover that his ancestors tree. Each of us stands at the endpoint of a process in which God were faithful churchgoers—even if they were Methodists! The was always at work, building up truth, building up God of my family tree was the God who called men and His church, answering prayer, honoring faith. women to holiness, who inspired men like John and Charles I’m grateful for the strong Methodists, the Wesley to do great deeds for Him. good Catholics, the tough-minded Baptists But the God of my family tree was also the God worshiped in who make up my family tree. And I look for- a small Catholic church in the Apennines of southern Italy. ward to that better land where we will Often I pause to think of the thousands of prayers that my Italian join as part of God’s great redeemed fam- ancestors must have said before the candles in the church— ily to praise Him for being a God who prayers for protection, for peace, for prosperity in the vineyards worked in history—in our history—to and the fields. And today, as I rejoice in a peaceful land and give us a knowledge of Himself. He has savor the fruit from my garden, I believe that their prayers are truly been, as the psalmist says, our being answered. The God of my family tree heard the prayers of dwelling place for all generations. devout Catholics in the mountains.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 15, 1998 (69) 5 EDITORIAL Roll in the Snow ANDY NASH

lease permit a swan dive back into childhood. a roll in the snow. No, not a literal roll in the snow (though Among my family’s more unusual winter tradi- that might have some merit), but a “getting away” from the tions was an insane scramble from hot tub1 to seemingly lukewarm swirl we call the Adventist Church. snowdrift—and then back again. (Some of you For me, rolling in the snow means: playing in a county will identify.) sports league with non-Christians; observing how people treat PWe’d go skiing at Big Sky, Montana, each other in public life; listening to talk with our relatives from Wahpeton and radio; keeping up with happenings in other after, like, six thousand frozen chairlift churches—you know, the ones that at first rides—are we having fun yet?—we’d change glance seem problem-free. into our conservative Adventist swimsuits When I do this, when I taste and touch and grin at each other as we eased into the the cold, windblown life outside the ISC gurgling, googling liquid. Adventist Church, it reminds me how D

After a while, though, the hot tub comparatively pleasant life is inside. It HOTO didn’t seem so hot anymore, so my aunt reminds me how much I love this church, © P Lorrie would holler, “OK, shall we do it?” this people . . . HOTO “Yeahhhhhh!” we’d holler back. I love the people at my local church. P And with panic in our eyes, we’d rush madly outside into Each week I count the days until we can sing songs together, the frigid air and roll in the snow and yelp back to the hot albeit in not-so-perfect harmony. tub where the comparatively boiling bubbles soothed our I love the people at the General Conference, where I pathetic shivering bodies. If the hot tub had felt only OK work. As a rule I find them to be some of the most wonder- before our snow-roll, afterward it felt absolutely heavenly. ful, devoted, balanced people in the church. Sometimes, to truly appreciate warmth, you have to get cold. I love the Review readers I meet. I love that this past I’ll be candid. Over the past few months I’ve been really week Panama’s Victor Moreno called just to chat and wrestling with this church. No, not with our message. This encourage; that Oregon’s Nancy Kooy sent me a newspaper past weekend I reread the Bible’s last book and became con- clipping about sea horses because she thinks I have a “fasci- victed anew of our prophetic mandate: We must keep telling nation” with them. Hilarious. of Jesus and of His revelation—in that order. It isn’t the timeless truths that I struggle with (we special- n his The Jesus I Never Knew,2 Philip Yancey shares his ize in those), but the timely truths—the way we do mission on biggest disappointment with the body of Christ—that it Planet Earth in 1998. I’ve shared some of these concerns— Ihas always so “faintly [resembled]” Christ Himself. being honest in our communications and outreach, valuing I share this disappointment—in myself and my church. the different packages people come in and the different needs You undoubtedly do too. And sometimes it helps to process they bring, empowering nontraditional Adventist youth and our grief with each other, to cry it out young adults, encouraging public discussion on that which together. many discuss privately—and won’t rehash them here. Still, we must keep splashing, Such concerns have increasingly plagued me to the point churning, paddling. Because through all that I have trouble dismissing them from my mind. I go our personal and corporate failures, this home after work and sit with my wife and baby girl and try remains the family of God. And as not to think about them, but still do. It isn’t healthy, and it an occasional roll in the snow isn’t fair to my family. reminds us, it’s warmest here. I won’t fake easy answers, because I have none. But along with attempting to see things through others’ eyes, channel- 1 Can also be called a whirlpool. We didn’t use “Jacuzzi”; it sounded too seduc- ing my energy into ministry, and recognizing that I too am tive. part of the problem, I’ve found something else that helps: 2 Pp. 233-236.

6(70) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 15, 1998 ADVENTIST LIFE One cold, misty Sabbath morning, REWS

my 5-year-old granddaughter Alexis C was on her way to church with her Y ERR father. As they turned onto the main T BY highway heading toward the city, Alexis looked up to see what seemed TION like hundreds of birds sitting on the LLUSTRA power lines. I Studying them for a few minutes, she said, “Daddy, they are going to GI&VE have a meeting, and they are sitting nice and quiet, waiting for it to start.” —Ruth Wilkins-Moore, Pasadena, California

After the church service a young non-Adventist couple and their small son were invited to a member’s home for dinner. While in the kitchen preparing the food, the host explained to the young mother that the entrée was gluten steak. The little boy, who had been nearby listening, went running into the living room shouting, “Daddy! Daddy! They shot a gluten!” TAKE —Phyllis Shoop, Hazelton, British Columbia HERALD’S THE LORD’S PRAYER TRUMPET My Father, my Protector, my God, who dwells in Hi, kids! Did the heavens so high, you have a merry Who made the earth—all oceans, mountains, rivers, Christmas? Remember, it’s a new year, so and sky— when you write the date on your papers Your name is to be revered. Your presence is so divine, at school, be sure to put 1998, not 1997. So special, and so holy; above all the universe You If you make a mistake, don’t worry— shine. even the Review editors forget things Please take us to heaven soon, in Your mighty sometimes. kingdom up above. Now, let’s see . . . what were we talking Please take control of my life, through Your guidance about? Oh, yes—Herald the Review angel and Your love. is back, and Herald’s trumpet is again hid- Forgive my sins and careless wrongs in my struggle den somewhere in this magazine. to do what’s right. In our last contest (Dec. 11 World Thank You for being understanding and kind when it comes to the human plight. Edition) the three winners were Keaton Help me to have a forgiving spirit when it comes to making amends, Smith from Altamonte Springs, Florida; And help me to remember when to say no when it comes to the crowd and Briana Sullivan from Granada Hills, to friends. California; and Eric Armstrong from Keep Satan away, delivering us from sin, so that we may see the way, Franklin, Tennessee. Keaton, Briana, For Yours is my heart, the world, and all, and I long to be with You someday. and Eric received an official Guide My life is Yours, to the All-powerful One, the glory is Yours with no end. water bottle. May You come again soon to take us home, and until that time—amen. Where was Herald’s trumpet? In the —Becky Jarnes, senior, Mount Pisgah Academy, Candler, North Carolina cartoon on page 7—the Give & Take page. How about that! If you can find the trumpet this time, send a postcard telling us where to: Herald’s WE NEED YOU Trumpet at the Give & Take address below. The prize is Guide’s Greatest Stories, Send Give & Take submissions to . . . Give & Take, Adventist Review, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, compiled by Randy Fishell. Silver Spring, MD 20904; Fax: 301-680-6638; E-mail: [email protected]. Please Have fun searching—and keep trumpet- include phone number. Submissions will not be returned. ing Jesus’ love through 1998 and beyond!

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 15, 1998 (71) 7 COVER STORY Lions and Tigers and Bears

Getting in step with the God of variety

BY JON PAULIEN

The following is excerpted from an address at a recent church- driving my car through Kruger National Park in South planting conference. We have retained the elements of the oral Africa. And while a lion sighting on the road is noteworthy delivery.—Editors. even in Kruger, the animals are totally free to roam, and it’s people who are in cages—four-wheeled cages. It’s amazingly common to see elephants, baboons, or zebras crossing the FEW DAYS AGO I WAS road, and lions are not unexpected. This experience underlined for me two realities that I’d driving along, and I saw some- like to emphasize: 1. We have entered a time in history during which thing strange up ahead—some- there seem to be no universal solutions. Circumstances alter cases. We are unlikely to find any set strategy for reach- thing I’d never seen on the road ing secular people or even for planting churches. General principles? Yes. But principles that need to be applied with a before. As I approached, the breathtaking flexibility that will scare the daylights out of many Seventh-day Adventists. It’s a time for flexibility such Aobject of attention gradually came into focus. You may find as we have never seen before. 2. God loves variety. As Bill Hybels likes to say, “God is this hard to believe, but it was a lioness and her cub walking a variety junkie.” When you think of elephants, lions, rhi- noceroses, hyenas, hippos, koalas, platypuses, to name only a down the road toward me. few animals, you come to realize that God is extremely cre- ative and that He loves variety almost to a fault. It was like “Whoa, roll up the windows!” But the lioness We haven’t even begun to consider acted as if I were not even there and led her cub right past birds, fish, plants, or my car. This was certainly a new experience for me. even Now, if you had been me, what would you have done? styles Called the police? the zoo? the dog catcher? Or maybe just kept of driving to see if there were any other animals out there. plan- There is no right answer to this quiz, at least not yet. The ets answer depends on the circumstances. You see, I wasn’t all and that surprised to see two lions on the road—because I was stars.

8(72) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 15, 1998 And while I gain this from an earthly beautiful shining images, but vicious to 15 years, I became aware that the experience, I believe it to be scriptural carnivorous beasts that were destroying church had had virtually no impact as well. his people. on the surrounding community. Consider the fact that there are four Even for God there’s no set way to Instead, evangelism in that church Gospels. This tells us these same two reveal Himself. God Himself recog- was drawing mostly from neighbor- things. First, there is no set way to pro- nizes that the principles of flexibility hoods two to three miles down the claim the gospel. Second, God loves and variety are critical in dealing road—ethnic neighborhoods: Black, variety. Not even an inspired writer can with people. Hispanic, Asian, etc. And in those tell the story of Jesus in such a way that neighborhoods were many large it needs no retelling in other forms or hen I look back on my past churches between 200 and 1,000 in other words. That’s why there are 20 years I have discovered members. My church had been simply four Gospels in the New Testament. Wthat even though there is reaping what others were already Let me underline the point from the still hair on my head, I’m a lot like reaping. Old Testament as well. God gave the Charlie Brown. You remember Charlie So I began to ask myself: What is same vision to two people: a pagan king Brown—very slow on the uptake. the problem? Why are Caucasian peo- and a Hebrew prophet. I’m speaking of That’s me. Very slow on the uptake. I ple so hard to reach with the gospel? Daniel 2 and 7. God is incredibly flexi- look at my history and realize that God Why was it that in New York City at ble; He meets people where they are. To was trying to teach me all along what that time, of the more than 20,000 the pagan king Nebuchadnezzar, God took me 20 years to begin to learn. Seventh-day Adventists, fewer than portrays the future in terms of an idol. 300 belonged to the majority culture? Why not? For Nebuchadnezzar the Reaching Secular New Yorkers Since progress among Caucasians was nations were bright, shining representa- I began pastoring in New York City— not being made, I developed the mis- tions of the gods they worshiped. To the secular cocapital with Hollywood. I taken idea that it might be a somewhat Daniel, though, the nations were not was given a church that had formerly been racial thing—that somehow Whites an ethnic church—a German church— were more secular and maybe some of and there were still German-speaking the ethnic groups were by definition people. So the conference felt that I less secular. So I began to wrestle with might be somewhat useful there, that question—How could I bridge the since I do speak two languages. The gap? How could I begin to reach some church was in a German community of those secular people? that had gone through some changes Meanwhile, in 1978 the conference but was still largely Caucasian, now came up with an idea that was my first mostly English-speaking. exposure to church planting. On a But as I reviewed the history of map of New York City they identified evangelism in that church over the 10 Caucasian neighborhoods of previous 10 250,000-plus people with no ISC Adventist pres- D

ence. HOTO © P HOTO P

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 15, 1998 (73) 9 Our goal was to start planting churches have a window of oppor- in each of these. One or two plants tunity for sharing Reve- were actually attempted and were very lation in the secular traditional in nature. At least one of community. Because those is still alive today. of Waco, movies like From time to time big-name evan- The Terminator, and gelists would come to our conference people like The and harangue the pastors with their Artist Formerly success and our failure. They would Known as Prince, say, in effect, “If only you would work there is suddenly an a little harder, you would have success interest in the book in these areas as well.” But I noticed of Revelation in the that when they came, they avoided secular community.) those 10 areas. They always held their So I began to realize fastest- meetings in places in which the moving city numbers were predictable and where on earth. A high per- no impact was made on my commu- centage of New Yorkers are nity. overscheduled, overcommit- I remember asking one of these Generally the ted, and totally stressed out. leading Adventist evangelists, “Can So a series of lessons was devel- you name one Caucasian church in traditional package oped called Power to Cope—Bible North America that is implement- study guides for dealing with stress. ing and succeeding at what you’ve does not seem to As people came on the vans for just suggested?” He didn’t know of blood pressure checks, they’d be one. asked, “Would you be interested in be reaching the Bible study guides that help people Discovery: Targeting deal with stress?” And 85 to 87 I began wrestling with the issue secular audience. percent of the people accepted. and studying and praying, and I One day the van parked on Wall came up with a topic that secular Street—the main street of secular New Yorkers would be interested in: that felt needs are crucial in reaching America: 242 people came on the longevity and vitality. Then I began out to secular people: Meet the people van, and 242 people accepted Bible trying to figure out how I would pre- where they are. Guess what, the New lessons! It must have been a really sent the Adventist message in the con- Testament was into that 2,000 years bad day on Wall Street, but it was text of health, longevity, etc. We made ago: Meet the people where they are. becoming clear that secular people up 9,000 brochures that said “Call for But to me that was a new insight, and could be reached when they were met Life” and targeted (my first experience I began to realize that if we could latch at the point of their felt need. with targeting groups) the neighbor- on to something that was unique to hoods closest to our church. Seven- New York, maybe we could reach peo- Not About Race . . . ty-five people came; it was very ple on a large scale. Meanwhile, a real good friend who exciting. They were all Caucasian It was around this time that New was pastoring in the Northeastern Con- English-speaking. We worked with York City was beginning what became ference invited me to help him with a that group and had some success. known as the “van ministry.” The tent effort in Crown Heights, an ethnic The next year I received a special members would go out in vans and neighborhood just five miles from my appropriation from the conference, meet secular people on the streets— church. For three weeks we pitched a and we said, “Let’s really hit the neigh- taking their blood pressure and offering tent there, and we baptized 83 people. borhood.” This time we sent out them a Bible study. Out of 100 New In contrast, I had pushed this longevity 62,000 invitations. It was a Revelation Yorkers who’d come on the van for a thing for nine months, three or four Seminar, and seven people came. blood pressure check, three to five nights a week, and baptized 12. [Laughter.] That was my first clue that were taking Bible studies. Not bad. One day my friend called me to topic and audience may not always go So some folk got together and asked gloat a bit and ask what was wrong together. the question “What is the number-one with me. I began to share with him my (Let me just say, as an aside, that as issue in New York City? What is the insights on secular thought. Suddenly a specialist in the book of Revelation felt need above all other felt needs?” It he stopped and said, “Wait a minute. It I’m delighted to share with you my was obvious once we thought of it: just hit me. Those 83 we baptized— conviction that at the present time we stress. New York is probably the not one of them was an American.”

10 (74) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 15, 1998 Every one was from Haiti or Jamaica focusing on needs, they can be reached some services for us. By youth, we’re ISC

D and had arrived in the past two or in surprising numbers. talking 14 through 19. And they began

HOTO three years. After coming to the seminary I to plan the worship service, developing

© P His mouth was open, my mouth was received the opportunity from the Gen- skits to go with it, occasionally even open, and it hit me. I said, “You know, eral Conference Committee on Secular- preaching—although I or one or two HOTO P Jim, it’s no different in the Black com- ism to do research on reaching secular others usually did the preaching. A fas- munity. You get a little money; you get people. It was in that research that I cinating thing happened: in a matter of settled; you have a decent neighbor- hammered out the basic outlines of the three or four months attendance went hood. Secularization is just as real as it outreach principles relating Adventism from 65 to an average of 140. One Sab- is in any other community.” to secular people. And my understand- bath the count was 170. I knew some- It began to dawn on me that this ing has not deviated a whole lot in the thing had really changed when I was not about race or ethnicity, that 12 or 13 years since then. arrived at 9:15 a.m. and there wasn’t a secularization was across the board, In sharing this research, I discov- space anywhere in the parking lot. and that there was a vast variety of tar- ered to my surprise that Seventh-day That’s 15 minutes before Sabbath get audiences even within an ethnic Adventists are hungry for the lost. school was scheduled to begin! group. About 90 percent of the church Slow on the uptake. But God was in full support of the youth kept teaching me. takeover. To make it even better, we The first Sabbath I attended my Churches were granted with a pastor who was church in New York City, 45 peo- the best of the nine by far—someone ple were sitting there. I know now have genes, ideally suited for the situation. that I didn’t have a clue what I was But the personality clashes and doing, but somehow, by the grace of temperaments, the divisions in the church began to God, three and a half years later 170 increase. And the deadlock resulted people were attending. Most of the in the death of a dream. It wasn’t baptisms in those years were Cau- and psychological what anybody wanted. There is no casian and male. I’m not sure why I one in particular to blame, but the attracted mostly men, because that’s histories just as division, the mixed commitments, very unusual, but God was in it. the slight differences of vision—for And the new people brought cre- individuals do. some reason we couldn’t pull it ativity in leadership and energized together. And today my church is everything that was going on. about where it was before—atten- What did I learn during those years? Often the lost are in their own fami- dance of about 60 to 70 for Sabbath, I learned that traditional evangelism lies, if nothing else. This seminar on with a lot of people wondering if they was not working with my target audi- reaching secular people seems to burn should be someplace else. ence. And with exceptions, I think with fire wherever it goes on six conti- I don’t know why we had to go that it probably still is generally true. I nents now. I developed it with North through that. But I have to sit down suspect that part of the genius of NET America in mind, but from Africa, and say, “What is there to learn?” ’95 and NET ’96 is that some secular from Asia, from Australia, people are I learned that even good pastors and people may be attracted more to a saying, “This connects. This is what the best intentions can be a real barrier video presentation than to a live we are experiencing too.” to growth—because if somehow the pas- speaker because they spend much more tor’s vision and the vision of the church time with video than they do with live Clashes at the Local Church are even slightly apart, if everyone starts experts. So we may be seeing some During these past 16 years I’ve been insisting that their way is the only way, interesting further dynamics there. a layperson in a local church. It has the thing can crash even with the best But I still find generally the tradi- been a whole new perspective for me. of abilities and the best of intentions. tional package does not seem to be In those 16 years we have had nine Churches have genes, temperaments, reaching the secular audience—with pastors and two significant periods of and psychological histories just as indi- exceptions, of course. church growth. Both of them took viduals do. Churches have genes— I learned, however, that secular place during periods between pastors. I pastors have them; members have people could be reached where they don’t mean the least disrespect to any them; administrators have them. It’s were. They needed to be reached by of those pastors; I’m just observing real! And when the genes and psycho- focusing on their needs. By listening. what took place. logical histories don’t match, the thing And evangelism for secular people On one of these occasions we got often doesn’t fly. begins with listening, not with talking. a little tired of guest speakers and invit- In an age of variety and the need Through variety, flexibility, listening, ed the youth to see if they could do for flexibility, competence alone is not

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 15, 1998 (75) 11 the answer. Somehow the system needs to force anyone to go against their But church plants do not occur to foster genetic matching and cell conscience. without opposition. The exciting call division. A good outreach for secular I have learned, for example, that it to a fresh approach to mission will people is not enough. The church is unwise to try to make large changes attract the best and the brightest from environment is critical to both growth in worship style or in a church’s per- existing churches. This will tempt peo- and retention. And where you have a ception of mission, even when it ple in the existing church to see mixed commitment, where there is would be a positive change for many. church planting as a power game or division, it leads to a muddled mission Too many souls are troubled; too many even as a threat to the cause of God. and, in the end, discouragement. hearts are broken. The world has They will be tempted to burden with enough tears already. I appeal to those accusations and innuendo the lives of The Answer who have a passion for reaching secu- those bravely leaving comfortable The answer to the problem of church venues for the uncertainty of church temperament was church new plants. Leaving a comfortable planting, but I didn’t get it yet. And institutional setting is never easy— our church didn’t get it at that point It is unfair to and it is often made unnecessarily in time either. hard by bitter and endless criticism. It was shortly afterward that I wrench a church I appeal to those who prefer life sat down to write a book—kind of in more traditional churches not to a brave thing for Charlie Brown to away and say, hedge the way of others, but to seize do after all those failures. I wasn’t the opportunity to achieve real really sure what I was saying yet in greatness. The greatest statement this book (Present Truth in the Real “You’ve had your ever made by a human being was World), but in the process of writ- made by John the Baptist: “He must ing I stumbled onto something crit- day; now it’s increase, but I must decrease” (John ical: Change is a very wrenching 3:30). That was the height of experience for most people, even our turn.” human expression. Outside of Jesus when the results are positive. I Himself, no human being ever

ISC learned that it is unfair to try to reached such a high level as John D wrench a lar people and for planting churches to the Baptist when he said that. HOTO church away have compassion on those who do not. © P from those Coercion and force are tools of Satan, ’m thrilled that my slow-on-the- HOTO

P who have even when exerted in a good cause. It uptake book has played a part in set- given is a terrible thing to force people to go Iting a climate within Seventh-day decades of against their consciences. Adventism for both secular outreach faithful service It’s far better to start up a fresh and also church planting. And I suspect to it, even if congregation with a clear target and that the movement has progressed to they are only 10 mission than to try to change a the point where it has passed me by. I percent of the church set in its ways for generations. was slow learning, and I’ll always be current body. It is Planting new churches accomplishes slow learning, but God’s hand is still on unfair to wrench a so many things that could have saved the wheel. He will finish this work with church away from me from this learning curve. It grows or without our cooperation. But if we where it has been the kingdom of God, which had been are willing to learn from Him and to and say, “You’ve had my goal all along. It meets people follow wherever He leads, we will dis- your day; now it’s our where they are, which is what God cover that the best days of this church turn.” Having a does. It circumvents the problem of are still ahead of us. ■ church temperament genes by providing a way for every and history imprint- gene to reach out to its companion in Jon Paulien is a professor of ed in the corporate a lost world. New church plants New Testament at the genes means that would allow every Seventh-day Seventh-day Adventist maintaining the sta- Adventist to reach people they are Theological Seminary at tus quo has become a uniquely equipped to reach. Church Andrews University, and matter of conscience, planting allows for flexibility. There’s author of Present Truth in the Real even where biblical no set solution. There is not one way World and What the Bible Says About requirements are not to be a church. You’ve got to sit the End-time. at stake. And it is down and carve out your own core a terrible thing values as a group.

12 (76) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 15, 1998 THE X-CHANGE The Church: ALLAN AND DEIRDRE MARTIN Clubhouse or Community?

hen our daughter moved away from home, In contrast, a church endeavors to embody Christ and she put in a request for transfer to the His ministry in all aspects of its function. A church seeks new church she started attending. Her out people and embraces new faces as part of the family. home church recommended her transfer, Acceptance oozes from such communities, and the world but her new church turned her down on takes notice. We are repeatedly challenged by Stanley Wthe grounds that they “didn’t know her very well.” We at Hauerwas’s task definition of a community of character: her home church felt like we had been slapped “The social ethical task of the church, therefore, is to be in the face, and so did she. She stopped the kind of community that tells rightly the story of Jesus. attending that church and has since . . . We, no less than the first Christians, are the continua- started attending another—but has tion of the truth made possible by God’s rule. never again requested to be We continue this truth when we see transferred. My daughter was that the struggle of each to be hurt and humiliated, and I’m faithful to the gospel is essen- REWS C angry. How can a church turn tial to our own lives. I under- Y ERR

down a request for membership stand my own story through T when another church recom- seeing the different ways in BY

mends the transfer? My daugh- which others are called to be TION ter is a good girl. To my knowl- His disciples. If we so help one LLUSTRA edge she’s never done anything another, perhaps, like the early I worthy of this embarrassment. This needs an answer. Christians when challenged about the viability of their faith, we can say, ‘But see how we Allan and Deirdre reply: love one another.’” * Your pain and frustration over this event is completely The contrasts between clubhouses and communities is understandable. clear, although they may both have a Seventh-day But in order to prevent a bad situation from becom- Adventist church sign out front. Maybe the former needs ing worse, there may also be an opportunity in all of to post a “members only” placard out front to save us all this for you to encourage her to seek clearer answers some grief. about the reasons her request for transfer was turned down. Has she spoken with the pastor or head elder of Welcome to 1998! Thanks to all who shared your questions the church? Have they given her any further explana- and letters with us last year. Your questions and comments make tion of their decision? X-CHANGE relevant and challenging. Send us your questions Encouraging your daughter to seek reconciliation with about young adult life, Christian lifestyle, and Generation X cul- the church leaders who appear to have offended her is the ture to: The X-CHANGE, Adventist Review, 12501 Old biblical way (see Matt. 18:15-17) and holds the greatest Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600; or via E-mail chance for promoting healing. to [email protected]. Having said that, we are also frustrated that incidents like this are not as rare as they ought to be. Given your * Stanley Hauerwas, A Community of Character: Toward a Constructive Christian Social Ethic (Notre Dame, Ind.: University of Notre Dame Press). account, that group seems far more like a clubhouse than a church. Clubhouses are inclined toward keeping a select member- Allan and Deirdre Martin are cofounders of ship. They have their own codes and secret handshakes, and a dre.am VISION ministries, which strives to language that they alone understand. Their screening process empower young people in Christian lifestyle is very stringent, and in many ways an ethos of “keeping and leadership. others out” blares as the prominent goal of a clubhouse.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 15, 1998 (77) 13 THEOLOGY

God Is Not Shocking as it may sound, it’s true. And I want to tell you why.

BY JEFF BROMME

SUSPECT THAT OF ALL CREATION, is a cause-and-effect relationship between their conduct and their circumstances. But we consider it very unfair indeed human beings stand alone in fashioning the con- when innocent people are imprisoned.

cept of fairness. Whereas instinct, breeding, and ur very strong sense that circumstances should fol- low from conduct presents difficulties in our spiritual the quest for survival largely explain the actions of Olife. We are challenged and at times overcome by the prevalence of random pain, suffering, death, and animals, humans conceptualize intangible values heartache. If there is a God, we wonder, how could these cir- cumstances exist? We consider the circumstances unfair Iby which we govern our behavior. And one of the most pow- because we see no relationship between them and the con- duct of those who suffer in them. And we cannot reconcile erful of these values is the concept of fairness. such profound unfairness (as we have defined it) with our concept of a just God. We are thus tempted either to disbe- When we speak of something being fair in human lieve the existence of God or to turn from Him. experience, we often mean that there is a cause-and-effect You may be expecting me now to state that God is fair and relationship between a person’s conduct and his or her that these suspicions we have of His unfairness are unfounded. circumstances. Where we cannot trace circumstances However, quite to the contrary, I would like to suggest that back to conduct, we frequently sense unfairness. God is very unfair indeed. However, I believe His unfairness Consider some specific examples. When a drunk driver may have two aspects, which I will explain in a moment. careens off the road, runs into a tree, and kills themselves, Of the two, Scripture contains a more explicit explana- most people do not consider that unfair. Unfortunate, yes. tion of what I will call the first aspect of His unfairness Tragic, yes. But probably not unfair. Which is not to say than it does of the second. And perhaps the initial step in that we think it fair that all drunk drivers should be killed; accepting or even in understanding the second aspect of only that when it happens, we do not consider it unfair. But His unfairness is to view it through the prism of the first. if on their way to the tree the drunk runs over a little child, Put another way, we cannot grapple with the second we consider the fate of the child to be very unfair. We do aspect of His unfairness unless we view it alongside the not consider it unfair that a person convicted of murder first. Archaeologists who photograph their discoveries often should spend the rest of their days in prison, for here there place a wooden measuring rod in the photo so that when

14 (78) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 15, 1998 MODIFIED Y ALL IGIT / D ISC D HOTO © P HOTO P they return home and display their hat is the first aspect of placed His ring upon our finger and photographs, the size of the discovery God’s unfairness—the aspect killed the fatted calf and gave to us a (and thus sometimes the nature of the Wof which we may capture a place of honor (Luke 15:20-23). While discovery) is indicated. By under- glimmer of understanding from the plan of redemption and the substi- standing one object in the picture— Scripture? It is this: that “while we were tutionary death of Jesus for sinners cer- the measuring rod—the other object, yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. tainly resonate with universal concepts unknown and perhaps confusing, is 5:8). It is this: that while we were yet of justice and fairness, the very decision brought into perspective. afar off, the Father saw us and ran to to set them in motion in the first place greet us and clothed us in His robe and is the supreme example of God’s unfair-

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 15, 1998 (79) 15 ness—His mercy, His love. the second aspect of unfairness without same Figure who will welcome us From cover to cover the Bible also considering the first aspect. someday to an eternal Paradise so teaches in unmistakable language that By embracing the eternal goodness of bright it will outshine every shadow, great spiritual bounty is given to the a gloriously unfair God, we may begin to every sorrow here. righteous because it is God’s pleasure believe Him when He says that some We shall then truly know that this to do so, not because they are deserv- way, someday, somehow, He will right life was but the scarred and battered ing. There is not the slightest bit of every wrong, correct every injustice, dry door through which we quickly passed fairness here at all. Those who work in every tear. We may then believe, in the to the everlasting joy of our Father’s the field for one hour receive the same words of the old farmer, that God does mansion, and we shall never go back reward as those who toil all day (Matt. not balance the books every season, but through that door again. 20:1-16). If there is only one message only at the final harvest. I do not suggest that the perspective in Scripture, it is that our settled con- Does God cause evil, or merely allow of viewing these two aspects of God’s ceptions of conduct and circumstance it? Could He prevent it, or is He pre- unfairness simultaneously will mark the are completely false. The teachings of vented from stopping it by a larger cos- end of our questioning, and I do not sug- Christ radically upset them. Is God mic struggle? Is suffering sent or permit- gest that this perspective would be by fair? No, He is unrelentingly, glori- ted? Does God grudgingly use suffering or itself a satisfactory response to all our ously, exuberantly unfair. This, then, is reluctantly inflict it? Why does He seem questions; at least it is not to mine. It is the first and exalted, divine, sublime to intervene on some occasions and not not the end, but only the beginning. But aspect of God’s unfairness. on others? Why does evil persist? I do believe it is the right place to start. ■ These are difficult, perhaps im- he second aspect is perhaps even possible, questions. But let us remem- Jeff Bromme is an attorney more challenging. It is the ber that the Divine Figure whom we who lives in Falls Church, unfairness we perceive when bad sometimes sense lurking either malevo- T Virginia. things happen to good people. We face lently or impotently in the darkened this struggle every time a loyal, decent shadows of human pain is the very friend is cut down in the middle of life’s passage. (Interestingly enough, and very oddly, if you stop to think about it, we seem less perturbed, less outraged, less offended, when death comes at what we perceive to be the natural end of life.) We face this unfairness when we see the pain of an innocent child. We face it when we contemplate genocide, such as the Holocaust, or in Bosnia, or in Rwanda, or in Cambodia. I would like to suggest that perhaps the very first step out of the fog spread by the unfair tragedy all around us is to view this second unfairness through the prism of the first unfairness. We must view the suffering of this world—ran- dom, cruel, unspeakable, inexplicable— in the same photograph, if you will, with the sublime unfairness of a God who died for us while we were yet sinners. Juxtaposing these two visions, these two aspects of unfairness, is jarring and dissonant. Yet force yourself to look upon the picture. Like the measuring rod in the archaeologist’s photograph, the unfairness of everlasting life in a land far away brings perspective to the confusing and tragic unfairness in this earthly shadow land. In fact, I might go so far as to say we dare not look upon

16 (80) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 15, 1998 ordinary to knowing His will. same walk I have described here,” states Part 2: In “Spiritual Cultural Shock” the author. “Begin to look for God in the Wilson touches on the unusual places he ‘smallest and most ordinary things, as has practiced watching God work in the well as in the greatest.’ . . . Know that lives of others and recognizing God’s part nothing escapes his notice, [that] he is in his own growth. never off duty.” The author takes us with him through ¥MARK¥ the romantic and, at times, not-so-roman- New Children’s Bible for Wee Ones tic courtship of his second wife, Mary. We The Rhyme Bible, relate as he adjusts from being a solitary L. J. Sattgast, man to a family man again. Gold’n’Honey Wilson says, “Do you truly desire to Books, Sisters, Stretching the Soul know God and find Him in the ordinary Oregon, 1996, Learning the Art of Watching God and mundane things of life? There’s no 448 pages, Work better place than in the midst of family.” $17.99, hardcover. Part 3: In “The Long Journey,” watch- Christian par- Ronald E. Wilson, ing God work through pain, the author ents want their Baker Book House, comes to the realization that God is not children to know, Grand Rapids, through with him. He ends with a ques- love, and accept Jesus. How do you help Michigan, 1995, 188 tion for the reader: “Do you know what instill biblical values from the beginning? pages, $9.99, soft you’ve got?” From the Bible, of course. Small children cover. Reviewed by The Epilogue: “My Secret Life as a Bib- ages 3-8 enjoy rhymes. And here they Lainie J. Banks, liophile” could have been called part 4, for are—Bible stories in rhyme from Creation associate pastor, it is a major part of the book. Wilson pro- to Pentecost. After hearing them a num- Macedonia Baptist vides a glimpse of his favorite writers and ber of times, the little ones will often learn Church, Bethesda, Maryland. She and her gives them credit for his spiritual growth them enough to read along. husband live in Gaithersburg, Maryland. as well as the quotes he has used. With 35 stories and fabulous art, This is not a book you pick up and And knowledge that children can onald E. Wilson has writ- read in one sitting. But it is one you hide in their hearts, ten a small book that fits return to time and again, drawing It’s a book kids will love, and parents comfortably in the hand as strength, insight, and encouragement will too, well as the heart. In the as it stretches the soul. For the stories are fun, yet the stories spirit of Barnabas he draws “I want to invite you to begin the are true. Rfrom his own life experiences to give words of encouragement to fellow believers. He begins his “long journey” in the valley of personal loss at the death of his wife, Carole. Wilson makes the rest of the journey pleasurable by his warm sense of humor and credible by the gifted writers he quotes (i.e., A. W. Tozer, John Wesley, Henri Nouwen, and Andrew Murray). He sprin- kles scriptural references throughout the book. The author invites the reader to feel the power that stretches the soul while learning the art of watching God work. Wilson divides the book into three parts, then segments. Each segment (not chapters, since they stand alone and do not bridge one to the other) reveals the lessons the author has learned and brings us closer to seeing God in our everyday activities. Part 1: The author talks about “my first, faint awareness” as he moves from discovering God in the great and the

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 15, 1998 (81) 17 WORLD NEWS & PERSPECTIVES Andrews University Evangelism School Hits the Streets “Jackson 10” Go Door-to-Door for the Lord

BY JACK STENGER, ANDREWS UNIVERSITY PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

here are a lot of doors in It was not just the Andrews students training is that our students’ work meant Jackson, Michigan. Just ask who made contributions toward the field souls won for God’s kingdom.” Matthew Gamble. “Over school’s success. Jackson church mem- “These young people learned and the course of the summer I bers became Jackson 10 “groupies,” hous- saw every kind of experience. We felt like I knocked on ing and feeding the students and giving prayed a lot. We cried a lot. We Tevery one of them,” said the Andrews them encouragement. “The church worked a lot and saw the outpouring of University senior religion major. members really made a difference,” said God’s Spirit,” said Struntz. Gamble and nine other students Raymond Waller, a senior religion major. More than just pastoral ministry got to know the doors, the streets, “They loved us and picked up our spirits lessons were learned at this modern-day and most important, the people of when we felt down.” school of the prophets. Lessons in spiri- Jackson, a city of 37,000 located an tual fortitude were in the curriculum as hour west of Detroit. well. “The whole summer was a learn- Their door-knocking was just one ing experience,” said Waller. part of an elaborate evangelism field Field school directors divided the school that ran from June 12 to August city into seven sectors. Students then 30. The idea was to give future pastors went in pairs to knock on doors and practical training for evangelism, Bible sign up Bible study students. The whole studies, effective preaching, and effort (the group knocked on more than church visitation. 15,000 doors) led to a five-week evan- The religion majors who participated gelistic campaign at summer’s end. called themselves the “Jackson 10.” Door-to-door canvassing might be While their efforts did not produce the tried and true for Adventism, but it lights and pizzazz that their showbiz coun- was new for most members of the terparts of the 1970s did, their “show” Jackson 10. They visited the upscale was a lot more lasting. After all, the Jack- suburbs and the working class inner- son Five was about soul music. AU’s city neighborhoods. On some days Jackson 10 was about soul winning. DOOR-TO-DOOR DISCIPLES: The Jackson 10 these young gospel workers knocked students, some pictured here with field school Even when feet got tired, even on doors from 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. coordinator Keith Mattingly (right, front), when doors got slammed in their knocked on 15,000 doors this past summer. They shared prayers and offered kind faces, students said faith in God kept words. In some homes dusty Bibles them going. “All summer long our The field school was sponsored were pulled from shelves and opened motto was ‘Pass No One By,’” said by the Lake Union Conference, the for the first time in years. Antonio Rodriguez, a senior theology Michigan Conference, and Andrews The students also met indifference. major. “Of course, not everyone is University. All three entities recog- People summoned to a door by a interested. But we wanted to give nize that practical training is an friendly student can find innumerable every person the opportunity to make imperative for students who feel reasons to refuse a set of Real Truth a decision. The rest is up to God.” called to ministry. Bible studies. “I’m all set,” said some. The evangelistic campaign was “Engineers have internships and med- “I go to church down the street.” “No held in the Jackson Adventist church ical students have residencies because thanks.” “I’m Baptist.” “I’m Catholic.”

school, and Ted Struntz, church pas- they need practical training. The field “I already know my Bible.” TENGER S tor and field school coordinator, school gave our students this same type Fifteen thousand doors. City streets. ACK served as evangelist. As a result of the of nuts-and-bolts experience,” said Keith Worn soles. Won souls. These students J BY effort, 11 persons were baptized and Mattingly, assistant professor of religion won’t soon forget the Andrews Jackson HOTO others continue in Bible studies. at Andrews. “The great thing about this 10 Summer 1997 tour. P

18 (82) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 15, 1998 WORLD NEWS & PERSPECTIVES

hits each week, as do churches in Adventist Web Site Handles Texas, Arizona, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Japan. 175,000 Hits a Week But the local church with the most hits is in Ecuador. The church posts the Sabbath School lesson in Spanish BY KERMIT NETTEBURG, NORTH AMERICAN DIVISION COMMUNICATION each week, conducts weekly Sabbath DIRECTOR chats, provides hymns, and is a very n Adventist site on the World Wide Web. popular Web site. They can be found World Wide Web is averag- The growth of TAGnet has at http://www.tagnet.org/ficoa. Aing more than 175,000 hits been phenomenal, according to its per week. The site is host to such president, Sean Carney: “Last Cyber Ministry entities as Hart Research Center, December [1996] we had 100 Another popular site is the Weimar Institute, Three Angels Adventist organizations publishing Cyberspace Ministry, which pro- Broadcasting Network (3ABN), on our service. Now we have more vides computer games containing Adventist-Laymen’s Services and than 320. God is truly blessing. We Adventist Bible studies in a variety Industries (ASI), Cyberspace get visits from around 80 different of languages. These games have Ministry, AdventSource, countries and more than 8,000 dif- been downloaded by thousands of AdventChat, and hundreds of local ferent visitors each week.” people over the Internet. schools and churches. TAGnet provides Web support for The TAGnet ministry is staffed by TAGnet is a supporting ministry in local schools, churches, and confer- several people who work in the com- northern California that provides Web ences, as well as other supporting puter industry and donate all their services and other support for church ministries. The local church in time and expertise. TAGnet can be entities that want a presence on the Buenos Aires, Argentina, has many found at: http://www.tagnet.org.

NEWSBREAK

Second Massacre Erupts slaughtered to put itself back together and reconcile.” on Adventist Campus The Adventist Church operates a program of reconcil- iation. Recovery and reconciliation seminars began Feb- t least 270 Tutsi refugees were massacred at the ruary 1, under the leadership of retired Tutsi pastor Esdras Mudende refugee camp, on the campus of the for- Mpisis, who toured the country with the church’s leader- Amer Seventh-day Adventist university in Rwanda, ship. Church services have provided opportunity for on December 11. The killings follow a previous attack in expressions of repentance and forgiveness, says Rwanda August that left more than 100 dead. Union president Samuel Bimenyimana. The survivors were taken to nearby Gisenyi. Of the “We greatly regret the ongoing violence, which has 227 hospitalized, mainly with machete wounds, many are taken so many lives,” said Lowell Cooper, an associate in critical condition. General Conference secretary. “The violence also pre- The latest massacre is part of a rising tide of violence vents us from restarting our educational work, and ham- between Hutus and Tutsis that plagues Rwanda’s north- pers the humanitarian aid we could provide. It is a ern border with the Congo, as well as Rwanda’s neighbor tragedy not only for all those involved but for the whole to the south, Burundi. country.”—Adventist News Network. After the attack, the guerrillas burned the camp and scattered leaflets preaching genocide. The incident coin- Hawaiian Adventist Serves as State Lawmaker cided with the visit of United States Secretary of State Madeleine Albright to the country. Albright, who was on David A. Pendleton, a Seventh-day a seven-nation tour of Africa at presstime, spoke of the Adventist in Kailua, Hawaii, has been need to do more to achieve national reconciliation in serving in the Hawaii House of Represen- Rwanda. tatives for the past year. Pendleton, a “I think there is clearly room for improvement in the graduate of Andrews University, is only human rights record of Rwanda,” said Albright. “But I the second Adventist in the history of the think it’s also important for us to understand how difficult David Pendleton state to enter elective politics in Hawaii it is for a country that has seen a half million people successfully.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 15, 1998 (83) 19 WORLD NEWS & PERSPECTIVES Breaking Policy

BY ALEX BRYAN, PASTOR, ATLANTA, GEORGIA

ide or walk?” asks the attendant behind the counter different rules than the rest of the players? in the clubhouse. Policy purists would argue an emphatic no. “It’s not within RFor golfers it’s a decision of mere preference: hoof the established rules.” “That’s not the way we do things around it with golf clubs strapped to your back (and pay less), or get here.” “I wish we could change things, but that’s just the way it behind the wheel of a motorized golf cart with golf clubs is.” “If we allowed that change it would destroy the way it’s strapped to its back (and pay more). been since the nineteenth century.” For pro golfer Casey Martin this is a NEWS COMMENTARY I happen to be a walker (and a poor more serious question. He suffers from golfer). But in the case of Martin versus Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome, a the PGA, I side with the rider. How painful circulatory disorder in his lower right leg. For Mar- great might Martin be if we only give him the chance? The tin, walking isn’t an option. However, the PGA (Profession- next Greg Norman? You never know. al Golfers’ Association) requires that all players walk. No Life is full of missed opportunities that come from exceptions. unchanging rules and unbending policies. This is true not For now, a court injunction has forced the PGA to only in sports but in the rest of the secular world and the allow the golfer participation in two January tourna- church. What inventions, what new ideas, what exciting ments. A suit filed by Martin against the PGA (which adventures and successes might be had if we loosened the refuses to change its policy) goes to trial on February grip of regulations that exist solely because “that’s the way 2. Should Martin be permitted to compete under it’s always been”?

NEWSBREAK

He is the youngest Republican to serve in Hawaii and Ukrainian Union, spoke of the positive atmosphere. the first Filipino to be elected from his district, which has “Something especially touching happened on that day,” fewer than two percent registered Filipino voters. said Prolinsky. “Members of the two churches that had opposed each other in the past promised to serve God Ukrainian Breakaway Congregations together, to support unity, and to develop a spirit of toler- Reunite With Seventh-day Adventist Church ance and understanding. People felt a heavenly atmo- sphere that day.” Two congregations of Reform Movement Adventists Reform Adventists from Belgorod-Dnestrovski have reunited with the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the expressed their desire to unite with the church, and there Ukraine. The Reform groups split from the Adventist has been dialogue with three other Reform groups, Church in 1928, and have existed separately since. reports Huff.—Adventist News Network. In ceremonies on October 12 and November 15 the Reform churches of the Danube River in Nikopol and Per- Union College Initiates vomaisk united with the local Adventist churches, reports Physician Assistant Program Barbara Huff, administrative assistant for development at the Euro-Asia Division in Moscow, Russia. In May, Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska, starts “The first step toward reuniting the congregations was the first classes of its new physician assistant program. holding seminars with the Reform pastors,” says Huff. The two-year P.A. program is one of only two such cur- “Another significant step came about when an Adventist riculums offered at Adventist colleges and one of only woman married a Reform pastor. He changed his previous two such programs available in Nebraska. views and was influential in teaching others.” Physician assistants are licensed health-care profes- The two church organizations do not differ widely on sionals who practice medicine under the supervision of a points of doctrine, reports Huff, though the Reform physician. P.A.s provide a broad range of health-care ser- lifestyle is more conservative. vices and often spend extra time counseling patients on Commenting on the reconciliation service, Vladimir ways to stay healthy, according to program director Prolinsky, Global Mission director for the Adventist Michael Huckabee.

20 (84) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 15, 1998 WORLD NEWS & PERSPECTIVES

Did You Know? For Your Good Health

Salvation Army Commands Instant Recognition Depressed Grandparents According to a nationwide poll conducted by the George Undertaking the role of primary caregiver of a grandchild Barna Research group, 100 percent of North Americans rec- nearly doubles the risk of depression in grandparents. ognize the name Salvation Army, and 95 percent think Researchers say women and those who recently assumed favorably of the Army. caregiving responsibilities were more depressed, while For the fifth consecutive year the Salvation Army raised other older respondents in good health were less depressed. more money through private donations—more than $1 bil- —Archives of Family Medicine. lion—than any other group, according to the Chronicle on Philanthropy. The American Red Cross was a distant second, More Bad News About Sugar raising less than half as much. Too much fat and too little fiber in diets have long been However, despite being named “America’s favorite charity” linked to higher risks of colon and rectal cancer. Now in 1996, most people don’t realize that the Salvation Army is research suggests refined sugar may contribute, especially primarily an evangelical church.—Religion News Service. in overweight individuals. An Italian study of nearly 7,000 people showed the more refined sugar subjects ate, the Number of Ordained Southern Baptist Women Grows greater their risk for the two cancers.—Environmental The number of ordained women in the Southern Baptist Nutrition. Convention—which opposes women pastors—has grown to about 1,225, with a quarter of them serving as chaplains. At least 35 percent of the women serve in church staff posi- tions. At least 85 are pastors, with more than 100 associate —“For Your Good Health” is compiled by Larry Becker, editor of Vibrant pastors.—Religion News Service. Life, the church’s health outreach journal. To subscribe, call 1-800-765-6955.

NEWSBREAK

International Campers Honor Adventist Camps LLU Launches New Vegetarian Journal

At a recent convention of Christian Campers Interna- Loma Linda University in Califor- tional/U.S.A. in Florida CCI officials recognized Sev- nia has launched a new periodical enth-day Adventist camps in North America for their that focuses on vegetarian nutrition help with the convention and for having the most orga- issues. Each issue of Vegetarian Nutri- nized denominational camping association. tion and Health Letter will include a During the ceremony CCI president Bob Kobielush feature article on a cutting-edge paid a major com- topic written by leading nutrition pliment to the experts, as well as reports on the lat- church when he est research. told the delegates, “Up to now, no university-associated publication has “If you want to do exclusively focused on vegetarian issues,” says Patricia it right in camp- Johnson, associate dean of the LLU School of Public ing, do it the way Health. “With the number of vegetarians on the rise, the the Seventh-day need is greater than ever for accurate information pre- Adventists do it.” sented in a way that is easy to understand and that con- Willie Oliver, sumers can use in practical ways.” North American CHRISTIAN CAMPERS: CCI U.S.A. presi- dent Bob Kobielush (center) presents an Division camp What’s Upcoming award to NAD camping director Willie ministries direc- Oliver (right) and Gulf States camping tor, presented Jan. 17 Bible Emphasis Day leader Bill Wood. Kobielush with a Jan. 17-24 Religious Liberty Week new food service Jan. 24 Health Ministries Day director curriculum and assistant food service director Feb. 7 Bible Evangelism curriculum. Feb. 14-21 Christian Home and Marriage Week

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 15, 1998 (85) 21 FEATURE Post- rumblings Adventists share their thoughts on youth and young adult involvement.

Andy Nash’s “Ready to Rumble” (October NAD Edition), That way you can be totally in charge—of the music, the which argued that nontraditional youth and young adults in the methods, the transportation needs, the recruiting of helpers, North American Division were being underutilized, included an the facilities, the finances, any failures, everything.—Eileen invitation for readers to share their perspectives. Excerpts from 10 Glass, via E-mail. of the 50-plus responses appear here.—Editors. too am a young adult (age 32) who is fitting in well f we hesitate too long, Generation X, as the baby with the Adventist tradition. My quiet, analytical boomers did before them, will make a mass exodus Ipredisposition seems to fit quite well in our church (I Ito where they do have a voice in creating their am an elder) because a high percentage of our members are future. Our leadership has suggested that we entice them such. Yet I’ve noticed that this makes it hard for other types with a “piece of the pie,” but what part do we give—the of people to fit in.—Dean Willis, Shelton, Washington. crust? Give them the best and eat it with them. We must offer leadership roles, committee participation, and substan- want the youth to become involved, if only they tial local church involvement. What are we scared of—that would. I cannot count the many times I have sat on these young people will show us up? —K. Calvin White, Inominating committees and asked the youth to take Houston, Texas. an office and been refused. It seems that they want not just a piece of the pie, but the whole pie. All or nothing at all— here are many places other than Global Mission only they expect the “old” people to pay for the pie and then needing help in “serving the dinner.” Take small reward them for taking it. T churches, for instance. Our district of three small I think Ellen White said it very wisely when she said our churches includes the following positions filled by persons in youth need to be “rightly trained.” The problem is that they their 20s: school board chair, personal ministries director, and don’t want to be rightly trained. They want to do the train- head Sabbath school superintendent. All of these positions ing in what they think it ought to be. Too many of them put them automatically on the church board. There, as a piece don’t want the counsel of wiser heads, some of whom have of the pie, they can help make such exciting decisions as been down the road a few years and have experienced some whether to install satellite equipment for evangelistic seminars of the bumps. Maybe some of them will have to learn what and whether the new roof shingles should be tan or gray! it took some of us 20 years to learn (I hope not so long)— We need our young people. I don’t know what we would that God’s way is best after all, and the counsel He has given do without them. If there are young adult Adventists saying is at least worthy of our consideration. “I don’t live in an area where there are small churches,” I As a former member of a progressive jazz quartet, I am suggest finding a town or neighborhood where there are no just as “hip” as I have ever been, though I hope much more Adventist churches and starting a branch Sabbath school. Christlike. I can still tickle the ivories, but I refuse to bring

22 (86) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 15, 1998 forth an unholy melody from the piano. I want to introduce centage of us are involved in various capacities in our people to Christ, whom to know is “life eternal.” But to church, including the board.—Sandra Smith, age 29, head introduce Him to others, I have to know Him for myself. elder, Boston Temple Seventh-day Adventist Church. That is my prayer for every member of God’s remnant peo- ple.—Alfred Webb, Redlands, California. few years ago, after graduating from college, I dis- covered Jesus as my Saviour and friend. I could don’t think that we give the younger generation (I Anot help responding to Him with real enthusiasm, am 34) the opportunity to fail. We are so concerned rejoicing in my newfound King. My joy and zeal found its Iwith what kids might do that we limit what we let fulfillment in music. I wanted to exalt God through playing them do. Kids are not stupid, and they will certainly learn the piano and singing harmony with other voices. The music and grow through failure. I liked Nash’s idea about waiting a that I identified with was new and alive. Many times it was year to cast judgment. In the meantime, we must keep two- loud and triumphal; other times it was emotionally powerful. way communication open so they can feel OK about asking I knew that God was calling me to worship Him completely questions and learning. Kids will listen when we allow them in Spirit and in truth. to ask questions. Give kids enough rope to hang themselves, I was so excited about sharing my gifts in my local and nine times out of 10 they will produce something beau- church. My wife and I committed ourselves to every facet of tiful out of the rope! ministry that we were asked to be a part of. We believed that A last point: Adventist colleges work hard to keep track God had called us here and was leading us. of alumni to make sure they give money. Maybe the colleges Unfortunately, there were people with influence who could communicate with pastors about who is new to their didn’t want us to use our gifts unless we were doing it exactly area so the pastors can seek them out.—Troy Beans, Love- as they wanted. In the middle of a song they would close the land, Colorado. lid of the piano. They would walk out of a service when I and two other young men asked the congregation to join us y generation seems to have forgotten that this in singing songs like “Hosanna,” “Sanctuary,” and “I Belong church was founded by young people—and that to a Mighty God.” Finally these people led a church board M youth are still ready to serve today. It seems that vote to ban any type of music that involved keyboards, bass we have also forgotten that women played a major role in guitars, and lyrics projected onto a screen. founding this church. In fact, Nash could have substituted Frankly, I’m just tired. After 10 years of commitment, I’m “women” for “youth” in his article and described the situa- tired. I beg God to give me continued strength to maintain tion pretty much the way it has been since Ellen White’s my first love. I ache with a desire to have these people death.—Patricia A. Habada, Ph.D., assistant director, General accept my gifts and rejoice that I have dedicated them to Conference Sabbath School/Personal Ministries Department. God. I am angry with frustration in seeing others my age drift from the church. his morning during earliteen Sabbath school (I’m a I don’t believe I am the only one in these circumstances. leader) a guest asked the kids what they could do I live in a small, poor conference. There are no funds for T to be part of their church. Various responses were specific young adult ministries. There are no churches within given, then one of the kids said, “Preach the sermon.” 200 miles that offer even a slightly different worship style “Yes,” said the guest, “but maybe later when you are and attitude.—Name Withheld. older.” Well, that’s all it took for me. Toward the end of our pro- s a fellow student I understand the difficulties gram I asked the kids if they would really like to do an faced by my peers. But if we would put self aside entire church service, including the sermon. They did. Aand look for opportunities to further the cause of I’ve been struggling with my leadership role in the earli- God, we would find that there is no hurdle that cannot be teen division, wondering if my participation was really mak- overcome. ing a difference. But this experience helped me realize that I I’d also like to ask the youth to take a hard look at why do have gifts in working with the kids in nontraditional we are at such odds with the older generation. Could it be ways, and I’m recommitted to assisting them in service.— that the “old-timers” we think don’t understand us actually Name Withheld. do? Don’t you think they faced these problems when they were young? Yet because of their experience they realize that he Boston Temple Seventh-day Adventist Church only those who are following God’s plan of order will really is proof that when we are taken seriously, we take help this church.—Doug Randolph, sophomore religion major, T our church seriously. Under the spiritual guidance Hartland College, Rapidan, Virginia. and their belief in us, pastors Hyveth Williams, Amado Luzbet, and our caring church members laid the foundation for what is now a very active young adult ministry, called TEAM (Together Experiencing a Ministry). A large per-

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 15, 1998 (87) 23 P ARABLES OF THE KINGDOM

They wanted answers, so He told them a story.

After another twitch of his forehead, he peered beneath his bushy brows at the horizon and spotted

BY SARAH COLEMAN a spot of disappearing dust. e dry-dust swallows and turns to James, (Yes, he was sure, Thomas.) trudging beside him on the ditched Instead of turning to flee, this man Hroad to Jericho. continued “What was your question? onward. His donkey breathed like a gale on Galilee Ah, yes. ‘Who will be the greatest?’ and plodded like a crowd “Let me see . . . in Capernaum. Finally he reached the horizon and spotted man once traveled this very road. a spot Tired was he. of fading humanity in the road. A(Yes, like you, Peter.) It was nearly naked, its loincloth caked with dirt And lonely. His turban settled lower and lower and blood. over his sand-stung eyes. This man had been attacked on the road. (Yes, like yours, Judas.) (Yes, this very road, John.)

24 (88) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 15, 1998 (No, Peter Now (Y The travelerwasaSamaritan! Gasp! the travelerpulledhisgratefuldonkeytoastop. The mandr fast away leading His donkey’ man’ He keptonehandonthe and itsunconsciousload. he walkedbesidethedonkey All thepoundingway (Y the fl In onepainfulheave,hethr that limpfor he strainedhisscr Like awomanliftingheronlychildforthefi And hehear and puthissweatyearnexttotheman’ in thatditch and hands He gotdownonhisknees es, likethewell-woman,Philip.) ou’ll see,Thomas.) , whatshouldhedo? s sunbur y-snor . , hedidn’ ting donkey’ ew abr s tracksmingledwithhumanprints m. d life. ned backand heldhiminplace. eaming ar eath andcoughedupatoothas t dothat.) , s back. ms ar ew theHebr ound s crackedlips. ew acr rst time, oss ADVENTIST REVIEW in Ber work asar Sarah Colemanistakingabr W ‘Whaddya want?’ At theinn’ (Y and cleansedhiswounds. in oilandwater W (Y and gaveitawayforthatunconsciousstranger two sweat-wonpiecesofsilver his life— and pulledout Because Heloved.” (Y because Heloved. just didit He justdidit, But then,theSamaritandidn’ (No, never The Hebr He kepttravelingonthatnar The Samaritan? “What? es, hetouchedhim,Matthew es, thatbloo es, James.That’ or ith theotherhewetacloth dlessly themanr rien Springs,Michigan. ecr ew neverpaidhimback. , Judas.) uiter forAdventistFr s door d-caked Hebr , ahot,r , JANUAR s youranswer eached intohistravelbag eak fr ed facegr om collegeto ontier Missions ew Y 15,1998 r , t expectpayment. ow r , Thaddaeus.) .) .) oad. eeted them. (89) . 25

I LLUSTRATION BY TERRY CREWS HERITAGE

The Ghost Mrs. White

BY ROGER W. COON

N 1974, RUTH hinted at something she Montgomery, the would substantially world’s foremost enlarge upon in a later female writer about edition concerning psychic Satan’s evil spirits and Iphenomena,1 wrote to a Christ’s apostles: recent Seventh-day “Satan assigns each Adventist convert, telling one of his angels their him that she &had just part to act. He enjoins received a message from upon them to be cun- Ellen White. ning, artful, and sly. He Ellen White (who died instructs some of them in 1915, almost 60 years to act the part of the earlier) was alleged to apostles, and speak for have reported from “the them. . . . All this other side,” through the teaching purporting to agency of a “spirit guide,” be from apostles . . . that she now had changed comes [instead] directly her mind about what she from his Satanic had written about the majesty. . . . state of mankind in death “Here [in spiritual- in her religious classic, The ism] is a channel wholly Great Controversy. devoted to himself, This well-known vol- under his control, and ume initially appeared in he can make the world 2 1858, under the title Spiri- believe what he will.” ISC D tual Gifts, Volume 1, a In 1884, this earlier modest work of just 219 219-page work was HOTO © P pages. In chapter 30, “Spir- expanded into a four- HOTO

itualism,” Ellen White volume set of 1,706 P

26 (90) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 15, 1998 pages, with the series title The Spirit of Intrigued, Ruth Montgomery began lead “spiritual Babylon” (including Prophecy. In Volume 4 (which in 1888 reading the book. And on April 17, “the leading churches in the United and 1911 would be reissued under the 1974, she wrote to the donor, express- States”) to unite against God’s com- title The Great Controversy) Ellen ing appreciation for his “most gener- mandment-keeping people.10 White wrote more fully concerning ous” gift. Earlier that same morning No wonder, then, that Satan satanic strategy just before the end: she had herself been involved in an doesn’t want humankind to be aware “The apostles, as [impersonated] by automatic writing session. of his deceptive devices—especially these lying spirits, are made to contra- (In automatic writing the subject this major eschatological event! dict what they wrote [in the Scrip- takes either pen or pencil in hand, or Several other things in the Mont- tures] at the dictation of the Holy places the fingertips on a typewriter or gomery letter are of more Spirit when on earth. They deny the computer keyboard, then shifts the than passing interest. divine origin of the Bible, and thus mind into a meditative, contemplative In the first place its author capitalized tear away the foundation of the Christ- stance, and allows the writing instru- the word “Guides,” the buzzword gener- ian’s hope, and put out the light that ment, in effect, to write on its own, ally used by psychics to identify their reveals the way to heaven.” 3 producing whatever coherent—and spirit-world messengers. In contempo- No one is certain whether or not verifiable—message the spirit guide rary American stylebooks, such capital- Ellen White also predicted that her may wish to communicate at that par- ization is customarily employed for ref- own “spirit” would return in similar ticular moment.)6 erences to a deity. Significantly, Isaiah, fashion to “revise” portions of the more The message that came to Ruth 700 years before Christ, reported a blas- than 100 books that presently make up Montgomery that morning of April 17 phemous declaration by Lucifer prior to her writings now available in English. was startling. She reported, “Oddly his fall in heaven: But in 1974 a most remarkable event enough, in the automatic writing ses- “I will ascend into heaven, I will did transpire, under unusual circum- sion this morning the Guides brought exalt my throne above the stars of God: stances. Here’s the fascinating back- me a communication which said, ‘The I will sit also upon the mount of the ground: woman White who wrote the book you congregation, in the sides of the north: Nicholas Steubing, who had previ- are reading is here and says: “Please, I will ascend above the heights of the ously been substantially involved in please disregard what I wrote about com- clouds; I will be like the most High” (Isa. the world of the occult, found Jesus munication with the living dead.”’” 7 14:13, 14). and salvation in a Seventh-day So what did Ellen White have to Thus in artfully subtle fashion Satan Adventist church in California in the say about communication with the continues today to perpetuate his illegit- early 1970s, and was led by the Holy dead in The Great Controversy that imate claim to the prerogatives of Deity. Spirit to renounce participation in all Ruth Montgomery’s “guides” wished Indeed, in that first lie in Eden, Satan forms of psychic phenomena.4 readers to “please, please disregard”? also even offered our first parents deifi- Having moved to Michigan in cation (as if he could bestow it!). If they 1973, and still experiencing that hree points seem particularly would only follow his counsel, he lied, “first love” of his newfound faith, relevant: “ye shall be as gods, knowing good and Steubing, now 32, felt a deep, com- T 1. In chapter 34 (“Can Our evil” (Gen. 3:5). pelling burden to share his new Dead Speak to Us?”) Ellen White reit- Secondly, Satan has a consuming knowledge with those who had so erates the clear Bible teaching that the envy and an implacable hatred for all strongly influenced his earlier reli- dead presently rest in an unconscious divinely inspired prophets. After all, gious thinking. state. Thus any “ghost” that may these mortal enemies of his can do Accordingly, he mailed a copy of appear and purport to be the spirit of something that he, despite all his The Great Controversy to Ruth Mont- some departed person is, in reality, acknowledged supernatural powers, gomery, then living in Mexico, who simply an evil angel of Satan,8 whose simply cannot perform: they can both had published six books on psychic first lie to Adam and Eve in Eden was: see and foretell the future when they phenomena between 1965 and 1974. “Ye shall not surely die” (Gen. 3:4). are moved by the Holy Spirit. Steubing’s accompanying letter sug- 2. The unbiblical, pagan doctrine of And the insolence of the devil gested that Montgomery might be the immortality of the soul is danger- toward one of God’s most recent interested in reading the writings of ous, in part because it paves the way prophets is aptly revealed in the another woman of Methodist back- for spiritualism’s success in deceiving ‘Guides’ curt, denigrating reference to ground, of another century, who also human beings in the last days.9 “the woman White.” just happened to be the fourth most 3. This false doctrine would be a What are we to make of this translated author of all time, the major factor in worldwide develop- remarkable experience? Did Ellen most translated female writer, and the ments just before Jesus returns, White’s “ghost” return, through the most translated American writer of because it would be one of the two medium of Ruth Montgomery’s either gender. doctrines upon which Satan would “Guides,” to offer the prophet’s most

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 15, 1998 (91) 27 recent (if posthumous) “testimony” to he had power to do” (Rev. 13:13, 14). 1 By 1974 the top three female American writ- her church contradicting what she had To which inspiration has added more ers on psychic phenomena were Ruth Montgomery (six books), Jane Roberts (four previously written while alive about recently: “‘He . . . deceiveth them that books), and Jeane Dixon (three books). the state of mankind in death? dwell on the earth by means of those Although Jeane Dixon was probably the better Of course not. This message came miracles which he had power to do,’ not known writer on the occult by the general pub- lic, Ruth Montgomery had more published works directly from Satan, and for the same merely those which he pretends to do. and in wider circulation: between 1965 and purpose as will yet serve him in the Something more than mere impostures 1985 she authored 10 best-sellers, with literally near future when we see the fulfillment is brought to view in this scripture.” 14 millions of readers. 2 Spiritual Gifts, vol. 1, pp. 176-78. of Ellen White’s 1884 prediction that Again: “Fearful sights of a supernat- 3 The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4, p. 375; in both the “spirits” of the writers of the Bible ural character will soon be revealed in the 1888 and 1911 subsequent editions of The will “return” to change the truths writ- the heavens, in token of the power of Great Controversy this passage appears on p. 557. 4 Nicholas Steubing today is a Columbus, ten under the inspiration of the Holy Ohio, businessman. Spirit into a lie. 5 For a list of the world’s top 10 most trans- In fact, right at the end, just before lated authors (based in part upon 1982 research in the Library of Congress), see Roger W. Coon, Jesus returns, Satan will publicly imper- If there was ever A Gift of Light (Review and Herald Pub. Assn., sonate the second coming of Christ! 1983), pp. 30, 31, note 2. 6 Ellen White viewed in vision this strik- In her second book, A Search for the Truth a time when (1967), Ruth Montgomery introduces the amaz- ing, amazing, “crowning act in the ing phenomenon of automatic writing to her great drama of deception” and provides authentically readers in some detail: “I held the pencil, yet it a remarkable eyewitness account in The seemed to write without me. I had no thought of what was being expressed until I saw the words 11 Great Controversy. on the tablet. . . . Here was a phenomenon She solemnly concludes this section Protestant Chris- which clearly I did not control” (pp. 28, 29). of her narrative by declaring: “Only Jane Roberts, utilizing automatic writing, tians should stand amassed a remarkable body of more than 6,000 those who have been diligent students pages of type from a demon named “Seth,” who of the Scriptures and who have appeared in a series of five Seth-dictated books received the love of the truth will be upon sola scrip- (e.g., The Seth Material [1970], Seth Speaks [1972]), and an additional series of seven other shielded from the powerful delusion books associated with the Seth communications. that takes the world captive.” 12 tura, that time is 7 Letter, Ruth Montgomery to Nicholas Indeed: “The last great delusion is Steubing, Cuernavaca, Nogales, Mexico, Apr. 17, 1974, p. 1. (Italics supplied.) soon to open before us. Antichrist is to now. 8 The Great Controversy, pp. 551-562. perform his marvelous works in our 9 Ibid., p. 588. 10 sight. So closely will the counterfeit Ibid., pp. 445, 588. Mrs. White identifies the other doctrine upon which “spiritual Babylon” resemble the true that it will be impos- will unite as Sunday sacredness. sible to distinguish between them miracle-working demons. The spirits of 11 Ibid., pp. 624, 625. 12 except by the Holy Scriptures. By their devils will go forth to the kings of the Ibid., p. 625. 13 Ibid., pp. 593, 594. testimony every statement and every earth and to the whole world, to fasten 14 Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 698. miracle must be tested. . . . None but them in deception, and urge them on 15 The Great Controversy, p. 624. those who have fortified the mind with to unite with Satan in his last struggle the truths of the Bible will stand against the government of heaven through the last great conflict.” 13 [Rev. 16:13, 14]. By these agencies, Note: “Only those who have been rulers and subjects will be alike diligent students of the Scriptures . . .” deceived. . . . They will perform won- And again: “None but those who have derful miracles of healing and will pro- fortified the mind with the truths of the fess to have revelations from heaven Bible . . .” contradicting the testimony of the Scriptures.” 15 n the very near future we will see If there was ever a time when authen- fulfilled before our eyes the tically Protestant Christians should stand Isupernatural acts of Satan foretold steadfastly and exclusively upon sola Roger W. Coon retired as by Christ to the apostle John on the scriptura—“the Bible and the Bible associate secretary of the island of Patmos 1,900 years ago: “And only”—that time is now! Ellen G. White Estate at the he doeth great wonders, so that he Are you, friend, a “diligent” student General Conference in maketh fire come down from heaven who has “fortified” your mind with the 1993; he continues to serve on the earth in the sight of men, and truths of God’s Word? You will never as adjunct professor of prophetic guidance deceiveth them that dwell on the earth successfully escape the final deceptions at the SDA Theological Seminary, by the means of those miracles which of Satan unless you are. ■ Andrews University.

28 (92) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 15, 1998 LEAVING THE COMFORT ZONE Let’s Plan SET ’99 CHRIS BLAKE

“Go therefore and make decisions of all nations, baptizing them effort on getting to the altar and tasting the cake? What in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, would be the chances of married success? Would we scratch leaving them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matt. our heads in puzzlement as to why that marriage failed? 28:19, 20, IEV).1 One of my favorite stories involves a man who is on his hands and knees under a street lamp at few years after the disman- 3:00 a.m. A police officer approaches tling of the Berlin Wall, I and says, “Hey, what are you doing attended a gathering of there?” Adventist evangelists and “I’m looking for my wallet,” church builders who had explains the man. “I lost it on the cor- Areturned from the former Soviet Union ner of Third and Elm.” with reports that glowed like “Third and Elm? This is the corner REWS

Chernobyl bread. “The field is ripe!” of Seventh and Redwood.” C Y

exulted more than one speaker. Their “I know,” the man replies, “but the light is better here.” ERR T

stories were indeed extraordinary— When we look at Christ’s mandate to make disciples, BY thousands of baptisms, a craving for where are we really losing the wallet? the Word of God, an inexhaustible longing As a church we argue that we pour oceans of money and TION for the hope, peace, and freedom of Jesus of effort into building disciples through our schools, and that’s LLUSTRA Nazareth. true. Our schools are disciple-training centers of Jesus Christ. I My friend Steve Case and I were talking Yet we seem to give far less emphasis—looking at the money, following one presentation when a man approached us and promotion, and enthusiasm supplied to the NETs—to teaching introduced himself. In the course of our conversation Steve people outside our schools how to observe all that Jesus com- mentioned that he was headed to Russia the next summer. mands.2 Sabbath schools do not cover it. Could we alternate The man’s eyes gleamed as he leaned forward. “Oh! Are each “NET” with a “SET” to strengthen our marriages to God? you going over to hold an evangelistic series?” Jesus showed us that the best teaching involves the Steve displayed his toothiest smile while answering, participant in meaningful, risky endeavor. Good teachers tight-lipped, “No, I’m going over to try to keep the ones know the learners’ creed: “What I hear I forget. What I see I we’re getting.” The man stared at Steve, stupefied. remember. What I do I understand.” We can develop cre- That conversation is replaying in the compact disc of my ative, workable ways to keep the believers we’re gaining and mind lately in the communications wake of NET ’95, NET ’96, gain the hearts of those we’re keeping.3 and as we approach NET ’98. Frankly, if the version of Matthew NET ’98 is the first part of discipling, and it deserves 28:19, 20 written above were correct, I would not be writing applause. But without an equally committed SET ’99, it’s this, but thankfully it is not. The Master actually urged us to the sound of one hand clapping. “make disciples of all nations, . . . teaching them to obey every- Ready. Get set. ■ thing I have commanded you” (NIV). An infinite difference exists between a “decision” and a “disciple.” One may be 1 Ineffective Evangelism Version. 2 That would extend beyond the Ten Commandments. short-lived; the other endures. One can carry the weight of a 3 Next month’s column mentions practical ideas for a discipling thrust friend or evangelist; the other carries the weight of the cross of (“Let’s Plan SET ’99, Part 2”). Christ. One is easy to count; the other is as difficult to mea- sure as true love. One builds numbers; the other builds people. Chris Blake teaches at Union College in Lincoln, This is not to say that decisions for baptism are wrong. Nebraska. We need decisions. Decisions are to spiritual life what the wedding ceremony is to a marriage. In the same sense, how- ever, what type of marriage places 90 percent of its total

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 15, 1998 (93) 29 CUTTING EDGE CONVERSATIONS Shasta Emery: Answering the Call

a Sierra University senior Shasta Emery is president What advice would you give leaders in the Adventist of the Adventist Intercollegiate Association (AIA), Church as we approach the twenty-first century? a network of student leaders on Adventist college I hope that the older generations will risk “making fools of campuses across North America. This year, under themselves” so that others can grow. I hope that our leaders Emery’s leadership, students from every Adventist will speak out when the Spirit leads. We need to see God Lcollege campus in North America will join working in them. It is through action that forces on a mission trip to Mexico. Before we begin to believe. I plead with Adventist serving as AIA president, Emery was Student leaders to be open to the leading of the Spir- Association president at La Sierra University it and to expect changes and surprises. We for two consecutive terms: 1995-1996 and must quit being so dependent on methods 1996-1997. and technology and be more dependent on Here, Alex Bryan, 1991-1992 AIA presi- God. dent, talks with Emery about Generation X, Adventist colleges, and the future of the Sev- What is the greatest strength of Adventist enth-day Adventist Church. colleges? The relationships we build with people. Bryan: What is the biggest challenge facing your generation? As an Adventist leader who happens to be Emery: One of the biggest challenges is a woman, what would you say to young making a transition from being intellectual women who feel God’s call to leadership in to relational. So many of us know about God, but few of us a church that is often divided over a woman’s role in lead- experience God. I have heard it said that we know God’s ership? hands but not His face. In other words, we often ask Him Go do what God has called you to do! He’ll take care of to meet our wants and requests, but rarely seek intimacy you. He’ll make a path for you. The problem lies with those with Him. In the MTV world everything is so fast-paced around you who can’t accept your calling. God will never and entertaining. We grow bored easily and don’t take the call anybody who can’t fill what He calls them to do. Even time to experience things that may not bring immediate though you’re a woman or a young person, that doesn’t results. mean God can’t make it happen.

What are some fundamental differences in your genera- What in the Adventist Church gives you cause for hope? tion’s ideas and values compared to those of older genera- I have a lot of hope because I believe God called our church tions in the Adventist Church? to a special mission. Honestly, I sometimes fear that we For our generation, people and relationships are more won’t step up to the mission. I fear that we’ll be too afraid. I important than information. We hope to start working again fear that our traditions and our policies will hinder us—and as a community of believers. When you visit some Adven- then we won’t hear His call. But I have hope because I tist campuses, you’ll notice how much the rules have believe we are called, and I know that our commitment is changed. It used to be that you couldn’t go to movies or strong. We have so many people in this nation who want to wear jewelry. I think we’re getting to a point now where our be in heaven. We must answer the call. generation isn’t talking about issues like these. We’re asking the bigger questions: Are you ready for the Second Coming? Alex Bryan is pastor of the New Community, a Do you have a relationship with God? More than anything Generation X-targeted church recently planted near we want authenticity. We want to be real. We want the Atlanta, Georgia. freedom to doubt and to question. Obviously, this is a big risk, but it will make us stronger.

30 (94) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 15, 1998 REFLECTIONS A Rock Sings BY MICHAEL YANCEY

never sing. I may mouth the words to a hymn at “‘Hear our prayer, O Lord . . .’” church, or even emit some sort of crooning noises, but I couldn’t believe it. I was actually singing. I was singing I do not sing. Not even in the shower or in the car to God. while I am driving alone. “‘Hear our prayer, O Lord . . .’” I admire those who sing. I admire even more those My wife started to sing with me. Iwho can move me emotionally and spiritually with their “‘Incline Thine ear to us, and grant us Thy voices in song. But I have never been moved to nur- peace. Amen.’” ture any musical outlet through my vocal cords. We were both quietly crying. We hugged for “One should never dig where there is no gold,” some time, reassured in the knowledge that I always say. God had indeed heard us. He was not only My wife, on the other hand, yearns to listening to our prayer for guidance, but to sing. She dreams of getting up in front our feeble, barely-above-a-whisper song. of a congregation and letting the Spir- Will this be the beginning of a wonder- it pour through her. She even dan- ful singing career? Doubtful. But what REWS C gles in front of herself the motiva- it does signify is that when the Holy Y ERR tional fantasy of singing opera at Spirit moves in, even the hardest of T the Met. She would like to rocks will sing. BY take singing lessons, and I I asked my wife the next morning, TION have encouraged her. I would be “So were you a tiny bit surprised at our lit- LLUSTRA proud. But I would not sing with her. I would tle song after prayer last night?” I stand out of sight, stage right, supporting her all the way. “I wasn’t sure what you were doing at first,” she said. “But Given my clear aversion to singing, I was startled the I’m glad that we sang.” other night by my own spontaneous musical outburst. My “I am too,” I said. “I felt a closeness to God and to you.” wife and I had come home after a particularly long day. In the days that followed, I reflected on singing and While switching from day clothes to evening clothes, my prayer. When exactly did I separate the two? When had I wife looked at me and said calmly: “We need to talk.” divorced the happy marriage of song and prayer? I thought What followed was an open-heart discussion of our finan- about church services, most of which associate praise in cial future. The frustration and uncertainty welled up inside song with prayer. And then I thought about the psalms of both of us, and soon we were striding down the rocky and David, prayer in song, and the music of prayer. Even if our treacherous road of confrontational conversation. After a prayers of praise are not accompanied by music, they must time I suggested we pray. We bowed our heads together and be heard as such in heaven. held hands, and I began a slow, quiet prayer. A few evenings later my wife and I were praying together “Dear God in heaven, our Creator and sovereign ruler of before sliding into bed. After we had both taken turns pray- the universe, we come to You this evening frustrated and ing aloud and had opened our eyes, my wife looked full into looking for answers. We ask for Your blessings in our efforts mine. “Would you like to sing?” she whispered. to move forward, and we ask for Your divine guidance as we “Yes,” I said. We sang the same song as before, sponta- make important decisions. We place our lives in Your hands. neously. The Spirit moves. ■ We know that we have been trying to be self-sufficient. For- give us for the reliance on our own wisdom. We pray in Michael Yancey is a freelance writer/journalist living Your Son’s holy name. Amen.” in Florida. Our heads were still bowed, our eyes closed in medita- tion. Suddenly something in my mind gave way. It was like a great weight pushed against a wall that suddenly reveals a hidden, long-forgotten passageway. I started to sing softly.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 15, 1998 (95) 31