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6-1-1991 Preacher's Magazine Volume 66 Number 04 Randal E. Denny (Editor) Olivet Nazarene University

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Recommended Citation Denny, Randal E. (Editor), "Preacher's Magazine Volume 66 Number 04" (1991). Preacher's Magazine. 606. https://digitalcommons.olivet.edu/cotn_pm/606

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MAGAZINE

AN OPEN LOOK AT OURSELVES UNDER SEALED ORDERS LWWMIW TRENDS AND Olivet Nazarene University IMPLICATIONS FOR THE KANKAKEE, ILLINOIS CHURCH IN THE 1990S PENTECOST SIX WAYS TO HELP YOUR TEENS GAIN SELF-ESTEEM

? yg u \ is my rock, my and my deliverer. by Jeanette Larrew

Thank You, God, for a man full of compassion, tenderness, love. Thank You for a pastor that feeds his sheep, studies to show himself approved, teaches us the forgiving love of God. Thank You, Lord, for a friend who laughs with me, hurts with me, understands my human frailties. Thank You, Lord, for my pastor, who is considerate when I forget to be, is there for me when I need him. Lord, help me to be for my pastor one he can count on, one who holds him up in prayer, one who accepts him as he is, one who never adds to his burdens. Lord, make me a blessing by encouraging him in his work, complimenting him sincerely when his message is "just for me," not expecting too much of him. Lord, help me to be faithful in my tithes and offerings, in attendance at and participation in the services of the church, in being Your servant. Before I judge, especially my pastor, help me to put myself in his shoes, help me to realize he is human and may sometimes err in judgment, help me, Lord, to love and want to be loved. Thank You, Lord, for my pastor— a man of God, a servant of his flock,

SUITABLE FOR FRAMING EDITORIAL

BENNER LIBRARY u Olivet Nazarene University Warmhearted Uplift for Dowiillearted by Randal E. Denny Spokane, Wash.

he complete letter was print­ “I would tell this weary traveler that ed in the Preacher’s Maga­ my heart breaks for her.” zine, December-February An anonymous writer suggested, T1990-91 - Here are some excerpts:“I feel as if each active pastor has a “Dear Editor: ‘story’ that he can tell of extreme . . It’s gotten so that I hate frustration concerning unavoidable Sundays and dread going to my circumstances of ministry. I remem­ church. I usually cry before, dur­ ber a visit to the Arlington National ing, or after the service— or all Cemetery, where I watched the three. changing of the guard at the Tomb “You see, my church is dead. of the Unknown Soldier. Perhaps children, and the tremendous bur­ . . . There’s only a handful of there will someday be a memorial to den of ministry he must place upon members. Most of them are senior the ‘Unknown Pastor’ and ‘Unknown you.” Johnnie Childress, pastor’s citizens. . . . And I am the only Pastor’s Wife.’ ” Daniel Alger of De- wife in Meridian, Miss., empathized, young mother. nair, Calif., remarked, “Obviously “My heart went out to you as I read “. . . Often I’m too tired or dis­ this pastor’s wife feels that she and your story. But also my heart went couraged to take [my girls] on Sun­ her husband are at a dead end and out to your pastor-husband.” day and Wednesday nights, but I no one knows or cares.” To counter­ feel guilty when we stay home. act that feeling, Alger added, “Ber- Love was expressed in their “The pastor is very nice, but his nie Hertel told of a district superin­ recommendations. sermons are rather shallow. . . . tendent who regularly met his Knorpp asserted, “When your Our small church can’t pay him pastors and wives in their homes for church doors are open for services, much, so he must work at two a time of encouragement and prayer. you must be there regardless of the other jobs. Bernie said that he ‘always felt 10 church’s condition and regardless of “I long for deep preaching . . . feet tall afterward.’ [District] admin­ being tired or discouraged. Why? and spiritual fellowship. I have istrative responsibilities have in­ Your husband needs your supportive some friends who go to the Bap­ creased so much that such pastoral spirit, and you need to practice a tist church. . . . care is [now] impossible, and that disciplined life.” He added, “You “. . . I have considered looking leaves large cracks for parsonage need an exceptionally strong per­ for another church, but that is not families to fall through.” sonal devotional life. Dig into the feasible, you see. I’m married to Retired District Superintendent Scriptures. Listen to tapes of good the pastor.” Raymond C. Kratzer suggested, “It sound gospel music and sound The letter came anonymously. Its would be good if they could take a preaching. Borrow all the tapes you message broke my heart. I could not leave of absence from pastoring, join can.” Childress reminded, “God sleep that night. The heartache ex­ some alive and caring church, while promises to supply all of our need pressed haunted me. I knew she was he works in the secular arena tempo­ and give us strength. Read Phil. not alone in her plight. Readers of rarily. His ministry could be con­ 4:13, 19” Knorpp also suggested the Preacher’s Magazine wrote giv­ tinued through activity in the local visiting the revival meetings of ing warmhearted uplift for the church.” neighboring churches, especially downhearted lady of the parsonage. Some reactions reached with em­ churches with a holiness orien­ pathy to the lady’s pastor-husband. tation. Love was expressed in their Edwards said, “Your husband proba­ The ministry of intercessory reactions. bly feels the same way you do. He’s prayer is a powerful resource for David Edwards of Culver, Oreg., tired. He knows his sermons are spiritual changes. Begin praying that said, “Your letter could have been shallow, but without time to pre­ God will open doors so that “your written by me— and I’m the pastor.” pare, what else can he do? He must husband won’t have to work those Bruce Knorpp of Kingwood, WVa., balance work, ministry, and family. two other jobs and be able to have noted, “I am concerned about pas­ He probably doesn’t get much vis­ time to study and pray and preach to tors’ wives because I am married to itation done. As a result, his self­ feed his flock,” urged Childress. In­ one. What an awesome responsibili­ esteem is in the pits. . . . Your hus­ tercessory prayer reaps dividends: ty it is to be my wife’s pastor.” From Os- band is frustrated with complacent “Complacent laymen need to be re­ kaloosa, Iowa, E. L. Wisehart wrote, saints, the lack of young families and kindled, a tired and discouraged pas-

JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 1 tor needs a fresh anointing from children for a long time; they de­ 8. “You long for ‘deep preaching.’ God, and a parsonage first lady light in hearing what is going on When you come upon an excellent needs a glorious new touch of fire with your youngsters.” illustration from magazines or books, on her soul. Prayer can change 3. “Offer an encouraging prayer clip it for your husband. Point out to things at your house and at your for the older folk once a month in him real-life illustrations from your church,” wrote Knorpp. the evening worship. Could you family, newspaper, and community Wisehart suggested two things. share with them a homemade muf­ that he could use in sermons. . . . “Find a mentor. What is a mentor? A fin after service tied up pleasantly You can aid him in broadening the faithful counselor. Find a Bible in a baggie? Do you remember their scope of his sermon contents.” study in your area. Ask God to help birthdays with a poem remem­ 9. “See God standing in the cen­ you locate a mentor— probably a brance in worship?” ter of your sanctuary. He is indeed lady older than you, a mature Chris­ 4. “ Plan a monthly Sunday eve­ there. . . . Instead of scanning empty tian in whom you can confide. . . . ning service so that your husband pews, lift your eyes to Jesus’ face. You want someone who knows and will not have to prepare a sermon. Then He will show you the good in talks Jesus— someone in whom you You may accent testimonies, prayer the hearts of people around you— can be accountable.” His second around the altar, sharing Scripture particularly the good in the man be­ point is a strong biblical principle: promises, inviting an evangelical hind the pulpit.” “Find a ministry Find someone with friend from another church to share whom you can build a friendship, music or life stories. Cap it with Love was expressed in their someone you could win to Christ. light refreshments. Keep the eve­ responses. When she knows Jesus, you become ning simple, warm, and friendly.” Wisehart commented, “ I do not her mentor. You disciple her.” W. 5. “Ask God for His special graces mean to suggest that your situation Russell York of Greens Fork, Ind., in dealing with the struggling church. is simple or easily handled. But I do agreed, “Maybe she should get ac­ Keep your thoughts faith-filled. Take believe that finding a mentor and a quainted with some young mothers note of anything positive. . . ministry w ill make a positive differ­ her age and try to change her situ­ 6. “Become a pen pal with a pas­ ence. P.S. Why do I suggest this to ation.” Childress added, “You could tor’s wife in another small church. you? Because it has worked— for start a ladies’ ministry, Bible study, Keep your letters free from com- me.” craft class, or a fellowship to visit Pastor Knorpp addressed the lady nursing homes or hospitals with of the manse who is downcast, “I am some of your elderly people. They adding you and your husband to my would love this.” See God standing personal prayer list.” Another pastor J. Grant Swank, Jr., o f Walpole, expressed the same caring response: Mass., visualized the lonely lady in the center of “Please assure this unknown pastor’s with her little children. What could w ife that she w ill remain in our they do to make a difference? He your sanctuary. prayers.” gave creative recommendations: I have heard people accuse the 1. “ Take your children to visit church of being the only army that each senior citizen. . . . Have the plaining. Be an encouragement to shoots its own wounded. The re­ children crayon pictures for these one another by lifting up Scripture’s sponse of readers to this wounded older friends, giving them as pres­ practical promises that you have woman’s plea has been an uplifting, ents.” seen fulfilled in your life. If such a warmhearted, caring attempt to ex­ 2. “You yourself give a short pastor’s wife lives nearby, ask the press love, to give support, and to three-to-four-minute sermonette Lord if you can become her let her know that she is not alone. twice each month during the Sunday friend. . . .” “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself morning worship. Use your children 7. “Keep in touch with the Bap­ and God our Father, who loved us as ‘props.’ Have a child sing or recite tist church in town. Go to their so­ and by his grace gave us eternal en­ a Scripture verse or poem. Tell a cials and special weeknight events, couragement and good hope, en­ story from family life involving the and get to know their people. Would courage your hearts and strengthen children. Some senior citizens have that parsonage family become your you in every good deed and word” not been around households with friends in ministry?. . (2 Thess. 2:16-17). $

Pontius' Puddle

T&OSE VJlLUMGr TO THEOLOG-1-Z.E: a b o o t , t h o s e : w i l l i n g - EXF0OMD UPON, AMALY2.E, FORM COMMITTEES T O DO TH E WORVC TO STODY, ADMINISTER, FACILITATE, AMP OT= THE CHORcU. COMTRl&OTE tAOMEY TOWARDS T H E WORK. OF T H E C-UORCM-

2 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE Learning F from the Master by C. Neil Strait Grand Rapids, Mich.

ohn Henry Jowett, in one of his out of chaos, beauty for ashes, hope that one in pursuit of answers. So devotionals, picks up on out of despair. This is the history of does Jesus! He welcomes our search­ Mark’s summary of Jesus where God— taking the worst, the darkest, ing, in His Academy of Love, for He he wrote, “He was teaching his the despairing, and writing a new is “the way and the truth and the Jdisciples” (9:31). Jowett says, “And chapter. life” (John 14:6). my Lord will teach me. He will lead So the next failure or crisis you Jowett closed his devotional me into ‘the deep things’ of God. have, remember that such become thought with this admonition: “They There is only one school for this sort the raw material for the Lord’s work. who would be great scholars in this of learning, and an old saint called it Take them to the Lord and enroll in school must become ‘as little chil­ the Academy of Love, and it meets in His Academy of Love for a course in dren.’ Through the childlike spirit Gethsemane and Calvary, and the victory and triumph. He is always we attain unto Godlike wisdom” Lord Himself is the teacher, and ready to lead His children to bright­ (ibid.). there is room in the school for thee er days and new beginnings. Pastor, be encouraged! Our Teach- and me” (My Daily Meditation, July Second, it means that all of us are er-Shepherd knows the way through the Ninth). in the fashioning stage. I like the the lowlands, and He w ill lead you Life is a learning experience. It children’s song that says, “He’s still and me to the brighter side, where never ends— or should not. But the workin’ on me!” The secret is to let His truth shines through and His privilege we have, as disciples of Him be the Teacher. Too often other love comforts and binds up the Jesus, is that He is our Teacher. That voices chart our path, and other wounds. The lessons in Gethsemane means the One who has called us to teachers seem inviting. For our tasks and Calvary are sometimes painful, ministry w ill also be the One who of ministry we must make sure that but they equip us for ministry and will teach us how to minister. It is a the one Voice we are hearing and service. Those very lessons were thought rich with comfort and the one Teacher we are following is modeled by Jesus, and He waits to strength. Jesus. Where He has my relinquished teach them to us. $ What does this mean for us in w ill and my ready mind, there He ministry? can do His work of refinement and First, it means that when failures, disciple making. mistakes, problems, and crises come Third, it means that as Teacher, our way, it is not the end of the road. Jesus welcomes our questions, our Jesus, the Master Teacher, waits to frustrations, our doubts, because take the failures, the mistakes, the only as one reaches out with these problems, and the crises and be expressions will the truth be found. Teacher to us in the midst of these. A good teacher welcomes the in­ It is the Lord’s way of bringing order quiring mind, the searching heart,

JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 3 t? Preacher'sMAGAZINE Warmhearted Uplift for Downhearted Randal E. Denny 1 Volume 67 Number 4 June/July/August 1991 PA^toi?, FF FNCOWRA

Editor Learning from the Master Randal E. Denny C. Neil Strait 3

Assistant Editor IMTFDVirW Cindy Osso An Open Look at Ourselves Consulting Editors Jerald D. Johnson and Wilbur W. Brannon Bill M. Sullivan, Director 6 Division of Church Growth Church of the Nazarene MIMI«TED>« M ATP Wilbur W. Brannon, Director Pastoral Ministries Married to an Evangelist Church of the Nazarene Marge Fisher 10 Wayne E. Caldwell, General Editor The Wesleyan Church ADIf DftrMD

Contributing Editors Safety First 11 General Superintendents Church of the Nazarene Dill DIT UA«T»DIFrc Eugene L. Stowe Jerald D. Johnson John A. Knight Under Sealed Orders Raymond W. Hum Peter Marshall 12 William J. Prince Donald D. Owens DDFAO.UIMA Superintendents The Wesleyan Church O. D. Emery Some Thoughts on Biblical Preaching Earle L. Wilson Lee Haines from a “Purist” Professor of Bible Harry C. Wilson Frank G. Carver 17 Superintendents Evangelical Friends Church ^UIID^U U IK ir Jack C. Rea Maurice Roberts Robert Hess Expand Your Christmas Outreach This Summer Howard E. Harmon Roger Wayne Hicks 20 General Superintendent Churches of Christ miiiD^u conwTU ...... in Christian Union Dan Tipton Trends and Implications General Conference Secretary Brethren in Christ Church for the Church in the 1990s R. Donald Shafer Daniel R. Copp 22 Cover Photo: Ken Edgerly All unidentified Scripture quotations are from The Holy HINPFRIN*? HAN

4 THE PREACHER S MAGAZINE PASTOR’S PERSONAL GROWTH ______* The Third Half in Ministry * Kenneth Vogt 31 * i PASTORAL CARE. * * Unfinished Business Is His Business * * Bob Moeller 32 * * ! Living Predestination 1 l Steven R. Kooistra 34 * * CVAMftEI ICM * * The Boy in the Field ! Lois Hoadley Dick 37 * * BinCDADUV _ * * Under the Spell of Samuel Chadwick I J. Ray Shadowens 38 * * HOI INFSS Preacher's * 1 Sanctification— Surrender Exchange * Karen Lewis 41 * * CHRISTIAN EDUCATION. Disposing of my library accu­ ) mulated over the past 32 years. * Six Ways to Help Your Teens Gain Self-esteem Please send for listing and » ! Margaret Houk 42 prices if you are interested. t sniiuniNfi RnADn Elston W. House * Rte. 2, Box 259 * Pastors, Stay in Your Own Yard Walnut Ridge, AR 72476 1 telephone: * Kenneth S. Calhoun 44 (501) 886-6736 * Trust Me! evenings * * Carl G. Conner 45 (501) 886-2408 * mornings * UEIDEMI DFAIIIADC ♦ * Idea Mart 46 ft ft 48 Book Reviews ft ^UDICTIAM MIMKTDV ft ft All I Really Needed to Know ft ft I Learned in My First Pastorate ft Dennis A. Brenner 50 ft ft Stories Preachers Tell Each Other ft David L. Roper 52 ft ft wrkD«UID Alin DDfArumft UFIDC ft ft Sermon and Worship Service Outlines ft ft Gavin Raath 53 ft ft Authors should address all articles and correspondence to Editor, the Preacher's ft Magazine. 10814 E. Broadway, Spokane, WA 99206. Selt-addressed, stamped enve­ ft lopes should accompany all manuscripts. ft ftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftft

JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 5 Interview

An Open Look at Ourselves An Interview Based on Gallup Survey

Jerald D. Johnson and Wilbur W. Brannon General Superintendent Pastoral Ministries Director

The Gallup Survey o f the Church Brannon: I would assume that all That makes me wonder if there o f the Nazarene helps us look at the findings were not positive. are some areas where we could ourselves. Dr. Jerald D. Johnson, What do you see as some of the improve our district structure. general superintendent in the problem areas that were identi­ Our district superintendents are Church of the Nazarene, was re­ fied in the survey? very committed men. They try to cently interviewed in Kansas City be loving, loyal leaders, but I am by Pastoral Ministries Director Dr. wondering if the new review sys­ Wilbur W. Brannon, also of the tem isn’t going to improve that. Church o f the Nazarene. The issues Brannon: In relation to district discussed face every holiness de­ structure, is there anything you nomination in some way. have thought about in terms of Dr. Johnson shares his views o f new structures that could help Gallup’s Survey on the Programs bring about a solution to this and Services of International problem? Headquarters Church of the Naza­ Johnson: I think as a church we are rene. The questionnaire o f the sur­ going to have to make some major vey was distributed to district su­ decisions. We are going to have perintendents, pastors, and lay­ large districts, so we are going to men o f the church. have to develop a structure to help pastors on a personal level Brannon: What do you see as the on those large districts. That most significant findings from could come through a type of Gallup’s survey of Nazarene pas­ delegation of responsibilities. On tors? smaller districts you automatical­ Johnson: I felt that the overall re­ ly have that closer touch. sponse from the pastors was posi­ Brannon: Is there a model that we tive. Actually, the pastors came could follow? through stronger than expected. Johnson: Instead of suggesting Their loyalty to the church and J e r a l d D. J o h n s o n there is a model, I think this sub­ their focus on the doctrine of ho­ General Superintendent ject needs to be thrown into the liness was evident. I think this ba­ discussion arena. Personally, I sic loyalty to the church and the Johnson: I think that there is a gap have fluctuated in both direc­ focus on its doctrine shows that between the pastors and the dis­ tions, but I think it would be a pastors want the denomination, as trict superintendents that could good subject to debate. Meaning­ well as their own local church, to come closer together. Obviously ful debate would lead to some succeed. They do not want to be a this does not reflect every district. definite study of assigning respon­ part of a losing team. O f course The survey indicates that the con­ sibilities. you will have the isolated pastor fidence level o f pastors toward Brannon: Let’s get back to the mat­ who doesn’t have a team concept their district superintendent ter of loyalty to our distinctive and who doesn’t think in terms of could be stronger than it is. Their doctrine. The survey indicates the what he does and how that is go­ confidence level in the general pastor perceives himself to be ing to affect the whole, but those leadership seems to be stronger loyal, but the district superinten­ have become the exceptions. than in their district leadership. dent’s perception of the pastor

6 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE brings that loyalty into question. dents rate the magazine pretty in knowing that I discussed our Could this be due to the filter high, too, don’t they? CONET program with a Method­ through which the older gener­ Johnson: Yes, because it is giving ist. They have a service that pro­ ation is looking at a younger gen­ vides a certain number of coun­ many pastors a lot of help, they eration who is trying to interpret seling sessions per minister. When feel. the doctrine in relevant terms for I told him about our program, he our present day? Brannon: Recently Pastoral Minis­ said, “Oh, that program would be tries added a whole new section Johnson: From my own observa­ much better.” of worship and preaching helps to tions, it seems there is more com­ Brannon: Do you want to say some­ the magazine. mitment to the experience of en­ thing about how the district su­ tire sanctification as a second Johnson: Sometimes I have won­ perintendents responded to this work of grace. In the process of dered if it is possible we are offer­ kind of a program to pastors and trying to get away from a “folk ing too much. I would like to think their families? theology,” we were a little prone we’re not, but I wonder. Johnson: A total of 32 percent to abandon some terminology and I have to apply selective read­ thought it was “very important,” expressions that were very mean­ ing in it, even though I want to and 44 percent thought it was ingful to us. I find this disturbing. see what everybody is saying. If “important.” That is a fairly strong I want to be very positive about it, we do not expect everybody to but I really don’t know why that read it all the way through, but let response. They seem to indicate perception is there. Perception is them be selective, then it will that they are supporting it. a two-way street, you know. have nearly something for every­ Brannon: According to the survey, Brannon: Let’s move to some of the body. where are pastors most likely to specific programs that were high­ Brannon: Let’s move on to the turn for guidance on personal and lighted in the survey. There were CONET ( C o mmunicating, C on­ family problems? pretty high marks given to PALCON sulting, C o ntinuing Education, Johnson: It was obvious that the (Preachers And Leaders CON- first one to whom they ference). How did the pas­ turn is God, then their tors evaluate the PALCON spouse, and then a program? Pastors want the friend. I felt very comfort­ able with their response on Johnson: A total of 58 percent denomination, as well as that. They put God, spouse, said that it was “very impor­ and friend in that sequence. tant.” In fact, all the respons­ their own local church, to es were high. The marks came Brannon: What does this say out so high all the way through succeed (Johnson) about the sense of isolation that it definitely influenced that pastors might feel? the Board of General Super­ Johnson: Are you implying intendents in making decisions C onfidential C ounseling that it should be the otherway concerning PALCON. It portrayed NETwork) program. What do the around: friend, spouse, and God? PALCON as not just important but pastors say about the importance Brannon: No, what I am implying is maybe even a necessity in meet­ of providing confidential coun­ if they can only receive guidance ing specific needs. The survey seling to pastors and their fami­ within their own personal prayer convinced us that we must con­ lies? One-third of the district su­ life or their family and spouse, tinue with the program. I might perintendents felt that it was they may not have opportunity of say that we are feeling the same “ very important,” and an addi­ getting objective feedback. way toward WILCON (Women In tional 44 percent felt it was Leadership CONference). “somewhat important.” Some 85 Johnson: You are talking about per­ percent of the pastors said it was sonal and family problems, not Brannon: What was the reaction of church problems, aren’t you? “important” or “very important.” the pastors to the Preacher’s Mag­ Brannon: That’s right. azine? Johnson: I think this is probably one of those areas where again the Johnson: I think the survey reflects Johnson: Only 34 percent said that survey showed something to the the spiritual commitment of our it was “very important.” This both­ Board of General Superintendents pastors. They are looking to God ered me at the time, but there that we had questioned. Apparent­ and trusting Him to help them. again the second category (some­ ly this service is meeting a need. When I think back upon my own what important) places it higher. life, I was not the kind of person I am of the opinion that this sec­ Brannon: It is interesting to note that would go and talk about a lot ond category is not negative. It that our survey work prior to es­ of my personal problems with seems to me the Preacher’s Maga­ tablishing the CONET program even my dearest friends. zine is a must because everybody was almost identical in percent­ Brannon: That’s my point. I think you talk to about the Preacher’s ages reflected in the Gallup sur­ that’s why the value of CONET has Magazine brags on it. vey results. been highlighted. It gives pastors Brannon: The district superinten­ Johnson: You would be interested the ability to go to someone who

JUNE/JULV/AUGUST 7 is completely anonymous and find go to someone else in leadership Now, I’d like to turn to the crit­ objective guidance. and discuss our problems. I can ical issues that are facing pastors understand when there would be Johnson: CONET is strictly in the today. The Gallup survey revealed certain situations where a person crisis realm, isn’t it? If I had a spat that lack of finances and pressures would be reluctant to talk to their with my wife, I would not get on of ministry were the most serious superior about a particular prob­ the phone to talk to a counselor. personal and family problems pas­ lem. I also know that there have tors are reporting. What do you Brannon: Oh, no. been times when I have sat down think can be done to help these and talked to somebody about Johnson: I think we are talking problems? something personal, and they say, about major situations. “I had no idea that you ever faced Johnson: I am not surprised with Brannon: While I was pastoring, anything like that.” I don’t know these findings. I was reading a there were times I needed to find how to address this perception or book by Schaller the other day in counsel during some very crucial even how to change it. which he said there was a day points of my life. I found help Brannon: It comes back to some­ when a church that ran 50 people from my district superintendent thing very basic in all organiza­ could support a pastor. Schaller and even a general superinten­ tional relationships; that is, we do commented further that, although dent. But if I hadn’t had that kind not go to our boss to talk about these churches were limited in re­ of counsel, I am not sure I would personal problems. sources, it was common for the be a pastor today. people to look after their preach­ Johnson: I don’t think that is a re­ er with foodstuffs, tires, and Johnson: The point is that your dis­ flection on the leadership, but I things of that nature. In the final trict superintendent and your gen­ think what you are saying is that analysis his children could get eral superintendent were avail­ CONET is there to take care of about the same opportunities and able to you. that. I also think that it is very education as another white-collar healthy that we have 75 percent Brannon: I realize that, but I took a person in the community. Today a of our pastors who can go to God risk, a heavy risk in doing that. church has to run 100 people or with their problems and 65 per- Johnson: Why was it a risk? Was it a more to do the same thing. risk in your own mind or do you Although much of Schaller’s find­ really think it was a risk? ings dealt with the so-called old- line churches, and the figures could Brannon: No, it was a risk. It was a change with the Church of the risk as I look back on it. Nazarene, the trend is still there. Johnson: Sometimes things we per­ Many of our pastors are bivocation- ceive aren’t real. We do need al, or their spouses work. Along structures that can help meet with this has come the terrific some of these needs, and, there­ problem of high medical costs. fore, CONET fills the gap. I guess We need to do a couple of what I am saying is that I am sorry things. We have to accept the real­ that we have to have CONET. ity of the bivocational pastor, and Brannon: I agree, but, thank God, we we must give him status. At the do have it to meet a desperate need. same time, we must give the small church more status than we do. Johnson: Yes, I understand where We have some small churches that you are. I cannot argue with that. do quite well financially, but Obviously the survey has shown there is always this frustration of that. I think I would still be in­ “ Well, I am just pastoring this clined to believe that the percent­ small church.” Some of those age of pastors on a district that small churches can take pretty would call CONET would not be a good care of their pastor because majority. W i l b e r W . B r a n n o n Pastoral Ministries Director of their economic situation. I Brannon: I think that’s true, but I think we must give time in find­ know a number of pastors who have cent who can go to their spouse. I ing a way to improve the status of said, “I’ve not used CONET, but I’m think that is a very healthy re­ the small church. glad it’s there in case I need it.” sponse, don’t you? Most of the frustration that is Johnson: I think that, of the 75 per­ Brannon: Yes, and I think that one expressed comes from those cent o f pastors that go to God of the things that CONET reflects small-church pastors. I think we with their family problems, is that we are a healthy organiza­ will find while they talk about fi­ probably 25 percent of those are tion. An unhealthy organization nances, it may be another way of in crisis. They may need to seek would not permit this kind of pro­ saying they just want to be recog­ outside help. I do think, however, gram or this kind of service. This nized that they are there. I find a that maybe one o f our biggest was one o f the greatest thrusts lot of them are doing something problems is the perception that that brought me here as director about their finances through their we have at all levels that we can’t of Pastoral Ministries. bivocational status.

8 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE It seems to me that we might be tional. How many could get in on Church of the Nazarene today, the able to find some handles on how that? It gets complicated, doesn’t most frequently mentioned was to make it easier for them. I think it? At every assembly we w ill end the lack of commitment on the we sometimes try to make it too up with a handful of pastors who part of the laity. complicated. Probably what we can’t be there because they can’t Johnson: I would like to relate a get off their jobs. Those are usu­ need to do is to recognize the pri­ spiritual answer to the problem ally the churches whose pastors orities and then commit to them. because, basically, apathy or lack need to be there too. So we are Brannon: I can’t let that pass with­ getting back to the matter of fi­ of commitment is spiritual, isn’t out asking, do they feel good nances, aren’t we? it? I was concerned over the evalu­ about the programs coming out of I have said that right across the ation of revivals. A large percent­ Headquarters? board I wish we could raise every age of the district superintendents Johnson: I have been one of those pastor’s salary * 100 a week. I do considered revivals “not too effec­ who has been advocating that we think that some of our churches tive” in bringing in new members need to streamline. Programs run could do better than they do. to the church. Some 51 percent into a lot of resistance. The prob­ When I was a pastor years ago, I said that revivals are “somewhat lem is that in some of the world remember when E. E. Zachary effective,” and slightly more than mission areas they are not saddled raised the level of every pastor’s a third said they are “not too ef­ with all this. They have a district salary on the district. He took a fective.” The question is this: Is it budget and a general budget. risk and said, “Raise the pastor’s the revival or is it our perception They give support for their salary.” They didn’t even do that of what a revival can do? This is an schools and finance their local for the district superintendent’s area where we need to express church, and they build the King­ salary all the time. I think the greater concern. dom. It isn’t that simple anymore whole matter of salaries is some­ I preached at a revival in Ger­ for a pastor here in Canada and thing the district superintendent many last fall. It was strictly a ho­ the United States. We have a com­ needs to support. liness weekend with a good re­ plicated society. Con­ sponse. We got the re­ sequently our church sponse we wanted be­ management gets to be cause the pastor wanted a complicated. weekend of holiness Brannon: What does that The confidence level of revitalization. This young say about the way we train pastor is not saddled with our ministers? pastors toward their district a lot of our recent trends and now has the largest Johnson: We’ve been advo­ superintendent could be Nazarene church in that cating for a long time that area. They set up a tent the practical aspects of stronger (Johnson) every year and have a re­ church management must vival. He has a goal of 41 be a priority Preaching, of people to be saved this course, is a priority also. year. I have talked to him Brannon: Should we give a greater Brannon: That relates to the pas­ about these tent meetings, and emphasis on continuing educa­ tor’s sense of self-esteem as a pas­ they have had this kind o f re­ tion for ministers? tor, doesn’t it? sponse every time. They fully ex­ Johnson: Of course all of our dis­ Johnson: I know what it means to a pect to see 41 people saved. I said tricts are very keenly interested in pastor when a superintendent to myself, “ I wonder how many continuing education. But such comes to his church and supports pastors have even planned for new programs depend on how many his financial needs. There are a people to be saved in a revival. are participating in it. Gene Phil­ few key areas district superinten­ What would happen if we did lips, who was just elected district dents ought to focus on, but they plan to get people saved?” superintendent in Iowa, talked are overburdened too. They really I remember while pastoring I with me over the weekend. He are. always harnessed Sunday School wants to get everyone on his dis­ Brannon: Pastors that are encour­ teachers to the revival campaign trict in a seminar with John Max­ aged by their district superinten­ with their Sunday School classes well. John Maxwell did a lot for dent could even have a turn­ with the end in view of getting him. He will probably succeed in around in their attitude about new people saved. I can’t report providing this opportunity for his paying their budgets. 41 people saved, but I can report pastors. Johnson: I have to say that the ad­ 35 new members after a revival Brannon: It does seem that if some justment in the budgets has been campaign. opportunity on the district were positively responded to. I think Brannon: Over 90 percent of the provided for pastors, they would our percentage is going to be bet­ pastors said they were “very com­ take advantage of furthering their ter this year. mitted” to the doctrine of entire education. Brannon: When pastors were asked sanctification. This finding has Johnson: There again, though, so in the survey what they saw as the been very reassuring. many o f our pastors are bivoca­ most pressing problems facing the Johnson: I think we have clearly

JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 9 Minister's Mate

identified ourselves. We are clear in our directions of Wesleyan the­ ology. We must be careful that we Married do not slip off into a Keswickian theology and underemphasize the crisis experience of sanctifica­ to an Evangelist tion. Brannon: Only 15 percent of the pastors said their members were by Marge Fisher “very committed” to the doctrine Coronado, Calif. of entire sanctification, while 62 percent of the members said they were “very committed” to the I MARRIED AN EVANGELIST special, but sparse. At any given mo­ doctrine o f entire sanctification. Yes, I really did! I married an ment, I could not tell you where he How do you explain this disparity evangelist— and that’s been quite a was. But we both cared, and we both in perception? prayed for each other. And God was Johnson: Whatever our people are while ago. For the first 10 years, we traveled using my life— where I was. committed to will reflect what as a team all over the world. We they are taught in Sunday School played our horns, sang duets, played I AM GLAD I MARRIED and what they hear from the pul­ piano duets, Bill preached, we both AN EVANGELIST pit. That places a great responsi­ led singing. I worked with choirs, bility upon the leadership of the Yes, through all these changes, I’m youth and children, and led small local church. Again, the pastor still glad I married an evangelist. My groups. By canvasing entire commu­ may need to recognize that his sons are grown and married. I am a nities, we started many new church­ perception may not be entirely ac­ grandmother. We moved to San Di­ es across the nation. curate. ego. I’ve completed six years as head During those 10 years, we had son Brannon: I would like to ask if of Lay Ministries on staff at San Di­ number one, Bill had cancer, we had there is any final word that you ego First Church of the Nazarene. son number two, and we bought a would like to say to our pastors Because of the many changes in my home. Yes, my life-style changed, and how they responded to the life, I was able to relate to singles and out of necessity. Through those Gallup survey? understand their needs. I worked changes and many others, I do not Johnson: Yes, I would like to say with women in change and crisis, remember feeling sorry for myself. I that the response reflects a qual­ with Sunday School, and with other always believed if I am where God ity in our pastoral leadership for areas of outreach. From the singles I wants me to be, He w ill use me. I which we are very grateful, even often heard, “Do you really have a believed that then; I believe that proud. I mean that with all sincer­ husband, Marge? He’s gone so much!” now. ity. I was very pleased with the During our married life, Bill and I pastors’ response to internation­ have lived together half that time. alization. They are not threatened YES, I MARRIED AN God is still using Bill as an evan­ by internationalization. I think the EVANGELIST, AND I’M GLAD! gelist. Because I was available, God pastors see themselves as a part of I learned to live alone and be has used me in a variety o f ways. a world team and that they are a happy. I learned to be independent. God received double service from part of a rallying of all nations to I learned to make decisions, but ba­ Bill and Marge Fisher since we both win the world for Christ. It was in­ sically I learned to bring my prob­ believe our mission in life is to serve teresting that 94 percent of the lems to God and depend totally on God wherever we are in the ways He pastors and 66 percent of the dis­ Him. wants to use us. That’s why we are trict superintendents support in­ During the next years, I taught here! $ ternationalization. Pastors are not school. People I worked with YES, I DID MARRY AN feeling threatened by it. Many pas­ thought I had the best of both EVANGELIST, tors are going around the world worlds— married and “living single” AND I’M GLAD! these days on Work and Witness part-time. I organized a teen choir in teams helping to build churches, our church— 65 youths, traveling evangelize, and fill pulpits. I have and singing at General Assembly and talked to pastor after pastor who on television. I wrote two books of has developed great friends in musical arrangements for teens. I other parts of the world, and they had 125 children in my school see themselves as equals. As we choir. I traveled with my evangelist- approach a new century, I am gen- husband and sons overseas in the uinely optimistic about our summer. church. $ My time with my husband was

10 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE THE ARK ROCKER Safety First

merdley sometimes says more though,” said Smerdley, “ anybody must die that the movement, the . than he knows he is saying. who is anybody should be able to system, might live. It is altogether That was true last Saturday at figure out that Steve is to be left fitting and proper that we should S alone. Steve is a good guy, but he’s do this. the reception, just after we had jointly officiated at a wedding. Over not a team player. He’s the kind of In a larger sense, we cannot tol­ some nondescript punch and taste­ guy who wants to ask questions and erate, we should not appreciate, less but expensively decorated cake, propose alternatives in the huddle. we must not swallow, this idea. he was telling me about the most re­ After all, you do have to trust the The trusting masses, living and cent meeting of the Nominating coach and the quarterback, whether dead, who have surrendered their we’re talking denomination, assem­ Committee. judgment to us have already, by bly/conference, or congregation.” electing us and by approving our The presiding pooh-bah had I asked, “Aren’t you letting a ques­ appointees and programs, man­ opened the meeting by sticking to tionable metaphor govern your un­ dated its destruction. They have his announced text and giving a derstanding of the Body of Christ?” settled the issue, far beyond our rather moving semiexposition of But he didn’t understand me. So I let poor power to add or detract. The Matt. 16:13-20, Simon Peter’s con­ him go on. world will little note nor long re­ fession at Caesarea Philippi. He had Smerdley then repeated with awe member what we say here, but it really “ scored big,” said Smerd, and reverence that second pooh- must not be permitted to forget when he got to the phrase “and the bahnical speech, as if he’d rehearsed what we perpetrated here. gates of hell shall not prevail against it or heard it before. It is for us, the living leaders, it” (KJV). In fact, Smerd got so Fourscore and beaucoup years rather to be dedicated to the un­ choked up on the combination of ago our fathers brought forth on finished work which they who dry cake, surprise, and relived bless­ this continent a new movement, have already fought over this issue ing that I was afraid that I would conceived in Christian perfection, have thus far so nobly advanced— have to Heimlich him to save his life and dedicated to the proposition the inculcation of teamwork and and to hear the rest of the story. (In that all are created equally subject the casting of suspicion on the that order, I think.) to the Fall and to full salvation, twin tyrannies of thinking and Well, Smerdley recovered without except for us leaders, who are less pressing for accountability from my aid and now began to get to the equal than others when it comes us, whose sincerity is so sterling, point that he really wanted to make. to the Fall, but more equal when whose authority is such a “given,” It was about the presiding pooh- it comes to the practics of full sal­ whose understanding of the sys­ bah’s other “great speech.” This sec­ vation, such as pure motives. tem is so vast as to make such ond speech was a perfect case, said Always we are engaged in a pressing insulting. It is rather for Smerd, of the turning of evil to good great internal war, testing whether us, the living leaders, to be here purpose. And he allowed that while that movement, or any movement dedicated to the great task remain­ it was given to meet a very specific so conceived and so dedicated, ing before us— the extirpation of situation, it applied to every level of can long endure if we permit seri­ the slightest smell o f dissent— ecclesiastical polity. Here’s the story. ous and sustained critique. We are that from the honored past we Art Vander Ploeg, who has just met on a great battlefield (as it take increased devotion to cre­ this year been honored by being ap­ were) of that war. We now dedi­ ating an atmosphere of absolute pointed to the Nominating Commit­ cate ourselves to solemnly laying unanimity and unquestioning fol­ tee, though he has been a pastor on to rest a magnificent but abso­ lowership, that cause for which the conference for 20-some years, lutely unworkable idea-, the idea we have told everyone the past had artlessly nominated Steve Hack­ that loyal dissent in ecclesiastical ney for something or other. “Al­ systems has any positive value. It ( Continued on page 16)

JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 11 Pulpit Masterpiece

Under Sealed Orders by Peter Marshall

For those who asked Peter Mar stood and properly appreciated, is I hold dear to my heart the shall to perform their wedding cere­ the most delightful, as well as the things Dr. Marshall told my sis­ mony, he required— wherever possi­ most sacred and solemn of human ter and my brother-in-law: ble— several conferences. As a re­ relations. It is the clasping of hands, “Remember Martha, that it was sult, there were a few occasions the blending of lives, and the union Love that gave you this man— and when he refused to marry a given of hearts, that two may walk to­ you, Dick, this woman— not this couple. gether up the hill of life to meet ceremony . . . Your marriage must Early in his ministry, he had writ­ the dawn— together bearing life’s stand and endure, not by the au­ ten his own marriage ceremony. This burdens . . . discharging its duties thority o f the marriage licence, had been typed and pasted in on top . . . sharing its joys and sorrows.” nor by the strength o f the wed­ of the printed Order for the Solem­ Some of the service he must ding certificate— for these are nization of Marriage in his blue have written just fo r Martha and only pieces of paper— but by the leather Book of Common Worship. Dick. I was so fascinated by the strength of your love and the en­ This was never a routine service, vibrancy o f his voice, the buoy­ durance of your faith in each oth­ quickly dispensed with. Judging by ant joy that lifted every sentence dozens of letters, many a couple re­ to give it a memorable quality I er and in Jesus Christ, without gard Dr. Marshall’s wedding cere­ had never before heard in a wed­ which no marriage can be truly mony as one of the high points of ding ceremony. happy. . . their lives. “ Marriage is much more than Then Dr. Marshall asked that One of these brides was the sister moonlight and roses, much more Martha and Dick look at each of an FBI agent who knew Peter than the singing of love songs and other, rather than at him, as they well. Martha’s wedding was to be a the whispering of vows of un­ spoke their vows. And as I stood small one in the Lincoln Chapel, dying affection. In our day, it is by there hearing those ancient, nothing unusual about it. Yet years many lightly regarded, and by lovely words, In plenty and in later, the FBI agent— not usually many as lightly discarded. But want, in joy and in sorrow, as long given to sentimentality— was de­ marriage will ever remain, in the as we both shall live, I knew why scribing the scene for me: sight of God an eternal union, that moment would be unforget­ Dr. Marshall stood before the made possible only by the gift of table— not because of any par­ flower-banked altar waiting for love which God alone can bestow. ticular words that Dr. Marshall the wedding party. It was the “Therefore we are still entitled had strung together, however gladness on his face that I can to say that true marriages are fine— but because he had brought never forget. There was a twinkle made in Heaven, because that with him into the chapel the joy­ in his eyes, a lilt to his voice. . . . which, above all things, makes a ful presence of Him who at­ “ Dearly beloved . . . the mar­ marriage true and happy comes tended the wedding feast and riage relation when rightly under­ only from God. . . who blesses all true romance.

12 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE THE ELECT LADY. o you believe that true mar­ your dating, your courtship, your or a loose life of sensuality? He was riages are still made in marriage, you are cheating yourself reasonably sure that he could not heaven? That God cares of one of the greatest gifts of all. have both. Dabout whom you marry? . . . ThatHow can I dramatize for you what He chose! In order to make that somewhere there is a particular per­ you are missing? choice clear-cut and definite, he sat son meant for you? Or do you think The w orld loves romance and down and wrote a letter to the girl he was going to marry— even that such idealism is pious non­ seeks it everywhere. Nine out of ev­ though he had never met her. The sense? ery ten songs are about love. Sex is exploited to sell everything from letter expressed his confidence that These are pertinent questions. For his wife-to-be was waiting for him you cannot believe in God the Fa­ spark plugs to hair tonic. Hollywood has worn the subject somewhere, that at the right mo­ ther as Jesus revealed Him, and not ment they would meet, that in the thin . . . and thinner . . . until there believe that He cares about you as an meantime, he was going to keep his is no substance left, only tawdriness. individual. And if God is interested fidelity to her as true as if she were in you and in what you do, then already his bride. would He not be interested in whom At the time Dr. Fosdick spoke you marry? about this to his congregation, his Perhaps you think that falling in The world loves wedding day was some forty years in love is enough. But we are so often the past. In retrospect, looking back wrong about love . . . Many of us do romance and over long years, he could say, “That not recognize it when it comes. decision cost . . .” O f course it cost! Many of us mistake sexual attraction seeks it “But how grateful I am for it, that I alone for love. Surely here— with re­ did not make the other choice and gard to marriage— we need God’s everywhere. surrender all the deep and sacred help more than in anything else. satisfaction of these lovely years for Is not the proof of that the dark a mess of pottage.” Of course, those shadow of divorce that lies across “lovely years” . . . “the deep and sa­ every hearthstone? One marriage in cred satisfaction” . . . would not every four now ends in divorce. The romance offered by the world have been possible had not the girl There is evidence that soon it will is a ring set with dimestore glass. waiting for Harry Emerson Fosdick be one marriage in every three. The romance God offers you is a shared his idealism. You need God’s help in the realm pure and flashing diamond. Syn­ Perhaps we need to look again at of courtship and marriage because thetic . . . The real thing. Ephemeral what Christ’s concept of woman­ you are disillusioned and lost with­ . . . Eternal. Mockery . . . Ful­ hood is. The emancipation of wom­ out Him. Many already have tasted of fillment. That is the difference; en did not begin in the twentieth a society which is debauched. You think well before you choose. century. It began with Christianity, see a divorce organized as big busi­ But understand that you may have for Jesus Christ was the first to usher ness. You see a society’s daughters God’s help with your romance only women into a new place in human and sons taught to drink at an earlier on His terms. First of all, He insists relations. Jesus accorded woman a and earlier age. You see mothers that His children dream big. Because dignity she had never known before who covet popularity for their He wants our happiness, He will set­ and crowned her with glory, so that daughters at whatever price, push tle for no cheap compromises, no she might be revered, protected, and them into society like tempting bar­ tawdry substitutes, only the best for loved. gains placed in a store window. any of His. The symbol of purity and chastity Some o f you have tasted of the God demands idealism with re­ has traditionally been a white rose. fleshpots. You are prematurely old, gard to sex. Let us frankly face the I wonder if it would not be more not so much in experience as in dis­ fact that the keenest of all problems, accurate to choose a gardenia . . . appointment. Already you have the sharpest of all temptations is to because the gardenia with its fra­ haunted hearts. compromise personal purity and grance and the velvet of its petals Your defence against these wrongs chastity. That is where the battle­ cannot endure to be handled . . . is often an assumption of indiffer­ ground is. And so— with no apolo­ treated roughly or bruised at all, for ence. You cultivate a veneer of apa­ gies and no equivocation— I chal­ its pure white petals will reveal ev­ thy and nonchalance as a shield lenge you to Christ’s ideal for sex. ery tell-tale mark of handling. against being hurt. Dr. Harry Emerson Fosdick once Jesus Christ both challenges you But underneath the veneer there confided in a sermon to his congre­ and promises to help you, so that lurks a wistful, poignant quest for gation at the Riverside Church, New when you stand before the altar to some kind o f enduring values, an York, how he battled this as a young whisper wedding vows— both you idealism tested by experience. You man. He decided to force himself to and your bridegroom will be able to must have solid ground beneath face the question o f what use he lay upon that altar a gardenia with­ you, and this is precisely what Jesus wanted to make sex in his life . . . out spot or blemish, for what is de­ Christ offers. Did he want a Christian home with sirable in a bride is just as desirable When you refuse to let Him direct its deep fidelities and satisfactions, in a bridegroom.

JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 13 Any temporary sacrifice or renun­ something sweet and mysterious has the only One who claims to be able ciation is a small price to pay for the been lost, this so-called equality is a to forgive and to cleanse. Over and achievement of ideals which will poor exchange for the privilege of over, He provides that glorious new yield, later in your marriage, divi­ being different, of being a woman. beginning for haunted hearts. A l­ dends of peace, of joy, and of hap­ Is it too late? What of those who ways His word is what it was to that piness. have already tasted of this de­ nameless woman long ago: “Go and There was a time when many a bauched society? Is it too late for sin no more. Make a clean break bride brought her white offering to Christ’s idealism? with whatever it is that has dragged the altar but knew that it lay there you down.” alone. For there prevailed the iniq­ In order to get God’s help with uitous “double standard.” This was your dreams of romance, you w ill the philosophy that permitted, even have to live out your faith that He is encouraged a young man to sow his God wants our able to guide you, live it out day by wild oats . . . with the excuse that day, episode by episode. It has to be he was only young once. happiness. He will a practical faith. You should talk So he might step over moral over with Christ the questions that bounds in sexual adventures, but settle for no cheap trouble you— the perplexities of when he settled down, he had a dating, the constant head-on col­ right to choose for a wife a girl who compromises. lision between your ideals and your was sweet, pure and chaste. You can wish to be popular and accepted. be sure that Christ’s standard is no These matters you discuss con­ double standard. Today’s girls are stantly with your friends, do you quite right to reject it. But the stan­ No, it is not. Christ gave us a not? Then why not with Christ? He dards which many of you have sub­ deeper concept of purity than any­ has more wisdom to give you about stituted are not Christ’s either. one else has ever conceived. He dating than any of your friends could Today’s women have interpreted added a new dimension to it. ever have. emancipation as the freedom to He taught us that purity is not just Is it possible that society is on the smoke like a man, to drink like a for the untouched, the untried, the wrong track today with regard to man, to use rough language, to untempted. The knight who rides courtship and marriage? Many soci­ swear, to work like a man, to treat past with shield bright and armor ologists, psychologists, and marriage sex as loosely as a man. unstained and unspotted may never counsellors are rapidly coming to Women have copied the vices of have been in the fight. The clean that conclusion. men— in the name of progress! But shield proves nothing. They point out that our western it is never progress to go in a down­ That person who has never felt dating patterns go back no farther ward direction. It is not progress to the temptation to do anything igno­ than World War I . . . that we roman­ lose ideals, to lower morality. No ble, to lower his ideals, to listen to ticists, who scorn the “ arranged” girl ever became more desirable by the honeyed whispers of sensuality Oriental or European marriage, need- losing her femininity, or her inno­ . . . that person whose life has been to take a new, hard look at the trage­ cence. so sheltered that he has never felt dies and heartaches which our hit- I have never heard a man say that a blowing on his cheeks the scorching and-miss courtship, our customs are girl’s mouth was prettier with a ciga­ blasts of passion is as a ship that has bringing. rette hanging out of it, or that her never been launched. We see society’s sons and daugh­ hair smelled divinely of tobacco That ship may be seaworthy— or ters pairing off at an earlier and ear­ smoke. I have read no poetry rhap­ it may not. The sheltered person lier age . . . We watch a shocking sodizing over a girl’s smutty joke. may have strength— or he may not. kind o f mutual exploitation: The Will a modern child— grown-up Jesus Christ was too realistic . . . boy trying to exploit the girl sexu­ — remember some faint unforgetta­ knew human nature too well, not to ally . . . the girl exploiting the boy ble fragrance which always seemed realize that each of us is tempted. financially . . . exploiting being sim­ to be in his mother’s hair? Or will he Not one of us remains untainted by ply another word for selfishness. remember instead the odor of impurity of deed or thought. And so the sociologists are con­ scotch on her breath? And so in God’s eyes the pure ves­ vinced that we need a profound and Will he tenderly recall that day he sel is not only that which remains creative revolution, if we are to save rushed unbidden into her bedroom untouched. the home as an institution. What to find her on her knees beside her Pure is the vessel also which the they have not led us on to see is that favorite chair? Or will he remember Master has cleansed . . . in whom His the revolution must be in our hearts: her, dressed in slacks, putting off his spirit abides to keep us cleansed. No longer what can I get from the eager questions while she poured Else He could never have forgiven marriage I seek, but rather what can cocktails for her noisy guests? Per­ and accepted Mary of Magdala . . . I give? haps today’s women will not feel so Zaccheus . . . the woman taken in For you girls this may come down triumphant about their “emanci­ adultery . . . the Gadarene demoniac to some difficult questions. For ex­ pation” when they realize that men . . . Joanna, the wife of Herod’s stew­ ample, many girls today are unwill­ no longer feel as romantic about ard, Chuza . . . the woman with the ing to make of their marriage a full­ girls as did their grandfathers. If alabaster box of ointment . . . He is time job.

14 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE There is a conflict between hard candy, or a corsage twice a year, not some means— her heart and her economic facts and the dreams of a with any of the sentimental slush home always open— with a hospi­ home in the hearts of many young that is so often a counterfeit for love. tality that ministers both to the tired women. But when a girl is unwilling But “ love your wives, even as body and the discouraged soul of to give up her name, her career, her Christ also loved the church, and many a guest. own selfish ambitions for her hus­ gave himself for it” (Eph. 5:25 I always think of her as the mod­ band’s sake, she had better stay out [KJV]). There is a concept of a hus­ ern counterpart of the “elect lady” of marriage. band’s love! That means something. of Ephesus to whom John wrote his Beginning with what is often sim­ Look at Christ on the cross— there Second Epistle. “Elect lady . . .” ply greed for a larger income, greed for us husbands is the ideal . . . What a charming way to speak to a for things, material possessions, There is Love giving Himself for His mother for whom the years have household gadgets, for many young bride . . . self-sacrificing love— woven the brocade of gentleness she women the accepted practice of knowing no bounds, having no re­ now wears, always with her slow working after marriage has distorted straint, love even unto death. Such a smile of understanding love! their concept of what marriage re­ love can come only from God. Yet in the modern elect lady’s past ally is. In Christ’s eyes, true love I have found that no marriage cer­ must be ever a giving of oneself. In emony, however beautiful and mean­ the case of a wife, bearing her hus­ ingful, w ill make two selfish peo­ band’s name, seeking to please him, ple, governed by self-will, into an creating with her hands a home for unselfish couple. There is nothing Pure is the vessel him, bearing his children. magical about the marriage cere­ The creation of a home where mony. which the Master memories abide does not depend on No problem which any married possessions. Gracious living is cre­ couple can have is beyond solution has cleansed. ated by loving hands, by a tranquil if they are willing to get down on mind, a heart in which God dwells, their knees together and ask God a soul which knows beauty. what to do about it. It is not a ques­ Calmness, serenity, faith, con­ tion of what the husband wants— or lay a surprising story. I heard it from tentment, tenderness, manifesting what the wife wants— but always, her own lips . . . Years before, when themselves in the way a woman goes what does God want? she was a young mother, a three- quietly about her household tasks. So many children have an imag­ year-old son had been drowned. Her Such qualities are not furthered inary character with whom they live grief was compounded by bitterness by hard, competitive days in the of­ and gravely discuss everything. A towards her husband because the fice . . . by the hurried preparation certain mother heard her five-year- boy had been in his care for the day. of meals after working hours with old son carrying on a conversation With the bitterness, a process of no time left for the children. under the kitchen table with his disintegration set in. Mary had been imaginary playmate: “Who’s the boss a meticulous housekeeper and a fine in your home, Johnny?” asked the cook: now she no longer cared. Dust unseen guest. “Your father or your and disarray took over her home . . . mother?” “Neither,” said Johnny. In the garden were weeds and rank Jesus accorded “God’s boss in our home.” Here was growth, like the debris piling up a fortunate little boy who had seen and up in her heart. . . woman a dignity his parents reach out in the most Nor did she care any longer about practical way beyond self-will to how she looked until— until one she had never find God’s will. morning a woman whom she had And that must be the pattern from never seen before knocked on her known before. the beginning of your dating right front door, marched into the living- on into the home you w ill create, if room, announced that she was in you are to find the romance that love with Mary’s husband, John. God has planned for you. For human “Somehow I got through that The women I know who are the beings vary little from century to dreadful scene,” Mary told me, “and happiest, whose homes are a joy to century. The manifestations of self- got the woman out of the house. enter, are the ones who have made a will change, but not the selfishness. Then I went to the kitchen, poured a clear-cut decision. Often at econom­ Dreams linger in every heart— along cup of strong coffee, sat down for a ic sacrifice, they have decided that with the temptations to compromise good cry and a long hard look at my­ they cannot create a real home on those dreams. self. less than full time. But God can change our self-will, “Suddenly a bit of Scripture came But this kind of giving is possible so that we can find the love He has out of dim recesses of memory: ‘See only if there is a reciprocal giving planned for us. That is what hap­ to it . . . that no “root of bitterness” on the part of the husband— “Hus­ pened to a woman I shall call Mary. spring up and cause trouble, and by bands, love your w ives”— not in Her home is in a Southern city. I it the many become defiled’ [Heb. terms of a popular song moaned into know it well, for I have been enter­ 12:15, RSV], I saw it all then . . . I a microphone, not with a box of tained there often. She is a woman of had let the roots of bitterness about

JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 15 Johnny’s death grow up and fill my homes in which love dwells . . . A themselves do not know God in a heart until there was no room left cottage in Georgia with wisteria real and personal way? They read the for love. My bitterness had defiled trailing over the porch . .. a trailer best-sellers, child psychology books our marriage and our home. home with a very young mother . . . — but the Bible scarcely ever. Per­ “Then I thought of the other a tiny apartment . . . a split-level in haps it never occurs to them that woman, and I got mad. How could I suburbia . . . a square white house God has wisdom and guidance to forgive that? I cried some more . . . under an arch of elms in a New En­ give them about their marriage and threw a cup across the kitchen gland village . . . a ranch house over­ their children. Yet how our tired old where it went crashing against the looking the ocean on the Monterey world needs parents who are willing wall . . . beat my fists on the table Peninsula. to add to their knowledge o f eco­ . . . screamed, ‘I won’t . .. I won’t.’ I thought of the mothers who pre­ nomics and sociology and psychol­ “But all the time a quiet voice in­ side over these homes, modern ogy a knowledge of God. side me was saying, ‘You must. You women, not at all like Whistler’s We need young women who must forgive. There is no other way.’ mother. They know all about germs would rather be called “elect la­ “Then I walked over to that large and sanitation, vitamins and food dies” than “the smartest young ma­ mirror there in the dining-room to values, formulas and schedules. tron in town.” The nation cries out take a good look at myself. I was hor­ for couples who will build true rified at what I saw. . . . Once I had homes— whether they live in two been considered the belle of our rooms or ten . . . whether starched town. And now— here was a woman white organdie curtains or silk dam­ with disillusioned eyes . . . hard The nation cries ask draperies hang at the windows. lines around her mouth . . . hair You can have a home like that, if you stringy and unkempt . . . No wonder out for couples will recognize that God is the great­ my husband had been attracted to est asset to the romance there is. He another woman.” who will build true thought it up in the first place! My hostess sighed . . . and smiled Reach for His idealism, so that your her slow smile, remembering. “Ev­ homes. home may be built on spiritual erything came out all right. Christ foundations, with your family life came again into our home. John and oiled by the grace of God. I had twelve years together before “Where there is faith, there is he died— near-perfect years, the They are tireless in providing for peace; happiest of all. I had a second baby the physical needs of their chil­ Where there is peace, there is boy— always a joy to us. He is now a dren— these modern mothers— am­ love; physician in Kansas City.” bitious for their future intellectual Where there is love, there is God; I looked about me at the shining life— eager for their proper social Where there is God, there is no mahogany, the freshly starched cur­ development. They will chauffeur need.” tains fluttering in the night breeze, their children anywhere, to dancing Only in such homes can we build the roses in the silver vase, grown in classes . . . Scout meetings . . . the the better world of which we dream. the garden outside, the portrait of dentist . . . the movies. They will at­ $ John . . . The artist had captured on tend PTA meetings and forums end­ canvas the face of a happy husband. lessly. But as for spiritual nour­ And in imagination 1 saw behind ishment for their children, many of From Heavan C a n ’t Wait, edited by Catherine Marshall, copyright 1963 by Catherine Marshall. Mary’s shoulder so many elect ladies them have never given it a thought. Published by Chosen Books, Fleming H. Revell Co. who are called by God to create How could they— when they Used by permission.

Safety First ( Continued from page 11)

gave its last full measure of de­ earth but shall ever be remem­ the case at hand, and the promise votion; that we here highly re­ bered— as an ever-unreachable, that the gates of hell should not pre­ solve that these forebears shall not dangerous ideal that we were wise vail against it, and now this second have sur rendered intellect and enough to bury. Yea, team!” speech about the building of the common sense and w ill in vain; Smerdley was right. The second church on teamwork and unanimity that this movement and system, speech was moving. At least I want­ — was Smerdley sure that the same under our leadership, shall have a ed to get out of there. But before I person had delivered both messages? new burst of fiefdom; and that ec­ went, I did have to raise a question: Churchman that I am, I haven’t done clesiastical government of the That semiexposition of the text about much thinking for myself lately, but people, by the people, for the the building of the Church on con­ it does seem that the two might not people, shall not perish from the fessing disciples, Simon Peter being square with each other. $

16 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE Preachin

Some Thoughts on Biblical Preaching from a “Purist” Professor of Bible by Frank G. Carver San Diego

y life has been given to the tian. Jesus Christ is Lord of Christian biblical when it imparts a Bible­ study and teaching of the pulpit proclamation! shaped word in a Bible-like way.1 Scriptures. Occasionally I The prim ary witness to Jesus The second of these two elements Mam privileged to stand behind aChrist pul­ is the Old and New Testa­ is probably the more neglected of pit and attempt to preach. Most of ments. We can get no closer to Jesus the two in preaching. Often even the time I sit in front of the pulpit historically and humanly than we do when we take the time and make the listening for a word from God for my in the sacred literary record. The effort to work through the content own soul. What I believe I need, Scriptures are first; they are our of our biblical text, we can fail to what I know I want, is not just to Norm when it comes to Jesus. We listen to the literary and theological hear the Bible quoted and used, but worship the Christ of the Gospels, use made of the text by the Scrip­ biblical preaching. But what is that? who is only fully understood in the ture itself. We take the deceptively The following thoughts are reflec­ context of the entire Christian can­ easier path of employing the con­ tions on my own question. on. The Bible is our immediate and tent of Scripture for our own current most accurate access to the Christ of program, be it ecclesiastically or God. So, to preach Jesus Christ in personally motivated. The intention I any credible and authoritative way becomes ours rather than that of the What does it mean to preach bib­ inherently demands biblical preach­ biblical text. We need to risk lically? Christian preaching is ing. enough confidence in the priority of biblical preaching. Paul insists that What do we mean when we say the Word of God to put a passage to “we . . . preach . . . Christ Jesus as the word biblical? We do not mean its scripturally intended use, rather Lord” (2 Cor. 4:5, NASB). In light of that the form of every sermon has to than making it the servant of our the witness of the Christian canon of be expository or even textual in or­ own agendas. Scripture, any preaching that does der to be biblical. Rather, we mean We illustrate with an example, not focus ultimately on what God that a fully biblical sermon takes Isa. 6:1-13, the prophet’s vision of a has done, and is doing, in His Son seriously the content of the scrip­ holy God. This fascinatingly power­ Jesus Christ cannot be called Chris- tural text and flows from the “faith” ful chapter is a vision report. To me intention of the text. This gives the its function and theological inten­ two elements of the word biblical tion in the context of the Book of their due: First, the essence of the Isaiah makes legitimate God’s irrevo­ sermon is informed by a thorough cable judgment on the sin of Israel. study of the text in its literary and It is, first of all, a judgment chapter historical context, and, second, the emphasizing that in the presence of witness o f the sermon to contem­ a holy God, sin will be judged; there porary faith is in theological con­ is no escape! The key is verse 9: tinuity with that of the text. Leander And He said, “Go, and tell this E. Keck concludes that preaching is people: ‘Keep on listening, but do

JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 17 not perceive; keep on looking, I sometimes diagram the process of the message come from some­ but do not understand’ ” (NASB). as follows: thing we have read, heard about, ex­ So, in preaching, to make the cleans­ perienced, or come up with in our ing aspect of the first eight verses Text | \ incorrect | own minds, and which we illustrate the central thrust of the message is from Scripture or connect in some to ignore the witness of the text it­ way to the biblical text? self in its larger context. This second question helps us un­ I was flying to a distant city im­ derstand how preaching can be bib­ mediately following a student-initi- lical regardless of its type— exposi­ ated discussion questioning the rele­ tory, textual, topical, or textual-topi­ vance of what we were doing in a cal. Even a topical message can be New Testament Greek exegesis class. launched and fired by the explosion As I was reflecting on my inability to of biblical truth in the preacher’s communicate what I felt, I sketched heart and mind regardless o f the the following outline of my under­ source of initial motivation or inspi­ standing of the process required to ration. preach biblically: 1. With the tools2 and time avail­ II able, we study the text (a ) in its Basic theological intention Biblical preaching is prophetic historical and literary context, and of the text p re a c h in g . It is preaching that ( b ) in terms of its linguistic and illumined by the Holy Spirit brings the future of God to bear in theological content, with the goal as the message o f the hour judgment and hope on the present. ( c ) of understanding what the text to our people It is more than a convincing presen­ is doing, its canonical intention, and tation of what our hearers ought to how the text goes about what it is Ideally one works through the con­ believe and how they ought to be­ doing, especially theologically. One tent of the text to its intention and have, although both are normally seeks to understand the text at its only then proceeds to formulate a present. Prophetic preaching is deepest level in terms of the nature fully contemporary message. The penetrated by the eschatological, for of its witness to biblical faith. top arrows indicate a total abandon­ all is seen in the light of a present 2. Through the understanding of ment of the process that makes bib­ and yet future transcendent reality, the text gained from the above pro­ lical preaching possible. More nor­ the kingdom of God, the end-of-the cess, we hear a transforming word mal failures are to fall short in our ages presence of God! Biblical from the Spirit of Christ for our own study to get all the way to the inten­ preaching is prophetic as the Bible spiritual quest, for the quality of our tion of the text, or to not always re­ itself is prophetic3 in character. relation to God in Christ, and for turn to fully contemporary thought The Bible is essentially a pro­ our witness response of an ethic of patterns in our sermonizing. The phetic book. The Old Testament is love in the world. goal is to succeed in both tasks, but not so much a record of the history ______success in either is always of Israel as it is the prophetic cor­ approximate. I judge my rection of that history. In the light of own failure to be more on The Bible is our most the right side of the dia­ promise, of the future of God for His gram. people, the Old Testament pro­ accurate access to Christ. Two questions test the claims the will of God to the Is­ true biblical character of raelite people packaged in judg­ our messages. First, does ment and hope. Jesus’ ministry can 3- We bear witness to our trans­ the way in which we have presented be understood as a rediscovery of forming insights back through the the truth motivate our hearers to the prophetic heart of the Old Testa­ content and theological intention of leave the sanctuary thinking about ment, which is fulfilled in His own the text in contemporary sermon the biblical text and struggling with life, death, and resurrection. Jesus form to our hearers in relation to the its implications for their life situ­ the Christ, who was in His person personal and social issues of 20th- ations? Or, do they depart with only the Son of God, was a prophetic fig­ century life. Although the first-per- our explanations, declarations, and ure. The promised future o f God was son dimension should not be too ex­ exhortations in their fleeting memo­ effectively present in Him who rose plicit or overdone in the message, it ries? These are not mutually exclu­ from the dead and said to His per­ must certainly be implicit through­ sive consequences, but the first is plexed disciples, “Receive the Holy out if the message is to be authentic certainly primary. Spirit” (John 20:22, NASB). To this in its witness, human words that the The second question probes even eschatological reality, the New Tes­ divine Word is pleased to touch more deeply the biblical character tament gives testimony as it an­ with His holy presence. Biblical of our preaching. Does the primary nounces the presence of the future preaching partakes of the nature of insight that energizes the sermon of God in our present time. The New confession. The one who proclaims and provides its essential thrust Testament is supremely a prophetic must stand along with his listeners come from the biblical text, which witness, a prophetic book in the pri­ under the searching judgment of the is then explained, illustrated, and mary biblical sense of the word. divine Word. applied? Or does the driving force Walter Brueggemann applies this

18 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE prophetic perspective to contempo­ der God’s judgment, under the crit­ pulpit— preaching, and one which rary ministry in his fascinating and icism of the values of His kingdom. is focused on a central altar— cele­ powerful little book The Prophetic At the same time it brings to us a bration of the Eucharist. These two Imagination. He writes: word of grace— forgiving, cleans­ theologies exist in tension in the Bi­ It is the task of prophetic minis­ ing, healing, and therefore creating ble and in the history of the church. try to bring the claims of the tradi­ an energizing hope. We are invited Church is worship. Worship de­ tion and the situation of encultur- and enabled “to live in fervent antic­ mands a sense of the presence of ation into effective confrontation. ipation of the newness that God . . . God. There is no worship without . . . The prophet is called to be a will surely give.”7 ecstasy, without experiencing an child of the tradition, one who Christian preaching as biblical awareness o f the transcendent di­ has taken it seriously in the shap­ preaching is prophetic; Christian mension of our lives. If we insist on ing of his or her own field of per­ preaching as prophetic preaching is the central pulpit and abhor placing biblical. A minister it on one side of the platform bal­ friend, pastor of an unusually effective anced by a lectern on the other side Biblical preaching brings the black church in the with an altar table between them, inner city, speaking to then our preaching must partake of future of God to bear in senior religion major the Presence; it must be prophetic. students, impressed It dare not be merely moralistic and judgment and hope on the on them that three doctrinaire. As spiritual beings, we things are necessary cry out for both kinds of worship, to present. for effective ministry experience the Presence in terms of in the inner city: (1 ) both eye and ear, in both word and biblical preaching, place— a holy sanctuary! We only (2 ) a sound teaching differ from one another in balance ception and field o f language, ministry, and (3) a credible re­ and in emphasis. As leaders of wor­ who is so at home in that memory sponse to human needs and suf­ ship, we lead our people into God’s that the points of contact and in­ fering. Perhaps such a ministry presence through both proclama­ congruity with the situation of would be effective in the suburbs as tion and adoration. Terrien intro­ the church in culture can be dis­ well!8 duces his study by suggesting that cerned and articulated with the it might remind the conservative proper urgency.4 Ill wings of the Eastern Orthodox, Brueggemann is concerned that the Prophetic preaching is “Pres­ Roman Catholic, and Anglican preacher develop an alternative con­ ence” preaching. Here we are communions that, without the sciousness. By this he means the per­ helped by some fascinating insights radical risk of an insecure and yet spective of the reality and values of from Samuel Terrien in a work titled secure faith [ear-word presence], the reign and w ill of God displayed The Elusive Presence: Toward a the church is dead; and it should in Jesus as seen within the total bib­ New Biblical Theology. We find his at the same time warn idealistic, lical context. The tradition is the in­ basic agenda in the following col­ moralistic, sentimentalist, subjec­ spired memory of the people of God lection of quotations: tivist, and activist Protestants that enshrined in the biblical record, a The reality of the presence of faith cannot live or be maintained “prophetic” tradition! God stands at the center of bibli­ from generation to generation Brueggemann states his basic hy­ cal faith.9 . . . It is the distinctive­ without the act of sacramental ad­ pothesis as follows: ness o f the Hebraic theology of oration.13 The task of prophetic ministry the presence . . . which provides a The kind of preaching I want to is to nourish, nurture and evoke a key to understanding the Bible.10 hear will confront me with the holy consciousness and perceptive al­ . . . The ancient mode of Hebraic Presence for my life today. In the il­ ternative to the consciousness and presence was radically trans­ luminating, transforming light of the perception o f the dominant cul­ formed by the experience of the Presence, my life will be judged ture around us.5 afresh, and hope will be renewed resurrection." . .. It was the He­ This prophetic task has two func­ within me. I will have been touched braic theology of the presence tions: by divine grace. A prophetic word which dominated all the inter­ The alternative consciousness w ill have penetrated my encultur- pretations of the person of Jesus, to be nurtured . . . serves to crit­ ated consciousness. The impact on icize in dismantling the dominant from Mark to Revelation.12 me of another week, lived out in a consciousness. . . . On the other Terrien finds two theologies of fallen world in a like human nature, hand, that alternative conscious­ Presence in Scripture, one of the ear, will be placed in the perspective of ness to be nurtured serves to ener­ the other of the eye; one of disclo­ the holy. Through the spoken word, gize persons and communities by sure of the name, the other of the sa­ the written Word will become a hot its promise of another time and cred place; one of prophetic procla­ wire from God to my hungry heart. I situation toward which the com­ mation of the revealing word, the will have worshiped, for I will have munity of faith may move.6 other of ritual participation in a been under the power of truly Chris­ Biblical preaching as prophetic sanctuary Presence; in modern tian preaching! brings our secular consciousness un­ terms one that emphasizes a central ( Continued on page 21)

JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 19 Church Music and Your Christmas Outreach This Summer by Roger Wayne Hicks Mobile, Ala.

oes your church present a a very important event conducted in lections. Each choral selection was Christmas concert by the July. “ Sing We Now o f Christmas” sung through once by those attend­ adult choir? My guess was conducted on a hot, humid Ala­ ing the preview. Dwould be that it probably does.bama Al­ Tuesday evening from seven A very important part of the most every church, no matter its until nine o’clock. We purposely did Christmas musical, emphasizing the size, finds the Christmas season to not call the special evening “Christ­ idea that “maximum impact is ob­ be a prime opportunity to reach out mas in July,” since in our area this tained through maximum involve­ to the community through the mu­ theme has been overdone, if not ment,” concerned children and sic of the season. After all, there has worn out, by a myriad of organiza­ youth. Although this concert would been more music written in celebra­ tions, including department stores. feature the church’s adult music tion of the birth of Jesus Christ than “Sing We Now of Christmas” was a groups, since the children and youth any other single event. There seems preview of the upcoming Christmas would have their own concert a to be among the unchurched popu­ musical. Invitations to attend this week earlier, we wanted to make lation a much stronger willingness, special evening had been given to certain that family units would be even a desire, to attend a church ser­ current and prospective choir mem­ encouraged to attend this concert. vice during the Christmas season, es­ bers by means of announcements in We were eager that the boys and pecially when it contains a good the church newsletter, the special girls would feel they had an impor­ amount of the music of Christmas. summer music brochure, fliers dis­ tant part in the musical celebration. When does your church begin its tributed at choir rehearsals in June, So, in the preview we also included preparation for the Christmas con­ and personal letters to the prospec­ the idea of how the children would cert? If you do not already do so, I tive singers. In the promotional ma­ be involved. As each child arrived at would encourage you to begin seri­ terials, which are o f utmost im­ the concert, he would be greeted by ous preparation for your church’s portance to the success of such a a costumed “Christmas character” annual Christmas event at least six project, people were encouraged to who would escort the child to a seat months in advance. Plans formu­ attend the preview and then decide at the front of the sanctuary. During lated in July or earlier w ill reap if they would like to participate in the first portion o f the concert— maximum results in December in a the Christmas concert. more effective community outreach. The two-hour presentation was A very important ingredient in held in the church’s fellowship hall effective community outreach replete with Christmas decorations through music is the concept of and the spicy scent of potpourri maximum impact through max­ leaves boiling on the kitchen stove. imum involvement. The total concept of the Christmas This past year we experienced a musical was presented in its chro­ little over 50 percent increase in the nological sequence of events— nar­ size of our Christmas musical cele­ ration, dramatic presentations, bration choir, primarily as a result of Scripture readings, and musical se­

20 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE about 20 minutes— the music con­ tata or musical. The review, selec­ people. Sixty people showed up! ductor would direct his comments tion, and ordering of the music had The exact number of packets we had to the children, regarding such been accomplished in May. When prepared. things as a description of the hand­ the music arrived from the publish­ The result of all our creative plan­ bells and orchestral instruments be­ ers, it was stamped with the church ning and conducting of the summer ing played. There would be oppor­ name, hole-punched for later use in preview was a choir of 76 people, a tunity for the children to partici­ the three-ring choir notebooks, and 50 percent increase over the pre­ pate, as well as to ring sleigh bells placed into packets for distribution vious year. We involved 185 chil­ during one of the choral selections. to each person attending the pre­ dren (age four through grade five), Following this impromptu time with view event, “Sing We Now of Christ­ as compared to a minimal number children, they would be dismissed mas.” A printed schedule o f the the previous year. And we had a to attend their very own “Happy Christmas music rehearsals from packed sanctuary for two evenings Birthday, Jesus” party under the September through December was of Christmas celebration and out­ guidance of our children’s director. given to each person attending the reach. Sharing the concept and singing preview. O f great importance that O f great importance to the suc­ through the music at the preview evening was the “ sign in” sheet, cess of our Christmas outreach evening lasted 90 minutes, followed which was presented in an “upbeat” through music has been the cooper­ by a refreshment break of Christmas design with the heading, “I Attend­ ation of the total church staff in a cookies and punch. With cookies ed Sing We Now of Christmas!” team effort. The children’s involve­ and punch in hand, we fielded ques­ This “sign in” sheet contained the ment was accomplished under the tions and comments about the musi­ name and phone number of all who leadership of our children’s director. cal’s concepts, including the goals attended, giving us a list for follow- The total concept of our musical of memorized music and formal up purposes. outreach, “Where Is Christmas?” de­ dress. A group of committed Christ­ Estimating the number of people veloped largely because of the cre­ mas singers left the fellowship hall who will attend this event is a chal­ ative freedom encouraged and sup­ that mid-July night. lenging part of the process. We took ported by our senior pastor. O f course, such an evening’s pre­ into account the number of people Christmas provides a prime op­ view of the actual Christmas concert who had sung in the previous year’s portunity for community outreach happens only after a great deal of ad­ Christmas concert, 50, and set a goal as well as for celebration. That vance preparation. Much thought of increasing that number by 10 for which takes place in December will had been given to the selection of the upcoming year’s musical. Real­ largely be the result of creative the music. Over the past several izing that the preview would be planning that takes place during the years we have chosen several choral conducted during the height of va­ summer. Let your own Christmas selections and weaved a theme and cation season, we hoped to have 50 musical preview serve to expand narration around them, rather than people show up for the preview, your church’s Christmas outreach selecting one major published can­ which would include several new this summer. $

Some Thoughts on Biblical Preaching Irom a “Purist” Prolessor of Bible ( Continued from page 19)

How is this possible? Thomas Mer­ introductions, histories and atlases, biblical theolo­ 11. Ibid., 5. ton gives us one clue: gies, lexicons and wordbooks, grammars (if Greek 12. Ibid., 30. and Hebrew can be used), and illuminating mono­ 13- Ibid., 8. If we said only what we really graphs and special studies as they are known and 14. Thomas Merton, Sign o f Jonas, 166. With this meant, we would say very little. available. quotation relating silence to the preaching task, the Yet we have to preach God too. 3. We use the word prophetic in a broad, qual­ allusion is to the meaning o f silence as developed in itative sense to denote that which is characterized by ancient Eastern Orthodox Christianity, especially in Exactly. Preaching the word of a saving message, the proclamation o f the w ill o f what has become known as hesychastic spirituality God implies silence. If preaching God for the present, a message of judgment and (from the Greek hesychia, quietness, rest, silence). grace that gets its content both from the past, the On this tradition see George A. Maloney, Prayer o f is not born of silence, it is a waste covenant o f God with His people, and from the fu­ the Heart (Notre Dame, Ind.: Ave Maria Press, 1981), of time.14 $ ture, the new thing, the final consummation o f the 18-59 ff. Helpful on the contemporary role o f si­ purposes o f God for His people. lence in the spiritual life is Henri J. M. Nouwen, The 4. Walter Brueggemann, The Prophetic Imag­ Way o f the Heart: Desert Spirituality and Contem­ 1. Lcandcr E. Kcck, The Bible in the Pulpit: The ination (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1978), 12. porary Ministry (Minneapolis: Seabury Press, Renewal of Biblical Preaching (Nashville: Ab­ 5. Ibid. 1981), 41-68. See also N. W. Goodacre, “Silence,” in ingdon, 1978), 106. See pages 105-24. 6. Ibid., 13. The Westminster Dictionary of Christian Spiritu­ 2. Indispensable for biblical preaching are two or 7. Ibid. ality, edited by Gordon S. Wakefield (Philadelphia: three proven and thorough commentaries on the 8. Bishop George McKinney, pastor of the St. Westminster Press, 1983), 354 f., who begins with book in question, one o f which should be fairly re­ Stephen Church o f God in Christ in San Diego. the scriptural precedents. Thomas Merton’s under­ cent. Ask the advice o f those whose vocation it is to 9. Samuel Terrien, The Elusive Presence: Toward standing o f the role o f silence is rooted also in the keep up in the biblical field. But know how to use a New Biblical Theology (N ew York: Harper and work o f St. John o f the Cross as evidenced in his As­ the commentaries, and keep them the servant o f the Row, 1978), xxvii. cent to Truth (San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jo- biblical text! Other tools as available could include 10. Ibid., xxviii. vanovich, 1951, 1981).

JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 21 Church G

by Daniel R. Copp San Diego

INTRODUCTION a decade of evangelism, antici­ Facing the changes and oppor­ It is always thrilling to celebrate pating a moving of the Holy Spirit tunities, what will this mean for the the accomplishments of the past. and an openness to the gospel of church in the 1990s? While we do Now that we have entered the Jesus Christ beyond what the world not have a crystal ball, nor do we 1990s, we pause to reflect on the has known since Pentecost and the wish to presume upon the provi­ 1980s and the wonderful way God first-century Church. dence of God, it would be wise to has blessed the Church. As the hymn Survey information presents the attempt to identify trends likely to writer Fanny Crosby says, “To God profile of American people as keen- impact the way the church ministers be the glory— great things He hath in our world in the next decade. done” In light of accelerated change and With the assurance of God’s eter­ Two words unparalleled opportunity before us, nal faithfulness, we turn our interest let’s address some of the trends and toward a new decade. As Charles characterize the implications for the church in the Kettering expressed it, “My interest 1990s. is in the future because I am going coming decade: to spend the rest of my life there.” TRENDS The next 10 years of our lives will change and The following trends are not be spent in the 1990s. What does meant to be a prophetic or an ex­ that mean for the Church? opportunity. haustive list. Rather, they represent Two terms are predominant in the general areas of change already es­ avalanche of descriptions concern­ tablished and expected to accelerate ing the church and the decade of the ly interested in religion (George in the next 10 years. Each trend of­ ’90s: change and opportunity. It is Gallup’s 1988 Survey of the Un­ fers exciting opportunities for min­ said that we will experience at least churched American . . . 10 Years istry for the church, as well as as much change in the next 10 years Later; George Gallup’s The People’s unique challenges. as we have in the past three decades. Religion: American Faith in the Considering recent dramatic changes 90s; George Barna Research Group’s 1. AN OLDER around the world, this estimate is al­ National Research Studies'). Many CONSTITUENCY ready being considered conser­ unreached Americans already pro­ Ken Dychtwald, in his book Age vative. Fueling fires of change are fess high levels o f belief in God, Wave, sketches the changing de­ rapid advances in technology and heaven and hell, the divinity of Jesus mographic landscape as we con­ global communication. As we at­ Christ, and the Second Coming. As tinue to see senior adults living lon­ tempt to anticipate for the 1990s, it George Barna concludes, “Never be­ ger and baby boomers growing will be difficult to exaggerate when fore have there been so many who older. In 1990 it is estimated that it comes to the climate of change in are suddenly open to the notion of there are over 31 million people 65 which we expect to minister. attending church on a regular basis.” years of age or older in America. At Closely related to the pace of “The harvest is plentiful” (Matt. the same time, there are over 60 mil­ change is the increased sense of op­ 9:37), and the next decade offers lion baby boomer adults born be­ portunity for the church. Many ob­ tremendous opportunity for the tween 1946 and 1964. It is easy to servers are talking about the 1990s evangelical church. understand projections for a consis-

22 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE tently older population in the fu­ try issues have become political hot At the same time, there is almost a ture, with 20 percent of the popu­ buttons for the Christian commu­ dispensational work of the Holy lation of America— over 50 million nity. There is a trend toward greater Spirit in the moving of the Christian — 65 years o f age or older by the active political participation regard­ community to respond to the vari­ year 2020. ing issues such as abortion, sex edu­ ous social needs described as Com­ There are tremendous oppor­ cation, pornography, child abuse, passionate Ministries. The Lord tunities for ministry if we recognize child care, alcohol and drug abuse, seems to be issuing a wonderful call and respond to the aging of America. prayer and religious concepts in to service that is directing individu­ Senior adults are generally very re­ public schools, homosexuality, als not only to the preaching minis­ sponsive to churches that know how AIDS, the homeless, etc. try but also to specific ministry to respond to their unique needs. among the homeless, among others The challenge for the church will be living in the inner city, and among to understand the needs of the el­ victims of AIDS who find themselves derly and minister to them. inhabitants of a hospice. The 60 million baby boomers are The current In the 1990s, the church will quickly becoming some of the most need continued insight concerning responsive people to the ministry of generation is the specific issues we face, as well the church. They are reaching the as how to address those issues as age in which they are burning out seeking to attach God’s people in the sociopolitical on a popular culture with its empty arena in which we find ourselves. materialism and shallow successes. its families to They are seeking to attach their fam­ 4. A LESS DENOMINATION- ilies to deeper values, resulting in a deeper values. ORIENTED CONSTITUENCY renewed interest in religion. In or­ All available data consistently der to effectively minister to this shows that denominational affili­ segment of our population, the ation has little bearing on how at­ church will need to respond to the Concern for moral issues and the tractive a church is to a person seek- needs of the secular family that is sanctity of the family w ill continue ing a church home. The data seeking to no longer be squeezed to produce active response by the confirms what we already know: into the world’s mold. The church church. The family staggers against There is a dramatically decreasing will need to minister to the children the onslaught of pressures that relationship between somebody at­ while helping parents work through would seek to break it apart. Sep­ tending the church and the fact that the issues of conflicting kingdoms tember 1988 issue of Good House­ it is a certain denominational seeking for lordship of their lives. keeping Magazine reported that 23 church. For example, many erst­ 2. A MORE RACIALLY percent of all homes are now single while Nazarenes are attending DIVERSE CONSTITUENCY parent. This is readily believable churches other than Nazarene when we consider the rate o f di­ churches. Likewise, our Nazarene Not only is American society gray­ vorce and rampant sexual promiscu­ churches are full of people who at­ ing, but also it is becoming much ity. According to studies by U.S. Cen­ tend for reasons other than the fact more pluralistic racially. Immigra­ ters for Disease Control, about 29 of its being a Church of the Naza­ tion is the dominant source of popu­ percent of the 15-year-old girls rene. lation growth, with Asians and His- polled in 1988 reported having had Surveys clearly demonstrate that panics leading the way. Presently, sex, up from 18 percent in 1982— the number one reason a person the Los Angeles School District of­ 15-year-old girls! This is not an issue chooses to stay in a church is the fers classroom instruction in 80 dif­ that concerns only the young, or the ferent languages. Projections con­ friendliness of the congregation and clude that by the year 2000 the unmarried, or the unchurched. the relationships they develop. white population in California will Christian college campuses, church When choosing a church, people are be in the minority. families, and parsonage families are not attracted primarily by denomi­ Ethnic groups, particularly Asians not immune. According to a study national affiliation, preaching, mu­ and Hispanics, are responsive to the conducted by the Center for the sic, or program. People are most in­ gospel. However, the church must Study of Health, Faith, and Ethics fluenced by their need for meaning­ affectively address the contextual (Park Ridge, 111.), 1 in 10 ministers ful friendships and community, rela­ issues of culture, language, and have had affairs with members of tionships not easily found in this age imported religious traditions. The their congregations, and 1 in 4 have of advancing technology that essen­ church will also need to continue to had some kind of sexual contact tially isolates people from each stretch its sanctified creativity in re­ with a parishioner. other. sponding to expanding needs for fa­ The Christian community will In order to participate in the evan­ cilities and leadership for ethnic continue to become more active in gelistic opportunities of the 1990s, ministries. social and political issues that re­ the church will need to understand spond to the needs of the family and and effectively respond to people’s 3. A MORE SOCIOPOLITICAL- seek to stem the tide of the “sexual needs for community and belong­ LY ACTIVE CONSTITUENCY revolution” and the erosion of the ing. If the Christian church is not Family and Compassionate Minis­ American family. prepared to meet these needs in the

JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 23 name of Jesus Christ, the rising tide benefits could have significant fi­ searching people, making them­ of the New Age movement and other nancial impact on the church. selves available to the ministry of a non-Christian religions and cults are C. Economic Events holiness church. We must continue prepared to offer their heretical re­ The costs of ministry for the local to be deeply committed to minis­ sponse to the spiritual vacuum. church continue to escalate. The tering to the people that call us price of land, buildings, personnel, “home,” and, at the same time, re­ and essential programming pres­ spond to the real opportunity to IMPLICATIONS ently outstrip the resources of the minister in the evangelical and Wes­ The trends that have been identi­ local church. And economists agree leyan tradition to the “nonholiness” fied will likely impact the ministry that we are likely on the verge of people who come our way. of the church. The following are some degree of economic downturn, An awareness of the tremendous possible areas of implications that tightening the financial screws on opportunity for holiness evangelism would relate to these trends. the local church even more. in the 1990s needs to permeate our churches, serving as the foundation 1. FINANCIAL SUPPORT 2. EVANGELISM for our vision and planning. It is difficult to measure the im­ Trends indicate that opportunity 3. CONSECRATED plications for financial support for for evangelism is great! We do not LEADERSHIP the church. However, some possible want to overlook this most exciting events and perceived behavioral pat­ opportunity for the ’90s. It is time Participation in the exciting op­ terns could relate directly to finan­ for the church to seek a deepening portunities of the next decade re­ cial support: work of God’s Holy Spirit in us. It is quires effective response to numer­ ous challenges. To do so w ill take A. Demographic Changes time for churches to join together in consecrated leadership, both clergy The generation ahead of the baby intercessory prayer for the harvest. It and laity. One of the greatest needs boomers has been the financial is time for the church to reaffirm its in the 1990s w ill be in the area of backbone of the church. They con­ commitment to the Great Commis­ leadership development. We need to tinue to move quickly into the se­ sion and to seek ways to strategically be continually developing people nior adult portion of their lives, work together and resource one an­ whom God can use to direct His which finds them on the decreasing other to lead people in a dynamic Church as it faces volatile issues and side of their financial strength. Baby personal relationship with Jesus valuable opportunities. Resources boomers coming up behind them Christ. will need to be committed to better have yet to demonstrate the same prepare us for facing the socio­ sense of financial stewardship. political issues, to offer continued Likewise, studies of emerging eth­ leadership development oppor­ nic groups show that they do not The number one tunities for our clergy and laity, and generally give liberally to the local to produce individuals committed church. reason a person to service and available to God’s call B. A Sociopolitical Backlash chooses a church to ministry— whether preaching, Heightened participation of the teaching, or specific compassionate church-at-large in social and politi­ is the friendliness ministries. We need men and women cal affairs will likely produce a who are surrendered to God and backlash that w ill bring increased of its people. committed to leading the way in involvement of the government in Kingdom ministries and who are religious affairs. In the United States keeping in step with the Holy Spirit. we continue to see an increased in­ Consecrated leadership will make terest on the part of the courts, leg­ the difference for the church in the It may mean that we begin by islatures, and the Internal Revenue 1990s! helping each other see the oppor­ Service in monitoring and regulat­ tunity more clearly. We may start by ing the work of the church. In Octo­ CONCLUSION recognizing that within the church ber of 1987, the U.S. Congress spon­ With the change and opportunity is tremendous opportunity for evan­ sored a series of hearings pertaining the church faces in the 1990s, it is to tax filings and reporting practices gelism among church members and certain that these trends and impli­ of the church. Leading IRS officials “non-church members.” With de­ cations can, at best, serve as only an sought to move ahead with changes. creased denominational ties, it is introduction. The good news con­ Congress continues to move cau­ likely we will have more and more tinues to be, “The one who calls you tiously, but further investigations are “non-Nazarenes” or “non-WesIey- is faithful and he w ill do it” (1 currently in progress concerning the ans,” etc., attending our churches. Thess. 5:24). And our prayer con­ government and church finances. They may call themselves by any de­ tinues to be, “Let us keep in step Any major changes in tax status or nominational name, but they are a with the Spirit” (Gal. 5:25). $

24 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE ffinderina Hana-ups ____

Hang-up of Pessimistic Doldrums by Raymond C. Kratzer Yakima, Wash.

bers, and with the world’s condi­ tions about us, it seems so logical to concentrate on problems. They loom so large on the horizon that your assets are obliterated from view. The truth of the matter is that your assets are always greater than your liabilities. Of course problems should not be overlooked. But if they become all- consuming, a deadly pall of pessi­ mism will pervade the atmosphere. Progress will slow to a snail’s pace. This attitude can so easily become dominant until every joy will be di­ minished and every bright spot will be dulled. I recall a certain lady with many fine attributes, but she was infected by the doldrums of pessimism. No matter how good a thing appeared, od’s work, she found something wrong with it. * by its very One time I remarked what a beau­ nature is in­ G tiful day it was with the sky so blue volved in an atmo- | prayed, “Dear Lord, help our evan­ and the sun so radiant. She paused a sphere of resistance. IJjj gelist to do his thing.” Every minis­ moment as she scanned the sky, and We servants of the Lord ) ,•! ter needs God’s help to do “his finally said forlornly: “Yes, it is a must be aware o f an un­ thing.”'Often it must be done in nice day, but see the dark cloud on friendly world that is determined to spite of untoward circumstances. the horizon.” About 9944/n><> percent negate every effort for good. The Bi­ One of the deadliest states of of the sky was blue, but she zeroed ble says that Satan is still going mind into which preachers may be in on the small cloud. about as a roaring lion, disguised as lured by the god of this world is the Many of the teachings of the New an angel of light, and busy in his sov­ doldrums of pessimism. Satan does Testament emphasize the need for ereignty as the prince of the power not have much luck in getting them optimism. Jesus says, “Be of good of the air. Consequently, if we pray to commit sin, but he often suc­ cheer” (Matt. 9:2, KJV). Paul says, through, we must blast a hole in the ceeds in hindering their success by “Rejoice evermore” (1 Thess. 5:16, satanic pollutants and fight every getting them hung up with an atti­ KJV). Peter says, “Rejoice, inasmuch other form of resistance in order to tude of pessimism. as ye are partakers of Christ’s suf­ accomplish our task in building the Pessimism is such a subtle thing ferings; that, when his glory shall be Kingdom. that it penetrates your subconscious revealed, ye may be glad also with An evangelist was staying in the mind almost imperceptibly, often in exceeding joy” (1 Pet. 4:13, KJV). pastor’s home while conducting re­ the guise of a spiritual impulse. John quotes Jesus in his Gospel, vival services. During family prayer When you observe the lack of conse­ “That your joy might be full” one morning, the pastor’s small son cration on the part of church mem­ (15:11, KJV).

JUNE/JULV/AUGUST 25 Many good preachers have found port; if there be any virtue, and if I ’ll bear the toil, endure the themselves stymied in the doldrums there be any praise, think on these pain, of pessimism through an over-con- things” (Phil. 4:8, KJV). The wise Supported by Thy Word. centration on negatives. Some evan­ man of old said: “For as he thinketh in Temptations toward pessimism al­ gelists have constricted their use­ his heart, so is he” (Prov. 23:7, KJV). ways lurk in the vestibule of success. fulness because they cry the blues A young pastor went to a small Only a forthright effort, coupled continually. Their ministry in a church in an isolated area as the with the power of the Holy Spirit, church often casts a pall of gloom only spot a “generous district super­ can keep them from achieving the that hangs over a congregation long intendent” had for him. He didn’t ascendancy. Ministers must refuse to after they are gone. Their negativism tell the young man that it was a give audience to these destructive expresses itself in their offerings, in “burned-over field” and that one of forces. If negative attitudes are the alleged unspiritual churches and the leading members of the church countenanced at all, they are liable visionless pastors, and in highlight­ had been captioned as a “timber to infect a whole congregation. For ing all of the ills of the day. Then wolf.” This young pastor and his example, let a pastor sigh to his they wonder why their calls are less wife saw only a challenge there. If church board over increased bud­ than normal. Instead of being wise the area appeared to some as gets, and the infection of gloom w ill and taking some vitamins of victory, “burned-over,” it looked to them spread like a cancer. Or let him hint they allow the drip, drip, drip of like fertile soil in which a potential that his church has reached the satu­ gloom to circulate in their spiritual harvest lay. The “ tim ber w o lf” ration point in that community, and bloodstream to infect their whole turned out to be a diamond in the soon vision w ill diminish, psycho­ outlook. rough who loved God and became a logical barriers w ill be erected, and The apostle John at 90 years of shining gem of rare beauty under the progress of that church may be age was rich in the things of God, the concerned care of the godly inhibited for years to come. and his outlook was bright and up­ couple. The church prospered and May God help us always to look at lifting. He said at this age: “Beloved, became a thing of beauty because the work o f the Lord through the now are we the sons of God, and it that pastor refused to be hung up on eyes of Jesus who says, “All things doth not yet appear what we shall negatives and discouragements. are possible to him that believeth” be: but we know that, when he shall Isaac Watts says: (Mark 9:23, KJV). “This is the vic­ appear, we shall be like him; for we Sure I must fight, if I would tory that overcometh the world, shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2, reign. even our fa ith !” (1 John 5:4, KJV, KJV). Does this sound like a dull Increase my courage, Lord. emphases added). $ outlook? Think of the discouraging circumstances John was in most of the time. But life to him was the thrill of coming adventure, for he served the Lord! What a privilege! What a challenge! Instead of his out­ look being bathed in indigo, it was sprinkled with “joy unspeakable and BEYOND BELIEF full of glory” (1 Pet. 1:8, KJV). If your relationship with God is current, and His love pervades your inmost self, life should possess an overriding joy with a brighter tomor­ row always in view. Optimism begets optimism. Pessi­ mism begets pessimism. Paul states that the best way to keep out of the doldrums of pessimism is to think positively. While in prison— not too cheerful an environment— he wrote: “Whatsoever things are true, . . . whatsoever things are lovely, what?™*ver things are of good re­

T?oaA*oc> i b b e l ie v e Amy p a p t o f -ftE BIBLE He MASMY SEEN IN FUHNEL6PAPH.

26 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE Stewardshl ______I Workers’ Compensation Laws and the Local Chorch by Board of Pensions and Benefits USA, Church of the Nazarene Kansas City

orkers’ Compensation laws coverage may prevent the need for disabilities” upon employers that now exist in all states and the injured or their family to bring choose not to be covered by Work­ Canada. They are designed court action. However, too often it is ers’ Compensation insurance. W so that benefits (both medicalnot and reviewed and updated to ade­ These concerns should not be ig­ disability income) for work-related quate levels. nored. Unfortunately, too often they accident, injury, or illness can be are asked in an emotional setting af­ paid promptly without the need for CHURCHES AND THE VIEW ter an injury has occurred. expensive legal fees to determine OF THE COURTS Some churches have discovered fault. Medical benefits have no dol­ too late that it is more expensive to lar or time limits, and cash benefits The prevailing view of the courts pay the continuing salary of a “recov­ are paid for lost wages due to im­ can be seen in one court’s ruling: ering” employee than it would have pairment or disability. In severe “The fact that [a religious organiza­ been to pay for adequate insurance. cases, medical and vocational reha­ tion] is a purely charitable enter­ The following is a true example of bilitation benefits may be provided. prise does not of itself release it what can happen. It is an excerpt A few states exempt churches from the obligations of our Workers’ from a letter responding to some of from Workers’ Compensation cov­ Compensation Act, which unlike the these very issues. erage, and several exempt all non­ acts of some states, does not exempt We are going through some very profit employers. A few others ex­ charitable or religious institutions, turbulent waters in the very matters empt any employer, including as such, from its operation, nor ex­ of which you speak. The church churches, having fewer than two or clude their employees from its bene­ hired a janitorial service in 1978. three employees. However, the ma­ fits. Where the relationship of em­ The persons owning the service jority of states have compulsive ployer and employee actually exists were members of the church, and participation laws that do not ex­ between a charitable institution and it was agreed that they would do empt churches! an injured workman, the latter is en­ the cleaning services. titled to the benefits of our act, oth­ The wife of the manager of the WHAT IF THE CHURCH DOES erwise not” (Schneider v. Salvation cleaning service fell, and since Army, 14 N.W. 2d 467, 468 [Minn. NOT HAVE INSURANCE? that time, we have been in con­ 1944]). stant turmoil in trying to sort out Unless specifically exempted by the details of the hiring and ser­ law, church employees are subject SHOULD THE CHURCH vices to be rendered. to Workers’ Compensation laws. Un­ PURCHASE WORKERS’ Board minutes and other impor­ fortunately, some churches assume COMPENSATION INSURANCE? tant documents were not filed they are exempt and so do not se­ properly, and so the investigation cure the insurance. However, such The answer must be the result of goes on without any real direction an assumption will not protect a careful research into the applicable because the basis on which they church from full liability in the state laws. If legal exemption does were hired was not recorded. event of a claim for benefits. not exist, compliance with the law I say all of this to stress the point Work-related injuries or illnesses may require insurance that is pur­ that we must be diligent both in among church employees are not as chased, or it may allow self-insur­ preaching and administrative rare as some think! In fact, in one ance. Under the latter option, pro­ leadership. It is not enough any­ state, Workers’ Compensation cov­ fessional assistance is a must to more to operate with verbal agree­ erage was extended to include vol­ determine the appropriateness and ments and unwritten contracts. unteers working under the super­ the risks of self-insuring Workers’ Our church has suffered much vision of a church employee. In this Compensation coverage. through this experience, and it specific situation, a volunteer was If legal exemption does exist, the has been a tremendous burden on donating labor during a building church should still determine what my heart and ministry. I have pas- project and was injured. Expenses would happen if an employee were tored for 36 years and never faced for medical treatment and lost wages to be injured on the job. It should this kind of storm before. I sure made it necessary for the individual decide if the limits under general li­ hope pastors w ill take heed and to seek help through a Workers’ ability coverage are high enough to know where they are going. Compensation claim. The church’s cover large losses or if the church general liability coverage limits were should voluntarily purchase Work­ The information in this article is o f a general na­ exceeded, and the church was held ers’ Compensation coverage. Fur­ ture. It is not offered as specific legal or tax “advice.” Each person, local church board, and district should liable for the balance o f the benefits. thermore, it should be noted that evaluate their own unique situation in consultation In some cases, general liability some states impose certain “legal with their local legal and tax advisers.

JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 27 Christian Holidays

Pentecost by J. Grant Swank, Jr. Walpole, Mass.

A Sermon for Pentecost Sunday Acts 2:1-13

oes Pentecost Sunday mean of a close companionship with our perseverance in the believer’s life. anything to you personally? Savior. Willy-nilly Christian living is gone. It should. Samuel Chad­ The Pentecostal presence gives us Hot and cold flashes give way to a Dwick wrote: a new proclamation. Empowering consistent fire for God. Moodiness At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit Peter from cowardice to courage, he and protection of self are anathema. came as He had never come be­ spoke forthrightly, impulsively, Seeking out the comfort zone on the fore. Jesus said, “It is for your daringly. But this time, Peter’s lips periphery of Christ’s kingdom is not good that I am going away. Unless uttered neither foolishness nor be­ tolerated. Instead, Spirit-filled I go away, the Counselor will not trayal as before. Instead, he pro­ Christians dash headlong into the come to you.” The inference is claimed with conviction concerning heart of God. Consider the examples of perse­ that the presence of the Spirit is the Spirit of Jesus, who indwelt the verance in the early disciples. They better than the bodily presence of followers fresh from a second-story gave all even in death. Andrew was Jesus. The Holy Spirit is Christ flat where they had spent 10 days in scourged and crucified at Patras; without the limitations of the prayer meetings. Philip was hung on a hook; Bar­ flesh and the material world. This fisherman-turned-evangelist tholomew was beaten in Armenia; To give witness to this Pentecostal proclaimed a hallowed Jesus, a Car­ Matthew was stabbed in Ethiopia; presence is to tell the world that we penter who was more than human. and Thomas was speared in India. have been overcome with a new Peter, along with John, preached to Thaddeus was slaughtered for refus­ power. Jesus told His disciples that the lame man about a healing ing to worship the sun and moon, they would “receive power when Jesus— a Savior o f body and soul. James and Simon were crucified in the Holy Spirit comes on you” (Acts This same twosome pronounced to Egypt, and Peter was stretched on a 1:8). Jewish priests a heavenly Jesus, our cross during the Neronian persecu­ What is the thrust of this spiritual ascended Mediator seated at the tions. dynamo? It is to have power over right hand of the Father in glory. How can we dare complain in this sin’s domination, to live victoriously When we are filled with the Pen­ age of luxury and creaturely com­ over the devil, to experience free­ tecostal presence, we proclaim not forts? Can we even think of deser­ dom from self-centered drives. It is ourselves, nor our group, nor our re­ tion when there is so much going the enabling by the Holy Spirit to ligious idiosyncrasies, but Jesus. We for us: books, pamphlets, research live the holy life. lift Him up for all the world to see, journals, worship opportunities, fel­ Prior to Pentecost, Peter was something desperately needed in lowships, retreats, and communica­ weak-kneed, an embarrassment to our climate of spiritual confusion tion methods to relay the old story? the cause of Christ. Up and down, he and egocentricity. Or do these resources pamper us rode a spiritual seesaw within his We can survive without religious into an apathy that could destroy us? spirit. After Pentecost, Peter stood celebrities and money appeals for ( Continued on page 40) strong in the Lord. He was strong their large organizations. “Holy enough to stand up and preach in hoopla” advances the cause of self the streets and alleyways of Jerusa­ more than the Savior. But we cannot lem during the festival, a risky act do without our High Priest, the One that could have incited his death by who offers His Spirit to indwell our the Temple guards. hearts as the flaming fire indwelt When living in the Spirit, we have the Temple in Old Testament days. an awesome respect for God, a ha­ Our proclamation remains a Person tred against evil, and a hunger for rather than a program. daily cleansing from all that robs us The Spirit’s presence brings a new

28 THE PREACHERS MAGAZINE Church Administration What Am I Supposed to Do? by Betsy Humphreys Morgantown, WVa.

“Donna, w ill you work on the mis­ want to carry on the conversation so ing the meeting, all feeling at sea. sion program?” long that Donna has time to change The next day I checked the Steer­ “Well, I guess so.” her mind after she says yes! Or I may ing Committee’s job description and “Good. It’s all settled then.” need to hurry to make other calls on discovered our responsibility is to That’s a conversation almost guar­ my list. develop a total budget. Having anteed to lead to disaster— unmet If I’m being recruited, especially something in writing settled the expectations, missed deadlines, if I’ve been trained to accommodate question. overspent budgets, and angry, disap­ others, it takes a monumental effort Another benefit: If two commit­ pointed, or burned-out workers. not to say yes immediately to a re­ tees are stepping on each other’s Consider the questions not ad­ quest for help. toes, job descriptions can settle the dressed: That’s where job descriptions dispute without offending individu­ W hat does w ork on mean? come in. als. As one member of our Volun- Chair a committee? Serve on a A few years ago, to shore up our teerism Committee noted, “Job de­ committee? Do all the work? volunteers and programs, our scriptions are a subtle way of con­ What does mission program church applied a standard business trolling overlap.” include? A particular project now practice. We developed job descrip­ under way? A conference? The to­ tions for our standing committees Introducing the idea tal mission effort for the church? and certain individual tasks. How do you present the idea of When is this program to be Not everyone was immediately en­ job descriptions to others in your done? On a continuing basis? For a thusiastic about writing up job de­ church? year? By next Thursday? scriptions for church work. After all, The vocational makeup of the How much time w ill I need to it is time-consuming and, to some congregation might have an effect put into the program in order to people, too cut-and-dried for church on acceptance. My church has a be effective? Will the fact I can at­ activities. large percentage of university ad­ tend only evening meetings be a But we have learned that good ministrators and school personnel in problem? procedures, drawn up and under­ its leadership. On the positive side, To whom w ill I be responsible? stood by the people involved, make many o f these people are accus­ The minister? The board? The Sun­ for smoother operations and more tomed to operating with job de­ day School superintendent? energetic volunteers. As our chair­ scriptions. On the other hand, some Are there volunteers lined up? man reported after the first job de­ want their church volunteer time to Is there a budget to work within? scriptions were written, “People be free of paperwork; these people Do I need special skills or infor­ want to know what’s expected of have more than enough bureaucracy mation that I don’t have yet? them. When they understand a job, at their workplace. So they made Where can I get those? they are more willing to say yes.” sure (often by complaints!) that the When these questions aren’t asked The descriptions also go on help­ job descriptions never became top and answered, we start to hear, “ I ing long after people have been re­ priority. thought you were doing that,” “You cruited. Recently, while chairing a Regardless of the church’s make­ needed it today?” or “I didn’t know I Steering Committee budget session, up, however, it’s important to have was supposed to check with you.” I realized that I did not know— and the backing of the minister and, if neither did anyone else on the com­ possible, the ruling lay body. Why don’t we ask? mittee— whether the Steering Com­ Our church got started by sending Many o f us active in churches, mittee was simply to collect the in­ several members to a workshop on however, have some hang ups about dividual committees’ budget requests mobilizing volunteers. I recommend asking these questions or pinning or to edit those requests and submit sending a cadre of delegates. Fre­ down the details. a total recommended budget to the quently one delegate attends a meet­ If I’m doing the asking, I may not session. We wandered aimlessly dur­ ing, has a great experience, comes

JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 29 back, and gives a three-minute re­ As an old English major, I suggest in the association knows that the port. Everyone says, in effect, “Sounds you make verbs precise: “prepare,” board sets the calendar, this prob­ fine; thank you,” and moves on to “enlist,” and “provide,” for example. lem should not occur. other business. But because w e’d A clear statement of who is re­ A committee’s job description sent several delegates, we had a sponsible for preparing the budget should include resources available whole group ready to improve vol- and handling the expenditures en­ to the committee members: the min­ unteerism in our church, and devel­ courages up-to-date financial infor­ ister, a person in the community oping job descriptions was one mation. It also discourages individu­ who works in the field, other com­ method. als from paying for supplies that are mittees, facilities, or books. Another way to introduce job de­ provided for in the budget. scriptions would be to develop one For an individual’s job descrip­ “Annual report ramrod” with a new committee starting a tion, state the time needed to per­ The completed job descriptions project. If the person in charge leads form the work. The most misleading were assembled into an officer’s the committee through the writing words in all the world may well be, handbook, which was given to all of a job description and keeps re­ “It won’t take any time at all.” Peo­ committees and officers. This book ferring to it when people ask, “Who ple often accept a volunteer job and also contains staff job descriptions does that?” and “When should I have then become resentful as well as and a statement of our church’s over­ this ready?” the group can serve as a tired from the unexpected commit­ all goals. In the two years since the model. ment of time. material was distributed, it has been referred to repeatedly, especially A deadline for one-time jobs helps Writing the descriptions when the question, “Who is respon­ a chairman keep people on target. I sible?” comes up. We learned early that it’s not once asked an artist friend to make Each year, committees are asked enough to say to committee chair­ our church’s main entrance more in­ to revise their own job descriptions, persons, “Write a job description for viting. She jumped at the oppor­ because the jobs change and also be­ your work.” A few may oblige, but tunity. We met to measure the area cause people gradually improve most tend to put that assignment at to be repainted and decorated. I lis­ their job-describing skills. The note­ the bottom o f their agendas. If I tened to her ideas. I gave her names book is in loose-leaf form, so new have a choice between planning a of people who might help. I pages can be added easily. The Com­ mission fair that’s two weeks away checked with her regularly on munications Committee makes sure and writing how to set one up, un­ progress. I included her oral report new officers receive a handbook and less I’m a highly structured person to me in my monthly written report that each committee carries out the who always makes lists first, I will to the committee. I thought I was annual review. opt for action, not procedural exer­ being a great chairman. An example of the usefulness of cises. But the project never m ateri­ job descriptions came to me un­ So we scheduled a meeting in alized. Why not? I didn’t set a dead­ expectedly. Our annual report to the which the only item of business was line. This person was busy, and other congregation, a 50-page collection explaining the purpose of job de­ projects with specific deadlines of committee and staff reports, is a scriptions and writing them. In that kept taking precedence. I thought major undertaking that has at times gathering we first gave the rationale: because there was no absolute dead­ thrown the office schedule off bal­ “We w ill be better able to match line, I shouldn’t set an artificial one. ance and even has arrived at congre­ people with particular jobs because I was wrong. gational homes a fter the annual we will know what each job entails,” List what interests and skills are meeting. and “It will be easier for you to find needed. An Usher Committee chair So our new Communications volunteers.” needs to have a sense of organiza­ Committee, after hearing staff and Second, we reminded people of tion, willingness to recruit, and per­ member comments, established a the problems that occur when one sistence (because the commitment volunteer position: “Annual Report person retires from a volunteer role lasts through December). A one- Ramrod.” and another takes over. Often the Sunday-only usher, however, needs The following fall, when I needed outgoing person is so accustomed to only get his shoes on in time to a volunteer to fill that position, I the procedures that he forgets to tell show up 20 minutes before the ser­ simply pulled out the job descrip­ the new person many basic details. vice— with a smile. The virtues here tion and used it to explain the task. That argument hit home, because al­ are dependability and friendliness. The description included items I most everyone in the group had For a com m ittee’s description, had completely forgotten since our been in the situation of trying to do state the extent of the committee’s January decision. And the result of a new job without adequate orien­ authority— what decisions the the ramrod follow ing the job de­ tation. group can and cannot make. For ex­ scription was that no one on staff Third, we showed that a person ample, if one women’s circle de­ worked overtime to put the report does not have to be a personnel spe­ cides to put on a program for the en­ together, committee reports came in cialist to write a job description. We tire women’s association without closer to the deadline than before passed out a standard form, on checking with the association (not a perfect score, but definitely which committees filled in the board, it may set up a conflict of better than before), and we set a needed information. dates and personalities. If everyone standard for future years. $

30 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE Pastor's Personal Growth

The Third Half in Ministry by Kenneth Vogt Abbotsford, B.C.

ter needs to face openly and without denominations. Through these schools regret, recrimination, or self-pity. of prayer, prayer behavior is improved REALITY No. 1: We, the retired, and becomes more powerful. are no longer in the organiza­ REALITY No. 4: In fact there tional structure. We retain our are many open doors. A group of ministerial orders. We w ill still be us, transdenominationally, meet ev­ labeled with titles o f respect. We ery week to pray for our civic lead­ may be called on to fill interim ers, pastors, police officers, mis­ niches in the organization, but the sionary endeavors, and people with mainstream passes us by. Accept special needs. Others lead support that. Praise God for it! This leaves groups like Alzheimer’s, Hospice, one free to respond more easily to Grief Recovery, etc. Some retired promptings of the Spirit for a per­ ministers are doing serious writing. son-to-person ministry. REALITY No. 5: We do not fit REALITY No. 2: The pace of easily into the local church or n large segments of the church change is vastly accelerated. district organization. In my com­ world, ministry can be divided Right at the time when one thinks of munion, retired pastors are no lon­ into two halves. The more settling down, changes fly at us. ger members of the district assem­ Iyouthful half reaches to about ageSome of these are occasioned by bly unless we are specifically as­ 40 or 45, and the more mature half health conditions. Right at the time signed. A master’s thesis was written to about age 62 to 65. J. Grant when I was moving into my third on the role or nonrole of the retired Swank, Jr., in Ministry Magazine, career— church growth consulting elder. Accept it. We do not fit in eas­ wrote significantly about the second — my wife got that terrifying disease ily. Be sensitive, supportive, prayer­ half of ministry. He pointed out that called Alzheimer’s. For three years, I ful, and optimistic. motivations and resources may cared 24 hours a day for my de­ There is a French term, noblesse change and often do. Those who fenseless, diminished wife, my com­ oblige. It accords respect to the wis­ capitalize on these changes will mitment was called to the test. By dom that should come with advanc­ have their most significant minis­ God’s grace, I found out that real ing years, but it also calls for obli­ tries while others simply fade away. love gives totally without asking gation on those who are older to ac­ His article brought to mind the anything back. That brings me to the commodatingly fit in and be pro­ “third half of ministry.” That is third reality. ductive. We have a dream to be where I am and thousands like me. I REALITY No. 3: There is always gathered to our fathers with our eye served 20 years as a pastor, then 20 an open door. My open door was not dimmed nor our strength abated years as a church administrator. Now the privilege of learning to pray as I (see Deut. 34:7, KJV). Jesus ex­ I face the prospect of 15 to 20 more had never prayed before. Now that plained to Peter that in his death he years of challenging, significant, and my beloved has gone on her “safe would glorify God (John 21:19). In fulfilling ministry. Hallelujah! journey,” this has resulted in the end it may be otherwise, but this But there are some realities that “Golden Hour Schools of Prayer” kind o f dream w ill keep us alive the ordained-for-life, retired minis­ conducted in fellowships of many while we live. $

JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 31 Pastoral Care ______

Unfinished Business Is His Business Helping Adults Resolve Their Painful Pasts

by Bob Moeller Deerfield, III.

ally hid under her bed, fearing for most of Chick’s growing-up parent has lost through his behavior. I the footsteps in the hallway years, though later he did seek help Others deal with the family problem S would stop outside her door. and treatment. by becoming the family problem Jim dreaded the holidays and the tur­ themselves, engaging in irresponsi­ moil they brought to his home. Bill Lasting Damage ble acts. learned to keep friends away from Chick discovered that the scars of Regardless of the reaction, the the house after school so that his those early emotional traumas did stress of living in an unstable, un­ mother’s secret would not be discov­ not disappear with adulthood. Paul predictable, and chronically painful ered. and Dave, two students at Trinity, home situation teaches children can also testily to that fact. Though three rules-. Don’t talk about the No Haven at Home both are intelligent, well-mannered, problems, don’t allow yourself to What do these people have in and spiritually committed adults, feel the hurt, and don’t trust anyone common? Their parents drank too they carry with them the pain of again. Unfortunately these rules are much, or fought too much, or vio­ growing up in homes where the carried into adulthood, and they cre­ lated sexual taboos. As a result, their rules were all wrong. ate tremendous interpersonal strug­ children were emotionally devas­ Their emotional responses to gles for adult children. The primary tated. The kids grew up believing trauma in the home followed a pat­ result of their upbringing seems to that everything was their fault. Not tern similar to that of most ACOAs be an inability to be intimate with knowing how to respond to the when confronted with a domestic anyone. emotional upheaval in their roller situation out o f control. They de­ Paul puts it this way: “A big issue coaster homelives, they did the only cided to take personal responsibility in my family was conditional accep­ thing they could do. They quit feel­ for maintaining order and equi­ tance based on performance, based ing, quit talking, and quit trusting. librium in the home. Dave took it on role playing, as opposed to hav­ These are the adult children of upon himself to care for everyone’s ing the freedom to be myself and ex­ dysfunctional homes. They are needs, even trying to play the role of press my feelings. That freedom known as ACOAs— an acronym for his missing father. didn’t exist for me as a child.” Adult Children Of Alcoholics, “I tried to become a dad to my lit­ though the term is applied to a wide tle brother,” he remembers. “I also Unconditional Acceptance variety o f dysfunctional home set­ became a comedian, to keep the It was at this point the Trinity sup­ tings. family laughing.” port group began to help him re­ Charles “Chick” Sell, professor of cover from the sorrows of his child­ Christian education at Trinity Evan­ Making Maladjustments hood. “To be able to walk into a gelical Divinity School, is author of It is not uncommon for children group of people and be accepted a new book, Unfinished Business: to assume different roles in the fam­ without conditions, to have the free­ Helping Adult Children Resolve ily to compensate for severe prob­ dom to express my emotions— the Their Past. He is also the founder of lems, according to Chick. “It is not anger, the hurt, the fears, all those a support group on the Trinity cam­ adjustments that are made, but mal­ things associated with growing up pus for students and other adults adjustments,” he observes. Some in an alcoholic family— was very from the community who had trau­ children choose to become the hero healing for me. Acceptance and un­ matic childhoods like his own. of the family in a desperate attempt derstanding by others of the strug­ Chick Sell’s father was an alcoholic to salvage the pride and dignity the gles I face is very important.”

32 THE PREACHERS MAGAZINE Both Dave and Paul admit main­ to be normal, healthy, and emotion­ trust him with my feelings, soon I taining close friendships has been a ally and spiritually satisfying? began not to feel them. They just difficult task. Trusting people is a stayed repressed.” fearful risk for an ACOA. They tend No Quick and Easy Answers Paul remained in that difficult to carry their problems alone, a pat­ That is the aim o f Chick Sell’s emotional bind for several years un­ tern they learned early when there Trinity support group ministry. He is til he came to Trinity. “I began to go was no one with whom to discuss com m itted to helping men and back and look at what happened. I the ugly family secret. “I think one women find wholeness in Jesus began to get in touch with my feel­ of the difficulties we have is build­ Christ. Unlike therapy groups in our ings of anger and hurt. I began to ing significant relationships with society that vaguely refer members talk about them in my support other people,” Dave says. “Just this to a “higher power,” or some other group. I’m still in the process of last week we were discussing this is­ fuzzy spiritual concept, Sell believes learning to trust others with things sue in our group. One of the people that Jesus Christ is the final solution about myself, but that’s coming in the group asked, ‘Is this a place to the pain and heartache of their along as well.” where I could find the type of friend­ pasts. Dave has also experienced the un­ ships I have been missing?’ ” Indeed, Healing and recovery from the conditional love of the Heavenly Fa­ learning to trust is one of the goals damaging impact of growing up in a ther through other believers. “The of Chick Sell’s group. dysfunctional family takes time. biblical truth that we are OK and ac­ ceptable as individuals created by Breaking the Code of Silence There are no quick and easy short­ cuts. The patterns of emotional re­ God was mediated to me through ACOAs tend to grow up with low sponse learned as a child are still the group experience of understand­ self-esteem. “My feelings and emo­ playing, like a tape recording that ing and acceptance. I really feel it tions and thoughts were never ac­ repeats the same message over and for the first time in my life.” cepted as being o f value, so I be­ over. Dave sees several benefits in his came wary of communicating own life as a result of this ministry. As children ACOAs needed a de­ anything intimate about myself for “You have to build trust in the fense system to block the pain of fear of rejection,” Paul remembers. group. You are sharing things that re­ their homelives. Turning off feelings Rather than sharing honestly, ACOAs quire a high confidence level. It and refusing to trust people helped learn to tell others what they think gives you the freedom to talk and to they want to hear. Pleasing others them survive the nightmarish strug­ feel and to trust. You are growing in becomes their first priority. “You be­ gles of their childhoods. But now all the areas you had previously shut come so externally oriented you those patterns are no longer appro­ down.” lose a sense of your own integrity,” priate. They hinder the joy, freedom, Sell adds. and intimacy adults should enjoy Learning to Trust Again The code of silence is a common with their spouses, children, and Even for ACOAs who profess trait of dysfunctional homes. The friends. Christ as Savior, a sense of intimacy unspoken rule is that no one should Chick believes the truth of with God is often missing until they mention the awful behavior of one Christ’s love for us is a tremendous receive help. According to Paul, “I or both parents. Chick Sell recalls aid in the healing process. In the became a Christian in 1970, but I never discussing his father’s drink­ mind of a child from a dysfunctional did not have a good, consistent rela­ ing problem with anyone in his fam­ home, there is often disparity be­ tionship with God for many of those ily. tween how God sees them and how years. Looking back, I think I can say Only when his dad was seriously their parents taught them to see it had its roots in not being able to ill in a hospital years later did the themselves. The truth of Scripture trust in general. That became evi­ topic of his father’s alcoholism challenges the wrong messages dent in my relationship with God.” come up. Though he expressed re­ ACOAs sadly came to believe. That too is changing. “ During my morse over his drinking, it proved to ACOAs feel they must earn the ac­ last three years here I have had a bet­ be an awkward moment. Says Chick, ceptance and forgiveness of God, ter relationship with God than in all “I was unable to say anything more but the Bible teaches it comes by the rest of my entire life. I feel more than, ‘That’s all right.’ ” grace through faith. able to trust Him.” Just last year Chick learned from a Chick stresses the need to forgive Chick Sell feels called to develop brother that they both reacted as the offending parents. ACOAs can a ministry to those who carry great children to their father’s drinking only be free of their pasts as they re­ hurt from their pasts. He has taken bouts in a similar fashion. When lease their bitterness and anger. The seriously the injunction of Scripture their mother retreated to the attic, power of the gospel of Jesus Christ to bind up the wounded and heal often to cry, Chick would follow her offers this hope. the brokenhearted. Through God’s up the steps to offer comfort. His The Trinity support group is see­ Word, intercessory prayer, and the brother had done exactly the same ing results. For Paul, healing has caring fellowship of believers, many thing. Now, after many years, the come through reversing the process ACOAs are finding new spiritual and code of silence was breaking down. that was set in motion early in his emotional health. As members of the Ultimately the question must be life. “As a boy I had learned not to group resolve their painful pasts, asked: How can ACOAs get better? trust my father. The next step was their unfinished business can be fin­ How can they reconstruct their lives not to talk to him. Since I could not ished at last. $

JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 33 Living Predestination by Steven R. Kooistra Kansas City

was born into a Dutch family On the other side, during my sunset. Both Arminians and Cal­ that traces all of its genealogies freshman year o f college, I had a vinists agree that God’s sovereignty back into the Netherlands. My friendship with a very fine Christian and man’s free will must somehow Igrandparents still speak the Dutchman who chose to serve the Lord. connect. Logically, they seem to re­ language. Subsequently I was raised But he was convinced he would main mutually exclusive. Although in the Americanized traditions of spend eternity in hell, for he was logic is necessary to understand pre­ the denomination in which James not one of the predestined. Later I destination, at some point logic Arminius held his ordination and heard he was being treated in a must be suspended. Faith must bind provided the forum that shaped his psychiatric hospital. us to the truth. theology. In the same vein, I was witnessing The second truth I needed to As an adult, however, I have cho­ to a teenager who grew up in the learn is that predestination is nei­ sen to work out my salvation in the Calvinist traditions. She said to me: ther a privileged status achieved by holiness denominations that follow “ I am a covenant child. I do not birth or baptism, nor a status the Arminian theological traditions, need to be saved.” Covenant theol­ achieved by fiat decree. The Bible as assimilated by John Wesley and ogy entails much more than predes­ clearly shows that predestination is those who followed. tination, but a major tenet is the fact a relationship. In so doing, I have had to resolve that God has chosen His people. The first of two issues that I had some of the tensions between the To come to a full understanding of to resolve involved the sovereignty Calvinistic and Arminian positions. the doctrine of predestination, I of God. Many people object to the A major concern was predestination. needed to resolve two issues and doctrine o f predestination because Predestination pulls into its realm of learn two truths. it seems unfair and capricious on discussion the sovereignty of an all- The first truth I needed to learn is God’s part to pick and choose some powerful God and His effect on the that predestination cannot be ex­ people for heaven. I was one such destiny of man, while also raising plained by logic alone. Predestina­ person. I resented His sovereignty, questions about the freedom of man tion enters the mysterious realm of and it figured in my decision to to make his own choices. interaction between two beings— in align with the holiness traditions. The differences have been graph­ this case between God and man. This issue was resolved for me ically portrayed to me. A man in one Theology, the rational study of God, when I saw that God has given all of my pastorates told me that he too often separates God and man men over to darkened minds, de­ firmly believed that if a man served into different static and objective praved actions, and hardened hearts. the Lord his whole life, was saved categories that do not allow for in­ and entirely sanctified, and lived a teraction, evolution, or change. sinless life, that person could still Logic limits the discussion to two ar­ lose heaven if he gave in to one guments. In one category it must be temptation and died in the act of sin argued, “If God is . . . then man without a chance to repent. For my must be . . In the other category it parishioner, the doctrine of predes­ must be argued, “If man is . . . then tination offered no hope because his God must do . . .” Logic narrows the own free will determined his eternal images of predestination to parallel destiny. railroad tracks merging in a distant

34 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE (Thus Calvinists and Arminians can with being unfair or unjust in His creature, God and man. This truth is agree on the total depravity of man.) “reverse predestination,” for Romans substantiated by the language of For me, this knowledge exonerates 1 spells out the reason for it: Rom. 8:28-29. the sovereignty o f God. He no lon­ For although they knew God, We know that in everything ger sits in heaven, looking down on they neither glorified him as God God works for good with those puny men, picking and choosing as nor gave thanks to him . . . Al­ who love him, who are called ac­ He wills, plucking some men from though they claimed to be wise, cording to his purpose. For those the fire, and gleefully watching the they became fools and exchanged whom he foreknew he also pre­ others burn in hell. This image is the glory of the immortal God for destined to be conformed to the not true because Romans 1 shows a images made to look like mortal image of his Son (RSV). God actively involved in the life of By this scripture we see God’s rela­ man and birds and animals and men, seeking both their redemption tional work in us, in the context of reptiles. . . . They exchanged the and, when necessary, their destruc­ predestination, foreknowledge, and truth o f God for a lie, and wor­ tion. calling, within the elements of time shiped and served created things and experience, so that our rela­ rather than the Creator . . . A l­ REVERSE PREDESTINATION tionship to Him conforms to Jesus’ though they know God’s righ­ In Romans 1 Paul said: “Therefore relationship to the Father. teous decree that those who do God gave them over in the sinful de- This same concept of predestina­ such things deserve death, they tion is also found in Ephesians 1. In not only continue to do these very the context of predestination bless­ things but also approve of those ings are given, graces bestowed, re­ who practice them (vv. 21-23, demption offered, forgiveness ap­ 25, 32, italics mine). Predestination plied, graces lavished, adoption God’s “reverse predestination” granted, and wisdom and insight im­ was not a fiat decree o f an unin­ raises questions parted into God’s will, into a plan volved master, nor was it forced on for the fullness of time, and into a men because of birth; but rather it is about man's uniting of all things in heaven and the result o f man in his free w ill earth. Predestination is less of a sta­ abandoning his relationship with freedom. tus and more of a living relationship God. to God in Christ Jesus. It must be stated, however, that Admittedly Paul in Romans 9 man in his free will did not make his mentions God’s hardening Pharaoh’s choice to abandon God in a godless heart and His choosing Jacob over sires o f their hearts to sexual im­ vacuum. Three times in Romans 1 Esau. That raises some questions. purity for the degrading of their the word know is used. Earlier Paul bodies with one another” (v. 24). writes: “What may be known about “God gave them over to shameful God is plain to them, because God lusts” (v. 26). “ Furthermore, since has made it plain to them [man­ they did not think it worthwhile to kind]. For since the creation of the retain the knowledge o f God, he world God’s invisible qualities— his Predestination gave them over to a depraved mind” eternal power and divine nature— (v. 28). have been clearly seen, being under­ cannot be I call this giving over “reverse pre­ stood from what has been made, so destination,” only because it has the that men are without excuse” (w . explained by logic opposite destination of that implied 19-20, italics mine). by predestination. “Reverse predes­ The point is a clear and undeni­ alone. tination” we don’t hear about too of­ able relationship between, and in­ ten. We think of God choosing man terdependence on, God’s sovereign­ for heaven but not for hell. Besides ty and man’s free will. eternal consequences, the result of If this is true for “reverse predes­ But the emphasis of Romans 9— “reverse predestination” has earthly tination,” does it hold true for pre­ God’s sovereignty— ignores for sake consequences as well. destination? The evidence provides of argument the fact that Esau chose They [mankind] have become an unequivocal yes. It is not a matter not to participate solely and purely filled with every kind of wick­ of proper theology, but a matter of in the religion of his fathers. He ca­ edness, evil, greed and depravity. proper relationship. Man’s free will sually sold his birthright, which in­ They are full o f envy, murder, does not cause God’s decree, and cluded the priestly office of patri­ strife, deceit and malice. They are God’s decree does not cause man’s arch. He married foreign women. All gossips, slanderers, God-haters, predestined fate. Sovereignty and of this after being taught by Abra­ insolent, arrogant and boastful; free will play off each other. They ham and Isaac the correct way of they invent ways o f doing evil; are interdependent. The issues can­ serving the Lord (Esau was 15 years they disobey their parents; they not be disentangled and neatly dis­ old before Abraham died; see Gen. are senseless, faithless, heartless, sected by logic alone. Predestination 18:19). Remember that Esau the ruthless ( vv. 29-3 J)■ involves the interfacing facets of a hunter lived in God’s creation— the We are arrogant if we charge God relationship between Creator and same creation that Romans 1 says re­

JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 35 veals His nature. And still Esau re­ being conformed to the image of were predestined before the founda­ jected Him. Jesus. Being in Him demands rela­ tion of the world (Eph. 1:4-5). It is a For sake of the argument being de­ tionship. As “reverse predestination” fact that God is eternal. It is a fact veloped, Romans 9 also ignores the involves the desires of man’s heart, that He has a definite agenda for His free-willed choice of Pharaoh, who the actions o f his body, and the world and our individual lives. It is considered himself to be a god. He thoughts of his mind, the new rela­ a fact He can foreknow all things. It felt he had the ability, in the context tionship to God is witnessed in the is a fact He has brought redemption of his religion and social structure, new desires of our hearts, the new into the world. And it is a fact that to defy any other god. Esau and Pha­ actions of our bodies, and the trans­ redemption existed before creation raoh, like all men, could not sepa­ formation of our minds. Predestina­ as it does in creation and as it will rate themselves from God’s active or tion involves the “lived out” life, as in eternity. God’s Lamb was slain be­ passive intervention in their lives in well as the final destination. The re­ fore the foundation of the world. Yet time and in experience. sult of predestination shows up in Jesus died at a definite time, in a de­ After all, we are God’s creatures the life we live, as do the results of finite place, and at a definite moment living in His creation. We cannot “reverse predestination” show up in in history. Moreover, the Book of He­ separate ourselves from Him be­ the life of the wicked. brews indicates that it is possible to cause we are made in His image. Predestination is not an issue of crucify Jesus all over again (6:6). Our free will is to some extent His who is choosing whom, but an issue The definition of eternity suggests free will. God’s knowledge of good of relationship remaining intact be­ that there is no time. This is the rea­ and evil has, by Adam’s sin, become tween God and man. Predestination son one day can be a thousand years our knowledge. And because we cannot be pinned down to a specific and a thousand years as one day (Ps. know as He knows, we choose, like time or a specific event. Those who 90:4; 2 Pet. 3:8). If there is no time, Pharaoh, to make of ourselves gods, have a relationship to God in Christ there is no past and there is no fu­ giving us the false impression that Jesus by the indwelling Holy Spirit ture. Everything is present. There­ we may defy God. are living out predestination. Those fore the “choice” of predestination God had to “reverse” predestine is not based on God’s foreknowledge us into evil so that He could free us or His overriding will. The rela­ enough from himself in order to re­ tionship of God to His creatures is a deem us. We need to know that we present reality. So, whether our rela­ are evil— too evil to be a god, much Predestination tionship to God is that of predes­ less have a proper relationship to tination or “reverse predestination,” God. Yet by His grace, through faith, involves the "lived it is a present reality. We are saved or we can have that proper relation­ we are not. The “choice” made in ship. out" life, as well as the halls of eternity is based on the From Adam to the present, it was, relationship we hold with God to­ is, and has been the persons who are final destination. day, in this time, in each o f our in right relationship to God who are places and experiences, even as we predestined. Abel is accepted by read these words. The “choice” of God over Cain. Noah is chosen by predestination is made in eternity, God to be saved. Abraham was the who do not have such a relationship but it is also made in time. For time friend of God, and his free-willed are living out “reverse predestina­ does not exclude the eternal. faith was counted to him as righ­ tion.” Predestination grows out o f the teousness. David is a man after God’s The predestination of the saints is flux of God’s sovereignty and man’s own heart. Only those Israelites who fair in that it takes place in the rela­ free will as they interact in time and kept the true relationship, symbol­ tionship between God and man as in eternity, in a realm that is almost ized and worked out in the Temple reestablished in Christ and stays in intangible to the finite mind of man. sacrifices and traditions, entered effect as long as the relationship is We must accept predestination by God’s peace. maintained through the intervention faith as the Bible tells us: “For in the Then came Jesus, whose claim to of the Holy Spirit. The “reverse pre­ gospel a righteousness from God is life was that He and the Father were destination” of all others to hell is revealed, a righteousness that is by One and that He had come solely to do the w ill of the Father. He was fair, for it is a decision borne in the faith from first to last, just as it is predestined to be the Lord and the relationship between a reconciling written: ‘The righteous w ill live by Christ (see Acts 2:36). For mankind God and a rebellious creature. “Re­ faith’ ” (Rom. 1:17). He lifted the “reverse predestina­ verse predestination” stays in effect Holiness traditions more fully ap­ tion” and reinstated the predestined as long as man rejects God’s offer of propriate the truth of predestina­ relationship. salvation made known to man by tion, for by faith in the saving and Today, the predestined are admon­ creation, His Word, other Christian sanctifying work of God by His Son ished to be holy as God is holy, to be people, and the inner witness of the and His Holy Spirit, the predestined transformed and renewed in mind, Holy Spirit to that part of us that relationship is maintained. We can to be sexually and bodily pure, to be bears God’s image. live in peace that neither God’s de­ loving, kind, good, and haters even The last issue I needed to resolve cree nor our free w ill shall keep us of the appearance of evil. is the idea that God’s “choice” of from heaven. We live out our predes­ We are new creatures in Christ, men is based in eternity, and people tination. $

36 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE The Boy in the Field

by Lois Hoadley Dick Newton, N.J.

arvest in the country is the Just one o f those things, the full-time job and make daily trips to scene of deep, hazy days teacher thought as she wrote it off the hospital many miles away. against a background of her list. But one Sunday the entire Family routine was turned upside Hsloping hills and dappled colors.family except the boy’s father down. The father worked nights. A Droning tractors and bumbling farm showed up in Sunday School and younger child developed a severe trucks labor across the fields. stayed for church. emotional ailment due to the un­ Mornings feel just cool enough for “It’s really closer for us to come avoidable tension. In all this, the a coat, while afternoons are ardent, here,” the mother explained, “and mother found comfort in her Bible and evenings are nippy, forecasting we like it.” and claimed God’s promises. frost. The next week they missed church. The church stood by them, send­ Sunday School had ended, and the And the next. And the next. More vis­ ing cards and little gifts, visiting, teacher, after taking some of the iting revealed strong opposition from and, above all, praying. neighborhood children home, drove a relative who did not want them to More time passed. Evangelistic slowly along the dirt road, admiring come back to church. Months went services were being conducted. The the trees. There stood a boy in the by without them attending, but the mother planned to come and bring field 12 to 14 years old. mother of the family began reading the relative who had given opposi­ The teacher hesitated, then de­ some Christian books. God began to tion. But in the afternoon unexpect­ cided to be late for church. She speak to her through them. Before ed company arrived, making it im­ nosed her car up to the farmhouse. A long she had been converted. possible for them to attend. man worked by the barn, pitching Doubts and problems from years During the week the mother hay. past began to be resolved. called on the teacher. They dis­ “ I’m from the church in town. One day she came to tell the cussed the Scriptures and shared Does your boy go to Sunday School teacher, “We haven’t been going to how to witness to her husband. Ar­ anywhere?” any church regularly. I ’m deter­ riving home, the mother found that The man was friendly and ex­ mined to start all my children in an accident had occurred requiring plained that the rest of his family Sunday School. We’re all coming a doctor’s help, but she came to went out of town to another church. next week. Pray that there w ill be church that week. “And the boy?” no opposition.” Nothing permeates the Bible from “He won’t go anywhere.” But in the unexplainable way cover to cover like the certainty of “ Could I invite him to our trouble has of following on the answered prayer. Sunday morning church?” heels of spiritual victory, tragedy dawned fresh and bright. The boy “ You’d better speak to his struck. from the field, still on crutches, sat mother.” It didn’t seem likely that That week the teenage boy fell happily in church with four others his mother would approve of this from the haymow and lay alone in from his family, accompanied by a split arrangement, but the teacher the deep snow until he was found. friend from a cult. returned the following week to ask. Since it was winter, exposure com­ A family had been won to Jesus “ I’d rather have him go to your plicated his other injuries. Christ! church than nowhere,” came the Specialists were called in. It was Look around! Somewhere stands a decision. The boy himself was not weeks before the parents were even boy or girl in a field— or on a street interested but came once or twice. told the extent of his injuries. Then comer or in a playground. They’re Then he wasn’t seen for months, de­ continued weeks of exhaustion as only waiting to be asked. spite continued visiting. the mother struggled to hold down a Will you ask? $

JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 37 Biography ______Under the Spell of Samuel Chadwick by J. Ray Shadowens Spring, Tex.

ohn C. Oster described a vis­ der the influence of one o f Meth­ to cultivate a gratifying relationship iting preacher in almost rever­ odism’s most illustrious sons would with his Redeemer Lord. ential terms-. surely agree that this venerable in­ At the age of 21, having already J Many years ago a tall, skinny troduction could, with equal appro­ answered a call to the ministry of man, with flowing steel-gray hair priateness, be applied to this former the Word, he witnesses “ to an ex­ and a rumpled gray suit that hung evangelist, educator, and editor. Few perience o f sanctification.” An ac­ softly from his stooped shoulders, ministers of the gospel have enjoyed knowledged “need of cleansing and spoke in our little chapel in rural greater admiration by his contem­ of enduement of power” enlight­ Nebraska. He towered over the poraries than did Samuel Chadwick. ened him to the utter necessity of pulpit and held his Bible high as His lengthened shadow, reflecting the fullness of the blessing in his own heart. For fellow lovers of the Holy Scriptures, his confession is more than a little reassuring. “ My Bible This modern-day prophet made the had led me in search for a fuller sal­ vation.” 2 His glorious discovery re­ Scriptures come alive. sulted from a diligent study and ap­ plication o f “ the speaking Bible.” We are reminded once again that all the doctrines we espouse are gen­ uine only if they rest upon the Su­ his hands caressed its pages with his enduring high esteem, lingers preme Authority for all cardinal be­ easy grace. He was there for only with many who were on the same liefs. If they cannot stand up to the one service. The adults of our spiritual wavelength. scrutiny of clear and accurate inter­ church said that we were fortu­ Chadwick’s entrance into the hu­ pretation of the Divine Revelation, nate that he came our way, for he man stream of history was anything they are to be dismissed as spurious. was an outstanding speaker. but auspicious. As a child of eight, a His biography, The Story o f Sam­ I remember him, and can de­ job in a textile mill that employed uel Chadwick, by Norman G. Dun­ scribe him after the passing of so his father was his introduction into ning, chronicles the astounding many years, because of the way the labor force of his day. He never manner in which this Spirit- that he was introduced: “This forgot the lowly circumstances of anointed herald o f truth attracted man knows the Holy Ghost bet­ his childhood, adolescence, and and powerfully influenced thou­ ter than any other man alive in young adulthood. He preserved a sands of spiritually needy from ev­ the world today"' (italics mine). lifelong empathy with the disadvan­ ery stratum of society. Any attempt­ That could have been a good de­ taged. ed explanation for his personal win­ scription of Samuel Chadwick, the This man of God related, with ex­ someness and magnetism that does influential British clergyman and au­ traordinary detail, his conversion to not take into account the over­ thor. Christianity at an early age. Even as a shadowing of divine destiny ends in Some people who have come un- preadolescent, he sought diligently futility G. Campbell Morgan, an out­

38 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE standing pulpiteer in his own right, College. He seemed literally to have work. I never go anywhere with­ is reported to have said that Samuel burned his flame of holy light to the out it and in it is my chief joy.4 Chadwick was the greatest preacher point of its being extinguished. Is there any wonder that this mod­ in the world of his day. This laudatory No consideration of this divinely ern-day prophet of the whole coun­ testimonial by one of his respected empowered human dynamo would sel of God could make the Scriptures peers is indicative of the regard that be complete that omitted his own come alive so vividly and impres­ many, on both sides of the Atlantic, unique testimony to the meaning sively to the multitudes that held on held this native son of Brunley. that the Scriptures held for him: to his every word, whether from pul­ pit or from pen? In all due respect to some very ca­ pable teachers of Christian theology, in whose classes this writer sat, The secret for the none ever excited a greater appre­ ciation of the person and work of effectiveness of Chadwick's the Holy Spirit. Still vivid in my mind were the hours spent with the ministry points to his small volume The Way o f Pentecost in my first pastoral assignment fol­ phenomenal experience lowing graduation from seminary. If it could be said of Samuel Logan with the Holy Spirit. Brengle that he was the epitome of “sane sanctity and sanctified sanity,” Samuel Chadwick represents a su­ perb pattern of the Spirit-filled life. He touches a sensitive area of cor­ It would be an erroneous impres­ I have worked at the Bible, porate Christian faith when he sion to conclude that such excellent prayed over the Bible, lived by the warns: “The Church still has a theol­ moral, intellectual, and spiritual Bible for more than sixty years, ogy of the Holy Ghost but it has no qualities were infused into his to­ and I can tell you there is no book consciousness of His person and tally passive personality, empower­ like the Bible. It is a miracle of lit­ power.” 5 What an alarming indict­ ing him for unusual accomplish­ erature, a perennial spring of wis­ ment of contemporary evangeli­ ments. On the contrary, he would dom, a wonder-book of surprises, calism! probably be the first to admit that a revelation of mystery, an infal­ Chadwick clearly envisions that only as he brought all of his facul­ lible guide of conduct, an un­ the role of the Paraclete was and is ties under the Lordship o f Christ speakable source of comfort. Give in relation to our ascended Christ: could he even hope to attain his no heed to people that discredit, “The Holy Spirit is the active Agent for they speak without knowl­ Master’s coveted commendation: of the glorified Son.”6 The self- edge. It is the Word of God in the “Well done, thou good and faithful effacements properly ascribed to the inspired speech of humanity. Read Spirit of Truth find meaning in this servant” (Matt. 25:21, KJV). His was no easy road to enduring effective­ ness. He disciplined himself with rig­ our, rising at six in the morning and having a cold bath, summer Chadwick blends and winter. He accustomed him­ self to do with little sleep. His extraordinary insight study-light was seldom extin­ guished before two-o’clock in the with intensely practical morning. In the weakness of his later years, it was pathetic to see perception. him com pelling his tired body and mind to attempt tasks beyond their strength. The rigour was but the outward expression of a life of inner discipline.3 it for yourself. Read it through. Wesleyan-Arminian scholar’s charac­ When less-disciplined persons Study it according to its own di­ teristic summary: “The Scriptures would have been judiciously con­ rections. Live by its principles. Be­ are reticent about the Spirit, which serving their diminishing stamina lieve its message. Follow its pre­ means that the Spirit is reticent and physical vitality, Chadwick was cepts. No man is uneducated who about Himself, but they do make it still devoting his energies to the edit­ knows the Bible, and no man is clear that the Spirit is the crowning ing of the Joyful News and, appar­ wise who is ignorant of its teach­ gift of redemption through Jesus ently, giving very limited oversight ing. Every day is begun at its open Christ, and the Spirit was through it to the continued operation of Cliff page. It lies close at hand in all my all.”7

JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 39 In the chapter titled “The Pen­ roborates, verifies and confirms stand to benefit greatly by saturating tecostal Life,” Chadwick joyfully ac­ the Word. There is laid down a themselves in inspired wisdom knowledges his unpayable debt to plain practical rule in loyalty to available in the works of persons of this second spiritual crisis in his life: the fellowship of the body of Chadwick’s caliber. A wholesome I owe everything to the gift of Christ.10 balance between the published vol­ Pentecost. It came to me when I A remarkable blend of extraordinary umes of some highly acclaimed cur­ was not seeking it. I was about my insight with intensely practical per­ rent evangelicals, many of whom are Heavenly Father’s business, seek­ ception weaves its way through ev­ non-Wesleyan, and the scripturally ing means whereby I could do the erything the Methodist stalwart has sound, enduring genius of this spiri­ work to which He had called and spoken or written. Whether the sub­ tual stalwart and others of his stat­ sent me and in my search I came ject is prayer, The Path o f Prayer, or ure could provide spiritual depth across a prophet, heard a testi­ the Atonement, The Gospel o f the and breadth so essential to con­ mony, and set out to seek I knew Cross, or the person and work of the tinued growth and personal en­ not what. I knew it was a bigger Spirit o f Christ, The Way to Pen­ richment. ^ thing than I had known. It came tecost, he reflects exceptional inci­ along the line of duty, in a crisis of siveness in all that comes from his 1. Come Ye Apart, 46. no. 1 (December— obedience. When it came I could February 1985-86): 68. pen. 2. Norman G. Dunning, The Story of Samuel not explain what had happened This sublime heritage through our Chadwick (Salem, Ohio: Convention Book Store, but I was aware of things unspeak­ Wesleyan tradition should contrib­ 1971), 51. able and full of glory.8 3. Ibid., 15-16. ute incalculably to our corporate 4. Ibid., 18. The secret for the effectiveness of Christian holiness witness well into 5. Samuel Chadwick, The Way o f Pentecost his dedicated ministry points to this the 21st century and beyond. The (Fort Washington, Pa.: Christian Literature Crusade, 1972), 12. phenomenal experience as the only fledgling minister, especially the 6. Ibid., 15. satisfactory explanation. clergyman in his prime, and the ma­ 7. Ibid., 27. Chadwick’s quote from an excerpt 8. Ibid., 35. ture minister of the glorious gospel 9. Ibid., 45. from Auguste Sabatier sheds helpful of free, full, and final salvation all 10. Ibid., 108. insight by making clear the subtle distinction, as seen in Christ’s prom­ ise in the Upper Room Discourse: It is not enough to represent the Spirit of God as coming as a help Pentecost of man’s spirit, supplying strength which he lacks, an associate or ( Continued from page 28) juxtaposed force, a supernatural The benchmark of the Pentecostal Yet Pentecostal purity is not mo­ auxiliary. . . . There is no simple presence is purity. The Holy Spirit is nastic. It does not call for isolation. addition of divine power and hu­ pure. His indwelling presence is evi­ Instead, it takes its pattern from Jesus, man power in the Christian life. denced in holiness of heart and life. who longed to be where the masses The Spirit of God identifies Him­ No wonder believers o f any age congregated. Consequently, biblical self with the human ME into stand out from this world. The world holiness is first in the heart and then which it enters and whose life it remains fallen in sin; Christians are pervades society. It is indwelling in becomes. If we may so speak it is scaling the summits to breathe only order to become outgoing. Not con­ individualized in the new moral the clean air of God’s Spirit. Society tent with a reclusive religion, Chris­ personality it creates.9 reveals the difference. Culture feels tianity empowered by the Holy A. W. Tozer and other like-minded the influence of God’s people. The Spirit is a radiating phenomenon, saints would find kinship with this difference between the two worlds piercing the world with holy light Christian mysticism. One places has its impact. from the very throne of God. proper safeguards when he says: The more the difference is pro­ Within the nominal church, how­ “The Spirit does not overwhelm us, nounced, the more sparks w ill fly. ever, compromise is tolerated if not but rather, He overspreads us.” Take note of today’s fires over the endorsed. In many quarters, we hear This 19th-century-bom proclaim- abortion debate. Holy ones uphold that the Christian can be content er of inspired truth, in treating “The the sanctity of life. They naturally with sinning. As this message is re­ Gifts of the Spirit,” cautions: collide with an opposing view. Col­ peated from some pulpits, it begins The safeguards against abuse are lision occurs in the fight against to sound acceptable. Nevertheless, in the loyalties of faith. The first is pornography. Holy ones call a rela- the Bible says something quite dif­ loyalty to the Lordship of Christ. tivistic world back to biblical moral­ ferent. The Word of God calls the be­ That is the first law of disci- ity only to run head-on into combat liever to be cleansed from all sin, to pleship and the continual stan­ with the forces of darkness. Holy a purging of the spirit, and a dying dard of Christian life and service. ones seek to pronounce scriptural to wrongdoing. God’s Word calls us The second line of defense is loy­ convictions in the marketplace only to a new resurrection life in the alty to the Word of God. The Word to be put down by secularists who power of the Holy Spirit. and the Spirit are never at vari­ claim that pluralism has legiti­ The church desperately needs ance, and the Word attests the mately replaced our biblical heri­ that Pentecostal presence, begin­ Spirit of Truth and the Spirit cor­ tage in the western hemisphere. ning with each disciple of Jesus. $

4 0 THE PREACHER S MAGAZINE Holiness

Sanctification— Surrender

by Karen Lewis

anctification is not wearing a confided to me that she was unable and wrong attitudes and motivations I certain type of clothing. It is to get sanctified because she feared are gone (Gal. 5:22-26). not getting rid of worldly mu­ she would have to wear her hair Some inbred personality traits sicS or television or temper. It is not pulled tightly back. Her hair was may be so habituated that we still attending church more often or giv­ long and neatly and modestly styled, find our behavior is flawed. The dif­ ing loud praises to God. It is not but she felt this might not be suf­ ference sanctification makes is that spending more time reading the Bi­ ficient. the Holy Spirit will immediately ble or praying. As I approached young adulthood, check us and we will make correc­ My first outing after birth was to a Rev. Rodney Hurles became pastor tions with the help He so liberally holiness camp meeting of my child­ of our church. His ministry focused administers. This is consistent with hood denomination, the most con­ much on sanctification. He dealt John Wesley’s statement that sancti­ servative of its kind. Reared in this with it in a way I had not previously fication is both instantaneous and church, I early asked Christ to come understood, and his explanations gradual. into my heart. But as I grew old seemed so reasonable, easy to com­ At the time we make our total enough to be aware of the need to prehend, and biblical. commitment, we cannot possibly be sanctified, I became disheart­ He made it clear that the experi­ know every future situation that will ened, for try as I might, I could not ence of sanctification was received require additional surrender. Some get the experience in a definite way. of the Holy Spirit as a result of our may be difficult but the truly sanc­ Holiness and sanctification were consecration to God, a total and ab­ tified individual w ill make each preached frequently. I knew the solute surrender of our lives and one. And with each surrender we are terms, such as eradication and cruci­ wills to Him. blessed with more of a Christlike na­ fixion, but my understanding some­ During his leadership of our ture. how focused on those things I men­ church I was sanctified, this time to Even after I was sanctified, a tioned as being what sanctification last. From that point I began to make deeply imbedded trait remained. By is not. some discoveries. Having consecrat­ some small but obvious change in For many years I frequented the al­ ed myself in totality to God, I truly my behavior I would let people tar, pleading for my tempter to be did find the temper problem gone. know they had hurt me. I became removed. This was the only thing in In fact, all carnal traits were gone— convicted of this but at times had a my life that was inconsistent with no longer suppressed, gone! difficult time overriding it. sanctification as I interpreted it. Dis­ When one is truly dedicated com­ When my young husband devel­ appointment, defeat, and fear over­ pletely to God, He gets victory over oped a life-threatening illness, I whelmed me when I felt angry or ir­ the carnal nature. Carnal anger, jeal­ pled desperately with God to spare ritable again. In discussing my ousy, pride, gossip, worldly desires, his life, since we had three children struggles with another teenage selfishness and self-centeredness, who needed a father. But God friend, I discovered others were as lack o f true love and compassion, showed me that I must surrender anguished as I. Very distraught, she competitiveness, criticism, revenge, ( Continued on page 49)

JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 41 ^ iris^ r^ M u ^ tion

Six Ways to Help Your Teens Gain Self-esteem

by Margaret Houk Appleton, Wis.

here’s nothing teens need thor Catherine Marshall once said sense of humor. You certainly more than self-esteem. They that we must all throw off the faith cheered up the class after Vicky told want it. God wants them to of our fathers in order to take on our us about her terrible day at school.” Thave it. But it is very hard to comevery own. The above kinds of situ­ by during those trying years of ations can be door openers, helping 3- Help them to affirm them­ gawky legs and social awkwardness. the teens think through who and selves. You can’t give a person self-es­ what God is and what the teens Teens wanting to feel good about teem. It is something people have to should do about that. In other themselves are fighting a gigantic give themselves— a true do-it-your- words, they become a colorful and battle. They are extremely and often self job. However, there are ways by interesting road to spiritual matu­ excessively self-critical. But they which those who live and work with rity. fight many external sources of put- teens can help them along the road. me-down messages as well. Here’s how: 2. Affirm them. We live in a self-deprecating soci­ Everybody needs praise, but no ety. So many of us, when receiving a 1. Listen to them. one more so than a teenager. With compliment, say, “Oh, it was noth­ Nothing convinces a human being bodies growing fast, interests that ing!” We are also bombarded with sub­ that he is important and valued as suddenly shift gears, and emotions tle media messages that tell us we much as getting the undivided time that run rampant, they are bound to are either too young or too old, too and attention of another human be­ goof up. But they also have moments skinny or too fat, or not quite “cool.” ing, even if it is only for a brief, two- of glorious sunlight. Like when To help your teens rise above this, minute conversation. Renee stopped to help one of the lit­ teach them to screen what they are Good listening requires that we tle Sunday School children who had seeing and hearing and to replace listen nonjudgmentally and that we fallen in the parking lot and skinned negative messages with positive appreciate the messages we hear, no a knee. Or when Jon took time to ones. Here’s what I would tell a teen matter how hard they might be to visit for a moment with 89-year-old distressed about being a bit shorter accept. Vivacious, free-souled Sarah hunchbacked Agnes after church and heavier than average: blurted out in eighth-grade confir­ one Sunday. “The world is full of different mation class one day, “How do we All teens have clearly visible gifts kinds of people— tall, short, thin, know there is a God? How do we from God— personality traits that hefty. That’s what makes the world know that isn’t just a story our par­ hopefully they will use throughout interesting. It would be a very dull, ents are telling us?” life in the service of the Lord. One boring world if we all looked alike. Teen messages are sometimes far- might have strong leadership skills, “Try telling yourself: ‘This is the out. One of my imaginative young another be a reverent follower. Some way I am, and what I am is nice. It’s friends once said, “I think God is an teens are aggressive, others quiet nice because I am created by God— alien. He is from outer space, isn’t and retiring. Because society re­ a unique, important special human He?” serves its rewards for leaders, we being loved by Him and by other Sometimes the messages can be need to emphasize to teens that all people such as my friends, my fam­ disheartening. Fourteen-year-old traits are equally important to God ily, my pastor, and my youth leaders. pensive Steve muttered one night, “I and are needed by Him to fulfill His God has a purpose for my life, a job don’t believe in God anymore. I’ve purposes in each person’s life. for me to do. Whatever I am is right decided to become an atheist.” His To affirm my students, I identify for the job.’ ” parents had just separated. an outstanding characteristic in What do you say to the teen so The honesty and searching that each one of them and mention it obese that his health is endangered? teens get into is not so much threat­ one-on-one as often as opportunity “God loves you just as you are. But ening as it is an opportunity to build allows. I point out things that hap­ He wants all of us to take good care a strong foundation of their own pen during class to “prove” the affir­ of our bodies because we can serve with the Lord. Noted Christian au- mation: “Bob, you have such a good Him best that way. See what your

42 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE doctor says, and work with him to­ takes more adult time, involves ag­ To help your teens across this ward the best healthy state you can gravation, and subjects situations to bridge, point out that after they put have.” failure. But teens need the experi­ goofs behind them, they are more Once is not enough. With self- ence of slipping and falling once in fun to be around, and their friends image assault coming at them stead­ a while. enjoy them more. ily from all directions, teens need to The day is coming fast when no affirm themselves frequently and 6. Encourage them to trea­ regularly. one w ill be there to pick up after sure their relationships. them. The road to adulthood is eas­ 4. Give them responsibility. ier if we allow them the painful Joy is sweeter and sorrow dimin­ ished when two share the burden of When my third daughter left consequences of irresponsibility. one. Our relationships with others home, barely 18, to move into her The more often they have to take — parents, friends, siblings, neigh­ own apartment, she was terrified. A hold lest they let somebody down, high school course had led her to bors— bring our greatest joys and the faster they are able to face the believe it would take $4,000 a year deepest sorrows. Essential to self­ world with grace. more than she was making to sup­ esteem, then, is building and main­ port herself. Her big fear was, “I taining satisfying relationships. can’t make it on my own!” She went Encourage your teens to commu­ on a strict budget and did well. nicate in healthy ways. Twisted mes­ This is a very common reaction The honest sages— those based on what a teen among teens going independent. In thinks others want to hear rather a complex social and economic searching of teens than sharing genuine ideas and structure such as ours, the fear has feelings— foul up relationships. So some validity. They need elaborate provides do messages that pressure or manip­ independent living skills— care of ulate others. Honest, straightforward self, home, car, monies, and time opportunity to communication not only clears the planning. Add to this the decisions air but also works and feels better. they must make frequently about build a strong Communication is a skilled art, their responsibilities toward others one never perfectly learned. No and God. Anything teens can do to foundation of their matter how hard people try, sooner prepare themselves for the big day or later they run into conflict. Urge — care of their possessions, house­ own with God. your teens to resolve conflicts hold chores, youth group duties— quickly in a spirit of loving-kind- not only sets a firm foundation but ness. Point out that the aim is to also raises their confidence. heal a treasured, damaged relation­ Teens often talk as though they ship— not to prove who is right or don’t want responsibility. “Aw, do I When they flub up, let them cor­ wrong. have to empty the wastebaskets?” rect the situation themselves, if at There are many ways of settling And they sometimes act as though all possible. This, too, is education differences, but teens in conflict they don’t want responsibility Tom for independent living. But don’t let usually see only two: “my way” and may not get around to emptying the them get so down on themselves “your way.” Suggest compromise, wastebaskets. But they do feel good that they lose heart. Be firm, but trying to find a middle ground or about themselves after doing it, if keep it light: “I’m sorry you forgot to trading off as alternatives. Finding a done well. call your list about the hayride, middle ground is to find a solution Doing what we don’t really want Sally. That happens sometimes at that both parties like. Trading off is to do builds character. It requires your age. Why don’t you call your following one person’s choice one self-discipline. People hesitate out friends and apologize? I think you’ll time and the other person’s the next of rebellion or laziness. However, a feel better about it. And I’m sure time. certain amount of healthy pride and they’ll understand. They forget Psychologists say that we must honor comes with taking hold of an things, too, once in a while.” love ourselves if we are to love other unpleasant or uncomfortable task. After a failure, encourage your people God’s way— unselfishly. To Brother Lawrence, in The Practice teens to forgive themselves and for­ accomplish this, we need self-es- o f the Presence o f God, tells how he get about the situation. Teens often teem. By listening to your teens, af­ turned his dislike for kitchen tasks hang on to their mistakes in bouts of firming them, helping them plant into an enjoyable gift of love for rehashed guilt, self-pity, and self- seeds of self-affirmation, expecting Jesus. condemnation. God wants us to sin­ responsible behavior, letting them cerely regret our mistakes, ask for­ fail, and showing them how to get 5. Let them fail. giveness from those we offended, along better with others, you can Parents and adult leaders often make amends as best we can, and and will help them on their way. $ take on responsibilities that teens then accept His forgiveness, put the could handle because teens some­ situation behind us, and get on with times forget, goof up the job, or our lives. We need to do that so that Margaret Houk is a widely published religious and general interest writer. Her book, That Very Special don’t get things done fast enough. we can have more emotional energy Person— M e! on self-esteem for early and middle Letting teens do things themselves for helping others. teens was released by Herald Press in March 1990.

JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 43 Soundina Board

Pastors, Stay in Your Own Yard

by Kenneth S. Calhoun Hooks, Tex.

n spite of the fact that we are heal every malady that shows up we owe it to these people to admit trained as theologians, preach­ outside our office door. Our love for to them that we can’t help them and ers, teachers, and church ad­ humanity causes us to feel that need to refer them to the more expensive, Iministrators and not as clinical psy­to heal all of humanity’s hurts and to trained, mental health care profes­ chological counselors, we all con­ take dangerous risks in the process sionals? tinue to ply our trade as healers of — and the risks are more often with Second, unlike the seemingly the mind. We talk very profession­ their lives than with our own. harmless medical quack, not only do ally about our experiences in “pas­ Ministers, as some in other pro­ we cause persons to avoid needed toral counseling” and share our sup­ fessions, seem unable to admit to mental health care, but also we can posed diagnoses and therapies with fallibility and inadequacy. We are easily do even greater damage to one another as if we really knew less able to say to someone, “Your them than has already been done. As what we were doing. problem is beyond my ability to of­ ministers, we represent to the pub­ In reality, unless we have had ex­ fer healing. I am just not qualified to lic in general and to the mentally tensive training outside our semi­ deal with this problem, but I know disturbed in particular, whether ac­ naries and our annual “ ministers’ those who are. May 1 recommend curate or not, a certain high level of week workshops,” we are not com­ someone?” piety and purity. There are so many petent to properly diagnose severe Perhaps the more often asked emotional attitudes held about or chronic mental disorders, let question is not “Why?” but “Why members of the clergy that the per­ alone provide adequate therapeutic not?” If we are sincere in our care sons we attempt to counsel cannot treatment. Fortunately, most of the for the counselees and our desire to react to us in the way that they seriously ill persons who come to us help them, then why not at least would react to a trained professional either manage to find their way to give it a try? The answer to that is therapist when using the very same competent clinical counselors be­ twofold. words, gestures, and techniques. In fore their problems become irre­ First, we cause the counselee to short, we keep them from seeking versible, or they and their friends avoid trained, experienced, clinical proper professional help, and we and family learn to cope with their therapists who could provide bene­ may damage them further in the problems in some manageable (but ficial treatment. It is much like our meantime. not necessarily healthy) way that anger at the many medical quacks leaves us feeling that we have who practice psychosurgery, claim WE MUST ACCEPT “healed” them. faith healing, prescribe cancer cures OUR LIMITS Still, every so often a tragedy or a with megavitamins and exercise, So what are we to do? First, we lawsuit comes back to remind us of and offer “magic cures” for incur­ must accept our limitations and be just how dangerously incompetent able diseases. We are not nearly so overly willing to share them with we are when outside our field of ex­ concerned with the physical damage the public. There was a time, gener­ pertise. that they do to the patients as we are ations ago, when the local pastor/ with the competent and often neces­ priest was as competent as anyone to WE LACK TRAINING sary medical treatment that their pa­ deal with mental and emotional ill­ Why do we go on counseling tients refuse to undergo because nesses; but such is not the case any­ when we know that we are not ade­ they are being “treated” by the more, and we ought to go public quately trained or experienced? quacks. How many persons who des­ with that fact. Second, we should ac­ Probably because we have not perately needed psychiatric treat­ quaint ourselves with all the local clearly distinguished between serv­ ment have avoided it because the lo­ mental health care facilities and pro­ ing a Savior and being one ourselves. cal minister was either more conve­ fessionals in our area as soon as pos­ All too often we feel obligated to nient or, most often, “cheaper”? Don’t sible after arriving in a new commu­

44 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE nity, probably even before we begin our community visitation programs. Third, we should have in mind, at all times, some clearly defined parame­ ters of what we can (and will) and cannot (and w ill not) attempt with regard to counseling. For myself, I have adopted a two­ Trust fold approach to my counseling, limiting both the type and duration to which 1 will commit myself. If I have any sense that the problems be­ ing brought to me cannot be ad­ Me! justed in three weekly meetings, then I try not to have the second meeting. I prefer instead to refer the by Carl G. Conner counselee to the appropriate health Durham, N.C. care facility during the first meet­ ing. More than just referring them, I offer to go with them for an initial ecently I listened to a cas­ visit, offering them transportation to sette recording of a funeral It was not as if he was questioning and from counseling sessions (with service. I must admit that God, but more as if he was asking no in-transit counseling), and if nec­ Rhearing a recording of a funeral ser­ God to some way extend the years essary helping them secure ade­ vice is not the most exciting thing I they had shared. Over and over he quate financial assistance to make have ever done. reminded God of the empty house the treatment possible. But this was no ordinary funeral. that would result from his w ife’s I also limit my counseling to four It was the memorial service for a homegoing. types: premarital counseling, where minister’s wife. That alone did not Then he waited quietly before the persons involved are reasonably make it strange— ministers’ wives God. Out of the stillness of the hour rational; normal grief counseling, die all the time. But one thing about of sadness, God seemed to speak to where the grief process is not abnor­ this service made it different. him: “Trust Me!” mally severe or protracted; minor The dying request of the wife was Tears coursed down the minister’s behavioral counseling, such as help­ that her husband— the minister— face, but again he heard within the ing families with adolescent chil­ conduct her funeral. They had been voice of the Lord: “Trust Me!” Over dren to cope with the stresses that a faithful, loyal husband-wife team and over it rang out: “Trust Me! Trust are normal or where minor and ac­ for more than 35 years. Separation Me! Trust Me!” ceptable behavioral changes from was not easy. Trusting the Lord in the time of both parties can significantly allevi­ Some months prior to her death, success is easy. Trusting at the peak ate the stress; and crisis counseling. the wife had received the shocking of one’s ministry is simple. But to I list crisis counseling only because news that she was suffering from ter­ trust in the time of tragedy is not we usually have no choice in the minal cancer. She had taken the easy. matter, not because I feel that my news in stride at the time. Little wonder the apostle Paul seminary or other training makes me Over a period of weeks, she and heard the voice o f God saying to a competent crisis counselor. With her minister-husband sat and talked him, “ My grace is sufficient for regard to crisis counseling, I still many times about the separation thee” (2 Cor. 12:9, KJV). Grace is feel that it is vitally important for that would come if the Lord did not never as tested, never as strength­ the health and well-being of the pa­ intervene. ening, never as meaningful as in the tient that the minister refer them to As the wife grew weaker, the hus­ time of tragedy. competent clinical therapists as band found that facing the loss was Anyone can trust when the going soon as the immediate crisis is past. increasingly painful. Then the day is good, when the news is tops, It may seem as if I am uncaring came when his wife was unable to when all is well. But it takes a real about the plight of the mentally and communicate as she had done over man or woman of God to trust God emotionally ill. Nothing could be the period of months. Obviously she in the time of deep personal loss! $ further from the truth. My reasons was slipping away. for feeling as I do are precisely be­ One day the doctors took the min­ cause I have seen so many of them ister aside and said, “ It is only a hurt by well-meaning but untrained matter of hours!” Only then did the and incompetent ministers who try full impact of her loss hit him. to play in someone else’s backyard. Leaving his wife’s room, the min­ The human mind, like the human ister made his way to the private body, is a terribly complex thing. It hospital chapel. There he fell on his takes more than goodw ill to heal face and began to talk to God about one that has become sick. $ the separation that was coming.

JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 45 Idea Mart v .: '.-.... ‘ ■■ ______WM______...... ______1 Communique to the Pastor by Betty B. Robertson St. Louis Sometimes the pastor is the last to know about special needs and prayer Involving Children in requests within the congregation. To eliminate this, we initiated the the Wedding Ceremony idea of a “Communique to the Pastor.” Each Sunday morning the Sunday School department secretary places by Charles E. Taylor a “Communique to the Pastor” sheet Flint, Mich. in the Sunday School rolls. There is a place to write the class name and he issue of remarriage and the KATRINA [their future stepsister], the date. uniting of two families has you also have a very special privi­ The sheet, titled “Communique to long been a concern for lege of taking part of this wedding the Pastor,” contains instructions: T “The following names of persons in many people. Happiness and har­ ceremony today. And I have some mony certainly are not assured sim­ questions I want to ask you. our class need special prayer or have ply because a man and woman say, “I Will you accept DEBBIE into your voiced a need.” There is room to do.” Statistics underline the consis­ home, your heart, and your life? Will write the name and request. At the tent failure to weld two family units you love her, obey her as a spiritual bottom of the sheet, it says, “Please together. counselor, encourager, and helper place this sheet back in your Sunday It is, therefore, apparently needful in your home? If so, answer: “I School class roll folder.” and logical to consider involving chil­ WILL." These prayer requests are assimi­ dren in the process o f premarital MARK, w ill you give DEBBIE the lated and given to the pastor to use counseling for remarriage. Not only authority and support she needs to during the pastoral prayer each Sun­ does that open up feelings and di­ be a spiritual counselor, guide, en­ day morning. The requests are also alogue, but also it lays a foundation courager, and helper to your chil­ typed up and made available to the for strengthening those commitments dren? If so, answer: “I WILL." congregation for specific prayer. $ and relationships within the family KATRINA, CHRISTOPHER, and during the wedding ceremony. MELONIE, at the end of this service Following is an excerpt from an MARK and DEBBIE will be husband Name Tag Sunday actual wedding ceremony in which and wife. Your two families w ill be intention and commitments of rela­ joined together into one family. You by Betty B. Robertson tionships are stated and underlined: w ill be sharing your parents with St. Louis CHRISTOPHER and MELONIE, each other. Once a quarter, we have Name Tag you have a very special privilege of And so I want to pray for you. Sunday This helps the congregation taking part in this wedding cere­ get better acquainted with one an­ mony today. And I have some ques­ PRAYER FOR CHILDREN other. tions I want to ask you. Heavenly Father, in these mo­ On this Sunday a note on all doors Will you accept MARK [their fu­ ments, we take time to pray for Ka­ to the church reads, “NAME TAG SUN­ ture stepfather) into your home, trina, Christopher, and Melonie. DAY! Today we have the opportunity your heart, and your life? Will you Their lives again are going to be pro­ to get to know each other better. love him and obey him as the spiri­ foundly affected by the decision of Longtime attenders and newcomers, tual leader in your home? If so, an­ their parents. I pray that you would please fill out a name tag in the hall­ swer: “WE W ILL" fill their hearts with love, accep­ way and wear it this morning.” MARK, w ill you accept CHRIS­ tance, and a deep sense of security. Name tags and felt-tip pens are TOPHER and MELONIE as your own? There w ill be adjustments to a made available at tables just inside Will you love them and encourage new parent, to new influences, and all entrances. Someone on hand them, lead them and train them up to one another. I pray that in these helps elderly individuals or anyone according to the Scriptures and in moments you would unite them in needing assistance. the spirit of Jesus? If so, answer: “I spirit and heart. Give to them the People respond by saying, “I have WILL." ability to laugh and enjoy each attended this church for years, but I DEBBIE [their mother], do you other. Enable them to bear with the just can’t remember names. Seeing give MARK the authority to be the shortcomings of each other without the names with the faces helps so leader in the home? Will you accept resentment and bitterness. Teach much.” Or, “I see new people com­ his guidance and counsel and do them respect and cooperation with ing to church, but I have not had an you entrust CHRISTOPHER and one another. Bring to them a forgiv­ opportunity to learn their names. MELONIE into his care for spiritual ing spirit and a strong desire to live Now I can tactfully associate the leadership, encouragement, and cor­ in peace and harmony. In Jesus’ face with the name and become bet­ rection? If so, answer: “I WILL." name we pray! Amen. $ ter acquainted.” $

4 6 THE PREACHER S MAGAZINE '' AH—HA !... STCCPl^ 6 1t> AETHER CAtlHtD sermokI , HUH FASTOR. ? "

JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 47 Today's Books for Today's Preachers

MARRIED WITHOUT MASKS past expectations, demands, and so­ — the reverse of shyness; (3 ) resort by Nancy Groom cietal roles, yet also reminded of the to outrageous behavior; or, (4 ) find NavPress (Colorado Springs, 1989) freedom of living with biblical flaws in everything. This is a protec­ PA089-109-3702 18.95 guidelines and responsibilities. The tive device: “Before you reject me, I same is true for the men who feel will reject you.” The title of this book sets the pre­ trapped in burdensome role playing. The fear of rejection, Larson says, cedence and tone for what the Freedom to be who God created one is rooted primarily in self-centered­ reader can expect. Groom argues to be is heavily emphasized. ness, no self-esteem. This can be the that one of the greatest problems Groom has written an excellent result of actual guilt (“My mind is a marriages face is that spouses are book. She writes with compassion computer chip storing everything I not letting each other know what and an honest desire to help mar­ have ever done or experienced, they are really thinking or feeling. In riages and not from a desktop view good or bad”) or guilt feelings— not order to keep the marriage going, only. She, too, wore her mask of sub­ living up to the expectations of many spouses put on different types mission for years and paid the price. others. of masks. Therefore, her words are practical We also have a fear of the future. The book follows a logical order and written with much work and We worry that we will (1) die be­ of, first, recognizing the masks, then tears. fore we reach our goals; (2 ) outlive understanding them, learning how This is a much-needed book in the the successful fulfillment of our to drop them, and ends with the area of marriage and relationships. It dreams, such as being moved to the freedom that comes with discarding is different and refreshing and will sidelines, watching others take cen­ masks altogether. add a great deal of color and per­ ter stage; (3 ) die unfulfilled— to This book on marriage is more spective in one’s own marriage as fail to see in our lifetime what God specific in its detail and focus than well as in dealing with other cou­ has promised us. most. Groom writes a lot on the two ples. Your time and money will be There are only two basic emo­ issues of submission and authority, well spent in its reading. Happy tions, Larson summarizes: love and as well as male and female roles. “mask dropping.” fear. A life without fear may not be Having a book with a narrow fo­ — by Scott E. Delbridge possible, but if God is love, and we cus is not bad. As a matter of fact, appropriate that love, then a life be­ the reader will find it very refresh­ yond fear is within our grasp. ing to have a writer not talk in gen­ LIVING BEYOND OUR FEARS When we stop running and face eralities. The reader will find him­ by Bruce Larson our fear head-on with faith, we find self relating the situations Groom Harper and Row, 1990 God. It is His presence and power writes about to those he has encoun­ 150 pages, hardcover that move us beyond our fears— tered. PA006-252-0253 $13-95 past, present, and future. The drawback with this book is — Donna Clark Goodrich that, at times, Groom is a bit repeti­ Fear is one of our oldest and dead­ tious, talking about in one chapter liest enemies. Bruce Larson, a co­ what she had said earlier, yet in dif­ pastor o f the Crystal Cathedral in THE BOOK OF GENESIS, ferent terms. However, the book Garden Grove, Calif., graphically de­ Chapters 1— 17 needs to be read in its entirety. It is scribes the damage it can wreak in The New International Commentary not a reference type manual. The our lives. on the Old Testament flow of thought and her conclusions Fear causes illness. It kills. It stifles by Victor P. Hamilton are biblical, practical, and impor­ creativity. It prevents love, disrupts November 1990, hardcover tant for any person who works with families, and causes addiction to al­ PA080-282-3084 $29.95 marriages. Its well worth the jour­ cohol, drugs, work, hobbies, and ney to the end. food. Fear of life and of other people Amid the profusion of commen­ Be ready, however, for Groom may can lead to mental illness. Extreme taries on Genesis, Victor Hamilton’s also have some challenges for the fear of the future prompts suicide. work, the newest addition to the reader. Everyone wears more masks Researchers tell us that the worst NICOT Series, contributes a solid, than he realizes. This applies not possible way to deal with fear is to thorough, and up-to-date evangeli­ only to marriages but to any rela­ choose a life of safety. We suffer from cal explication of the wealth and tionship. The focus of marriages and too much caution in our lives, Lar­ depth of material imbedded in the the church body needs to be cen­ son warns, which results in too little Scriptures’ first book. tered on unity and openness. This action. Instead of worrying about Whereas many recent commen­ will not occur until each person failure, we should worry about the taries have divided Genesis into makes himself open and vulnerable, chances we miss when we don’t try. multiple layers of tradition, Hamil­ which is one of Groom’s challenges. Another common fear is that of re­ ton observes that the scholarly argu­ Groom is a conservative writer jection. People cope with this fear ments in favor o f the literary and with a refreshing approach much in four ways: (1 ) become withdrawn theological unity of the Genesis text needed in today’s counseling. The — they seek safety in going unno­ are growing and impressive. The female is released from her prison of ticed; (2) become a people-pleaser main theme running throughout

48 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE most o f Genesis is God’s gracious death situations. Pastoral experi­ tive technologies. He provides a promise of blessing and reconcilia­ ences and understanding theologi­ four-page bibliography of bioethical tion in the face of sin and evil. cal and ethical possibilities make materials. The illustrations, studies, Hamilton’s introduction to Gene­ Truesdale a pacesetter in this field. and data are carefully researched. sis includes sections on the book’s He presents a strong Christian foun­ I have found the book easy to title, structure, composition, theol­ dation for ethics, using biblical read, interesting, and insightful. It is ogy, problems in interpretation, principles. His discussions use the a very helpful tool for me as I grap­ canonicity, and Hebrew text; an out­ terms of theology, ethics, and tech­ ple with many of the issues con­ line of the whole book and a select nology. He confronts the challenges fronted and discussed. A Christian bibliography are also included in facing persons in caring ministries counselor, teacher, minister, or lay­ and opens the door for fruitful de­ person needing material that gives a the introduction. bate. Truesdale is honest and open Christian perspective on “Bioethics The commentary proper, based on in his approach. He covers the time­ and the Christian” should obtain a Hamilton’s own translation from the ly topics of abortion, euthanasia, hu­ copy of this excellently written Hebrew, evidences his extensive man experim entation, genetics, book. knowledge of the ancient Near East medical technology, and reproduc­ — Montford L. Neal and of contemporary scholarship, including literary, form, and text criticism. Indexes o f subjects, au­ thors, scriptures, and Hebrew words conclude the volume. A unique feature o f the book is Hamilton’s emphasis on the reading of Genesis by the New Testament community. Following his commen­ tary on each chapter or unit of Gen­ Sanctification esis, Hamilton discusses where and how the New Testament appropri­ ated material from that section and incorporated it into the message of — Surrender the new covenant. ( Continued from page 41) Victor P. Hamilton is professor o f religion at As- even my spouse to Him. One day as I want to treat anyone differently for bury College, Wilmore, Ky. He is the author of Hand­ book on the Pentateuch, and he has contributed to sat with Bob in his hospital room, any reason. With each situation we such works as the International Standard Bible En­ watching him grow worse by the surrender to God, our relationship cyclopedia and Theological Wordbook o f the Old with Him deepens, and undesirable Testament. hour, I finally sincerely prayed, “Lord, I don’t know how I’m going traits disappear. to raise two boys without a father, In reference to my friend who felt but if it’s Your w ill to take Bob, I’m she would have to wear her hair A MATTER OF LIFE surrendered.” pulled tightly back, I doubt that AND DEATH As I began this short prayer, it was God would have required that un­ less her hair was a source of pride. (Bioethics and the Christian) only words I knew God expected of The key is the willingness to be obe­ by A1 Truesdale, Jr. me; but as I neared the end of it, dient to Him regardless of the issue. Kansas City: Beacon Hill Press God took hold and I truly meant it. Let me return to the first para­ of Kansas City, paperback Such peace flooded my entire being! graph. Was I saying the sanctified in­ Although I could not correlate PA083-411-3287 $5.95 dividual does not do these things? surrendering Bob to God with vic­ Did I mean they are insignificant? Are you looking for assistance in tory over my behavior toward those Again, it is a matter of obedience. If solving dilemmas stimulated by a who hurt me, I realized almost im­ we have resigned our w ill to be to­ high-tech society? Have you recently mediately that trait no longer exist­ tally His, we w ill want to please faced moral and ethical decisions re­ ed. I was aware it had something to Him completely in every area of our lating to the right to die with dig­ do with God’s giving deeper victory lives. nity or the issue of euthanasia? Dr. with each deeper surrender. Soon a When this is the condition of the A1 Truesdale has written a book that situation presented itself that was heart, these things will be taken care speaks directly to the issues facing the ultimate test of this new experi­ of according to biblical standards Christians today. ence, and I found it natural to ig­ and God-given convictions. But Dr. A1 Truesdale, dean of Nazarene nore an intended hurt, showing a those standards and convictions Theological Seminary, has given min­ genuine spirit of kindness and without a heart-cleansing, soul- isters and laypersons a tool for look­ friendship to the injuring one. surrendering, total-dedication-and- ing deeply into the problems that Bob didn’t die. He recovered, consecration experience will not caring persons are forced to face. gaining better health than ever be­ sanctify us. $ Medical and scientific research have fore. I still have him on the altar, and opened the door for more options I still have my experience that God The Wesleyan Advocate, May 1990. Used by permis­ for Christians involved in life-and- bestowed upon me that day. I don’t sion.

JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 49 All I Really Needed to Know I Learned in My rirst Pastorate by Dennis A. Brenner Lansing, Mich.

Let me share some of the more im­ portant things that I have learned in my first pastorate. 1. Surround yourself with signifi­ cant, supportive people. It’s not wise to try to go through experi­ ences alone. You’ll find it very diffi­ cult going through life all alone, es­ pecially in pastoral ministry. While you’re wiping the brow of one per­ son, you’ve stepped on someone else’s toes accidentally— and that toe has a corn! Reaching your hand out to help one parishioner, you’ve accidentally boxed the ears of an­ other. At times you will wonder about your own self-worth. You’ll need those significant, supportive people. A retired minister lived close by me during my first pastorate. He was a quaint individual, even a bit ec­ centric, but a saint nonetheless. His wisdom has proved to be priceless. He had been over the road, having led some large churches and some smaller ones. He had weathered the storms o f life — and a few board meetings as well— and still main­ tained his sense of humor. Because of his stature, age, and wisdom, he had gained the respect of his com­ munity and the denomination. I re­ n his recent book, A ll I Really nary, a number of experiences have call going out to see him. He would Needed to Know I Learned in caused me to struggle with every­ invite me in, set me down in his big Kindergarten, Robert Fulghum thing from my self-concept to my easy chair, and lift my spirits to Iassures us that kindergarten taughttheology to my relationships with heaven. us all we need to know to make it my family and friends. In pastoral I wondered, “What does a young through life. The simple wisdom of ministry this list includes: pastor do when the necessary funds his book is refreshing and reminds Trying to find the right church are not available?” “How do you han­ us of what is most important. Marriage dle it when the chairman of the In the years since I finished semi­ Church board stress trustees calls you Kid?" “What do Graduate school you say at your first yearly confer­ Birth of children ence or district assembly?” Or, Illness “ How do you respond when you Moving have proposed your best idea to Tension in relationships your church board and, with great Therapy enthusiasm, the vote defeats your Good friends idea 7 to 0?” Trying to make ends meet To all of the above questions my Ministry supportive significant mentor gave Understanding an answer I’ve never forgotten:

50 THE PREACHERS MAGAZINE “Jesus didn’t bat a thousand. While just finished seminary and knew ex­ other people’s ideas. I learned that you are raising up an Andrew or Mat­ actly how everything ought to be they, too, hurt when I don’t recog­ thew, you will also raise up a Judas done. I knew that every Kansas nize their gems of wisdom. who w ill sell you out.” farmer was eagerly waiting to be Misunderstandings develop. I re­ He was right. No man’s ministry taught the latest managerial tech­ call discussing with the church survives unless he can raise ade­ niques. After all, everyone knows board the need for a workday at the quate funds. You can’t defend your that “Robert’s” is the man with the church to make it look “spic and own character. It stands or falls on rules. No one can talk about an idea span.” It became obvious right away its own merit. Always report the pos­ until it has been cast into a motion that some of them failed to see the itive; there’s enough negative in the and seconded. Then, of course, need. The floors needed waxing, world already. Yes, he was even right there is the matter of alternating be­ closets needed cleaning, windows in reminding me that a good idea tween those who support the mo­ needed washing, and walls needed won’t go away. And if it does go tion and those who oppose. Simple? painting. Anyone could see what away, it most likely should have Well, not so simple for the folk who needed to be done— that is, anyone died. have been conducting church busi­ not accustomed to things as they 2. Relax. Dr. V. H. Lewis once told ness for a decade or two before you were. me, “Dennis, take time to have fun!” came. They are quite certain that the I got my way. The church board At the time I thought, You’ve got superintendent or bishop has cho­ gave in. I can still remember the to be kidding. But I’ve discovered sen them to knock the rough edges feeling of victory as I went home that tension can get to you. One of off this new, naive pastor. that evening. I was hesitant to men­ the lessons I’ve learned in pastoral I panicked! They didn’t run these tion it to my wife, though. I had ministry is to laugh at myself. Don’t given in to having the workday on meetings right. Yes, there in that laugh at others, or you’ll get in seri­ our eighth wedding anniversary but first pastorate I learned not to as­ ous trouble! Stay relaxed and have surely she would understand. She sume that the people don’t know some fun. It w ill make your experi­ had agreed with me about the need how to do business. It was done in ences much more manageable and for such a cleanup project. meaningful. the coffee shop, anyway, instead of I had gotten my way. At last the For instance, my second funeral during these board meetings. Don’t church would be cleaned “spic and came during my first pastorate. I was assume that they need to know the span.” My wife and I arrived early still a bit more than nervous— to latest edition of Robert’s Rules o f that day and threw ourselves into put it mildly. I had determined to re­ Order. They have developed their the task with vigor. She kept asking fer to the deceased by name during own set o f rules. You had better me, “Where is everyone?” the memorial message. learn them before you attempt to I assured her that they would be I still blush when I remember that add to or change the method of do­ arriving shortly. By noon only one I referred to the deceased sister by ing business. They do know how person had stopped by to see how the wrong name throughout the en­ they run business. It’s you, not they, “everyone”— my wife and I— was tire message and committal. After­ who needs to be enlightened. I doing! ward, her grandson came up to me learned that— after I panicked! I learned a valuable lesson. The and said, “ I bet Grandma is still church has to be unified before any­ laughing.” thing will be accomplished! You Taken back, I questioned, “Why?” cannot lead where people are not He responded, “You never did use willing to go. her name.” 5. Trust the process. Pastoral min­ Relax? After she was buried and Stay relaxed and istry and pastoral leadership are a the services were over, what was left process. You never really quite mas­ to do? Cut your head off? No, you go have some fun. ter it. to your office, have a good belly Take courage in the fact that you laugh to get it out of your system, are experiencing one of God’s great­ and you’ll never forget that lesson est blessings. Whatever you are go­ again. By the way, the family of that ing through at the moment will not dear sister were some o f my best last forever. Tomorrow will bring a supporters during my ministry new challenge and a new crisis. 4. Expect misunderstanding. The there. Every so often we still have a There will be special moments most painful moment in my spiritual good laugh together. when you wonder why they treated 3. It’s normal to panic. No matter pilgrimage came early in my first you so well. So, learn to trust the how competent, you’ll panic. Every­ pastorate. I had shared one of those process of pastoral ministry. one has a panic button. You may say great gems of wisdom and watched These are all lessons I learned in or do things you later regret or ex­ as my people trampled it aside as my first pastorate. I’ve taken them perience things you wished you costume jewelry. That experience with me into later situations. My hadn’t. But those who understand left my soul wounded at first. But first pastorate was perhaps the great­ will support you. when I healed, I was stronger and est learning place. Pastoral ministry For example, I’ve learned to work better for it. Because of my pain, I may be difficult at times, but it is re­ with the church board now! I had learned to appreciate the value of warding and worthwhile. $

JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 51 Lee, a balding giant of a man, cleared his throat. “ I don’t know Stories Preachers how we got started on sad stories, but let me tell you a really sad one. It happened to me over in eastern Oklahoma when I was a young Tell Each Other preacher, before I learned to write everything down. by David L. Roper “I had gotten close to two sweet elderly ladies who lived a block or Cleburne, Tex. so from the church building. Both were former school teachers who ’m sure you’ve heard what some midst of her floating flowers, water had never married, and they helped folks call “preachers’ stories,” running down her face, splashing me with some writing. sad stories or stirring stories and screaming. “One of them died and the other Ipreachers use to make a point. But “We rescued her and the funeral called me to ask me to be one of the you may not have heard the kind of started more or less on time, but ev­ pallbearers. She told me the time of stories preachers tell each other. ery little bit someone would giggle the funeral and that it would be at a Get several preachers together and and it would spread through the au­ certain Methodist church. I made a they’ll start swapping stories, things dience. We’d all have to compose mental note of the details. that happened to them or to some­ ourselves and start again. It was the “On the day of the funeral, I drove one they know. They’ll tell stories hardest funeral I’ve ever done!” to the big Methodist church nearby about preaching, visiting, eating, per­ George, one of the old veterans, and went in. The closed casket was forming weddings, baptisms— any­ spoke up. “At least your funeral had already in place at the front of the thing to do with their work. They’ll a humorous side. I had a sad experi­ auditorium. I found the funeral di­ even tell stories about funerals. ence I haven’t lived down yet. rector and told him I was one of the “Speaking of funerals,” Don said, “I was called at the last minute to pallbearers. He checked his list and “we had a woman in Amarillo— a do a funeral for an elderly man, so I said I wasn’t on it. That surprised big woman— who owned a florist grabbed my standard ‘godly Chris­ me, but I wasn’t worried about it. I shop and who always ran late. Five tian man, husband, and father’ ser­ went into the auditorium and sat to 10 minutes before a funeral, you mon as I rushed out the door. All the down at the back. I kept looking could hear her clicking down the way through the service I kept re­ around for people I knew, but didn’t hall in her high-heel shoes. Then ferring to the man as ‘a wonderful fa­ see anyone. Something didn’t seem she’d burst through the chapel door, ther.’ After it was over, one of the right. After the service started, I was her arms overflowing with flowers. deacons pulled me aside and said, more and more uncomfortable, but She’d quickly place them with the ‘Uh, I hate to tell you this, Brother couldn’t figure out what was wrong. other flowers and away she’d go, George, but the deceased wasn’t Finally it dawned on me that I was at click, click, click. married’!” the wrong funeral. “On this particular day, we had After the laughter died down, “ I found a phone and checked the funeral in the church building Johnny, a younger preacher, smiled with the big Methodist church instead of at a funeral home. It was a ruefully and said, “I had a similar across town. Yes, they were doing few minutes until time for the ser­ experience, but my shock came be­ the funeral where I was suppose to vice. I was sitting on the front pew, fore the service. be. I jumped into my car and raced ready to go to the front as soon as “I was new to town and I got a across town. When I got to the the family was ushered in. Then I phone call that one of our members building, I rushed inside. ‘They’ve heard a faint click, click, click. The had died, an older man. I visited the already left,’ I was told. ‘Where’s the woman had apparently come in the family and they seemed like nice burial?’ I asked. I sped to the ceme­ side door of the building. In just a folks. So, as you said, I got my ‘godly tery. When I got there, they were al­ moment, I heard her clicking up the Christian man’ sermon ready. ready filling in the grave. The family stairs, the unlighted stairs behind “Before the service, I was waiting was already gone.” the pulpit area, heading for the bap­ in a back room with the singers. Just Lee shook his bald head. “I chased tistery. She had evid en tly gone as it was time for me to go out, one that funeral all day,” he said, “and through the wrong door. of the men said, ‘Say, you do know never did catch up with it.” “I sat there, unable to move, lis­ how this brother died, don’t you?’ Roger had been quiet all this tening to that rapid click, click, “ ‘No,’ I replied. time. “Well,” he drawled, “ I don’t click, and watching the baptistery ‘“ He was caught shoplifting in a know if funny or sad is worse when opening that was high above the local store,’ the man said, ‘and had a it comes to funerals. Let me tell you pulpit. The woman suddenly burst heart attack as they were interro­ ’bout the time I was preaching a fu­ into sight as she charged o ff the gating him.’ neral and a lady sneezed her upper steps and plunged into the water “Just then they signaled for me to plate out onto the center aisle— .” with all her flowers. Water splashed walk out.” Johnny shook his head. “It It was at this point that I left. I everywhere. She resurfaced in the did take the edge off my lesson!” knew I’d never top that one. $

52 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE WORSHIP & PREACHING HELPS

JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 53 Gavin Raath June/July /August 1991 Prepared by Gavin Raath

INTRODUCTION In planning the following 13 sermons, my “obsession” has been to come up with something useful and communicable. With this goal in mind, I did two things: First, I sought input from preacher friends and asked for the things they would consider helpful. Second, I invoked some of the communication theory taught to me years ago in my speech classes. I learned that there is a difference in the writing styles between communication to be publicly spoken and com­ munication for private reading. The style of a manuscript written to be read orally from a lectern is much simpler than the style written for per­ sonal absorption. The goal of the former is to communicate and per­ suade. The latter is often designed to impress. The sermons I offer here are not designed to impress. They are simply from sermons I have preached, therefore the style is simple. It is printed oral communication. My assignment includes four sermons based on the Book of Philippi- ans and eight on the Book of Joshua, including a Communion message. Should you use the Joshua series on the dates attached to them, you will have to plan a Communion service on July 28. If you use these sermons, it is my sincere hope that you w ill receive the blessing I received in preparing them. Finally, I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to my mentor, Ponder Gilliland, who has taught me most about sermonizing and minis­ try.

54 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE GREETINGS, CHRISTIAN CHURCH! by Gavin Raath Phil. 1:1-11 June 2, 1991

INTRO b. The Philippian Christians were identified as When Paul wrote a letter to a church, at that church’s “saints.” Many people read the word “saint” and say, next meeting, often in a home, members would gather “Those early Christians were perfect! They were saints!” around the letter reader and listen with eagerness as Sainthood was not and is not related to absolute per­ each word was read. fection. Christians of Paul’s day were ordinary people as The church at Philippi was a model church, clearly we are. one of Paul’s favorite congregations. His introductory re­ ILLUS. The Roman Catholic church has aided us in marks at the beginning of his letter constitutes a typical equating sainthood with the notion of absolute per­ Pauline greeting. This message focuses exclusively on fection. They tended to revere certain dead Christians, Paul’s introductory remarks. Paul could just as well be to elevate their good qualities, and to canonize them. writing to us as a local church. We have “St. Christopher” and many more “sainted” peo­ I. Paul Opens with an Introduction (vv. 1-2) ple. Someone has said, “A saint is nothing but a sinner revised and edited!” A. First, let’s look at the writers: c. Every person “in Christ” is a “saint,” even 1. He starts his letter by saying, “Paul and Timothy, though we may not act very “saintly” at times. “Saint” servants of Christ Jesus” (v. 1). has to do with our position. “Saintly” has to do with our ILLUS. On some of the South Sea Islands people have practice. Positionally we are saints. a unique way of greeting each other, which is similar to Paul’s greetings. My name is Gavin. If I were in that cul­ C. Paul blesses his readers: ture, wanting to greet someone called Koko, I wouldn’t This rich blessing is commonly found in his letters: say, “Hi, Koko!” Rather I would say, “Hi, Gavin!” I would “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the use my name! Thus right at the outset of the conversa­ Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 2). tion I would identify myself. This was the custom in 1. Paul was overwhelmed by “grace.”’ Paul’s day for opening letters. ILLUS. The father of the returned prodigal son dem­ 2. Paul includes Timothy as a writer. Why does he onstrated grace so well: The law said, “Smite him!” say, “Paul and Timothy”? Apparently Timothy was Paul’s Grace said, “Embrace him!” The law said, “Stone him!” amanvensis, a secretary to whom Paul dictated his let­ Grace said, “Kiss him!” The law said, “You’re crooked!” ters. Grace said, “I’m going to make you straight!” 3. Paul identifies himself as a “servant of Christ God’s grace is His unmerited favor! Jesus.” A better translation is the word “bondslave.” He 2. Paul also says, “Peace to you,” a common He­ saw himself as one who had given himself to Christ as a brew greeting with beautiful meaning. love slave— no longer a slave to sin, but now a slave to Jesus Christ. ILLUS. I led a group on a tour of Israel. One of our tour ladies broke her leg. I took her to the hospital in B. Let’s look at the readers: Tiberias and waited in the emergency room. I observed a Paul addresses his letter “to all the saints in Christ young doctor working there and noticed that whenever Jesus at Philippi.” Here he gives a two fold address— the telephone rang, he picked up the receiver and said, geographical and spiritual: “Shalom.” When he concluded his conversation, he re­ 1. Their geographical address is “Philippi.” Usually peated the greeting. He did the same thing when people Paul chose strategic cities in which to plant churches. entered and left the room. Philippi was such a city. My curiosity got the better of me. I said to him, “I ILLUS. A range o f hills divided Europe from Asia. notice you begin your conversations by saying, ‘Shalom,’ There was a dip in the range through which people had and you also conclude with a ‘Shalom.’ ” to travel to get from West to East. On this spot lay Philip­ He grinned and replied, “Haven’t you heard? We Jews pi. This Greek city had become quite romanized by this don’t know whether we’re coming or going!” time. In this setting the wonderful Philippian church thrived. II. Next, Paul Looks Back with Thanksgiving (vv. 3-8) 2. Their spiritual address is identified in the words “the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi.” This amounts to a A. Paul refers to the Philippians as partners in the twofold address: “saints” and “in Christ.” gospel (v. 5). a. Philippian Christians were identified as “inThe fact that we, as a church, are partners in the gos­ Christ." We find that phrase repeated 164 times in the pel is often missed. This means that I am a partner in the New Testament. Every single human being has a spiritual gospel! We see this on two levels: address. They are located either “in Adam” (1 Cor. 1. We are all in partnership as a local church. The 15:22) or “in Christ.” local church is composed of people, not bricks and mor­

JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 55 tar. If you want to know what our church is like, look in 4. Paul concludes his introductory remarks by tell­ the mirror! What do you see? Dp you get it? You are the ing the church that he prays that they will be “filled church! * with the fruit of righteousness.” ILLUS. Something that drives me to despair as a pastor CONCLUSION are statements directed to the church like, “What is this church doing for me?” Or, “They don’t do things right!” Paul could very well have written these words to our Well, who are “they”? The “they” is you, for you are the church: “ Greetings, saints! Isn’t it amazing? We have church! Therefore, if you think that something in the God’s grace and peace! I often think of you and remem­ church needs to be done, do it! ber you with thankfulness. And I think of you with joy We are all partners in the gospel! because we are partners in the gospel! And finally, dear church, I pray for you, and this is my single prayer: That 2. But our partnership is broader than the local your love may abound more and more.” church. It is worldwide! Do you realize that we are part­ ners around the world? III. Therefore, Paul Looks Forward with Con­ SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER fidence (vv. 9-11) WE GATHER IN ANTICIPATION Reflect on Phil. 1:1-11 CALL TO WORSHIP “We Have Come into This House” A. Paul talks about Christian love (v. 9). HYMN “How Great Thou Art” WELCOME Pastor 1. Paul talks about his prayer with a single petition CHOIR “Amazing Grace’’ — that their “love may abound.” Paul has not seen these PRAYER CHORUS “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” Christians for 10 years. Shouldn’t he rather be saying, DIRECTED PRAYER “I’m praying that you will hold true to the faith,” or, “I’m OFFERING praying about your budget”? Rather he says, I’m praying SPECIAL MUSIC “It Took a Miracle” “that your love may abound more and more.” SERMON “GREETINGS, CHRISTIAN CHURCH!” CLOSING HYMN “Blest Be the Tie That Binds” 2. Paul uses the imagery o f a wooden bucket placed under a crack in the rock where it catches stead­ Creative Worship Ideas ily dripping water. Once the bucket is filled, it con­ Directed Prayer tinues to overflow. He’s talking about a superfluous love. 1. The Hebrew writer tells us to praise God con­ 3- Paul promises to pray that their love will enable tinually and give Him thanks. Let’s do that! them to “discern what is best.” Moffatt translates, “have a 2. Something good has happened in your life in re­ cent days. You would like to thank God for it. sense of what is vital.” A church where people don’t love 3. Is there some spiritual failure between you and each other is a church without the “sense of what is vi­ God that you need to confess? Talk to Him about that tal.” That is a church that majors on minors. now. ILLUS. A poetic person put it this way: 4. Is there a heavy load on your heart, bearing To dwell above with saints we love, down on your mind and spirit, and you need relief Oh, that will be glory! from it? Would you show it to the Lord? Take it in your hands now and show it to Him. But to live below with saints we know, 5. Now turn your hands over and lay it at His feet. Well, that’s another story!” 6. Let’s pray for the sick among us. Francis Schaeffer aptly points out that the world cares 7. With heads bowed, let’s sing the chorus “Lord, I nothing about doctrine and will not judge us on the ba­ Need You.” sis of doctrine. The world does not believe in accurate 8. Family members and friends seated together, truth as much as they believe in love. would you join hands now and pray for each other? When the world sees our holy loving kind of oneness, 9. “We thank You, our loving Father, for listening to then they will ask about our doctrine that God has given us today. We love You and we worship You. We con­ us. God says to the world, “You have a right to determine tinue to worship by bringing Your tithe to which we whether Christianity is valid or not depending on their have added our love offerings. In Jesus’ name we pray.” oneness as believers.” And the world will see this be­ cause of the fruit we will be exhibiting.

56 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE CREATIVE SUFFERING: HOW TO TURN YOUR PAIN INTO GAIN by Gavin Raath Phil. 1:12-21 June 9, 1991

INTRO 1. If some of you were really honest, you said, “For I want to make two profound statements as a preface to me, to live is to make money.” That’s fine; just com­ to my message. One comes from the Westminster Confes­ plete the sentence: “To die is______” — what? To lose it sion: “The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy all, obviously! Him forever.” That’s one aspect of my message today. The second statement is really deep: “When life hands you a 2. If some of you were really honest, you said, “For lemon, make lemonade!” I also want to talk about “How me to live is power.” That’s fine; just complete the sen­ to turn your pain into gain” and “How to turn your tears tence: “To die is ______”— what? To lose it all! into triumphs.” This we can do, with a certain supreme B. The poin t is this: I need to have not only a su­ purpose in life: preme purpose in life that is worthy o f the investment I. Paul Tells of His Supreme Purpose in Life o f my life, but one that will carry me through eternity. I need a purpose that is not susceptible to circum­ The apostle Paul lived a very basic life. His goals were stances. If my supreme purpose is to magnify Jesus clear. He gives to us His supreme purpose in life: “Now Christ, then circumstances cannot thwart or derail my as always,” he said, I want “Christ [to be] exalted in my purpose! body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ” (w . 20-21, italics mine). The original word for IV. Three Circumstances Could Have De­ “exalt” is megalunei, which means “magnify” In effect feated Paul Paul is saying, “As a Christian my supreme purpose in Paul mentions three adverse conditions that could life is to magnify and glorify Christ!” have caused him to swerve from his supreme purpose in II. We Can Have This Supreme Purpose in Life life (w. 12-26): The question arises, “How in the world can I have this A. Paul is in chains. supreme purpose? How can I magnify Christ? I’m noth­ In fact, he had been a prisoner for four and a half years ing, an infinitesimal speck of dust in the universe! How by this time. He was attached to a Roman guard 24 hours can I magnify Christ, the Son o f God?” a day, with guards changing shifts every 6 hours. He had The answer is, “I can magnify Jesus just as a telescope every reason to pity himself. But Paul had a supreme magnifies the stars.” The stars are greater, more glorious purpose in life, not for his own convenience, but to than a telescope could ever be. But a telescope has the magnify Christ. Therefore, his goal was to accomplish ability to do two things: It brings distant objects closer his purpose, even using adverse circumstances to do it! and fills our vision with them. In the same way, my life How did he do that in prison? can function as a telescope, bringing God closer to peo­ ple, and filling their vision with Him. I can make Christ 1. In the Philippian prison, Paul sang and praised conspicuous in my life! I can be a display cabinet for God, an earthquake struck, and a prison jailer was con­ Him! verted! We have varying dispositions, but in our own way, 2. Imprisoned in Rome, what does Paul do? Each each one of us can magnify Him. time he was chained to a new guard, he turned to him ILLUS. Some years ago I was visiting my sister abroad. and said something like this: “Hi, Claudius! Have you On that occasion she made a statement about our late heard o f the Four Spiritual Laws?” Six hours later he father that I’ll never forget. She said, “You know, to me turned to another guard and said, “Hi, Sutonius! Have Dad is the closest thing to God that I’ve ever known.” you heard of Jesus Christ who came into our world?” I thought to myself, Wow! What a commentary on a And so it went. Paul was chained to the Roman guards, parent! Cherryl’s father functioned as a telescope to her. but the guards were chained to Paul! He had a captive Every time she looked at him, she saw a whole lot of audience! How would you like to be chained to a man God! who constantly sings, talks, and preaches Jesus? Those poor guards must have gone out after their shift and III. Now for a Test to See if You Have This Su­ said, “Watch out! There’s a fanatic in there!” preme Purpose in Your Life ILLUS. Do you know what a fanatic is? Winston A. It’s quiz time! See if you can honestly fill in the Churchill said, “A fanatic is someone who won’t change blanks. Paul says my purpose is to magnify Christ. There­ his mind and can’t change the subject!” fore, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (v. That’s Paul! His attitude declared, “Look, I’ve found 21). Let’s put two blanks in the statement and then fill the reason for living. It’s Jesus! In jail or out of jail, in them: For to me, to live is ______(blank) and to die is chains or out of chains, I’m going to use these chains to ______(blank). I’m going to pause to allow you to fill magnify Him!” Paul was smart enough to realize that the two blanks. God uses the ax that the devil sharpens!

JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 57 3- We see the result o f Paul’s prison ministry in CONCLUSION: Rome (see Phil. 4:21-22). He mentions the “saints” of “Caesar’s household,” who were converted praetorian Paul has been saying, “I have a supreme purpose in guards who had been chained to Paul. life. And it’s not to be healthy and wealthy and free of suffering. My one goal is to magnify Christ. When I’m 4. What chains do you have in your life today? preaching, I’ll use my words to do it! If I’m in chains, I’ll Could you possibly see that adverse circumstance as something that is setting you free to magnify Jesus? Joni use those chains to accomplish it! If I’m being crit­ Earekson Tada refers to this as “creative suffering.” icized, I use that criticism to do it! If I’m facing a life- and-death issue, from my deathbed I’ll magnify Christ! In B. Paul also faced critics. all things, I want my life to be a telescope to the world!” Paul talks about Christians who “preach Christ out of What a magnificent obsession! selfish ambition . . . supposing that they can stir up trou­ When we find ourselves in the furnaces of life, we, ble for me while I am in chains” (v. 17). Imagine it! too, can use the ax that the devil has sharpened. Take Here is a man on trial for his life, and there are Chris­ those tears, and turn them into triumphs! Take that pain, tians trying to rub salt in his wounds! and turn it into gain. Magnify Jesus Christ. When people slight us and malign us, our initial incli­ nation is to give it right back in kind. But not so with Paul. He says, “But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way . . . Christ is preached” (v. 18). SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER He had a supreme purpose in life! WE GATHER IN ANTICIPATION Reflect on Phil. 1:12-21 The only time that Nebuchadnezzar saw Christ with CALL TO WORSHIP “We Have Come into This House” the three Hebrew children was when they were thrown HYMN “How Firm a Foundation” into the fiery furnace. And it’s often when we are in the WELCOME Pastor CHOIR “My Faith Looks Up to Thee” furnaces of life that the world sees what we are made of! PRAYER CHORUS “Open Our Eyes, Lord” And when people wrong us, there is only one response DIRECTED PRAYER we can give that will magnify Christ: to refuse to retali­ OFFERING ate and be crushed. SPECIAL MUSIC “I’d Rather Have Jesus” C. Paul had a third crisis in his life. SERMON “CREATIVE SUFFERING: He begins to talk about the possibility of receiving the HOW TO TURN YOUR PAIN INTO GAIN” death sentence, yet he clings to his supreme purpose. CLOSING HYMN “Let All the People Praise Thee” He says, “I . . . hope that I will . . . have sufficient cour­ age so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my Creative Worship Ideas Directed Prayer body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is 1. God is here this morning. Ask Him to fall afresh Christ and to die is gain” (w . 20-21). on you now. ILLUS. A minister friend had a godly mother-in-law 2. Do you need to confess something to Him first who for years prayed for her lost family. Finally, she said, so that you can experience that fresh touch? God “Lord, if it means my life, I pray that my family will says that if we harbor unforgiveness in our heart, He come to You!” Unbeknown to her, when she uttered that will not hear us when we pray. Do you need to forgive prayer, her body was already riddled with cancer. Later, someone for something? when the end was near, her family gathered about her 3. Has there been some other spiritual failure in your life that you need to confess to Him? bed. There they were able to see, not in words now, but 4. What is burning on your heart today? Do you in the reality of the situation itself, here was a woman have a financial need? A physical need? A healing of facing death; yet there was a joy, and a serenity, and an emotions? Perhaps something related to your family? anticipation that was indescribable! That witness caused A problem at work? A decision to make? Talk to Him her loved ones to drop to their knees one after another about that special need; He is listening. and receive Christ. That woman magnified Christ not only in life but also in death!

58 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE FOUR KEYS TO SUCCESS by Gavin Raath Phil. 3:12-14 June 16, 1991

INTRO B. Complacency leads to death. We all want to be successful. This is why we love to The day that we cease to grow, cease to mature, is the read the biographies of successful people. The biogra­ day we begin to die! phy that has affected me most was one written by a Jew­ ILLUS. Much has been written about the trade war ish rabbi. This man was rather successful, and his writ­ America has with Japan. We’ve been hearing that the ings have been translated into most of the languages of main problem lies in the quality differential between the world. The rabbi’s name is Paul. He gives us a four- Japanese and American products. Some time ago I read point success formula (Phil. 3:12-14). Paul gives us four an article titled “The Battle for Equality Begins.” The au­ success principles: thor writes: “America’s leadership in quality has been al­ I. First, Concentrate on One Main Goal most imperceptibly eroding for years. More and more executives have awakened to the fact that they are A. What was Paul’s main goal? caught in a fateful struggle, for the Japanese have ad­ Paul says, “One thing I do” (v. 13). What do you do, vanced by leaps.” Paul? “I press on to take hold of that for which Christ The article goes on to explain that American tech­ Jesus took hold of me” (v. 12). nology that gave quality was developed before and dur­ ing World War II. After the war the Japanese flooded the ILLUS. If you are going to spend your life and energy market with cheap, shoddy goods— imitations. But the achieving something, please make sure that it is some­ Japanese became determined to improve. They went so thing worth your while. Few things are more pitiful than far as to import American experts. For the next 30 years to see someone come to the end of his life and hear him they strained and strove for quality and efficiency. Do say, “That wasn’t worth it! I spent my life climbing the you know what America did during that 30-year period? ladder, only to discover when I reached the top, that the She got comfortable with the lead and dozed! And today ladder had been leaning against the wrong wall!” America is playing catch-up with the Japanese! Be careful never to doze! Constantly strive to improve B. Is Paul’s goal sensible? and mature in spiritual matters. Some would say, “I’m not going to pour a lot of energy into one thing! I want to be broad and fish in many III. Third, Forget the Past ponds!” A. Is it possible to forget the past? ILLUS. It is the rivers that are narrow, with steep Paul says, “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is be­ banks, that run the deepest, and with the most power. hind [me]” (v. 13). Yet Paul often talked about the past. You take away the steep, narrow banks, and you will end He talked about how he had blasphemed and persecuted up with a marshy, stagnant swamp. Likewise, if you take the Church. Did he forget? Yes! To forget does not mean away the focus of your life, you will become marshy and to block something from your memory. The dictionary stagnant in your Christian experience. defines forgetting: “To stop noticing. To conscientiously Do you want to be successful? Concentrate on reach­ ignore something.” In other words, you treat something ing one main, worthwhile goal! as though it never happened, even though you still have II. Second, Concentrate on Constant Im­ the memory of it. provement B. What should I forget? Let me suggest three things to forget in order to press A. Recognize that you are not where you are going on as Christians: to be. 1. Forget your past success. 1. Paul says, “Not that I have already obtained all this” (v. 12). Then he adds, “ I do not consider myself yet ILLUS. The football team was about to begin a tough to have taken hold of it” (v. 13), so “I press on” (v. 14). game. Their coach gave them a pep talk in the locker It’s all right, yet not all right. room: “Throw away your old press clippings, fellows,” Many people who are not of our Wesleyan persuasion he said. “The other team hasn’t read them yet, and this is tend to think that we believe that when we are sanc­ a new game!” tified, we have reached an ultimate goal that requires no In our spiritual lives, Satan would love to neutralize further growth. Nothing could be further from the truth. us by talking us into taking an early retirement from The Christian’s life always requires dynamic, spiritual God’s work. He’ll allow us a victory or two, then con­ growth. vince us that we’ve done God and the world a great ser­ Paul is saying, “I might be all right for the stage of vice. He tries to get us to build a trophy case and put maturity at which I am now, but I don’t even begin to those trophies in there and languish in the past. We can’t think that I am where God finally wants me to be!” improve and grow, languishing in the past!

JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 59 2. We also need to forget our past mistakes. Be care­ with his mouth filled with round pebbles. To overcome ful never to play the game of life saying, “If only I had his facial contortions, he practiced speaking for hours in . . .!” Right now, that’s beside the point. front of a mirror. Then he went down to the Aegean Sea ILLUS. Do you know who struck out the most in pro­ where the waves pounded on the rocks, and there he fessional baseball? Babe Ruth. Who hit the most home practiced shouting so that he could be heard above the runs (until 1974)? Babe Ruth! roar of the ocean. What about the tic in his shoulder? Who struck out second most often? Hank Aaron. He’s With a rope he suspended a sharp sword from one of the the fellow who broke Babe Ruth’s record! rafters in his home until the tip was just a quarter inch Here’s an important principle: An essential part of suc­ above his shoulder. Thereafter, every time his shoulder cess is failure! Your track record has a string of failures? jerked, he received a painful reminder. What do you do So what? Let failure be a part of your success to come. with a fellow like that! There is no gain without pain! There are no stars with­ The day came for his next, and most famous, speech. out scars! Two were to speak on that occasion— first Aristotle, 3. We have to forget and put behind us guilt! Few then Demosthenes. When Aristotle finished, the people things plague a Christian more than guilt feelings, and “marveled at the wonderful oration!” Then Demosthenes Satan knows that. We have to take God at His word in Ps. took his place on the platform, and he began to speak 103:12 and 1 John 1:9 and believe that if we have con­ with incredible eloquence, and fervor, and power! Be­ fessed and forsaken sin, we are forgiven, and we bear no fore he finished, the crowd stood to its feet, and roared, more guilt! We need to be able to distinguish between “Let’s take up the sword and fight Philip!” feelings of real guilt, and false guilt that comes from Sa­ Why? Because here was a man convinced of one thing. tan. Satan only wants to drive us to despair. He forgot all of the past insults and failures, and chan­ neled all of his energy into becoming what he was deter­ IV. Fourth, Focus on the Future mined to be! Paul says, I am “straining toward what is ahead” (v. If in the spiritual realm you find a Christian with that 13). He adds, “I press on toward the goal” (v. 14). kind of determination, you w ill have found someone who will move heaven and earth for God! A. Paul’s figure o f speech is from athletics. He’s referring to a race at the games. He pictures a runner with a forward focus, pressing toward the goal. He knew that a runner could not win looking over his SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER shoulder. WE GATHER IN ANTICIPATION Reflect on Phil. 3:12-14 ILLUS. A Sunday School teacher was telling her young CALL TO WORSHIP “We Have Come into This House” HYMN “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” pupils about Lot’s wife who looked back and turned into WELCOME Pastor a pillar of salt. “Oh, that’s nothing,” said little Johnny. CHOIR “There Is a Redeemer” “Last week my mother was driving, and she looked back PRAYER CHORUS “Learning to Lean” and turned into a telephone pole!” DIRECTED PRAYER We can’t go successfully in the forward direction if OFFERING we’re looking in other directions! SPECIAL MUSIC “I Believe in Miracles” SERMON “FOUR KEYS TO SUCCESS” B. The athlete has tremendous determination. CLOSING HYMN “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah" Paul uses words like “press” and “straining.” There is disciplined determination in the athlete pressing toward Creative Worship Ideas his goal. Directed Prayer ILLUS. O f all the great classical Greek orators, De­ There are definite steps in prayer. Step No. 1 is to mosthenes is my favorite. When he started out, he had realize that you are in God’s presence. He is here. several serious problems. He stuttered and stammered. Meditate on that for a moment. Step No. 2 is to come Then when he spoke, he displayed awful facial con­ clean before Him. There may be something in your life tortions. Add to that a weak, raspy voice. To cap it all off, that stands between you and God— some uncon­ he had a nervous tic in his shoulder. The first time he fessed spiritual failure. The Psalmist said, “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have lis­ spoke in public, he was laughed off the stage. tened” (66:18). He says, “Search me, O God, and Undeterred, Demosthenes went home and shaved off know my heart” (139:23). The Bible says, “Don’t worry half of his hair! He did that so that he would look so about anything; instead, pray about everything” (Phil. ridiculous that he would be forced to stay home and 4:6, TLB). Tell God about your needs. work at being an orator. He worked on his elocution and diction by practicing

60 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE THE BIBLICAL FORMULA FOR PEACE by Gavin Raath Phil. 4:4-9 June 23, 1991

INTRO Said the sparrow to the robin, We’re living in a world starved for peace. During the “Friend, I think that it must be past 3,500 years of human history, there has not been a That they have no heavenly Father, single year without war. The Center for Defense Infor­ Such as cares for you and me." mation tells us that of the world’s 212 nations, 45 are —E l iz a b e t h C h e n e y now engaged in military conflict. We may not reach B. Instead of worry, pray! world peace, but we certainly can know personal peace. 1. Paul says, “Don’t worry about anything, but in Paul outlines a fourfold prescription for peace: everything . . . pray” (v. 6, Beck). I. Find Your Joy in the Lord (v. 4) 2. Peace is the fruit of taking a concern to your A. People look in the wrong places for joy. Heavenly Father and leaving it with Him. There is no peace for the worrier! 1. Some people rely on circumstances for their joy. The only problem is that circumstances change! If your III. D evelop a Thankful Spirit (v. 6) joy is based upon your football team’s winning, then Paul instructs us not to worry, but pray, and “with where will you be if you lose? thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (v. 6). 2. Some rely on things for their joy. If your joy is A. For what do we have to be thankful? wrapped up in your brand-new Corvette, and you wreck it on your way home, the source of your joy is ruined! 1. “Count your many blessings, name them ton by ton!” Be thankful for your salvation, your eyesight, your 3- Others rely on people for their joy: a boyfriend, family, the gift of love! husband, child, etc. What happens when we lose that person? 2. The key is to develop a spirit of thanksgiving. We dare not look to these kinds of things for our pri­ Sure, there are some bad things in our lives. But on bal­ mary joy, for they are all susceptible to circumstance. We ance there are far more good things for which we can be find joy in an ongoing relationship with Jesus Christ! thankful. Let that be your focus. Let this focus be a life­ style, and then the peace of God will be your portion. II. Avoid Anxiety (v. 6) IV. Guard Your Thought Life (vv. 7-8) A. Worry is stupid. Why? Because our thinking has a powerful influence 1. Worry is pointless. over us. There is a negative and positive aspect to this: Worry is like a rocking chair— it gives you something to do but moves you no closer to the solution of a prob­ A. On the negative side we need to guard our lem. thoughts. ILLUS. A study has been conducted on worry. It was 1. Our thinking influences our character. Our char­ discovered that 92 percent of the things we worry about acter takes on the complexion and hue of our inward never come to pass. thinking: “As [a man] thinketh in his heart, so is he” 2. Worry imperils our physical and mental well­ (Prov. 23:7, KJV). being. 2. Our thinking leads to actions. ILLUS. In his study of “self-actualizing” persons, Abra­ ILLUS. In Canada they conducted a subliminal adver­ ham Maslow, the psychologist, found that one thing tising experiment on television. This is where the mes­ these people have in common is a “tolerance for uncer­ sage is beamed so fast that the conscious mind is not tainty.” They seem to know how to live without feeling even aware of the fact that it’s receiving the message. At threatened or frightened— free of anxiety. It is a harmful the speed of 600 times per minute they beamed the thing to be weighed down oppressively by anxiety. message: “Eat Popcorn.” The next day the sale of pop­ 3- Worry is a burden that God never meant for us to corn in Canada soared 85 percent! bear. Paul says, “Do not be anxious about anything” (v. Why? Because the idea of eating popcorn was woven 6). Jesus said, “Do not worry [about anything]” (Matt. into the fabric of their thinking. It proves that what en­ 6:31). Jesus tells us not to worry as “the pagans,” for our ters the mind influences actions. “heavenly Father knows” what we need (v. 32, cf. w. 3- If we want to experience God’s peace, we need 33-34). Could it be possible that it is an insult to God to stand guard at the castle gate of our mind. What do for one of His children to be a chronic worrier? you think about while driving your car? Do you expose ILLUS. Two birds had a conversation one day: yourself to unhealthy conversations or literature? What Said the robin to the sparrow: do you allow to enter your mind? “I should really like to know B. On the positive side we need to guard our thoughts: Why these anxious human beings Paul says, “Whatever is true . . . noble . . . right . . . Rush about and worry so." pure . . . lovely . . . admirable . . . excellent or praise -

JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 61 worthy— think about such things” (v. 8). Practice right thinking. Discipline your mind, says Paul, then “the SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER WE GATHER IN ANTICIPATION Reflect on Phil. 4:4-9 peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will CALL TO WORSHIP “We Have Come into This House” guard your hearts” (v. 7). HYMN “To God Be the Glory” ILLUS. Once there was an art contest where artists WELCOME Pastor competed against each other in painting portraits. The CHOIR “The Love of God” one category was called “Peace.” The idea was to see PRAYER CHORUS “My Jesus, I Love Thee” who could produce a painting that would best depict DIRECTED PRAYER peace. Two artists competed in this category. OFFERING The one painted a picture of a quiet lake in the moun­ SPECIAL MUSIC “Only One Life” SERMON “THE BIBLICAL FORMULA FOR PEACE” tains. It was a tranquil scene— not a breeze, not a bird, CLOSING HYMN “The Peace That Jesus Gives” not a ripple in the water— a silent picture depicting a scene of peace. The second artist painted a picture of a roaring water­ Creative Worship Ideas Directed Prayer fall. On one of the overhanging tree branches stretching “We thank You, our Father, for our opportunity to over the waterfall, within reach of the rising spray, he come to You in prayer, and that You never weary of us painted a tiny bird, sitting calm and collected on its coming to You.” nest. In the midst of the mighty roar and danger, the bird 1. As you come to Him this morning, perhaps you had not a care in the world. This picture won the prize! are not feeling good. Talk to Him about how you are The winning picture depicts the peace of which the feeling— your depression, your fatigue, your emotions. Bible speaks, a peace that is good even during the storm. 2. Now think of areas in your life in which you feel We can personally know God’s peace in a stormy, strife- most fortunate. For some it is good health; perhaps stricken world! you have a beautiful home, a wonderful family. Thank Him for that. CONCLUSION 3. Now sort through those burdens you carry. Take that pressing one— the one that robs you of the most As a child of God, you may have His peace for the re­ joy— and share it with Him. ceiving if you will but live by this four-part formula: 4. Now say to Him, “Father, You are the One who 1. Find your joy in the Lord. moves mountains; You quench the fiery darts; You are 2. Avoid anxiety by prayer. my Father; therefore, I trust You. I release this burden 3- Develop a thankful spirit. to You.” 4. Guard your thought life. 5. He wants us to be concerned about not only our­ “And the peace of God, which transcends all [human] selves but others too. Pray for someone with a need. understanding,” will be your portion!

6 2 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE FREEDOM by Gavin Raath John 8:31-36 June 30, 1991

INTRO pression. Later millions came from Europe for political The word freedom is a popular word and has been freedom and the chance to make a living. They came to used more than ever since the decision to dismantle the escape Nazi oppression. Then they came from Commu­ Berlin Wall. The United States is often referred to as “the nist countries to gain political and economic freedom. champion of freedom.” Since the waning of the cold war, The inscription on the Statue of Liberty says, “Give me it could be said that there is truth to the statement. Cer­ your tired, your poor, your huddled masses, yearning to tainly, Americans believe this to be true as each year, breathe free.” around July 4, they wave flags, plan cookouts, and quote B. We’re seeing it in Eastern Europe. George Washington and Patrick Henry. With elation we watched the Berlin Wall coming Psychologists tell us that one of the vital ingredients down as the winds of change swept through Communist of mental normalcy is an innate sense of freedom. Man Europe. Now we’re seeing the domino theory in reverse! has a built-in yearning to be free. Since we love the word Freedom has been making significant inroads even in the freedom and have a need for freedom, what is it? Allow Soviet Union. What an opportunity the church has to ex­ me to present three views of freedom. tend our influence to world areas that have been closed I. There Is Libertarian Freedom to the gospel. Political freedom has always been good for the church. A. “I can do anything that I please.” But mankind yearns for a greater freedom than politi­ One sense of the word libertarian can be char­ cal freedom. acterized by this expression, which speaks of boundless freedom. III. There Is Spiritual Freedom 1. In the name of freedom, people are saying: “I A. Created a spiritual being, man possesses an in­ can have an abortion.” “I can indulge in any sexual prac­ nate need for spiritual freedom. People can never find tice that I please; therefore, I can practice homosexu­ complete satisfaction and fulfillment until this need for ality.” “I can enjoy pornography— even child por­ spiritual freedom has been satisfied. We can live without nography. Furthermore, I should be allowed to see it on political freedom. Many have. But we cannot live with­ television!” “I can simply get a divorce if I grow tired of out spiritual freedom. The Bible tells us, “If the Son sets my spouse.” “I can take drugs.” “I can burn my country’s [us] free, [we] will be free indeed” (John 8:36). We can­ flag.” To these people, freedom means license. not be “free indeed” apart from spiritual freedom. 2. In Scripture we have a classic example of an in­ Christians testify with statements like: “I’m so glad dividual who demanded liberty to live without restraint that I am saved; Christ has set me free.” Free from what? — the prodigal son. By the world’s standards, this young What is spiritual freedom? man had it all— plenty of money and no more rules by B. Spiritual freedom means two things. which to live. He left home and lived licentiously. That 1. First, there is freedom from spiritual ignorance so-called freedom only led to bondage and a pigpen. 0ohn 8:31). This is always the end of licentious freedom. The free­ Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really dom to use drugs leads to terrible bondage. Free sex my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the leads to pain and bondage. Pornography has proven to truth will set you free” (w. 31-32). Conversely, if you be one of the most enslaving devices in the world. “Ev­ are ignorant concerning His teaching and truth, then eryone who sins,” says Jesus, “is a slave to sin” (John you are in bondage. 8:34). The prodigal son could have said, “This is my life; ILLUS. Suppose a generous person said to me, “I want therefore, I’ll do as I please! What I do is my business. to give you a very special gift.” Then he blindfolded me My sin doesn’t hurt anyone but me!” Not so! He was and took me to the airport. And upon arriving there, he breaking his father’s heart! Not only does freedom to sin took the blindfold off. To my amazement, I saw before hurt me, but also others usually get hurt. It breaks the me a brand-new Lear jet. The person said, “The jet is heart of God. We do not sin in isolation; therefore, we yours! Go on; try it out!” are not free to sin. This would be wonderful but for a tiny little problem. I don’t know the first thing about flying! The best I II. There Is Political Freedom could do is sit in the pilot’s seat. Beyond that, I would be A. We have it in democracies. lost. All of the instruments and dials would make no Today many interpret the freedom that our Founding sense to me. I would be in bondage because of my igno­ Fathers gave us as a licentious freedom. But that is not rance. My ignorance would keep me earthbound. our heritage! The Pilgrims came to North America in or­ ILLUS. Suppose I respond to an advertisement seeking der to have the freedom to worship according to the dic­ a computer programmer, and I go for an interview and tates of their conscience, free from governmental op­ say, “This job offers the pay that I need, so here I am.”

JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 6 3 The interviewer asks the basic questions, “What ex­ CONCLUSION: perience have you had? What do you know about com ­ Freedom is something that man yearns for. Freedom puters?” does not mean that I can do anything that I please. That’s I say, “I don’t know anything about computers, but I moral anarchy. It leads to the opposite of freedom— do know a lot about vacuum cleaners!” bondage. It is highly doubtful that I would get that job. Why? I thank God for the political freedom we enjoy in our Because my ignorance concerning computers would country, but a far, far more important freedom is spiri­ hamper and bind me from getting the job. tual freedom. That only comes through knowing the What is true on the natural level is also true on the truth that is in Christ Jesus. spiritual level. The person who does not know spiritual If we had to, we could live without political freedom, things is bound. You may be a mathematical genius, yet as many have, but we cannot live without spiritual free­ be bound by ignorance of spiritual things. The solution dom. is to be set free from ignorance. That comes through knowing the truth, and the truth will set you free. When man rejects truth, he thereby becomes willfully SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER bound. That’s the situation in John 8. The Jews were re­ WE GATHER IN ANTICIPATION Reflect on John 8:31-36 jecting the truth. In fact, they denied that they were in CALL TO WORSHIP “We Have Come into This House” bondage or that they had ever been in bondage because HYMN “Fairest Lord Jesus” they were “Abraham’s descendants” (v. 33). They were WELCOME Pastor wrong, of course, on two counts: They were in spiritual CHOIR “Trust in the Lord” bondage, and they had been in political bondage— PRAYER CHORUS “I Love Him" under Egyptians, Babylonians, and Romans. These peo­ DIRECTED PRAYER OFFERING ple were not very wise. They had neither political free­ SPECIAL MUSIC “God of Our Fathers” dom nor spiritual freedom. SERMON “FREEDOM” Spiritual freedom means freedom from spiritual igno­ CLOSING HYMN “I Will Sing of My Redeemer” rance. 2. There is freedom from sin (v. 34). Creative Worship Ideas Directed Prayer Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a 1. Let’s begin by praising the One who is worthy of slave to sin” (v. 34). A sinner is enslaved. Deep down he our praise. Praise Him and thank Him for who He is senses this and yearns to be free. There is something and that He is your God. about human nature and the convicting power of the 2. Is there a need for healing in your life? A physical Holy Spirit that makes a sinner realize that he is not free. touch from our Lord? A healing of the mind? A healing He tries to get over it, under it, or around it, but he can­ of the emotions? A healing of relationships? Some not, because he is bound. frustration? Now take the heaviest load, or the biggest One of Satan’s biggest lies is the notion that freedom question that you have at this moment, and lay it at His feet. means “I can do anything that I please.” That leads to 3. Is yours a load of spiritual failure? In some way moral anarchy, which, in turn, leads to terrible pain and you have failed God in your walk with Him, and you bondage. Even Socrates, a pagan philosopher, asked, feel the guilt and need His forgiveness? “How can you call a man free when his pleasures rule 4. Thank Him for your country and for the freedom over him?” we have to worship and serve God. (Conclude by reading 2 Pet. 2:18-19 and then Rom. 5. Pray for our national leaders. 6:17-23.)

6 4 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE POSSESSING GOD’S PROMISE (Part 1) by Gavin Raath Josh. 1:1-9 July 7, 1991

INTRO III. God Makes Four Promises to Joshua This is the first of a series of messages based on the A. God promised His presence. Old Testament Book of Joshua. As a preface to this book, let me point out that the Old Testament speaks to us in 1. God says, “As I was with Moses, so I w ill be with pictures and shadows. It is full of typology. The Old Tes­ you; I will never leave you nor forsake you” (v. 5). What tament speaks in pictures and the New Testament in a promise! He repeats the promise, “Be strong and coura­ principles. “The New is in the Old concealed; the Old is geous. . . . for the Lord your God will be with you wher­ in the New revealed.” ever you go” (v. 9). The Book of Joshua revolves around the Promised Land— the battle for the land and the occupying of it. 2. In Exod. 24:13 we read about an earlier time But if you think that Joshua is simply about cities and when God allowed Moses to take Joshua up the moun­ people and real estate, you will miss its message. Paul tain with him. There Joshua witnessed God speaking to says, “These things happened to them [the Israelites] as Moses. (Read Exod. 24:13-18.) Joshua knew that God examples .. . as warnings for us.” (Read that scripture: 1 was with Moses. So it meant something to him to be told Cor. 10:1-11.) With this in mind, let’s look at Joshua. by God, “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you.” ILLUS. Do you ever get to thinking sometimes that I. Moses Dies God is a million miles away? That God is somewhere far God makes the announcement: “Moses my servant is up there, and I’m down here, and because I can’t see dead” (v. 2). Imagine the impact of the announcement Him, He’s not with me? Don’t ever think that. Just as of Moses’ death. Joshua claimed God’s promise that He would be with him, so we, too, must claim the similar promise that He ILLUS. During the 20th anniversary of the assas­ has made to us! sination of President Kennedy, a reporter was inter­ viewed. He said, “When the word came, our whole B. God promised His power. newsroom fell into stunned silence, and then people be­ 1. “No one will be able to stand up against you,” gan to weep.” Everyone interviewed remembered ex­ God promises Joshua (v. 5) . Joshua and the Israelites cer­ actly where they were and what they were doing when tainly needed God’s power for the great task of taking they received the news of the tragedy. the Promised Land. The news of Moses’ death must have hit Joshua and the Israelites like a thunderbolt! 2. Something was required of the Israelites in order for them to receive the benefit of God’s power. His al­ II. Joshua Takes Over mighty strength didn’t work for them while they sat at home doing nothing. There was something that they had “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all to possess. these people, get ready,” says God (v. 2). There is one important lesson in this: C. God promised a possession.

A. God’s workmen die, but God’s work continues. 1. However, they had to possess the promise. God said, “I will give you what I have promised, but you 1. Sometimes it’s difficult for us to realize that must take what I promised.” There is God’s side, and nothing of God dies when God’s leaders die. there is the human side. The promise of God is one thing; possessing the promise is another. The one has to ILLUS. Inscribed on John Wesley’s tomb are the words: do with what God does, the other with what man does. “God buries the workman but continues the work.” God promised a land, but man had to take the land.

2. God’s work continues when His workmen fall! 2. As Christians, we, too, have something from God to possess. God brought the Israelites to the border of ILLUS. The best advice I received as a young man pre­ the Promised Land and said, “This is what I want you to paring for the ministry was this: “Never look at man, be­ have; take it.” So He has good things for us and is saying, cause man will let you down. Look to Christ; He is the “This is what I have for you; take it!” God is not going to Constant!” Men rise and fall. Television evangelists rise force upon us what we will not take! and fall. Don’t look at them. Christ is the Constant! “Praise be to the God . . . who has blessed us [past Men will come and go, and men will rise and fall, but tense] . . . with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Eph. God’s work will always continue. God’s purpose for the 1:3). That is your heritage as a child of God. It’s already children of Israel did not depend on Moses. When he there— your spiritual blessing in Christ! The question is, died, God’s purpose continued, and leadership was “Am I experiencing it?” If not, then you have not availed given to Joshua. yourself of what God has for you!

JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 6 5 ILLUS. If you saw someone in the foyer kneeling be­ “Yes, Sir.” fore the drinking fountain, saying, “Oh, water, how I “Fine! Go back to the place where you left off in dis­ want you! Oh, please, fountain, give me some drink!” obedience 40 years ago, and start again!” We cannot you would think that the person is odd! You would make spiritual progress beyond the point of our disobe­ probably tap the person on the shoulder and say, dience. “Friend, just go ahead and drink!” c. I possess what God has for me one step at a God supplies the water of life, but we must drink it! time. Exod. 23:30 tells us that “step by step . . . they God will spread the banquet table before us, but we took possession of the land.” As we live in obedience to have to eat from it! God’s Word, He takes us along our spiritual journey step by step. This is how we possess all that God has for us. D. God promised them as much as they desired to possess. SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER 1. God promised the Land to them, but they had to WE GATHER IN ANTICIPATION Reflect on Josh. 1:1-9 possess it. He said, “I will give you every place where CALL TO WORSHIP “We Have Come into This House” you set your foot” (v. 3). There was no limit to what God HYMN “This Is My Father’s World” would allow them to have. He said to the Israelites, “Ev­ WELCOME Pastor ery bit of the Promised Land that your foot touches is CHOIR “O Love That Will Not Let Me Go” yours. How much do you want? Take it!” PRAYER CHORUS “Near to the Heart of God” DIRECTED PRAYER 2. Do you realize that we can have just as much of OFFERING God as we want to have? When it comes to your walk SPECIAL MUSIC “God’s Great Grace" with God, you can be as spiritual as you decide to be. I SERMON “POSSESSING GOD’S PROMISE” (Part 1) must possess what He has for me. Doing that, I can have CLOSING HYMN “Higher Ground” as much as I want! I set the level of my spirituality. This means that if I am no more spiritual today than I was five Creative Worship Ideas years ago, it’s because I don’t want to be more spiritual! Directed Prayer “Call unto me, and I will answer thee” (Jer. 33:3, 3- How do I possess what God has promised me? KJV), says God. We get some guidance from Joshua: 1. That’s what we are going to do. As a prelude to prayer, let’s praise and worship Him. To worship a. Face the future courageously, with con­ means “to dwell on God.” Now dwell upon His attri­ fidence because God has promised to be with us (w. butes— what He is and who He is. He is eternal; He is 6-7, 9, 18). omnipotent; and this same God loves you pas­ b. Obeying God’s Word. God says, “Be careful to sionately. Think upon Him for a moment. 2. Thank Him for loving you. obey all the law . . . do not turn from it to the right or to 3. Not only does He love you, but He wants to have the left, that you may be successful wherever you go” (v. a personal relationship with you. Are you experiencing 7). Do you realize that right now the children of Israel that? You can if you will confess your spiritual failure are in the exact spot where they had been 40 years ear­ to Him and invite Him into your life. lier? Back then they had also been on the threshold of 4. Not only does He want to have a personal rela­ the Promised Land. God gave the word for them to take tionship with you, but also He is interested in your per­ the land, but they disobeyed. God said, “Fine! Back to sonal problems. He wants to help. Is there a particular the desert for 40 years.” Now, 40 years later, God says, need you would like to bring to Him? “Do you want to walk with Me?”

66 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE POSSESSING GOD’S PROMISE (Part 2) by Gavin Raath Josh. 1:10— 2:24 July 14, 1991

INTRO B. Many people are like that. “God, I’ll follow You, Last week we examined God’s choice of Joshua and but please, not all the way! I’ve got habits and friends I His commands to him as new leader of Israel. Now we’re don’t want to leave!” going to look at the mobilization of Israel. ILLUS. The publisher of a well-known pornographic I. Joshua Prepared to Enter the Promised magazine was supposed to have become a Christian. He Land made the bold announcement, “I’m born again!” Some people rejoiced, and others took the “wait and “Joshua ordered the officers of the people: ‘Go see” attitude. Before long this man revealed where he through the camp and tell the people, “Get your sup­ stood. He made the following statement: “Born again? plies ready”’” (1:10-11). That Hebrew word for “sup­ Yes, I’m born again! I now follow the spirit of Buddha, plies” has to do with provision and usually refers to Muhammad, and Jesus Christ!” food. “Of course I’m a Christian! But please don’t make me Why did they have to get their food ready to invade go all the way!” That’s an invitation to spiritual disaster. the land? They were no longer wandering in the desert, This man’s life has proven to be a disaster. living on manna. Three days later, “the manna [had] stopped,” and “they ate this food from the land” (Josh. C. God consented to their desire not to go all of the 5:10-12). way into the Promised Land. Ultimately it cost dearly. First Chron. 5:26 tells about the invading Assyrians. The A. Manna was a white waferlike substance that first to fall were these two and one-half tribes: Reuben, God gave for 40 years. They would pick it up, saying, Gad, and half of Manasseh. “Oh, manna?” meaning, “What is it?” (Exod. 16:15, 31, They were in the most dangerous place. When people margin). hold back, they will be the first to fall. ILLUS. So often when you mothers serve a new dish, ILLUS. Someone has written: “There is a land of vic­ your child pokes the food suspiciously with his fork tory over giants and despair. A land where walls of re­ and, with a distasteful look, says, “What’s that?” sistance fall. Where rivers of trouble dry up at your feet. B. Manna was God’s hors d ’oeuvres. A land where the fruit of the Spirit— love, joy, peace, But— for 40 years? That’s a long time to eat the same patience, gentleness, and self-control— grow on the food, no matter how good it is! trees. Will you cross over . . . will you possess that It was not supposed to be for 40 years. It would take land?”1 about two and a half weeks to walk to Canaan, plus the The children of Israel decided to go over and possess time of encampment while Moses received the com­ the land. mandments: approximately 30 days. Manna was sup­ III. Two Spies Were the First to Enter the Land posed to be for a month. They were the two CIA agents sent ahead to “look over The Israelites grumbled over the desert, manna, every­ the land, . . . especially Jericho” (2:1). thing! (See Num. 11:4-6.) ILLUS. Someone who lived through the depression A. "Why in the world are you sending in spies said, “Those were rough days, but at least we had three again, Joshua? Because of the spies 40 years ago the Is­ meals a day: for breakfast we had oatmeal, for lunch we raelites never went into the land!” The scenario is differ­ had cornmeal, and for dinner we had no meal!” ent this time. Forty years ago they doubted God’s prom­ “Hey, Mom! What’s for breakfast?” ise. The spies bolstered unbelief. This time they “Manna!” believed God’s promise, talking about “when the Lord “What’s for lunch?” gives us the land” (2:14), not “if we get the land.” “Manna!” B. Upon entering the land and reaching Jericho, “What’s for supper?” they “entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab “Manna!” and stayed there” (v. 1). But now those days were over. Their diet was about to 1. Why did God choose her inn? One reason could change. be that a brothel was a busy place with men coming and II. There Were Those Who Chose Not to Pos­ going. What better place is there for these two men to sess the Land avoid attention? But God does have a pattern of seeking lost people— Rahab, the Samaritan woman, Cornelius, Two and one-half tribes decided to stay in the area the Ethiopian eunuch, Zacchaeus— lost people with a east of the Jordan River (see 1:11-15; Num. 32:1-5). heart ready for Him! A. "Do not make us cross the Jordan,” they said I wonder how many lost people are in our spheres of (Num. 32:5). “Don’t make us go all the way into God’s influence, tender and ripe for God, waiting to be Promised Land! We’d rather stay here.” reached.

JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 6 7 2. The spies conversed with Rahab (w. 8-11). Ra­ b. Some Christians testify. “For 30 years I’ve hab tells them that for 40 years Jericho lived in fear of been in the church. I’ve heard people talk about an­ the Israelites— while God’s people lived in defeat in the swered prayer, yet I’ve never experienced it!” Or, “For desert! When God calls us to spiritual warfare, He’s call­ 20 years I’ve heard people talk about the conscious pres­ ing us to a battle that has already been won. We fight in ence of Christ, but I’ve never felt Him!” victory! Our Father says, “It’s always been here. You didn’t pos­ sess it!” ILLUS. When the Japanese surrendered in World War God will not give what you won’t take. God says, “I II, some American soldiers on an isolated Pacific island have placed before you an open door that no one can never received the good news because communication shut” (Rev. 3:8), but you can refuse to walk through it! had been severed. For three days they continued as usual God set before the Israelites a Promised Land, but for 40 as if there were still a victory to be won. The victory had years they refused to claim it. been won; they didn’t know it and consequently did not B. live in it. (Read w. 12-16.) There is the tragedy of disobedience. 1. Disobedience by His children upsets God. Par­ 3. Rahab was adopted by the nation of Israel. She ents of young children understand this! became one of them. Robert Frost wrote, “Home is the 2. Standing on the threshold of the Promised Land place where people take you in.” Rahab was totally again, God calls to obedience: “Be careful to obey all the taken in. law ... do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that Not only was she adopted, but she was elevated and you may be successful” (1:7). became part of the lineage of David! In Matthew’s gene­ We will never progress with God beyond the point of alogy we read, “Salmon [was] the father of Boaz, whose our disobedience. mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the CONCLUSION: father of King David” (1:5). Rahab went “from a house The Promised Land experience is ours to receive. In of ill repute to God’s hall of fame!” our walk with God, believe, obey, and possess! Jewish tradition has an interesting story. Salmon, in the genealogy, was one of the spies, whom Rahab ended 1. Ian Machen, Living in Victory (Johannesburg, S.A.: Logos Press), p. 6. up marrying. While she hid them, a chemistry was at work between her and special agent Salmon. At first he liked her cooking, then their eyes met, and, as she low­ SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER WE GATHER IN ANTICIPATION ered him by rope, he said, “I’m single and you’re single, Reflect on Josh. 1:10— 2:24 so stick around, Rahab! I’m coming back for you!” And CALL TO WORSHIP “We Have Come into This House” he did. Rahab ended up in the lineage of David. HYMN “Jesus Shall Reign” WELCOME Pastor IV. There Were Those Who Missed the Prom­ CHOIR “The Haven of Rest” ised Land PRAYER CHORUS “Jesus Is the Sweetest Name I Know” DIRECTED PRAYER A great tragedy is the lot of those who never possessed OFFERING the Promised Land. A generation died off in the desert SPECIAL MUSIC “There’s a New Song in My Heart” for two reasons: unbelief and disobedience. SERMON “POSSESSING GOD’S PROMISE” (Part 2) CLOSING HYMN “Trust and Obey” A. There is the tragedy of unbelief. Creative Worship Ideas 1. Forty years earlier God told the Israelites to pos­ Directed Prayer sess the land, but they said, “No way!” We are gathered in the presence of the great God The 10 spies said, “It’s impossible! The walls are of the universe, the One who spoke into existence this great; the people are giants! It can’t be done.” (See Num. world. Think about His greatness and power. This 13:28, 32-33 ) They refused to claim God’s wonderful same God knows you and loves you. promise and missed what God wanted to give them. 1. Thank Him for loving you. 2. As a child boldly speaks to a loving father, so 2. Many people today make the same mistake. God you can boldly speak to your Heavenly Father. First of wants to do a lot more than we’re allowing Him to do. all, speak to Him about that special concern you have on your heart. a. The prodigal son’s older brother became jeal­ 3. Can you trust Him enough to say, “Father, I’m ous and angry. He said to his father, “All of these years I placing this problem or concern in Your hands. I’m go­ served you, yet you never gave me what you’re giving to ing to leave it there”? my brother!” 4. Let’s remember others and pray for the sick. His father replied, “Son, everything I have is yours” (Continue prayer) (see Luke 15:29-31)-

68 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE WHEN GOD DOES AMAZING THINGS by Gavin Raath Josh. 3:1-17 July 21, 1991

INTRO God’s will. I would dare to assert that 95 percent of “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do God’s will for our lives has already been revealed to us amazing things among you” (v. 5), Joshua says to the Is­ in His Word. Jesus expects us to follow that. If we are not raelites about to cross over into the Promised Land. obeying God’s revealed will, why should we expect Him These people had spent 40 years in defeat, running to give us more light? laps in the desert. It had been a wilderness experience, Do you want God’s power to flow in your life? Do but things were about to change. “I’m going to do God’s will! His power flows to accomplish His will and amazing things for you,” says God. Perhaps you’ve had a purpose. desert experience, a wilderness experience, and you II. G od ’s Power Flows According to G od ’s could do with something “amazing” from God. Tim etable How does that happen? How can you get the miracle- working power of God to intersect at the point of your “God’s will, done in God’s when, shall bring God’s need? What is God’s general pattern in dispensing mira­ wonders!” Notice the emphasis on time in Joshua 3: “Af­ ter three days the officers went throughout the camp” cles? Joshua 3 focuses on three points: (v. 2). Joshua says, “Tomorrow the Lord will do I. God’s Power Flows in Accordance with amazing things among you” (v. 5). “The Lord said to God’s Purpose Joshua, ‘Today I will begin to exalt you” (v. 7). There is It is difficult for some to understand that God’s mira­ such a thing as “God’s timing,” “God’s schedule.” cles are His tools to accomplish His will in our lives. A. Christians often miss God’s purpose. When we find ourselves in a tight spot, we are in­ 1. Some Christians have said, “I’ve discovered God’s clined to say, “O God! Get me out of this mess!” It’s as w ill for my life. I’ve prayed about it. I’ve read the Word. though God’s power is a fire extinguisher in a glass box. I’ve spoken to people, and they have agreed with me. When we’re in trouble, we break the glass labeled Therefore, I ought to go ahead and do it. Right?” “Emergency” and say, “Emergency, God! Get me out of “Wrong!” There is the element of timing with respect to this mess!” God’s will. His kingdom is strewn with the wrecks of As a rule, God’s power flows according to His pur­ believers who tried to do God’s will out of God’s time. pose. 2. This also means that we should not assume God’s A. What is God’s purpose? delays are God’s denials. 1. Recognize that God has a purpose for His B. God’s people in the Bible have missed God’s pur­ Church, of which we are all a part. Read Matt. 28:18-20. pose. There is the Church’s task. Jesus says, “Surely I am with you always,” as you carry out My purpose. 1. Moses was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. Miraculously God spared him 2. God has a purpose for your life. What is it? How and reared him. By the age of 40, his heart was pulsated do you know the will of God? with the knowledge that God had appointed him to lead a. The Israelites determined God’s will by the Israelites out. And he was eager to do it. changing the position of the ark of the covenant in One day Moses witnessed an Egyptian abusing a He­ their midst. The ark is a picture of Jesus Christ. The brew. He ran out and karate-chopped him to death and word ark is mentioned 9 times in Joshua 3- It was with buried him. Then God said, “Moses! What have you them— they carried it, set it down, camped around it. done?” The ark held a prominent place in their midst. Up to this “I took out an Egyptian!” point, the ark had always followed them, but now God “Why, Moses?” instructed them to position it about a thousand yards “Because it’s my job,” said Moses. “You appointed me ahead so that they could be led by it. The Israelites had to be the official Egyptian ‘taker-outer’!” been walking in circles, frustrated, but their fortunes “How do you propose to do it, Moses?” changed when they put the ark out front and followed “One at a time, Sir! Let them come! I’m ready!” it! Then they began to witness the power of God! And God said, “Into the penalty box!” And there Mo­ Not until we change the position of Christ, the Ark of ses had to sit for 40 years cooling his heels. our lives, will we experience His miraculous power! Is Later, when God was ready, the miracle was accom­ He ahead guiding, in the driver’s seat, or is He merely a plished without any human effort. hitchhiker whom we have picked up along life’s way? 2. God told Abraham that he would have a son. In b. What does it mean to have the Ark out front? excitement Abraham ran down to the store and bought a (1) It means that we declare our total de­ bassinet, a crate of Pampers, a crate of baby food, some pendency on Jesus. books and toys, and paint to decorate the nursery. Then (2) We must obey what we already know to be he sat down and waited.

JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 6 9 Months ticked by, then years. Cobwebs covered the threatened to close in on me and crush me. But do you bassinet. The baby food turned moldy. Mice ate the know what? As long as we have the Ark of the Covenant Pampers— no baby yet. there with us, it will never happen! The promise is in Finally, Sarah said, “Husband, if you want a child, Isa. 43:1-2: “Fear n o t. . . When you pass through the wa­ you’re going to have to have it through my concubine” ters, I will be with you . . . When you walk through the (which was not God’s w ill). And all the trouble we’re fire, you will not be burned.” having in the Middle East is the result of that child, Ish- CONCLUSION: mael. Abraham’s first son, born through a concubine, be­ came the father of the Arab nations. God’s will, done in God’s when, will bring God’s won­ God has a will for your life and mine. It needs to be ders. Amazing wonders! carried out according to His sovereign timetable. III. We See an Example of God’s Power SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER A. God’s power was at work in the miraculous crossing at the Jordan River. WE GATHER IN ANTICIPATION Reflect on Josh. 3:1-17 CALL TO WORSHIP “We Have Come into This House” The poor priests who carried the ark had the toughest HYMN “O Worship the King” job of all. They needed faith. WELCOME Pastor Joshua instructed the priests (see w. 12-17). CHOIR “Under His Wings" “All right, men, pick up the ark!” PRAYER CHORUS “In the Garden” “Right, Joshua. We’ve got it!” DIRECTED PRAYER “Stand on the brink of the river!” OFFERING “Right, Joshua. We’re on the edge!” SPECIAL MUSIC “I Touched the Heart of God in Prayer” “Now, forward march!” SERMON “WHEN GOD DOES AMAZING THINGS” “Did you say, ‘About-face,’ Josh?” CLOSING HYMN “Victory in Jesus” “No, forward march!” And in faith they obeyed. As they took that first step Creative Worship Ideas Directed Prayer into the river, the water banked up, creating a dry bed “ ‘Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy for them to walk over. Amazing! name’ (Luke 11:2, KJV). We thank You for being just The poor priests stood in the middle of the riverbed, that— our Father. We are Your children. As Your chil­ holding the ark, while 3 million people passed through! dren, we are obeying You in bringing our praises, our They didn’t do it in slow motion, either! If you think that thanksgiving, and our anxieties and burdens. We have I would go for a leisurely Sunday stroll through churn­ come to You in confidence, knowing that there is ing, barreling walls of water being held up, you’d better nothing about us that You do not know. There is noth­ think again! I would grab my family and shout, “Here we ing about us that does not enter Your loving concern.” go, full speed ahead!” Imagine the rush and the noise, 1. Right now let’s thank Him for something He has and the hee-hawing of donkeys and bleating of sheep, already done for us. 2. Thank Him for eternal life. and the bellowing camels. And those priests with the ark 3. Thank Him for being your Father. had to stand there, in the middle of it all, until the last 4. Now thank Him for some good thing that has little child waddled through! happened in your life recently. Have you ever been in the middle of a dangerous mess 5. Tell Him about your immediate concern— a strug­ and cried out, “O God! Hold the water! I’m not yet gle, a defeat, a decision, a hurt. Bring it to Him. through the river!” Often I’ve found myself in that situ­ ation. The walls of water from every direction have

7 0 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE REMEMBER TO NOT FORGET by Gavin Raath Joshua 4 A Communion Message July 28, 1991

I. Israel Buili a Memorial of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is To commemorate the miraculous crossing of the Jor­ powerful” (w. 21-24). dan River, God instructed the Israelites to take 12 stones from the dry riverbed and erect a monument to the B. God wants to communicate to individuals. amazing event. Why? “And Joshua set up . . . the twelve stones ... so that all . . . might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful A. Man has a built-in ability to forget. and so that you might always fear the Lord your God” Our ability to forget is both good and bad. (w. 20, 24, italics added). He wants individuals to re­ 1. It is good that God gave us the capacity to forget, spect the great and powerful God— not to be terrified of because some things in our lives are best forgotten. Him, but to appreciate Him for what He is. I believe that it’s our ability to forget that makes peo­ ple talk about “the good o l’ days.” Frankly, for the most C. God wants to communicate to future gener­ part those old days were not that good. We have a way of ations. blocking out the hard times and bad experiences. “In the future when your descendants ask their fa­ thers, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them” (w. ILLUS. For example, women experience severe pain 21-22). In other words, build a memorial that will pro­ in giving birth to children. They tell me that each time a voke questions from your children and your children’s woman goes through the excruciating experience, she children. vows to herself, “Never again!” Fortunately, women have a way of forgetting what it was like; otherwise, our ILLUS. We have a question-provoking memorial in the planet would have been depopulated a long time ago! form of a huge family photo album that contains many Some things need to be forgotten. old pictures, some going back to my younger days in 2. But forgetting is not all good! Forgetting can get South Africa, where our children have never lived. Our us into trouble. children love to bring out the old album from time to time. Those old pictures never fail to provoke questions ILLUS. That’s what happened to the man who wrote concerning our past roots. to a woman: “Dear Alice, I’m getting so forgetful, that while I remember proposing to you last night, I forgot ILLUS. This is the reason for our monuments in Wash­ whether you said yes or no.” ington, D.C. They are reminders to us, and future gener­ She wrote back: “Dear Bob, so glad to hear from you. I ations, concerning the people and events that constitute knew I said no to someone last night, but I had forgotten American history who it was.” ILLUS. During World War II a handful of exhausted ILLUS. By the way, husbands, should you ever forget British pilots saved England by holding off the great and your w ife’s birthday, here is a good line to use: “Honey, mighty German Luftwaffe in what became known as the how do you expect me to remember your birthday when Battle of Britain. The clearly grateful and moved British you never look any older!” prime minister, Winston Churchill, made his famous B. God wants us to remember some things. speech: “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.” Those words are in­ God knows that our built-in “forgetter” works too effi­ scribed on a monument so that future generations will ciently and that sometimes we need reminders from remember Britain’s “finest hour.” time to time. So He instructed the children of Israel to “Children of Israel, remember! Don’t forget! Build a place 12 stones inside the Promised Land to facilitate monument— a memorial to facilitate your remem­ their remembrance of what He had done the day they brance.” crossed over Jordan. “To serve as a sign among you,” God said (v. 6). III. What Is Our Greatest Memorial? II. The M em orial Was for Whom? The most important memorial was instituted by There are three target audiences. Christ. Its purpose is to facilitate our remembrance of what Jesus did for us on the Cross. In Luke 22 Jesus cele­ A. God wants to communicate to the world. brated Passover with His disciples: “After taking the Joshua says, “In the future,” when many will ask, cup, he gave thanks . . . And he took bread, gave thanks “ ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them . . . The Lord and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my your God did to the Jordan just what he had done to the body given for you; [notice] do this in remembrance of Red Sea when he dried it up ... so that all the peoples me’” (w. 17, 19).

JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 71 SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER WE GATHER IN ANTICIPATION Joshua 4; Luke 22:17-20 CALL TO WORSHIP “We Have Come into This House” HYMN O God, Our Help in Ages Past” WELCOME Pastor CHOIR “Lead On, O King Eternal” PRAYER CHORUS “Come, Holy Spirit” DIRECTED PRAYER OFFERING SPECIAL MUSIC “The Touch of God” SERMON REMEMBER TO NOT FORGET" HYMN “Lest I Forget Gethsemane” COMMUNION The Lord’s Table BENEDICTION

Creative Worship Ideas Directed Prayer The Hebrew writer tells us to praise God continually and give thanks to His name. Let’s do that! We must bring to Him not only our praises but also our confes­ sions. Confession needs to take place before we have the right to expect Him to hear our petitions. 1. Has there been some failure in your life recently — especially spiritual failure— that you need to talk to Him about? 2. What is that load that you are carrying today? Would you allow Him to take that load and help you carry it? Talk to Him honestly about it for a moment, and then bring yourself to give it to Him.

7 2 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE PREPARATION FOR VICTORY by Gavin Raath Joshua 5 and 6 August 4, 1991

INTRO and exclaim ed, “Sir, you won’t believe this! Do you The children of Israel have crossed over Jordan. Fi­ know what they are doing now? They’re having a picnic! nally they are in the Promised Land— a land where the A couple of million people eating lamb and corn!” inhabitants had heard of the miracle of the parting of the Of course, in feasting they were remembering what river. These people were quaking in fear, for they now God had done for them in Egypt. It is never inappropri­ knew about the existence of the powerful God of the ate or foolish to worship God. Jesus had to teach this Israelites: “Their hearts melted and they no longer had lesson to Martha when she objected to Mary worshiping the courage to face the Israelites” (v. 1). at His feet. The Israelites prepared themselves by wor­ In all likelihood the generals said, “Joshua, they’re ter­ shiping God. rified and on the run. This is a good time to crush them.” II. Israel Had to Make Battle Preparation But this tactic was not in God’s plan. Canaan was “a pre­ pared place for a prepared people.” Certain preparations A. Man’s approach would gain what men can do. were necessary. First things first! In order to succeed in 1. Undoubtedly Joshua and his generals spent a their conquest, great deal of time coming up with battle strategies. I. Israel Had to Make Spiritual Preparation “Men, get out the war manual we brought from Egypt. Let’s talk about the three-point attack strategy in chapter A. The men were circumcised. 4. Let’s have the special mole forces tunnel under the They had to get their obedience up-to-date through side wall and slip a few of them in the night before. circumcision, for this was an uncircumcised generation Then the next day we’ll hit them from the front with born in the desert (5:2-8). several battering rams. While the enemy is focused on 1. Circumcision was a sign of God’s covenant with the front, we’ll have 200 men sneak up behind and scale Abraham (Read Gen. 17:1-14). the wall with ladders.” God desired for these Israelites to be involved in a re­ Military strategists must have engaged in considerable affirmation and confirmation of the covenant He had en­ discussion concerning how to approach the city of Jer­ tered into with their father, Abraham. icho. However, 2. Circumcision was more than something physical. B. God’s approach would gain what God can do. Moses preached about heart circumcision. The prophets 1. Joshua went for a walk to think. Suddenly a man would speak of lips and ears being circumcised. The appeared before him with a drawn sword. “Who goes Sanhedrin were referred to as “stiff-necked people, with there? Are you one of ours, or an enemy?” said Joshua. uncircumcised hearts and ears!” (Acts 7:51). In other The stranger replied, “Neither, but as commander of the words, circumcision was an outward operation, but it re­ army of the Lord I have now com e” (w. 13-14). quired a corresponding inward work. In excitement Joshua could have unrolled his blue­ 3- The operation of circumcision in the camp phys­ prints in the sand and explained his three-point plan of ically incapacitated Joshua’s army for a few days, putting attack. But God made it clear that He had a different them at risk so close to an enemy city. Genesis 34 dem­ plan and approach. God’s plan involved marching onstrates the point. But circumcision had to take place. around the city walls for seven days and seven times on First things first! the seventh day Upon blowing trumpets and shouting, the walls were to come down (6:2-5). Joshua surren­ B. They worshiped God. dered to God’s plan and received it in awe and rever­ They celebrated Passover (see 5:10). ence. ILLUS. Can’t you hear the generals sitting around the This is a beautiful picture. The man who appeared be­ campfire talking to Joshua? “Sir, we’re all circumcised fore Joshua came as one equipped to meet his need, as a and healed; what next?” warrior with sword in hand. Joshua’s need was for a mil­ “Well, now we are going to celebrate Passover,” re­ itary victory. When we have a need, God comes to us to plies Joshua. show himself uniquely able to meet our need. Can you see the generals glancing at each other and saying with their eyes, “Has Joshua lost it? There the ter­ III. Israel Had to Make Victory Preparation rified enemy lies, ready for the picking, and what does A. Notice the reaction of Jericho. Joshua do? He says, ‘We’re going to have surgery!’ And A spy comes running into Jericho’s Pentagon and now we’re all healed up, and he says that we’re going to breathlessly reports, “General, I’ve just been in the camp have a feast!” of Israel. I got close enough to the tent of their high ILLUS. Can’t you imagine what this must have looked command to hear their talk! You are not going to believe like to the people of Jericho? From the top of city walls, this, sir, but they have the craziest war plan! They are the spies observed the camp through their binoculars going to march around our walls for a week, carrying a

JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 7 3 box. Then they are going to shout. They actually believe and the Israelites shouted, the great walls of Jericho that the resulting vibration will collapse our 10-foot- collapsed (v. 20). thick walls! I couldn’t believe my ears!” b. The promise made to Rahab was kept. When Jericho was destroyed, she, along with her family, was B. Notice the faith of the Israelites. spared (w. 22-25). 1. Joshua gives the order: “Take up the ark of the c. God’s promise to be with Joshua, made when covenant of the Lord and have seven priests carry trum­ he replaced Moses, was also kept. Chapter 6 ends with pets in front of it. . . . Advance! March around the city” these words: “So the Lord was with Joshua, and his (6:6-7). The Israelites obeyed. In all likelihood they felt fame spread throughout the land” (v. 27). odd about silently marching around Jericho day after day, but they acted in harmony with God’s plan. CONCLUSION 2. God’s people obey Him in faith: a. "Joshua had commanded the people, ‘Do not The God of Joshua and the children of Israel is also give a war cry, do not raise your voices, do not say a our God— a great and faithful God. And we, too, can en­ ter into a covenant relationship with Him! word until the day I tell you to shout. Then shout!” (v. 10). When did they shout? Before or after the walls came down? Before! My natural inclination would have SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER been to shout after the walls came tumbling down! WE GATHER IN ANTICIPATION b. Earlier when these people stepped into the Reflect on Joshua 5 and 6 Jordan River to cross over, did they take that step be­ CALL TO WORSHIP “We Have Come into This House” fore or after the water parted? Before! It was an obe­ HYMN “Day by Day” WELCOME Pastor dient step taken in faith. CHOIR “A Mighty Fortress” c. When God promised century-old Abraham a PRAYER CHORUS “Lord, We Praise You” son, long after Sarah’s menopause, did he believe God DIRECTED PRAYER that it would happen before or after the birth of that OFFERING child? Before! SPECIAL MUSIC “Above All Else” SERMON “PREPARATION FOR VICTORY” ILLUS. Robert Moffat had been a missionary in Africa CLOSING HYMN “He Leadeth Me” for a number of years without seeing a single convert when a friend left the field to visit England. Before his Creative Worship Ideas departure, Moffat asked him to return with a Commu­ Directed Prayer nion set. “A Communion set?” replied Moffat’s friend. Do you believe that God can do the impossible? He “What need do you have of it without converts?” will do it for you if you will allow Him in His own way. Moffat replied, “There will be converts by the time Is there a river in your life that you can’t seem to the Communion set arrives!” And there were! cross? A mountain that seems insurmountable? God’s people are a people of active faith. They see 1. Talk to the One who specializes in things thought God’s command as God’s enablement! impossible. He’s listening to you. 2. Thank Him for listening to you with loving con­ 3- We can obey God in faith, for He is faithful to His cern. word. 3. Now pray for someone with a need. a. Just as God said, when the trumpets sounded

7 4 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE THE THRILL OF VICTORY AND THE A G O N Y OF DEFEAT by Gavin Raath Joshua 7 and 8 August 11, 1991

INTRO 2. Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown The children of Israel experienced an amazing victory (7:6-9). But that is not the end. over Jericho. God collapsed the great walls of that city. B. Defeat was followed by a wonderful victory. Usually conquerors raid a destroyed city and benefit 1. Achan’s sin is resolved (7:19-21, 25-26). from the spoils. But this was not allowed at Jericho. God commanded that they “put the silver and gold and the 2. God promises victory over Ai (8:1). articles of bronze and iron into the treasury of the Lord’s 3. There is a distinct change in battle strategy house” (6:24). One man in the camp sinned against God (8:2-8). At Jericho they marched around the walls; at Ai by disobeying God’s command. This failure led to Is­ they were to ambush the city. At Jericho they were not rael’s first defeat in the land. In the wake of Jericho, they allowed to take the plunder; now God gives them per­ went from “the thrill of victory” to “the agony of de­ mission. God’s methods change from situation to situ­ feat.” ation. We need to allow God to be God. ILLUS. Jesus healed three blind men, using a different I. What Was the Cause of the Failure? method in each case. He placed spittle on the eyes of A. God’s order was clear. one, applied mud to another, and simply touched the third. God prohibited the Israelites from taking the spoils. Those three men got together for a conference on di­ He warned of the consequences of disobedience: “But vine healing. The first man said, “This is how God cures keep away from the devoted things, so that you will not blindness: He takes spittle— !” bring about your own destruction by taking any of them” The second man said, “That’s the worst heresy I’ve (6 :1 8 ). ever heard! He applies a mud pack to be washed off!” B. God’s order was disobeyed. The third man jumped up and said, “You’re both The battle is over. The city is in ruin. Darkness has set wrong! All He does is touch; then eyes are opened!” in; the only light is coming from a smoldering fire here The divided conference sparked three new denomina­ and there. Israel’s camp is quiet, sleeping from exhaust­ tions: the Spittites, the Muddites, and the Touchites! ing events of the day. God’s methods vary. He heals people in different ways. However, Achan lies on his back, eyes staring at the His character never changes, but His methods often do. ceiling of his tent. His heart is racing as he strains to III. There Are Three Lessons About Failure hear any possible sound in the camp. Carefully he rises and folds back the flap of his tent, We learn about success and failure as we examine Is­ sticks out his head, and looks for some movement in the rael’s experiences in Joshua 7 and 8: camp. Stealthily he makes his way toward the camp exit. A. Failure is never final. Quickening his pace, he heads toward the remains of Jer­ I can allow failure to be either my undertaker or my icho. teacher. Achan makes his way to a section of the city where he ILLUS. Did you know that: had been fighting earlier. He recognizes a small pile of a. George Washington fought nine battles and lost stones. He removes the stones and uncovers a leather six, yet won the Revolutionary War. pouch— 200 pieces of silver and a wedge of gold. He b. Sir Walter Scott was rated a moron in school. touches an expensive coat labeled “Babylonian.” He c. Sir Isaac Newton, at age 15, showed such poor smiles as he contemplates the great life that awaits him promise that his parents took him out of school to work in the new land. on the farm. Achan hurries back to his tent, digs a hole in the floor, d. When Thomas Edison was in grade school, his and carefully buries the booty. He sinned against God— teacher advised his parents to disenroll him. a willful failure to obey His command. e. Young Napoleon Bonaparte graduated 42nd in a II. What Was the Result of the Failure? class of 43 at the Military Academy in Paris. f. He dropped out of grade school and later ran a Achan’s sin resulted in defeat at a tiny town called Ai. country store, then declared bankruptcy. He had a miser­ This event was followed by a victory. able marriage. He entered politics, ran for the House of A. They had a stunning defeat (7:1-5). Representatives, and lost twice. He lost two races for the Senate of the United States. He made a speech that fell 1. At the village of Ai bitter tears fall from 36 wid­flat, but later the script became famous. He was attacked ows and 100 saddened children left fatherless. Feel their daily in the press. People jeered at his “apelike appear­ crushed dream and fear. Feel the thrill of victory over ance.” However, this man pressed on until Abraham Lin­ Jericho but now the agony of defeat! coln became president of the United States!

JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 7 5 g. Jacob turned his back on God and became a liar The success of the ungodly is never final. Judgment and a cheat, but God gave him another chance and comes eventually. The success of Ai was short-lived, and changed his name to Israel. the Israelites finally prevailed. The final lesson is this: h. Peter took an oath that he had never seen Jesus. Yet C. Your decision determines your destiny (8:30-35). Jesus restored him to ministry. Joshua marches the children of Israel 20 miles to the i. John Mark was the first missionary dropout. Yet he valley between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal. The val­ ended up writing the second Gospel. ley served as an amphitheater. Joshua split the people in j. Samson turned his back on God and lost his half. One group stood at the base of Gerizim and the strength. Praying for another chance, God strengthened other at the base of Ebal. Then he reread the law to him. them— “the blessings and the curses” (v. 34). k. Jonah ran from God, yet God did not give up on him. CONCLUSION: /. The Israelites were defeated by Ai, but then they Remember, it lies within your power to serve or not to went on to be victorious over them. serve God. Your destiny lies in your decisions. Decide God is the God of a second chance; failure is never for God and His ways today! This is the best way to avoid final. “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged,” the Lord spiritual failure! said to Joshua (8:1). B. The success of the ungodly is never final (8:3-8). SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER 1. Imagine the elation of the people of Ai. Their WE GATHER IN ANTICIPATION Joshua 7 and 8 fear turned to arrogance. They had defeated the people CALL TO WORSHIP “We Have Come into This House” whom Egypt could not contain and whom the Ama- HYMN "Jesus Will Walk with Me” lekites could not handle! They had humiliated the peo­ WELCOME Pastor ple who had crushed Jericho! “Where is your mighty CHOIR “Holy, Holy, Holy” God now?” they must have jeered. PRAYER CHORUS “Holy, Holy” When Israel came to Ai for a second time, and pre­ DIRECTED PRAYER tended to flee, Ai’s army chased them. Imagine how they OFFERING felt! “Why don’t you attack us every day so that we can SPECIAL MUSIC “It Is Well with My Soul” SERMON “THE THRILL OF VICTORY have fun chasing you! Fantastic aerobics!” AND THE AGONY OF DEFEAT” 2. The ungodly do not serve God or His Church, yet CLOSING HYMN “I Am Resolved” they seem to be better off than we! Why? Joshua asked this question when Ai defeated them. Creative Worship Ideas Habakkuk, too, was perplexed: “Justice never pre­ Directed Prayer vails” (1:4). “Why are you silent while the wicked swal­ As we prepare ourselves for prayer, open your heart low up those more righteous than themselves?” (v. 13). and mentally open yourself to God. The extent to The picture is not complete. Israel was finally victo­ which we open ourselves to Him will determine what rious over Ai. we receive from Him. God tells Habakkuk that there is an appointed time 1. Be still and know that He is God. 2. Thank Him for His love, and let Him know that when justice prevails. you love Him too. Paul says to the unrepentant, “You are storing up 3. How is your spiritual life? Are you satisfied with wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when where you are on your spiritual journey? Talk to Him his righteous judgment will be revealed” (Rom. 2:5). about that. The Psalmist said, “I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4. Ask Him to speak to you during this hour. They have no struggles . . . Surely in vain have I kept my 5. Pray for a loved one or a friend in need of the heart pure.” But “then I understood their final destiny. Savior. Surely you [God] place them on slippery ground; you 6. Let’s remember those among us who are sick. cast them down to ruin” (73:3-4, 13, 17-18).

7 6 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE DEALING WITH SIN by Gavin Raath Joshua 7 August 18, 1991

INTRO bility! For example, “Israel” means “prince with God.” We have studied the sin of Achan and the resulting de­ New Testament believers are called “Christians,” which feat of Israel at the hand of Ai and their subsequent vic­ means “Christ ones.” tory over Ai. Today we are going to go back to Joshua 7 We are linked to God to such a degree that His reputa­ and examine Achan’s sin. tion rests on our shoulders. When I live in the fullness of His Spirit, in triumph, love, and joy, then God’s name is I. The Sin of Achan Was Hidden from Human glorified. But if I live without love, in misery, then God View is not being glorified. The apostle Paul’s hope was that “The Israelites acted unfaithfully in regard to the de­ “Christ w ill be exalted in my body, whether by life or by voted things” (Josh. 7:1). What were “the devoted death” (Phil. 1:20). things”? Spoils from Jericho that God wanted for His house (6:24). Achan, however, stole from God by seiz­ III. The Result of Sin Affects Others ing gold, silver, and clothing from Jericho. Because of A. Achan’s sin affected Israel. this sin, “the Lord’s anger burned against Israel” (7:1). “The Lord said to Joshua, ‘Stand up! . . . Israel has God held the whole camp of Israel responsible for sinned; they have violated my covenant, which I com­ Achan’s actions. As a result, He caused their defeat in manded them to keep’” (w. 10-11). Question: Who battle against Ai. (Read 7:16-25.) stole the booty from Jericho? Achan did! Yet God said, II. The Despair of Joshua Was Caused by Hid­ “Israel has sinned,” and “they have violated my cov­ den Sin enant.” None of us lives in a spiritual vacuum. No man is an A. Joshua and the elders display grief (v. 6). island, cut off and insulated from everyone. We live as a 1. They tore their clothing, symbolic of the fact family in a connected relationship. Very often when one that their hearts were torn. sins, others are affected. The children of Israel were one 2. They sprinkled dust on their heads to symbolize family. Somehow Achan’s sin had the effect of making their humility. the whole camp responsible. God may hold us responsible for some sins— like the 3- They lay prostrate before the ark, which symbol­ sins of our nation, for example. Why? Because there are ized their repentance. enough of us to make a difference. We need to bond to­ B. Joshua blames God (v. 7). gether and call the movie and television industry to ac­ “Ah, Sovereign Lord, why did you ever bring this peo­ countability. God expects us to be involved in the politi­ ple across the Jordan to deliver us into the hands of the cal process. Evil men will rule when good men do Amorites to destroy us?” (v. 7). nothing! We have a responsibility to oppose the prolif­ When we’re tired and defeated, backed into a corner, eration of sin. we have the uncanny habit of saying things we should Somehow, when Achan sinned, God held the whole not say. We’re quick to lay blame. If it moves, blame it! If family of Israel responsible. it doesn’t move, still blame it! Joshua was feeling so low that he dared to lash out at God. Thank God, He is un­ B. Our sin affects us (v. 12). derstanding and long-suffering! 1. We will have no fellowship with God. He says, “I C. Joshua engages in self-pity ( v. 7b). will not be with you anymore unless you destroy what­ ever among you is devoted to destruction” (v. 12). As “If only we had been content to stay on the other side long as there is sin in my life, I am separated from the of the Jordan!” holy God who absolutely cannot tolerate sin. “Joshua, are you actually saying that you enjoyed life better before you crossed into the Promised Land? Have 2. We will be powerless. Sin “is why the Israelites you forgotten the desert hardship?” cannot stand against their enemies” (v. 12). Where there How short our spiritual memories can be! How quick­ is sin, there is no fellowship with God. Where there is ly we forget what life was like before we received no fellowship with God, there is no power. Christ. 3- Sin leads to destruction. God said of the Is­ D. Joshua talks of God’s reputation (vv. 8-9). raelites, “They have been made liable to destruction” (v. Concerned about their defeat, Joshua says to God, 12). God makes it very clear that “the wages of sin is “The Canaanites and the other people of the country death” (Rom. 6:23). Sin may start in a small way in our will hear about this and they will surround us and wipe lives, but if left unchecked, it has frighteningly enor­ out our name from the earth. What then will you do for mous results— it leads to eternal lostness! your own great name?” ILLUS. One day in Colorado a great tree fell down. In the Old and New Testaments God entrusts His name That tree had been a sapling when Christopher Colum­ to His people, which means we have a solemn responsi­ bus came to America. It had been struck by lightning 14

JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 77 times, survived thousands of storms, and defied earth­ at that point I have “already committed adultery with quakes, floods, and droughts; but in the end, it was her in [my] heart.” The same principle applies when the killed by tiny beetles. These beetles bore under the roles are reversed. tree’s bark, ate away at its mighty fibers, and eventually D. We see this progression in David (2 Samuel 11). it was destroyed! David stood on the roof of his palace one day. From So it is with sin. It usually begins with one little sin, that vantage point he “saw” Bathsheba nude (step 1). but finally it wreaks total destruction. She was “very beautiful” to David, and obviously he We must get rid of sin, otherwise we are “liable to de­ became aroused. (So far so good. No sin.) But then David struction,” says God. That is exactly what Joshua and the “sent someone to find out about her,” which amounted Israelites did (w. 16-26). to coveting (step 2). “Then David sent messengers to IV. The Steps in Sin Lead to Failure get her,” which means he took her (step 3). Now David has already committed adultery in his heart before even In Achan’s experience we see an interesting progres­ touching Bathsheba. She became pregnant. David tried sion down the slippery slope that leads to sin in the lives to hide it by getting her husband, Uriah, to sleep with of several Bible characters. There are basically four steps her. Finally he had Uriah killed (step 4). Looking, cov­ in the typical sin equation: looking, coveting, taking, eting, taking, and hiding is a common progression in sin. and hiding. Achan went down that slippery slope! A. We see this progression in Achan’s sin. Achan says, “When I saw in the plunder [step 1] ... I CONCLUSION coveted them [step 2] and to o k them [step 3]. They are Your sin will be revealed. Beware, if you take step No. hidden . . . inside my tent” (step 4) (v. 21). There you 4 and hide your sin, for you will be found out. The Bible have the four-step progression. says, “He who conceals his sins does not prosper” (Prov. B. We see this progression in the first sin. 28:13). Achan thought he had gotten away with his sin by hid­ In Genesis 3 we read about Eve falling into sin: ing it underground. Later, when it became known that a “When the woman saw that the fruit [step 1] . . . was . . . sin had been committed, and they drew lots, Achan must pleasing . . . and also desirable [step 2] . . . she took have thought, Out of more than 2 million people, they some” (step 3) (v. 6). Then Adam and Eve “made cov­ will never narrow it down to me! The problem is this: erings,” and then “they h id from the Lord God” (step God sees everything! 4) (w. 7, 8). Every sin will be confessed. Confession, you see, is We cannot help the first step— seeing. We are going to not optional. It is not a matter of whether or not to con­ go through life seeing many attractive things. If these at­ fess. It’s simply a matter of when. God’s Word tells us tractive things appeal to us, there is nothing wrong with that. Up to this point, we are within the realm of tempta­ that every knee will bow and every tongue will confess (Phil. 2:10-11). When it comes to my sin, confession is tion; temptation is not sin. We run into trouble when we not optional, but when is an option. Either I can con­ take the next step— from seeing and appreciating to fess to God now and be saved, or I can confess at the coveting. I have seen it, it has appealed to me, but now I judgment and be destroyed, as was Achan. begin to embrace it with my heart, mind, and emotions. Remarkably, when “we confess our sins, [God] is faith­ Now I have an inordinate desire to possess it. The best ful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us example of this principle: from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). C. We see this progression in the words of Jesus. Matthew 5:28 has caused a great deal of misunder­ standing. Jesus said, “I tell you that anyone who looks at SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with WE GATHER IN ANTICIPATION Reflect on Joshua 7 her in his heart.” CALL TO WORSHIP “We Have Come into This House” By normal mingling in our society, it is impossible for HYMN “Come, Thou Almighty King” men to not look at women. Often a man will become WELCOME Pastor sexually stimulated by what he sees. Is it wrong to feel CHOIR “1 Belong to the King” aroused in this manner? No, the arousal is a God-given PRAYER CHORUS “1 Will Serve Thee” response. There is no morality attached to the arousal. PASTORAL PRAYER When does sin enter the picture? When has adultery OFFERING SPECIAL MUSIC “A Child of the King” been committed in the heart? It happens when we take SERMON “DEALING WITH SIN” the next step— from seeing and then being aroused, to CLOSING HYMN “Grace Greater than Our Sin” coveting or wanting— when I desire to possess her. When I have the attitude that says, “I would if I could,”

7 8 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE A MAN WHO WOULD NOT QUIT by Gavin Raath Josh. 14:6-14 August 25, 1991

INTRO rica. His one arm hung limply at his side, paralyzed from a lion attack. Someone asked, “Where do you go next?” Have you ever had a dream for a long time and finally The aged missionary replied, “Next? Anywhere, as went after that dream? Happily, then the dream became a long as it’s forward!” reality. An eminent psychiatrist notes: “Observing the Not only must I have a vision, but also lives of people who have dreamed and achieved . . . mastered adversity, I have repeatedly noticed that they II. I Must Have Determ ination have established goals, and irrespective of obstacles, “I can do sought with all their efforts to achieve them. From the A. In determination Paul said, all things moment they fixed on an object in their mind, and in him who strengthens me" (Phil. 4:13, RSV). sought to concentrate their energies on a specific goal, B. In determination Caleb said, “Now then, just as they began to surmount the most incredible odds.”1 the Lord promised, he has kept me alive . . . So here I Let’s look at a senior citizen, named Caleb, who did am today, eighty-five years old! I am still as strong today just that. The children of Israel are in the land. The allot­ as the day Moses sent me out . . . Now give me this hill ments are being carried out. Caleb had a dream— to de­ country that the Lord promised me that day. . . . the Ana- velop and live on a certain piece of land in the high kites were there and their cities were large and fortified, country. He asks for this land in Josh. 14:6-12. but, the Lord helping me, I will drive them out” (w. What do we learn from Caleb’s experience about be­ 10- 12)! ing successful in realizing dreams and achieving goals? ILLUS. Alexander the Great lay dying, surrounded by Five things stand out. his generals. One of them timidly asked him, “Sir, you I. I Must Have a Vision are dying. To which one of us generals are you going to leave your kingdom?” A. I must see something on the screen of my mind. Alexander raised himself on his elbow and said, “Who gets the kingdom? It is for the man who will seize it!” ILLUS. Three young bricklayers were asked what they were doing. The first replied, “I’m laying brick.” III. I Must Not Be Deterred by Setbacks The second man said, “I’m making $9-00 an hour.” The third man answered, “I’m building the world’s A. Caleb was set back 45 years. greatest cathedral!” Because of Israel’s refusal to enter the Promised Land If you were asked to predict the bricklayer most likely over 40 years earlier, they had to spend all of that time to be successful in life, which one would you choose? in the desert, including Caleb! How unfair! Undoubtedly the one with vision! That whole generation died in the desert, an average Caleb had a vision. Forty-five years earlier he was one of 140 deaths a day. Caleb, in self-pity, could have won­ of the spies sent into the Promised Land. While there, dered when his turn would come: “I’m never going to Mount Hebron caught his eye. He thought to himself, see the Promised Land again!” That’s where I’m going to live! For the next 45 years Instead, Caleb sat in front of his tent each day, going Caleb dreamed of his fields and the home he would over the blueprints, designing and redesigning the build with a large porch overlooking the valley. Every house he planned to build on Hebron. evening he went over the plans. Ten thousand times in B. Caleb was 85 years old! his mind he laid those bricks. He had it all worked out But he did not consider his age a liability. and imprinted on the screen of his mind. He had 45 years in which to plan it. No wonder he was so eager to ILLUS. The National Council on Aging hired the Har­ get to it. ris Poll to interview 1,500 individuals under 65 and an­ other 2,500 over that age. The younger ones thought ILLUS. In the America Hall at Disney World are statues that older people sleep and sit around a lot, that lone­ of early pioneers of the United States. A plaque says: liness and poor health are their most serious problems, “Throughout the centuries there were men who took and they have trouble keeping busy. The response of the steps down new roads, armed with nothing but their vi­ other group indicated, however, that these conditions sion.” are limited to the minority. Only 31 percent of those B. I must have a forward focus. over 65 were inactive. Only 12 percent complain of Caleb’s dream kept him looking ahead. Paul said, “I do loneliness. While 56 percent of the younger group not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thought that the elderly were disturbed by “not feeling thing I do: ... I press on toward the goal” (Phil. needed,” this was true of only 7 percent of the senior 3:13-14). citizens. Most had plenty to do and were still func­ tioning well. ILLUS. David Livingstone stood in England pleading Have you ever heard older people in the church say­ for missionaries to help him reach the continent of Af­ ing: “Don’t ask me to do anything in the church! I used

JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 7 9 to do a lot, but I’ve served my time!” What if God said 1. Some people want to coast through life. Invari­ that to us! ably these people do not taste success. These people Caleb would find that kind of talk disgusting. avoid challenges at work and, consequently, never ad­ IV. I Must Recognize Opportunity vance in their careers. In the church these people tend to be mediocre Christians. They avoid the challenge of A. “Opportunity knocked at my door, and I said, accomplishing something for God and His kingdom. ‘Go away! I’m expecting opportunity.’ And opportunity “Forget the mountain and the giants! Give me a molehill went away.” in the flat country.” ILLUS. At the turn of the century, a man who owned 2. If I’m doing something for God only because it’s and operated Asa Chandler’s Drugstore in Atlanta missed easy and convenient, I doubt that the Lord is particularly a tremendous opportunity. His drugstore had a special impressed with my service. David said he would not nerve tonic mix that doubled as a cough syrup. They give to the Lord that which cost him nothing (2 Sam. used to dilute the strength of the mixture by adding wa­ 24:24). Worthwhile things cost! Caleb said, “I’m going ter. One day Asa unwittingly mixed the syrup with car­ to pay the price! Forty years old or 85, I’m willing to bonated water. To his surprise, it tasted good! Sugar was travel uphill and take on the giants and get my moun­ added. Coca-Cola was born. tain!” He began to sell this drink at the soda fountain in his drugstore. A businessman by the name of B. N. Thomas CONCLUSION: tried to persuade him to have the drink bottled and dis­ Do you have a dream? Do you have a goal you want to tributed to a larger market. “Oh, no,” said Asa, “people reach? If so, (1) It begins with a vision. See it on the won’t buy it. I’ll just sell it at my soda fountain. But if screen of your mind. (2) Be determined. (3) Recognize you want to waste your money bottling it and trying to opportunities. (4) Don’t allow setbacks or failures to de­ sell it, have at it!” ter you. (5) Be willing to pay the price. This man missed his Coca-Cola mountain and settled for a soda fountain molehill. 1. Quoted from Ari Kiev at Cornell Medical Center. Used with permission. B. Caleb was quick to recognize opportunity. In spite of his age, Caleb seized it! SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER V. I Must Be Willing to Pay a Price WE GATHER IN ANTICIPATION Reflect on Josh. 14:6-14 CALL TO WORSHIP “We Have Come into This House” A. Caleb was willing to pay a price. HYMN “Come, Thou Fount” 1. Most people at Caleb’s stage of life would say, WELCOME Pastor “Joshua, I’m 85 now and on Medicare. So forget the CHOIR “Beneath the Cross of Jesus” PRAYER CHORUS “My Jesus, I Love Thee” mountain! All I need is a molehill, a pension, and a cot­ DIRECTED PRAYER tage by the sea. Just something small and simple on the OFFERING flat-land in territory that has already been conquered.” SPECIAL MUSIC “God Did a Wonderful Thing for Me” Not Caleb, though! He said, “I want a mountain in the SERMON “A MAN WHO WOULD NOT QUIT” unconquered territory. Don’t you worry. I’ll drive the An- CLOSING HYMN “Victory All the Time” akites out myself!” 2. For two reasons Caleb knew that he was wanting Creative Worship Ideas the most difficult piece of territory to capture. Directed Prayer God is here this morning. He promises that where a. The Anakites lived there. They were a race of people gather in Christ’s name, He is there. giants 7 feet tall (Josh. 14:12)! 1. Thank Him for being here, ready to hear you and b. The Anakites had the advantage of high touch you. ground. Military strategists tell us that in battle the 2. God finds it harder to hear our petitions if there thing to do is gain the high ground. It gives your army a is unconfessed spiritual failure in our lives. That tends tremendous advantage. to sever the line of communication between us and Him. If you are really needing to get through to Him Caleb had no illusions about any kind of an easy vic­ today, confess that spiritual failure to Him. He’s been tory in taking the high country with giants. He was w ill­ waiting to hear from you. ing to pay the price for his territory. 3. What is on the front burner of your life that you B. Many people do not want to pay a price for suc­ need to talk to Him about most? cess.

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A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship THE FRONT LINE

SOMETHING GREAT FOR GOD

friend of mine ends all his If every Nazarene would reach out letters with, "Let’s do some­ to a relative, friend or associate, it thing great for God.” would begin a new era of evangelism That’s the trumpet sound of the in our connection. Tens of thousands ChurchA Growth Division. Let’s move of people would be saved. There out in obedience to our Lord’s com­ would, of course, be rejoicing in mand and do those "greater works” heaven. It would indeed be "som e­ that He said His followers would do. thing great for God.” The more than half a million Naza- Not in our strength, or on our own renes in America represent an enor­ initiative, but in obedience to our mous evangelistic resource. Multiplied Lord, "Let’s do it!” millions of unsaved Americans are a great evangelistic responsibility. Even if every Christian church and agency in America became active in evangelism, it still would not be suf­ ficient to respond to the evangelistic task facing us in this once-Christian nation.

To contribute to the advancement of God’s kingdom by fostering growth in the Church of the Nazarene. To promote aggressive evangelism in all its many forms Mission throughout the denomination. of Church To create an awareness throughout the church regarding Growth the necessity for planting new churches, including Division the mission potential among cultural minorities. To increase participation and effectiveness in a reproductive ministry that is engaged in Christian mission.

GROW / Summer 1991 U.S. Quadrennial Conference on Evangelism October 29-31, 1991

Fort Worth/Tarrant County Convention Center Fort Worth, Texas INTERNATIONAL BOARD OF EDUCATION ZARENE COLLEGES mg America's Best!

For the past six years U.S. News & World Report has published the results of a survey titled “America’s Best Colleges.” This year in the Regional Liberal Arts category, West Region, Northwest Nazarene College ranked sixth! U.S. News & World Report stated, “These small schools, low in cost and close to home, offer some of the best bargains for students who want to study the arts and sciences.” NNC President Gordon Wetmore, while elated at his college’s recognition, stated that this is truly a tribute to all of our schools. As our young people point their lives toward study in their Nazarene college, keep in mind the words of Dean Bertha Munro, “There is no conflict between the best in education and the best in the Christian faith!”

Study with the Best! Contact Your Nazarene College.

Canadian Nazarene College Nazarene Bible College Olivet Nazarene University 1301 Lee Blvd. P.O. Box 15749 Kankakee, IL 60901 Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2P7 Colorado Springs, CO 80935 Point Loma Nazarene College Canada Nazarene Theological College— 3900 Lomaland Dr. Eastern Nazarene College Manchester San Diego, CA 92106 23 E. Elm Ave. Dene Road, Didsbury Southern Nazarene University Quincy, MA 02170 Manchester M20 8GU 6729 N.W. 39th Expressway England MidAmerica Nazarene College Bethany, OK 73008 P.O. Box 1776 Nazarene Theological Seminary Trevecca Nazarene College Olathe, KS 66061 1700 E. Meyer Blvd. 333 Murfreesboro Rd. Kansas City, MO 64131 Mount Vernon Nazarene College Nashville, TN 37203 800 Martinsburg Rd. Northwest Nazarene College Mount Vernon, OH 43050 Nampa, ID 83686 Bright Spots of Denominational Growth 1991

CANADA UNITED STATES

Let me give you some good news. It's about our ministry and work in the Church of the Nazarene. Furthermore, it's about the progress of our denomination in Canada and the USA.

1. IT IS G R O W IN G . A review of 3. OUR GROWTH IS DIS­ and wrote about urban evangelism the Yearbook of American and Cana­ PER SED . True, we generally grew during the decade of the eighties, a dian Churches shows that only a hand­ best in the Sunbelt, although in 1990 Nazarene district superintendent by ful of denominations with a mem­ there were notable exceptions, specif­ the name of Dal Mucci moved into bership in excess of 500,000 are ically: Minnesota, New England, one of the toughest cities in the world growing, and we are one of those New York, Upper Michigan, Wash­ and started growing the church — and growing denominations. W e wish we ington, and Washington Pacific. our membership in New York City were growing faster, but we are grate­ These all grew 3% or more. more than doubled in a decade. ful for the growth we are experiencing. Sixty-three (63) of our districts Ten years later, the urbanologists showed a gain, including the Rust were admitting that they hadn’t made Belt, the Frost Belt, the Dust Belt, a dent, and the Southern Baptists 2. OUR GROWTH HAS BEEN and all the other seemingly hopeless were amazed at the progress the Naza- C O N SIST E N T . W e have never had places in North America. renes had made in the cities. a year of net loss. W e have not had Not only Dal Mucci, but also Paul large fluctuations. Our statistics are Benefiel, Bob Spear, and others have some of the most reliable in the 4. SOME OF OUR GROWTH gone to their cities in the power of the church world — not 100% accurate IS REMARKABLE. While Ray Spirit and have turned in an amazing by any means, but better than average. Bakke and Roger Greenway spoke record.

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 3 Church Project, which has a goal of 50 churches of 1,000 or more by the year 2000. Several of these churches Bright Spots ♦ ♦ ♦ are already experiencing good growth. Some o f them are up over 100 in the Today, I can tell you that in all tendance was only 21 in 1981. In past couple of years. I am firmly con­ twelve of the nation’s metros of two- 1990 it was 80, with the growth con­ vinced that we will achieve this goal. and-a-half million or more, we now sistent in all areas. have more members than we had ten Altadena is a black church in sub­ 8. NEW CHURCHES. Our rate years ago. In half of those cities our urban Los Angeles. Though most of of starting new churches is increasing. gains exceeded a thousand in each its growth has been in the last few For years, we reported a new church city. years, its attendance has doubled in per district every other year, on av­ In 15 of the 18 metros of one mil­ the decade. erage. Special emphases, such as Pio­ lion or more, we now have more fully Fam in gton , in Southeast Mis­ neer Areas, Thrust to the Cities, and organized churches than we did a dec­ souri, serves a small midwestern town starting ethnic churches, have in­ ade ago. and now runs nearly 200 in member­ creased the rate of church planting. In Our growth in the cities of North ship and attendance. It has more than the decade, Pioneer Areas have pro­ America has been beyond anything doubled in the last seven years. duced 57 new churches, Thrust to the anyone could have expected. Muskegon Eastwood serves a Cities has started 64, and ethnic tar­ small non-growing metro in Michi­ geting has resulted in 230 new 5. DISTRICT GROWTH. Per­ gan. Pastor William McElroy has seen churches. centage growth is always easier for worship attendance double in the Two special church-planting proj­ smaller districts, and the two big decade, from 75 to 152. ects are growing rapidly and in size­ gainers this decade demonstrate this: New Jerusalem is a Haitian con­ able proportions. M etroplex Chapel Canada Quebec and Florida Space gregation in New York. Pastor Luc in DFW has grown from 11 to 582 Coast both more than doubled in Pierre serves a church that has in­ members in eight years. New Hope membership and attendance this creased from 14 members in 1981 to C om m unity in Phoenix has grown decade. Southwest Latin American over 200 today. to 500 in just two years. I have visited also doubled in membership and had O ro Valley, in Tucson, had a both of these churches and thank good gains in attendance, too. morning worship attendance of 183 God for the work He is doing through at the beginning of the decade. Today, them. attendance is well over 300 and giving has more than doubled. And what shall I more say, for time would fail me to tell of K okom o, p f l Kalispell, Kissim m ee, and yes, even Kansas City! The impressive truth is Larger districts showed substantial that right here in the good old US of growth, also. Arizona, New York, and A, a considerable majority of our Southern Florida all showed strong churches grew during the decade. In 9. OUR ETHNIC WORK HAS gains in every category during the dec­ fact, a sizeable number of our churches G R O W N . W e now have 634 Active ade and in the past assembly year. grew at a rate equal to the goal estab­ Works among various cultural groups lished by our general superintend­ in Canada/US. This compares to 270 6. INDIVIDUAL CHURCHES ents — and that wasn’t just one year a decade ago. have turned in great growth records. of growth, it was for the entire decade. The Ethnic Strategy Committees You know, it’s pretty difficult to grow As Paul Orjala said to me one day, are preparing us for a great new cam­ 50% in 10 years. I looked at some "There’s a lot of life left in the old paign to reach ethnics. churches that were organized in 1980 girl yet!” The Church of the Nazarene is on that grew 50% during the decade and, In fact, let me tell you what’s hap­ the cutting edge in extension train­ furthermore, grew 10% last year. pening in the large churches. ing. Nazarene Bible College now has Wouldn’t you say that’s good, con­ 22 Extension Centers all across sistent growth? 7. NEW K-CHURCHES. In America. R ichm ond H ill is an Anglo con­ 1980, only nine Nazarene churches gregation in New York City. Pastor had over 1,000 members or attend- 10. NEW NAZARENES. Twenty- Anthony Abbazio has seen attend­ ers. During the decade, four more seven thousand, nine hundred sixty- ance almost quadruple during the churches achieved that status: Port­ five New Nazarenes, Canada/US, in decade, with a consistent growth from land First, Kansas City First, 1990. That is over 5 new Nazarenes 25 to 90. Income has increased in W ichita First, and New Life First per church. While we wish it were similar fashion. in Western Los Angeles District. higher, we are glad for a good, posi­ W elch, in Southern West Virginia, In addition to these, over 50 pas­ tive number. has grown even though the county has tors of churches already above 250 —Bill M. Sullivan, Director steadily lost population. Worship at­ are seriously involved in the K- Church Growth Division

4 GROW / Summer 1991 EVANGELISM MINISTRIES

J tr ien d sh ip day SEPTEMBER 8, 1991

ow you can "put it all together" with Church Growth Resources. Utilize FRIENDSHIP DAY mate­ rials and increase your church attendance dramatically. Make this fall season your most productive by: □N Reaching out to new friends on FRIENDSHIP DAY □ Evangelizing the new "webs of influence" with THE MASTERS PLAN FOR MAKING DISCIPLES materials and/or PERSONAL EVANGELISM TRAINING materi­ als. □ Preparing to evangelize your church's prospects and new friends through your FALL REVIVAL.

STEPS TO GROWTH

1. Order Friendship Day Notebook (GMS-995, $10.95)

2. Order The Master's Plan for Making Disciples text (GM083-410-9387, $5.95), the Leader's Guide (GMLG- 1, $ 1.00), and the Blueprint for Disciple Making booklets (GMBL-375, $5.00 for pkg. of 5).

3. Order Personal Evangelism Training, Leader's Guide (GMS-2600, $24.95) and Personal Evangelism Train­ ing, Trainee Study Guide (GM083-411-058X, $7.95).

4. Order the Revival Preparation Guidebook (GMU-595, $4.50).

TO ORDER

Write Nazarene Publishing House EO. Box 4 1 9 5 2 7 , Kansas City, MO 64141

Or call: Evangelism Ministries, 800-821-2154 or 816-333-7000. That the World May Know — GO! THE YEAR OF THE HARVEST This is a campaign to concentrate our energies in evangelism for one full year. These are the accepted goals: US/Canada—39.610; World Regions—54,452. HI

The Heartbreak That Is New York

efore we get to the murder and mayhem of New almost any outrage. For the past two years, for instance, I York City and the current debate over whether have walked my daughter to school across four of the the city will survive (or simply become the world’s safest and most staid blocks in Manhattan, and almost largest Detroit), consider a few statistics. every morning the gutters of those frequently cleaned The city has 830,000 people on welfare, a total bigger streets are a continuous trail of glass fragments from thanB the population of all but 10 American cities. It has broken car windows. This means that the cars on these an army of derelicts and increasingly dangerous street blocks are broken into all the time, and the owners have people. Every day 366 cars are stolen and 200,000 peo­ learned to live with it. In any other city, this would ple jump the turnstiles to get into the subway free. There quickly produce a posse of concerned car owners with are more than 2 million warrants out for defendants and baseball bats. But in New York, it’s accepted as part of others who were supposed to show up in the nonfunc­ everyday life. Perhaps these drivers have charge accounts tioning criminal-justice system but didn’t. The nonfunc­ with their local auto-glass dealers and earn discounts for tioning public-school system employs more educational volume buying — but it’s a crazy kind of tolerance. bureaucrats than all of Western Europe. The city has The news from the front is that this tolerance is break­ 500,000 drug abusers, almost ing down, in large part because the population of Boston. In the violence has finally reached some neighborhoods, one- the well-off and the comforta­ fourth of all residents are intra- ble. The mother of journalist venous-drug addicts. Use of Pete Hamill has been mugged dirty needles for IV drugs, three times. So has the wife of plus the large gay population, Felix Rohatyn, the prominent makes New York the AIDS financier. Viveca Lindfors, the capital of America. The city actress, was slashed in the face has a persistent and largely dis­ in our neighborhood. A year ordered underclass, and the il­ ago, we had a fairly mild wild­ legitimacy rate in central Har­ ing incident on the block — a lem is 80 percent and still mob of 60 or 70 feral children rising. Each year 10,000 in­ burst out of the subway and fants are "born toxic,” most flooded the street, bludgeon­ of them crack babies who will ing pedestrians and yanking at cost $220,000 each in reme­ necklaces and purses. A few dial attention before kinder­ weeks ago, a man was shot to garten. No one has any idea how the city will pay the death at a pay phone near his home in Greenwich Village enormous tab for crack babies and AIDS patients. Even for no apparent reason, allegedly by a drunken derelict. if the economy were healthy, one of the city’s movers and Not all murders are equal in the psychic life of New York. shakers says privately the AIDS bill alone would be This was a heavily publicized case with a moral: Random, enough to break the city. pointless violence is now everywhere and no one is safe. Now, the bad news. Then there is the violence, which Since the spring, polls have shown that 60 percent of is now conducted at a level that would have been unimag­ New Yorkers don’t expect to be living here in five years. inable a generation ago. In 1952, the city had 8,757 Newspapers are now full of reportage and conjecture that robberies. Last year it had 93,387 — a stickup every six the middle class has had enough and is ready to bolt the minutes. (The rate could be much higher, since many city. The bolters include my friends Eric and Ann, who New Yorkers don’t bother to report robberies and mug­ are leaving to live somewhere in Massachusetts. Eric says gings anymore.) Twenty-one cabbies were murdered this that he has managed to reach the age of 50 in Manhattan year, girls were raped and then thrown off rooftops, a without the violence reaching his family or anyone he boy was tied up and set afire, and four small children cares about, but staying here now means defying the odds were shot to death in drug wars within three weeks. With of getting hit. With a computer and a fax machine, he the murder rate headed toward six per day, Mayor David says, he can live anywhere. One couple does not make a Dinkins was moved to say that we are statistically safer in trend, but Eric’s comment catches the current mood New York than the residents of Dodge City were in the pretty well. 1800s — not much comfort. There’s a feeling among hard-core New Yorkers who W ith all the numbing violence, the city still soldiers love the city that something resembling a total break­ on. The greatest strength of New Yorkers, I think, is also down of the social order may be under way and that New their greatest weakness: The willingness to put up with York may not make it. ■

—by John Leo ©September 24, 1990, U.S.'News & World Report

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 7 W i l l v l l I

Something Great for God by Bill M. Sullivan inside front cover Bright Spots of Denominational Growth 1991 3 The Heartbreak That Is New York by John Leo 7 Church Growth Flourishes in the Big Apple 9 Pastor David Mall Organizes Three Churches 10 Brooklyn Beulah Sunday School Increases 171 11 Westchester Chapel Grows at the YMCA 12 Another Church Grows in Brooklyn 14 A Second Church Grows at the Lamb’s 15 Tent Houses Summer Revival in Brooklyn 16 Korean Church Shares Facilities With Flushing Church 17 Growth Markings & Main Points 19 The Harvest Is Coming In by Charles Shaver 21 An Update on the Lamb’s Club in Manhattan by David Best 24 Research and Trends by Dale E. Jones 2 9 Ministry at the Front of Operation Desert Storm 31 Rooted in Christ by C. S. Cowles 35 Publishing Executive Finds Christ — Linda Warren 40 Outreach News 43 Church Plant Grows to 162 Members in Three Years 44 Evangelist’s Directory 47 Over the Road With Evangelist Larry Leckrone 51 Three Nazarene Congregations Meet in Same Building 56 A Day in the Life of the Lamb’s Center Through the Eyes of the Homeless 59 Philip — Superb Model for Evangelism by Neil B. Wiseman inside back cover

8 GROW / Summer 1991 Mission Achievement in New York and Beyond

Church Growth Flourishes in the Big Apple

Gospel Confronts Glamor, Gloom, Despair, and Filth

ashing New York City — often called the Big Apple — appears often on TV and in newspapers, and the facts support the negative reports. One columnist called New York "a city beyond the verge of a nervous breakdown.” Made up of 12 million souls, New BYork is dirty, cramped, worried, bankrupt, and blighted by the homeless; it is infected with AIDS, drugs, and violence. Tourists come to visit the Statue of Liberty, the United Nations, and Times Square and take home tales of terror and muggings. One long-time resident recently observed, "It has always been bad, but now everything seems worse than ever.” Though New York City may not be dead, the trouble is deep and evil abounds. Even moderately informed Christians could give many reasons not to expand ministry to New York City. Argu­ ments against such an effort might include cost, safety, or even wasted efforts. But a remnant minority who believe Christ loves the city are at work there to make a difference. These Spirit-empowered Nazarenes from many cultures and races —immigrants from almost everywhere, veteran city dwellers, and yuppies —confront New York with the power of the gospel. They have learned that a minority energized by God is much stronger than any majority ever thought of being. Against hardships and overwhelming odds, church growth goes on with souls being saved, believers being sanctified, saints finding new satisfaction in Christian service, churches being planted, and desperate human needs being met. To know these servants of Christ is to rejoice in what the gospel does through committed believers in every setting. Salt, leaven, and light — three things Jesus called disciples to be —are at work through churches, innovative ministries, and personal witness of Nazarenes in and around New York. In one month last year they organized four churches: Emmanuel Jersey City Haitian; Summit, New Jersey Latin; First Korean in High Mount Church (the eighth Korean church in New York); and an Indo-Pak church at Edison, New Jersey. This work is a miraculous contemporary fulfillment of District Superintendent Dallas Mucci considers the outreach chal­ Christ’s Great Commission. lenge o f New York.

A Journal o f Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 9 Mission Achievement in New York and Beyond

%!& ...... Pastor David Mall Organizes Three Churches

astor David Mall, a 1985 Nazarene Theological Seminary graduate, pastors the Indo-Pakistani Church at Flushing, New York. Organized in 1987 as part of the Thrust to the Cities effort, the church has 35 members with an average attendance of 65.P Urdu is the language used for worship. Like several other churches for this culture/language group, the Flushing congregation is an outgrowth of Bible studies led by Mall. This spiritually vigorous body of believers meets in Parker Hall — a facility owned by the Flushing Church of the Nazarene. Mall has been the major influence in founding two other Indo-Pak churches: Manhattan and Bronx. He has additional Bible studies going among his people in Brooklyn and Staten Island. Soon, new congregations will begin in those two locations. Pastor Mall and his family have an interesting pilgrim­ age of faith that has taken them from Libya to Kansas City, and now to the great mission fields in and around New York City. Mali’s wife is a nurse, their oldest daughter is a university student, and two sons are still at home. The family lives in an apartment in Parker Hall. As a result of Mall’s aggressive work in evangelism, he has taken more than 65 persons into church member­ ship by profession of faith in these several works.

Flushing Indo-Pak congregation worships in Parker Hall at Flushing Church o f the Nazarene.

GROW / Summer 1991 Brooklyn Beulah Sunday School Increases 171

Beulah Burns Mortgage in Tenth Year

rooklyn Beulah — the largest church on the New York District — increased Sunday school attend­ ance by 171 in two years to an average attendance of 586; the increase was 118 last year and 53 this year. At the 1991 district assembly, Pastor Stanley Moore reported aB church membership of 450 and a morning worship attendance average of 560. Recently, Beulah Church burned its mortgage; the church building was purchased ten years ago for $87,000 and required about $1 million for remodeling. Pastor Moore rejoices with his people. "W e do not owe anybody anything, and we will pay for the remaining remodeling on a cash basis as we go.” The Beulah Church, organized in 1924, has a beautiful modern facility that is a remodeled supermarket. GROW salutes Brooklyn Beulah for its outstanding Sunday school increases. In a city that many have given up on and deserted, Beulah serves as a powerful gospel bea­ con pointing needy persons to the Savior.

A Journal o f Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 11 Mission Achievement in New York and Beyond

Worship team asks for God’s anointing on the revival.

Sermons should clear things up, not add to the confusion! WESTCHESTER CHAPEL Meets on Sundays, 10:30 a.m, White Plains YMCA, 250 Mamaroneck Ave. JUMBO 2nd Floor, 693-8575

If traditional music makes you look for a pillow, come hear a contemporary sound! WESTCHESTER CHAPEL Meets on Sundays, 10:30 a.m, White Plains YMCA, 250 Mamaroneck Ave. 2nd Floor, 693-8575

12 GROW / Summer 1991 Our Church I ust what kind of church is Westchester Chapel? Our desire is to be known as a church that ______J | takes the Bible seriously. We want to be in step with God’s Westchester Chapel spirit today, never being content to rest upon yesterday’s word. Grows at the White We want today’s worship service to be more than “nice,” we want Plains YMCA it to be transforming. We want each person to leave our church he YMCA in White Plains, New York — a city with new insight into their lives near the top of all upscale economic communities in the United States — houses a growing new and a new excitement for Who Church of the Nazarene. Organized with 18 members in God really is! 1989, the church recently reported a monthly average of 58. TWestchester Chapel is led by Jim and Linda Warren, Because we have these desires, who, before they came to Christ, were decent baby boo­ we do things a little differently mer secularists who appeared to have it all — Jim as a commercial art designer for a New York MTV producer, here at Westchester Chapel. Our and Linda as a market executive for Time-Life Publishing worship services deliberately Company. encourage a great deal of But because they sensed something was missing at the center of their lives, they began listening to the radio congregational involvement. In ministry of Pastor Charles Rizzo of Maranatha Church of other words, worship was never the Nazarene at Paramus, New Jersey. After several meant to be a “spectator sport.” months, they visited Maranatha, gave their future to Christ, and Jim later served for a year on the church’s staff We want our worship to be as the first step in starting his ministry. The story of how ordered, lively and fun. We’re Linda supports this ministry as a New York publishing here to celebrate! executive can be found elsewhere in this issue of GROW. An impressive brochure, designed by Pastor Jim, spells The bottom line is this: Our focus out the basic assumptions of the Westchester Chapel min­ istry: "W e are not a church that focuses on money; we’re is not religion, it’s relationship. concerned with people’s lives, not their wallets. W e are Our desire is to avoid the trap of not a church that looks at the outward things in people; meaningless Sunday services and our concern is your relationship with God, not whether you’re wearing jeans or a tie. W e are not fake; what you see concentrate on a meaningful is what you get. W e are not interested in acting out our relationship with our Lord! Christianity; we’re interested in living it out. God created r - each of us as individuals, and we’re not concerned with fitting people into our mold. W e have a singular focus: to let Westchester County know about the life-changing love of Jesus.” Westchester Chapel continues to grow through its min­ istry of worship, home Bible studies, and care groups. This church trusts God for a miracle to help them find a per­ manent church home in an area where real estate is unbe­ lievably expensive.

Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship A 13 J y Mission Achievement in New York and Beyond Another Church Grows in Brooklyn

Church Moving From Day-Care Center to Storefront

O n a hot summer Sunday night, the basement of a rented Brooklyn day-care center is not the most comfortable place for a church to meet. But in spite of heat, low ceilings, and crowded conditions, the small room was packed; the singing was anointed; the love of the people for each other was evident; and the leader­ ship of the pastor was a joy to behold. Brooklyn Macedonia Church of the Nazarene, organ­ ized in 1989, is a Thrust to the Cities project. Funds have been raised by all Brooklyn churches over a three- or four-year period to help start this church plant as an expression of their desire to increase holiness outreach to their city. Pastor Elsie Cadogan is the founding pastor and her husband, Manton, is her best church member. This new congregation now runs 70 in attendance and plans to move soon to a storefront with two apartments that can be rented to help with building costs. Everyone who contributed to the general budget had a small part in this endeavor through the Thrust to the Cities effort.

14 GROW / Summer 1991 A Second Church Grows at the Lamb’s

Pastor Finds Fullness of the Spirit at Campmeeting

P astor Qumar Uz-Zaman Bhatti came to visit the United States from his native Pakistan, where he pastored a church of another denomination. His friend, David Mall, who now pastors Flushing Indo-Pak Church, invited Bhatti to attend the New York Nazarene Campmeeting. While attending the services, Bhatti came into the fullness of heart holiness. With this new-found spiritual deepening, he decided to stay in the United States and plant a Church of the Nazarene in Manhattan. Under Mali’s encouragement, Bhatti started this new church in December of 1988. The Manhattan Indo-Pak Church meets in the lower level of the Lamb’s Church of the Nazarene just a few doors off Times Square. Though Bhatti is a bivocational pastor, his church attendance now averages 75. During the first year, the church received 22 persons by profession of faith. Their worship pattern is lively and joyous; the music accompaniment includes a small electronic keyboard, a drum, and a tambourine. The congregation consists of a wonderful profile of people of all ages, including children, teens, young couples, and more mature people. Though this congregation uses the Urdu language for worship, the children sing and study God’s Word in Eng­ lish. Their stated goal is to win more people for God’s glory.

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 15 M r Mission Achievement in New York and Beyond

f f o ...... Tent Houses Summer Revival in Brooklyn

E ach summer, Miller Memorial Church sponsors a tent meeting as part of its outreach strategy to reach Brooklyn for Christ. Last summer, Eustace McDonald, founder of the newly organized Brooklyn East Church and former pastor in Guyana, was the evangelist for the tent meeting held across the street from the Miller Memorial Church. The enthusiastic singing, spirited preaching, humid temperature, and happy crowd seem like the pioneer days of Nazarene history. This gospel work goes forward in the midst of every conceivable problem urban dwellers face in New York, including pessimism, fear, poverty, racial prej­ udice, and brokenness. Pastor Clarence Jacobs has served the Miller Memorial Church for thirty-four years; the church, one of the oldest in the denomination, was organized in 1914 — only six years after the merging general assembly at Pilot Point, Texas. Their sturdy, spacious, historic place of worship once housed a Dutch Reform Church and is now an impressive witness in Brooklyn for the Church of the Nazarene. The Miller Memorial Church has 390 members, with an average attendance of 325.

GROW / Summer 1991 Korean Church Shares Facilities With Flushing Church

Pastor Moves From Korea to Lead Church

O rganized on March 8, 1987, the Great Light Korean Church of the Nazarene shares wor­ ship facilities with the Flushing Church of the Nazarene. The Korean congregation meets for worship at 1:30 p.m. on Sundays after the English-speaking con­ gregation concludes its service about noon. The church has a membership of 73, not counting the children. This congregation started in the homes of church members and moved from place to place until February 1989. About the same time, Pastor Kun-Chi Kim moved from Korea to pastor this newly formed congregation. Before coming to the United States, Kim pastored Naza­ rene churches for twenty years in Korea and taught at the Nazarene Theological Training College. The church is composed of strong Korean families; in some cases, extended families of two generations. Many own their own businesses. When a group of lay persons were asked to define their church’s priorities, they said: 1) to acquire their own building, 2) to reach out to their extended families and lead others to Christ, and 3) to assist theological students in the college in Korea. Pastor Kim’s passion for outreach shows in the fact that he is presently conducting Bible studies with some Japa­ nese contacts he has made. He is fluent in Japanese as his second language. The Great Light Korean Church at Flushing is a viable church with a bright future.

A Journal o f Church Grotvth, Evangelism and Discipleship 17 PASTORAL MINISTRIES

W ILCON III

A tf-w A ll QeaAxuvL

♦ June 1-June 4,1992 Olivet Nazarene University

♦ June 8-June 11,1992 MidAmerica Nazarene College

♦ June 15-June 18,1992 Mount Vernon Nazarene College

♦ June 29-July 2, 1992 Eastern Nazarene College

♦ July 13-July 16,1992 Trevecca Nazarene College

♦ July 20-July 23,1992 Southern Nazarene University

♦ August 3-August 6,1992 Northwest Nazarene College

♦ August 10-August 13,1992 Point Loma Nazarene College

Begin making plans to attend WILCON III in 1992! Growth Markings & Main Points

m o reach the strong, self-assured person, involve him in meeting someone else’s needs. W e are bom crusaders having a great need to have something to live for . . . Get the strong person involved with Christians in some type of mission or serving activity. Joseph C. Aldrich

Je s u s reserved some of His harshest words for religious leaders of His day who lorded themselves over others and delighted in their power. Anthony Campolo

Teaching that impacts is not head to head, but heart to heart. Howard G. Hendricks

When that church growth consultant said our staff needed to be more contemporary, I knew we were in trouble!

■ he question is not whether a small church should grow large or whether a large church should grow larger; it is rather that any church of any size must continue to work at the task o f total world evangelization. David A. Womack

T o adopt a program that succeeds in the world but one that God never gave to His church is a straight pathway to failure. Only God’s program will finally succeed. Roy J. Fish and J. E. Conant

C lich es are not a problem for God. God loves all people. The "whosoever” of John 3:16 includes the rich as well as the poor. Riches cause a problem for the person who has them. Rather than satisfy, riches produce greed and carnal ambition. C. Peter Wagner

iA l seeker does not come to the altar to talk to people but to talk to God. And many well-meaning people have diluted or de­ stroyed this crucial sense of crisis by talking to a seeker too soon. C. William Fisher

I have never seen an in-depth revival in any church I served as pastor until first something happened to me. It has been only after revival has become very deep and personal in my own expe­ rience that I have seen it happen in the church. Ponder W . Gilliland

I n the early days of the Church of the 'Nazarene, the major task of evangelism was to move into a center of population and hold a revival that would culminate in the formation of a new church. At this stage, home missions were synonymous with evangelism. Mendell Taylor

IParen ts know that a baby must be fed, nurtured, protected, given a good environment, loved, cooed over, and surrounded by mature sufficiency in his or her helplessness. Frequently, we Sure I said I was interested in evangelism . . . but you ignore that same need among new Christians in the church. didn't tell me it was going to involve witnessing! Bartlett L. Hess

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 19 Wiiy A ftrsonal —”J Slud^ltihli* M «,,TTi^Jam es'lii'' y4 P e r s o n a l Holy Living

ew men have so positively affected the course F of modern Christianity as has John Wesley. Not since John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament, published in 1775, has there been a study Bible prepared from a Wesleyan perspective. The helps in the The Wesley Bibtexm are well- suited for both pastor and laymen. Each of the special “Focus Notes” and annotations are all new and fresh— the labors of 33 writers and edi­ tors, and selected Wesleyan scholars from 19 Pis 35:5 seminaries and colleges. Messengers from John the Baptist o jo h n 9 7 (Matt. 11:2-19) 'M att. 15:31 The Wesley Bible contains all of the elements sLuke 17:12-14 18 m jh g n the disciples of John re­ 'Mark 7:37 you would expect from a quality study Bible: ported to him concerning all these "[Is. 61:1-3: Luke 4 18] • Focus Notes things. 19 And John, calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to 3Jesus, • Annotations • Articles THE NEW KING JAMES TEXT • Maps The unequaled accuracy, beauty, and complete­ • Charts ness of the New King James Version make it a • Book Introductions most suitable translation for Bible study. • Section Introductions gmtr-982 Hardback Special $24.95! • Harmony of the Gospels GMTR-985BG Burgundy Bonded Leather $59.95 • Concordance Prices subject to change without notice. Plus postage. • Index to Annotations

Order from Your Publishing House The Harvest Is Com ing In

W vS ’ J}'-:

Many of the testifiers were a part of Hear Ju lie H iett’s testimony: the harvest that resulted from the six­ At age 16,1 became involved in teen weeks of personal evangelism drugs, alcohol, and sex. After a he miracles of grace are mar- training and calling the previous few years of that lifestyle, I went velous. A couple with a crum­ spring. The statistical results are amaz­ through a divorce. I have two bling marriage, a former drug ing: 190 calls made, the gospel pre­ children from that marriage and a T addict, one who had tried suicide,sented and 56 times for salvation, the third from another relationship. a Harvard Ph.D. college professor all gospel presented 23 times for assur­ By my third pregnancy, my life expressed a common faith on Thurs­ ance, 26 people made professions of was a complete tragedy. I was a day night, August 30, last year. Each faith, and 51 of those called on joined bad influence on my children and came to know Jesus Christ and was the church. a very unlovable person. An ac­ part of a group of seventeen who gave Beverly Burgess of Evangelism Min­ quaintance reached out to me testimony to their faith that night. istries, Nazarene Headquarters, who with the message of Jesus Christ. The occasion was the 29th biannual assists me in the personal evangelism Since then, my life has totally banquet sponsored by Nazarene The­ classes in Kansas City, reported on changed. ological Seminary and Nazarene training held in the West Indies over After my third daughter was churches of greater Kansas City. Two the last four years, with over 715 peo­ born, I found myself homeless, hundred thirty-three people attended from ple praying to receive Christ through living in an abusive situation. I eighteen different churches. personal evangelism calls. The har­ went to the Hillcrest ministries Opening challenges were given by vest is coming in. for homeless people, where I met Seminary President Jack Sanders, Just as planting, weeding, and pre­ Tom Gates, at that time a semi­ General Superintendent Eugene paring for physical harvest is hard nary student. He invited me to Stowe, and Kansas City District Su­ work, so is preparation for spiritual the Liberty Church of the Naza­ perintendent Keith Wright. The prime harvest. The sixteen weeks of class rene and the people there became rib banquet was prepared by Master require homework, Scripture memo­ my family. Chef Dan Durick, who had met Christ rization, and actual calling on people God has done so much for me! afresh, been sanctified by the Holy with the goal of presenting Christ. I respect myself now because of Spirit, and joined the Church of the The classes are sponsored by Naza­ Jesus Christ. I’m able to relate to Nazarene all within the last year. rene Theological Seminary and are people and to love them the way The theme of the banquet was taken by pastors, students, and laity He loves me. I’ve seen my mom "Harvest.” Participants were remind­ of local churches. come to the Lord. I’ve seen my ed of Jesus’ words of John 4:35: The calls are sometimes difficult. children change. God has done a "Open your eyes and look on the Some people are not responsive, but lot for us. fields! They are ripe for harvest,” and others are. It is good to see the harvest Matthew 9:37-38, "The harvest is coming in. The twice-a-year banquet Or consider the change in Tracy plentiful, but the workers are few. enables us to see the human harvest. Pressler: Ask the Lord of the harvest, there­ The harvest that produces saved When I was born, my parents fore, to send out workers into his souls also produces changed lives and decided to give me up. I was harvest field.” solves deep personal problems. moved from one foster home to

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 21 decided to read it. It told me how The Harvest to receive Christ, so I decided to try it. I sat down and prayed and found a peace that I had never known before. I really didn’t Is Coming In know what I’d done, except that I had given Jesus control of my life. another. I finally got fed up and dear friend, Sylvia Potter, shared I can safely say that I’ve had more ran away. On the streets, full of the gospel with my wife and she fun in the last eight months than I hurt and bitterness, I became vio­ also received Christ. ever did any other way. I’ve joined lent and angry. I didn’t care what the church, and I went on a work- I did. I got into all sorts of legal When Elisha Verge and friends called and-witness trip to Guatemala troubles. Finally, I tried to com­ on Greg M artin, they talked about with the teenagers. mit suicide, but was unsuccessful. basketball. Elisha also asked Greg, One day I was walking down "W hy do you think you’re The harvest is coming in! the road, wanting somebody to going to heaven?” I said, I’m a Sometimes simple friendship evan­ reach out and tell me that I am nice guy. I do nice things. I do the gelism, an invitation to church — or, somebody, that I am loved, and right things in life.” He said, better yet, several invitations to that I was born for a reason. I "That’s good, but it’s not good church get the job done. don’t understand why, but I enough.” walked into the First Church of Greg said: This made me think. Consider the influence of Gertrude the Nazarene in Topeka, Kansas. He told me how Christ died for Phillips on Tom Battershell: On October 11, 1989,1 received my sins and asked if I would like About six years ago, I was working Christ into my life. I know that I to invite Him into my heart. I for a company doing promotional was given this life that 1 may work said, "Y es.” He said, "T hat’s seminars. One evening, a little, old, for God, and I have a lot of work what we’re here for.” I prayed white-haired lady came to my table to do. with the team to receive Christ as and, seeing my name badge, said, "Mr. my personal Savior. Battershell, I’m not interested in solar M ark Lockard is the owner of Cres­ From then on, I found time in energy, but I was told that if I’d listen cent Cleaners in Belton and Harri- the mornings and evenings for to your program, you’d give me a ceil­ sonville, Missouri. He tells how per­ prayer to gain strength and trust ing fan. Why don’t you just give me sonal soul-winners Tom Decker and in the Lord. Now that I have ac­ the ceiling fan and I’ll go home.” Sylvia Potter impacted his life: cepted Christ, I feel like a new When I told her she would have to I attended church for 32 years person; I’m stronger. I feel God’s listen to my whole program, she po­ because it was the right thing to presence every day when I wake litely said, "M r. Battershell, do you do. Good people go to church. Un­ up. My goal is sanctification with go to church anywhere?” I told her I fortunately, the gospel was never the Lord. didn’t, so she invited me to her really shared with me. 1 believed church. I thanked her and told her to that I wasn’t worthy of the Lord’s Laymen Bill Bass and Randy Will- give me a call. love and that I could never be banks witnessed to employee Wes Mrs. Phillips didn’t take that lightly. good enough to get into heaven. M artin. Wes had been searching and Saturday afternoon she called to say On October 22 of last year, how­ reading the Bible. Wes testified, she looked forward to seeing me in ever, Tom Decker shared the gos­ At this point, I had been invited church the next day. I told her I pel with me and told me that I am to come to that church five or six planned to be there. Sunday morning somebody because God loves me. times. Finally, I thought that may­ she called to remind me and, as a By the grace of Jesus Christ, I was be if I went to church once, the result, I became a part-time church­ saved. people would leave me alone. So I goer. When my wife and I went to My whole life has changed. 1 went to church and found what I church, Mrs. Phillips was always there have a confidence and assurance had been reading about in the to say, "Tom, I’m praying for you. that has changed my relationships. Bible. I had been attending for The Lord has some good things to I have a peace that I’ve never had two weeks when Bill gave me a share with you, if you will just give before, and I’m so grateful for copy of the four spiritual laws to Him a chance.” that. read. I stuck it in my pocket On September 18, 1988, Chuck Another exciting thing has hap­ without even looking at it. When Millhuff held the last Sunday morn­ pened since I accepted Christ. A I got home, I remembered it and ing service of a revival at our church. At the end of the service he said, Johnnie said: attack, and in 1973 I was di­ "Whether it’s your children or your Tom talked to us about the vorced, but I still didn’t turn to mother or your wife or husband or Lord, and the Lord really used God. I decided to give up drink­ whoever it is, I’d like for you to just him. He became a real friend, get­ ing alcohol and then smoking turn to the person next to you and ting to know Clif in a short time. tobacco. But again, I had not say, 'Will I see you in heaven?’ ” I About a month after Tom started accepted the Lord. Nobody had knew that no one was going to see me visiting, we accepted Christ. ever shared the gospel with me. in heaven, so I made my way down to Now 1 sense a peace in my life. 1 About four years ago, Arleta the altar and gave everything to the used to become angry with Clif Andre, a member of Kansas City Lord. He took it all, and He changed when he let me down, but now I First Church of the Nazarene, my life. know I’m not alone, and I know invited my wife and me to the God is in control of my life. spring handbell concert. Every­ Darrell Melton and Tom Decker body was so friendly that we are laymen who are part of the per­ C lif continued: decided to go back for a morning sonal evangelism program at Kansas God made me and Johnnie service and have been attending City First Church. friends. Before we knew Him, we ever since. only tolerated one another, but However, being a pseudo-intel- What an impact they made on Clif now I’ve got peace, and I care lectual, I was hesitant to accept and John nie Moss! about other people. I’ve come a Christ. I talked to Pastor Shaver C lif testified: long way with Christ. at church and he offered to come Darrell Melton, who worked at over and explain Nazarene theol­ Superior Hyundai where I used ogy to me. He and two other peo­ to work, invited me to church all ple came to our house one even­ the time, but I didn’t want to go. ing and, after visiting a while, Johnnie and I were having some Pastor Shaver asked, "Roy, if you problems, so she started bugging died tonight, would you go to me about going to church. I finally heaven?” That got my attention. I decided that if I went to church really didn’t know. Pastor Shaver for a couple of weeks, everyone presented the gospel to us and would stop bothering me. everything became clear — Jesus But it didn’t work like that. died for me. We went to Kansas City First He’s done marvelous things Church and everybody was smil­ Roy Baker is a Harvard Ph.D. and a since I received him into my life. ing and happy to see us. When I professor of accounting. A personal Recently I’ve had the oppor­ got home, 1 asked my wife, "Are evangelism call changed his life. He tunity to counsel my students these people crazy or what?” We reports: about problems, and the Lord decided to continue visiting First I’m a product of a broken has given me wisdom, although Church. home. I never really knew my I’m not trained in psychology. I However, going to church was mother and lived with my grand­ have a reputation around the cam­ still a farce for me. I was going parents. Over the years, I got pus now: "If you’ve got a prob­ just to get Johnnie off my back. involved with the wrong crowds, lem, go to Dr. Baker. It stops at The more 1 attended, the more and by the time I was sixteen, I his door.” As of Labor Day, I will those people pulled me in, but I had a police record as long as my be teaching part-time not only at still wasn’t ready to change my arm. I ended up joining the Navy. the University of Missouri-Kan- lifestyle. I knew about sailors’ reputations sas City, but also at Mid-America Tom Decker called one day and tried to live up to them. It Nazarene College. I believe this is and wanted to come over. I was as if I went through a list of the road to which the Lord has thought, "Okay. I can handle sins every morning to choose one been leading me. Johnnie, and I can handle you for the day. Because of pastors, lay people, and too.” My idea of people who Over the years, I mellowed. I seminary students committed to pre­ went calling was that kind of per­ considered myself a friendly ag­ pare themselves to share the gospel son who would put me down for nostic. Several things happened through personal evangelism, these all the things 1 had done. As it that could have turned my atten­ miracle stories are possible. turned out, Tom had been tion to the Lord. For instance, in Oh, yes — the harvest is coming in. through a lot of the same things I 1954 I had cancer, but in spite of —by Dr. Charles "Chic” Shaver had been through. He made me the emotional upheaval, I didn’t Professor of Evangelism feel at ease. turn to God. In 19721 had a heart Nazarene Theological Seminary rm '

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and D iscipleship An Update on the Laml

“Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of the!

An Interview with Pastor David Best by Neil B. Wiseman, GROW Editor

WISEMAN: How many people live in your parish? Do you consider Manhattan island to be your parish?

BEST: Yes. The whole island of Manhattan has almost 2 million people. Another 1.5 million commute in every day; a half-million pass through Times Square every day just because this is a transportation hub and a crossroad. But, we are basically looking at Manhattan alone; the only English-speaking Nazarene Church in Manhattan; we are looking at 1.8 million. Plenty to do. I want the church to reflect that incredible mosaic of the community. Out­ side the front door, turn left, go ten minutes, you are in Hell’s Kitchen. Turn right, ten minutes you are in Rocke­ feller Center, corporate America.

GROW / Summer 1991 *s Club in Manhattan my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25 40, k jv ).

WISEMAN: Where do you see this ministry in five • We distribute clothing. years? • We provide health services. We are the only alternative for the poor to the emergency room at Bellview Height BEST: New York City is facing a major crisis. They tell Hospital. If they don’t have private insurance or money, me 60,000 manufacturing jobs were lost to New York City they sit in the emergency room for 8-10-12 hours and wait in the past decade. A lot of people don’t understand; that to get served. We are the only alternative that we are aware is a big reason for the social problems we are seeing. Those of in midtown for that adult population. We even get jobs are gone forever. In the meantime, we have people referrals from 20 Christian and secular agencies. who can’t support themselves with the skills that they have for jobs that don’t exist anymore. There is a real need for WISEMAN: Tell me about the profile of your pres­ the church to stand in that gap and do the job training, job ent worship activities. readiness, and help new businesses become viable in the city. BE ST: Sunday morning at 11 it is a very diverse group — I hope within five years to create more economic and the rich and the poor, black and white. We have seven income generating ministries like our counseling services; different nationality groups represented on a Sunday possibly some retail businesses; possibly a restaurant that morning. We really feel that is how it should be. We have would generate profits and also be a job training site for successful businessmen, people in the arts community, in people who could be trained in food service preparation; the investment world, and we will have others who are possibly some framing business — we have a lot of ideas homeless and jobless. They are all together. That is a that all revolve around economic development and em­ realvision I have for us in this place — to be a multi- ployment training. economic and multi-racial congregation. We have an aver­ age of 110 on Sundays right now — small congregation, WISEMAN: Has the Lamb’s ministry focus changed? but very exciting. B E ST : There have been changes. What hasn’t changed is that the Lamb’s has always been committed to do creative ministry to reach city people that would not otherwise be reached. What had been primary is an outreach to upper mobile young singles and young professionals through the arts and through other creative means. That part of the mission is still ongoing. What has changed began slowly when the church moved from the upper east side to Times Square in 1975. What the church encountered when they moved to Times Square were the needs of the Times Square community — the homeless, the street kids, the runaways, the prosti­ tutes. One staff person saw some homeless and hungry persons and invited them down into the dining room for the staff and the community. That was the beginning of our meal program. We now feed 1,000 people a week. Seven years ago, a nurse practitioner in the church saw that not only were some of the homeless hungry but also had some health needs. So she found a little space that hadn’t been used for anything else here in the Lamb’s. She WISEMAN: What kind of worship style do you started providing some health care for these people and have? now we have a full-time doctor and a full-time nurse and about 400 patients a month. The neighborhood shocked BEST: Our goal is to have worship that reflects evangeli­ us with problems—great new opportunities for ministry. cal warmth and spontaneity with a reverence for the his­ torical liturgy of the church. By that I mean not so much a WISEMAN: Why don’t you click off a checklist of particular form or structure but a service of the Word and what the ministry is right now. a service of the table. The sacraments and the Word are very important. Usually we have at least two or three B E ST : Through the Lamb’s Center: Scripture readings in a morning worship. We celebrate the • We feed 1,000 men, women, children a week. Lord’s Supper twice a month. • In social services, we see 300 people each week for But within that framework we try to use a variety of applicacy, titlements, job search, alcohol abuse prob­ styles of music and other expressions like drama. Our lems — getting people into referrals and residence music covers a wide range of traditions from the classical programs. to the black gospel.

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship Lamb’s Club in Manhattan

We try to become all things to all people so that by all to us in the last five years. A Presbyterian church in the means we might win some. I would say to a new person, suburbs of New Jersey is a very mission-minded church. you can’t come to the Lamb’s one Sunday and get a sense We have some farther away in the Midwest. We do get of our total worship life. You would have to come more some federal funds for our meal programs and some for than once; after a period of weeks, you will begin to see our health services, such as Medicaid reimbursement. how we incorporate all parts of our community into the worship. WISEMAN: Is fund-raising outside your pastoral role difficult? WISEMAN: What kind of staff do you have? BEST: It isn’t a hard thing for me to do. It is a joy. I believe BEST: We have about 20 on the payroll, part or full time; that I am doing people a favor when I ask them to give a gift that includes the 8 part-time counseling service staff. to the Lambs because I know what we are doing. It is of high quality. We use the dollars well. We stretch them. WISEMAN: How would you describe your ministry? We feed 1,000 people a week with one full-time staff person basically, and the rest volunteers. We make dollars BEST: My focus falls into three big areas. Sunday wor­ go a long way. And the work is critical for the needs of this ship experience, including preaching; setting the vision city and in getting the gospel out to people. So I don’t have with the staff and keeping that vision in front of them; and any problem with the mission and asking the people, and I raising the necessary funds for the ministry to continue. know that giving is a blessing. You are not talking about money, you are asking people to join us in this ministry.

WISEMAN: Tell me about the notion that the young professional finds a spiritual home here and then moves on. I have an idea that a lot of that has happened. Do you have 100 people around the country who are still faithful to Christ and the work of His Kingdom?

B EST: I would guess 500 to 600. I really think it is that high. We elected a church board recently and six months after that church board was elected, half of them had been reassigned because they were from financial corpora­ tions — young, good people. I’m a Southern California native. I’m used to transients and transient-type ministry, but I have never had 50% of WISEMAN: How is this work funded? my spiritual and financial leadership roll over that rapidly. That is a challenge here. BEST: The church budget is raised just like any Nazarene One of the things that I believe is critical for the success church budget is raised: tithes and offerings and people of the Lamb’s or any other urban ministry is that we need stretching; missionary offerings, Thanksgiving and Easter; to have a modern-day tentmaker movement. I need trying to be obedient to the Lord in what He asks us to do. accountants, lawyers, doctors to come and open their That is a challenge because we have a lot of people who are practices in Manhattan and make their commitment to be poor and they are faithful givers, but they don’t have many a member of the Lamb’s Church, pay their tithes, lead material resources from which to give. Bible studies, teach Sunday school classes, fellowship in Our Lamb’s Center budget operates all our social servi­ small groups and be salt in the city. We need that desper­ ces and non-traditional ministries. That budget is raised ately. It is the only way our urban churches will succeed in through a variety of means, primarily individual donors, the long run to the glory of God. friends of the Lamb’s all across the country who give to us month by month; private foundations for public corpora­ WISEMAN: Isn’t New York City frightening? tions; churches, the district church, the general church, a lot of other local Nazarene churches participate. We have B EST: Certainly the city provides a challenge to a lot of 3 or 4 major church benefactors who write us into their people in terms of the living environment. But we’ve mission budgets — congregations of other denominations. painted the city so dark and so dismal that people don’t We couldn’t make it without that ecumenical support. want to live here. I go across the country and people ask They are away and close in. We have a church here in me all the time, "D o you ride the subways?” I say, "Every Manhattan over on 5th Avenue that has been very faithful day, along with millions of New Yorkers.” People outside

26 GROW / Summer 1991 of Manhattan think that people are shot on the subway I went to college that fall, Pasadena College, with a lot of every day in every car, but it is not true. They think every questions. Not so much about my faith, but about the jogger who jogs in Central Park is brutally attacked. It is church and its responsiveness to the turmoil that our not true. It is really difficult to challenge people to get over society was going through at that time. I didn’t know all of that initial fear or that image they have of the city, because this then, but when you asked me, "W hy David Best? the city really has many positive, wonderful things to Why at the Lamb’s?” I think it is in some part way back celebrate. then. But it definitely needs mature believers who are on fire I began to really try to search and see if our faith was and vitally alive in the Spirit and we need their resources, viable for the day in which we lived. Did it make any sense? spiritually and financially. I’m just on a real binge to Did it have anything to say? Not just for our salvation challenge people to consider asking for a transfer into New sometime by and by, but right now, in the here and now. I York City. What if you went to your supervisor and said, struggled a lot, again not with my faith in Christ, but the "I would like to transfer to Manhattan.” What would he vitality of that faith making a difference in our world. think if you asked for that instead of Phoenix or Colorado Thankfully, I started reading Bresee and Wesley; some­ Springs or San Diego? Why not, though? times we quote them a lot, but we don’t always read them. 1 said, "Those men served their generation and made a WISEMAN: Why David Best and the Lamb’s Club? difference. That is what I want. That is the kind of faith I Why are you here? want.” I had to be in a place where I could serve the Lord and BEST: I was riding a taxi not too long after I came to New not only declare His good news, but demonstrate it. That York and I told the person I just moved from Santa is something I often talk about here with our staff. The Barbara, around Los Angeles, California. The man almost Lamb’s is about declaring and demonstration. In fact, drove into the side of the street. He slammed on the brakes someone has said, "All preaching is explanation of that and said, "You what?” I’ve had a few reactions like that demonstration. ’ ’ since I’ve been here. Wiseman: So you are here by divine appointment. I’m grateful for your taking the time to tell GROW readers about the Lamb’s.

I am here; I say it very humbly, because I believe the Lord has prepared me over the years. I look back on the things the Lord has allowed me to do in the field of music, in my earlier days of ministry. That gave me a sensitivity to Christians in the arts. My years as an editor and writer gave me some skills and sensitivity which I need for communication and fund-raising. And the fact that as I grew up in a metropolitan area the Lord has given me a heart for the city. But for me personally, I have to go back to my senior year of high school. Nine days before I graduated, I was listening to KFWB radio in Los Angeles one night around midnight, listening to the returns on the Democratic pre­ sidential primary in the state of California in 1968. As I listened to Kennedy give his acceptance speech in what was an upset victory; photographers and press followed him off the podium, down to the back doors of the Ambassa­ dor Hotel. I listened as he was shot on public radio. That was the third major political figure that had been assassi­ nated during my teenager years.

A Journal o f Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 27 m m m w asm m m

CHURCH GROWTH hhhbhhh AVERAGE CHURCH MEMBERSHIP SIZE Nazarene Districts in Canada and the United States

AVERAGE WORSHIP ATTENDANCE SIZE Nazarene Districts in Canada and the United States R esearch T rends

Provided by Church Growth Research Center Dale E. Jones, Manager

Nazarene First 1990 census results are in . .. New York, New England, and Philadelphia District Total are still the top Nazarene districts in total population . . . over 9 million peo- Populations pie in each. Los Angeles now has more people to reach than Chicago Central or Washington (DC) . . . Northern California is seventh largest, with the Southeast Atlantic districts of North Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia rounding out the top 10. Upstate New York dropped from seventh to eleventh during the decade ... but still has over 6 million people to minister to. Every regular district now has at least half a million people for ministry opportun­ ities. Florida Space Coast had "barely 350,000 people in 1980 (while it was still part of Central Florida) but grew nearly 50% in ten years. California, Texas, and other Florida districts also grew well... as did Alaska and Arizona.

Population Several districts lost total population during the decade . . . especially Appa­ Penetration lachian areas and the northern plains. West Virginia South lost over 10% of its population during the 1980s... but grew over 10% in membership. Net result is 25% increase in “population penetration” ... measure of Nazarene presence in general population. Top district in population penetration is Northwest Oklahoma... over 2% of the district population are full members of the Church of the Nazarene. Northeastern Indiana and West Virginia South are next best, followed by West Virginia North and Southwest Indiana ... nearly 1% of the population are Nazarenes in these areas. During 1980s, Nazarenes increased population penetration in Northeast dis­ tricts ... from Boston to Washington... also in Appalachian areas... in Central US from Northern Michigan to Dallas.

Ethnic Growth Publication deadlines come before detailed ethnic data is available . . . but Asian population has grown the most, followed by those of Spanish background. Nazarene church growth has shown the same trends . . . many gains in Asian Nazarenes during the 1980s ... also in Spanish-speaking congregations.

Correction In the “Harvest Reports” published in the last issue of GROW, three churches were mistakenly left off the list. We regret the error but rej oice in the growth. Apologies to Kansas City First, 59, Keith Wright former pastor, Jesse C. Middendorf present pastor; Fort Collins (Colorado) Cornerstone, 60, Herbert Ketterling; and Tulsa Cen­ tral, 78, B. Edwin McDonald former pastor, Tim Stearman present pastor.

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 29 CHURCH GROWTH A Powerful and P ractical Resource Now A vailab le. . .

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GMS-5 $24.95

DIVISION OF ■ Strategy CHURCH ■ Challenges ■ Format GROWTH ■ Research ■ Implementation ■ Resources

Order from: NAZARENE PUBLISHING HOUSE, P.O. Box 419527, Kansas City, MO 64141 1-800-877-0700 M inistry at the Front of Operation Desert Storm

Twenty-four Nazarene military chaplains serve the troops in the Persian Gulf. Though news, because of advanced deadlines, will not be current when this article actually reaches our readers, the passion for souls and the cry for peace from the hearts of these pastors who minis­ ter to the military are abundantly clear. LCDR Chris E. Fosback, CHC, USN: “My specific prayer requests include (1) strength and health to enable me to minister to the Marines and sailors assigned to me; (2) God’s protection while I travel so many miles each week in the desert; (3) that God will open hearts of Ma­ rines and sailors to His voice; (4) that the gospel will take root in the hearts of the men so they will find forgiveness and cleansing; and (5) the provision of Christian tracts and literature to distribute to our military personnel.” Chaplain (CPT) Jam es P. Roberts, USAR: “Since the war has started, we have had SCUD attacks almost every night. They come right over us and when the Patriot mis­ siles intercept, the whole sky lights up. It’s a fireworks exhibition that I would just as soon miss. We are thankful that we have a system that counters the SCUD__ Many young soldiers are no older than my son, so when some­ one needs a hug, they get it from me. I love each as if they were my own--- I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know Who holds the future. Christ is working greatly in our camp.” Chaplain (CPT) Steven W. Holley, ANG, writes on his fortieth birthday after being called up as a reservist: “I serve at a group headquarters with three other chaplains. I’m preaching three times on Sundays. I really miss my church — Burlington, NC First Church. My unit has been activated for 37 days now — hopefully for only six months. I have an assistant pastor who is acting as senior pastor back home. Please pray that the church survives and even grows during this separation. People here are veiy open to the word of comfort, inspiration, and direction.”

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship Intlie Supreme Commander’s Service

Chaplain (CPT) John W. Gwinn, USAR: “I literally have hundreds of letters and cards from Nazarenes all over the USA. I hold a consolidated Protestant service on Sunday. Right now, we average 90 soldiers per Sunday. I feel the great responsibility to prepare them for possible death. Prayerfully, more will come to salvation.” Chaplain (CPT) David A. Tish, USAR: “I will distrib­ ute the H erald of H oliness and let you know how they are received. In the meantime, I could use some Bible study materials, such as the new series that goes through booksan.” of the Bible. May 1991 find a truly new peace for us Chaplain (CPT) David M. Brown, USAR: “It ba.q been encouraging to have soldiers during our prayer times voice prayers for Iraqi soldiers and their families, the hos­ tages left in Kuwait, and even Saddam Hussein.” LT. Thomas E. Cook, CHC, USNR: “I am aboard the USS New Orleans. Received your letters and the letter from the General Superintendents. Good encouragement. Bible studies are popping up everywhere as we get closer to the Gulf. Pray for us.” ■/i 'i- . Chaplain (M AJ) Robert D. Branson, USAR: “Our min­ istry consists of service on Sunday and counseling during the week. This week we started a Bible study. We are pres­ ently waiting for the ground war to begin. With it will come increased suffering and death. Pray that Christ will make us equal to our opportunity to minister.” Chaplain (CPT) David W. Frazer, USAR: “I have been leading a Bible study and worship services every day. We CH Lowell Moore conducting worship in are seeing the Christians strengthened. Some have accept­ Saudi Arabia. ed God’s call on their lives to full-time Christian service. It is hard to be here among the dirt eveiy day. The hearts of the soldiers long to be back home. We keep praying for a miracle.”

32 GROW / Summer 1991 CHURCH GROWTH mall Church Institute An Expansion of Church Size Strategies

The Small Church Institute Will Be Launched

At the Evangelism Conference Fort Worth, Tex.

The “If you are one of the ‘under 100 members’ congregations that Smaller predominate in the Christian Church today, you have sufficient reason for Church positive attitudes about your church in a and its place in the K ingdom .” Super Church BILL M. SULLIVAN Era

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Personal Growth Helps for Leaders

word from any friends, not even her until two more children were born. PERSONAL only daughter. It would be many She lost the use of her muscles and GROWTH HELPS years before she learned that her was soon confined to a wheelchair. daughter, during interrogation by She even lost the ability to talk. Yet FOR LEADERS Red Guards, had been thrown out of she possessed an indomitable spirit a third story window to her death. that was centered in Jesus. She deter­ W E E K O N E Cut off from all human contact, she mined that she was not going to vege­ A SONG IN THE NIGHT felt utterly alone, abandoned even tate, nor did she let her handicap stop by God. her from assuming her share of the " . . . God my maker, who gives At the midnight hour, she heard a responsibility for raising her children. songs in the night” (Job 3 5 :1 0 ) clear young soprano voice singing, at She insisted on being taken every­ It is not only upon the mountain first tentatively but then boldly, "S i­ where her family went: church, shop­ top but in the valley of the shadow of lent Night, Holy Night.” Nien Cheng ping, ball games, neighborhood death that we encounter God’s glory. was enraptured. A warm glow filled strolls. She radiated the love of Jesus. Such it was for Nien Cheng as she her frozen cell. The courageous solo­ Her great joy, in later years, was to be languished at the point of death De­ ist sang all of the verses before the equipped with a laser light on her cember, 1966, in a Peking women’s guards were able to silence her. There forehead that she could move just prison. Her background of privilege was just enough light, however, in enough to activate a computer key­ and her Christian faith made her a that midnight Christmas carol to let board and thus communicate once ready target of the Red Guards during her know that she had not been aban­ again. To her, it was a beautiful token China’s spasm of national self-de­ doned by God. She was not alone. of God’s grace and faithfulness. struction called The Cultural Revolu­ And it gave her the courage to endure Jane passed away recently, having tion. When she refused to confess six more brutal years. She survived lived twenty-three full and vibrant that any of this made her an enemy of her ordeal, was released, and is now years after contracting the disease the state, she was placed in solitary living in Washington, D.C. (95% of ALS patients do not survive confinement for long periods of time, (Life and Death in Shanghai) five years). She left behind marvelous broken only by prolonged sessions trophies of grace. Her seven children of interrogation, torture, and public W EEK TW O caught the Christ-spirit. Two sons humiliation. distinguished themselves in college It was Christmas Eve. She was re­ LASER LIGHT GRACE athletics with one earning All-Amer­ membering Christmas Eves past. She ican honors. Two of her children have "M y grace is sufficient for you, for was sure she would never know them become public school teachers, an­ my power is perfected in weakness” again as she shivered on her wooden other an accountant, another a spe­ (II Corinthians 12:9) bed with a thin blanket drawn about cialist in micro-biology, another a reg­ her, tormented by Siberian winds Though Jane Forseth, mother of istered nurse, another a linguist and gusting through a cell window that five, began to mysteriously lose coor­ lay-missionary to China, and another she could not close. Adding to her dination, she was not diagnosed as a college professor with an earned desolation was not having heard a having ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) Ph.D. Eric is one of my colleagues at

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 35 ROOTED IN CHRIST did not know Him.” She is also symbolic of that vast multitude of humble, quiet servants who, in a thousand ways, sustain, nourish, and Northwest Nazarene College. And so spirit of a courageous woman who enhance our lives — and of whom we the "laser light grace” of Jane Forseth would not let even a handicap like are totally unaware. keeps on shining until, as she loved to total paralysis stop her from sharing testify, "in a twinkling of an eye . . . Christ’s love with others. "F or when W EEK FIVE the dead will be raised im perishable, I am weak, then I am strong” (II we shall be changed” (I Corinthians Corinthians 12:10). POWER IN MIDNIGHT PRAISE 15:52). "B ut about midnight Paul and Silas W EEK F O U R were praying and singing hymns of W EEK TH R EE praise to G od. . . and suddenly there AN INCOGNITO PRESENCE came a great earthquake” (Acts A HEALING LIGHT "H e was in the world, and the world 16:25, 2 6 ) "M ost gladly, therefore, I will rather was made through Him, and the Everything that could go wrong for boast about my weaknesses, that the world did not know Him” (John Paul did. First his dream of continuing power of Christ may dwell in me” 1 10 : ) to evangelize Asia was blocked. Then (II Corinthians 12:9) Dr. Richard Selzer, professor of there was a vision in the night in which The date was November 17, 1987. surgery at Yale Medical School, tells he saw a man from Macedonia saying, The place: Boise, Idaho. As I deplaned, about Adele Cleary, a recovery room "Come over and help us.” But he never I noticed television reporters, with nurse. For thirty-five years, she re­ did meet or find the man once he their video cameras set up, and small ceived dozens of postoperative pa­ crossed over to Philippi. There was not groups of people huddled about them. tients daily, each of whom shared vari­ even a synagogue in the city where he Wondering what celebrity they might ous shades of unconsciousness. Adele could preach and launch his mission. be expecting, I asked someone what was a hunchback. She never married. All he found were a few women, and was going on. I was told that Conti­ She lived alone. She was self-con­ only one of these, Lydia, opened her nental Flight 1713, headed for Boise, scious and awkward at social gather­ heart to the Lord. Added to that was the had crashed on takeoff from the Den­ ings, yet in the recovery room she annoyance of a possessed slave girl who ver airport. Twenty-six passengers died. was, in her ministrations and loving pestered them for days until, in exasper­ Among the survivors was Dr. Ken care, a study of grace and compassion. ation, Paul turned and cast out the Watson, academic dean at our col­ Some of her patients flailed about, demon that was torturing her. The lege, Northwest Nazarene. He was in a driven by a drug-induced violence, do­ thanks he got was to be hauled before coma and on the critical list for ing damage to themselves or to her. the magistrates, flogged, and jailed. weeks. The entire campus commu­ She wore her bruises and black eyes as Robert Hughes, in his history of Aus­ nity rallied with fervent prayer sup­ trophies. When they choked on their tralia, The Fatal Shores, describes in gory port. It was doubtful at first if he vomit or suffered cardiac arrest, she detail what it means to be flogged. In would survive and, if he did, the doc­ would put her mouth on theirs or 1835 alone, there were 332,810 lashes tors warned that he would be severely pound their chests. Throughout her laid on the backs of 27,340 convict- crippled. The good news is that he has endless thumping, wiping, rubbing, settlers. He reports, "Even 25 lashes was enjoyed an almost total recovery and and braiding of tubes and wires about a draconic torture, able to skin a man’s is back at the college with full-time pale, sick faces, she enveloped them back and leave it a tangled web of criss­ responsibilities. in encouraging words: "You’re going cross knotted scars. The psychological It was not known until some time to be all right.” "Pretty soon, you’ll damage inflicted by the lash was worse later that a significant ingredient in his be back in your own bed.” than the physical” (p. 428). As if this healing were the weekly visits of Jane Yet, because of postoperative am­ were not enough, Paul and Silas — Forseth (see above devotional), who, nesia, not a single patient remem­ backs lacerated and bodies bruised — although totally incapacitated because bered Adele. Sometimes she would were locked in stocks and left immobil­ of ALS, had herself wheeled into his forget herself and greet former pa­ ized to shiver through the night in the hospital room. Even though she could tients on the street. They would stare desolation of a cold, damp prison cell. not talk, her children had learned how at this bent little woman a moment Yet, in their physical, spiritual, and to interpret her mumbling, groans, and, without a flicker of recognition emotional midnight hour, they began and facial and eye movements to registering on their faces, would turn "singing hymns of praise to God” where they could communicate what away. Few noted Adele’s retirement, (16:25). There was so much power in she was trying to say. In this way, Jane fewer still, her death. their praise that the earth trembled, the brought comfort, encouragement, and In life and death, Adele Cleary is a foundations shook, chains fell off, and the blessing of Christ to Dr. Watson. type of the "incognito” Christ, Who prison doors opened. And before the And he attributes his healing today, in "was in the world, and the world was sun rose on a new day, the church at a large measure, to the indomitable made through Him, and the world Philippi was bom.

36 GROW / Summer 1991 cancer cells, could be found, and there ROOTED IH CHRIST! has been no recurrence of it since then. Bearing one another’s burdens re­ quiet light of that star which shone so W EEK SIX leases tremendous healing forces! brightly in the eastern sky two thou­ sand years ago. A LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS W EEK EIG H T "A nd when they saw the star, they W EEK SEV EN rejoiced exceedingly with great joy” A HEALING TOUCH (Matthew 2:10) A HEALING EMBRACE "A nd moved with compassion, Jesus Shortly before being expelled from "B ear one another’s burdens, and stretched out His hand and touched the Soviet Union, Aleksandr Solzhenit­ thus fulfill the law of Christ” (G ala­ him, and said to him, 'I am willing; syn wrote an open letter to the Patri­ tians 6:2) be cleansed’ ” (M ark 1:41) arch of All Russia in which he con­ Dr. Lloyd Ogilvie, pastor of Hol­ The date was March 30, 1981. Tel­ fessed: "Your pastoral letter said that lywood Presbyterian Church, tells evision stations interrupted their pro­ parents should inculcate in their chil­ about the darkest experience of his grams to flash: "President Reagan has dren . . . a love for their native land, a life. His wife’s physician had just been shot!” The nation stopped in its love for the church. As I heard this, shown him X-rays of an inoperable tracks to follow the shocking news. there rose up before me my own child­ tumor in her lungs. The prognosis Fortunately, the wound was not fatal. hood, the many church services I attend­ was not good. Even though he had John Hinckley, Jr., was taken into ed, and the impression they made on cleared his calendar in order to stay custody and the President soon healed. me, singular in freshness and pu­ with his wife, she insisted that he keep In his recently published memoirs, rity, which no personal suffering and his afternoon appointment with his An American Life, the President tells no intellectual theories were able later to covenant group of four fellow minis­ about that day. As he was about to erase.... We are robbing our children ters with whom he met every month. enter a Washington hotel to deliver a when we deprive them of something Knowing that his colleagues had speech, there was a pop, pop, pop they can never experience again—the enough problems of their own with sound. Secret Service Agent Jerry Parr pure angelic perception of wor­ which to deal, he determined that he pushed the President back into the car ship (The Christian Reader, Vol. 12, was not going to load them down with and threw himself over him as a hu­ No. 4, 1974, p. 34). the crisis that was breaking his heart. man shield. At that moment, the Pres­ Enough light emanated from those When he walked into the room, they ident felt a searing pain in his back and childhood encounters with God’s glory asked how he was doing. He forced upper chest. He assumed that Jerry in worship to completely disenchant out, "Fine.” They sensed that he was had broken his ribs. It was not until Solzhenitsyn with Marxist philosophy not fine at all, and so they pressed him. they got to the hospital that they dis­ in adulthood. He became Russian So­ Finally, he burst into tears and shared covered the damage had been by a cialism’s most eloquent dissident. with them that his wife had just been bullet that entered under Though his writings were banned diagnosed as having terminal cancer. the President’s armpit and stopped throughout the Communist world, his Immediately they gathered around one inch short of his heart. scathing critique in Gulag Archipelago him, while he was still standing. They He writes, "I was lying on the gur- was laboriously copied on typewriters wrapped their arms about him, press­ ney half-conscious when I realized that and distributed widely through the ing their bodies in on him like a someone was holding my hand. It was Soviet underground. Russians were blanket, and then they prayed, "Fa­ a soft, feminine hand. I felt it touch shocked to learn what was going on ther, let his grief pass into us and mine and then hold on tight to it. It behind Communism’s propaganda become ours.” At that very moment, must have been the hand of a nurse facade. he felt the deep pain going out of him kneeling very close to the gurney, but I There is no question about the fact and into his friends. They began to couldn’t see h er.. . . Although I tried that the stunning collapse of walls and weep. They had acted like a human afterward to learn who the nurse was, I the fall of East European Communist poultice, drawing out the hurt into was never able to find her. I wanted to governments, which we are witnessing themselves. They then prayed for Jo’s tell her how much the touch of her today, can be traced to the piercing healing. Later, Pastor Ogilvie discov­ hand had meant to me, but I was never light of the glory of God which Solz­ ered that, at that very hour, his wife able to do that.” henitsyn experienced as a child in felt a definite touch of God on her I believe that Jesus was in Jerry’s Christian worship. Neither Herod the body in her hospital room. The tumor body covering the President that day, Great nor any of the tyrants of this began to slowly but perceptibly shrink. and Jesus was in the comforting touch world have been able to extinguish the Several weeks later, no sign of it, nor of that anonymous nurse’s hand. The

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 37 emotion. I had difficulty seeing the ROOTED IN CHRIST road. We were both deeply touched. For a long season we said nothing, holding hands and enjoying the glow President concludes by testifying, fessed, "I would gladly go into the of the glory of God as the miles rolled "Someone was looking out for me valley of the shadow of death a thou­ under us. We often recall the "song in that day” (Time, Nov. 5,1990, p. 70). sand times if, thereby, I could help the night” with a sense of profound Amen! some other poor soul in their hour of wonder and joy. "O Holy Night.” extremity.” W EEK N IN E WEEK ELEVEN W EEK TEN VALLEY OF FROM DEATH TO ETERNAL LIFE THE SHADOW OF DEATH SONGS IN THE NIGHT "God sent me before you . . . to keep "Even though I walk through the " I will remember my song in the you alive by a great deliverance” valley o f the shadow o f death, I fear n igh t...” (Psalm 77:6) (Genesis 45:7) no evil; for Thou art with me” The car was beginning to climb up (Psalm 23:4) the Blue Ridge Mountains grade. We Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn tells how At the height of his popularity as were returning to Nampa from Portland he recovered his faith in God. He was London’s most renowned preacher, where I had preached both services. lying at the point of death in one of Charles Haddon Spurgeon slid into a During the sacrament of the Lord’s Stalin’s Siberian slave labor camps. deep depression. Upon the urging of Supper observed during the evening While passing in and out of a delir­ his physician, he took a three-month service, the choir sang a hauntingly ium, Dr. Boris Kornfeld — who had rest in the country. On the Sunday beautiful new piece titled "Commun­ taken a cancerous tumor out of his night before he left, he preached on ion Song.” The refrain repeated the stomach — sat beside his cot, fer­ the text: "My God, My God, why hast words of Jesus over and over again, vently telling him the story of his con­ Thou forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). "Remember me, remember me.” version from Judaism to Christianity. He felt fully qualified to preach on As we were reliving the excitement "I was astonished at the conviction of such a subject because he himself had of the day, my wife remarked, "1 wish the new convert, at the ardor of his descended into the dark valley of we had a tape of that new communion words,” Solzhenitsyn recalls. God-forsakenness. song.” Just then, I remembered some­ Early the next morning, Dr. Korn­ After the service, a man, eyes wild one slipping something into my suit feld was beaten to death by some fel­ with torment, intercepted him and pocket as I hurried out the door after low prisoners. During the sleepless asked to talk to him. He showed Spur­ the service, eager to get going for the nights that followed, as he pondered geon a revolver in his pocket. Then he all-night drive home. Sure enough, it Kornfeld’s words, Solzhenitsyn under­ told him that he was on his way to the was a recording of that service. I put it went a profound spiritual conversion. Thames River to end it all when he in my tape deck. After listening to He writes, "And so it happened that chanced to pass by the church and "Communion Song,” Marge said, Kornfeld’s prophetic words were his hear, through the open door, the text "Play it again.” So I did, over and over last words on earth. And, directed to for the sermon being read. He slipped again. With its gentle harmonies in the me, they lay upon me as an inherit­ into the back. As he listened, he background, we began to recall some ance. You cannot brush off that kind thought to himself, "There is a man of the communion services we had of inheritance by shrugging your who truly feels what I feel.” Spurgeon known, not only in our churches, but shoulders.” prayed with the man. He received as a family. We relived the many He wrote a poem about that expe­ Christ into his life. The burden lifted communion services we had enjoyed rience that includes these lines: and joy came into his soul. around the Christmas tree before ex­ Many years later, the same man changing gifts. We reveled in the happy When was it that I completely accosted Spurgeon. He reminded him memories of communion celebrated Scattered the good seeds, one and of that fateful night and testified that while on vacation: on mountain lake all? he had lived in the sunshine and the beaches, beside rushing streams, and For after all I spent my boyhood fullness of the blessing of Christ since seated among wild flowers in high, In the bright singing of Thy temples. that time. Furthermore, he was now Alpine meadows. And then, all of a Blood seethed — and every swirl devoting his life to the ministry of sudden, with a full moon bathing the Gleamed iridescently before me, preaching the gospel. When Spurgeon landscape in a silvery light, the glory of Without a rumble the building of noted the dramatic transformation in God came into our car, washing over my faith this former suicidal brother, he con­ our spirits, releasing floodgates of Quietly crumbled within my heart.

38 GROW / Summer 1991 ROOTED IN CHRISTI breath and let the wonder in.” 1 do not know about the gods of ancient Greece, but I do know about But passing here between being and that God would be with him. "It was the God Who became flesh in Jesus of nothingness, for King,” Taylor Branch observes, Nazareth, and how He lowered Him­ Stumbling and clutching at the edge... "the first transcendent religious expe­ self to our level, twisted Himself to the shape of our sins, embraced us And now with measuring cup returned rience of his life” (Parting the Waters, with His strong arms unto death, even to me, p. 162). It gave him the singleness of death on a cross, all to show us that Scooping up the living water, purpose and the strength of resolve to His love for us still works. And when God of the Universe! I believe lead the most significant peace-time I contemplate so great a love, I too again! social revolution in the history of our "hold my breath and let the wonder Though I renounced You, You were country. Like King David, he, too, in.” (Richard Selzer, Mortal Lessons, with me! stumbled. Yet, like his Master, he pp. 45-46) (Gulag Archipelago, Two, pp. 613-616) gave his all to "preach good news to the poor, proclaim release to the cap­ tives . . . to set free those who are WEEK TWELVE downtrodden” (Luke 4:18). And our A STILL, SMALL VOICE nation will never be the same. "A nd after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and WEEK THIRTEEN after the fire a sound o f a gentle . . . THE TRIUMPH OF LOVE voice” (I Kings 19:12-13) "A nd the Word became flesh, and All hell suddenly broke loose over dwelt am ong us, and we beheld His the head of this gentle, young black glory ...” (John 1:14) preacher who wanted nothing else except to preach and write in the quiet In removing a tumor from a young of a small, urban church in Montgom­ woman’s cheek, Dr. Richard Selzer ery, Alabama. He had been drawn, could not avoid severing a facial nerve, almost against his will, however, into the one to the muscles of her mouth. the vortex of a movement destined to Consequently, her mouth would be tear the South apart: the crusade for permanently twisted, one side of her Civil Rights. It had begun rather face unable to lift itself when she innocuously by the black community smiled. organizing a boycott of the city bus She was weeping when her young system for its segregation of passen­ husband came into the room, with the gers. Martin Luther King, Jr., was bed sheet pulled up over her mouth. arrested. For the first time in his life, She did not want him to see her face. he felt the horror of iron prison doors He moved over to her bedside and clang shut behind him. Even though took her hand in his. With ever so he was soon bailed out, the expe­ gentle a tug, he pulled the sheet down. rience traumatized him deeply. He studied the disfigurement for a Late the next night, exhausted by moment with quizzical expression, the day’s frenetic stream of well- then he broke out in a huge smile. wishers, anxious friends, and hate "I like it,” he said; "it’s kind of phone calls, he buried his face in his cute.” hands at the kitchen table. He prayed Unmindful of the doctor’s gaze, he as he had never prayed before, con­ bent to kiss her crooked mouth. The cluding with this confession: "I ’ve doctor was so close that he could not come to the point where I can’t face it help seeing how he twisted his own alone.” lips to accommodate to hers to show As he uttered those words, the that their kiss still worked. Selzer fears began to melt away. He heard an comments on that moment: "I remem­ "inner voice” telling him that he was ber that the gods appeared in ancient on the right track and assuring him Greece as mortals, and I hold my

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 39 A Witness in Corporate America Helps Plant a Church

The new idea of being mar­ Therefore, I must have great worth ried to a pastor was hard for to Him. It is easy to lose sight of me to accept and understand. PUBLISHING this when you plant a new church. I knew nothing about it. And It is hard to remember you are my first experience at being valuable to God because of who a pastor’s wife involved a you are, not how big your church is or how well you perform your church plant, which made it EXECUTIVE ministry. even worse. It is also important as a pastor’s Here’s my story of bow wife to know who you are. After God uses me as a Time-Life FINDS CHRIST my husband entered the ministry publishing executive and a and we had moved from the church pastor’s wife to get a new and Follows Her Husband where we were saved, I had to church off the ground. come to grips with being myself. I am n ot p ro u d o f m y past. Into the Ministry J im thought he knew what I should Before I became a Christian, be, I thought I knew who I should I worshiped like a believer, but I lived like an atheist; I am be, and other Christians told me who I should be. None of us surprised the Lord ever saved me. I knew just enough about grasped what God wanted me to be. God to make me satisfied but not enough to save me. I remember visiting a church and being introduced to a My husband and I started really believing in Jesus in 1983. young couple, "This is Reverend Warren and his wife.” I I had met my husband, Jim, at the University of Michigan added, "I’m Linda.” It seemed odd to me that after having my where he was studying graphic design and I majored in econom­ own name for thirty years, I was now addressed only in relation ics. We both graduated in 1979 and headed to New York City. to my husband. I pictured the next forty years as the nameless Jim immediately landed a job with an advertising agency, and I minister’s wife. That night I said to Jim, "I just can’t do it. was offered an entry level position in publishing. Even though God called you to be a minister but He didn’t call me to be a things appeared to be going well, I found myself worrying pastor’s wife.” about my life. No matter what career path 1 took, a hundred Then, too, I could not see myself fulfilling the traditional years down the road, I wound up dead. Needless to say, this roles. I thought I did not have the talent or spiritual gifts that thought frightened me and 1 decided to "get into religion.” I would make it work. I also knew that when you planted a attended every Bible study and service at my church, gave ten church, you had to wear many different hats. It was hard for me percent of my income and, for some reason, decided to join the to have people over to our house; the way I cook, it’s hard to handbell choir. I felt a little closer to God, but I knew I was tell if the meat is food or burnt offering. And while most missing out on something. pastor’s wives are compassionate listeners, I have trouble lis­ One Sunday, I was flipping through the radio stations, trying tening to people’s problems. My advice, "Read the Bible and to find a program about Jesus. 1 found a call-in program where do what it says,” or "When God says, 'Jump,’ you ask how the host, Charley Rizzo, answered questions about God. high.” My husband even thought I would have to make some Charley was smart and funny, so I was pretty surprised to dramatic changes to be a pastor’s wife, and I was ready to just find out he was a minister. After listening to the show for a give up. few months, I convinced Jim that we should drive to New One day, I stopped trying to be my ideal stereotype of a Jersey to visit the church where Charley pastored. pastor’s wife and started being who I was as a Christian. Since Driving on the George Washington Bridge, I began to get my spiritual gifts are teaching, preaching, and wisdom, why was nervous. I said to Jim, "I feel like after tonight our lives will I trying to spend my time on counseling, compassion, and never be the same again. It’s kind of sad.” hospitality? Efforts in those areas produced no results. But Jim replied, "D o you want to go back home?” when I started teaching the adult Bible study, the attendance "N o,” I answered, "I feel like one door is closing but another jumped. I would preach occasionally, and people would be door is opening.” That night, our lives changed forever. The moved. The Holy Spirit even gave me insights about the church Lord saved us. Jim and I both realized that night — we needed and its future. Now I was really helping my husband jumpstart God in our lives. the new plant because I was a vital part of the church, the God went to a lot of trouble to save me. Looking back, I person God intended me to be. realize that I could have easily gotten off track in my search, but Finally, the minister’s wife must be open to the surprising God had great patience and love for me. He also arranged ways God wants to use her for building His kingdom. My story events and circumstances to get me into His kingdom. is unique. In addition to being a pastor’s wife, I am also a

40 GROW / Summer 1991 publishing executive at Sports Illustrated. in the country. A large home goes for half a million dollars and My job title is Consumer Marketing Director, which means I office space and buildings are frightfully expensive. So, our am responsible for all market efforts for Sports Illustrated — yes, church plant could only afford to rent a room in the Y.M.C.A. even the football phones and 170 million dollars in revenues. for services. Bill and Carol wound up moving in December of The job comes complete with a corner office, travel around the 1988 because they worked four jobs between them and still world, tickets to the Super Bowl, and lots of pressure. I put in could not make ends meet. long hours; I leave for work at 7:30 a.m. and I’m not home until Because of my job, Jim can spend all his time on the new 7:30 p.m. My work environment is fast-paced and highly church. I was able to pay for Jim’s education for the ministry competitive. Also, the methods of the world are not the ways and support both our family and the church in its infancy. of the Christian, so I sometimes find myself swimming against There are many new Christians and fully dedicated Christians the tide of popular opinion. Although there are times that I at Westchester Chapel; I’m sure there would not be as many if I find myself wishing I were in full-time ministry, I know God did not work full time. orchestrated my rise up the corporate ladder for His glory. Why do I do this? Because God is my passion. A man who In 1988, Bill and Carol Wiesman, Jim, and I started West­ works with me stopped by my office recently. He said, "Linda, chester Chapel Church of the Nazarene in White Plains, New there are three kinds of people who work at this company. York. The Yorktown Church had saved money for years to First, there are people who work because work is everything to help finance a church plant in lower Westchester. In Westches­ them. Then there are people who work here because they have ter, the residents are culturally diverse, unchurched, and diffi­ bills to pay. Finally, there are people who work here to finance cult to reach with the gospel. It was expensive to try to target what they really love — that’s you.” people who would respond to the message of the gospel. I replied, "You’re right, Hank. I work for what I love.” I It is also very expensive to support a pastor and maintain a think I really intended to say, "I work for Whom I love.” church since Westchester’s cost of living is among the highest —by Linda D. Warren

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 41 PENSIONS AND BENEFITS

When You or Your Church Board Have Questions....

about taxes, retirement, and insur­ ance, the answers are available. These answers are timely, specific, and free. All you need to do is ask.

series of church management memos and a number of r \ □ Benefits Summary Brochure informational brochures are available at no cost to you from □ Pre-Retirement Planning Brochure the Pensions office. To request any brochures you desire, □ “ Basic” Pension Plan Summary simply check the appropriate box, complete the name and □ The Nazarene Tax-Sheltered Annuity Plan (TSA) address portion, and mail to the Pensions office at the □ The Nazarene Individual Retirement Annuity Plan (IRA) address below. All MEMOS listed are revised periodically □ Information on Group Term Life Insurance for Church to keep up to date with tax law and other changes. Employees □ MEMO No. 1, Housing for Your Pastor: Parsonage or □ Information on Long-Term Disability Income Protection Housing Allowance? for Church Employees □ MEMO No. 2, Church Employees or Independent □ Information on Accidental Death and Dismemberment Contractors? Insurance for Church Employees □ MEMO No. 3, Tax Procedures for Congregations □ Minister’s Parsonage Allowance and Social Security Guide by Conrad Teitell, ll.b.. ll.m. □ MEMO No. 4, Changing Patterns In Ministerial Com­ pensation Name______□ MEMO No. 5, Minimizing Income Taxes for Church Employees Address. □ MEMO No. 9, Worker’s Compensation Laws and the Local Church □ MEMO No. 10, Can Ministers Opt Out o f Social Security? □ MEMO No. II, Auto Expenses and Federal Income Board of Pensions and Benefits USA Taxes 6401 The Paseo □ MEMO NO. 12, Who Is A Minister For Tax Purposes? Kansas City, MO 64131-1284 □ MEMO NO. 13, The Minister’s Housing Allowance □ MEMO NO. 15, Moving Expenses: Reporting Require­ ments and Deductions Toms River (New Jersey) Church through personal and public evangelism. personal evangelism convert, Caluvette recently had a 50% gain in Sunday school Pastor Jerom e Hancock offers a strong­ Alleyne, was now among those who due to a renewed commitment to reach ly affirmative response to the K-Church wanted to be trained to be a personal children with the good news about Christ. Project sponsored by the Church Growth evangelist. The work of the gospel keeps P astor Clinton E. Jo n e s Sr. reports that Division: “ This exposure to the large expanding — win a person and he wins Mary Meddles drives the bus to nearby churches and the principles of large- another. Beckerville. This new ministry to chil­ church growth through these conferences Sturgis (Michigan) Church enjoyed dren started during a revival with Evan­ have caused me to break out of a box of a special visitation of God through the gelist David Canfield who preached that limitation, which allows me to believe combined ministry of Evangelists Jam es children’s outreach can revive a church. that our church can not only grow Crabtree and Nelson Perdue. The report The Sunday school now averages over through the 1,000 barrier, but grow to at from Pastor John L. Shoup encourages 80. They have three Junior Bible Quiz least 3,000 by the year 2 0 0 0 .1 praise the faith for revival in other places: “In teams and 20 teenagers attend. Lord and thank Dr. Sullivan, the many nearly 23 years of pastoring, I have expe­ workers, and the Church of the Nazarene Valparaiso (Indiana) First Church rienced few revivals like this meeting. for the outstanding benefit these Schools took personal invitations to 4,000 homes Both evangelists were faithful to the of Large Church Management provide in preparation for its revival with Evan­ Word and preached from night to night for me.” gelist Gary Haines. An invitation packet, with anointing. The altars were lined serv­ according to Pastor Gerald Woods, Circleville (Ohio) First Church re­ ice after service, and many people re­ included information about the church ports seven people testified to a call to the ceived clear victory.” One woman testi­ and its staff; a notice about spiritual ministry in their recent revival with fied that while she didn’t know very enrichment classes covering Bible study, Evangelist M orris Chalfant. The list much about holiness, she sought it from marriage, parenting, divorce recovery, includes Roby and Jane Kazee, Ted the Lord and He did not disappoint her. and church membership; and a Gary Hart, Melissa Leist, Burt Miller, Dan At the close of the meeting, the pastor Haines’ musical cassette. Fifty percent of Largent, and Tim Tener. The revival asked all to stand who had sought God to those who attended were visitors. Asso­ theme “Yes, Lord, Yes” was implement­ save, sanctify, or help them make a def­ ciate Pastor George Frieling says fam­ ed through revival-oriented preaching by inite spiritual decision that week. Half of ily relationships were strengthened, emo­ the pastor, nearly 2,000 hours of prayer the 200 persons present stood imme­ tional and physical hurts healed, and 300 by members and friends, and a commit­ diately as a testimony that revivals pay in contacts were made for future personal ment by the congregation to read the spiritual results. evangelism contacts. Bible through in the month before the Burlington (North Carolina) First special services started. Pastor Calvin Church recently received a first-hand Alexander Jr. reports: “Revival broke out. Backsliders were reclaimed, new description of living conditions for Amer­ folks born again, believers sanctified, ica’s troops in the Saudi desert... and it youth called to ministry, families reunit­ came directly by phone from the church’s ed, and people genuinely healed physical­ pastor during a Sunday morning service. ly and emotionally. This was real revival.” Pastor Steve Holley, 40, a member of the National Guard unit from Durham, Eau Gallie (Florida) Church doubled North Carolina, is also known as Captain its revival attendance from fall 1990 to Holley, an Army 30th Support Group spring 1991. Pastor Richard Wagner Ms. Caluvette Alleyne, Rev. Anthony Quimby, Mrs. Beverly Burgess. In the chaplain. Sarah Holley, the minister’s reports: “We spent 40 days in prayer picture, Caluvette shows Beverly Burgess the before the revival services started. Attend­ wife and mother of their five children, Spiritual Birth. Certificate that u>as presented said her husband used the phone call to ance reached 110 on Sunday evening. It to her when she accepted Christ in 1987. A tell the congregation about his experienc­ was the best revival I have seen in years.” team presented the gospel to Caluvette on a es of leading several soldiers to the Lord Trinidad Nazarenes recently partici­ personal evangelism call when a School of in the war zone. pated in a personal evangelism school. Evangelism was held in 1987 in Trinidad. She prayed and invited Christ into her heart. Southside Church at Richmond, Vir­ Beverly Burgess, personal evangelism Another School of Evangelism was held in coordinator in the Church Growth Div­ ginia, has grown from 700 to nearly 900 Trinidad February 4-11, and Caluvette took during the past year. During the calendar ision, and Ruth Delong, personal evan­ the training, wanting to leam how to win her year 1990,201 persons were led to Christ gelist, rejoiced in the news that a 1987 friends and relatives to Christ.

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 43 JL/ | r Mission Achievement in New York and Beyond

Church Plant Grows to 162 M em bers in Three Years Congregation Moves From Home to Gym to Upper Room

apid New Testament-type near his home area provides tremen­ Now the church meets in an upper growth forced Living Word dous advantages; he has known many room over a store building. Joyful Community Church at Du­ businesspeople, and he understands music, life application preaching, free­ Rmont, New Jersey, to move three the cultural groups of his area very dom in worship, and caring relation­ times since organization on April 1, well. ships are a part of every service. Praise 1988. Now only three years old — at Bolella also has long-standing con­ banners decorate the walls of the wor­ the end of the 1991 church year — tacts with media businesspeople; he ship center, pointing people to the Living Word Church has 162 mem­ uses this network and applies his living Lord. bers and a worship attendance of 130. promotional skills to develop bulk The most impressive part of the That is an impressive record for a mailings, a weekly column in the public services is saturation with the church that started with six in a home newspaper, radio, and cablevision. Word of God. The Bible is heard fre- prayer meeting. Pastor Frank Bolella, age 32, found Christ through personal Scripture reading and through the witness of three weightlifters who together topped the scale at 1,000 pounds. O f his conversion, Bolella said, "I was a weightlifter, and then I began to feel very empty; weightlifting was not ful­ filling. I started searching. 1 researched a number of religions. It wasn’t until I started reading Scripture that I began to understand that Jesus is not what the world thinks He is. Scripture helped me see that Jesus is Lord, God, and Savior. I committed my life to Him January 15, 1984.” He started ministry by serving in the Maranatha Church under the pas­ toral ministry of Pastor Charley Rizzo. At the beginning, he mopped floors and cleaned restrooms to be near the work of the church. Bolella owned a health club when he came to Christ; that made it easy for him to supplement his income for two years as a business consultant to health clubs after starting the Dumont church. The fact that he ministers

GROW / Summer 1991 quently in the prayers, praise cho­ ruses, and even in the ritual of church membership—and it is life-transform­ ing and inspiring. The Sunday the GROW editor attended, the usher even included Scripture in his prayer for the offering. That same Sunday, eight persons joined the church by profession of faith. When asked about the driving force of his ministry, Bolella answered, "M y love for Jesus. He is the major motivating factor for all I do. The Lord pulled me out of a life of garbage and gave me a life of gold. My great desire is to please Him — that drives me every day. That is why I often invest eighty hours per week in the work of God.” Though baby boomers are the focus of ministry at Living Word Church, the congregation welcomes every one without regard to color, nationality, or background. Recently, Beverly Bur­ gess, personal evangelism resource leader from the Church Growth

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 45 Mission Achievement in New York and Beyond

Church Plant Grows ♦ ♦ ♦

Division, trained 15 people in per­ sonal evangelism — 30 persons com­ mitted their lives to Christ. When asked about the cause of growth, Pastor Bolella offered three reasons: 1) training strong leaders; 2) inspiring worship, especially in music and preaching; and 3) follow- up of visitors and regular attenders. The church ministers to its members through 20 Tender Loving Care Groups and is adding four support groups to help abused and co-depen- dency victims. Living Word Community Church of the Nazarene needs to move again to larger quarters. The congregation requests the prayers of GROW read­ ers to meet this urgent need.

GROW / Summer 1991 EVANGELISM MINISTRIES

CLARK, RON. (R) 916 N. First St, Boonville, IN 47601 vCLAY, D. E. 400 S. Edgewood Rd, Mount Vernon, OH 43050 vCLAY, M. E. P.O. Box 526, S t Marys, OH 45885 vCLIFT, NORVIE O, 25440 Guitta Ct, Hemet, CA 92344 •COBB, BILL k TERRI. (R) P.O. Box 761, Bethany, OK 73008 EVMTGELIST’S ♦COFFEY, REV. k MRS. RUSSELL E. (C) 1841 128th Ave, Hopkins, Ml 49328 CONDRY, CONNIE. (R) 1732 Fish Hatchery Rd, West Columbia, SC 29169 CONGER, DELOSS. (R) 4737 Dresden Ct, Jacksonville, FL 32257 DIRECIORY CONRAD, BYRON. (R) 7151 Franusich Ave, Sacramento, CA 95828 COOK, DANNY. (R) 506 N. 6th St, Weatherford, OK 73096-4710 COOK, DAVID. (C) 757 S. Bosart St, Indianapolis, IN 46203 vCOOK, LEON G. 2418 Maple. Wichita, KS 67213 EVANGELISM MINISTRIES, CHURCH OF THE COOPER, DALUS. (R) Rte. 1, Box 57, Okemah, OK 74859 •COOPER, DONALD k DOLORES. (R) 905 State St, Pekin, IL 61554 NAZARENE INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS CORESON, KEN k PATTI'S MINISTRIES. (R) HCR 62, Box 26A, Enterprise, OR 97828 vCOTTAM, T. W. 2011 Palm Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80918 A ______♦BOND, GARY k BETH. (C) 410 S. Clay St, Sturgis, Ml 49091 COVINGTON, NATHAN. (C) 724 W. Knollwood, Broken Arrow, OK ABNEY, JOHN K. (R) R.R. 1, Box 214, College Grove, TN 37046 BOND, RICHARD D. (R) P.O. Box 4444, Overland Park, KS 66204 74011 •ABRAMS, KATHY. (R) Rte. 1, Box 126, Rose Hill, IA 52586 •BOONE, R. G. JR. (R) 4138 Charter Oak Dr, Flint Ml 48507 vCRABTREE, JAMES C. 3436 Cambridge Dr, Springfield, OH 45503 •ADAMS, JERRY 4 ALLENE. (R) 31 N. Tremont St.. Indianapolis. IN BOQUIST, DOUG k DEBBIE. (R) c/o 16001 Glen Rd, Mount Vernon, CRANDALL v. E. k BARBARA. (C) 11177 S. Indian Lake Dr. E„ 46222 OH 43050 Vicksburg, Ml 49097 ADAMS, VERNON R. (R) 2731 C lin to n * Rd., Paris, KY 40361 vBOSHELL, T. JAMES. 318 S. 7th Ave, Paden City, WV 26159 ♦CRANE, BILLY D. (C) Rte. 5, Box 447, Parkersburg, WV 26101 ADKINS, JEFFREY A. (R) 108 Janet Rd., Marrietta, OH 45750 •BOUGH, ALICE. (R) 618 Old Fordge Rd, Valparaiso, IN 46383 vCREWS, H. F. Box 180302, Dallas, TX 75218 VAGNER, J. C. Rte. 1, Box 2570, Lee, FL 32059 BOWDEN, A L (C) 6760 Belfast Ave, Cocoa, FL 32927 •CRIDER, JAMES k JANET. (R) P.O. Box 284, Shirley, IN 47384 ALBRIGHT, WAYNE L (R) P.O. Box 184, Chapman, KS 67431 •BOWERS, LUCILLE. (C) 701 N. Buchanan, Little Rock, AR 72205 •CROFFORD, DON. (R) 151 Pond Rd, Honeoye Falls, NY 14472 vALDRIDGE, DAVID J. 8079 Elmlawn S t N.E., Louisville, OH 44641 BOYNTON, RICHARD. (C) 6312 E. 98th St, Fishers, IN 46038 •CROFFORD, TODD. (R) Crofford/Parker Ministries, c/o Sarah vALLEN, ARTHUR L 2440 Castletower Ln„ Tallahassee, FL 32301 BRAATEN, DANIEL W. (C) Braaten Family Ministries, c/o Evangelism Parker, Box 42, Bath, NY 14810 •ALLEN, JAMES. (R) 2803 Jonathan, Texarkana, TX 75503 Ministries' •CROSWAIT, MILDA. (R) 2843 Kinnett Rd, A, Bethel, OH 45106-9464 vALLEN, JIMMIE A. 205 N. Murray, No. 244, Colorado Springs, CO •BRADFORD, KIM. (R) 3103 Oak Hill Rd, Carrollton, TX 75007-3516 vCURTIS, H. M. 1709 E. 17th, Ada, OK 74820 80916 •BRALEY PAUL (R) 1878 Lake Hill Cir, Orlando, FL 32818 vANDERSON, GEORGE R. 3335 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland, FL 33803 ♦BRISCOE, JOHN B. (C) Box 78, Canadian, OK 74425 D ______ANDERSON, GERALD W. (R) 2451 215th PI. S.W., Brier, WA 98036 BROUGH, NICOLAS. (C) 3816 Skyline, El Paso, TX 79904 APPLE, DALE, (R) 1128 S.W. 32nd, Oklahoma City, OK 73109 BROUGH, NORLYN. (R) 3816 Skyline, El Paso, TX 79904 V DABNEY FRANK. 1890 17th St. N.E., Salem, OR 97303-1110 APPLEBK ROBERT. (R) 13413 Pierce Arrow N.E., Albuquerque, NM •BROWN, LOWELL. (R) 4618 Bostick Cir, Tampa, FL 33634 •DAFOE, RAY, (R) 7873 Hickory, Vicksburg, Ml 49097 87112 BROWN, MARK. (C) 6209 W. McArthur Ln, Muncie, IN 47304 vDAGGETT, TROY J. 189 Edgewood Dr, Hendersonville, TN 37075 ARCHER, ALFRED N. (R) 1505 N. Linder, Chicago, IL 60651 •BROWN, ROGER N. (C) Box 724, Kankakee, IL 60901 vDALE, BENNIE. 717 Proctor PI, Midwest City, OK 73110 •ARCHER, RONALD E. (R) 4304 N. Peniel, Bethany, OK 73008 BROWN, RON. (C) Rte. 2, Box 232-B, Ironton, OH 45638 ♦DALE, TOM. (C) 911 Florence, Nampa, ID 83686 AREY, DONALD. (C) Arey Evangelism Ministries, RFD 1, Anagance BRYANT, GROVER. (R) P.O. Box 200, Carthage, MO 64836-0200 vDANIELS, DR. M. BERT. P.O. Box 75412, Oklahoma City, OK 73147 In , Wolfeboro, NH 03894 vBUDD, JAY B. 1385 Hentz Dr., Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 VDANIELS, M. HAROLD. P.O. Box 470, Littleton, CO 80120 ♦ARMSTRONG, LEON k LINDA. (C) c/o 517 McGeorge Dr., Vinton, VBURKE, OWEN. 3400 S. Ironwood Dr, No. 196, Apache Junction, VDARNELL H. E. P.O. Box 929, Vivian, LA 71082 VA 24179 AZ 85220 v DAVIS, HAROLD C. P.O. Box 189, Choctaw, OK 73020 ARMSTRONG, ROBERT W. (R) P.O. Box 187, Skowhegan, ME 04976 ♦BURKHALTER, PAT k DONNA. (C) P.O. Box 801, Atlanta, TX 75551 vDAWS, LEONARD. 3286 Wyoming Ave, Xenia, OH 45385 ATKINSON, DEAN k PAT. (R) Atkinson Family Crusade, P.O. Box 517, •BURNEM, ANN. (R) 103 New Hampshire Dr, Ashland. KY 41101 DAWSON, JAMES A. (R) R.R. 1, Box 189, Wapakoneta, OH 45895 Newcastle, OK 73065-0517 BURNES, DONALD E. (R) 1105 Darla Ave, Altus. OK 73521 VDAYTON, WEBSTER. 704 Lafayette Ave, Colonial Heights, VA VBYERS, CHARLES & MILDRED. 2121 S. Ingram Rd, Apt C, 23834 B ______Springfield. MO 65804 vDEBOLT, TED & DOROTHY. 203 Swan Lake Dr, North Fort Myers, BYERS, JOSEPH D. (R) 104 Oak Tara Angus Ct, Charlottesville, VA FL 33917 vBAGGETT, DALLAS. 1313 Fletcher Ave. S.W., Decatur, AL 35601 22901 •DECKARD, KENNETH. (R) Gloryroad Quartet, 3229 Washington •BAILEY, TONY k TRICIA. (C) 207 Edgewood Rd, Eureka, IL 61530 Ave, Bedford, IN 47421 BAKER, HOWARD. (R) 5402 E. 19th St, Indianapolis, IN 46218-4809 DELBRIDGE, GENE. (R) 3340 A St, Washougal, WA 98671 ♦BAKER, RICHARD C. (C) 3590 Coal Fork Dr, Charleston, WV 25306 c______♦DELL, JIMMY. (C) 4802 E. Mitchell Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85018 BAKER, SAMUEL (R) 617 East Wood Ave, Raymondville, TX 78580 CANEN, DAVID. (C) Rte. 2. Box 12B, Adrian. GA 31002 DENNIS, JAMES A. (JAMIE). (R) 166 N. Sugar St, Chillicothe, OH BALIS, DONALD E. (R) 120 S. Roberts, El Reno, OK 73036 CANFIELD, DAVID. (C) 503 Short White Oak, Russell, KY 41169 45601 vBALLARD, DON. 7231 German Creek Park, Memphis, TN 38125 vCANNON, DURWOOD. Rte. 2, Box 280, Gallion, AL 36742 ♦DENNISON, MARVIN E. (C) 1208 S.E. Green Rd, Tecumseh, KS BALLARD, GARY D. (R) Rte. 4, Box 201-AB, Summit MS 39666 v CARPENTER, R. W. (Bob). 4805 Airport Rd, Nampa, ID 83687 66542 BALLARD, JUNE. (R) 581 Pinecrest Dr, Chadron, NE 69337 CARPENTER, VERNON. (R) 5260 Meadowgreen Dr., Colorado vDEPASQUALE, JAMES. P.O. Box 5462, Bellingham, WA 98227 vBALLARD, OLIVER H. 7113 S. Blackwelder, Oklahoma City, OK Springs, CO 80919 DESKINS, GROVER C. (R) 35 Gill Dr, Newark, DE 19713 73159 •CASW ELL GERALD. (R) 2258 Wise Rd, North Canton, OH 44720 DEWEY, KENNETH. (R) Box 636, Rte. 2, Spring Hill, TN 37174 BAPTISTE, MATHIEW-JEAN. (R) 3715 Eastview Ave, West Palm vCAYTON, JOHN. 16 Southworth St, Lakeville, MA 02347 ♦DICKSON, RICHARD J. (R) Living Way Gospel Team, 821 Lonsvale Beach FL 33404 CERRATO, R. J. (R) 11210 Cherry C t, No. 52-C, Palos Hills, IL 60465 Dr, Anderson, IN 46013 BARNES, JACK. (C) Rte. 1, Box 150-A, Chapel Hill, TN 37034 vCHALFANT, MORRIS. 860 Bunker Hill, Bourbonnais, IL 60914 vDlSHON, CLARENCE. 2555 Carmine Rd, Venice, FL 34293 v BARNES, PAUL E. 405 Christopher Cir, Fori Valley, GA 31030 vCHAMBERLAIN, DOROTHY H. Rte. 21, Box 28, Mobile Park, vDISHON, MELVIN. 936 Shive Ln, Lot 184, Bowling Green, KY 42101 vBARTZ, JAMES. 3006 Euclid Ave, No. 9, Helena, MT 59601 Carmichaels, PA 15320 vDIXON, GEORGE k CHARLOTTE, c/o Evangelism Ministries' BASS, WARREN G. (R) 801 Central Ave, Roanoke, AL 36274 vCHAMBERS, LEON k MILDRED. 218 Regan Dr, Magnolia, MS DOCTORIAN, SAMUEL. (R) 2020 Kinclair Dr, Pasadena, CA 91107 •BEHA, LUCILLE A. (R) 3908 Ninth Ave, Parkersburg, WV 26101 39652 DODDS, JOHN. (R) 272 Jack Oak Rd, St. Marys, OH 45885 BELZER, DAVE k BARBARA. (C) Box 32, Miller. SD 57362 vCHANDLER, WILLIAM. 705 Meadow Lark Ln, Durant, OK 74701 •DODDS, LARRY W. (R) Rte. 5, Box 385, Burlington, IA 52601 BENDER, TIM. (C) The Tim Bender Family, 1278 Smith Chapel Rd, •CHANEY, BARBARA. (C) 4070 Monza Dr, Richmond, VA 23234 DODGE, KENNETH L. (C) 1150 W. Winton Ave, No. 221, Hayward, CA Shelbyville, TN 37160 vCHANEY REEFORD. 4070 Monza Dr, Richmond, VA 23234 94545 •BENNETT, ROBIN. (R) 2899 Eldon Dr, Uniontown, OH 44685 vCHAPMAN, W. EMERSON k LOIS. Rte. 1, Box 87, Miltonvale, KS •DOLE, VERA. (R) 22210 Salt Fork Rd, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025 VBERRIAN, HAROLD F. 186 Highland Ave, Pennsville, NJ 08070 67466 •DOOLITTLE, KEVIN. (C) 886 N. Main St. Ext, Meadville, PA 16335 •BERRY, CHARLES. (R) 2524 Brierwood Dr, Albany, GA 31705 CHASE, FRANK. (R) Lake Country, Box 25, Mannford, OK 74044 DOROUGH, WILLIAM M. (R) 219 Oak Hills Dr, Mabank, T X 7 5 1 4 7 •BERTOLET, GRACE. (C) 2770 S. Garden Dr, Bldg. 21, No. 308, Lake ♦ CHEATWOOD, HENRY & PHYLLIS, (C) Rte. 4, Box 96, Kissee Mills, •DOWNING, ANN. (C) Box 767, Hendersonville, TN 37075 Worth, FL 33461 MO 65680 DOWTY, PAUL. (R) Rte. 3, Box 741, Broken Bow, OK 74728 •BICKFORD, BERNADETTE. (R) 1521 S. Harrison St, San Angelo, CHENAULT, WILLIAM D. (R) 6980 Woodcrest Dr, Greenfield, IL 46140 DRESSLER, R. H. (C) Box 750177, Duncan, OK 73573 TX 76901-4322 •CHILDS, WAYNE k CHERI. (R) 244 Buddy Ln, Camby, IN 46113 DRYE, J. T. (C) 5130 Trinity Church Rd, Kannapolis, NC 28081 BIRD, LANCE. (R) 1001 Laurel Hills CL, Haines City, FL 33844 CHIPP, VERLIN E (C) 127 S. State St, Indianapolis, IN 46201 DUNCAN, HERSCHEL (R) 350 Birch Dr., Charlestown, IN 47111 ♦BLUE, DAVID k DANA. (C) P.O. Box B, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217 •CHIZUM, DENNIS. (R) 53569 C.R. 7 N , Elkhart, IN 46514 DUNLAP, BARRY L. (R) 5698 Pennock Pt. Rd, Jupiter, FL 33458-3459 BLYTHE, ELLIS G. (R) 7731 S.W. 10th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32607 CHOATE, KIRBY. (R) 201 S. Reagan S t, San Benito, TX 78586-3880 •DUNMIRE, RALPH I JOANN. (C) 202 Garwood Dr, Nashville, TN BOCK, DON. (C) Box 412, Washington Court House, OH 43160 CHRISTNER, JACK. (R) 1560 Newark Rd, Mount Vernon, OH 43050 37210 •BOGGS, JERRY. (R) 203-A Linden Ave, South Point OH 45680 vCHRISTOPHER, CHRIS C. 2251 29th S t S.W., No. 8, Wyoming, Ml DUNN, DON. (C) P.O. Box 132, Bartlett, OH 45713 BOHANNON, WILLIAM. (R) 542 Maple St, East Alton, IL 62024 49509-2562 DUTTON, BARRY k TAVIA. (C) P.O. Box 119, Clarksburg, MD 20871 •BOICOURT-SHANK, MARLA. (R) 882 E. 56 Hwy, No. 601, Olathe, CLACK, ROBERT J. (R) 1547 Dublin Ln, No. 2, Escondido, CA 92027 KS 66061 E ______(C) Commissioned (R) Registered ♦Preacher & Song Evangelist •Song Evangelist •EBY, PAUL k MARTHA. (R) P.O. Box 100924, Nashville, TN 37224 VRetired Elders in Evangelism •EDWARDS, BOBBY. (R) 1080 Jameson Ct, New Castle, IN 47362 "Evangelism Ministries, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131 EDWARDS, CHARLES. (C) 19924 Teresa Way, Cerritos, CA 90701 ♦EDWARDS, TERRY k JANICE. (R) P.O. Box 1393, Bethany, OK An adequate budget for evangelism at the beginning of each church year is imperative for each congregation. 73008 A revival savings account is useful in building toward adequate support fo r the evangelist. •EIFERT, FRANK k JO. (R) 18424 Dakota Rd, Odessa, FL 33556 VELLER, OSCAR H. 1400 Bill Carroll Dr, Norman, OK 73071 EVANGELISM MINISTRIES

vELLIOTT, CLELL a Rte. 2, Box 90A, Franklin Furnace, OH 45629 vHAWKINS, RAY. 1615 Kickapoo, Pueblo, CO 81001 KONKLE, MICHAEL C. (R) 2576 E. 200 S, Anderson, IN 46017 vEMRICK, C. ROSS. 8000 M-68, Alanson, Ml 49706 HAYES, ALVIN a (R) 15812 W. 129th St, Olathe, KS 66062 VKRATZER, RAYMOND C. 4305 Snow Mountain Rd, Yakima, WA •ESSELBURN, MIRIAM. (C) 28241 S.R. 60 N„ Warsaw. OH 43844 HAYNES, CHARLES k MYRT. (C) P.O. Box 3563, Cleveland, TN 98908 EVERMAN, WAYNE. (R) 109 Cox St., Stanton, KY 40380 37320-3563 HEATON, K. D. (C) 14 Martinsburg Rd, Apt. A, Mount Vernon, OH L______43050 F______LAING, GERALD k MARCINE. (C) 11436 East SL, Vicksburg, Ml HECKATHORN, JIM. (C) 713 Lake Lowell Ave, Nampa, ID 83686 ♦FADER, WES k MARY. (C) Rte. 17, Box 310, Quail Ridge Dr., 49097 ♦HELMS, MIKE k GLORIA. (C) c/o Evangelism Ministries' Salisbury, MO 21801 vLAMBERT, J. WILMER. 710 Chaffin Ridge, Columbus, OH 43214 vHENDERSHOT, HARVEY. Rte. 4, Lakeview Dr, Mount Juliet TN vFARLOW, T. J. Box 1145, Robertsdale, AL 36567 LAWSON, WAYNE. (C) c/o Evangelism Ministries' 37122 vFARRIS, A. A. 1503 Orchard CL, Science Hill, KY 42553 LAXSON, KIP. (C) 675 Harding PI, G-6, Nashville, TN 37211 vHERMON, THOMAS M. 936 Ave. T S.E., Winter Haven, FL 33880 FARRIS, GARY E. (R) 113 Christian Ave., Corbin, KY 40701 •LAXSON, WALLY k GINGER. (C) Rte. 3, Box 122, Athens, AL 35611 VHESTER, JAMES C. 1 Red Oak Ct. Mansfield, TX 76063 FAULK, A. RAY. (C) HC 67, Box 872, Many, LA 71449 LEAF- JOHN D. (R) Rte. 1, Box 300, Dover, OH 44622 VHICKE, S. F. 4923 Forest Ct, Oak Forest, IL 60452 •FELKNER, MR. k MRS. BUTCH. (R) 173 Heartz, Coppell, TX 75019 ♦LECKRONE, LARRY (C) 403 E. Main, Morenci, Ml 49256 HICKS, JOHN DAVID. (C) 240 Daniels St, McMinnville, OR 97128 •FIGHTMASTER, ANTHONY. (R) 198 ConvenL Bourbonnais, IL LEIDY, ARNOLD G. (C) P.O. Box 124, Moriarty, NM 87035 ♦HIGGINS, CHUCK k MARGE. (C) 8471 N. 54th Ln, Glendale, AZ 60914 VLEMASTER, BENJAMIN D. 9545 W. Powers Cir, Littleton, CO 85302 vFILES, GLORIA R. 1102 N. Peniel Ave., Avon Park, FL 33825 80123 VHILDIE, DWAYNE W. 3323 Belaire. Cheyenne, WY 82001 FINCHUM, JAMES. (R) 155 Hillside Ave., Lake Placid, FL 33852 V LEONARD, J. C. 1410 Armory, Chariton, IA 50049 v H IL L WILLIAM G. k KATHRYN. 4925 Cypress Gardens. No. 40. VFISHER, C. WILLIAM. No. 1, Antigua C l, Coronado, CA 92118 LEONARD, LARRY L (R) 6910 Interbay Blvd., No. 2, Tampa, FL Winter Haven, FL 33884 VFISHER, CLAIR H. RD 1, 103 Valley View Rd., Phoenixville, PA 33616-2637 HINES, RAYMOND L (R) Box 114, Nocatee, FL 33864 19460 vLESTER, FRED R. 7404 Ed Rice, Mesa, AZ 85208 vHINKLE, FRED C. Rte. 1, Box 102, Tishomingo, OK 73460 FLEMMING, FLOYD O. (R) 1192 Roosevelt Dr., Sherrodsville, OH ♦LIDDELL R L. (C) 3530 W. Allen Rd, Howell, Ml 48843 •HISE, RON. (R) 2035 Hancock, Demotte, IN 46310 44675 vLISTON, CLARENCE D. P.O. Box 23576, Tuscon, AZ 85734 HOECKLE, WESLEY W. (R) 642 Vaky, Corpus Christi, TX 78404 FLETCHER, RAY (R) Box 6225, Elgin, OK 73538 v LITTLE, HAROLD N. 7045 S.W. Hyland Way. Beaverton, OR 97005 HOLDER, SYBIL (R) 249 Winthrop St, Brooklyn, NY 11225 FLINT, ROBERT. (R) 11388 Rte. 36, Marysville, OH 43040 vLIVINGSTON, W. B. P.O. Box 1177, Bristow, OK 74010-1177 HOLLOWELL JERRY. (R) P.O. Box 2, Paris, TX 75460 FOSTER, A. D. (R) 1017 N. 20th St., St. Joseph, MO 64501 vLOCKARD, W. DAYTON. Rte. 2, Box 250, Charleston, WV 25314 vHOLLOWAY WARREN O. 657 Woodstream Rd, Effingham, SC vFOSTER, HALLIE k MARTHA. P.O. Box 375, Stonington, IL 62567 LOHR, DONALD. (C) P.O. Box 7056, Charleston, WV 25356 29541 vFOSTER, J. R 1805 N. Union, Decatur, IL 62526 LOMAN, LANE. (C) 137 Timber Ridge Dr, Nashville, TN 37217 HOLSINGER, MARK. (C) 9231 E. Aero Dr, Pico Rivera, CA 90660 •FOSTER, MARY. (R) 1805 N. Union, Decatur, IL 62526 •LORENZEN, LINDA. (C) Rte. 3, Box 231 A, Blanchester, OH 45107 vHOLSTEIN, J. TED. 11619 Hanover Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45240 FOSTER, STEVEN C. (R) P.O. Box 11, Troy, OH 45373 LOUGHRIDGE, WILLIAM. (R) Rte. 2. Box 38, Wister. OK 74966 HOOTS, BOB. (C) 309 Adair St, Columbia, KY 42728 vFOWLER, IRA E. Rte. 3, Box 345, Hollywood, MD 20636 LOVE, ROBERT. (R) 6425 Nanette, Colorado Springs, CO 80907 •HORNE, ROGER k BECKY. (R) P.O. Box 17496, Nashville, TN 37217 FRANK, RICHARD A. (C) c/o Evangelism Ministries' •LOVING, BECKY. (R) 1101 S. Park Rd, Texarkana, TX 75503 vHOUSE, JOHN W. 2503 Division St, No. 200, North Little Rock, AR •FRASER, WILMA. (R) 305 High St, Brilliant, OH 43913 vLOW N, ALBERT J. c/o General Secretary's Office 72114 FREEMAN, MARY ANN. (R) P.O. Box 129, Gas City. IN 46933 LYBARGER, EVERETT. (C) P.O. Box 1534, Conway, AR 72032 V HOWARD, DICK. 7901 N.W. 28th Terr, Bethany, OK 73008 •FREY, DONALD. (R) The Frey Family, 509 Sturgis Ave., Sturgis, Ml VHUBARTT, LEONARD. 8612 Timbermill PI, Fort Wayne, IN 46804 49091 HUBBARD, JEFFIE. (R) 3213 W. Ave. T, Temple, TX 76504 VFRODGE, HAROLD. Rte. 1, Geff, IL 62842 M ______HUGHES, JOYCE. (C) 4524 Ashland City Hwy, Clarksville, TN 37043 V FULTON, CECIL 6413 Gateridge Cir., Garland, TX 75043 MACK, WILLIAM M. (C) 106 Youpon Dr, Hubert, NC 28539 HUNDLEY, JOHN D. (C) P.O. Box 764, Nashville, GA 31639 MADDEN, JOSEPH. (R) 704 Golden Arrow Or, Miamisburg, OH 45342 vHURRY, CECIL P. P.O. Box 667, Lynn, IN 47355 •MADDOX, HOMER k MARTHA. (R) 1917 Wilkens St, Indianapolis, G______HUXMAN, MILTON. (R) 215 Iris St, Broomfield, CO 80020 IN 46221 •G A B EL JIM. (R) 5028 Burma Rd. W , Mobile, AL 36693 vGADBOW, CLINTON. 1207 S. 2nd St., Marshalltown, IA 50158 I ______•MAHANEY PATRICIA. (R) 624 Mertz a , Patterson, CA 95363 GADBOW, DONALD C. (R) 49 Julie Ln.. St Peters. MO 63376 vMANGUM, PAUL D. 416 Ivy St, Nampa, ID 83686 VICE, CHARLES k BETTY. 702 S. Malcolm, Chanute, KS 66720 MANLEY, STEPHEN k DELPHINE. (C) Box 522, Upland, IN 46989 GALVEZ, MARCO. (R) 316 N. Lincoln (Rear), Barnesville, OH 43713 VIDE, CHARLES. 4925 Cypress Gardens, No. 123, Winter Haven, FL ♦MANN, THURL k MARY KAY. (C) 90 Sycamore Ln, Route 24. Fort GAMBLIN, C. LEE k WILMA. (R) P.O. Box 1245, Ottumwa. IA 52501 33884 GARDNER, JOHN M. (C) 4102 Carlisle Rd., Lakeland, FL 33813 Myers, FL 33908 INGLAND, WILMA JEAN. (C) 1170 Princeton Rd, Monroeville, PA GAWTHORP, WAYLAND. (C) Rte. 1, Box 97AA, Crowley, LA 70526 vMARLIN, BENJAMIN F P.O. Box 5572 Deltona, FL 32728 15146 vGERBIG, BERNICE ROEDEL 315 N. 8th St.. Boonville. IN 47601 v MARSH, A MILTON. 11089 Ancient Tr, Brookville, FL 34601 •GESSNER, DON & SHIRL (C) 103 N. 8th St. Sunbury. PA 17801 V MARTIN, LEON. Rte. 3, Box 242A, Bonham, TX 75418 VGHOLSON, LAWRENCE. 2918 Berkshire Dr., Mesquite, TX 75150 J ______MARTINEZ, JOSE M. (R) 4794 Poseidon PI, Lake Worth, FL 33463 MATTER, DAN k ANN. (R) 2617 Carew St, Fort Wayne, IN 46805 GINTER, TIMOTHY. (R) 60 N. Huron St., Belleville, OH 44813 JACK, GLORIA JEANNE. (R) 2009 Fort Harrod's Dr, Lexington, KY vM A X , HOMER L Rte. 3, Box 217, Knoxville, IA 50138 GOLAY, GEORGE. (R) 4450 Midway Dr. N.W, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405 40513 vM A X JOHN. Rte. 1, Box 17-SG, Colliers, WV 26035 vGOODLETT, NELSON C. Rte. 2, Box 400, Sallis, MS 39160 •JACKSON, PAUL k TRISH. (C) Jetstream Ministries, Box 739, MAYO, CLIFFORD. (C) P.O. Box 345, Dickens, TX 79229 GOODWIN, LESLIE. (R) 12181 Rich, Loveland, OH 45140 Meade, KS 67864 VM AZE, KENNETH, Rte. 9, Box 102, Parkersburg, WV 26101 •GORDON, BOB. (C) 1628 Rutland Dr., No. 21, Austin, TX 78758-6003 JACKSON, THOMAS. (R) Rte. 1, Box 242, Flemingsburg, KY 41041 McADAMS, DOUGLAS D. (R) Rte. 4, Box 140-D, Huntsville, AR 72740 •GORMAN, CHARLES AND ANN. (R) 12104 Linkwood C t, Louisville, vJAGGER, MARVIN W. 29446 Country Rd. P5, Deloris, CO 81323 ♦ McCALLIE, JAMES. (R) HC 80. Box 184, Helton, KY 40840 KY 40229 V JAMES, R. ODIS. 323 Winter St, St. James, MO 65559 McCANDLESS, MARION L (C) P.O. Box 97, Midway City, CA 92655 GOULD, LOREN W. (C) 4479 Hialeah Dr., Virginia Beach, VA 23464 JANTZ, ORLANDO. (R) HCR1, Box 185, Minneola, KS 67865 MCDONALD, CHARLIE E. (C) 920 W. Olive St, West Monroe, LA ♦GRABKE, RONALD k MARTHA. (C) 225 Pleasantview Dr, Brain­ ♦JANTZ-OWENS, MARJORIE. (C) P.O. Box 6864, Kokomo, IN 71291 tree, MA 02184 46904-6864 V MCDONALD, G. RAY 720 Carroll Wood Village, Apt. 305, Gretna, vGRANT, COOLIDGE. P.O. Box 31, Glens Fork, KY 42741 JAYMES, RICHARD W. (R) 617 W. Gambler, Mount Vernon, OH 43050 LA 70056 VGRAY, C. PAUL. 4016 Riverside Or, Bethany, OK 73008 •JEFFRIES, JEFF k JAN (R) 21308 120th St. E , Apt B, Bonney Lake, vM cD OW ELL DORIS M. 540 Sierra Madre Blvd.. No. 6. Sierra ♦GREEN, JIM k ROSEMARY (C) Box 385, Canton, IL 61520 WA 98390 Madre, CA 91024 •GREEN, SHARON. (R) The Gospel Sounds. P.O. Box 66. Lithopolis, vJENNINGS, LEON. 7107 N.W. 30th Terr, Bethany, OK 73008 McELFRESH, RONALD. (C) 1964 Osage Cir, Olathe, KS 66062 OH 43136-0066 vJENNINGS, PAUL R. 722 N.W. 32nd, Lawton, OK 73505 vMcELVEEN, R O U N D T. 667 Powell St, Rock Hill, SC 29730 GREENE, KYLE L (R) 2838 Pennsylvania St, Evansville, IN 47712 •JEWETT, LARRY & PATRICIA. (R) 1441 Robin Hood Dr, Seymour, McGUFFEY, JAMES. (R) 1580 Cape Charles C t, Cicero, IN 46034 GRIBBEN, GEORGE. (R) 1 Parkview Dr, Mount Vernon. OH IN 47274-1949 •McKINNON, JUANITA. (C) Box 126, Institute, WV 25112 43050-1972 JOHNSON, ALBERT. (R) Rte. 2, Box 217, Kenbridge, VA 23944 McMAHON, MICHAEL D. (R) c/o Evangelism Ministries' GRIMES, ANDY (C) Andrew Evangelistic Ministries. 110 Copperfield JOHNSON, BOB. (R) 3135 Ora Blanco, Colorado Springs, CO 80917 •McNISH, PHYLLIS. (R) 4527 N.W. Geronimo Tr, Topeka, KS 66618 Dr, Chillicothe, OH 45601 vJOHNSON, COMER, P.O. Box 668, Excel, AL 36439 McWHIRTER, STUART. (C) P.O. Box 458, Corydon, IN 47112 GRIMM, HUGH. (R) 5845 Kentview Ave. N.W, North Canton, OH 44720 JOHNSON, DONALD EUGENE. (R) Box 196, Ogden, IL 61859 vMEADOWS, NAOMI C. 2626 Washington Ave, Lot 65, Vincennes, •GRINDLEY, GERALD k JANICE. (R) 414 W. Oliver. Owosso, Ml v JOHNSON, EVERETTE A. 410 Pargoud Dr, Monroe, LA 71202 IN 47591 48867 ♦JOHNSON, RON. (C) 3208 Eighth St. E, Lewiston, ID 83501 VMEEK, WESLEY E. 5713 S. Shartel, Oklahoma City, OK 73109 GRINDLEY, RONALD E. (R) 1910 Trailwinds Ct, Grove City, OH 43123 vJONES, BERT. 1926 Lakeside Dr, Erie, PA 16511 MEENACH, CHRIS. (R) Rte. 2, Box 80A, Franklin Furnace, OH 45629 GROVES, C. WILLIAM. (C) 3986 Cypress Ave, Grove City, OH 43123 JONES, GRACE L (C) P.O. Box 251, Leming, TX 78050 •MEHR, BETHANY. (R) Box 37, South Lyon, Ml 48178 GUNTER, WILLIAM. (R) 12609 29th PI. W, Everett, WA 98204 ♦JONES, TERRY k LAQUITA. (C) 2002 Judy Ln, Pasadena, TX •MELICK, RANDY. (R) 8705 Countryshire, No. 1, Kansas City, MO 77502 64138 H______•JONTE, JOHN. (R) 3905 N.W. 56th PI, Oklahoma City, OK 73112 JORDAN, JOSEPH R. (C) 42 W. Hunter St, Logan, OH 43138 MELVIN, DOLORES. (C) HC 60, Box 224, Greenup, KY 41144 •HAAS, MR. k MRS. V. WAYNE. (C) 3508 S. 10th St, New Castle, IN •MEREDITH, DWIGHT k NORMA JEAN. (C) 315 E. 8th St, Box 1, ♦JUSTICE, MEL k DONNA. (C) 2253 Bristol Rd, Columbus. OH 47362 Harper, KS 67058 43221-1203 ♦HAINES, GARY. (C) c/o Evangelism Ministries' VMEYER, VIRGIL k DOROTHY. 3112 Willow Oak Dr, Fort Wayne, IN HALL CARL N. (R) 2009 Cindy Cir, Palm Harbor, FL 34683 46809 HALL, DAVID. (R) 3220 N. Wildan, Springfield, MO 65803 K______vMICKEY, BOB. 504 N. Sixth, Lamar, CO 81052 vHALL, HADLEY A. 2105 Juniper Dr, Plant City, FL 33566 KEENA, EARL (C) 2160 0 St, Oroville, CA 95966 MILBURN, GARY (R) P.O. Box 475, Braddock Heights, MO 21714 HANCE, LAWRENCE R. (R) RR 1, Box 182, Lewistown, IL 61542 KEETO, MARSHALL (R) P.O. Box 158. Mentmore. NM 87319 MILEY, TROY J. (R) 102 Nazarene Dr, South Charleston, WV 25309 HANCOCK, TIM (R) 416 S. Edgewood Rd, Mount Vernon, OH 43050 KELLER, GREGORY. (R) 9 Canyon MHP, Morgantown, WV 26505 vMILLER, NETTIE A 1313 14th St, Apt 801, Columbus, GA 31994 •HANKINS, GEORGE W. (C) 3 E. Buttonwood St, Wenonah, NJ vKELLY R. B. 4706 N. Donald, Bethany, OK 73008 vMILLER, PAULINE 0 . 307 S. Delaware St, Mount Gilead, OH 43338 08090 •KIDDER, KERMIT. (R) 516 Flamingo Dr, Lakeland, FL 33803 MILLER, RICHARD S. (R) 2727 Sugar Tree Rd, Bethel, OH 45106 VHARCOURT, HAROLD C. 1301 Newbury Dr, Norman, OK 73071 vKING, J. HARMON. 3001 24th Ave, Valley, AL 36854 MILLHUFF, CHUCK. (C) Box 160, Olathe, KS 66061 HARRINGTON, MILTON. (R) 4005 Little Rock Dr, North Highlands, CA ♦KIZZEE, JOHN. (R) 801 Kingsbury Dr, Junction City, KS MILLS, CARLTON A (C) P.O. Box 260728, Tampa, FL 33685-0728 95660 66441-3955 MITCHELL MARCIA L (R) 835 Valencia, Walla Walla. WA 99362 vHARRISON, JOHN L. P.O. Box 135, Wister, OH 74966 vKNIGHT, JOHN L 4000 N. Thompkins, Bethany, OK 73008 •MOATS, MARILYN. (R) 617 W. Oak St. Carmi, IL 62821 HARRISON, ROBERT. (R) 7215 Acacia, Leander, TX 78641 KOHR, CHARLES A. (C) Rte. 2 Box 360. Brookville, PA 15825 ♦MONCK, JIM. (C) 971 Madrone Ave, Chico, CA 95926 EVANGELISM MINISTRIES

MONK, GARY W. (R) 279 Bossieux Blvd., Melbourne, FL 32904-4903 vROBERTSON, JAMES H. 2014 Green Apple Ln. Arlington, TX TAYLOR, RON. (C) Rte. 1, Box 265, Johnson Rd, Chickamauga, GA •MOORE, GARY H. (R) 14915 Qulvira Rd., Olathe, KS 66062 76014 30707 MOORE, NORMAN. (C) Box 1630, Chandler, AZ 85244 ROBISON, ROBERT. (R) Heaters, WV 26627 vTHOMAS, HOYLE C. PO. Box 72, Nampa, ID 83653-0072 MOORE, RUDOLPH. (C) P.O. Box 56, Fortville, IN 46040 vROEBUCK, L H. 1280 Lakeview Rd, Lot 241, Clearwater, FL 34616 vTHOMAS, J. MELTON. 3619 Skyline Dr, Nampa, ID 83686 vMORGAN, EARL L. 494 Meadows Rd. S , Bourbonnais, IL 60914 vROGERS, WARREN A c/o Josephine Dukes, 3215 Adeline, Oak­ THOMPSON, L DEAN. (R) 508 Timberlane, Carl Junction, MO 64834 MORGAN, GERALD L. (R) P.O. Box 495, Eaton, OH 45320 land, CA 94608 •THOMPSON, ROBERT 4 TERESA (R) P.O. Box 21467, Chat­ MORLEY, FRANK. (C) 4080 Pedley Rd., No. 151. Riverside, CA 92509 ROSE, WAYNE. (C) 705 S. Mahaffie, Olathe. KS 66061 tanooga, TN 37421 vMORRIS, CLYDE. P.O. Box 938, Eleanor, WV 25070 ROSSITER, LARRY. (R) 9867 Shellbark Ln, Cincinnati, OH 45231 ♦THORNTON, REV. k MRS. WALLACE. (C) 1200 Grundy Rd, MORRIS, JAMES. (R) 141 Dutch Rd., Charleston, WV 25302 ROWE, GENE. (C) P.O. Box 1022, Cherokee, NC 28719 Somerset, KY 42501 MORSCH, J. V. (R) 9924 Bay Vista Ests. Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819 ♦ROYSE, C. E. (R) 2105 Taylor Ave, Racine, Wl 53403 vTHRASHER, OREN D. 2414 High Pine Dr, Louisville, KY 40214 MOSER, THOMAS W. (R) 555 Barts Church Rd., Hanover, PA 17331 RUARK, JAMES. (R) 2014 Northcliff Dr. N, Columbus, OH 43229 vTOLBERT, WILLIAM A. P.O. Box 85-7935, Port St Lucie, FL 34985 ♦MURPHY, MARK. (R) c/o 410 S. Clay St, Sturgis, Ml 49091 RUNYAN, DAVID W. (C) 419 Butcher, Bethalto, IL 62010 TOLER, WARREN F. (C) 99 Old Richmond Rd, Irvine, KY 40336 VMURROW, ROBERT L 1901 Janeen, Yukon, OK 73099 RUSSELL DOUGLAS J. (R) 3644116th Ave, Edmonton, AB T5W 0W6 ♦TOOLEY, JIM. (C) 2108 Burlington Rd, Rte. 4, Oskaloosa, IA 52577 ♦MYERS, HAROLD I MRS. (C) 575 Ferris N.W., Grand Rapids, Ml CANADA •TRAM M EL JERRY. (R) 21 Stanwood Loop, North Little Rock, AR 49504 vRUSSELL, J. REYNDAL 3809 San Ramon Dr., Arlington, TX 76013 72118 vTRUE, IRA L. 500 W. Santa Maria, No. 77, Santa Paula, CA 93060 N ______TSO, ALVIN. (C) P.O. Box 1541. Page, AZ 86040-1541 S ______TUCKER, RALPH WILLIAM. (R) R.R. 1, Box 55, Woodbine, IA 51579 vNAJARIAN, BERGE 4 DORIS. P.O. Box 50904, Fori Myers, FL TURNER, BEVERLY (R) 709 Holbrook, Lebanon, OH 45036 33905-0904 SCHMELZENBACH, DENNIS R. (R) 1713 N. Glade Ave, Bethany, OK ♦TURNOCK, J. JAMES. (R) Rte. 2, Box 365, A-1, Williamsport, MD vNASH, FORREST. 725 W. Cedar, Olathe. KS 66061 73008 21795 NASH, JACK W. (R) 8840 Oakdale Ave., Northridge, CA 91324 SCOTT, SR., DR. WILLIS R. (C) 1926 Tindaro Dr, Apopka, FL 32703 •NAYLOR, EDWARD. (R) 6 Rubydale Gardens, Weston, ON M9L1B3 •SCRIVNER, VICKIE. (R) 6527 Garfield Dr, Kansas City. KS CANADA 66102-1036 u______VNEES, L GUY. 181 Lawrence Ln., Kalispell, MT 59901 vSELF, ERWIN. 11397 Main St, Vicksburg, Ml 49097 vULMET, ALECK. 63 Hope Dr, Bella Vista, AR 72714 •NEFF, LARRY k PAT. (C) 4294 E. Amherst, Hernando Beach, FL SEXTON, JACK A (R) 2615 Ontario St, Cincinnati, OH 45231 UMSTEAD, CLAIR E. (R) P.O. Box 7, East Charleston, VT 05833 32642 •SEYMOUR, KERRY. (R) 5916 Spring Run Dr, Columbus, OH 43229 NELSEN, RONALD, (R) 1107 Orleans, Keokuk, IA 52632 •SHADE, HAZEL (R) P.O. Box 24368, Huber Heights, OH 45424 NEWTON, DANIEL (R) P.O. Box 323. Fairland, IN 46126 •SHARP, ALBERT. (C) 8760 W. Adams Rd, Elwell, Ml 48832 V •NORMAN, DAVID. (R) 12206 Chicot Rd, Mabelvale, AR 72103-2813 •SHEPHERD, WILEY (R) 1324 Gen. MacArthur Dr, Brentwood, TN W ARCE , PAUL H. 621 2nd Ave. N.W, Waverly, IA 50677 37027 VAUGHT, DARRYLE L (R) 205 Country Club Ln, Selmer, TN 38375 0 ______•SHIREY DWIGHT. (C) 38092 Butcher Rd, Leetonia, OH 44431 •VERTREES, MARK S. (R) Rte. 1, Box 152, Cunningham, TN 37052 SICKENBERGER, ARDEN. (R) 3803 W. Walnut. Yakima. WA 98902 VIARS, V. DALE (R) 5896 Karen Ave, Largo, FL 34644 vOLIVER, L S. 5115 N. Carefree Cir, Colorado Springs, CO 80917 •SIMMONS, IRVIN. (R) 3216 N. Peniel, Bethany, OK 73008 V OLIVER, W. CHARLES. P.O. Box 5655, Lakeland, FL 33807-5655 SIMPSON, EDWIN C. (R) 5 Mallard Dr, Vincenttown, NJ 08088-8570 ONEY, HOBERT, (R) 3832 Chah Dr, Zephyrhills, FL 33541 SIRES, M. DEAN. (R) 1213 S. 7th St, Oskaloosa, IA 52577 w______OVERTON, BILL DOT. (C) Family Evangelists and Chalk Artist c/o t vSISK, IVAN L. 4327 Moraga Ave,San Diego, CA 92117 •WADE, E BRUCE. (R) 3029 Sharpview Ln, Dallas, TX 75228 Evangelism Ministries' VSKILLERN, R. FRANK. 8300 N.W. 10th, No. 40, Oklahoma City, OK ♦WALKER, BRIAN k DEBI. (R) P.O. Box 25964, Colorado Springs, OWENS, DENNY G. (C) 6802 N.W. 45th, Bethany, OK 73008 73127 CO 80936 ♦OYLER, CALVIN k VIRGINIA. (C) P.O. Box 727, Wellsville, KS 66092 vSLATER, HUGH L 1120 Cedarcliff Dr, Glen Burnie. MD 21061 •WALKER, GENEVA A (R) 3650 Roswell Dr, Columbus, OH 43227 VSMITH, C. HASTINGS. Box 937, Bethany, OK 73008 vWALKER, LAWRENCE k LAVONNA. Rte. I, Box 368 B. Interlachen, P ______VSMITH, DOYLE. Rte. 2, Box 1050, Wrightsville, GA 31096 FL 32148 PALMER, NORMAN. (C) 200 W. Branigan Rd, Franklin, IN 46131 ♦SMITH, DUANE. (C) c/o Evangelism Ministries' vWALLACE, J. C. P.O. Box 2183, Plant City, FL 33566 VPARIS, WENDELL O. P.O. Box 159, Henryetta, OK 74437 SMITH, GEORGE E (R) 9378 Watson Rd, Wolverine, Ml 49799 WALTON, JAMES. (R) 203 E. Bond, Patoka, IL 62875 vPARSONS, T. O. 4025 Gossett Dr, Wichita Falls, TX 76308 vSMITH, HAROLD 4 ORPHA. 3711 Germania Rd, Snover, Ml WARNER, C. LEROY (R) 926 Summit Ridge Dr, Brandon, FL 33511 vPASSM ORE A. A. Passmore Evangelistic Party, P.O. Box 202, 4 8 4 7 2 vWATKINS, FRANK. P.O. Box 715, Banning, CA 92220 Snydertown, PA 17877 ♦SMITH, JERRY 4 BETH. (R) c/o Trevecca Nazarene College, Box VWATSON, LOY. 3412 N. Flamingo Ave, Bethany, OK 73008 •PASSMORE, DOROTHY, (C) P.O. Box 202, Snydertown, PA 17877 199, Nashville, TN 37210-2877 WEBB, SHARON. (R) P.O. Box 61, Waco, KY 40385 PATTERSON, ROBERT 4 FRANCES. (R) 373 Richlandtown Pk, ♦SMITH, LARRY. (C) 547 Kiely Blvd., No. 4, San Jose, CA 95117 WEBSTER, KENNETH. (R) 5608 G Villas Cir, Montgomery, AL 36116 Quakertown, PA 18951 VSMITH, EUGENE 4 LANORA. The Singing Smiths, 205 Drayton St, •WELCH, MRS. DARLENE. (R) 8302 Laverne Dr, Louisville, KY 40299 PEAL DONALD. (C) P.O. Box 518, Rowlett TX 75088 Winnsboro, SC 29180 VWELCH, FRANCES M. 10338 Carreta Ct, Santee, CA 92071 ♦PENDLETON, JOHN. (R) 1116 S.W. 72nd, Oklahoma City, OK 73139 V SMITH, OTTIS. 60 Grant St, Tidioute, PA 16351 WELCH, WILLIAM B. (R) 5328 Edith St, Charleston Heights, SC PERDUE, NELSON. (C) 1559 Grimes Ave, Urbana, OH 43078 •SMITH, RICKY STERLING 4 JOANN. (R) Rte. 2, Box 786, Hawkins, 29418 PFEIFER, DON. (C) 661 S.R. 220, Piketon, OH 45661 TX 75765 ♦WELLS, GENE k NANCY (C) Rte. 1, Box 174B, Thompsonville, IL PFEIFER, MARK. (C) 910 Briar Ave, Washington Court House, OH SNELLGROVE, HENRY G. (R) P.O. Box 713, Lake City, FL 32056-0713 62890 43160 SNYDER, BILL G. (R) 9935 Columbus-Cincinnati Rd, South WELLS, LINARO. (C) PO. Box 531527, Grand Prairie, TX 75053-1527 VPHILLIPS, JACK. P.O. Box 193241. Little Rock, AR 72219-3241 Charleston, OH 45368 WESLEY, E. RUTH. (R) Rte. 1, Box 143, Springport IN 47386 PHILPOT, LARRY. (R) 117 Kay Dr, Middletown, OH 45042 SOMMER, MICHAEL. (R) Mesa Ministries. 6416 Harris. Raytown. MO VWEST, EDNA M. 130 S. Front St, No. 1512, Sunbury, PA 17801 PHIPPS, PAUL M. (R) 103 Horseshoe Dr, Shelbyville, TN 37160 64133 •W HITE, JANIE. (C) Rte. 2, Box 775, Hawkins, TX 75765 PHIPPS, TILLIE. (R) 301 S. U m ar Blvd., Oxford, MS 38655 SOUTHERLAND, SAMUEL (R) 4404 Clinton Ave, Jacksonville. FL vWHITWORTH, ARTIE H. P.O. Box 38, Albany, OK 74721 ♦PICKERING, ROLAND. (R) Box 160102, Altamonte Springs, FL 32207-6657 •WHITWORTH, MARCUS k DONNA. (C) 2824 Herblo Dr, Burlington, 32716-0102 ♦SPEARS, DAN. (C) Visual Ministries, 111 Maple St, Clarksville. AR IA 52601-2108 •PIERCE, CATHERINE. (C) 1427 Meitzler St, Danville, IL 61832 72830 WILCOX, WALTER. (C) Rte. 2, O'Leary, P.E.I. COB 1V0 CANADA VPITTENGER, CLAUDE E. 2027 Woodhue Dr, Spring, TX 77386 •SPEER, BROCK. (C) The Speer Family, 5318 Anchorage Dr, WILDER, EDD. (R) 3859 Hazelwood. Muskegon, Ml 49444 vPITTENGER, TWYLA 413 N. Bowman St, Mansfield. OH 44903 Nashville, TN 37204 VWILKINSON, LLOYD. 2840 1 8th St, Columbus, IN 47201 POSEY, WARREN. (C) 433 Monroe St, Fortville, IN 46040 vSPORTS, LALA L. 314 E. Jackson, Douglas, GA 31533 WILLIAMS, C. PHILIP. (R) 259 W. 5th St, Winona, MN 55987 VPOTTER, HAROLD J. 2926 Randa Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34235 SPRAGUE, VERNON F. (R) c/o Evangelism Ministries' vWILLIAMS, E. VERBAL. 39 Bay Crest Dr, Brampton, ON L6Z1H5 ♦POW ELL FRANK. (R) 13579 Colter Rd, Caldwell, ID 83605 SPURLOCK, W. EARL (R) 511 W. Palmetto St, Wauchula, FL 33873 CANADA v PR ICE, JACK L P.O. Box 395, Waxhaw, NC 28173 STANIFORTH, KEN. (C) 44313 Beech Ave, Lancaster, CA 93534-4303 •WILLIAMS, EILEEN. (R) 21 Robert E. Lee Ln, West Chester, OH vPRICE, ROSS E, 1540 Hiawatha Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80915 vSTANLEY, HARRY T. 1111 Highgate St, Kalamazoo, Ml 49007 45069 •PRINTUP, JUANITA. (R) 2916 S. Walnut St, Muncie, IN 47302-5068 •STANTON, TED 4 DONNA. (R) P.O. Box 722, Sarasota, FL 34230 vW ILLIAMS JANET O. 1308 Wooten Rd, Colorado Springs, CO PURSLEY, PHILIP. (R) 334 S. Fork Terrace Rd, Glasgow, KY 42141 STARK, EDDIE, (C) 6906 N.W. 36th, Bethany, OK 73008 80915 v PUTNAM, ROBERT E. 319 Humphrey St. Dracut, MA 01826 STEENSLAND, JUDITH. (R) 1608 Clark, Ames, IA 50010 WILLIAMS, LAWRENCE. (C) 6715 N.W. 30th Terr, Bethany, OK 73008 STEVENSON, GEORGE. (C) 4021 Pebble Dr. S.E, Roanoke, VA 24014 WILLIAMS, R. T, JR. (C) 326 Elmington Ave, Nashville, TN 37205 Q ------STEWART, ORVILLE. (R| R.R. 2, Box 658A, Hawesville, KY 42348 WILSON, ARNO. (R) Higher Ground Retreat Center, 3918 State Rte. •STONE, LOIS. (R) 10510 Southwest Hwy, Worth, IL 60482 46, West Harrison, IN 47060 •QUALLS, MAE. (R) 5441 Lake Jessamine Dr, Orlando, FL 32809 ♦STONE, PAUL. (R) Lakeland Manor, Shell Lake, Wl 54871 •WILSON, CHARLES. (R) 909 S.W. 45th, Oklahoma City, OK 73109 STREET, DAVID. (C) Rte. 1, Ramsey, IN 47166 •WILSON, J. BARRY. (R) Rte. 1, Box 182R, Temple, TX 76501 R ______STRICKLAND, DICK. (C) 1141 Woodhaven Ct, Springfield, OH 45503 WILSON, RONALD. (R) 421 College Hill Ave, Oskaloosa, IA 52577 VRAKER, W. C. 4 MARY 714 E Avenue L, Lewistown, IL 61542 STROUD, GLENDON D. (R) P.O. Box 638, Auburndale, FL 33823 WOLFGANG, DONALD D. (R) 1266 Greenwood Rd, Alger, Ml 48610 VREAZIN, LAURENCE k LEONE. P.O. Box 130162, Tyler, TX 74713 SULLIVAN, DAVID R (R) 3712 Blackburn Ave, Ashland, KY 41105 V WOLFORD, JAMES E. 3660 Grace Dr, St. Mary s OH 45885 REED, DOROTHY. (C) P.O. Box 814, Hannibal, MO 63401 vSUMNER, ROBERT L 3005 St. Charles Dr, Tampa, FL 33618 WOMACK, PAUL W. (R) 2831 Harrison, Quincy, IL 62301 REED, SHERMAN R. (C) 1232 Oakwood Trail, Indianapolis, IN 46260 •SUMWALT, JOSEPH 4 VIRGINIA. (R| Box 8. Warren, IN 46792 WOMACK, ROBERT. (R) 14 Dunham, Texarkana, TX 75503 REID, JR, DOUG. (R) 15453 Landon Rd, Gullport MS 39503 v SWANSON, ROBERT L 1102 Glenwood Dr, Yukon, OK 73099 vWOOD, DENVER. 3 E. 41st St, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 REID, WILLIAM D. (R) 1531 12th St, Tell City, IN 47586 vWOOLMAN, J. L. P.O. Box 616, Tuttle, OK 73089 •REISS, MARK. (R) 2000 NSR 23, No. 60, Delaware, OH 43015 WOOTEN, D. J. (R) P.O. Box 262, Cambridge, MD 21613 •RICHARDS, LARRY k PHYLLIS. (C) 2310 Appleton Dr, Indianapolis, T ______vWRIGHT, AUSTIN, 1198 Jamaica Rd, Venice, FL 34293 IN 46227 TAYLOR, BOB, (C) Box 293038, Dayton, OH 45429-9038 WRIGHT, E. GUY k LIL (C) 1531 Cranbrook Dr, Charleston, WV RICKEY, HOWARD. (C) 1827 Stone Rd, Xenia, OH 45385 TAYLOR, BOBBY L (R) Evangelistic Team, Rte. 1, Box 477-B32, South 25311 vRIFFLE, BRADY 0 . 4154 Bowman Hill Rd, Huntington, WV 25701 Shore, KY 41175 VWYRICK, DENNIS. 603 Reed Dr, Frankfort, KY 40601 RIGGS, TIMOTHY. (R) P.O. Box 780562, Sebastian, FL 32978-0562 TAYLOR, CLIFF (C) Family Evangelist, E. 619 32nd Ave, Spokane, WA RISNER, SUSAN L (R) 6610 Brooklyn, Kansas City, MO 64132 99203 vROBERTS, S. J. 2118 Choctimar Tr, Fort Wayne, IN 46808 VTAYLOR, EMMETT. 7621 N.W. 25th, Bethany, OK 73008 V ROBERTSON, IAN. (R) 236 E. Walnut, No. H, Monrovia. CA 91016 VTAYLOR, MENDELL 1716 N. Glade. Bethany, OK 73008 YOUNG, DALE H. (R) 30 Cain Rd, Chelsea, AL 35043 SSBUfSS

Numbers 18:26 ( n i v )

U YOUR CHURCH QUALIFY B 3 S b ^ ^ Z _ — fFOR THE STEWARDSHIP HONOR ROLL BY GIVING 10 PERCENT FOR OTHERS AND P A M S ALL BUDGETS IN FULL? Over the Road W ith Evangelist Larry Leckrone

Evangelist Larry Leckrone at home with his family between revivals.

was excited to see me walk in, and I wondered what was going on and, MIDLAND, MICHIGAN really enjoyed the quiz. with slight apprehension, I curiously What a privilege it was to go back looked again at my watch. Every The landscape and farmland seemed to my "childhood home church” in evangelist fears showing up late. I prettier than I remembered as I drove ministry. 1 talked to Pastor Barry breathed easier as I discovered it was northward toward Midland. This re­ Whetstone and the church was eager their district quizzing day, also held at vival was scheduled to begin on Sat­ for revival. I told him that I felt an that location. urday and close on Wednesday. My unusual anticipation for the meeting, From the start of the first service, daughter, Myndi, was Bible quizzing and he concurred. Midland Commu­ there was an unusual presence of God in Flint that day, so 1 decided to route nity Church of the Nazarene was at a that permeated everything that was my course so that 1 could stop in and "crossroad” where real revival was done. There was an easy freedom in surprise her. I travel alone during the imperative. The parking lot was full preaching, and the choir sang with school year so I cannot often be in­ of cars and vans, and the whole facil­ anointing. The Holy Spirit was faith­ volved in her activities, but this ity was a bustle of activity when I ful and the altar was graced with seemed like a good opportunity. She arrived, although it was only 2 p.m. I kneeling seekers in every service. Dick

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship ond would resume Tuesday with me after brief Monday intermission. Over the Road .. ♦ I sent the pre-revival material, in­ cluding the plan for "Designated Prayers.” Pastor Wright worked with and Jan Taylor sat down front every retired minister and former evangelist night, and although they had not ANDERSON, INDIANA Richard Dickson in recruiting and mo­ attended long, they got really involved bilizing the "forces.” Involvement was in the meeting. Randy and Tanya Hill This proved to be an experimental high, including many in the prayer settled some issues, although they and unusual week. Originally, I had band, orchestra, and choir, all meet­ were already active in leadership roles. consented to my friend, Rev. Larry ing 30 minutes before each service. Testimonies of praise closed each Wright, pastor of the Goodwin Me­ As the services progressed from gathering. Board members, like Ver­ morial Church of the Nazarene, to night to night, God continued to non Wolfgang, testified to new light, come and conduct the music and build on the holiness truth that was and one urged other young leadership prayer ministry with a fellow evangel­ laid as a foundation during the pre­ to take new initiative as some of the ist who was previously scheduled. I vious week. Accumulative enthusi­ "old guard” passed the baton to the welcomed the opportunity, but little asm and conviction seemed to terrace next generation. Bob and Mildred did I realize that in the overall picture, with "truth upon truth and precept Sirrine, along with other faithful God was about to teach us all a new upon precept.” There was excitement prayer warriors like retired mission­ level of dependence on Him. Due to in the air and everybody that came in ary Lois Drake, carried the burden for scheduling problems, the other evan­ the doors felt it. Third generation many years to see real revival come to gelist needed to change the date a few Nazarenes like Rick Gooding or Cathy the church. months prior to the meeting. I tried to Cole are both shining examples of the Having only casually known Pastor work out a shift in my schedule to the need to be "re-vived” even after you Barry and his wife, Axa, previously, I previous week, but could not facili­ have been "vived.” Both testified to did not know exactly what to expect. I tate the change and maintain integrity new zeal and optimism for the future am sure he felt the same way. It did to my commitments, so I released the ministries God was preparing them to not take us long to feel a kindred Goodwin Memorial Church from the do. Dorcas Banks, along with count­ spirit. We not only shared the same date. Over the next two weeks, I con­ less others, attained a new "yes level” burden for the church at large, but we tinually felt the strange compulsion to and vibrantly testified to new victory also seemed to have many common call Larry back, but did not yield. for which she had sincerely hungered interests. God had prepared us indi­ for quite some time. vidually for the time at hand, and all The Sunday morning service through the week we felt a fresh con­ brought spontaneous altar prayer, firmation that God was doing a greater one "movement” after the choir spe­ work than either of us knew. He cial and another after a shortened mes­ repeatedly commented that he sage from the Word. Wave after wave thought I had been looking at his of victory was witnessed as some fin­ preaching notes for the past few ished praying and then others came. weeks. After I left, I listened to a tape It continued in the closing service, of one of the previous week’s services which started at 6 p.m. Both the 7 and and discovered that he was right. God 8 o’clock hours came and went as had directed both of us in the same people sought God. I will never forget area to prepare the way and bring the Finally, after receiving a letter from a the look in Lisa Moore’s eyes as she light. After Sunday night, with many pastor requesting a longer meeting, turned to her husband after they had victories and answers to prayer, the such as Sunday over Sunday, I brought both prayed at the altar and said, next three days seemed to bring about the situation of the Goodwin Memori­ "Stacy, we’re never going to make it an urgent carefulness to find and fol­ al Church to God in prayer one more without God. We need Him in our low God’s agenda more than ever. time. I could not escape the strong lives and in our marriage.” Both had Deep works of grace were accom­ urge to call and see how their plans drifted away but now had come home. plished through the Holy Spirit and were progressing. In talking with Pas­ The testimonies were still flowing lives were truly changed. The pastor, tor Wright, we both sensed God’s with electricity at 8:45 p.m. and yet laymen, and evangelist all hated to see leading and the church decided to no one seemed eager to leave. It really this revival come to a close. have a two-week meeting. Unprece­ is amazing what praising can do! Reviv­ Even though I left, the revival did dented as it may seem in a day when al fires still have the ability to bring not end. The scene went on in Mid­ we are shortening everything in light about a new fervor to the church, and land and also with me as I commuted of the "instant” variety, we found out in this case, God honored a people to a weekend meeting in Hillsdale, that some things take a while to that were willing to set aside two weeks Michigan, and then proceeded to An­ "cook.” In this case, the first week of prime time to wait on Him. derson, Indiana, the following week would be held Wednesday over Sun­ Pastor Larry Wright called me the on the Tuesday-over-Sunday format. day with one evangelist, and the sec­ following week with excitement after

GROW / Summer 1991 having witnessed another "cave-in” services, it became a "balm of Gilead” to the reclaiming grace of God, I kind of Sunday. On Monday night in for some and a "mourner’s bench” understood the significance of my the monthly board meeting, leaders for others. Seekers of all ages found being there at that exact time. Through concurred that paying the price in help. Some sought deliverance from a long series of events in her life, God prayer had made a difference in the habits; some forgiveness from sin. had brought her to the realization of breakthrough they had been seeking Some, including the mayor of the her immense need of Him. When she so long. They are continuing the plan city, found new levels of victory as found out "that evangelist” was com­ of "designated people” praying for they sought a new dependence on ing back, she decided to come. I felt "designated focus points” at a God for consistency, wisdom, and dis­ strangely compelled to change the "designated time” on a continued ba­ cernment. One of the long-time mem­ message and music before the second sis. The revival goes on, and so did I as bers, Burton Lang, testified in the last service, and although I did not under­ I made my way over to Middletown, service as to that week having been stand why, God was molding the serv­ Indiana, for my next assignment. the culmination of answers to pre­ ice for Johnny, unbeknown to me. In vious prayer for many years and ex­ testimony, she said, "Everything pressed new optimism for the days spoke to me personally. I’ve come MIDDLETOWN, INDIANA that lie ahead. To God be the glory, home and Pm here to stay.” great things HE has done! Many others got issues settled dur­ This was an exciting rural church, As I drove off into the night, I again ing the week, like Ricky Joiner, who pastored by Philip Rogers and his pondered the scene that I had just came to God in submission and deter­ wife Sherry. His warm spirit has un­ witnessed. I could still see the faces. I mined to reprioritize his life. Donna doubtedly contributed to his longev­ could still hear the voices. It seemed Mullet came to the altar in the last ity (12 years) and to a growingly con­ my ministerial charge was to let go of service and prayed through to glo­ tagious church. Their beautiful facility the "hot end” of one meeting and rious victory. When all had finished is a tribute to God and an asset to grab onto the "cold end” of another praying and testimonies were being their image in the community. It did one week after week. I could not cre­ shared, she stood up and asked the not take me very long to figure out ate what happened there, nor any­ pastor’s wife, Tillie, to stand with her. that the church was hungry and ready where else, for that matter. I felt privi­ She told how Tillie had invited and for revival. There was a spontaneous leged to be a part of it, yet burdened brought her to Sunday school when spirit of "yes” by the people to the to see it happen everywhere. Already she was a little girl. She told how leadings of the Holy Spirit. Sabrina my mind began to turn toward Bruns­ much that meant and how later she Morin was reclaimed and became wick, Georgia. What did God want to got away from the Lord in her way­ established in continued obedience do there in a specific way? How would ward teen years. Her tearful eyes throughout the week. Couples knelt I fit in as the catalyst? I was soon to looked into Tillie’s and she thanked and parents prayed with their chil­ find out that His work had preceded her for not giving up on her. She ex­ dren seeking salvation. Pastor Phil me. pressed gratitude for the visit that was excited to tell me of some further very day to encourage her to attend fruit the following week. Jill Trem- the last service of the revival. Again, pala had come to the turning point in BRUNSWICK, GEORGIA God had used a faithful servant the revival where she realized that she through a simple invitation to bring a needed to give her life to God but did It was great to be back again with lost child home. A few weeks later, not yield. The following Wednesday precious friends, Pastor Jack and Til- she was baptized and remains excited she accepted the Lord. The Holy lie Dell, at Brunswick First Church of about growing in the Lord. The hand­ Spirit was faithful to nurture the seed the Nazarene. He is an unusual shep­ bills, bulletin inserts, TV broadcast, and the message continued to speak. herd, having ministered there previ­ and noonday services all contributed There was a refreshing excitement ously and built the present church to the overall impact, but it was really all week. The Sunday morning service facility. Now to be back in his "second the prayer and faithfulness of God’s again was restructured on the spot by pastorate” there and see how the peo­ own people to keep on loving, caring, spontaneous obedience. Prayer at the ple love and respond to his ministry is and inviting that turned the tide in altar resulted in victories for a mother wonderful. these lives and others like them. and daughter, a married backslidden I had been there two times previ­ It was again hard to leave. Sharing daughter, and numerous other indi­ ously in revival — 1982 and 1984. in each other’s lives during an intense viduals. God intervened, and when Having been six years since the last week of involvement always makes it He does, His message is always more time, I was not sure how many people hard to say goodbye. I have learned important than my sermon. I would recognize. Instantly, faces that "so long” is really less painful looked familiar and names quickly and probably more appropriate in the began to come back. I was pleased to Christian life. Yet, somehow, the re­ GREEN ROCK, ILLINOIS see Johnny Mae Welch there with her lease always comes, and the new bur­ sister in the first service, but I did not den of the next place is always realized. Two days later, I arrived in Green realize until later that she had been What a privilege it is to see God’s Rock, Illinois. Pastor Lawrence Gill away from God for about the last five hand at work in various ways in the shared his burden as we met at the years. After she came to the altar in church today. Revivals are alive and altar each morning at 7 a.m. In the the second service and later testified well!

A Journal of Church Grotvth, Evangelism and Discipleship 53 PLANNED GIVING n p rp D [ 7 1 nnR p 1 1 \ 1 i J H LT Formerly Life Income Gifts Services j]

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Three Nazarene Congregations Meet in Same Building

Spanish Bivocational Pastor Serves English and Hispanic Churches

56 GROW / Summer 1991 The Spanish church, starting with 28 members, averaged 55 for the church year and once had an attend­ ance of 81. A high spiritual tone forms the foundation for the new work — in less than one year since organization, they have had three re­ vivals and four half-nights of prayer. A newly formed Haitian congrega­ tion, as yet not officially organized, also uses the Jersey City church for Sunday services. Pastor Santiago is a bivocational church planter who works as general manager of maintenance for Applied Housing, a corporation that rents more than 2,000 apartments. Several visitors at Immanuel’s organizational meeting were associates and co­ workers from his secular work place. God’s work prospers at Jersey City. hoever heard of organiz­ ing a new church on a hot August Saturday night? WTwenty-eight charter members joined the church in that organiza­ tional service attended by nearly two hundred people. Blessing, enthusiasm, and anticipation characterized the meeting. Songs of victory, readings from the Nazarene Manual, exhorta­ tions by the pastor, and the preaching of the Word by Dr. Mucci all con­ tributed to the holy atmosphere. Pastor Ferdinand Santiago was in­ stalled as the pastor. However, long before that August evening, God burdened Pastor Santi­ ago with a vision for Jersey City. He felt the Father had assigned him the task of planting a Spanish-speaking church in this geographic area where thou­ sands of persons with Latin American cultural and family roots live. As Santiago questioned the Lord about a building for the new church, God broadened his vision to include his pastoring the English-speaking Jer­ sey church that had declined to a small Sunday attendance. Prior to this time, Santiago had been appointed to pastor the English- speaking church, which he did for fourteen months before organizing the Spanish church, starting on De­ cember 2, 1989. With devotion, pas­ sion, and acceptance, Pastor Santiago continues to serve both congregations to this day. The Anglo attendance in this rapidly changing neighborhood now runs between 20 and 25.

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 57 MARKETPLACE MINISTRY ome of the most frequent problems in business S and industry are spiritual and ethical rather than technical. The industrial chaplain represents a vital new dimension of service to laborers as well as to professional, managerial, business, and industrial groups. Chaplaincy Ministries is currently endorsing chap­ lains for ministry in the marketplace. Nazarene pastors are excited about their creative ministries as chaplains in fire departments, police depart­ ments, airports, businesses, factories, retirement homes, and funeral homes.. .. The opportunities to minister to a hurting world outside the walls of the church are limitless. The workplace offers openings for counseling, crisis intervention, evan­ gelism, spiritual leadership, worship, and prayer. If you would like to exp an d your present ministry, or if you feel God is leading you in a new direc­ tion, consider m a rke tp lac e ministry. For m ore in­ formation, or to begin the endorsement process, contact Chaplaincy Ministries, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131, (816) 333-7000, ext. 279. Mission Achievement in New York and Beyond

_ h A Day in the Life of the Lamb’s Center Through the Eyes of the Homeless

It is 5:30 Tuesday morning and I trouble staying awake. While waiting in the chairs circled make my way over to a place where I The people around me are talking around the reception room, a man can get a free, hot breakfast. I met about seeing the doctor. Others are calls out my name and talks to me another homeless man on the subway asking where they can get clean about the clothing I will receive: what yesterday and he told me about this clothes. The people volunteering sug­ type, color, and size. Then he leaves place. He said he has gotten a lot of gest we talk to the person behind the the room to get my clothes. While I help there. desk in the reception room. am waiting for him to return, I listen When I finish eating, I wander into After waiting outside with other to what is going on at Don’s desk. He the reception room and get in line to homeless people, I see a woman gets a call from the Crown Hotel, a named Peggy step outside. She hands talk to the receptionist, Don. He welfare hotel whose social worker out tickets for the morning breakfast speaks to everyone coming into the asks Don to prepare a food package and tells us to return at 7:15. Some of room, takes down their names, and for one of his hotel residents that just the people waiting aren’t able to get assures them that they will get the suffered from a fire at her apartment. tickets. Peggy says those who didn’t needed services. He gets similar calls and is able to help get tickets can come back then for a in each situation. bag lunch. Sitting there, I begin chatting with Don. I tell him about my public With ticket in hand, I find a corner assistance situation, or lack thereof. to sleep in Grand Central until 7:15.1 He then signs me up to see the social hope no one steals my possessions worker, Janelle. While he is taking while I sleep, and that I am able to down my information, the person wake up in an hour. who ran to get my clothing returns. I Luckily, a passerby was screaming continue talking to Don, new clothes at someone and woke me up at 7:00.1 in hand. He lets me know that I can get up and walk back over to the see the doctor now and return to the Lamb’s. reception room to wait for the social worker. When we all get seated for break- Straight down the hall and to the fast, a man tells us of God’s love and right is the health clinic. Marge, the forgiveness. He reminds us that we nurse, greets me as I come in. She are all sinners who can receive the interviews me and prepares me for the grace of Christ. I think everyone in doctor’s examination. I notice that the room felt that he was right on there is also a doctor working on about that. He continues by reading men’s feet. The homeless have many Scripture and praying for us and for foot problems. Some from not having the meal. Then people come out with the proper size shoes, some from not trays full of plates heaped with hot bathing for a while, some from not food. With smiles on their faces and having the ability to remove their pleasant words, the meal is quite shoes to let their feet breathe, and enjoyable. Why would they bother to some from being on their feet all the get up so early to serve the homeless? I time. I think I will try to get in to see am so full from all that food, I have the foot doctor.

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 59 r— Mission Achievement in New York and Beyond T he Lamb’s Center . . .

Mark, the doctor, introduces him­ gives me a pair of clean socks. self. He asks me what he can do for I go back into the reception room me. I tell him that I have felt weak and where Don is still busy at the desk. think that I may have a temperature. Shortly, Janelle calls my name and After spending some time with me, invites me into her office. She starts Mark tells me that I have pneumonia talking to me about my present living and that he feels I should have an situation. She asks about my unem­ H.I.V. test. I have always known that I ployment situation and where I sleep, might be susceptible to AIDS since I etc. I tell her about an accident that have lived a street life, which included happened on the job some fifteen sex and drugs, but I never thought I years ago. That accident left me dis­ would ever really get the virus. Know­ abled and I was not able to get any ing what some of my friends with financial compensation from the inci­ AIDS have gone through doesn’t make dent. It wasn’t long after I was dis­ this situation a whole lot easier. Mark abled that I started using drugs. And it is very understanding and gives me wasn’t long after I started using drugs some encouraging words. He explains that I became an addict. Drugs con­ how the AIDS virus is transmitted sumed my life, and still do. and how the antibody test works. After listening to me, Janelle writes Then he draws my blood and gives me the necessary letters to open a public a copy of the Gospel of John to read. assistance case for me. She says I will Mark also tells me about the effects of need to do some follow-up on this, so cocaine and that there is a Cocaine I should come and see her next week. Anonymous group that meets at the I finally decide it is time for me to Lamb’s every Friday evening. When I leave the warmth and care of The leave Mark’s office, he asks me to Lamb’s and go to the streets. Stepping come back next week for my test outside the door, I encounter a long results. line of women and children. They are Next, I make my way into the foot waiting in line for a ticket to the noon doctor’s room. He gives me a basin meal. I hope they will receive the same with hot water and soap to soak my care and concern for their needs as I feet in. I haven’t had this kind of did. It won’t be too long before I treatment in years! After soaking my come to The Lamb’s for a second feet for about ten minutes, the doctor visit. looks at my feet and tends to the cracks, sores, and disease; then he —Reprinted from The Lamb's 'Newsletter

GROW / Summer 1991 Have You Made

Part of Your Expanding Video Resource Library? Priority One is a thought-provoking and at times hu­ morous training video designed to teach people how to use and prioritize their time efficiently. Focuses on ways Christians use their time and how this is an im­ portant clue to our own priorities. Intended for use in a small-group setting, this 30-minute video provides valuable insights for dealing with the “tyranny of the urgent” at work, at home, and at church. If you are a part of the growing number of pastors or laymen who live and die by their “little black ap­ pointment book,” this video is for you! GMVA-1702 $14.95

Other Resources for Your Video Collection... Joy on the Journey Join Reuben Welch as he brings together sound biblical inter­ pretation and contemporary application in a study of Philippians. Taped live before a laymen’s retreat audience, this video is an REUBEN WELCH ideal resource for personal enrichment or for small-group study. On Philippians GMVA-4000 $39.95 JO ? ON Welcome to the Church of the Nazarene THE JOURNEY Designed for use in a membership preparation class, this video Taped live before a Forest Home, provides an overview of church history, mission outreach, and Calif., laymen's retreat audience style of worship. Can also be used in an open house or special event type setting. GMVA-5995 $29.95 (Leader’s Guide and Pupil Book also available.) A Personal Call on Mike and Janet This video provides valuable gospel sharing techniques as Chic Shaver presents the gospel to Mike and Janet in a home setting. Ideally suited for personal evangelism or outreach training work­ shops. GMVA-1701 $19.95 Prices subject to change without notice. Plus postage.

Order toll free NAZARENE PUBLISHING HOUSE • Box 419527 • Kansas City, MO 64141 1-800-877-0700 EVANGELISM MINISTRIES

For Pastors:

If you feel you would like an opportunity to consider a move to a new location, you may send your resume' to Evangelism Ministries Pastoral Placement Service. Along with the traditional information included in your resume', please include the following:

1. A list of professional references, including your current D.S. 2. A list of geographic areas to which you would consider a move. 3. Reasons for your desire to relocate. 4. Salary expectations or requirements.

Evangelism Ministries will provide a copy of your material to District Superintendents who are seeking candidates for placement.

For District Superintendents:

Call 1-800-821-2154 and Evangelism Ministries will provide:

1. Comprehensive computer information on specific requests and available ministers desiring relocation. 2. Resume' materials listed above on ministers seeking relocation. 3. Specific selective data requirements, including: a. List of ministers within specified geographic areas, certain church sizes, specific salary ranges, special educational requirements, family sizes, etc.

This information will be sent by mail on the same day if requests are made prior to 11:30 a.m. (CST). For emergency needs, we will provide next-day main or FAX service. Nothing but the presence of God in and through sanctified souls can make an evangelistic church. P. F . Bresee GROW — A JOURNAL OF CHURCH GROWTH, EVANGELISM AND DISCIPLESHIP Volume 2, Number 2, Summer 1991 Issue $4.00 Bill M. Sullivan, Director, Church Growth Division, International Church of the Nazarene • Neil B. Wiseman, Editor

Contributing Editors: Curt Bowers, Chaplaincy Ministries Director • M. V. Scutt, Evangelism Ministries Director Michael R. Estep, Church Extension Ministries Director • Wilbur W. Brannon, Pastoral Ministries Director

—Cover and inside photography by Michael Lewis. —Graphic and page design by Bill Gray, art director, Wellspring. • Composition by Ada Fae Nichols, typographer, Wellspring.

GROW is produced quarterly, in March, June, September, and December by the Church Growth Division of the International Church of the Nazarene, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, Missouri 64131. GROW is published by the Nazarene Publishing House, 2923 Troost Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64109. GROW is designed by The Wellspring Advertising Agency, a division of Christian Booksellers Association, Colorado Springs, Colorado.

GROW welcomes local and district reports of revivals, church plants, and church growth but because of publishing deadlines, reports cannot be acknowledged or returned. Manuscripts on related subjects are also welcome, but unsolicited manuscripts can be returned only if accompanied with a return self-addressed envelope and adequate postage. Reports and manuscripts may be addressed to Neil B. Wiseman, GROW Editor, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, Missouri 64131.

64 GROW / Summer 1991 PHILIP — SUPERB MODEL FOR EVANGELISM

hen persecution scattered the early keep quiet about personal faith. The word of witness church, Philip, the second lay leader always gets out, and when it does, someone finds Jesus. elected to the first church board, was • God is already at work in every human life. W Before Philip even thought about leaving Jerusalem, God quickly promoted by the Holy Spirit from serv­ ing tables to starting revival meetings. The situa­ was already at work in the Samaritan population. And in tion was desperate. Stephen’s witness and resulting mar- even more dramatic ways, the Holy Spirit was preparing tyrdom severely complicated matters for the struggling the Ethiopian so Philip could "tell him the good news group of believers as Saul started imprisoning Christians about Jesus.” This is an assuring fact for every evangelis­ and destroying the church. The apostles, thoroughly tic effort: Before we say the first word, the Lord Jesus has confused by these threatening events, went into hiding at already been at work in the life experiences of those to Jerusalem. whom He sends us. Philip’s response is utterly amazing. Though inexpe­ • God gives amazing results for evangelism. He rienced and probably frightened, he boldly witnessed for gave Philip a whole new nationality in the Samaritans, Christ in a strange place among unlikely prospects. So and He opened the African race and the African conti­ much in his circumstances could have caused an ordinary nent with His witness to the Ethiopian. The same mes­ believer to keep quiet. To play it safe. To do what was sage attracted both. Though these conversions represent expected. To refuse to be a pioneer for the gospel. Or he great differences in race, culture, and formative religious might even have decided to keep his place as a faithful roots, they illustrate the heartbeat of God that all people layman who had been assigned the task of waiting tables. everywhere should hear the good news. And with these The natural tendency would have been to leave the hard conversions, new open doors fulfilled the commission of work of evangelizing the Samaritans to the big guns Acts 1:8, "You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in headquartered at Jerusalem. all Judea and in Samaria, and to the ends of But the Bible records several startling the earth.” Hearts all around us on every surprises. Philip, without official assign­ hand are already being prepared by Jesus. ment or certified training, shared Christ in • God honors m any methods. Phil­ Samaria. His vital faith found effective ip’s ministry to the Samaritans is an exam­ expression, like faith always does. So the ple of public mass evangelism, while his crowd listened. People believed. The Holy ministry to the Ethiopian is an obvious Spirit provided miraculous results. And example of personal evangelism. Could it there was great joy in the city. be that the church’s present-day evangelis­ In Samaria, the work of God was so tic efforts are hindered by our highly indi­ convincing that Peter and John, represent­ vidual preference for one evangelistic meth­ ing the church’s officialdom, checked out od? What could happen if every believer the results, were impressed by what they saw, preached saw the possibilities of his own ministry of soul winning the possibilities of the fullness, and the Samaritan believ­ to be at the heart of his relationship with his Lord? ers received the Holy Spirit. Then, right in the midst of Then the issue is not method but passion, which shows this red-hot revival, God assigned Philip to go to a desert in an eagerness to share the good news we have received. place to share his faith with one person — the Ethiopian Then the method would be used to fit the circumstance eunuch. rather than a mere preference of technique by the indi­ Philip’s evangelistic ministry teaches several impor­ vidual messenger. Then we simply share, like all good tant lessons for present-day outreach. news, the fact that Christ has invaded our lives with • God begins evangelistic achievement with a quality, mobility, meaning, and peace. To reach every­ passion for the lost in one believer’s heart. There is a one, both public proclamation and private testimony are good possibility that Samaria was not on the church needed and useful. Though the message is always the plant opportunities list at the home office of the early same, the method can be altered so it makes sense to the church. It was not an ideal place where people had been person we seek to introduce to the Savior. begging for the gospel. The lesson: Regardless of the God gives us the privilege of being change-makers in circumstances and environment — friendly or alien, people’s lives. We share the good news of Christ. They crowded or sparse, urban or rural, sophisticated or illi­ believe and the gospel revolutionizes their lives. And the terate, upscale or poverty — people need Christ, and miracle of joy takes place again and again even as it did in some will respond when given an opportunity to really Samaria and in the desert. know Who Jesus is. That means that the Christ follower Somebody is ready to hear your witness now. who lives in close contact with the Lord simply cannot —NEIL B. WISEMAN Editor, GROW A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship .. VMCA