Preacher's Magazine Volume 66 Number 04 Randal E

Olivet Nazarene University Digital Commons @ Olivet Preacher's Magazine Church of the Nazarene 6-1-1991 Preacher's Magazine Volume 66 Number 04 Randal E. Denny (Editor) Olivet Nazarene University Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.olivet.edu/cotn_pm Part of the Biblical Studies Commons, Christian Denominations and Sects Commons, International and Intercultural Communication Commons, Liturgy and Worship Commons, Missions and World Christianity Commons, and the Practical Theology Commons 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 This Journal Issue is brought to you for free and open access by the Church of the Nazarene at Digital Commons @ Olivet. It has been accepted for inclusion in Preacher's Magazine by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Olivet. For more information, please contact [email protected]. JUNE/JULY/AUGUST/1991 MAGAZINE AN OPEN LOOK AT OURSELVES UNDER SEALED ORDERS LW W M IW 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.

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