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12-1-1992 Preacher's Magazine Volume 68 Number 02 Randal E. Denny (Editor) Olivet Nazarene University

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Recommended Citation Denny, Randal E. (Editor), "Preacher's Magazine Volume 68 Number 02" (1992). Preacher's Magazine. 631. https://digitalcommons.olivet.edu/cotn_pm/631

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MAGAZINE

YOU ARE SIGNIFICANT CALAMITY AT CHRISTMAS THE CHURCH’S IRON CURTAIN IS THE BEST COMING FROM YOUR PULPIT? WHAT IS MY TASK?

“Preaching must be the present voice of God to a particular people ” —A. W. Tozer breaching must be the present voice o f Qod to a particular people,

— SI. (W. ‘Tozer LJ EDITORIAL

Success in Ministry

by Randal E. Denny Spokane, Wash.

n a conversation at a recent staff godly man who loved his people and “Regard Your People as Friends, meeting, I asked my friends, “Do served God faithfully. He felt the rap­ Not as Enemies.” I you know what I would like to ture of rising tides of attendance and “Treat Everyone Alike.” have on my tombstone?” I replied in enthusiasm. He held steady when the “Make Few Demands on Your Con­ jest, “He isn’t here yet!” disappointing downturns inevitably gregation.” One staff member asked on a more came. Flynn’s book echoed the “Encourage Members to Have Con­ serious note, “What would you really thoughts of a well-balanced minister cern for Each Other.” like your tombstone to say?” who continually worked at improving “Never Nurse Resentment.” Though I didn’t answer then, many his ministerial skills and insights. In his last chapter, Flynn reminds thoughtful moments later I decided Reflecting on his lengthy tenure in us: “A pastor should be the first to rec­ on what I hoped would fit with spec­ one church, Leslie Flynn concludes: ognize that any seeming success tators’ memories: “He loved much “When a church blossoms, the credit comes from the Lord. When all goes and faithfully pointed to Jesus.” may not totally belong to the pastor, well—increasing crowds, growing In June of 1990, the Consultation for there may be other contributing budgets, building programs, souls won on Clergy Preparation met in beauti­ factors. Contrariwise, when a church and edified—a mature leader knows ful Breckenridge, Colo. During our fades, the blame likely does not rest where the credit should go. . . . discussion times the same question fully on the pastor either, for other Samuel Chadwick summed it up well, kept reappearing: “What is success in factors probably enter in. What we If successful, don’t crow; if defeated, ministry?” Church administrators, call success is relative, but if one has don’t croak’” (p. 144). professors, and pastors sincerely been called to the ministry, faithful­ This week I celebrate 10 years as avoided giving glib answers tom from ness is what the Lord requires” (p. pastor of my church. Most of my con­ the success catalog of worldly king- 29). temporary peers have been “promot­ Idoms. We seek the model of servant In a five-page section of chapter ed” from pastoral ministry. It seemed leadership revealed in Jesus. In God’s 11, Flynn gives five suggestions on over the past several weeks that I, kingdom, success in ministry builds “How a Pastor Helps Build a Support­ too, might have a career-changing on the consistent character of Christ ive Congregation.” Though each is “promotion.” The final phone call being revealed in the servant leader. elaborated, one senses the heart of a never came. However, the process Success is being faithful to God and faithful, loving, successful pastor: extended long enough for me to serving God’s people. reevaluate God’s call to preach and to My understanding o f success in appreciate deeply my placement by ministry was recently enhanced by a Him as a long-term pastor among an book I was asked to review: Leslie B. eager, warmhearted congregation. If Flynn, How to Survive in the Min­ the Lord tarries and He allows me to istry, by Kregel Publications. Leslie continue serving in my present as­ Flynn retired after 40 years in one signment, I seek to please Him and to church. He said, “Forty years is a long love my people. time! Forty years without fireworks, Perhaps someone someday would though not without flare-ups!” (p. 7). review my ministry and conclude, The book is full of personal experi­ “He loved much and faithfully point­ ence and reflections by a good and ed to Jesus.” ■

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1 EDITORIAL MAGAZINE Success in Ministry 1 Volume 68 Number 2 Randal E. Denny December/January/February 1992-93

Editor Randal E. Denny FEATURE Assistant Editor Can You Be Prepared in the Imperial Realm Cindy Osso for the Mysterious Mission Field? 4 Consulting Editors Bill M. Sullivan Millard Reed Director of the Division of Church Growth Church of the Nazarene PREACHING Wilbur W. Brannon Director of Pastoral Ministries The Preacher as Storyteller 9 Church of the Nazarene C. Ed Bryson Wayne E. Caldwell General Editor Is the Best Coming from Your Pulpit? 10 The Wesleyan Church Keith A. Price Contributing Editors General Superintendents Church of the Nazarene Eugene L. Stowe EVANGELISM Jerald D. Johnson John A. Knight My Mind Went Back 13 Raymond W. Hurn William J. Prince Wendell Wellman Donald D. Owens Superintendents The Wesleyan Church THEOLOGY O. D. Emery Earle L. Wilson Three Theologians Discuss Their Suffering 14 Lee Haines Harry C. Wilson John E. Stanley Superintendents Evangelical Friends Church Should Sinners Be Served? 16 Stanley Perisho Maurice Roberts John W. Dally John P. Williams, Jr. Howard E. Harmon General Superintendent PASTOR. BE ENCOURAGED Churches of Christ in Christian Union Dan Tipton You Are Significant! 20 General Conference Secretary C. Neil Strait Brethren in Christ Church R. Donald Shafer PASTOR’S PERSONAL GROWTH Cover Photo: William Pope All unidentified Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, New International Version, co pyrig h t © 1973, Prayer in the City 21 1978, 1984 by fhe international Bible Society, and are used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. John Hay, Jr. Quotations from the following versions are used by permission. Bible for Today's Family (BTF)—New Testament © American Bibie Society, 1991. PASTOR’S PROFESSIONAL GROWTH The New American Standard Bible (NASB), © The Lockman Foundation, 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, Pastor David or Pastor Solomon? 22 1972,1973.1975. 1977. The New Testament in Modern English (Phillips), Re­ Robert L. Moeller vised Edition © J. B. Phillips, 1958, 1960, 1972. By permis­ sion of the Macmillan Publishing Co. The Revised Standard Version o f the Bible (RSV) copy­ Vital Leadership Questions for Holiness Pastors 27 righted 1946, 1952,® 1971. 1973. The Living Bible (TLB), © 1971, by Tyndale House Pub­ William E. Stewart lishers, Wheaton, ill. The New Testament in the Language of the People (Williams), by Charles B. Williams, Copyright 1937 by Bruce Humphries, Inc.; assigned 1949 to Moody Bible In­ stitute, Chicago. King James Version (KJV). The Preacher's Magazine is published quarterly by Bea­ con Hill Press of Kansas City, 2923 Troost Ave., Kansas City, MO 64109. Editorial offices a t 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131. Address all correspondence con­ cerning subscriptions to your denominational publishing house. Subscription price: $7.50 per year. Copyright 1992 by Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City. Litho in U.S.A.

2 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE BtNINtr. L ii'"' *•' ' Olivet Nazarene University KANKAKEE, ILLINOIS nova***

HINDERING HANG-UPS ____ STORIES PREACHERS TELL EACH I Hang-up o f Unreality 30 OTHER Raymond C. Kratzer A Sign of the Time 43 Have You Read These David Olds How-to Books? 31 Chicken Little, Chicken Little 43 Hazel Jaycox Brown Art White

CHURCH ADMINISTRATION SOUNDING BOARD Rededication of Pastoral Staff 32 A Response to “No Forty-Hour Wilbur Brannon Week” 44 | Thank You 33 Keith D. Schwanz Jeff Wedge PREACHERS’ EXCHANGE 45 STEWARDSHIP ______HOLINESS HERITAGE : The Preretirement Years: Samuel Logan Brengle: A Checklist for Success 34 The Cleansed Life 46 John C. Oster J. Ray Shadowens MINISTER’S MATE ______BIOGRAPHY Roses 35 Charles Haddon Spurgeon: Carole Rowe Last of the Puritans 48 ; I Have Complete Confidence James L. Snyder in the Gospel 36 Charles R. Eble PASTORAL CARE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY Calamity at Christmas 50 J. Grant Swank, Jr. f What Is My Task? 37 Ross W. Hayslip IDEA MART CHURCH GROWTH An Intergenerational Night of Bible Fun 51 The Church’s Iron Curtain 38 Marylin De Young Arthur L. Rouleau ARK ROCKER TODAY’S BOOKS FOR TODAY’S PREACHERS______39 There Was a Certain Rich Man . . . 52 CHURCH MUSIC WORSHIP AND PREACHING HELPS 53 Evangelistic Music in Worship: Randall E. Davey Part 2 40 Daniel Steele

Authors should address all articles and correspondence to Editor, The Preacher's Magazine, 10814 E. Broadway, Spokane, WA >9206. Self-addressed, stamped envelopes should accompany all manuscripts.

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 3 Can You Be Prepared in the Imperial Realm for the Mysterious Mission Field?

by Millard Reed Nashville Editorial Note: This thought-provoking article was delivered at the Consultation on Clergy Preparation at Breckenridge, Colo., on June 21, 1990. The author has since joined “the imperial realm” as president of Trevecca Nazarene College.

y Thesis: but to facilitate toward creative dia­ exercises reason as a technique, That the culture of the in­ logue. whose “high country” is the abstract. stitutions of preparation is So while I affirm our association in I appreciate this language—prose. distinctively different from the cul­ the household of faith, consider with It is the essential language for the ture of the local church, thus making me how we are different. Very literal­ transfer of knowledge. The great Mit very difficult—virtually impossi­ ly, how you as professor and I as pas­ thought of the ages cannot be com­ ble—for those institutions to prepare tor are different. municated in a different tongue. Ex­ for leadership in the local church. WE SPEAK DIFFERENT pertise in it is not only helpful but es­ My Question: LANGUAGES sential in the dialogue of the Can professors prepare persons to The realm in which the professor educational institutions. Professors pastor? functions demands that he speak must be able to speak in prose. CONSIDER HOW DIFFERENT with the precision of prose—words PASTORS ON THE OTHER HAND OUR CULTURES ARE that describe a world that is orga­ MUST SPEAK IN POETRY It is our normal pattern as pastors nized in settled formulas, speech that The truth is they must be bilingual. and professors to focus on how we is unencumbered with concreteness Walter Brueggemann, in his recent are similar. Our colleges each make a but has ontologies well in place, that book Finally Comes the Poet, says, point to emphasize that they are not “By poetry I do not mean rhyme, an “institution of the church” but “are rhythm, or meter, but language that the church education.” I agree with moves like Bob Gibson’s fastball, that that. And more, I thank God for that. jumps at the right moment, that But it is also true that we are differ­ breaks open old worlds with sur­ ent. Our roles are distinctive. As we prise, abrasion, and pace” (p. 3, ital­ fail to honor our distinctives, we ics added). It is unembarrassed about make theological intercourse with its concreteness, is unencumbered by resulting creativity impossible be­ ontologies, “assaults the imagination," tween us. It is my desire to point out and questions presumed objectivity differences, not in order to alienate, as only “imagined.” This poetry spo­

4 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE ken by the pastor purposes to By contrast, a pastor’s primary time Job descriptions are not adequate for “^establish” all settled “facts” and call ingredient is “kairos time.” The pas­ it. A job description for an organist into being new life and new power. tor must comply with the demands of might say, “Play the organ at certain I might have opted for the biblical chronos time, but his essential func­ times!” But a job description is blind term “prophet” rather than “poet,” tion is not defined by chronos nearly to the great skill of the accomplished but the point is the same. The pastor so much as it is by kairos. It might organist as compared to the novice. must not only have a facility with more precisely be called “timing.” Kairos time finds its comfortable ex­ i prose but also break out with the lan- pression in covenant rather than con­ , guage of the poet/prophet. That poet­ tract—and says things like “whither­ ic/prophetic word must be strong soever thou goest,” “thy people . . . enough to shatter an old, settled my people,” and “till death do us world where even the gospel has Pastors' and part” (see Ruth 1:16-17, KJV). been “flattened, trivialized, and ren­ As pastor and professor, we func­ dered insane” (p. 1). professors' roles tion in different time zones. To speak in poetry is dangerous. WE ALSO OPERATE WITH A The pastor runs the risk o f being are distinctive. DIFFERENT CURRENCY heard as the purveyor of fantasy and I use the term currency as my ef­ falsehood. But it is a risk that he must fort to describe the “basic measure of take, for the message has within it an wealth” that is negotiable in our dis­ invitation—an invitation that holds tinct areas of service. I borrow the the only chance for changed behav­ A few nights ago I was called to the terms used by J. Mortimer Adler, who ior. Those to whom the poetic invita­ bedside of the dying mother of two lists “information, understanding, and tion is addressed are not ultimately in of my fine young men. Both fellows knowledge as the first three of the are professionals who, along with need of new insights; they need new four categories of learning.” strengths, new courage, new free­ their wives, are very active in the life The basic currency for the profes­ dom. They need to hear the an­ of the church. All four of them play in sor is knowledge. It is the coin of the nouncement that they are authorized our handbell choir. After a couple of realm for the classroom—although, in to act upon the promise of God. shared hours, it was nearly 2 a .m ., and some classes I have taught, I had to The pulpit and the lectern accom­ the children began to urge me to re­ be satisfied with a glimmer of under­ modate different languages. Each is turn home “to get my rest.” My response to them included this standing. In some cases I prayed that ; essential to its realm/field. Both pas­ the information was at least in the comment, “Pastoring is like playing tors and professors must be bilingual. student’s notebook for future refer­ But a failure to acknowledge the dis­ the handbells. You can tarry ever so ence. But the bright hope of the class­ tinctiveness of the two would be as long just counting time, as long as room is knowledge. debilitating for a pastor as ignorance you are there at the moment when the orchestration calls for that tone. Accrediting associations insist that of the local language would be for the professors have a comprehensive newly arrived missionary. Miss it, and the whole of the presen­ awareness of the information within Pastors and professors speak differ­ tation is irretrievably marred. ” the discipline. The function of the ent languages. professor is, in the first sense, deriva­ WE ALSO FUNCTION IN tive. That is, he dispenses that infor­ I DIFFERENT TIME ZONES mation to the student from class ses­ In the realm of the professor, sion to class session (in chronos time) everything runs on “chronos time.” Summa cum in such a way that the student “un­ The whole of the operation—the re­ derstands” it well enough to return it quirements for graduation—are well laude does not to the professor at examination time specified, measurable, predictable. and, in the exercise, accumulates The whole—the total—may be bro­ prepare a person knowledge. It is further desired by ken down into measured parts: se­ the professor that the student will be mesters, terms, credit hours, class for the creative so stimulated by this “aided” exercise hours, number of teaching sessions that in time he may acquire informa­ Iper hour, and number of teaching function of tion with understanding so that it be­ inutes per session. It is the nature comes knowledge unaided by a pro­ the “beloved realm.” Accrediting pastor. fessor. sociations see to it. There is a cer- I find great personal and philosoph­ EItain contractual accountability the ical delight in the pursuit and acquisi­ school has to the student. tion of knowledge. It is an impressive I This chronos time is the stuff of currency. contracts. It makes possible job de- This is the kind of timing that is I even enjoy the ostentatious dis­ fscriptions, where expectations are crucial for a pastor. Like music, it de­ play of that wealth—the academic ■aeasurable and either party may be mands the skill of an artist. It is more procession. Each hood, each symbol­ {faulted and finally sued for noncom- difficult to measure, and so it does ic color, each mortarboard and tassel, foliance. not lend itself to “contract” easily. and the occasional tam from the old

DECF.MBER/JANIJARY/FF.BRUARY 5 aristocratic academia or gaudy robe change rate than others. As a person­ shepherd cannot be selective in his from a European school is testimony al aside, Adler comments that he has care of the flock. to knowledge—the currency of the seen few, if any, wise persons Vulnerability is the primary, not classroom. Professors must be able to younger than the age of 50. That is the secondary, quality for a pastor, deal in the currency of knowledge. not an encouraging thought when we who must function from that vulner- I consider the age of most first-year able point on the behalf of all per- f pastors. sons regardless of philosophical or !■ Let us acknowledge, then, that the theological suasion. “The one who | Timing, language, time zone, and currency of delivers the sacramental word,” says j the professor and the pastor are dif­ Urban Holmes, “and serves the sac- ! like music, ferent. ramental rite, must himself be sacra­ OUR POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY IS mental.” demands the ALSO DIFFERENT In the field to which Jesus has I am not saying here that all profes­ called the pastor, the first must be last, and he that would be the great­ skill of an artist. sors are Republicans and all pastors are Democrats. I am saying that our est must be servant to all. Our Lord difference is more basic and compre­ nailed it down tightly by saying, hensive than that. “Whatever you did for one of the A pastor must also have some accu­ The professor functions in an elite, least of these brothers of mine, you mulated knowledge, but the currency “patrician” world. Please do not re­ did for me’’ (Matt. 25:40). that is negotiable in the congregation coil too quickly. I do not judge criti­ The political philosophies of the is not knowledge. It is wisdom, the cally. I just observe it to be so. With professor and the pastor are not only fourth quality identified by Adler. He the greatest facility of the language, different but well-nigh polar. speaks of wisdom as the “political” control of the chronos time zone, and HOW DO WE WORK TOGETHER? quality. He uses “political” in the with the far superior accumulation of To summarize these thoughts, I broader sense as that quality that en­ the currency of the realm (knowl­ have named our different areas of ser­ ables one to function with and give edge), the professor is the imperial vice. To the area where the pastor leadership to people. I am sure that head of the realm. He attracts his functions I give the title “the mysteri­ you are not taking offense with this own kind to himself. The professor is ous mission field.” I call the place figure. I am not saying that it takes no model. I delight in this. I have been where the professor functions, “the wisdom to teach a class of graduate powerfully impacted by those who beloved imperial realm.” students. I am not saying that at all. I were my chosen mentors. At times I am saying that grade point average is have tried to talk like them and walk no indicator of wisdom. And I am say­ like them, thinking that that would ing with emphasis that summa cum enable me to be like them. Grade point laude does not prepare a person for The route to the aristocracy in this the creative function (not derivative) realm is clear: i.e., speak the language average is no of the pastor—creative in that the (prose), acquire the currency (knowl­ pastor must respond to undomesticat­ edge), dispense it at the right time indicator of ed people, make judgment calls, (ch ro n os ), and become summa, speak or not speak at a precise but magna, cum. It is the social order of wisdom. unpredictable moment in time, and the “beloved imperial realm.” do so in wisdom. He is not in a labo­ In contrast is the pastor whose in­ ratory. The atmosphere is not sterile. tellectual and emotional matrix is It is laden with all kinds of ideological sacramental. He presumes to accept The pastor functions in the field. and theological “infections”—some the call of One who “made himself The term field is intended to describe carried by the pastor himself. The ef­ nothing, taking the very nature of a boundlessness. There are no fences, fects of his “care of souls” is far more servant . . . He humbled Himself and no limits. It is mclusive. By saying, weighty than grades or degrees. The became obedient to death—even “The world is my parish,” John Wes­ welfare of individuals, families, and death on a cross!” (Phil. 2:7-8). The ley was not giving mission philoso­ the congregation are often at stake as pastor’s world is a plebeian world phy but rather was declaring the es­ well as the eternal destiny of never- (opposite of patrician). If he were to sential mclusiveness of the gospel. dying souls. The currency called for minister only to those with whom he The term, mission is used to express here is wisdom. was ideologically compatible, he the fact that the pastor is called to Some argue that our separate cur­ would exclude a very large portion of “shout forth” with wisdom the in­ rencies (knowledge/wisdom) may be his congregation. And he would be credible word of the gospel in poet­ exchanged like other great currencies destroying the Body o f Christ. He ic/prophetic language until every per­ of the world. I would observe that would not be pastoring a church but son hears the transforming word and the “office of exchange” is experi­ a “sect,” that is, a “section” of the until the Lord of the field brings the ence, and that the “officers of the ex­ church. His function would no longer final ingathering. All of this is myste­ change” seem to serve some far more be pastoral. He must practice neither rious—not mystery that is solvable, rapidly and at a more favorable ex­ intellectual nor personal elitism. The but unsolvable. That is, a mystery

6 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE that is of the essence that will not and tors and professors speak different from time to time, inclined to believe cannot be resolved in terms of under­ languages, function in different time it. From time to time, I have heard standing. It remains a mystery to the zones, have differing currencies, es­ pastors speak despairingly of “ivory most experienced pastor. It also re­ pouse radically different political tower” professors who have no re­ mains fascinating. philosophies. We are continents gard nor knowledge of “the real So, the pastor must function in the apart. It simply is not reasonable to world.” I have wondered from time mysterious mission field. That is, he assume that professors cohabiting to time if the professors, long re­ must speak the gospel in the lan­ with professors will produce pastors. moved from the “mysterious mission guage of the poet/prophet with a wis­ It violates the genetic code. God said, field,” remembered how delicate the dom that causes it to effectively con­ “Let the earth bring forth the living art of pastoring is, how difficult the front every person at the appointed creature after his kind” (Gen. 1:24, language, how devastating or how time. KJV, italics added). It is reasonable to The professor, on the other hand, conclude that professors cohabiting glorious the sacrament. functions in the “beloved imperial with professors will, from their intel­ realm.” Again, each word is essential lectual and theological intercourse, to this title. It is a realm in that it is produce professors. not the whole of the church. It is an This impertinence as a pastor ad­ We should essential part of it. Since it is essen­ dressing professors is not mean-spirit­ tial, it is beloved. It is also beloved for ed, and it is not intended as an insult. celebrate our personal reasons. Many of us treasure It is intended as a flirtation. We are the familiar specifics of this subcul­ differen t—you and I. But as the differences with ture genuinely. It is also imperial. Its young couples who come to me for hierarchy is well defined, its “elitism” premarital counseling unanimously mutual regard. specified. exclaim, “Vive la difference!” They So the professor functions in the celebrate their differences. They see “beloved imperial realm.” He must be potential in their differences. They I wish that any new curriculum or able to speak in well-structured prose are downright passionate about their education procedure would be the from his wealth of knowledge in the differences. product of our shared procreation prescribed chronos time to those I do not want my flirtation to be and result in shared celebration. who have qualified to enter the subtle. I boldly suggest that we share I am pleading that we see the fer­ realm. their mind-set. We too should cele­ tile potential in our differences. It is All this brings me to repeat my ear­ brate our differences with mutual re­ not reasonable to expect that the co­ lier stated thesis: The culture of the gard. I have admiration for you habitation of professors with profes­ institutions of preparation is distinc­ whose primary place of service is the sors would produce pastors. On the tively different from the culture of “beloved imperial realm.” I admire other hand, a covenant cohabitation the local church, thus making it very and am sometimes well-nigh of professors with pastors would pro­ difficult—virtually impossible—for awestruck by your ability to speak duce at least some pastors. Maybe those institutions to prepare for lead­ the language, negotiate the currency, some who are pastor-professor and ership in the local church. and manage the time schedule of the others who are professor-pastor, Now to restate my early question: realm. Like most pastors, I blush at my own inferiority and my own inep­ some professor-professor and some titude when I make the occasional pastor-pastor—but, in this case, the junket into your land of primary min­ genetic code is in our favor toward Many have been istry. I feel my own awkwardness in the production of pastors. the presence of your grace. But, like This is not the time to present in­ powerfully the young lover, I bear that embar­ novative curriculum changes. It is the impacted by rassment in this very presentation in time to declare that there is a signifi­ order to declare my regard and admi­ cant and obvious value to be gained ration of you. Also like young lovers, by programming significant practi­ those chosen we pastors yearn to hear and need to tioner input into the training of cler­ mentors. hear that we are highly regarded by gy. How else will young pastors-to-be you — that you might be a bit begin to learn the language, become awestruck by the mystery of the field, familiar with the currency and time that you admire those who can speak zones, and invert their political phi­ CAN PROFESSORS PRODUCE the language and function in the time losophy to that of the field? PASTORS? zone of our plebian atmosphere. Traditional intern programs are I acknowledge that it is imperti­ There are rumors about our “ro­ helpful to this process. I admit that nent of me to raise the question, but mance” that are disquieting. They say they are difficult to operate. Few it is an impertinence that is not mean- that we are alienated, that we disre­ have been done with success. But spirited. I raise the question and then gard each other, and that we distrust this fact should not keep us from suggest that it may be impossible for each other. Since I am insecure in making creative efforts toward effec­ professors to produce pastors. Pas­ this courtship season, I have been, tive intern programs.

d e c e m b e r /j a n u a r y /f e b r u a r y 7 Other adjustments can be made be fatal. And I am only jesting when I our differences, there must be within within the “realm” to simulate some­ suggest that you might have the stu­ both of us a passion to create. With-: thing of the atmosphere of the dents vote on “professorial arrange­ out that passion we will find the un-i “field.” Here are modest examples: ments” with two- or four-year “re­ productive corners of the Kingdom,) newals,” and, of course, the pos­ each convinced of our singular cause, j sibility of being voted out. but each also finding a certain incom­ Here is another plebeian idea that pleteness in our roles. Rumors about is less a threat to the professor: Sug­ gest that the grade for a student’s our "romance" term paper depends totally on your mood at the time he delivers it—or if I am pleading are disquieting. you are present at all on the morning that he delivers it. Do you see how that we see the this is like it is on the field? A pastor can pour his best into preparation on­ fertile potential 1. Classes with two or more pro­ ly to have it missed because they did fessors integrating more than one dis­ not show up or, although they were in our cipline. With two or more imperial present in body, their minds made no heads in a single class, the imperial at­ recognition. differences. mosphere is compromised, and the Crucial to the facilitation of such student is a step closer to the field. field simulations as these within the 2. Draw in a qualified pastor or realm is the continuing and signifi­ Illumined by the passion, we can pastors to coteach a class along with cant involvement of the professor in see that our engagement is serious. It a professor. In this the life of a partic­ must be other than and more than a case, make sure to ular local church. short-term infatuation. We can als identify which There he retains see that it is dangerous. It may fore “language” will be There must be his use of the lan­ us to change to adjustment and to spoken, etc., be­ guage and deals mutual humble submission, a quality fore the class be­ within both of in the currency of not natural to either of us. gins. The greatest the field within its Empowered by the passion, we good will not be us a passion political philos­ will engage each other, persuaded gained by forcing ophy. Being an that the task is too great and its result the pastor to ad­ to create. itinerant guest too significant for us to grow faint­ just to the realm. preacher does not hearted and quit the pursuit. The The greater good qualify one to ap­ field has never been more mysteri­ and the greater effort for the profes­ ply for a “resident’s visa.” ous, more demanding, more painful sor and the class will be to adjust to These three feeble suggestions are than it is now. But the realm has nev­ the field. Let it be a plebeian rather only a token of the potential that is er been better manned, more fully than a patrician exercise. ours as professors-pastors. I ask us to equipped, nor more fully facilitated 3. Intentionally devise ways in look for the creative potential that than today. which the atmosphere of the field springs from the dialogue made possi­ If we as pastors and professors en­ may be simulated in the realm. A sim­ ble by a candid acknowledgment of gage in the preparation of clergy to­ ulation is the best you can do and all our differences. gether, we can accomplish the de­ you want to do. The real thing might Beyond the acknowledgment of sired and effective result. BEYOND BELIEF

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8 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE Preachin

The Preacher as Storyteller

by C. Ed Bryson Lafayette, Ind.

was struggling to keep my con­ So I seasoned the meat. Drawing new town he picked through the gregation’s attention. The more on my artistic skills as a folk story­ cards and arranged the stories he felt energy I poured into communi- teller, I began my sermons with a led to tell that night. But where do Ij eating the significance of the Greekquestion or a story. All attention fo­ you get great stories that can pene­ j meaning o f grace, the more frozen cused on me. People actually listened trate hearts and leave them open to peered the eyes of the saints. How to my sermons. But I felt guilty—it receive the truth? could I break through the icy stares was too much fun. And I was wasting My primary source is the Bible. The : and inflame their hearts? valuable time telling stories when I Old Testament is mostly made up of Then it happened. I began telling could better use it to pack in more stories strung along like a bedouin the story of the thief on the cross. abstract truth. caravan. The gospel narrative lends it­ Lights came on all over the church. Overcoming self perfectly to story. Simply exegete Minds that had wandered to the four My guilt drove me to investigation. the passage, and let the story teach corners o f the universe suddenly I observed why the Gospels are called the truth. came stampeding back. narratives. I noticed that Jesus rarely The newspaper, public television, and radio have been good sources for How had I missed it? said anything without telling a story. me. National Public Radio (NPR) is a i Several years ago I became interest­ Experimenting, I learned to punc­ fabulous source for human interest ed in the art of storytelling. It had be- tuate my expository scripts with sto­ stories. I come my hobby, and I’d become well ries and illustrations. Images in the A valuable source may be found at known in the community as a folk stories emerged as causeways from your public library: Stith Thompson’s ! storyteller. I’d watched rowdy inner- the glassy abstract to the stone reality Motif-Index o f Folk Literature, pub­ city kids settle in rapt attention and of life. I decided that if I communi­ lished by Indiana University Press. If ■ follow the plot of rather involved tra­ cate one tempered brick of truth you can remember anything about a ditional stories. I’d strung along so­ each Sunday, the people could better story, illustration, or joke, you can phisticated community leaders, then build their castles of faith. Before, I likely find a sketch o f it in Mr. watched their facades crumble in had filled their hands with packed Thompson’s comprehensive five-vol­ laughter as the punch line of a folk­ sand that would sift away onto the ume index. tale took an unexpected twist. But I’d parking lot before they reached their If you’re still not convinced that us­ not taken my art into the pulpit. cars. ing story can more effectively com­ Why? Because I was a serious I found that scientific literature also municate your expository material, 1 preacher—a scholar who believed it supported the use of story to commu­ check out the book Learning to was my job to teach people in my nicate knowledge. Link emotions to Preach like Jesus, by Ralph Lewis and care as I was taught. Expository knowledge, and it’s likely to be re­ Gregg Lewis. preaching was the only way to see membered and acted upon. Was that 1 God’s Word bear fruit in the lives of not the goal of my preaching? Set free the saints. That meant long hours Where do I start? “I finally understand the religious with the text and abstract exegesis It’s said that Billy Sunday kept a significance of the struggle in the presented in a threepoint outline. stack of cards on which were written Middle East,” I overheard as two of The poem was optional. The people his favorite stories. Each night in each my parishioners were discussing the were absent. morning sermon. The worst blow of all was that peo­ Returned the other, “I always felt ple could not remember my sermon guilty that I’d forgotten the sermon beyond the steps of the church. But every Sunday by the time I got home. that day I’d seen the lights come on. Since he started telling stories, I find How could I tell stories and still be our family often discusses the sermon faithful to preaching the Word? over lunch.” Strong Christians need meat on I felt the guilt lift from my shoul­ which to mature. But they turned up ders. I’d been set free. Jesus had been their noses at the steak I tossed be­ showing me the way of story all fore them as if it was rotten. along. Now I’m home to stay. ■

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 9 m t Is the Best Coming from f l i ! IW fM , fa A / I S ’t If Wt *. IJ42 Your Pulpit?

by Keith A. Price Victoria, B.C.

hether you are in the will not only use Scripture in a gener­ Similarly, “spiritual” advice or ideas pew or behind the pul­ al sense but also make it that unbreak­ that are not based directly on the pas­ pit, you should know able thread, which, like a necklace, sage read or referred to may or may Wwhy the Bible is being presented holds together those Holy Spirit-in­ not be God’s truth—it is not always in an expository manner— if it spired gems of explanation, illustra­ easy to tell. I’ve known preachers to is— and why this type of preach­ tion, and application. take secular material—particularly in ing will make your local church Some preachers use the Bible only the fields of psychology, philosophy, stronger. as a launching pad—to propel them sociology, or leadership—then search In recent years, I have sat on sever­ into propounding their own views on for a verse that appears to back it up al convention planning committees a selected topic. After the reading and preach it as their Sunday morning whose task it was to select and invite and an initial brief comment, the Bi­ message. I’ve even heard one preach­ effective Bible expositors to speak. I ble is closed in both pulpit and pew. er call that style “exposition.” Noth­ have come to the conclusion that Should we not rather be like Ezra, ing could be further from the truth. such people are increasingly rare. who “opened the book in the sight of The preacher is to explain or am­ I know the heavy demands that ex­ all the people . . . blessed the Lord, plify the written and visible Word. pository preaching makes. [Expository the great God . . . read from the book, His words then have the authority of preaching might be defined as the ex­ from the law of God, clearly; and they truth about them. One celebrated planation and application of a portion gave the sense, so that the people un­ preacher, with whom I recently sat of Scripture in an organized way to derstood the reading” (Neh. 8:5, 6, 8, on a convention platform, actually achieve a specific spiritual purpose— RSV)? If we hold that Scripture is in­ preached without using a Bible. He ed.\ Pastors and teachers, already sub­ spired by God in a unique sense, then spoke on God’s strategy in evange­ merged from the pressures of a fast- the most biblical form of preaching is lism, quoting Scripture but always moving society, are not really looking to read it clearly—giving the sense. from memory. His message, though for more work. Nevertheless, I want This is the essence of exposition. biblical, lacked that stamp of authori­ to plead with those who are called to 2. It is the way that I can teach ty that the public visibility of his Bible shepherd God’s flock to make every with authority. could have provided. effort to recover what could become a Most o f us are bombarded daily I recall when preaching in one fast-disappearing practice. with scores of commercials. We usu­ church in Communist Europe that After nearly 30 years of communi­ ally have no way of determining what most people had no Bible. Thinking cating God’s truth by expository is true advertising and what is false. there were no more available, I asked preaching, I am more convinced than how many owned a copy. To my ever of its value. Why do I believe the amazement, almost everyone raised a exposition of Scripture to be so im­ hand. Apparently, the pastor was a portant? Let me share my reasons: “launching pad” type; and the Bibles, 1. It is the most biblicalform o f even when brought, were not really preaching. used. Bad habits had naturally devel­ While other types of preaching oped. I delayed the message while may have their rightful place—even they went to their homes to find their from the pulpit—the man called by Bibles—something we could not do God to proclaim His truth will surely in North America because of our ad­ focus all attention on the Word. He diction to clock-watching.

10 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE 3. It magnifies Christ. only useful on Sundays or for those forcing the point for the grandparent. Some preaching magnifies the going into “the ministry.” We tend to forget that Jesus was once preacher, especially when—as A. W. 5. It has something fo r a child, and that God had thought this : Tozer used to put it— “the scintillat- everybody. problem through before He provided f ing personality replaces the burning Almost invariably while preparing a the material that would best do the bush.” The preacher’s style may be passage for exposition, I find myself job for all. Let’s be sure to use it. remembered more than his message. marking those verses that more clear­ 6. It impresses on all the Other preachers magnify their pet ly express the essence of the Good relevance o f the Bible. I theories. They have a doctrinal ax to News. I’ll be sure to use them to full I have seen people weep as they i grind, and use it at every opportunity advantage. Those preachers who find sat under effective expository preach­ I to prove their point—sometimes at themselves more at home with evan­ ing and felt the Word of God speak so the expense of more fundamental gelistic messages will find that preach­ directly to their situation. It’s as if ; truth or the teaching majored on in ing through a book will force them to they realized for the first time that I the passage. minister to growing Christians also— God truly has “seen the[ir] affliction . True Bible exposition will, of ne- who otherwise get starved. . . heard their cry . . . [and] know[n] I cessity, magnify Christ. We are on their sufferings” (Exod. 3:7, RSV). i safe ground when we are working Take Rom. 8:37 or Isa. 43:2 and put it I with the Spirit’s illuminating the sa­ into the hands—and the heart—of a lov­ cred page. For it is God’s Book, and ing, devoted pastor who has spent his He always magnifies His Son. week ministering to the walking 4. It emphasizes God’s wounded, and see what happens. It’s ) priorities, not man’s. likely that several will say: “Pastor, that Some preachers can effectively The Holy Spirit message was aimed right at me this I handle topics chosen from popular morning,” or “Who told you I had that films, current news items, or the em­ has given us in problem?” The Word becomes so rele­ phasis of the lecturer at the counsel- vant that they realize God understands I ing seminar run by the hospital ad- the Word those human beings like nobody else ever did. : ministration last week. While this 7. It whets people’s appetite fo r I often attracts attention, creates inter- topics that the Word o f God. lest, and bespeaks admirable creativity How often have you heard some­ on the part of the preacher, it can, should be one say, “I can hardly believe how I when mishandled, fail to really feed much he got out of those two vers­ the flock with the diet planned by the majored on in es.” What is most impressed upon I Chief Shepherd. The world must nei­ them is that the verses were in their ther set our agenda nor determine our preaching. Bible all the time. They have likely J our credenda. The Holy Spirit has giv- read the passage again and again, yet I en us in the Word those topics that failed to see the gems of truth and | should be majored on in our preach­ wisdom that were hidden beneath ing. The frequent recurrence of cer- the surface. You have shown them I tain themes throughout Scripture the potential of their own copy of the fsurely indicates something about Scriptures to convey the voice of God i what is important to God. —especially in a time of need. [ Bible exposition on a book of the With a regular diet of this “giving- [Bible will ensure majors on God's ma­ Most Bible passages not only have the-sense” preaching, it doesn’t take nors—not man’s. I have noticed that something for Christian and non- long for even the least mature to see [weak Christians often prefer “prob- Christian but also have both milk and that what makes the difference is the ;lem-oriented” messages—especially meat content. The young and the ma­ time taken for meditation. It’s “out of [when they touch a felt need. They ture in the faith can be fed from the the abundance of the heart the : Iwant the experiential while secretly same plate. Ignoring the expository mouth speaks” (Matt. 12:34, RSV), petesting the “dry, doctrinal subjects.” method sometimes leads the academi­ and the heart rarely gets filled with a We have somehow conveyed the mis­ cally inclined preacher to fire above five-minute glance at a text. Your ex­ conception that oft-mentioned biblical the heads of most in the congrega­ positions will have whetted their ap­ themes like sin, the Cross, the Resur­ tion. Because I learned a lesson 20 petites for serious study of the Word. rection, repentance, and faith are dry years ago is no reason to assume Soon they’ll not be satisfied with and boring. Could I suggest that this is everyone else knows it too. Exposi­ spoon-fed meals but will want to study because we either ignore the practical tion will force me to visit both kinder­ the Word themselves. Expository scriptural context or fail to illustrate it garten and campus in the same mes­ preaching—more than any pushed- and apply it to daily living. We some­ sage. This is also true with age down-the-throat technique for getting !times preach in an experienceless, at- differences. Practicing Jesus’ way of Christians into the Word—will ultimate­ mosphereless vacuum and give the teaching by illustration (55 percent of ly produce the quality of disciple and impression that while practical Chris­ His recorded words) will keep the in­ potential teacher that would otherwise tian living is for every day, doctrine is terest of the 10-year-old, while rein­ be little more than an unfulfilled dream.

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 11 . 8. It puts fir e in my bones. Then again, they never lose the sage this morning!” My “What did Francis Dixon, a beloved British pas­ notes! Your message can go on work­ he say?” suddenly chills the atmos­ tor, wrote a book phere, as a look called Running of embarrass­ up the Stairs. He ment or an un­ was addicted to a spoken “Why did ministry of Bible I open my big exposition. He mouth?” replaces was the kind of the carefree joy person who, if that character­ you didn’t know ized the earlier what to preach, comment. would say, “Just Saintly Bishop turn over the Taylor-Smith was page, there’s plen­ known for asking ty more on the young Christians, other side.” Ev­ “And what did ery passage he the Lord give turned to would yield its secrets to his ing long after the nonexpository-type you this morning?” Whenever there Christ-filled mind. After hours in one message is forgotten. It’s no wonder was a blank look or a clumsy excuse, paragraph—or even one verse—he that regular exposition produces such he would say, “Well, let me tell you would be so burstingly full that, like quality and quantity growth in the what the Lord gave me this morning.” Jeremiah (see 20:9), it was like fire in churches that practice it. Then— as much for his memory’s his bones—so much so that he could 10. I t ’s easy to pass on. benefit as theirs—he would share the hardly wait for starting time. When it I’ve often felt quite uncharitable af­ gems he had found in the Word that came, he would run up the pulpit ter yielding to the temptation to fur­ day. Do this with three people each stairs to preach. ther pursue someone’s “Wow, did day, and you’ll likely remember the This had been my joyous experi­ the pastor ever preach a great mes- thoughts for years. ence too. I can hardly wait for the The Christian message is meant to great sense of fulfillment I get when I be passed on, not kept. We are some­ am able to open the lid of the trea­ times like sponges sitting under a sure chest and display the wealth of dripping tap—always wet and soggy. the King of Kings. This is the unique We are meant to be squeezed so that privilege of the expositor, and it’s others will benefit from what has worth far more than all of the hours blessed us. we sacrificially put into preparation. But what if our memories are Some preachers short? Those who preach rarely sus­ 9. People take home the notes. pect that the fault may lie just as There are very few words of praise use the Bible much at their door as with the hear­ or thanks that can equal seeing dozens er. For if the entire church has taken of people taking notes as you expound only as a home the notes—in the text of their the Word. Often—especially when own Bibles—then it’s no great hard­ you outline your points as you start— launching pad— ship for them to look up the passage you can hear the rustling and tearing and say, “Oh, yes, here’s what he of paper or the clicking of a purse as to propel them said. ” someone searches for a pen. How So that’s why I choose to preach many of these note sheets are ever into by exposition. I should add, however, read again is anyone’s guess; but even that I recall some years ago vowing— then, the points are better remem­ propounding rather overzealously, I’m afraid—nev­ bered for having been written down. er to preach except by this method. I But what about those who take no their own views now realize that there are special oc­ notes? I have found that the more casions when other methods are par­ faithfully I expound a Scripture por­ on a selected ticularly appropriate, such as at cer­ tion, the more precisely are my notes tain parents’ nights, church banquets, found right there in the text. This topic. ball club chapels, and so forth. Yet, means that everyone—not just the they are still very much the excep­ notetakers—take home the notes. In tion. My calling is to a ministry of Bi­ addition, if you’ve done your work ble exposition. To this I have commit­ well, one or more of your points will ted myself; and from this, by God’s come back to them each time they grace, I will not be detracted. read that passage. This is even more Reprinted by permission from Confident Living. the case if they mark their Bibles as Copyright © 1984 by the Good News Broadcasting you preach. Association, Inc.

12 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE My Mind Went Back by Wendell Wellman West Covina, Calif.

lame it on my advancing The long altar was soon filled, years. Blame it on the as were many of the front nostalgic bent in my seats, with needy people seek­ nature. Whatever the explana­ ing spiritual help. tion, I was genuinely excited Throughout the evening I re­ by a service I attended recent­ flected on the need to return ly. It was the closing service of to a stronger evangelistic em­ the Los Angeles District Camp phasis on Sunday nights. Grant­ Meeting. ed, a crowd o f nearly 2,000 J The beautiful sanctuary of adds a dimension not possible Pasadena First Church of the in a crowd o f 200. But the Nazarene was well filled. You same elements can be present could feel the excitement as in a small or average-size con­ you came in. There was elec­ gregation. The music can be tricity in the very atmosphere. soul-stirring. The message can You had the feeling that this genuinely evangelistic. The would be no ordinary Sunday same Holy Spirit can be pre­ evening. It wasn’t! sent to draw needy people. ■ Dwight and Carol Mullen Since attending that service, were the song evangelists. I have been unable to shake Dwight opened the service the feeling that many o f us with a medley of old favor­ have all but given up on the ites— “The Unclouded Day,” Sunday night evangelistic ser­ “When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder,” opening remarks. It was one o f ___ _ vice. We have given it different “I’ll Fly Away,” and “Because He messages that build steadily toward a names. We have changed the focus Lives.” It had been a while since I had climax. And what a climax it was! and the purpose. And we have lost heard such spirited singing from a Without pressure. Without psycho­ something vital in the process. Congregation. It set the tone for the logical tricks. Without gimmicks. Just Perhaps it is nostalgia, but this entire evening. Special music fea­ a simple, sincere invitation under the camp meeting service revived memo­ tured the combined choirs of Los An­ obvious leadership of the Holy Spirit. ries of a time when the Sunday night geles Grace and Pasadena First. They evangelistic service was the big ser­ Sang a rousing song under the dynam­ vice. This was true where I first en­ ic direction of Sharon Densford with countered the Church of the Naza- an enthusiastic response from the rene. It revived memories of the days congregation. A vocal duet by Dwight when revivals were a regular part of and Carol rounded out the special the church year and camp meetings jnusic. were anxiously awaited events each I Evangelist Charles (Chic) Shaver summer. preached on the theme “A New Crea­ I left that service wishing we could ture in Christ.” He captured and held experience more Sunday nights like le attention of his audience from histhe that one. ■

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 13 Theolo

Three Theologians Discuss Their Suffering

by John E. Stanley Portland, Oreg.

ecently three contemporary Beker’s spirit. The Holocaust, wars in cal pain—that is suffering, or Christian writers opened Vietnam and Nicaragua, the plight of rather, that’s when suffering hap­ R. their hearts and shared their the homeless and mentally ill, and the pens. What it is, I do not know.6 experiences with suffering. Their deterioration of the quality of life All three writers regard suffering books, which tell how they encoun­ awaken agony in Beker’s sensitive and death as evil. Wolterstorff said,! tered and lived with suffering, are ac­ spirit. His mind aches as he surveys “Death is awful, demonic.”7 “In death counts that illumine the relationship the world because he detects “more one faces not love but malevolence. ”8I between their experiences and their reason for hopelessness than for hope Three times Beker spoke of death as a theologies. J. Christiaan Beker in Suf­ —especially because so many expres­ poisonous reality'' and notes that suf­ fering and Hope, Nicholas Wolter- sions of hope are simply projections fering threatens to suffocate the storff in Lam ent f o r a Son, and of false hope.”2 meaning individuals experience in Madeleine L’Engle in Two-Part Inven­ Lament f o r a Son, by Nicholas their private lives. L’Engle is not as tion: The Story o f a Marriage analyze Wolterstorff, professor of philosophi­ explicit in defining suffering and their experiences of suffering and cal theology at Yale Divinity School, death as evil, except she does speak provide encouragement and wisdom chronicles how Wolterstorff respond­ of terrible and tragic events. for others who suffer. Wolterstorff ed to the sudden death of his 25-year- Questions pervade these three ac­ and L’Engle wrote narrative theolo­ old son, Eric, in a mountain climbing counts of suffering. The questions in gies. After a three-page description of accident. Like Beker, Wolterstorff Lament for a Son fill up a single­ his sufferings, Beker described what noted that Lament fo r a Son is “in­ spaced typewritten page. Initially the Bible says about suffering. tensively personal.”' The heartbroken Wolterstorff reflects, “The pain of the J. Christiaan Beker, professor of father wrote to honor his son, to no more outweighs the gratitude of New Testament at Princeton Theolog­ voice his grief, and “in the hope that the once was. Will it always be so?”10 ical Seminary, confessed his reticence it will be of help to some of those “How can I bury my son . . . ?"" about sharing his subjective response who find themselves with us in the Months later he talks to himself and to his suffering, which he suggests company of mourners.”4 to God, asking, might seem “‘puny’ in the larger con­ In Two-Part Invention: The Story Will my eyes adjust to this dark­ text of the world’s suffering.”1 Beker o f a Marriage, Madeleine L’Engle’s ness? Will I find You in the dark— notes that he composed Suffering theology of suffering emerges from not in the streaks of light which re­ and Hope, not primarily as an acade­ her narrative description of how she main, but in the darkness? Has mic venture, but as his existential at­ and her family responded to her hus­ anyone ever found You there? Did tempt to reconcile his suffering with band Hugh’s treatment, pain, and they love what they saw? Did they his belief in God’s goodness. death from bladder cancer. Hugh was see love? And are there songs for Suffering stalks Beker in three a Broadway and television actor. Al­ singing when the light has gone forms. In World War II he felt utterly though L’Engle is a writer and confer­ dim? The songs I learned were all dehumanized when German troops ence leader, any doubts I had regard­ of praise and thanksgiving and re­ took him from Holland and placed ing classifying her as a theologian pentance. Or in the dark, is it best him in a labor camp. For Beker, like diminished as I read Two-Part Inven­ to wait in silence?12 many other victims of war, personal tion, especially as she shared her dis­ Wolterstorff’s penetrating ques­ effects of the war lingered long after ciplined reading program in theology. tions provoke as much thought as a the political armistice. Following his Two-Part Invention documents her seminary class in the philosophy of return to Holland after the war, a willingness “not to be afraid to ask the religion. manic-depressive cycle produced ex­ big questions that have no answers.”5 “My God, my God, why have you treme mood swings from suicidal de­ Wolterstorff asked, “What is suffer­ forsaken me?” the lament from Ps. pression to ecstatic states accompa­ ing?” He answered, 22:1 and quoted in Mark 15:351 nied by irresponsible behavior. Sadly, When something prized or loved framed L’Engle’s questionings. She the illness was not properly diag­ is ripped away or never gained— kept returning to that lonely quesj nosed for years. And the tragic absur­ work, someone loved, recognition tion, acknowledging it is “all right to dities of the late 20th century haunt of one’s dignity, life without physi­ ask why,” even while “knowing there

14 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE are no easy answers, perhaps no an­ deterioration of the planet Earth. He zov, or perhaps even Beker, but it is swers at all.”13 While watching her believes God hates suffering and that an answer with which she can live. j husband die of cancer, she did not suffering is alien to the kingdom of On the other hand, perhaps that is a “want to be afraid to ask the big ques­ God. He values the promises of heal­ livable solution because of her rela­ tions that have no answers.”14 ing and care in Rev. 21:3-4 as well as tionship with God of whom she testi­ Beker’s Suffering and Hope at­ the cosmic wholeness envisioned in fies, “Terrible things happen, and tempts to state what the Bible says re­ Rom. 8:18-25. Beker weighs the Bible God does not prevent them, but the garding suffering and death. Although in the balances of suffering and hope. purpose of a universe created by a it is not in diary or narrative form like He distinguishes between explana­ loving Maker is to be trusted.”18 Else­ Lament fo r a Son and Two-Part In­ tions for suffering in Job, Ecclesiastes, where, when a student remarked on vention, Suffering and Hope reflects Daniel, Deuteronomy, Revelation, her optimism amid suffering, she Beker’s struggle to answer the ques­ and 1 Peter. According to Beker, Paul shared her “belief that God is not go­ tion of why there is suffering. He be­ delineates between deserved suffer­ ing to fail with Creation, no matter gins with an extremely personal state­ ing, redemptive suffering, and the how abominably we humans abuse ment covering three pages, explaining meaningless suffering of created life free will.”19 Like Beker, L’Engle needs why he had to write Suffering and in the world due to the world’s to believe in an ultimate resolution of Hope. Like Dr. Rieux in Albert Camus’ bondage to sin and decay. Some of the problem of suffering and evil. She The Plague and like Ivan in The those understandings are acceptable states, “We have to know in the very Brothers Karamazov, Beker asks, to Beker. Cumulatively, they are still depths of our being that the ultimate “Can the present, unjust suffering of inadequate because they do not ad­ end of the story, no matter how many one child of God be righted and com­ dress the unequal causal relationships aeons it takes, is going to be all pensated for by that sufferer’s future between sin, punishment, and suffer­ right.”20 One reason she can trust the r restoration in the kingdom of God?”15 ing. As an apocalyptic theologian— rest of the story to turn out well is be­ These questions of Wolterstorff, L’En­ one who affirms that God who is cause she knows God as a caring God gle, and Beker are contemporary ver­ good and who created a good world “who is with us always, everywhere, sions of the perennial inquiries asked w ill ultimately redeem us in and in the deepest depths as well as the by all of us who suffer. Their ques­ through the world—Beker remains a highest heights.”21 tions remind us it is natural and all believer because he hopes for a final Midway through Lament fo r a Son, right to question. Questioning cush­ victory of Christ over death and suf­ Wolterstorff declares he can offer no ions the emotional shock caused by fering through the resurrection. Until explanation for his son’s death and suffering. then, Beker will face the future, trust­ his grief as a father. Even though he Recognizing that their questions ing his hope will prove true. His hope has read all the theological justifica­ document how these descendants of seems as strong as his vivid depiction tions for suffering, Wolterstorff con­ Job stared into an abyss of despair, of sin, suffering, and death. cludes, “I find them unconvincing. To were these three theologians tempted If Beker lives by faith, facing the fu­ the most agonizing question I have to renounce their faith? Or as a friend ture as hope, L’Engle’s response to her ever asked, I do not know the an­ of Wolterstorff asked him, “Why husband’s illness seems to be based on swer. I do not know why God would don’t you just scrap this God busi­ a combination of reason and relation­ watch him [Eric] fall. I do not know ness? . . . It’s a rotten world, you and ships. L’Engle shared how she kept her why God would watch me wound­ I have been shafted, and that’s that.”16 faith earlier in life amid a series of ed.”22 In the last few pages, Wolter­ All three writers wrestled with the tragedies to close friends and the sui­ storff shares what he has learned temptation to throw in the towel. cide of her godson. Amid Hugh’s dy­ about God and character develop­ Their varied accounts of why they re­ ing, she again decided to maintain her ment through his lamenting for Eric. main believers illumine how faith can basic attitude of faith toward the uni­ Like L’Engle, Wolterstorff learned that fortify during suffering. verse. On the one hand, she rationally God suffers with us. “Instead of ex­ I felt as I read Suffering and Hope explains her husband’s cancer as the plaining our suffering, God shares that Beker’s faith still holds because consequence of human freedom: it”23 and “The tears of God are the he is reliving a form of Pascal’s wa­ Cancer is a result of conse­ meaning of history”24 are two quota­ ger. Beker is betting that God will fi- quences. It is not sent as a punish­ tions affirming God’s participation in I nally provide an answer to personal ment. I do not have to make the re­ our suffering. Wolterstorff refuses to and cosmic suffering in a future resur­ pulsive theological error of feeling affirm all suffering, especially the rection. Despite his personal suffer­ that I have to see cancer as God’s death of Eric, as redemptive. Some ing and his anguish because of what will for my husband. . . . Cancer is suffering might bring peace and jus­ he calls “tragic or meaningless” suffer­ not God’s will. . . . Tragedies are con­ tice, but not all. He grudgingly ac­ ing, Beker remains a Christian believ­ sequences of human actions, and the knowledges that he has learned from er because of his deep convictions re­ only God worth believing in does not his suffering while regretting the garding the ultimate relationship of cause the tragedies but lovingly cause of his character development— suffering and hope. comes into the anguish with us.17 Eric’s unnecessary death. He knows Beker is grappling with the dilem­ L’Engle’s intellectual understanding that the same valley of death through ma of believing in the goodness of of suffering and tragedy as the price which he walked brews bitterness God while aware of the enduring to be paid for living with human free­ mystery of human suffering and the dom would not satisfy Ivan Karama­ (Continued on page 19)

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 15 Should Sinners Be Served?

by John W. Dally Burbank, Calif.

few months ago I was leading After studying this subject at great stern about who can take Commu- I a midweek Bible study length and from many perspectives, I nion: “You must not let anyone eat or , through the doctrines of the decided to put the whole idea to a drink of your Eucharist except those j Achurch. This particular evening, Itest. was I decided to apply John Wesley’s baptized in the Lord’s name” (9:5). It j speaking on the subject of Commu­ four-fold test of doctrine: tradition, goes on to quote Matt. 7:6, “Do not nion. At the conclusion of the talk, I Scripture, experience, and reason. give dogs what is sacred.” asked for any questions. One gen­ This requirement was held j tleman asked, “Would you serve throughout the early and Middle 1 Communion to a sinner?” ages of the church. When the Re- | Thinking it over, I responded formation occurred, there were | that I would. He asked how I could many changes, but not so with the J do that in view of the understand­ Lord’s Supper. For even among the J ing of Communion as a “meal” for early Reformers, John Calvin and I believers. We discussed the matter Ulrich Zwingli, there were precon-1 at some length after the service, ditions. In the Reformed creeds, 1 where we found a great deal of dis­ the threat of condemnation is stat- 1 agreement. ed for any nonbeliever who takes 1 I began asking a number of my the Communion. A person must be- I fellow pastors how they felt about lieve that Christ came to save, and I the matter. Some were very believe that he is “in the number of a adamant that no sinner should be them that are delivered by Christ 1 served Communion. When asked and saved; and whether he has pur- I what they interpreted “sinner” to posed to change this wicked life.”1 1 mean, they would usually respond As the Reformation moved to En- 1 that they were referring to people gland, the tradition continued in I who had not previously professed a Wesley believed that unless a doc­ the Thirty-nine Articles (1563).2 Even 1 faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and trine could meet all four tests, that the Anabaptists, who stood out as op 1 Savior. I asked if they had ever pre­ belief could not be held as doctrine. posed to infant baptism, still required I vented someone from partaking in Here’s the question: “Are there any adult baptism before Communion. I the Communion on these grounds. preconditions required before receiv­ Later, in America, the Baptist creeds 1 “No,” was the common answer. ing Communion?” of 1833 reconfirmed the requirement It was impractical to try to check To begin, let’s look at the test of of baptism prior to taking Commu- 1 the “credentials” of each person as tradition. In seeking tradition, I exam­ nion.3 they came to the table. The problem ined church histories, theological It is in the Methodist Articles of Re- t was dealt with by strong warnings as works, Early Church documents, and ligion (1784) that a departure occurs. I part of the ritual. These warnings in­ creeds of the major churches over Baptism is called for but is not linked j cluded the statement of Paul that the past centuries. I discovered a fair­ to Communion. Instead, there is men- I there would be judgment and even ly consistent position on Commu­ tion of taking Communion “rightly, I death for those who took Commu­ nion. A person must be a professing, worthily, and with faith.”4 Commu- I nion unworthily. If a person decided baptized believer prior to receiving nion is to be administered to all Chris- J to take it anyway, he was taking fate Communion. An early-third-century tians alike. As for the Church of the I into his own hands. document called the Didache is very Nazarene, there is an emphasis on the I On the other side, I found some believers table. “Let all those who | that were very adamant that we have with true repentance forsaken j should allow anyone to partake in the their sins, and have believed in Christ I Communion table. They saw an invi­ unto salvation, draw near.”5 Although j tation to partake in Christ as an av­ baptism is not a requirement, prior 1 enue to conversion. Some shared conversion is implied. how people had accepted the Lord in In this quick overview, it does ap- I the Communion service. But, for the pear that tradition generally supports, I most part, these pastors supported with a few exceptions, a precondi-1 their position by feelings more than tion of baptism or at least conversion | facts. prior to receiving Communion. But t

16 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE before we settle the argument, we tion appearances, where Jesus would have heard many explanations of this must remember that in order to be appear at the supper table when all term. I have heard it used to describe ; doctrine the belief must pass three were gathered a person with a more tests: Scripture, experience, together. We bad attitude to­ 5 and reason. Therefore, let’s look at find a descrip­ ward another, a j Scripture to see if Communion, or the tion o f this in person who is not f Lord’s Supper, had any required pre- Acts 2:46-47, "Would you serve a professed believ­ I conditions. NASB: er, a child who The passage most often cited as the And day by Communion cannot compre­ ■ source for our view of Communion is day continu­ hend the meaning, 1 Cor. 11:23-34. In these verses, Paul ing with one to a sinner?" even someone of sternly criticizes the Corinthian mind in the another denomina­ j church for abuses during the Lord’s temple, and tion. But, if wor­ Supper. He calls for a remembrance breaking thiness is a re­ f of the night Jesus was betrayed, and bread from house to house, they quirement, no one would be worthy, he proceeds to lay out requirements were taking their meals together for “all have sinned” (Romans 3:23). for participation in the supper. These with gladness and sincerity of A simple view of the term in its con­ I requirements include worthiness, ex- heart, praising God, and having fa­ text reveals that it refers to none of 1 amination, and orderliness. These re­ vor with all the people. And the these. quirements most influence pastors Lord was adding to their number “Unworthily” is an adverb. It de­ who feel that the Communion is ex- day by day those who were being scribes an action, not a person or the ( elusive to professing Christians. But, saved. state of a person. In context, the term are we looking at these passages as This feast is also called the agape refers to the manner of receiving the I they were originally stated or are we feast or love feast. We do not know Lord’s Supper. As described in the taking words and statements out of much about it, but we do know that passage, this manner was seen as glut­ context? the poor were invited to attend. Not­ tony and drunkenness. Following To begin, let us look at the context ing the results in the above passage, it Paul’s admonition, this is resolved by of the passage. The chapter is dealing appears that the meals were not just waiting for one another and eating at with some criticisms Paul has for the fellowship-oriented but evangelistic home if one is hungry to be sure church in Corinth. In verses 18 and in nature as well, much like first-cen- some is left for the poor. Observing 19, Paul scolds them for their factions tury potlucks. these rules would assure that the par­ and divisions, which betray the This joyous celebration got out of ticipants were receiving Communion whole spirit o f the Lord’s Supper. hand in Corinth, and people forgot “worthily.” « “Therefore,” Paul states, “when you why they came together. The result Another term is “examine” (v. 28). meet together, it is not to eat the was divisiveness, strife, gluttony, and The participant is called to examine Lord’s Supper” (v. 20). Paul then de­ drunkenness while the poor who himself (not others). Someone told scribes the problem of some who were guests went hungry. This was me that by examining oneself, the were overeating and getting drunk counter to the whole intent of the nonbeliever would see that he is un­ while others went hungry. After meal, which was unity in Christ. To worthy and therefore should not take telling them how they should act, he remedy the problem, Paul refocuses the supper. But this is not found in states that abusiveness at the Lord’s the Corinthians from the joyous side the context. The person is told to ex­ Supper resulted in weakness, sick­ of the gathering to a remembering of amine himself rightly, and then let ness, and even sleep, a euphemism the Last Supper of Jesus in the Upper him eat. for death.6 From the beginning until Room.8 What does it mean to judge rightly? the end o f the admonishment, the If the situation Paul was addressing In context, Paul was criticizing the warnings are in 1 Corinthians Corinthian believers for their factions addressed to was the agape and divisions. The next chapter deals the “saints” of feast, then the with pride and jealousy among the s Corinth (1:2, warning was not devoted. Following that, Paul teaches KJV) and not at "An invitation to against the un-be- them about love, where he tells : nonbelievers. lievers, but against them, “And if I give all my posses­ Oscar Cull- partake in Christ the Christians sions to feed the poor, . . . but do not mann sees this who, by their abu­ have love, it profits me nothing” passage as a as an avenue to siveness and drunk­ (13:3, NASB). Paul is calling for self- turning point in enness, were pre­ evaluation, in light of the gospel, to the Lord’s Sup­ conversion" venting the visi­ see that the unworthiness of man and per.7 Previously, tors from seeing the grace of God are displayed in the the supper was Christ in the feast Lord’s Supper. If anyone fulfills this a joyous time and being convert­ self-examination, he should not be de­ where believers came together in ex­ ed. nied the supper, even though there pectation of Christ’s appearing. This Another element of the passage is may not be any previous profession. was based upon the post-Resurrec­ the term “unworthily” (v. 27, KJV). I “And so let him eat of the bread and

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 17 drink of the cup” (11:28, NASB). munion. I cannot even say that I thought it was a good time to have Another point of Scripture to be know anyone who became sick as Communion. He began the ritual, considered is the Gospels. Since Paul the result of taking Communion prior then looked around and saw all the brings our attention to the last supper to conversion. Yet, on the other guests. For the first time in the two of Jesus, we might look there to see if hand, I know people who have and one-half years I took Communion there are any preconditions to be come to know ______at that church, the met. First of all, in a technical sense, the Lord, and '"** pastor did not give no one at the Last Supper was con­ some who have the warning. My verted, because Jesus had not yet gone into full­ father took the ele­ died. As for worthiness, they all left time Christian "Requirements for ments. At the con­ Jesus, and Peter denied Him. Finally, service, even clusion, he looked Judas, who Jesus knew would betray though they participation— at me and said, Him, was present and received the had taken Com­ “I ’ve never done Last Supper (cf. Matt. 26:23; Mark munion before worthiness, that before.” To­ 14:18; Luke 22:21; and John 13:2-3, conversion. day he is a faith­ 18, 30). In view of these passages, Personally, examination, ful member of a there does not appear to be any pre­ there are two church, and for conditions in the Last Supper. cases in my orderliness" the first time in Scripture does not support the ex­ life of people ______years we share clusion of anyone except those who who have taken ------.- ——--— ------about church. approach the table carelessly and C o m m u n io n This is the type without self-examination in the light “unworthily,” and the results of these of experience that John Wesley had of the gospel. In fact, there are scrip­ acts are noteworthy. in his ministry. “Ye are the witnesses. tures that would say the opposite. In One Sunday, a young boy was at­ For many now present know, the the Gospel of John, the Early Church tending church with his brother and very beginning of your conversion to (i.e., Clement of Alexandria, Origen, his friend. That day they served Com­ God (perhaps, in some, the first deep and especially Cyprian) recognized munion. The boy asked his brother conviction) was wrought at the the following passages as references what it was all about. Being funny, Lord’s Supper.”9 He goes on to state, to the Eucharist: “I am the bread of the brother told him that it was snack “There is no previous preparation in­ life; he who comes to Me shall not time. The boy proceeded to take a dispensably necessary, but a desire to hunger, and he who believes in Me handful of the dried crackers when receive whatsoever he pleases to shall never thirst” (6:35, NASB). “And he was stopped by the usher, who give.”10 Wesley saw Communion as a the one who comes to Me I will cer­ told him to take just one. He was puz­ converting as well as a confirming or­ tainly not cast out” (v. 37, NASB). zled by the small cups, thinking it dinance. “Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of was a rather small portion. His broth­ From these experiences, we can Man and drink His blood, you have er’s friend decided to have some fun see that people do not die from tak­ no life in yourselves” (v. 53, NASB). If and began to lick out his cup, which ing it “unworthily”; and, in fact, to we view these passages as the Early caused them all to laugh uncontrol­ some it is the beginning of their walk Church did, we would be denying ac­ lably. Yet after all that “unworthi­ with God. Therefore, the doctrine of cess to Christ when we denied access ness,” my brother, his friend, and I preconditions to Communion does to the table of ______are still alive, and not pass the text of experience. But Communion...... ■— today I am a pas­ what about reason? In summary, tor. Communion is called a sacrament. when the idea The second Sacrament, by definition, is a means of precondi­ 'Wesley's fourfold event was with my of grace. It is not only an outward ex­ tions is placed father. I attended a pression of an inner reality but also against the test of doctrine: church where we an act that brings one closer to God Scriptures, it had Communion where one might encounter Him. If fails the test. tradition, once a month. It one can receive grace from Commu­ But there are was customary to nion, why would we seek to deny still two more Scripture, include all the anyone that grace? If one can have an tests to be used, warnings and encounter with God from Commu­ experience and experience, threats of “sleep” nion, why would we seek to prevent reason. for unbelievers it? Our task is to bring men to Jesus, The third test and reason" w ho took o f it. not to send them away from Him. If is experience. One Thanksgiving we stand the chance of bringing For years I have ,—llZIZZ— IZ1 we had a dinner someone to salvation, why even hesi­ heard the warn­ where we were tate? ing that if Communion is taken un­ encouraged to invite family and If a person does come to the table worthily, it could result in weakness, friends. My mother and my father, without examining himself by the sickness, and death. Yet I know no who had not attended church for light of the gospel, will he be judged one who has died from taking Com­ many years, were there. The pastor eternally? If a person is already under

18 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE L judgment for not being a Christian, ment for a precondition to receiving find rest unto your souls. For my yoke | what difference will it make? If later Communion is impractical. is easy, and my burden is light” (Matt. I in life he seeks salvation, will he be Taking into consideration the fact 11:28-30, KJV). ■ prohibited? The answer to all these that people do not die from taking questions is no. A person may, after Communion, that they still can re­ 100 Communions, finally understand pent and be saved, and that many the depth of the symbolism and find find Communion to be a converting conversion as did those John Wesley event as well as a confirming event, knew. reason tells us that we should not fear '“Unworthily7 is On the practical side, if we attempt serving Communion to anyone who to hold to the idea of required pre­ follows the course of the ritual. A an adverb— conditions, we must also be responsi­ doctrine of preconditions for Com­ ble and prevent people from “risking” munion fails the test of reason. an action, not their lives and spirits. We would have Although there might be ample evi­ to have evidence of one’s fulfillment dence to support the requirement of a person" of the preconditions before allowing preconditions for Communion in tra­ him to take Communion. We would dition, there is no support in Scrip­ ture, experience, or reason. There­ fore, the idea fails the test of doc­ trine. But we can still learn from all this. 1. John H. Leith, ed., Creeds o f the Church (At­ "Warnings are Communion can be a center for wor­ lanta: John Knox Press, 1982), p. 175. 2. Ibid., 276. ship. If we have done our job and 3. Ibid., 338. addressed to the showed the true meaning of the ordi­ 4. Ibid., 358. nance and have called everyone to 5. M a n u a l (Kansas City: Nazarene Publishing House, 1989), 247, par. 802. saints, not to examination under the gospel, we 6. The term “sleep” as a euphemism for death al­ can lay out the Communion before ways applies to believers. Cf. 1 Cor. 15:51; Matt. unbelievers" 27:52, KJV; John 11:11; Acts 13:36; 1 Thess. 4:13-15. saint and sinner and feel confident 7. Oscar Cullmann and F. J. Leenhardt, Essays on that Communion is not only a time of the Lord’s Supper (Atlanta: John Knox Press, 1958). confirmation for the believers, it can 8. This refocusing appears to have resulted in the creation of a different ritual separate from the agape be a converting experience for the feast. Early Church documents show a ritual calling have to be like some churches that al­ nonbeliever. Should we “serve sin­ for the return of the Lord and fellowship, while anoth­ low only members to receive Com- ners?” Jesus said: “Come unto me, all er calls for remembrance o f the death o f Jesus. The present-day Church usually follows the latter. See j munion because that would be the ye that labour and are heavy laden, Cullmann, Essays, 5. I only way we could be sure they knew and I will give you rest. Take my yoke 9. The Works o f John Wesley, 3rd ed. (reprint, Kansas City: Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City, 1979), I the potential consequences of their upon you, and learn of me; for I am 1:279. I actions. Rationally speaking, the argu­ meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall 10. Ibid., 280.

Three Theologians Discuss Their Suffering (Continued from page 15)

and breaks others. Like Beker and L’En­ their companion, their clashes with 2. Ibid., 22. gle, Wolterstorff affirms the resurrec­ suffering catapulted them into encoun­ 3. Nicholas Wolterstorff, Lament fo r a Son (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 1987), 7. tion of Christ and anticipates further ters with what Christians traditionally 4. Ibid. victory over sin and death by God. say about suffering. 5. Madeleine L’Engle, Two-Part Invention: The All three theologians dialogue and These three theologians remind us Story o f a M arriage (San Francisco: Harper and Row, debate with other stories of suffering. that the best theologies o f suffering are 1988), 195. 6. Wolterstorff, Lament, 89. L'Engle and Wolterstorff frequently the stories o f those who share how 7. Ibid., 34. draw upon the Psalms and provide an­ their faith relates to their experiences 8. Ibid., 50. thologies of memorable quotations o f suffering. Personal stories, rather 9. Beker, Suffering, 11, 90-91. from others who have suffered. The than propositional statements, are the 10. Wolterstorff, Lament, 13. 11. Ibid., 16. promise of healing envisioned in Rev. most persuasive theologies of suffering. 12. Ibid., 69. 21:1-4 comforted all three. L’Engle and 13- L’Engle, Two-Part Invention, 170-71. Wolterstorff, especially L’Engle, duel BIBLIOGRAPHY 14. Ibid., 194. with Harold Kushner’s thesis in When Beker, J. Christiaan. Suffering and Hope. Philadel­ 15. Beker, Suffering, 87. Bad Things Happen to Good People phia: Fortress Press, 1987. 16. Wolterstorff, Lament, 76. L’Engle, Madeleine. Two-Part Invention: The Story o f 17. L’Engle, Two-Part Invention, 172. that God is powerless to change situa­ a Marriage. San Francisco: Harper and Row, 1988. 18. Ibid., 148. tions of suffering. The constant refer­ Wolterstorff, Nicholas. Lament fo r a Son. Grand 19. Ibid., 149. ences to other literature on suffering Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 1987. 20. Ibid., 152. document how their minds tried to 21. Ibid., 125. NOTES 22. Wolterstorff, Lament, 68. make sense of experiences that shook 1. J. Christiaan Beker, Suffering and Hope (Philadel­ 23. Ibid., 81. their lives. When suffering became phia: Fortress Press, 1987), 10. 24. Ibid., 89.

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 19 Pastor, Be Encouraaed You Are Significant! by C. Neil Strait Grand Rapids, Mich.

arshall Shelley, in a Leader­ How does one keep a healthy ship magazine column, view o f significance and pur­ shares an observation from pose? May I offer that a pastor’s time Only in the communing times with M communing with God must have God does life see the greater view an interview with Jack Hayford, au­ thor of the song “Majesty.” It has par­ highest priority. While nearly every­ and feel the uplift and touch that en­ ticular bearing on the point of this ar­ one would agree with the priority, all ables one to serve with dignity and ticle. of us know how those priorities can joy. In Hayford’s words, “There’s Hayford tells of visiting Winston be challenged by the “things to do” something about the environment Churchill’s boyhood home in and the many activities that crowd that makes you feel, I am significant.” Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, En­ our lives. One cannot love people, as From his communing times with gland. He described the beauty of the an authentic pastor does, but what Him, the pastor hears the word he landscaped grounds. As he walked to the claims on his time become nu­ needs to hear: “You have been called his car from the rose garden, he said merous. What evolves is a constant for a purpose.” to his wife, “In a place this magnifi­ challenge to keep spiritually fit and to Every pastor, at some point in his cent, it’s easy to see how a person serve those under our care. ministry, comes to crisis, confusion, raised here could readily imagine Despite the challenge of time and and criticism. When the barrage of himself to be a person o f destiny. the claims of people, our time alone negative assaults come, it is impor­ There’s something about the environ­ with God is the only thing that will tant for the pastor to have had a ment that makes you feel, I am signifi­ prepare us for authentic service to fresh and current encounter with cant.”1 people. Without a time to talk and God. If the pastor goes to his work The visit to Churchill’s boyhood commune with Him, our significance without some word from God ring­ place left a deep impression on Hay­ drains and our purpose fades. No ing in his heart, the negatives will ford, and from it came the inspiration ministry was created by the Lord to erode the joy and dampen the signifi­ for his song “Majesty.” Before Hay­ be stretched across the panorama of cance of service. ford left Oxfordshire, he said, upon human needs and to serve in human Leonardo daVinci, the great paint­ reflection, “I thought about all the initiative. Where the divine is missing er, was accustomed to long pauses as majesty and dignity w e’ve been en­ as the key ingredient for service, then he painted. When someone inquired dowed with in Christ. If that would significance and purpose soon dimin­ about those long pauses, he replied: dawn on all God’s people, if they ish. “When I paused the longest, I made would sense their significance in the best strokes.” Him, then we all could become more Pastor, be encouraged! God has a aware of His purpose in us.”2 word for your ministry that will en­ Every pastor needs a fresh re­ courage, will reignite your signifi­ minder o f his significance and of cance, and will clarify your purpose God’s purpose in his life. Amid all the for ministry. The caution of Quaker pressures of pastoral ministry, some Rufus Jones is good: “Keep a window of which can be eroding to a pastor’s open on the Godward side.” I self-image and purpose, it is impor­ tant to have a perspective of signifi­ 1. Leadership, Summer, 1991, 3. cance and purpose. 2. Ibid.

20 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE Pastor's Personal Growth ______Prayer in the City

by John Hay, Jr. Indianapolis

ince the day I began ministry in My prayers do not center primarily fact, become merely social action. the inner city, prayer has be­ on funds for our urban ministry. Grant­ Spirituality and the power of S come much more a daily ne­ ed, without financial resources we prayer make the difference. In prayer, cessity than ever before. The heavy could not offer the relieving and em­ we engage the “principalities . . . demand of prayer is not just for me powering care to the homeless and powers” (Eph. 6:12, KJV) at an un­ personally, but for my church, my struggling urban dwellers we’ve come seen level, challenge their devious as­ neighbors, and my city. Prayer has be­ to know. Instead, my prayer centers sertions, and find Christ’s victory. In come for me the most basic act of more on the need for spiritual power, prayer, we find freedom from evil’s ministry. This reality I have come to insight, and wisdom needed to redemp- oppressive delusion and throw off embrace. tively address the hurts and hopes of the weight o f its false agendas. In Walter Wink wrote: “We are not my neighbors. My prayers have be­ prayer, we gain heaven’s perspective. easily reduced to prayer.”1 I believe come prayers of intercession for our Thus, the act of prayer becomes the the utter honesty of his observation. broken but beloved community. most basic act of ministry. We work We seem to live out the quip “When Prayer makes the difference in my at two levels. While we share food, all else fails, pray.” We are “reduced” personal ability to minister in the city. clothing, and hospitality, we also pray to prayer. After exhausting our per­ Aware of my vulnerabilities, without for God’s salvation to break into a sonal resources and expending energy prayer I feel easy prey to their reduc­ person’s life. At one level we offer with little or no effect, we finally ing effects. My own cleverness and in­ Christian care for children after pray. At last, we confess our inner tellect are no match for daily demands school. At another level we pray for powerlessness, our inability to “make in conversation with neighbors about spiritual breakthrough over the pow­ it happen,” and our feeling of being needs. Yesterday’s insights and acade­ ers designed to bring about their ado­ overwhelmed by circumstances in our mic answers do not suffice today’s lescent demise. lives and in those we seek to serve. challenges. But in prayer I touch the When I pray, therefore, I not only We pray, says Wink, “not because Source of life, finding identity in confess my complete dependence up­ we believe certain intellectual propo­ Christ, and receive the Spirit’s power on God for grace but also intercede sitions about the value of prayer, but to live compassionately. over the outcome of the persons and simply because the struggle to be hu­ Our staff and volunteers literally city to which I have been called. I be­ man in the face of superhuman pow­ serve on the front battle lines. Daily lieve God desires a different future ers requires it.”2 we face the tide of evil, the over­ for children and adults than spiritual Nowhere is the grip of evil more whelming needs of our neighbors, bondage, social depravation, and eco­ raw than in the neglected quarters of and the fight against despair. “Our nomic bankruptcy. Therefore I pray our cities. Its vulgarities have driven struggle is not against flesh and for God’s transformation in persons, many well-intended believers out­ blood” (Eph. 6:12). as well as in the larger arena in which ward in retreat. While the form of I am constantly aware of the dan­ we all live. spiritual warfare elsewhere may be ger that the cup of cold water given Breakthrough comes when we en­ subtle and indirect, in the inner city in Jesus’ name (see Mark 9:41) will be gage in prayer. God’s kingdom has a we face a frontal clash of powers. reduced to handouts. Ministry dedi­ chance to break in to us and break Youth gangs roam the streets dealing cated to redemptive change can, in through the powers that debilitate. drugs as brazenly as the corner prosti­ Prayer moves ministry from defensive tute sells herself or himself. Landlords maintenance to redemptive interven­ accost low-income renters caught in a tion. My prayer for my own life, for larger web of greed and neglect. Ba­ our neighbors, and for the communi­ sic needs outstrip apparently dwin- ty is this: “Lord, may your kingdom i dling resources at a paralyzing rate. come, your will be done on earth as it This calls for prayer, not as a casual is in heaven”’ (Matt. 6:10). Amen. ■ exercise or list of “give me” requests, but as an act of survival. Prayer pro­ vides the power to stand and con­ 1. “Prayer and the Powers,” Sojourners, October 1990. front the powers of evil. 2. Ibid.

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 21 Pastor's Professional Growth

Pastor David or Pastor Solomon?

by Robert L. Moeller t±tl Deerfield, III.

y two pastorates differed real conflict was the issue of con­ As in most church battles, the com­ greatly. Two Sunday after­ trol—a small group in the church had batants were relatively few in num­ noons, less than three served notice that they were in ber. I was reminded of a tactical les-j M charge, not the board or the pastor. son from military history: guerrilla years apart, typify the contrasts. The first afternoon began with an I hoped that with the help of these forces need only be one-tenth the awkward lunch. The atmosphere re­ experienced men from outside, we size of a conventional army to keep it minded me of the meal following a could confront the issues directly and hopelessly enmeshed in a no-win situ­ funeral—people smile and comment resolve the conflict. But despite the ation. on the food, but inwardly their hearts encouraging words from the D.S., a My wife and I were exhausted from are broken. I knew mine was. longtime friend, I knew the truth: re­ the hit-and-run warfare. We had noth­ Joining us at the table was our dis­ gardless of who emerged victorious ing left to give. As I sat at the lunch trict superintendent and an elder from the confrontation, the long con­ table, waiting for the day’s uncertain from a sister church in town. They flict had taken its toll. There had been events to unfold, I recalled another, had come at the request of our elder too many hurts, too many rumors, much different, Sunday afternoon. board to spend the afternoon listen­ too many innuendos and feelings of This other afternoon was farewell ing privately to the complaints and mistrust. day at my previous pastorate. We accusations of individuals in our con­ were finishing five years of difficult gregation. but fulfilling ministry in the inner What had begun 16 months earlier city. A group of people who once as minor skirmishes was now full­ had been ready to disband and give blown conflict with several individu­ their building to a parachurch organi­ als. The surface tension was over is­ zation were now alive and aggressive sues as petty as my decision to in their purpose and mission. rearrange the office furniture. We al­ The church had grown. It was so struggled with an undercurrent of feeding local street people and at­ controversy over the practice of cer­ tracting Native Americans to worship tain spiritual gifts. But as I saw it, the services. It distributed hundreds of

22 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE pounds of clothes to the destitute. At however reluctantly, in the role of a often impossible to stay.” To a cer­ times, so much food was donated David; they’re perceived as warriors tain extent that can be true in a pas­ from supporting churches to be given who challenge well-established and torate. to the poor that we had to stack it in powerful forces. Such an individual I recall a situation that existed in a the front pews of the sanctuary. The endures conflict and confrontation in wom en’s Bible study early in my shewbread was once again in the order to address moral and spiritual ministry. Under the guise of prayer Temple, feeding the hungry. issues vital to the well-being of the requests, some women were telling My wife and I were overwhelmed body, hoping to clear the way for the stories about the failings of their with the love we received in that church’s future growth and ministry. husbands (or husbands of their small, urban church. One cold, win­ friends) that were potentially embar­ ter day, a 94-year-old woman from the rassing, if not damaging. Though congregation walked to our home several women felt uncomfortable with her Norwegian stew because The small group as a result and vowed never to re­ she’d heard I was ill. turn to such a study, the practice The Sunday afternoon we left, I served notice went on. held back tears as the church chair­ When I asked some of the leaders man and his wife cried while saying that they we re to exercise more discretion, they felt good-bye. It had been a sweet experi­ I was intruding on “their ministry.” It ence, working together to build in charge. proved for me an unpardonable sin. God’s house in that place. From that day on, I was in trouble with them. Two Different Roles Yet, the conflict that ensued even­ As I look back over these experi­ Few if any Davids remain in such a tually led to new leadership that im­ ences, a metaphor from the Old Tes­ setting long enough to witness the proved the group’s atmosphere and tament helps me make sense of the joy of completing the Temple. The even opened the way for new two polar-opposite pastorates: the life cost of battle often is so high that women, particularly non-Christians, and destiny of David compared with they become casualties themselves, to be welcome in the group. that of his son Solomon. even if their cause prevails. You learn that God is more David dreamed of building a tem­ These are not contentious, control­ concerned with what happens in ple for the Lord in Jerusalem. But he ling personalities who thrive on con­ you rather than to you. In short, was prevented from doing so. God flict and see their lives as a martyr’s you attend the graduate school of explained that it was not for him to lot. Such are not the traits of a David. character. As Chuck Swindoll says of be the architect and builder. David A true David finds such conflict in the suffering, “The tuition is free. It only had been a warrior; he had shed too church sad, painful, and regrettable, costs you your life.” much blood. It would be his son Solo­ but at times necessary. As I became more bewildered over mon who would construct the sanc­ What happens to a David? Let me why I was in such hard circum­ tuary and witness the glory o f the suggest some advantages, dubious as stances, I began to believe God was Lord descending upon it. they might seem at first, that result in all this in some way I couldn’t fully Solomon reigned during a time of from serving as a David. understand. nearly unbroken peace in the land. He watched as his land blossomed with prosperity undreamed of by his ancestors. He watched as the Temple Guerrilla forces need only be grew and took form, and he led in the exhilarating experience of dedicating one-tenth the size of an army the building as God himself appeared in theophany to enter the holy of to keep it hopelessly enmeshed holies. His string of successes were untarnished for years on end. in a no-win situation. Reflecting on my experiences and those of other pastors, I’ve noticed You lay the groundwork fo r fu ­ Interestingly, the Psalms became that each of us may find ourselves fol­ ture church growth and spiritual more practical and essential to my life lowing the path of a David or a Solo­ prosperity. The maxim of church than ever before. And I learned to mon or both during our ministries. history is that the blood of the mar­ some extent what David learned: God That is, we may play the role o f k tyrs is the seed of the Church. In less is in control, regardless of what peo­ warrior in one setting and that of a dramatic terms, that means the sacri­ ple may do. I came not to loathe criti­ Temple builder in another. Perhaps fice and pain borne in guiding a cism, but to see it as an opportunity both are in the will of God. Certainly church to spiritual health will some­ for God to examine my life and test both have inherent in them certain day be evident. my character: Was I able to respond advantages and risks. I once asked a friend why he was gently, in an honorable way? What Happens to a David leaving a Christian organization. His Though it pained me, I sensed a j Some pastors find themselves, reply: “Once you tell the truth, it’s foundation being laid in my life of

december/fanuary/february 23 . faith as I looked at what needed There were times when I had a acceptable rationalizations, such as changing. good idea how that must feel. righteous indignation. You develop close and mean­ Once you’re cast as a warrior, What Happens to a Solomon ingful relationships with key it’s almost impossible to change Now let’s consider what’s involved church leaders. There is rarely people’s perception. It seems like a in being a Solomon. Obviously, there racism in foxholes. Likewise, the bar­ version of the Leonard Nimoy syn­ are some advantages. rier between pastor and laity dimin­ drome. Nimoy, as you recall, is the ac­ You receive great affirmation ishes as you weather intense storms tor who played Mr. Spock in the tele­ and support from the congrega­ together. I came to love as brothers vision series “Star Trek.” His tion during your tenure. Unlike a those who stood with me on the el­ distinctive character became so well David, often controversial and mis­ der board. At great personal cost, known that no matter what other understood, a Solomon is liked by they took action to discipline certain roles Nimoy played in later years, no nearly everyone. After all, the visible members of the congregation. Hav­ one could forget he was really Mr. signs of growth and prosperity are ing been through some difficult Spock. evident, and it’s easy to attribute at hours together, we were friends who Once a pastor is identified as a war­ least some of that success to the pas­ had become not a group but a caring rior, that reputation is extremely hard tor. team. to shake. During the conflict, I spent You don’t leave such a church with Such commitment is not found hours with individuals in counseling many enemies, and even those who among “sunshine soldiers,” as or in visitation after a death in the disagreed with you begrudgingly ad­ Thomas Paine called them. Neither is family or in personal ministry. I mit you helped the church. Given a such deep camaraderie. worked to keep a balanced pastoral little time, your accomplishments stance. Yet, to those who wanted to tend to grow in the retelling. believe it, I was simply a tough guy, the one who “can’t get along with so- David had and-so.” A few of my critics were so outspo­ Solomon shed too ken in this regard that one Sunday morning I met a real estate company watched his much blood. president who was visiting our church. Thanking me for the morning land blossom message, he confessed he had come just to meet the man about whom his with But besides the advantages, there employees could say nothing nice. are also some definite risks to serving They were so one-sided, he had to undreamed-of as a David. find out for himself. You are misunderstood by After prolonged conflict, you prosperity. those who have an inadequate tend to lose perspective on p eo­ theology of conflict. Basically ple and issues. While you try to fo­ these are the people who see all cus on issues and not personalities, I’ve never enjoyed a larger-than-life conflict as sin. Their conclusion: the longer the battle, the more they reputation, but I did find people re­ you must be in sin (or at least an in­ change places. membered fewer of my mistakes and competent pastor) for there to be I once read that after decades of more of my successes in that small ur­ this trouble. In their minds, the only bloody feuding, the Hatfields and the ban church. During the height of the spiritual church is one that’s free of McCoys couldn’t remember what the crisis in our second church, I took a conflict. While a conflict-free envi­ initial argument was about. But it summer vacation that included a stop ronment is everyone’s goal, it is of­ didn’t matter any longer. The real is­ at my previous parish. After my brief ten only arrived at by working sue was whether you were a Hatfield one-minute update on my family and through significant and difficult is­ or a McCoy. So it goes in churches. A thank-you for their ministry to us sues. One individual in the heat of warrior can easily forget he is battling while we were there, the audience the moment in a congregational issues and not people. broke into spontaneous applause. I meeting pointed at me and said, In such moments the words of Je­ was stunned. Such affirmation “The trouble started with you!” sus to love your enemy and to be seemed almost schizophrenic, given While that may or may not have kind to those who spitefully abuse my current dilemma at the time, but been true, it didn’t mean that trou­ you take on new significance. I knew it was deeply appreciated. ble was unnecessary or unredemp- I was making progress when I honest­ You observe the glory o f God tive. I thought about the history of ly could tell the husband of a woman descend upon your church. One the patriarchs, the prophets, and Je­ who had caused me great suffering of the great rewards of life in ministry sus, and the conflict characterizing that I loved both of them. I knew I is to see the hand of God touch your their ministries. As they challenged meant it, and it gave me the freedom efforts. Quite apart from your own wrongful behavior or attitudes, they to go on. merit, God chooses to do something were perceived as the real problem But many are the temptations to beautiful if not miraculous in your instead. Some were sawn in two. cover your buried anger with more church. Solomon’s life wasn’t the rea­

2 4 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE son the glory of God descended on are growing and unified. In our urban broken success and growth. To para­ the Temple at the day of dedication, church we knew what we were phrase Garrison Keillor, “All the pro­ yet he was privileged to observe it about: we were there to offer food, grams are good looking, and all the at­ and participate in that supernatural clothing, friendship, and the gospel. tendance figures are above average.” event as worship leader. People seemed to enjoy knowing How wrong. Perhaps even diabolical. In a similar way, I witnessed God at where w e w ere going, and they The Book of Hebrews tells us God work in our little church. The first seemed to experience a certain secu­ used many individuals in the past to night we ever opened our church to rity in that knowledge. That atmos­ accomplish feats of wonder. They the community was Thanksgiving. I’d phere was picked up by visitors. conquered kingdoms, administered been there about three months, and With all these heady benefits, it’s justice, gave the dead back to the liv­ though we had only 75 regular atten- easy to become oblivious to the disad­ ing. Yet, that is not where that chap­ ders, we ran an ad in the large city vantages and risks of being a Solo­ ter ends. It ends by talking about a newspaper, inviting anyone who mon. But, as many of us have learned, second group, a group too good for wished to come for a free turkey din­ success can be far more treacherous this world. They were persecuted. ner. The board members were ner­ to our spiritual well-being than fail­ They went about in animal skins. vous: What if we have problems? ure. Consider some of the following They even lived in holes in the What if no one comes? What if every­ not-so-obvious pitfalls of leading a ground. But from God’s perspective, one comes? united and prosperous parish. they are even greater heroes than the That night as we opened up at sun­ You’re tempted to believe your first group. set, I watched a stream of humanity leadership alone is responsible pass through our doors and down to f o r the great things that happen. the basement—white, black, Hispan­ Watching programs expand and your ic, and Native American. Several of budget rise is fun. It’s also dangerous, The barrier our ushers stood grimly with their particularly if, like me, you’re young arms crossed, ready for trouble. By and in your first pastorate. between pastor the end of the evening, the spirit of It takes a more seasoned and less joy and celebration was so evident presumptuous pastor to realize that if and laity from feeding 250 men, women, and you’re experiencing a time of relative children from the community that peace and prosperity, others proba­ diminishes our 63-year-old church chairman was bly have paid an anonymous but seen skipping across the empty room. enormous price to help pull that off. as you weather Somewhere on your property there ought to be a monument to the Un­ intense storms known Pastor, that brave and selfless Some pastors soul who gave some of his best years together. to lay the groundwork for the good are perceived things now happening. The notion that the church’s How many of us think the true he­ as warriors. growth was triggered by our arrival is roes of the church are the men and as deceptive as the lie that says all the women who remain faithful while trouble began when we arrived. Let’s struggling in some lonely and forgot­ While I didn’t see the glory of God be honest; we inherit more than we ten setting with carnal and angry crit­ descend just as Solomon had, I knew create as pastors, whether for good ics constantly sniping at them? How I was in the presence of the Almighty or ill. can such sorrow and hurt be part of that evening. It was the beginning of Looking back at my inner-city expe­ God’s will? Doesn’t He want all of us good things to come. rience, I can think of a long line of to live on an ecclesiastical roll? We’d Your church is attractive to pastors who invested their lives in all answer no, but at times, especially visitors as they sense the unity that place, and the one who served when the church was doing well, I that prevails. I believe the atmos­ immediately before me perhaps de­ tended to forget that. phere of a church can be read by vis­ serves more praise than all the rest. During my second pastorate, it hurt itors within five minutes of arriving. He stayed only two years. But in that to go to denominational get-togethers Warmth, acceptance, and joy seem time he argued that “business as usu­ where others could boast of building to exude even from the narthex of al” was no longer possible. By the programs and staff additions, while I some buildings. On other occasions time I came, the people were ready thought of people abandoning our as a visitor, I’ve entered churches to to listen. I owe that young pastor and church because of the conflict. I real­ a stale, deathlike pall that seems to his wife credit for most of our subse­ ized how smug I must have appeared linger in the air. Tension, routine, quent success, though few would the years the figures were in my fa­ and isolation seem the order of the know it. vor, and how it hurt other pastors to day. You are tempted to embrace a be asked by their parishioners why I’ve also noticed that churches that neo-prosperity theology. In short, they weren’t doing things like we can state their reason for existence in you’re led to believe that God’s will were. I wonder if I don’t owe some one sentence or less are the ones that for every pastor is to experience un­ of them an apology.

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 25 Finally, you are tempted to be­ Farewell to Arms the unchurched and desire for ser­ come shallow, unable to identify The day we drove away from our vice. with others in pain. According to second church, a difficult but pre­ Years earlier when we left our first the Arab proverb, “All sunshine cious chapter in our lives came to a church—more as a Solomon than a makes a desert.” That is also true in close. So many people had been so David—we clung to our friends as we living the life of a Solomon. It’s easy kind to us. For example, during the said good-bye. Little did we know the to become, little by little, a one-di­ worst of the controversy and while Temple doors were closing behind us mensional person, less and less sensi­ my wife was quite ill expecting our and the time of relative peace in our tive to people in pain. last child, women came on a daily ba­ lives was ending. sis and cooked, did housework, and encouraged her. If you are In the face of such love and sup­ port, it was difficult to leave. When "All sunshine experiencing we submitted our resignation, the con­ gregation voted overwhelmingly to re­ makes a peace and ject it. We were deeply touched by their confidence in us. They insisted desert." prosperity, instead that we take a leave of absence to reconsider our decision, which co­ others have incided with the birth of our child. During this leave, the board dealt So which experience do I value paid an aggressively with the remaining more, that of being a Temple builder church problems. It was soon evident or a warrior? My answer might sur­ enormous that the conflict had ceased. A David prise you. was no longer needed. Ironic as it Sigmund Freud once said some­ price. may sound, the fact that the church’s thing to the effect that someday, giv­ problems had subsided gave us the en enough time, those life experi­ reassurance that we could leave. It ences that have been the most In the midst of my better times, I en­ was for someone else to build the difficult will become to us the most joyed being around people I consid­ Temple. precious of all. He was unwittingly ered winners. I had little time for Ecclesiastes teaches that there are borrowing truth from the Psalmist, someone who seemed headed seasons to God’s will as it relates to who said God makes everything beau­ nowhere. If colleagues were in trou­ the events of our lives. Our season of tiful in his time. ble, it was their fault, or so I reckoned. service was ending, not with bitter­ I would gladly serve a thousand Granted, my success was limited, ness or rancor, but with the joy that churches like the first, but I wouldn’t but at the time it appeared significant comes from having completed a task. trade all of them for my years in the to me and to those struggling to hang I was genuinely grateful for the expe­ church that struggled so deeply. on. And as they reached out, I didn’t rience, and I continue to hear good Should a pastor be a warrior or a listen. I’m afraid I walked past many a things about the church’s concern for Temple builder? Probably both. ■ wounded pastor on the road to Jeri­ cho. When the tables were turned, I saw how shallow I’d become. I gained a moment of self-awareness when I was sharing my hurts with a fellow pastor. He listened with something of an obligatory attitude and then replied, “You know, I’ve never experienced anything like that. Everywhere I’ve gone I’ve had a wonderful experi­ ence. I can’t remember anyone leav­ ing my churches in anger.” At first I felt hurt, then anger, and finally pity. He couldn’t help me at that moment because he was handi­ capped. His own relative ease had dis­ abled him. From that time onward I no longer cursed my problems but began to ask what God wanted to do in my life through my pain. If possi­ ble, I wanted Him to use me and what I had experienced.

26 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE ------Vital Leadership Questions for Holiness Pastors

by William E. Stewart Moncton, N.B.

he call to the pastorate is a call There is keen sensitivity, especially Some people think it is hard, if not to lead. We are to “lead” the among our leaders, that high levels of impossible, to be both successful and T sheep (1 Pet. 5:3, TLB); we moral and ethical excellence be main­ humble. How can you receive honors are to be “overseers . . . of God’s tained. Growing out of our insistence for achievement and plaudits for fruit­ flock” (v. 2); we are given “authority” that leaders exhibit a high quality of fulness and yet remain meek? (Titus 2:15) and “rule” over the spirituality, at least three questions In holiness circles, holy character church (Heb. 13:7, 17, 24, KJV). The are built into our system and con­ and godly spirit are highly prized at­ matter o f leadership is much dis­ sciousness. If not faced, these issues tributes. These graces should out­ cussed. Qualities and attributes that can become a serious detriment to weigh all else. Thus, some leaders, in make a good leader are the subjects the effectiveness and strength of our their desire to be spiritual, sense a of many books and seminars. leadership role. When dealt with, conflict between humility and suc­ In the context of holiness church­ they free the spirit of the leader to cess. If this conflict is not resolved, es, however, the path to leadership pursue his call to lead. Any person as­ some feel they must opt for humility not only must satisfy the usual re­ piring to God-called leadership in ho­ and not be motivated by the crass, quirements o f leadership but also liness churches must resolve these unholy desire to achieve. When this must come to grips with some special questions to the satisfaction of his issue is unchallenged, a pervading, se­ factors, more pronounced in holiness own conscience and spirit. cret suspicion may develop that it is circles than elsewhere. Those per­ QUESTION OF not quite possible to be truly humble sons called to leadership in the holi­ SPIRITUALITY and a great success at the same time. ness church must reconcile those par­ If you achieve great things, then The first question in the area of de­ ticular factors in their own mind and some people doubt your true humili­ veloping our role as leaders relates to spirit if leadership is to be exercised. ty. This pervading suspicion turns hu­ the spirituality of the leader. “How Pastors, especially in the holiness tra­ mility into something bland. Humility, can you be humble and an effective, dition, must become comfortable and they think, is passive and mild. Hum­ successful leader at the same time?” of easy conscience in their role as ble leaders are supposed to accept leader. Three questions must be high­ the ineffective with grace and good lighted and resolved in holiness cir­ spirit. Qualities associated with suc­ cles if our leadership is to be strong cess—drive, vision, great faith, big and confident. thought, large imagination, confident Three questions come out of our faith—are not considered in keeping traditions and from our distinctive with a proper spirit of holy humility. emphasis on sanctified personality. It seems easier to be humble when We express great desire to maintain you are not doing anything worth purity of purpose, cleanliness of moti­ boasting about. vation, and quality o f character. This concept of humility is neither

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2 7 scriptural nor spiritual. It is, however, not negate great faith nor dampen en­ fied to tend the shop in the vague a sure recipe for draining the spiritual thusiastic vision. hope and fine intention that these dynamism and enthusiasm out of our THE THEOLOGICAL things will be accomplished some­ leadership. It almost makes prime QUESTION how. Faithfulness leads to exciting, leadership qualities of faith and vision rich, and rewarding fruitfulness. The A second question that must be objective of leadership is fruitfulness. into a sin. It casts a quiet but deadly reconciled for leaders in holiness doubt on a leader’s desire to achieve churches is more theological in na­ for God. It robs a leader of the spirit, ture. “Aren’t we to be faithful and inspiration, and enthusiasm of achiev­ leave the results to God?” Does faith­ ing faith. This false kind of humility fulness count more than fruitfulness? You cannot be shrivels the happy hopes of fruitful­ The Scriptures tell us the thing that ness. There is nothing spiritual about pleases the Lord is not just faithful­ fruitful without it. Far from being spiritual, it is a ness but also fruitfulness. Great re­ deadly killer of the spirit of leader­ joicing was stirred up when the lost being faithful, but ship. sheep was found. The Lord is not It is not scriptural. The Scriptures pleased with lost sheep that are never you can be teach the opposite. True humility is a found. Bringing in the harvest causes prelude to being exalted by God. rejoicing. But the Lord expresses no faithful without True humility releases His power and joy over ripe harvest fields that are grace. James tells us, “Humble your­ wasted. The Divine Husbandman was being fruitful. selves in the sight of the Lord, and he so displeased with fruitless branches shall lift you up” (4:10, KJV). Similar­ that He cut them o ff and burned ly, Jesus taught, “Whosoever exalteth them. And what happened to the fig God urges fruitfulness. The call of himself shall be abased; and he that tree that bore no fruit? It was shriv­ humbleth himself shall be exalted” leadership is a call to fruitfulness and eled up by the word o f the Lord. (Luke 14:11, KJV). It is important to effectiveness. There may be periods Even worse, remember what hap­ when we are faithfully tilling and notice in these verses human action pened to the unprofitable servant! sowing with no harvest in sight. and divine action. We humble our­ Leaders must not think that it is selves; God exalts. The man who There are times when we faithfully enough to be faithful but not fruitful. humbles himself is more likely to find go on seeking without any sign of the The leader must believe that God’s lost being found. Harvests vary. Jesus God active in his ministry. Humbling power and blessing in his ministry ourselves opens us to His blessing comes when he becomes fruitful. explained, “Bring forth fruit, some and power. He trusts those who thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an God expects that sowers will reap, hundred” (Mark 4:20, KJV). Some ser­ know how to humble themselves. He seekers will find, branches will pro­ vants have five talents, others two, acts in their lives and ministries. He duce fruit, and seed will produce har­ exalts those who humble themselves. vest. If we accept the proposition and others one. The size of the har­ vest varies according to complex and On the contrary, His blessing and that good leaders should be satisfied fruitfulness retreat from those who with being faithful and not pressing unpredictable factors. Leadership demands faith and ex­ seek glory and career advancement toward being fruitful, we lose the pectation that there will be a harvest. and exalt themselves. challenge and excitement of achiev­ Leadership knows that the point of ing faith and condemn ourselves to ministry is not to put on a good per­ spiritual stagnation and a life of unin­ formance with nothing to show for it. spired and unexciting service. The point of ministry is to produce Some leaders Faithfulness is important, very im­ portant. You cannot be fruitful with­ harvest, to find the lost, to produce sense a conflict out being faithful, but you can be fruitful branches. This is the call of leadership. To be satisfied with less is faithful without being fruitful. Faith­ between humility fulness drives the shepherd out to to enshrine a philosophy of leader­ ship that accepts unfruitfulness, ele­ seek the lost sheep, but he should not and success. be satisfied to just put up a good vating it as an acceptable and spiritual life-style. Rather we are urged as lead­ search. He must really want to find ers to have faith in God’s power and the lost. Faithfulness makes the Low achievement must not be farmer prepare the ground and sow grace to give us identifiable harvest equated with humility. There is noth­ the seed, but he anticipates the result and fruit. ing humble about being content with of his faithful sowing—a harvest. THE ORGANIZATIONAL nonachievement. There is nothing Faithfulness is part of the leadership QUESTION spiritual about unfruitfulness. The op­ process, but it is not the objective. Church organizations vary. In most posite is true. God’s power, grace, The vision of leadership is fruitful­ holiness ministries leadership faces and blessing are exhibited in the min­ ness. an organizational question. The orga­ istry of those leaders who know how Leaders want to achieve goals, to nizational question asks, “Can you be to humble themselves. He can trust produce fruit, to obtain harvest, to a strong leader in a democracy?” How them. The call to holy humility does find lost sheep. Leaders are not satis­ can you lead in a church where the

28 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE ^ a n church board makes the decisions? thority in the church is granted by sense their pastor is there to serve How do you lead in a church where the people. No leader has any more them, to genuinely care for their wel­ the people don’t want to go any­ power to lead than the people are fare, and to have their good on his where? By misunderstanding our rep­ willing to give to him. If a pastor says, heart. The people perceive that he resentative system of government, “I cannot do anything in this church gives himself in wholehearted com­ there is the danger that pastors see because the people will not follow,” mitment to God’s will. The people themselves, not as' leaders, but as he is correct. He cannot make them will grant him authority to lead. In paid staff members whose job is to do what they are unwilling to do. He the kingdom of God, authority is giv­ carry out the directions of the church does not have that authority. If the en to those who serve. board. They may think they are to re­ people grant him authority, he can Let a congregation perceive that its spond to the desires of the people. lead them. They say, “We believe in pastor views them as a stepping-stone These pastors feel they don’t make you; we trust in the quality of your to a better assignment, that he is the decisions and set the directions. character and the authenticity of your more concerned about his career and The church is supposed to do that. faith. You have convinced us of your personal ambitions, that his real wish They simply implement the objec­ trustworthiness and the wisdom of is to develop the prestige of his own tives set by the church. In short, they name, then that congregation, quite are not the leaders. correctly, will refuse to grant him au­ Our system of government is good thority to lead. They will not trust for development of strong pastoral Leadership and him to lead them anywhere. They leadership. However, the dynamics of know that when he is offered a better leadership and authority in the authority in the position or a significant problem aris­ church must be understood. The es, he will “feel it is the Lord’s will” church does not operate like an army church come from to move on. where you are trained to obey orders unquestioningly and where success is a different source. CONCLUSION determined by a proper chain of com­ If God has called a person into the mand. The church is not a business ministry, He has called him to lead. where you tell employees, “Do what Leadership is not easy. The environ­ is expected or you are fired.” Leader­ your guidance. We have confidence ment in which the leader serves ship and authority in the church run in where you want to lead us, so we greatly influences the effectiveness of in different channels. will follow with excitement.” Then his leadership. In holiness circles, The church is a volunteer organiza­ the pastor has been granted the au­ leadership needs to develop in the tion. In a volunteer organization, you thority to lead the church some­ context of these unspoken but fre­ cannot make anybody do anything where. Leadership in the church is quently felt questions. The pastor’s they do not wish to do. They choose not based on making people do some­ call is to lead, to take his flock some­ to do it. If they choose not to do it, thing, but in obtaining the agreement where. Let’s accept that responsibili­ there is little a pastor or leader can do and support of the people to accom­ ty with accountability. To be strong, about that. Rank, money, and power plish it. our leadership cannot be harassed by to punish may be the keys to leader­ Where does the leader obtain au­ unsettled moral and ethical questions ship and authority in the world, but thority to lead? Jesus told us how au­ about our role as leaders. If God has they are not the keys to leadership thority and leadership are developed called us to lead, He wants us to feel and authority in the church. in the church. He said, “If any one comfortable and at ease in the role I Leadership and authority in the would be first, he must be last of all He has chosen for us. Our ease and church come from a different source. and servant of all” (Mark 9:35, RSV). comfort in the role make us stronger Authority in the church is given. Au­ Authority is granted when the people and more confident leaders. ■ Pontius' Puddle o o o ISN'T YEf^R-END GrlvmO GROT? ------THE THRILL OP BEATING THE THE JOY op TAX DEADLINE AvPTER NULKlNO HELP!MG OTHERS EVERV CENT OP INTEREST ON SY RETORNlNGr YOOR NVONEY- THE DRANVA OP TKE G-EME-Rosay WAKING CH0 RC4ES AMD CHARITIES GOD HAS SHOWN SWEAT THE\R TO OS TUROOG-H- BUDGETS utfTlL OOT THE YEAR.. THE LAST Kauffmann Joel © SECOND.

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2 9 Hinderina liana-ups Hang-up of Unreality by Raymond C. Kratzer Yakima, Wash.

n building the kingdom of God, would become. He felt that if he emotional finds his spirit sated and there must be a balance be­ prayed enough, shouted enough, shriveling. He is living for thrills, not tween vision, faith, and reality. planned big enough, growth would God’s will. Unless emotional “highs” I naturally happen. It doesn’t. result in obedience and service, they If one is too visionary, he is liable to get lost in a dream world. His day­ Of course we need prayer; we do more damage than good. dreams may turn into nightmares. On need optimism; we need plans; and The church that expects continual the other hand, if one is too realistic, we need God. But God needs us to outpourings of God’s blessings soon­ dealing only with the hard facts of work in a productive fashion, putting er or later leams that these high mo­ life, the romance of serving the Lord together adequate plans, energizing ments of ecstasy are only God’s trade will diminish, and miracles of grace them with perspiration bom of hard winds to propel us to action. They will be few and far between. work. We need to be aware that will not be productive if they are only Some pastors revel in the milieu of there is no such thing as “instant suc­ enjoyed. Nor will they be beneficial if plans, hopes, ideas, and projections, cess.” We are too indoctrinated by we depend upon them to bring the ever building air castles, but never our modem age with its instant cof­ results we desire. getting them down to earth. It is so fee and tea, instant foods, and other Take revival, for an example. Some easy to think of what could be done if quickie schemes. Someone has said, good people contend that revival on­ this or that would happen. “They want to sow in the morning, ly comes when through much prayer Occasionally a pastor will make a reap at noon, and have hot biscuits a great outpouring of spiritual bless­ broad statement based on some isolat­ and gravy for supper.” Saints are not ing descends upon a congregation in ed incident or an imaginative figment made that way, nor is church growth which emotions are touched and up that sounds terrific. For example, one accomplished by this method. The lifting joy surrounds the church. Usu­ pastor years ago declared his church tried and true method of success in ally, if revival begins in this fashion, would be running 200 or 300 in a God’s work is spelled with eight let­ there has been a great deal of ground­ year or so without any doubt. It had ters: H-A-R-D W-O-R-K! work laid that eventuated in the out­ only been running about 60 or 70 for The hang up of unreality is a cop­ pouring and subsequent awakening. many years. The small town did not out on the basics of Christian growth, The formula for revival involves warrant fantastic growth on this whether the individual and his per­ much more. The Bible says: “If my scale. It was sheer folly to vocalize sonal spirituality or the work of the people, which are called by my such a goal unless certain factors church in its growth patterns. The name, shall humble themselves, and were present. person who attempts to enrich his pray, and seek my face, and turn from What was the outcome? After three soul by an overemphasis upon the their wicked ways; then will I hear or four years, the attendance of his from heaven, and will forgive their church was in the 40s and 50s with a sin, and will heal their land” (2 continual pattern of diminishing re­ Chron. 7:14, KJV, italics added). turns. Why? He was hung up on unre­ Note the action between the “if ality! He thought that by dreaming clause and the “then” clause. Four and projecting, the crowds would words stand out: humble, pray, seek, flock to his church. He failed to put and turn. These indicate action by into operation the necessary ingredi­ the church. Only one-fourth of the ents that would cause some growth. quartet of verbs mentions prayer, and It appeared that the smaller his atten­ it is placed second on the list. This is dance, the more fantastic his ideas not to say that prayer is less impor­

3 0 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE tant than the other three, but it indi­ shalt go: I will guide thee with mine cates that many aspects are involved eye. Be ye not as the horse, or as the in revival. mule, which have no understanding: Have You To humble oneself is to gain an in­ whose mouth must be held in with sight into the problems of which you bit and bridle, lest they come near un­ may be a part. If we see ourselves as to thee” (Ps. 32:8-9, KJV). God is say­ Read God sees us—and perhaps as many ing that He has given us a mind to use others see us—we will be driven to for His glory. He has laid down cer­ pray for ourselves first, and then for tain principles and laws as guidelines These others. Attitudes, disciplines, and be­ for us to follow. But He encourages havior patterns may have gotten out us to use our brains and devise ways How-to of line and need correction. In the ex­ and means to build His Church. We ercise of this humbling experience should find things that work and use things begin to happen. We progress them. Study the plans of others that Books? toward revival by seeking God’s face. are producing, and adopt them. Basically, this means to align our­ “Work out your own salvation with by Hazel Jaycox Brown selves with His will as He reveals it to fear and trembling. For it is God Selling, Okla. us through the study of His Word and which worketh in you both to will a better understanding of His pur­ and to do of his good pleasure” (Phil. 1. How to Be Irregular in Church pose. 2:12-13, KJV). Attendance and Still Make It to As light is given, we see some cor­ We need more vision concerning Heaven, by U. R. Strong. ners to turn to open the way for re­ the possibilities in our area. We need 2. How to Skip Daily Bible Read­ vival. To turn from our “wicked more prayer to get our spirits ing and Prayer and Continue to ways” might be interpreted in a pas­ touched with the power of the Holy Be a Good Christian, by I. M. One. tor’s situation to “turn from unpro­ Spirit. We need more faith to see be­ 3- How to Break Only One or ductive ways.” To adjust our program yond the apparent to what can be Two Commandments and Still in such a way that our efforts begin done. But we need to keep our feet Please God, by H. E. Didit. to produce better results. on the earth where results come 4. How to Ride the Fence Between These four ingredients are God’s through an adherence to God’s in­ Christ and the World, by C. I. Cann. provision to help us solve our prob­ structions. 5. How to Love Your Neighbor lems, especially the need for a spiritu­ A good friend of mine attempted a and Not Care About His Future al awakening. When we have hum­ livelihood by selling vacuum sweep­ Destiny, by B. Justin Good. bled ourselves, prayed, sought, and ers. He was young and impression­ 6 . How to Get to Heaven With­ turned, then God promises to hear able. We purchased one from him to out Lifting a Finger, by Wanda us, forgive us, and heal us! help get him started. After a short Doolittle. It’s so tempting to want God to do time he announced that at the rate he 7. How to Get Blessings Poured everything as we wait upon Him in was selling for that week, his income Out upon You Without Tithing, hopeful prayer and anticipation. If would be fabulous. His eyes were on by Rich S. Almine. this is our mood, then we are stymied the stars. However, before the month 8. How to Get By Without Hon­ on the hang up of unreality. was out, he was rather disillusioned oring Your Parents and Still During an altar call in a revival because the bonus moments made Have a Long Life, by Nast E. Kidd. meeting, as people were standing possible by a few friends had dried 9. How to Be an Intercessory with bowed heads, a good Christian up. He failed to go down the difficult Prayer fo r 30 Seconds a Day, by prayed earnestly for another person path of “causes” in order to have “re­ Jack B. Quick. near her who needed to go to the al­ sults.” He had been foiled on the 10. How to Claim the Promises tar. She prayed: “O God, put Your fin­ hang-up of unreality. He had counted of God’s Word While Disregard­ ger on them and cause them to go his chickens before they hatched. ing the Conditions Required, by forward.” Church work is often like that. This A. Jerk. The Lord seemed to speak back to is especially true when a pastor takes All books are published by her: “You are My finger.” a new charge. The “honeymoon” of­ Roaring Lion Publishers. Do you I have known good saints who ten sweeps him off his feet until he know any of these authors? Make were meticulous about their own calculates his growth on the basis of sure you are not one of them. ■ spiritual condition, who prayed this psychological impetus. Soon he earnestly for others, but who failed to finds himself off his wings, slowing implement their prayers and concern down to a fast trot, and then plodding with personal contact. What a differ­ along in the humdrum of unrespon­ ence could be made if their prayers siveness. and faith were coupled with work! In times like these we need to get As ministers of the gospel, we need unhooked and settle down to discov­ to get off the deterrent of unreality. ering ways and means that are viable, God says, “I will instruct thee and to pray and trust the God of miracles teach thee in the way which thou to give us the victory! ■

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 31 Church Administration Rededication of Pastoral Staff by Wilbur Brannon Kansas City

outh Church of the Nazarene in Rev. Brian Reams was presented a “Receive this vessel o f water, the Lansing, Mich., has a rich her­ piece of original pottery. This symbol­ water of baptism. Be among us itage. For many years, she has ized his task as youth minister in an evangelist who brings many to Sbeen a strong church. Since 1983 Dr.molding the lives of young men and the knowledge o f Jesus Christ as Harold DeMott has served as senior women to be committed to Christ. Lord and Savior and to the affir­ pastor at Lansing South. Over the peri­ Mrs. Anna Ruth Pence, minister of mation of the faith pronounced od of his ministry there, the church music, was presented a hymnal—a by baptismal waters. ” has experienced a 57 percent growth symbol of her leadership in worship Rev. Weston’s response: in Sunday morning worship atten­ and music. Following are the charges “In response to the gracious call dance. That growth has necessitated given from board members and the of God and in gratitude for the the expansion of facilities. In addition responses from the pastoral staff to confidence you have expressed in to purchasing and remodeling the each of these presentations. me, I receive this vessel o f water house next door to the church, which A board member presented a Bible as a symbol o f outreach evange­ is used for youth Sunday School class­ to Pastor DeMott with these words: lism. rooms, the church has built a new “Accept this Bible and be “I pledge to do my part to ad­ sanctuary, which seats 600. The sanc­ among us ‘a man o f one book. ’ As vance the kingdom o f God by wit­ tuary was dedicated May 19, 1991. Mr. Wesley said, Be am ong us nessing to those in need of the During the building of the new one who proclaims the Word. ’” gospel and training men and sanctuary, the church board worked Pastor DeMott’s response: women from our midst to evange­ diligently to free Pastor DeMott and “In response to the gracious call lize our community. ” his staff from the task of building in of God and in gratitude for the A board member presented a piece order to allow them to continue their confidence you have expressed in of clay pottery to Rev. Brian Reams ministry in the church. The contin­ me, I receive the Bible as a symbol with these words: ued growth of the church and the o f pastoral leadership. “Receive this pottery and mold success of the building program are “I pledge to be a steward of your youth into young men and both evidence of the wisdom of this these resources and covenant with women, committed to Christ’s decision. As they approached the you to make ours a living, wit­ love and service. ” time to complete and dedicate their nessing church—a church in Pastor Ream’s response: new sanctuary, they chose first to which sermon and sacrament are “In response to the gracious call rededicate the entire staff and congre­ based strongly on the Word and of God and in gratitude for the gation to the work of ministry. On enlivened with the dynamic pres­ confidence you have expressed in Sunday, May 5, 1991, Dr. Wilbur ence o f the Holy Spirit.” me, I receive this clay pottery as a Brannon, director of Pastoral Min­ A board member presented a vessel symbol of my responsibility to istries, led a reconsecration service of water to Rev. Don Weston with mold our youth. for Pastor DeMott and his staff. these words: “I pledge to do my part to mold As a part of this reconsecration ser­ the lives o f our youth, with God’s vice, each member of the pastoral help, that they may become young ministry team was presented with a men and women dedicated to symbol of his responsibility and a Christian love and service. ” charge from a member of the church A board member presented a hym­ board. Pastor DeMott was given a Bi­ nal to Mrs. Anna Ruth Pence with ble—a symbol of the preaching min­ these words: istry. Minister of Outreach Rev. Don “Receive this hymnal, which Weston was presented with a vessel represents the Cross, and be in of water, the water of baptism—sym­ this place a leader of worship. bolizing outreach and evangelism. Lead us to the foo t o f the Cross so

3 2 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE Thank You by Jeff Wedge Port Orange, Fla.

A fter almost a year of working That simple phrase caught me Back (left to right): Rev. Brian S. Reams and L A in the congregation, I was unawares. “For what?” Dr. Harold M. DeMott. J L J L experiencing all the doubts She smiled a little shyly and told Front: Rev. Donald E. Weston and Mrs. Anna Ruth Pence. and regrets that are common when me: “My husband and I have been it is time to leave. In a few days I coming to this church for 52 years. would be gone. It was time to go We have only been married for 50 that we may worthily magnify the back to school, but the prospect of years, but we came to youth group name o f God, our Savior, even Je­ leaving was not easy. meetings here before we were sus Christ. ” As I sat in my office, my thoughts married. And in all that time, you Mrs. Pence’s response: were about all the things that had are the first person who smiled at “In response to the gracious call happened during the year. us during worship. Thank you.” of God and in gratitude for the What difference had any of it As my throat choked and my confidence you have expressed in made? Had the congregation grown eyes filled with tears, I thanked me, I receive this hym nal as a during the year, or was it still the her. symbol o f worship. same as it had generally been? Was Now, looking back after many “I pledge to do my part by pro­ anything different? Or had I simply years, I sometimes wonder why it viding music that prepares your filled a place for a year, doing noth­ seems so hard to smile in church. hearts fo r worship and by provid­ ing of importance? The questions Of course, we are about serious ing opportunities fo r many of you were easy to list; the answers were things, but that shouldn’t blind us to assist in the presentation o f almost impossible to find. to the fact that smiles are some­ music that lifts our souls. ” Then, on the last Sunday, I was thing we can all afford to share It is certainly exciting to see a bustling around getting ready for with each other. Smiles that come church continue its growth even as the final worship service. An older naturally during the children’s God allows them to build their facili­ woman stopped me. During the message. Smiles that come natural­ ties. Certainly, people are the reason year she had often said, “There’s a ly when we are gathered in the for the building. Lansing South little something for you in the re­ church. Smiles that come as natu­ Church continues to experience frigerator down in the kitchen.” rally there as anywhere else. God’s blessing and growth. This When I would go and look after I thanked that lady. I was really rededication of their pastoral staff to the services, I would find a box thanking her for reminding me the Lord and His service is a vital part crammed with baked goods and that God would find a way to work of that growth. homegrown popcorn that would through me. That He would find a Pastor DeMott extends to his make even Orville Redenbacher way to make himself known to church board and church family deep proud. people, even when I got in the appreciation for their kindness and On this day she had a different way. That the beginning of know­ sensitivity to the pastoral staff. He message. She looked at me and ing Him could all be found in that would also encourage congregations said simply, “Thank you.” simple smile. ■ all across the country to give serious consideration to rededicating existing pastoral staff to the ongoing ministry of their church. ■

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 33 Stewardship

The Preretirement Years: A Checklist for Success

by John C. Oster, Editor Board of Pensions and Benefits USA Church of the Nazarene

At Any Age: □ 4. Confirm standing in your pen­ Final Year Before sion plans, and estimate prob­ □ 1. Develop a life strategy that in­ able retirement income from Retirement: cludes the postemployment this source. □ 1. Consult with the Social Securi­ years. Write it down and share ty office for options, time with other significant persons □ 5. Confirm amounts in any other frames, request forms, and pro­ in your life. File in a safe place retirement annuities and oth­ cedures to claim Medicare for occasional review. er investments, and estimate health insurance and monthly □ 2. Begin contributions to a per­ probable retirement income retirement income benefits. sonal retirement annuity. from these sources. □ 2. Consult with your denomina­ □ 3. Accurately report all earnings □ 6. Review changing life and tional pension board for neces­ to Social Security. They cannot health insurance needs, and sary forms and procedures to credit you with what you do make changes indicated upon start pension. not report. consultation with profession­ □ 4. Develop the habit of recording als. □ 3. Notify your denominational of­ all necessary expenditures for ficials of your intent to retire, □ 7. Estimate as closely as possible analysis and review. and secure the necessary re­ your probable necessary living ports and procedures. □ 5. Regularly confirm your record of expenses in retirement based contributions to Social Security. upon most likely contingen­ □ 4. Notify your present employer cies identified in Step 2. Five Years Before concerning your approaching retirement date. Anticipated Retirement: □ 8. If anticipated income does not equal or exceed anticipated □ 1. Undergo a thorough medical expense, develop a five-year □ 5. Confirm housing arrangements examination. Take care of any strategy to bring these two in­ for after you retire. anticipated problems that exist to alignment. or can be anticipated. □ 6. Complete necessary changes in □ 9. W rite dow n the results of life and health insurance status □ 2. Begin preliminary research on due to anticipated retirement. anticipated costs of retirement Steps 1-8 and file them in living according to different your safe-deposit box for an­ nual review. □ 7. Begin now to set daily, weekly, contingencies. (Where you will and monthly goals for retire­ live, early retirement option, □ 10. On the same day each year, re­ ment activity. part-time work, etc.) view your preretirement □ 3- Secure a Social Security report analysis, and make whatev­ □ 8. Look forward with anticipation listing the estimated retirement er changes are necessary to to a new status in life for income you can expect from bring you to retirement in which you have properly and this source. good order. joyfully prepared. ■

34 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE Minister's Plate Roses by Carole Rowe Marshfield, Wis.

"TTTave I not commanded you? example, I learned the importance of practiced songs for hours. I never Be strong and courageous. dressing well and acting in a manner heard her grumble about dropping [JL JL Do not be terrified; do not proper for a child of God. her busy schedule or about losing be discouraged, for the Lord your This pastor5 s wife did more than her limited leisure time. Often it God will be with you wherever you advise me; she lived what she taught. took hours to slowly, painfully learn go” (Josh. 1:9). She dressed her family on the famous some of the rudiments of singing. i “Successful” preachers’ wives have poor preachers’ salary, yet they Because of her sacrifice, many of us always enchanted me. Several women looked as good as any people in the learned. in my life have stood out like hybrid city. Her resourcefulness taught me Bea was one of those people we roses, their fragrance still filling my valuable lessons in money manage­ never quite appreciated enough, be­ \ memory though miles and years sepa­ ment and attitudes. Tithes and food cause we only saw the finished three- rate us. Although I could tell of many, came out of her budget first. She minute song, or the clean room she two of those Christlike, victorious sewed, cut hair, hunted for bargains, had scrubbed after sloppy teenagers women were extremely attractive as­ and, in general, was wise with her had gone home. I learned a valuable sets to their husbands and their con­ money. lesson from Bea: always to do a first gregations. By example they taught Saturday was cleaning day at the rate job for Jesus. Always take the that success comes through thinking Berry household, and all the children time and effort to do your best for positively about the power of God pitched in to help. Bea’s house stayed Him. That lesson has brought respect and about themselves. Their lives tes­ immaculate too. Everything had its and value to whatever I’ve tried to ac­ tified to Joshua’s words—to be strong place. But what amazed me most was complish in my life since that time. and courageous, to not be terrified or her ability to get through a hectic Those Berry children were never discouraged. God was with them Sunday morning of breakfast, dishes, the ones to be screaming or causing wherever they went. beds, dressing four children, and to disturbances. They never rattled toys I The first was Bea Berry, from the present that sparkling house again to or left cracker crumbs in the church. Wesleyan Church in Rice Lake, Wis. several Sunday School classes. Once, one of her girls coughed rather Bea raised her four children in the She never missed a service. You loudly during a sermon. Bea’s stern I cramped rooms behind the sanctuary. would think she never got sick, but I look said: “That’s enough; don’t do it Sunday School classes were held in know she did. She just never missed again.” We teenagers thought it was her bedroom and kitchen areas, as church when the doors were open. I cruel and too strict. But over the I well as perms and heart-to-heart talks admired the discipline in her life. years we saw that these girls had a (at her kitchen table. Even after a new One day Bea quietly went on a diet discipline in their lives that we en­ church and parsonage were built, the (no fanfare), stuck with it, and lost vied. Two daughters became preach­ {congregation continued to grow. Sun­ several dress sizes. er’s wives: a good record, I’d say. day School classes were again held in Best of all, she always had time to A few years later, I became a pas­ her kitchen as well as her basement. come over to the church to play the tor’s wife of a small Nazarene church. Every week I watched Bea uncom­ piano and experiment with us as we One of the rewards of my position plainingly take her place at the piano. was the friendship that grew be­ 1 learned during eight years as a teen­ tween our district superintendent’s ager and young mother to admire her wife and myself. A woman of great professionalism. courage and compassion, Maudie Bea taught me that I could often Clack, stood beside me through the pull out of a depressed mood by death of my daughter. She encour­ shampooing my hair and dressing up aged me as I worked to make our in an attractive outfit—a demonstra­ small salary stretch, giving me tips on tion through my actions that I would where and how to get more for my not allow my self to be defeated by money. my negative thoughts. Through her Looking as though she was plucked

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 35 from a dress shop window in her white tailored suit and pearl nail pol­ ish sat a woman of self-confidence, a stark contrast against the old plaster­ board walls. Her presence made us feel comfortable as she easily blended with our hardworking copper miners. I liked her at once. It was her smile. It melted away any feelings of inferiori­ I Have Complete ty we may have had. Maudie’s patient handling of pain in her life has been an inspiration to me. The private hurts she has borne Confidence in over the years have melted her into an understanding princess who could soothe a person’s ache by just the touch of her hand or the invisible tear the Gospel in her eye. It was as though the Fa­ ther had placed an angel in our midst. I learned that a person’s life can be by Charles R. Eble beautiful even when adversity and limitations are placed on us. I never I shared it with the young people saw Maudie Clack withdraw or be­ come bitter, even when physical limi­ And it became their greatest challenge. tations held her down, or through the I shared it with the lonely caring of her quadriplegic son. And they learned of a wonderful companion. Following my baby’s difficult birth, I was slow to recover. I had been hav­ I shared it with the newlyweds ing severe headaches. Later we dis­ And it helped to fulfill their dearest dreams. covered that the headaches were I shared it with the guilt-ridden from gas leaks in the house. Thus, I was unable to clean my house prop­ And they found gracious forgiveness. erly, which for a preacher’s wife is in­ I shared it with the quarreling excusable. That was such an embar­ And they discovered reconciliation. rassment to me that even today I hesitate to add it to my story. Maudie I shared it with the sick came to me in a quiet moment, And it aided their recovery. slipped some money into my hand, and whispered, “This is for cleanser.” I shared it with the dying The subject was dropped, forgotten, And it gave them hope. never mentioned again. I felt no judg­ I shared it with a prisoner ment or pressure. In the years that followed, I worked harder to do my And he made a fresh start. best for her because she believed in I shared it with mental health advocates me. And they welcomed it warmly. Even when she wasn’t around, her presence would find its way into my I shared it with economists house via the mailbox with a card or And it amazed both capitalists and socialists. letter of encouragement. I’ll always want to be like Maudie: sensitive, I shared it in a political caucus genuinely caring, a rose like no other. And it reminded them of eternal power. Not everyone has a chance to I shared it with nationalists know such great women, to walk and talk with them, and even to learn And it inspired thoughts of world brotherhood. from them regularly. I have been ([see] Rom. 1:16, TEV) blessed by God to know these two Reprinted w ith permission. ladies who were so intimately ac­ quainted with God. The evidence of their faith in Him is clearly seen in their walk through life, just as a rose stands out in a garden and the world looks on with awe. H

3 6 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE What Is My Task?

by Ross W. Hayslip Tucson, Ariz.

isten to the conversation among fellowship not fully in sympathy with ment of just what their responsibility ministerial brethren as they the doctrines and demands of the was and how this matter could be re­ J discuss their work. Ask the church. Our stack of deadwood ferred to someone else. The response L' simple question, “How are things growsgo­ larger and our “live group” of the people was heartwarming. ing?" and hear the variety of answers. weaker as each year we juggle figures “And what they said pleased the One will tell you how his building is of the annual report to show the whole multitude” (Acts 6:5, RSV). progressing in its construction. An­ membership gain that is the symbol People today are similar to those of other will give you his record Sunday of success. The pastor who majors on that day. They are not above criticiz­ School attendance figure. One ener­ administration lives by the statistical ing their minister for his failure to live getic pastor will tell you of the survey chart and record board. up to their expectations. However, that he is conducting. You will hear The question that we must frankly for the most part, they are reasonable of financial campaigns, new parson­ face is “How can we administer the individuals and have a sense of appre­ ages, and radio programs. Not often work of our church, cooperate with ciation for their pastor. Once they do you hear of the sermon preached, the denominational program, call on come to understand the role that he the new book read, or the person led our people, do an effective job of has chosen and see his all-out effort to Jesus. counseling, keep up on our reading, to fulfill it, they can be depended up­ There is no question but that our maintain a semblance of homelife, on to encourage him in his tasks and churches need good administrators. bring our church to the end of the put their shoulders to the wheel to The larger and more complicated the year with some new records, and help him. organization becomes, the more ur­ preach like a prophet?” Too often the blame that we place gent is the need for persons with ad­ I feel that the answer lies within on our congregation for expecting ministrative skills. The great danger is myself. I must ask myself, in which too much of us results from our un­ that God’s representative should fail phase of my ministry lies my greatest willingness to define our task explicit­ to be either a good preacher or ad­ strength? A mediocre pulpiteer can ly for them and then to give ourselves ministrator. build a church through sheer love of wholly to that task. This will show One of the motivations that move people and a dogged determination our people the areas of our ministry us toward administration is the desire in ringing doorbells. A strong preach­ that we feel to be important. to set new records. One writer has er of the gospel can make the pulpit Paul once boldly declared, “Christ termed our period in the religious his greatest thrust while supplement­ did not send me primarily to baptise, world as “this record-crazy age.” We ing it with visitation and counseling. but to proclaim the gospel” (1 Cor. must contribute our share to the new A pastor must decide which is to be 1:17, Phillips). As a minister, I must denominational record and knock the dominant feature of his ministry determine what God has called me to ourselves out to achieve a few new and give his best efforts to it. do and, laying other things aside, de­ records on the local level. As a result, In the Early Church, certain admin­ clare my right to do it. This does not we spend many hours on the tele­ istrative tasks were being forced on excuse me from being cooperative, phone, in committee meetings, and the apostles, robbing them of the nor does it nullify me from my re­ poring over budgets and plans. time for what they believed to be sponsibility to the church as an insti­ In an effort to show membership their chief tasks. They had been criti­ tution. Rather, this choice will give gains each year, there is often the cized and were on the defensive. In­ me a sound basis for cooperation and temptation to pad the rolls or to low­ stead of saying, “Thank you for the will help me render to my whole er the standard for church member­ suggestion, we’ll try to take care of church significant service that will |ship, receiving individuals into our it,” they came out with a clear state­ have eternal results. ■

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 3 7 ! ______Church Growth

The Church's Iron Curtain by Arthur L. Rouleau Garden Grove, Calif.

rived, I looked for a church home for peared best suited of all. We were a “Iron curtain: (1) a political, my little family. After they arrived little concerned because of the unful­ military, and ideological barri­ and we were settled in our new filled promise of a visit. er that cuts off and isolates an home, we visit­ That second area; (2) an intangible barrier ed a church I visit, the wor- ! against communication of in­ had found and ship service was formation or ideas.”—Webster felt suited to our great, and the spiritual needs. pastor seemed That first wor­ most inspired. ship in a church After the bene­ together, follow­ diction, as be­ t was tough duty in the army. ing months of fore, we took World War II had just ended. I separation, our place with was assigned to a post in Hawaii. thrilled our other worshipers > I hearts. Every­ to greet the pas- j (Of course, I jest on this point of “tough duty.”) thing about the tor. The same la- j The military struggled to retain service blessed dy was at his 1 men in the service. To make overseas us. Worshiping side. She didn’t duty more palatable, new legislation together as a recognize us and permitted military personnel the family is com­ asked our names, privilege of bringing their families to pleteness. After assuring us that posts outside the continental United the benediction, som eone from States. Upon my request, the army we fell in line the church would | set in motion the necessary paper­ with other wor­ call on us. Fish- j work to bring my family—my wife, shipers to meet ing in her purse, I Barbara; daughter, Cherie; and son, the pastor of the she brought forth 1 David—to Hawaii as soon as quarters church. Beside a pencil and a on the post were available. The pa­ him, a lady wel­ piece of paper j per machine in the army ground comed us as visi­ to inscribe our ; slowly. In the interval, before they ar- tors and request­ names on it. 1 ed our names and address with the That piece of paper was the same one : assurance someone from the church she had used the year before. Our ! would call on us. It never happened. names were still there. Convinced other churches should We had experienced the church’s | be given a try before moving our iron curtain. All was sweetness and | membership, a year was spent visit­ light, friendliness and goodwill to J ing churches in Honolulu and envi­ everyone, until the church door ) rons in the search for a church home. closed on Sunday morning. Then the j Finally the time for decision arrived. curtain came down as if it were the fi­ But, we felt that first church must nal act of a play. have another chance, as it had ap­ That church service 40 years ago 9

38 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE should have been the opening act of canned tomato juice on the one side several that week in the service of and green beans on the other, her at­ our Lord. If the minister and the lady titude implied that I had made an im­ Celebration at his side had been selling vacuum proper advance. cleaners or encyclopedias on a com­ Shaken, I sought my wife and ex­ mission-only basis and had an invita­ posed my wounded ego. Barbara re­ and tion to a home to demonstrate their minded me of one incredible fact. It product, nothing would have stopped was obvious, as far as Red Coat was them. What a difference the dollar concerned, the church’s iron curtain Experience makes! slammed down when she exited the The church’s iron curtain is as dis­ church. In the real world, no pastor in Preaching astrously effective today as that one signaled the friendliness-to-all time. 40 years ago. Supermarket aisles were not for the A little over three years ago my joy of special Christian fellowship by Henry H. Mitchell wife and I visited a church in a small like church aisles. town in southern Oregon. It was a Why do we have this “barrier Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1990 cold winter day, and churchgoers against communication” of the love PA068-704-7447, $11.95 wore winter clothes. I admired the of God outside the four walls of the Mitchell’s chapter 12 gives the ba­ red leather jacket worn by the lady in churches? It is 180 degrees from sic theme of his writings: “The Holy the pew in front of me. Since we what Jesus taught. Spirit and Holistic Preaching.” From were from southern California, we The Great Commission wasn’t his vantage point as professor, preach­ didn’t see red leather jackets on “Build bigger church buildings, hire er, and dean at Virginia Union Univer­ women attending church. greater preachers, thrill with bigger sity and School of Theology, the au­ At a given point in the service, the choirs and programs.” It was, and is, thor brings scholarship and practice friendliness-to-all signal prevailed. “Go ye into all the world, and preach together. He lets Scripture tell the Worshipers moved into the aisles and the gospel to every creature” (Mark reader that preaching is best served hugged, shook hands, laughed, and 16:15, KJV). when it speaks to the whole person talked with the enthusiasm of a Sun­ The “going” begins after the via the power of the Holy Spirit. day School picnic. Red Coat turned church doors close. Judging by the While he demonstrates the function around and gave my wife and me a activity calendars of most churches, of behavioral science in helping one hearty welcome and asked, “Where the bulk of the activity is confined understand the personality, he empha­ you all from? Do come back soon— within the walls of the church build­ sizes that more than information must you hear!” ing. take place. Scriptural preaching en­ On the way from church to our In 1930 the missionary-evangelist riches the mind, feelings, and imagina­ temporary residence in the area, we E. Stanley Jones wrote the book The tions as persons hearing the message stopped at the only market of any Christ o f the Everyday Road. His title make the gospel their own story. size for miles around. To expedite the lays bare the intention of our Lord for Celebration and Experience in shopping, Barbara and I took separate the propagation of His good news. It Preaching sets forth a way to help routes in the market. Moving down is to be told everywhere. That means, ministers use imagination, emotive an aisle, I spotted Red Coat. “Tell it beyond the doors of the expression, and celebration as a I believe in reciprocity. I like to be churches and in the aisles of the su­ means to meet the mental and emo­ friendly to people. One of the many permarkets as a part of ‘all the tional needs of congregants. Much of great thrills in this faith of ours is the world.’” the focus on the book is on the cor­ discovery of a brother or sister in Jesus didn’t come to build beautiful rect use of literary passages in the Christ. I especially like to be friendly churches for comfortable Christians biblical narrative to bring hearers in to people who have offered friendli­ to confine their faith. He rejected the touch with real characters of the Bi­ ness to me as a stranger. And this was suggestion of His disciples to build a ble. He urges ministers to preach a golden opportunity to gain a Chris­ tabernacle on the mount of His trans­ with conviction, to preach so that tian friend in an area where we knew figuration. His was the gospel of the people can grasp the message both few people. marketplace, the well, the seaside— by their use of intuition and rational I offered Red Coat the friendliest “The Everyday Road.” conceptualization. He views preach­ “Hello!” in my repertoire. A cold stare Today people hurt, feel hunger, are ing as an act of worship that embod­ impaled it midway between us, and it sick or confused, live under a bridge, ies and enhances genuine worship dropped with a thud. I am a bearded, in a park, in a condominium, in a car, and celebration of the Christian faith. bald old guy sometimes said to resem­ or scores of locations other than One need not be steeped in ble the late Hemingway. When peo­ church. They wait for, they want, and homiletics or hermeneutics in order ple meet me, they usually remember they need the healing love of Jesus to understand and use the concepts me. Forty-five minutes before, Red from someone who will take that provided herein. Find a copy and Coat was shaking my hand in the healing love beyond the “barrier sense the upbeat the author feels in friendliest fashion. She had even against communication” that is all too the great event of preaching. asked our names. Between rows of often the church’s iron curtain. ■ —Montford L. Neal

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 39 Church Music "'

Evangelistic Music in Worship

Part 2

by Daniel Steele Kansas City

n thinking of how we are to use decision making. On balance, what in a dialogue with God, with the alter­ evangelistic music, there are at the prospect is thinking is more im­ nating of revelation and response, least two givens. One is that con­ portant to his commitment than what that is, God’s revelation and our re­ I the preacher is telling him. There­ sponse to that revelation. A Scripture gregational music is the most signifi­ cant music for evangelism. Everyone, fore, he needs time and opportunity lesson on God’s claims, commands, including visitors and prospects, to think, to consider, and to decide. or acts on man’s behalf should be fol­ should be able to participate. This For the best response and spon­ lowed by some expression, perhaps means when songs are used that are taneity throughout the service, the musical, of our response to what God not in the hymnal or songbook, they planning needs to be so thorough has just revealed to us. should be either printed in the wor­ that points of change can be antici­ To achieve maximum evangelistic ship folder (bulletin), on a bulletin in­ pated, not feared. The service may response, there should be a varied sert, or in a special booklet. Or, they begin with a great propositional dec­ pace, beginning perhaps with a series should be projected onto a screen or laration of some part of the kerygma of shorter events (invocation, call to wall. It is an embarrassment to stand such as is found in the hymn, “To worship, hymns, scripture) in the mute in a crowd of enthusiastic God Be the Glory,” then followed first third, leading to the longer, heav­ singers because one doesn’t know with music that testifies to what the ier events (prayer, creed, scripture, the lyrics. Consent to reprint or pro­ death of God’s only Son has meant to song, sermon, invitation) midway, ject words and music protected by a believer. This would be called a de­ which carry a sense of climax. copyright must be obtained from the ductive structure. Or an inductive Dr. Don Hustad claims that the vo­ publishers. structure might be used, with witness cal solo is the “most powerful force A second given in an evangelistic music leading up to some gospel dec­ in musical communication of the worship service is that there will be laration. For instance, if the evangelis­ gospel.” It can have great emotional an invitation. The music of an invita­ tic sermon is going to be on “Saving impact because of its dramatic poten­ tion should be either a direct appeal, Faith,” perhaps the music leading up tial. Therefore, experience has shown such as “Let Go and Let God Have His to it should be experiential expres­ that it is very desirable just before the Way,” or a song that expresses what sions of God’s love, our lostness, and sermon. After the soloist has shared the prospect should think, feel, or do, what Jesus Christ has done. This lays something of a personal experience such as “Just as I Am.” The most ef­ an experiential and theological foun­ with God in salvation terms, such as fective kind of invitational music is dation for placing our trust in Him for “It Took a Miracle,” the preacher usually that which the entire congre­ salvation. should be able to begin immediately gation sings. The power of suggestion The service should have a sense of to declare what the Word of God says is at work when the prospect joins in progress and direction leading to a about the miracle of regeneration and singing “I Am Coming, Lord.” In plan­ definite objective. There should be exhort prospects to trust God for it. ning a worship service for evange­ connectedness between events of the The last part of the service should lism, adequate time needs to be given service, providing meaning for each quicken in pace again with choruses for response. There needs to be re­ element and continuity for the whole. of praise, offertory, etc. Following the spect for the prospect’s process of Worshipers need to be kept involved intensity of the climax of the service,

40 THE PREACHER S MAGAZINE there should be resolution or release. part of the medley the congregation a strong sense of being a team, work­ We are not going to win everyone in will be singing, the text should be ing together toward a common objec­ one service, so we want them to printed or projected. tive, with appreciation and respect come back. Whether or not they do Several factors need to be consid­ for the function and contribution of depends on what they experienced ered in planning a medley. First, the each. the last time they were with us. The theme should be considered. Do the The pastor should not defer all mu­ way the service ends will be remem­ songs relate to one another in what sical leadership to others. Not only bered. Therefore, whether anyone they say? Second, progress is impor­ should he be involved in the process comes forward or not, the service tant. Are the songs repetitive or re­ of deciding what music should be needs to be planned to end with a dundant, or does their content lead used, but also there may be times positive affirmation, a “lift.” us forward? Third, consideration when the pastor would plan to be the must be given to key relations. Are one to start a song, with the music di­ the songs all in the same key, or in rector supporting along with the close relation so that an immediate choir in the background. This would ▼ modulation — change of key—can be no threat to a confident music di­ take place? Or does the accompanist rector. The service need to play several chords or mea­ On the other hand, the music di­ sures to lead us to the new key? rector should not assume the role of a needs a sense Fourth, style must be considered. Are mechanical arm, suppressing person­ the songs similar in style or will the ality and squelching all urges to com­ of progress. accompanist need to bridge between municate significant ideas verbally songs to avoid the jolting experience when responding to or preparing for of going from “Dwelling in Beulah a song. Without breaking the dia­ A Land” to “Something Beautiful”? Put logue between worshipers and God, together, the medley should be as and without using stunts to manipu­ unified as a single song would be. Lil- late the congregation, the director To encourage spontaneity and re­ lenas Publishing Company has pro­ should identify with the congrega­ sponsiveness in worship, choruses vided some medleys arranged by tion. He should be worshipful, com­ can be useful. Because they contain Tom Fettke in collections called municate warmly, and lead with sen­ i very little of the kerygma, they should Great Is the lord and Magnify the sitivity to the message and the mood | be used sparingly and never replace lord. of each song and the pace and flow hymns. But their simplicity offers an The effectiveness of the evangelis­ of each service. opportunity to respond without fum­ tic song in a worship event depends bling in a book for a song with a on more than just the music. It is a more involved text. They can be used compliment to the leader when effectively in response to an anthem, someone says, “You handled the mu­ T a prayer, a Scripture lesson, a testimo­ sic in the service with spiritual sensi­ ny, a solo, or a congregational hymn. tivity.” The vocal solo | Choruses, such as “He Is My Every­ Evangelistic music is simple and di­ thing” or “He Is Lord,” come naturally rect. For many it might seem weak is the "most to our people. We sing them sponta­ and dull, but in the hands of strong neously. leaders it can be effective. The evan­ powerful force Most of the time the use of chorus­ gelistic effectiveness of the music will es should be carefully planned. Occa- rise no higher than the stature of the in musical I sionally they can be effective when leaders. They must have a vibrant per­ unexpected. Of course, when used sonal relation with Christ, a passion communication impromptu, the text will not be print- for evangelism, a sensitivity to what i ed for the newcomer. To keep ac­ the Holy Spirit is doing in a service, a of the gospel." companists and music director from gift for communicating through mu­ feeling lost, a list of standard chorus­ sic (vocal, instrumental, or directing), es in the church’s repertoire should and a sense of the fitness of music for A be kept available. The choruses evangelistic purposes. Performance, should be listed both alphabetically accompanying, and directing skills and according to key. A copy should should be as high for evangelism as Accompanists should be thorough­ be at the piano, the organ, and in the for any other kind of worship leader­ ly prepared to support evangelistic hands of the song leader for immedi­ ship. music in worship. The first person re­ ate reference. Music leadership in the service in­ sponsible for that preparation is the Another way to encourage spon­ cludes the pastor, the song director, pastor or song director, who commu­ taneity is to sing several songs in se­ the accompanists, and the choir. Each nicates with the accompanist what is quence as a medley. Usually only the has a critical role to play. Each needs being planned for the service. When refrain or one familiar stanza of the to be thoughtfully prepared both spir­ informed far enough in advance and songs will be used. Again, for that itually and mentally. There should be with sufficient information, the or­

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 41 ganist can, by skillful accompanying, Acoustical environment is also criti­ the midst of our regular worship ser­ bridging, modulating, and soloing, cal to evangelistic music in worship. vices, we don’t have to “give away help unify and keep the forward James White writes, “Few things af­ the store.” Becoming artificial by try­ progress of the service. The organist fect worship more profoundly than ing to be something more than, less should facilitate, not dominate, the the way sound behaves in space.” It than, or other than ourselves is both congregation in song. The accompa­ would be hard to keep up with the unnecessary and unfruitful. Denying niment would be kept simple with number of times congregations have who we are and where we are by re­ clear support of the melody line. anticipated moving into their new ducing everything to the lowest com­ There is a style of piano accompa­ sanctuary, which they hoped to fill mon denominator, presenting only niment called “evangelistic style.” It with new people, only to discover the currently popular music and ig­ involves many technics for embellish­ that the great congregational singing noring our heritage, and anything else ment of chords, melodies, and har­ in the old place has been lost because that may look like a bridge to the un­ monies and improvising rather freely. of the comfort of full carpeting, believer really becomes a substitute It can easily fall into virtuosic display. padded pews, acoustically tiled ceil­ for reality and contradicts the very In a worship setting, it must be han­ ings, and window drapes. The ser­ gospel of truth we are proclaiming. dled with restraint and care. The na­ vices seem dead, and new people go ture of the evangelistic song may call away disappointed. for introduction by the piano, though A congregation whose singing is a good organist can handle it well, to dampened by “dead” acoustics or a ▼ give a certain rhythmic lift. That choir, ensemble, or soloist who can­ helps give variety to the service and not be heard or understood will be "Few things may give the evangelistic song greater hindered from having an effective impact. evangelistic impact, however clear affect worship the spoken word might be. In creating a sound environment in more profoundly which both worship and evangelism T can take place, there must be bal­ than the way ance achieved by compromise. The The effectiveness acoustical needs for music (good res- sound behaves onation and reverberation time) must of song in a be balanced with the needs for the in space." spoken word (clean, straight line worship event sound). The needs for great congre­ gational singing (lots of sound reflec­ A depends on tion from hard floor and wall sur­ faces, and good sound dispersion more than just from the ceiling above the congrega­ The most important element for ef­ tion) should not ignore the need for fective evangelism in worship is en­ the music. hearing those who are singing from thusiastic, authentic participation of up front. On the other hand, where believers worshiping the God whom there is great sound projection from we love and honor. That is our world. A up front with a dampened sound When we are excited, that excite­ condition in the congregational ment will be contagious. In evange­ space, there will be a tendency to­ lism, we need to touch base with the The choir also is important in evan­ ward passiveness and spectatorism in nonbeliever at common points. But gelistic music leadership. Vitality, in­ the congregation. the unique world of our worship spiration, expression in appearance, Also, a choir with limited electron­ needs to attract them beyond those as well as sound, can have great im­ ic sound reinforcement should not be points of commonness. If something pact on the congregation. To achieve put in the position of competing with in our world gives us identity, mean­ this, the choir should be given suffi­ a vocal ensemble in which every ing, and joy, it will draw those who cient introduction to what is being singer has a mike, by scheduling are looking for something better than done in order to anticipate each part them to sing back-to-back. The choir the world in which they are now liv­ of the service. Beyond this, words of may have four times the number of ing. encouragement and direction from singers, but the difference in volume It is time to quit evangelizing the the director are important to the of sound will still be in favor of those evangelized and begin to intentionally choir’s effectiveness. Usually, if the who are singing directly into the am­ plan to get the message to and re­ director has harangued the choir just plification system. This reduces the sponse from nonbelievers who come before the service, there is going to impact the choir can have on the to the traditional Sunday morning be very little support for an enthusias­ worship service. worship service. With forethought tic service with an evangelistic objec­ Finally, in accommodating to the and planning, it can be done appro­ tive or any other objective. needs of the seeker or prospect in priately and effectively. ■

42 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE Stories Preachers Tell Each Other

ly, as he flipped a small switch on the and Roberta looked up in surprise, column and pointed toward the back immediately breaking into wide-eyed A Sign of of the church. “I just turn on the sign grins as they scooted over to make when I want them to quit preaching.” room for the latecomers. The missionary doubled up with This part of the pantomime I the Time laughter when he read the large, watched in snatches while reading flashing, neon sign that seemed to the lessons. Later, during my sermon, by David Olds reach halfway across the back of the my eye-comer snapped another shot church. It read, “Please shut up! of this voiceless sitcom: A large, 3" x Bonaire, Ga. Please shut up! Please shut up!” ■ 3", multi-layered paint chip fell from he Greek pastor was desper­ our peeling ceiling, hit the gentleman ate. His church was located at latecomer on the shoulder and landed the bottom of Mars’ Hill, and, “ker-thunk” in his lap—an invasion of Toverly inspired by the sensation of both couples’ attentiveness, which preaching in the footsteps of the Chicken resulted in much back-of-the-hand apostle Paul, every guest speaker was whispering, stifled guffaws, and re­ unbearably long-winded. current, broadly enjoyed smiles. The congregation grew less toler­ Little, As I say, this part of the passing ant with each new speaker. Now pantomime I could only snatch-watch some did not even bother to conceal while preaching. After the service, their sleepy yawns during the ser­ Chicken the Peers apologized for the distrac­ mon. And some even openly exam­ tion, introduced Bob and Marilyn ined their wristwatches, pretending Randall, whose friendship dated back to make sure they were still running. to grade school, and spun me the un­ The distressed pastor sought advice Little abbreviated tale of the story I had on­ from an American missionary friend. ly observed from afar. “What do you do in America to stop by Art White Bob and Marilyn had decided at the preachers from preaching too long?” last minute to stop and visit “Boney” he asked. Clementsvale, N.S. and Roberta, whom they hadn’t seen The American suggested that the y first pastoral charge was in years. The Peers’ daughter-in-law pastor might clear his throat a couple the 120-member church in explained that they were in church, of times in quick succession when he M Groveport, Ohio. After that they surely would be very, very wanted the speaker to close. If that nearly 35 years, I continue to treasure disappointed to miss seeing them, doesn’t work, he added humorously, many vivid and pleasant memories of and, pointing across the backyards to the pianist might begin to play softly. those early years in my ministry. the steepled building, urged the Ran­ Several weeks later the two friends None of these returns more inner dalls: “Why don’t you go over and met again, and the Greek pastor was all smiles than the day the ceiling fell in surprise them. It’s just around the smiles. “I see by your smile that my sug­ on one of the congregants, a guest, corner. They’ve already started. Just gestion worked,” the American said. and made such a “big hit” with him. walk in and sit down beside them! “Oh, no,” answered the Greek. “Your The sanctuary was a large, single Oh, do!” Western approach didn’t work. But room. The front doors opened direct­ They insisted otherwise, of course, come with me to my church. Let me ly to the outside. While reading the but the more Carolyn pled and ap­ show you. I’ve found a solution at last.” morning scriptures, I noticed a mid- pealed, the more attractive and invit­ The missionary could hardly wait dle-aged couple enter quietly, engage ing the idea became. At last Marilyn to find out what solution his friend the usher in animated conversation, said, “Come, Bob, let’s do it. We’ve had come up with. then, with a gesture of recognition, come all this way. It should be fun. Inside the church, the Greek pastor point to the near left side before tip­ Let’s go over and surprise them!” hurried to the large white column he toeing across the back and three “OK, I’m game,” he agreed, “but always sat beside when he had guest rows down to the pew where Mr. don’t be surprised if the ceiling falls speakers. “See!” he exclaimed proud­ and Mrs. Peer were seated. Lawrence in.” ■

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 43 Sounding Board ^ A Response to "No Forty-Hour Week"

by Keith D. Schwanz Milwaukie, Oreg.

e ordination service began as I finished one pastoral task, two young plants, but God produced the with the singing of “Holiness more started screaming for my atten­ fruit in His time (1 Cor. 3:6). Our re­ unto the Lord.” The district tion. In response, I began taking of­ sponsibility as pastors is to remain T secretary introduced the class of ficeordi- tasks home. This had an un­ faithful and to minister with integrity, nands. A pastor read from Paul’s sec­ healthy impact on my family life. At especially when progress seems slow. ond letter to Timothy. Then the that time of my life, this dilemma was The appearance of a determined soloist stepped to the pulpit. No self-imposed. There are persons in commitment to God’s work may be doubt, the soloist intended for each some congregations, however, who only a mask for compulsive behavior ordinand to personalize the song. I make sure the pastor always has and is another risk that the minister wondered if any of these pastors something else to do. I finally realized faces. An addiction to work may be were disgusted by what they heard. that I never would have a clean desk spiritualized so that the abuser be­ Let me bum out fo r Thee, dear on Friday afternoon. This understand­ comes a church hero. I know pastors Lord; ing of the nature of ministry blew the who worked like crazy and their ef­ Burn and wear out fo r Thee.' clouds of condemnation out of my forts resulted in church growth. If I burn out, my light does not mind. These pastors were applauded at dis­ shine; my spirit becomes cold. If I A second risk in ministry comes trict meetings. Denominational pa­ wear out, I don’t contribute to King­ with the reality that some days end pers told of their great success. As dom work; my usefulness as a pastor with few tangible results. There is lit­ their notoriety spread, they started breaks because of fatigue. Listening tle to write in the journal at night ex­ speaking across the country. Young to the soloist, I thought, there must cept that you’re exhausted. It’s not pastors decided to emulate them and be a better way. that the day had been empty. It’s just developed a compulsive work style. Eugene Gerlitz, in an article titled that the day was filled with chores Danger emerges from the dark la­ “No Forty-Hour Week,”2 chastised a that needed attention but seemed not goon, however, in the fact that addic­ young pastor for his attempts to con­ to take you anywhere. I call it a junk tions often exist in constellations. An trol his work schedule. The young food day; the stuff fills you up with­ addiction to work is often accompa­ pastor was correct; some ministers out providing nutritional benefit. nied by other compulsive behaviors. harm themselves by their work Part of the pastor’s dilemma comes In too many cases, a celebrated, com­ habits. Churches, children, and from the difficulty of measuring suc­ pulsive, ministerial success unveils a spouses have suffered because of the cess in ministry. Attendance figures sexual addiction with news of adul­ compulsive behavior. In the final and total monies raised are easily terous acts. paragraph, Gerlitz does state that pas­ identifiable indicators of success. But The fire of compulsive behavior tors need “moderation in the number the absence of growth in these areas finds fuel in illusions that can blind of hours worked.” does not necessarily expose failure. the minister. One illusion is the RISKS AND ILLUSIONS IN MINISTRY Spiritual success may not blossom for idea that the pastor can and must The minister collides with many years. Paul planted spiritual seeds, meet every known need. The spiri­ temptations to overwork. Some are Apollos watered and cultivated the tual strong man must use his strength risks that come with the responsibili­ to rescue those who are weak. Men ty. Some are illusions growing in the and women who believe this lie and mind of the minister. are sensitive to others’ needs often First, the pastor faces the risk of find themselves exhausted and dis­ few points of closure in his ministry. couraged. They collapse from fatigue There is always someone else who because they have expended every should be visited or another issue to resource. They lay in a disheartened bring before a committee or board. I heap because they have not comfort­ struggled with this hazard in the first ed every wounded soul. years of my pastoral ministry. I didn’t Closely related to the first illusion think I was doing my job because just is a second: “If I don’t do it, it

4 4 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE won’t get done.” Some pastors add the trauma of perfectionism by say­ ing, “If I don’t do it, it won’t get done RIGHT.” God’s strength is not Preacher's Exchange diminished by human frailty. The work of God will go on. God has al­ 3. Sermons on Several Occasions, ways had a people, a remnant, a holy WANTED: by Rev. John Wesley, Vol. 1 1836, nation. The spread of the gospel is al­ The Radiant Cross, by Dr. Paul ways the responsibility of the Rees. and Vol. 2, 1854. Church, not the obligation of just one PLEASE REPLY TO: 4. The Wesley Offering: On Wes­ ley and His Times, by Rev. D. person. Rev. Russel B. Lundry 240 W. Chestnut St. Holmes, 1953. BALANCE IN THE MINISTRY 5. Billy Sunday: The Man and His Gerlitz was correct when he stated Canton, IL 61520 309-647-2426 Message, by William T. Ellis, LL.D., that moderation in all things needs to 1914. guide the minister. If we place work WANTED: at one end of the continuum and PLEASE REPLY TO: I am a retired missionary and ac­ S. Oren Woodward leisure at the other, then the minister tive registered evangelist and need must find a balance point somewhere 1200 W. Broadway some old and later special song- in the middle. The pastor prone to Mayfield, KY 42066 books in low voice (used song- work long hours must monitor his 502-247-3157 books) for times when I am asked use of time as did the young pastor to sing specials. Gerlitz described. Hobbies and exer­ WANTED: cise will help. Attention by the pastor PLEASE REPLY TO: Vol. 4 (Isaiah—Malachi), Adam to his family—quantity AND quality Earl Morgan Clarke’s Commentary. 494 Meadows Rd. S. time—is a biblical requirement that FOR SALE: Bourbonnais, IL 60901 will help establish an equilibrium. The Great Texts o f the Bible. 815-933-8216 I reject attempts to organize life in 20 volumes plus index. a hierarchy, such as “Jesus first, Oth­ Original cost $100. ers second, Yourself third.” Life sim­ FOR SALE: 1. The Works of fosephus, by Asking $60.00 plus postage. ply doesn’t fit neatly in those niches. This fine series is now out of print. Taking care of yourself doesn’t have William Whiston, complete in one to compromise your commitment to volume, 1830. PLEASE REPLY TO: Jesus or result in the neglect of oth­ 2. The Works o f Flavius Josephus, Dan Alger ers. Maintaining personal health— Vols. 1 and 2, by William Whiston, P.O. Box 98 physical, emotional, and spiritual—is 1869. Denair, CA 95316 not the pinnacle of selfishness. We need a holistic view of life. We need to recognize that physical fatigue or emotional exhaustion or intellectual delusion often result in spiritual de­ feat. We need a balance in ministry that promotes health and prevents burnout. I have come to see pastoral min­ istry as a life-style, not merely a job. Crises and seasonal demands will in­ crease the hours a minister works some weeks. I willingly work the long hours because I am a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. There will be a week in the near future, though, when the demands of ministry will quiet. I’ll follow the example of my Master and take the time to find re­ freshment, renewal, and re-creation away from the needy crowd. ■

1. Bessie F. H atcher. C opyright 1929. Renewal 1956 by Lillenas Publishing Co. All rights reserved. 2. Eugene F. Gerlitz, “No Forty-Hour Week,” Preacher’s Magazine, December 1991, 7.

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 45 Holiness Heritage ______i Samuel Logan Brengle: The Cleansed Life by J. Ray Shadowens Spring, Tex.

he year I860 was a notewor­ In an open-air meeting in Boston, “a mind. He exclaimed aloud, ‘O Lord, if thy milestone in the history drunken tough” almost ended the life Thou wilt help me to win this case, I of Wesleyan tradition. It of this devout disciple. In his character­ will preach!’ The whole room Tmarked the births of Samuel Loganistic manner, Brengle credits the pro­ seemed instantly to flame with light.”2 Brengle and Samuel Chadwick. The duction of his most prized work to that While he was a graduate student at American, Brengle, was born in harrowing incident. He quipped: Boston University, the glorious revela­ Fredricksburg, Ind., on June 1. The “Well, if there had been no little brick, tion that “he could be filled with the Britisher, Chadwick, was bom in Burn­ there would have been no little book!”1 Spirit” burst into his spiritual conscious­ ley, England, on September 16. These This was his book Helps to Holiness. ness. Personal ambition, the secret de­ sets of proud parents would reach While yet in his early teens, Bren­ sire to become a great preacher, be­ back into ancient Israel’s history to se­ gle was converted to Christ, largely came the major conflict that had to be lect the given name of one of the most through the diligent efforts of a godly resolved in his pursuit of Christian holi­ respected prophets for their sons, mother. This marked the beginning ness. No amount of rationalizing would Samuel. Both were destined to become point of Sam’s pursuit of a Christlike banish this persistent struggle that was illustrious proponents of Christian holi­ life that progressed through a most being waged in his inner being. ness. The records they left behind impressive “personal Pentecost.” He The Holy Spirit finally triumphed at speak convincingly of their worthiness became an ardent student of the Bi­ this decisive point only to confront to bear the revered name of Samuel. Al­ ble, which continued to influence the him with a soul hunger for heart though each journeyed to the other’s development of his life and con­ cleansing. One verse supplied exactly native land, there is no indication that tributed directly to molding him into the authoritative word he so desperate­ these admirable representatives of the convincing scriptural preacher ly needed: “If we confess our sins, he is Wesleyanism ever met or joined labors. and soul winner he later became. faithful and just and will forgive us our V. Raymond Edman’s book They During the last semester of Bren- sins and purify us from all unrighteous­ Found the Secret briefly studies the gle’s senior year in DePauw Universi­ ness” (1 John 1:9). He responded confi­ religious experiences of 20 commit­ ty, while wrestling with an unrelated dently, “ Lord, I believe that.’ A great ted Christians. It provides an interest­ issue, this young Hoosier settled the sense of peace flowed over his soul.”3 ing mixture of Keswickians, Wes- matter of his call to preach the un­ Brengle gives his own account of leyans, and unlabeled personalities searchable riches of Christ. He re­ the blessed assurance that followed: who have given testimony to “the cri­ counts that he had been sent to a I awoke that morning hungering sis of the deeper life.” This volume in­ convention in Providence, R.I., to and thirsting just to live this life of cludes Samuel Logan Brengle, “The plead for the survival of his fraternity, fellowship with God, never again Cleansed Life.” One may be im­ Delta Kappa Epsilon, on the campus to sin in thought or word or deed pressed by Edman’s use of clear and of the university in which he was en­ against Him, with unmeasurable de­ concise Wesleyan terminology in cov­ rolled. Hall informs us, “While pray­ sire to be a holy man, acceptable ering this abbreviated account of the ing this time, the thought of preach­ unto God. Getting out of bed about Salvationist’s spiritual venture from ing was suddenly presented to his six o’clock with that desire, I his conversion as an early adolescent opened my Bible and, reading through one of the most dramatic de­ some of the words of Jesus, He scriptions of the Holy Spirit’s infilling. gave such a blessing as I never had Clarence Hall’s Samuel Logan dreamed a man could have this Brengle: Portrait of a Prophet pro­ side of heaven. It was a heaven of vides a much more complete and love that came into my heart. My thoroughly inspirational biography of soul melted like wax before a fire. I the outstanding evangelist-officer- sobbed and sobbed. I loathed my­ writer. His literary production does self that I had sinned against Him not begin to match that of his British or doubted Him or lived for myself counterpart, Chadwick. and not for His glory. Every ambi­

46 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE tion for self was now gone. The meeting to the tune of We re the Wesleyan theologians would be pure flame of love burned like a Army that Shall Conquer!’ Suddenly ranked above Brengle or Chadwick. It blazing fire would burn a moth. I he came abreast of a large and im­ is doubtful, however, whether one walked out over Boston Commons posing Methodist church and for a could find two who date their birth before breakfast, weeping for joy moment red hot were the thoughts in the year I860. Hall’s assessment of and praising God. Oh, how I loved! that burned through his soul, Fool, Brengle’s sterling qualities could have In that hour I knew Jesus, and I you might have been a pastor of a been employed by Norman G. Dun­ loved Him till it seemed my heart great church like that! But the ning in his book, The Story o f Samuel would break with love. I was filled sting was only for a moment, for Chadwick, which reflects, with love for all His creatures. I the Sanctifier steadied the soldier As Brengle became more widely heard the little sparrows chatter­ to obey His orders.6 known among churchgoing peo­ ing; I loved them. I saw a little In this candid disclosure of one so ple, his reputation become one of worm wriggling across my path; I devout as Brengle there is a message sane sanctity and sanctified sanity. stepped over it; I didn’t want to for present-day ministers of the Those who knew him told others hurt any living thing. I loved the gospel. They, too, may be likely to be that here was a man who preached dogs, I loved the horses, I loved the caught up in aspirations for more in­ and lived holiness while maintain­ little urchins on the street, I loved fluential pulpits or administrative of­ ing his spiritual balance. He had the strangers who hurried past me, fices. not slipped eccentric, nor had he I loved the heathen—I loved the allowed his lens to get out of focus. whole world!4 It was really seen that he had at­ This radiance never seemed to dimin­ "If that is tained that ideal combination of an ish as the years of glowing service exemplar Christian: glowing emo­ continued unabated over five holiness, tion and cool perception.8 decades. Edman gives no guidelines by Nothing could more appropriately we want it." which he determined how these out­ characterize the message and the standing evangelicals were selected messenger than an event that oc­ to be the subjects of his significant curred almost immediately following In the chapter entitled “On the work. That the spiritually radiant his entrance into “the cleansed life.” Platform,” biographer Hall summa­ Brengle qualified for a place among While preaching in Eggleston Square rizes the characteristics that con­ the 20 widely different personalities Church from Heb. 6:1, Brengle re­ tributed to Brengle’s effectiveness as who found the secret of “the deeper ported in detail his own personal Pen­ a preacher of full salvation: simplici­ life,” ranging all the way from “John tecost. So powerful and Spirit-anoint- ty, logic, the Bible, and his own heart. Bunyan: The Unchained Life” to ed was his proclamation of entire His eyes also held the attention of “Robert E. Nicholas: The Satisfying sanctification that following the bene­ many. His pictorial manner, and a Life” (a prominent businessman), diction, those moved by this truth phrase of his preaching that was es­ should come as no surprise to any ablaze, with one voice declared: pecially noted, however, was that he who heard him or were exposed to “Brother Brengle, if that is holiness, related neither reward nor punish­ his writings. Knowing something of we want it.”5 What greater response ment exclusively to the hereafter. He the transparent humility that was one could any exponent of New Testa­ had a way of seeming to move the fu­ of the most obvious qualities of this ment holiness properly covet? ture into the present. When he Salvationist, we imagine he would The very fact that he cast his lot preached, both bliss and brimstone likely demure at his inclusion. with the Salvation Army, as the move­ moved, as it were, out of the obscure Beneficiaries of the Wesleyan her­ ment through which he elected to tomorrow into the living today. “Un­ itage have reason to be eternally pour out his life in a labor of love, is der his preaching, men were led to grateful that the year I860 gave to an indice of his complete commit­ think not so much of golden streets Christians everywhere two Samuels ment to the Way. Ecclesiastical and seraphic music as of the gold of who were the very embodiment of preferment seemed never to figure in grace and the joybells of holiness. To Christian holiness and who gave their his decision of the place where this the sinner, his preaching was indeed lives to lead growing disciples into Spirit-filled servant would minister to a savor of life unto life, or of death this glorious experience. ■ the needy of this world. unto death—and that present and im­ An interesting incident lifted out of mediate.”7 1. V. Raym ond Edman, They Found the Secret: the routine of his day-to-day efforts in In the book The Path to Perfection, Twenty Transformed Lives That Reveal a Touch of behalf of others points up the fact W. E. Sangster writes admiringly of an Eternity (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1960), 28. that the subtleties of Satan still con­ obscure early Methodist: “He made 2. Clarence W. Hall, Samuel Logan Brengle: Por­ front the holy person: the paths of holiness winsome by a trait o f a Prophet (New York: The National Head­ quarters of The Salvation Army, 1933), 40. When stationed in Danbury, piety that was irrepressibly [joyful].” 3. Ibid., 50. Connecticut, [Brengle] led his little Nothing could be more appropriate 4. Ibid., 52. contingent of faithful ones, consist­ in attempting to arrive at what these 5. Ibid., 53. 6. Edman, 27. ing of a lame lieutenant . . . and a two Samuels shared in common. 7. Hall, 123-33- little hunchbacked girl, to a street There is little question that some 8. Ibid., 145, 146.

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 47 Charles Haddon Spurgeon: Last of the Puritans 1834-1892

by James L. Snyder Glen Burnie, Md.

henever preachers gather Nobody could simply explain the way customed to have remarks made and the subject of preach­ of salvation to him. from the pulpit on my personal ap­ ing comes up, invariably Finally, on December 6, 1850, re­ pearance. Says he, “You will never W someone mentions Charles Haddonlief came, but not as young Spurgeon get out of it unless you look to Spurgeon. Among preachers, he has had planned. In later life he delighted Christ.” And then, lifting up his become the measuring rod for good to tell the story of his conversion. hands, he cried out, as only a Primi­ sermons. January 1992 marks the At last, one snowy day—it tive Methodist could do, “Look, 100th anniversary of the great preach­ snowed so much that I could not go look, look! It is only look,” said he. er’s death. It is remarkable that, to the place I had determined to go I saw at once the way of salvation. though he has been dead for so many to, and I was obliged to stop on the Oh, how I did leap for joy at that mo years, he still influences Christianity. road, and it was a blessed stop to ment. I know not what else he said— Some have suggested that more me—I found rather an obscure I did not take much notice of it—I people have been converted to Christ street and turned down a court, and was so possessed with that one through his ministry than any other’s. there was a little chapel. I wanted to thought. Like as when the brazen ser­ His record is unparalleled in church go somewhere, but I did not know pent was lilted up, they only looked history. this place. It was a Primitive and were healed. I had been waiting His remarkable life and ministry con­ Methodists’ chapel. I had heard of to do 50 things, but when I heard this tinue to serve as the subject of scores these people from many, and how word, “Look,” what a charming word of biographies. Few people in history they sang so loudly that they made it seemed to me. Oh, I looked until I have been the subject of more profiles. people’s heads ache; but that did could almost have looked my eyes Charles Haddon Spurgeon was not matter. I wanted to know how I away, and in heaven I will look on born in the small English village of might be saved, and if they made still in my joy unutterable. Kelvedon, Essex, on June 19, 1834. my head ache ever so much I did Following his conversion, Spur­ Both his father and grandfather as in­ not care. So, sitting down, the ser­ geon was convinced from reading his dependent ministers performed their vice went on, but no minister came. New Testament that baptism was the ministries in the rural area surround­ At last a very thin-looking man next step. So on May 3, 1851, Charles ing Essex. His father worked as a came into the pulpit and opened Haddon Spurgeon was baptized at the businessman during the week and on his Bible and read these words: Isleham Ferry on the River Lark by a the weekends ministered as lay pas­ “Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all local Baptist minister. tor to a small congregation. the ends of the earth.” Just setting Before his baptism he talked to his Because of a large family and scanty his eyes upon me, as if he knew me mother about his decision. She said, funds young Charles spent most of his all by heart, he said, “Young man, “Ah, Charlie, I have often prayed that early childhood with his grandparents you are in trouble.” Well, I was, you might be saved, but never that in Stamboume. He spent his time well sure enough, but I had not been ac­ you should become a Baptist.” among his grandfather’s large library He replied with all the fervor of a and was well schooled in religion—a modem prophet, “God has answered foundation that would stand him in your prayer, Mother, with His usual good stead throughout his life. He ex­ bounty, and given you more than you celled in his studies and soon became asked.” an assistant teacher. His commitment to and fervor for the Even though brought up in a Lord quite naturally led to gospel strong religious environment, young preaching. Early in his Christian life, he Spurgeon was restless in spirit. He joined the St. Andrews Street Church, sought many ways to relieve this rest­ Cambridge, which involved its mem- lessness, but nobody could help him. I bers in many evangelistic ministries,

4 8 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE which delighted young Spurgeon. of the worst sinners in the area fell un­ His ministry was not limited to the There were many small Baptist groups der the gospel spell and gave their lives pulpit. His evangelistic energy would in the surrounding rural areas with nei­ to Christ. It was prophetic of the full not let him sit still for a moment. De­ ther chapel nor resident pastor. The St. ministry awaiting Spurgeon in London. spite physical affliction, whatever his Andrews Street Church regularly sent In 1854 the New Park Street Chapel, hands could find to do for his Savior, he young men to these villages to preach. Southwark, London, invited Spurgeon did with all his might. He established Very eager to assist in every way he to become their pastor. The building orphanages (12 houses with over 500 could, Spurgeon agreed to go to one was the largest Baptist church in the children), a Pastors’ College to train of these preaching posts. As he trav­ city, but the congregation had dwin­ young men for the ministry, a monthly eled with his companion, he hap­ dled to less than 100. The prospects magazine, the publishing of weekly ser­ pened to remark, “I trust God’s bless­ were as dismal as the treasury was mons, mission work and Sunday ing on your preaching today.” empty. The building itself was in need Schools surrounding the tabernacle, Bi­ At that comment, his companion of repair, but no funds were available. ble and tract distribution, homes for the turned to him in alarm. “My preaching? With some hesitation, Spurgeon ac­ aged, day schools, and the list goes on. 1 was asked to come along and assist cepted the call, and immediately the Surely he was the first to develop what you in your preaching. I have never church took on new life. Under his we call today a mega-ministry. preached in my life. You are the preach­ evangelistic preaching, not only did Before 30, Spurgeon had a world­ er, and, if you don’t preach, these poor the pews fill but also conversions wide reputation, and the Metropoli­ folk will get no sermon. I trust God’s took place at every service. From the tan Tabernacle was the most known blessing upon your preaching. ” beginning to the end, conversions church of the day. This stunned young Spurgeon. He were characteristic of Spurgeon’s min­ An unquestioned master of the spo­ had never preached before either. Sev­ istry. He never preached but that he ken word, Spurgeon never missed an eral times he had given short addresses expected and looked for conversions. opportunity to fearlessly declare God’s in the Sunday School, but never a full truth. He preached daily in some sermon. As the two walked on in si­ church or gathering through England. lence, Spurgeon lifted his heart to the Whatever After preaching an unpopular mes­ Lord. “Surely,” he prayed, “I could give sage, he was approached by a friend a few words of encouragement to these Spurgeon's who said, “I hear you are in hot wa­ poor country folk.” With that his heart ter.” seemed to latch on to a verse of scrip­ hands could Spurgeon replied, “Oh, no. It is the ture, “Unto you therefore which believe other fellows who are in hot water. I he is precious” (1 Pet. 2:7, KJV). find to do for am the stoker, the man who makes Arriving at the cottage where the ser­ the water boil.” vice was to be held, Spurgeon saw the his Savior, Throughout his life, he suffered eager, expectant faces of the people and from gout and other problems. Long immediately felt compelled to preach. he did with all periods found him laid up from ill­ The sermon seemed to flow from his ness. In spite of this, he labored long heart. This was the beginning of a grow­ his might. and hard for his Lord, often 18 hours ing preaching ministry in the rural vil­ per day. He had a restless energy that lages surrounding Cambridge. Wherever had to be spent for his Lord. he could—chapel, cottage, open air— “You don’t expect conversions every Spurgeon was not a perfect minis­ young Spurgeon preached the gospel time you preach, do you?” Spurgeon in­ ter by any means. He had his faults. with increasing power and effect. quired of a young preacher complain­ He could be dogmatic, provincial, in­ In preaching, Spurgeon made it a ing of no results from his preaching. tolerant, and abrupt. But God’s bless­ point to use the simplest words he “Oh, no,” he replied to Spurgeon. ing rested on him, and many people could find. He remembered how he “I don’t expect that.” found Christ through his ministry. felt before his conversion. People To which Spurgeon said, “That is your Hard work, heavy responsibilities, around him believed the gospel but problem. Expect conversions when you and the strain of controversy took were not able to explain it in terms he preach, and God will give them. ” their toll. By 1891 Spurgeon was too could understand. He vowed that in Within a few years the congrega­ ill to continue preaching. His health every sermon he would make the tion outgrew the facilities of the New broke, and he journeyed with his gospel as clear and simple as possible. Park Street Chapel. In 1861 Spurgeon wife to Menton, France, to seek rest One year later, 1852, when only 17, opened the Metropolitan Tabernacle, and healing. Healing never came. On Spurgeon was called to pastor the Wa- seating almost 6,000 people. For the January 31, 1892, near midnight, terbeach Baptist Church. The small rur­ next 30 years the tabernacle was Spurgeon died. al congregation met in a run-down jammed for every service—Sunday The death of Spurgeon did not chapel, but within weeks of Spur­ morning and evening. Spurgeon once close his ministry. Even though he geon’s ministry the congregation out­ commented that there was not a seat died 100 years ago, his sermons, grew the facilities. The chapel was re­ in the tabernacle that had not wit­ books, and sterling evangelistic exam­ paired and enlarged. Remarkable nessed a conversion. Although Spur­ ple still stir people toward God. His conversions attended his ministry as he geon gave no public altar call, conver­ influence will continue until Jesus fearlessly declared God’s truth. Some sions took place week after week. comes. ■

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 4 9 Pastoral Care Calamity at Christmas

by J. Grant Swank, Jr. Windham, Maine

hat a handsome tree we Because there was so much bustle in hearts spilled before the throne of had! It stood tall in the our house, I quickly reasoned that it heaven. In the calm of the church a corner of our living would be best for the two of us to walk serenity began to blanket our trou­ W room. With water having beenacross placed to the nearby church sanctuary. bled souls. It became quite easy to in its stand, all we needed to do was Once inside the church he spilled pray as the Spirit of a loving God string the lights and place the intri­ out his woe. drew near to bring special comfort. cate ornaments. “I need prayer. My family needs I heard this man sobbing beside My wife traditionally places the prayer. I knew when I passed your me, especially when I mentioned his lighted angel atop the tree. Then she church sign that God told me to stop children in prayer. I knew this would balances the strings of lights from and ask for you to pray with me.” be the heaviest part of his burden. He right to left all the way down the I was curious as to what was both­ and his wife gave their lives for the tree. The rest of us then enter in with ering this young man. Often we had good of their children. the decorations on the limbs. waved to one another in passing. “Lord, be near these little ones in This year we had everything in From time to time I stopped by with their private worlds of anguish. In place when all of a sudden the tree baked goods for them. He had even their tears, talk peace to them. In collapsed. Our older daughter was spoken to me once about his alco­ their confusion, come with heaven’s caught beneath it all. Lights went hel­ holic brother, asking me for counsel. understanding.” ter-skelter. Ornaments flew across the “It is Christmas; yet my family is Presently the Spirit released us carpet. Water poured out of the heavy in heart this season,” he began. from our prayers. We knew that, for stand, soaking into the rug. A forlorn “My wife got the news that she has that moment, we had done all we angel lay on its side beneath the cancer,” he said softly, not quite sure could do. branches. What a mess for a Decem­ he had the courage to say those words. Richard reached out to embrace ber Saturday afternoon! “She is going to chemotherapy. Her me, thanking me for being a praying It was not with the best of moods weight is affected. Her hair is going. friend as well as a neighbor. that we hoisted the tree upright again. Yet she has such courage. She puts on “When you were praying, Pastor, a Then we concluded that we had bet­ a strong front, particularly for the chil­ special glow of the Lord settled upon ter locate it in another comer so that dren.” There were six children. my heart. The burden has been lifted the wet one could dry out. Once We sat together on the front pew. considerably,” he whispered. more the stand was filled with water. To our right the church tree shone We walked out of the church to­ The angel was straightened atop the with bulbs and balls. To our left the gether—one man with a healthy wife tree. The lights were strung, and the baby doll representing Jesus lay and children, ready to celebrate decorations laced the branches. peacefully. Each of the windows had Christmas. The other had a sick wife Our cat, Happy, looked on as if she been decorated. Yet in the midst of and caring children, ready to attempt understood our crestfallen hearts. To this festive atmosphere, two men’s to celebrate. help lift our spirits, we played the tradi­ hearts sank within them. Then it was that I thought back a tional carols throughout the house, fill­ “I am so sorry to hear this,” I said. few hours to a fallen tree with lights ing the rooms with melody. Someone “We must take this to the Lord. I am scattering like disobedient children made a fresh pot of tea. Another discov­ so glad that you stopped by to have across our living room carpet. Our ered cookies in the kitchen cupboard. this prayer time.” hearts that sank; our day was not as Then the front doorbell rang. Jay, We left our places, made our way perfect as planned. our son, opened the door to find a to the simple altar, and knelt. Our Now I reconsidered the meaning of neighbor standing there. calamity. The tousled tree was noth­ “Is your father home?” he asked. Jay ing compared to a troubled neighbor. invited him inside. In short order I came Yet in the hurt of this man I knew to greet the visitor, wondering what God was working to lift up the fallen, brought him to our house that day. set aright the downcast, and bring “Do you think I could chat with help to the scattered children’s you, perhaps even have a prayer?” hearts. It would take time. It would The man looked intently into my take prayer. But in the end, because face. these belong to Him, their lives “Certainly. I would be glad to visit would be lightened, one of heaven’s with you, Richard. ” ways or another. ■

50 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE Idea Mart An Intergenerational Night of Bible Fun

by Marylin DeYoung Reedsburg, Wis.

oes the social life of your to be studied and dramatized for the Try “Win, Lose, or Draw” using Bible church family need perking rest of the assembly. The text must topics such as Daniel in the lions’ up? Try an intergenerational be acted out well enough so that oth­ den, Joseph’s coat of many colors, Dfamily night! At our church, we ers have can figure out the story. the birth of Jesus. Divide your group had many family nights over the past Bible baseball and Scripture hunts are into two teams, giving each one a several years. also longtime favorites. Scripture hunts chance to “draw.” If your group is Some of our most interesting family help people learn the sequence of large, you may want to have two or nights have been Bible teaching ses­ books in the Bible. Children enjoy hav­ three groups playing. Since many of sions, with a variety of activities for all ing adults play these games with them. us draw rather poorly, this can get ages. We usually begin with a light sup­ THE PARABLES pretty funny. per. Everyone brings sandwiches to Another time we planned a series “Family Feud” can also be fun while share, or we bring the ingredients for a using a different parable each time at the same time it uses Bible facts. one-dish meal. We include a devotional for our theme. Some of the parables Watch the game on television a few period with songs and prayer sometime were presented in filmstrip form. times to figure out how it is played during the evening. The unique ele­ Others were read from the Bible or and scored. Make up some question­ ment is scheduling the activities around Bible story book. Once, a record told naires and pass them out a few weeks a theme to make the evening fun. the story while church members act­ ahead so that they can be tabulated. This takes thoughtful planning, but ed it out. Again we used a variety of Some examples of questions are: it is worth the time and effort. Shared activities related to the theme. What was your favorite Sunday School here are some of the things we have song? Name one of Jesus’ disciples. done. Try it! You’ll like it! THE PSALMS Name a New Testament book. Ask The Psalms make for a good family BIBLE PERSONALITIES about things with several possible an­ night. Many hymns and choruses are swers. Then tabulate the results. We planned a series of four events, based on the Psalms. Sing some of using a different character from the these before or after reading the appro­ A FOREIGN THEME Bible as our focus each night. The priate Psalms text. From your church You can use a foreign country for first night a man did a monologue on members, amass a group of slides of the theme. If possible, have a mission­ Noah. The next time a woman por­ God’s outdoor beauty to be shown ary come to introduce the country to trayed Ruth. The third night a father while reading the scripture and singing the group. If this is not possible, per­ and son did an interview of Jonah. Fi­ the songs. Make up a word search us­ haps someone would be able to share nally, there was a flannelgraph story ing only praise words taken from the slides of a trip he took to that coun­ of Joseph. Psalms. Divide your people into groups try. Plan a meal around the foods of Each night, after the main presenta­ of six or eight to make collages using that country. Plan activities that per­ tion, we planned special activities pictures from nature that have been tain to that country. around the theme. On the “Noah” gathered for this purpose. One time we chose Japan. The first evening, we played “Who Am I?” us­ night missionaries from Japan made a ing pictures of animals that could GAME NIGHTS presentation. A Japanese lady came have been on the ark. Doing a takeoff on some of the tele­ and taught origami. A man from the On the “Ruth” evening, small vision game shows works well too. church made kites, so he and his groups made a family tree from Ruth group made a Japanese kite and flew to Jesus and then made seed pictures it. We also tie-dyed T-shirts. using grains of wheat. For “Joseph,” a Many libraries offer artifacts from box of alphabet macaroni was spilled other countries. Maybe someone out on a table for people to spell out from your church or community has Joseph’s brothers’ names. been to that country and can share Each evening included some paper- some things they brought home. pencil activities such as a word Intergenerational family nights are search or crossword puzzle. fun. But the best thing about them is Sometimes we played charades. that they draw the whole church fam­ Each group was assigned a Bible text ily together. ■

DECEMBER^ANUARY/FEBRUARY 51 Ark R ocker There Was a Certain Rich Man . . .

Luke 16:19-31

ehold, I tell you a parable. The vest, since it was early October. Over to call home. Dawn to dusk in the year was nineteen-something. dinner he mentioned the trouble he fields—that is, when they were lucky The place: Northern Lights was having with his farm workers. enough to find work. Never enough B Union organizers had slipped in. They money. Rarely enough food. Cars al­ Holiness College. The event: a chapel service where a distinguished alum— were making exorbitant demands. ways breaking down. prosperous grower, outstanding They were pressing for a guaranteed I asked about his religious back­ churchman—addressed the adminis­ minimum wage, health insurance, and ground. Though raised a Catholic, he i tration, faculty, and student body. He social security payments. couldn’t find a priest or even a j expressed gratitude for the values he After dinner he showed me his Protestant pastor who would say I learned in college. In the business de­ hunting trophies: an Alaskan brown prayers over the grave of their first partment he discovered how the free bear rug, a Canadian moose head, and baby. Finally he found a fellow mi- ! enterprise system worked. On the even a stuffed lioness taken before grant who doubled as an itinerant basketball court he absorbed the hunting was banned by the emerging preacher to hold a service. They were I “competitive edge.” It was during a African nations. He dramatized how so impressed by his sincerity and con- ; chapel revival service that he commit­ he had bagged that cat on his first cem for the family that they convert- j ted his life to Christ. work and witness trip to central ed to his Pentecostal religion. He told [ He attributed his success to the Africa. me about taking his whole family to [ fact that he had always put God first While eating breakfast at the local church that first Sunday only to find j in his life: first in his day—never coffee shop the next morning, a shab­ out, the next morning, that their jobs | missed early morning devotions; first bily dressed Mexican with a weather­ in the fields had been taken by I in his week—never missed church beaten face took the booth next to Guatemalan illegals. For the next six j even during harvest season; and first mine. I recognized him as the migrant weeks they lived off of decaying veg­ in his finances. His avocation was tending watercoolers beside a pickup etables and fruit they could scrounge j world evangelism, and his passion, on my host’s farm. I asked if I could in the fields and what meat they I work and witness missions. He was join him as I slipped in opposite him. could salvage from supermarket I proud of the churches, schools, clin­ He seemed wary of me at first but dumpsters. ics, and missionary homes he had ei­ loosened up when I asked him ques­ His voice broke as he told about ther built or underwritten. “Matthew tions about his family. He spoke with their youngest daughter who, only ! 6:33 really works,” he exulted. a heavy accent. three years earlier, had run a high | He called the president to the podi­ His parents, like their parents be­ fever. The clinic doctor diagnosed um and presented him with a check fore them, had been migrant “ille­ her as having viral pneumonia. She for $1 million to be used for student gals,” following the crops. He began had to be hospitalized immediately. J scholarships, with preference given working the fields when he was six But they would not admit her: no to those called to missionary service. and did so until his back went out a money, no insurance. Not enough gas j The standing applause was deafening. year earlier. When I asked why he in the car to drive 150 miles to the Tears flowed. Camera bulbs flashed. didn’t get it taken care of, he gave me nearest county hospital. He ap­ Denominational write-ups followed. a look of incredulity, spread his hands proached the farmer, whose fields A dormitory was named in his honor. in resignation, and responded: “No they were working at the time, for an | It so happened that a short time lat­ money. No insurance.” advance. Said he couldn’t do it. To er I held a revival in that generous lay­ His whole body seemed to sink pay workers before the harvest was j man’s church. Proudly he drove me with heaviness as he began to re­ in would set a bad precedent. They around his spread. The fields and or­ count the struggle to keep his wife, might take the money and run. chards crawled with migrant workers. aged mother, and surviving seven “She suffered so much, poor child, I was astonished to see so many chil­ children going. Three had died in in­ but she is with God now,” he volun­ dren and teens bringing in the har­ fancy. Always on the move. No place teered.

5 2 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE “Where were you working at the time?” I asked. He thought for a moment and then responded, “Here. Right here. For this same grower. Yes, this same one.” “Did he know? Did you ever tell him that your daughter died?” “No. No, I didn’t tell him. It’s so hard, amigo, it’s so hard.” He wept. Indignation surged in my breast. A text for that evening’s revival sermon leapt to mind: “Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment” (Matt. 25:45-46, KJV). Would I ever let that WORSHIP grower, and those other heartless, in­ sensitive, uncaring Christians, have it! I could hardly wait to get at them. I looked again at my sad new friend. Something familiar about that face. I studied its leathery lines. No! It couldn’t & be! Not that young Hispanic who, with hat in hand and head bowed, stood at my door asking if I would hold a grave­ side service for his little baby. He apolo­ gized for bothering me. He explained that he had no money, not even for an PREACHING undertaker. I felt for him. Yes, I did. Oh, I wanted to help him out so much. Unfortunately he caught me at the worst possible time. I was gearing up for a great “bikes, trikes, and tykes” Sunday School outreach campaign. HELPS There were just too many loose ends to tie up. I recommended the Salvation Army officer. “Have you ever worked the fields around Centerville?” I inquired tenta­ tively. “Oh yes,” he replied, “but not since our baby died there, many years ago.” I wept. ■

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 5 3 Randall E. Davey December/January/February 1992-93

Prepared by Randall E. Davey INTRODUCTION

During the 10 years that I have been privileged to pastor the Overland Park (Kans.) Church of the Nazarene, I have wrestled with what it means to be a worship leader. Somehow I managed to graduate from Nazarene Theo­ logical Seminary unscathed by historical understandings of worship. After a brief stint as an associate pastor in a very traditional setting and then a four-plus-year term as a church planter, I had little to base my view of worship on, apart from my own experience. Out of my own sense of need, I started studying Nazarene roots in wor­ ship and was surprised to discover Bresee’s commitment to a more liturgi­ cal service, which certainly reflected his roots. So, my interest in Bresee, coupled with readings in Wesley, influenced the order that appears on the following pages. Almost always persons who see the suggested order say, “That’s too formal for me.” “Stifles the Spirit, I would think.” As much as I understand the response, I haven’t experienced it that way. On the contrary. The more ordered we have become, the more informal and spontaneous we have be­ come. Two other points may be worth noting. I have found the church calen­ dar to be valuable to an international denomination. We tend not to cele­ brate national holidays but opt to observe significant days in the life of the Church (Advent, Epiphany, Transfiguration, Baptism of the Lord, Pentecost Sunday, Trinity Sunday, et al.). Further, for the past several years, I have submitted to the discipline of preaching through the lectionary. I continue to be amazed at the ways in which the Spirit works to address timely and sensitive issues throughout the year. I have found it to be demanding and stretching. For that I’m grate­ ful. Though I have never had occasion to write a manuscript sermon, the thought of writing 13 of them a year ago didn’t seem to be that big of a deal. One year later, I would have to say that I will add this experience to the file of those things I’m glad I’ve done once but will probably never do again!

54 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE PRAYING FOR THE PERFECT CHURCH by Randall E. Davey 1 Thess. 3:9-13 2ND SUNDAY OF ADVENT December 6, 1992

INTRO: B. Paul prayed that the Thessalonians’ hearts would What would a perfect church look like? How big be “unblamable in holiness” (v. 13, NASB). “Unblam­ would it be? What kinds of ministries would it have? Is it able” seems to say, “Be perfect or without fault at the reasonable to assume that a perfect church would have a Lord’s return.” It shouts of impossibility. Let’s take a perfect pastor and staff? Would one assume that the closer look. church would have a perfect church board, perfect Sun­ Paul is praying that the Church for which Jesus died day School teachers, perfect musicians, and, yes, perfect will respond to grace so that believers will be found sanc­ parishioners. Perish the thought! tified, “set apart for His purposes,” loving each other as No, we are not given to such fantasy as perfect church­ Christ loved them. Now that’s a perfect church! es. We are rugged realists: things are far from perfect. ILLUS. I attended a weekly Tuesday morning prayer Every sick person for whom we have prayed might not meeting frequented mostly by older adults. One morning get well. Every unemployed person for whom we have a conversation about how holiness people ought to look prayed might not get a better job. Regardless of how ensued. One argued that jewelry of any kind was out. An­ much we pray, some persons will still choose to abuse other talked about clothing, while another talked about others. Unjust and unnecessary wars will still be fought; hairstyles. Every point was illustrated by someone who sons and daughters of humankind will die. attended the church of which we were members. Instead of expecting perfect churches or perfect mar­ One of our group happened to be blind, and in his riages or perfect governments, we’ve grown accustomed characteristic way, he said, “I can’t see what holiness to mediocre churches, average pastors, tolerable mar­ people look like, but I sure can hear how they sound.” riages, and incompetent politicians. Such is our world. II. Paul believed that God wanted to com­ Following a brief but stormy ministry in Philippi, the apos­ plete the transformation that He started tle Paul moved to Thessalonica and attacked both mediocrity He prayed not only that God would let him see them and heresy (Acts 17:1-9). In the synagogue, he preached again but also that he could “complete” what was lacking Christ. His ministry was not marked with wide acceptance in their faith (v. 10, NASB). and popularity. On the contrary, he was beaten, imprisoned, and repeatedly run out of town. What drove Paul to preach A. Paul was grateful that the converts had survived such a controversial and revolutionary message? under peer pressure. Their conversions were not with­ out notice. Paul was convinced that God was mightily I. Paul had confidence that Jesus was com­ at work in them. Their conversions weren’t in ques­ ing again tion. However, he wasn’t blind to their needs. Paul risked his life to start Thessalonica First Church. His preaching incited a riot. With Silas, he was forced to B. The word “complete” is used in the material sense escape to Berea, where he met with a similar fate (cf. o f mending nets. We might say that Paul wanted to Acts 17:1-14). He had been beaten and imprisoned in “fix” what was lacking in their faith. Philippi for similar antics prior to his Thessalonian cru­ C. Paul affirmed them in conversion. He noted their dra­ sade, but his commitment was unswerving. He was con­ matic turn from idols (1:9) and their willingness to be imi­ vinced that it was his responsibility to prepare believers tators of the Lord (1:6). He had heard from Timothy that for the imminent return of Jesus. they had stopped working in order to wait for the Second ILLUS. A discouraged preacher friend called me a few Coming. In so doing, they resented local authority. Some Sunday nights back to say that he was thinking of resign­ had begun to slander Paul. Others were tempted to slip ing. Somewhat surprised, I asked why. back into habits of immorality. Without surprise, there “Closed doors”. was division in the church. Paul wanted to fix what was “Closed doors?” lacking in their faith as evidenced by that litany of ills. “Yes, a few board members shut me down on my plans ILLUS. Devotionally, I frequendy pray, “Search me, O God, to remodel the foyer. It’s obvious that they’re not going and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; to let me lead.” and see if there be any hurtful way in me” (Ps. 139:23-24, Paul wouldn’t have understood “closed door” talk. Op­ NASB). I pray it slowly, asking God the Holy Spirit to help position seemed to fuel him. me see what is lacking in my faith life. God is seldom silent. A. Paul prayed that the Lord would establish their III. Paul suggests that lack of faith is betrayed hearts. Paul recognized that only God’s Holy Spirit by lack of love could convince the new converts of Resurrection The life of the community signaled that something was truth. Apart from the witness of the Spirit, they would fundamentally wrong at a deeper level, something that be unstable. needed “fixing.”

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 5 5 A. Paul doesn’t discount the extent to which love was at the coming of our Lord Jesus” (w. 12-13. NASB). operative in the community. He prays that the Lord At His return, will Him find us alert, watching, waiting, would cause them to “increase and abound in love for serving—imitating Him and acting like a perfect church? one another, and for all men” (v. 12, NASB). The pic­ “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Rev. 22:20, KJV)! ture is near perfect. A community where persons love and are loved not because of accomplishment, race, color, creed, financial standing, or worth to society. SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER They are loved simply because they are. Paul envisions Choral Call to Worship “Joy to the World” that kind of community as one that is established, un­ GATHER TO WORSHIP blamable in holiness. Unison Scripture Reading Phil. 4:4 B. Paul did not leave them with lofty exhortation. Processional “Come, Thou Long-expected Jesus” That kind of loving was the same kind that he illustrat­ Prayer of Blessing ed toward them (v. 12). Choral Response “Gloria Patri” Ministers of Music “Rejoice! A King Is Born” ILLUS. In a restaurant I watched two parents, two chil­ dren, and what I guessed to be two grandparents, having HEAR AND RESPOND breakfast. Bites of pancake were punctuated with admo­ The First Lesson Jer. 33:14-16 Choral Response “O Come, Let Us Adore Him” nitions, exhortations, threats, and stares. The children The Second Lesson 1 Thess. 3:9-13 were apparently used to the exercise and acted out mon­ A Moment for Meditation strous behavior, undeterred by potential punitive action. Hymn of Response “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” Before the second cup of coffee was poured, Mom jerked The People’s Prayer at the Altar the little two-year-old girl from her booster chair and set Congregational Response “Emmanuel” her down on the floor. The little wide-eyed juvenile BRING OFFERINGS stood braced for lecture No. 971. “Can’t you be nice? Offertory Scripture Mai. 3:10 Grandma won’t want to come to breakfast with you ever Offertory Prayer again! Now sit down, be nice, and shut up!” HEAR THE PROCLAMATION I wonder what “being nice” means to a little two- year- The Gospel Lesson Luke 21:25-36 old. I wonder if she thought it was the same thing as sit­ The Doxology ting down and shutting up. The Sermon “PRAYING FOR THE Paul didn’t confuse his audience as this mother had PERFECT CHURCH” confused her little girl. He said, “Love each other as I Closing Hymn “Cleanse Me” have loved you.” RECEIVE THE BENEDICTION C. Let’s reflect for a moment on our community. What does it mean to be Christ’s Church in the 20th Creative Worship Ideas century? Prayer of Blessing I wonder if the gathered church is the primary time “We come believing, O God, in You, as the Father and place where we learn what it means to love and be Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And we come loved. I wonder if that gives added significance to our believing in Jesus Christ, Your only Son, our Lord, regular participation. I wonder if only by worshiping, who was virgin born, crucified, dead, buried, and studying, serving, and witnessing together do we have raised, and who is coming again. We come believing context in which we learn to love together. in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the com­ munion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resur­ CONCLUSION: rection of the body, and the life everlasting. Our Paul prayed that the Lord would “direct” his way to the gathering today is an indication of our love and ado­ Thessalonians. In the meantime, he prayed that the Lord ration. Receive our worship, which we render in spir­ would “cause” them to increase in love (w. 11-12, it and in truth. Amen.” NASB). Prayers of the People Paul realized that he could not talk them into being a During the final stanza of the hymn that is sung loving community. He prayed that God would cause before the prayers of the people, the pastor moves them to be convinced that love was the necessary stan­ toward the altar and kneels. The worship folder in­ dard for Christ’s community. cludes a note that says, “Congregation may join the In holiness churches, we have believed that before one pastor at the altar.” can love as Christ loves, one must be cleansed of preoc­ After the congregation concludes singing the cupation with oneself, of inbred sin. Paul prayed for their hymn, the pastor asks if there are those at the altar who want to be anointed. If so, they are asked to sanctification, that they would be set apart for God and raise their hands. If persons respond, the elders of His service. He knew they needed fixing, but he knew he the church are invited to come to the altar for the couldn’t do it. laying on of hands. Celebrating this Advent season, we sense our need to Benediction prepare for the Lord’s imminent return. I invite you to open yourself to the Spirit’s loving, cleansing work of “May the mercy and grace of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit be with you now and forev­ grace, making it possible for you “to increase and abound er. Amen.” in love for one another . . . so that He may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before our God and Father

56 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE A PROPHET FOR ALL TIMES by Randall E. Davey Mai. 3:1-4 3RD SUNDAY OF ADVENT December 13, 1992

INTRO: bad news. They weren’t bothered by their own unbe­ Some 400 years before Jesus’ birth, a preacher called lief, doubt, crookedness, and perversity. They ignored Malachi wrote a heated letter to the Jewish nation. The the Law, which said, “He [God] will by no means leave stinging rebuke exposed Israel’s darker side. the guilty unpunished” (Exod. 34:7, NASB). To say that the Jews felt abandoned by God was an un­ ILLUS. A mean-spirited, narrow-minded, and unforgiving derstatement. They were riddled with doubt and crippled veteran of the church scolded his pastor for not preaching by indifference. They were forced to believe that the God on judgment, damnation, and hell. The elderly straight of justice had turned a deaf ear on them. shooter knew that the young folk needed a good dose of Those weren’t hasty conclusions. After all, their worship old-time preaching to stop them dead in their tracks, but center had been destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar, and they he clearly saw no need of such preaching for himself. had been held hostage for some 50 years. Their unceremo­ C. Promise No. 3■ “And the Lord . . . will suddenly nious release and trek home didn’t make for a photo oppor­ come to His temple” (v. 1, NASB). The word “sudden­ tunity. Persian domination continued, replete with exorbi­ ly” is never used to denote immediacy; it always means tant taxes. The relatively few square miles of barren land unexpectedly, regardless of the lapse of time, and usu­ from which they were forced to eke out an impoverished ally was associated with a calamitous event. existence was surrounded by vengeful neighbors. Undoubtedly, the Temple built by Solomon and re­ They were permitted to rebuild the Temple. As the built by Zerubbabel was understood as Jehovah’s walls rose, so did their hopes. But their dreams proved to dwelling place (Hag. 1:9). Ezekiel told of a day when be nightmares. The building was built, but the glory of God’s dwelling place would be with His people, a New God was absent. Testament understanding of temple. Jesus did come to Their pagan neighbors fared better than they did. They the Temple built with hands and through the ages has soon gave way to hopelessness. Their hopelessness repeatedly come to His Church. turned to skepticism. Worship was in form only. They kept the best of every­ II. No news was not good news thing for themselves and gave the sickly animals to the The bad news is, “Company is coming, and you’re not Temple (1:8). They lost concern about racial purity and ready.” They looked for a messiah who would grant them married the enemy. Adultery was common, divorce was the blessings they deserved, one who would punish their rampant, sorcery abounded, and oppression of widows, enemies and oppressors, and make Israel once more a pros­ orphans, and laborers was normative. All of this didn’t perous, powerful nation, ruler over the hated Gentiles. happen overnight. It was so gradual, even priests had A. Many won’t be able to endure the day of His com­ grown blind to their own condition. ing. Certainly this crowd had cause to quake. Their stan­ They had dreamed of prosperity and worldwide domi­ dard of doing business was completely out of whack nation, but here they were at the bottom of the pile, de­ with God’s standard: “Consecrate yourselves therefore, pressed beyond measure. and be holy; for I am holy” (Lev. 11:44, NASB). If the Lord would come, they would fare far better. B. The priests were premier examples of unreadiness. I. The prophet sent a mixed message to an The sons of Levi needed help! They had been instru­ indifferent crowd mental in seducing the people (l:6ff.; 2:1-9). It was both good news and bad news. Good news was C. “Who can stand when He appears?” (v. 2, NASB). that the Lord was indeed coming. The “Behold” of verse 1 The question is borrowed from battle imagery (2 Kings (NASB) is not announcing immediate fulfillment as much as 10:4, NASB) and means, “Who will stand his ground?” it signaled a certain fulfillment. The speaker was the Lord of The prophet suggests that no one will pass the pene­ Hosts, and His promises are assured facts (Num. 23:19). trating tests the Lord will impose. That was bad news. A. Promise No. 1. “I am going to send My messenger’’ Yet the purpose of the refiner and fuller was not to de­ (v. 1, NASB). Many Jews believed that Elijah would re­ stroy but to purify and whiten. turn before the “day of the Lord.” Malachi says as much ILLUS. We used to sing a lot of songs about the second (4:5). All four evangelists unite in declaring that John the coming of Christ. By the end of verse 1, Mrs. Huff would Baptist was the messenger of choice who mimicked the raise her hand, wave her hankie, and start shouting. I prophet Elijah. Jesus confirmed that John the Baptist was didn’t question her readiness, but I did wonder about the the ignored Elijah of prophecy (Matt. 17:10-13). rest of us who remained conspicuously silent. B. Promise No. 2. “He will clear the way before Me” (v. III. There was a bright spot on a dark horizon 1, NASB). They weren’t ready for the Lord’s coming. The prophet was not limited to doom and gloom. He The messenger would call them on their sin—that was was a rugged realist. The Jews weren’t coming close to

december/january/february 57 living the way God had called them to live. They were in But the prophet speaks—it’s really God talking. He trouble. speaks through the prophet, who calls us to purity. He ILLUS. The Kansas City Star reported the story of a mur­ speaks through John the Baptist, who calls us to repen­ derer’s trial. He admitted guilt. But the family of the vic­ tance (Luke 3:3). He speaks through the risen Jesus; and tim was even more enraged when the killer laughed as he He speaks through the apostle Paul, who prays that we recalled for the jury the very act of murder. may be “blameless until the day of Christ” (Phil. 1:10). “Are you sorry for your crimes?” asked a doubtful The prophet for all time speaks to our time. judge. Without hesitation the killer answered, “Not a bit.” The indictment Malachi leveled at the Jews could be SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER filed against the 20th-century church as well. Choral Call to Worship “Good Christian Men, Rejoice” A. Isaiah warned his audience to remove every ob­ GATHER TO WORSHIP stacle that stopped them from being what God had Unison Scripture Reading Ps. 103:1-5 purposed. God is sensitive to a broken and confession­ Processional “Joy to the World” al spirit (Isa. 57:14-15). Prayer of Blessing Children’s Choir “O Come, Let Us Adore Him” B. Malachi affirms that God wants to prepare persons Ministers of Music "Canticle of Praise” for judgment, not destroy them. He compares the Lord Greetings to a refiner’s fire and fullers’ soap, a smelter and pu­ HEAR AND RESPOND rifier o f silver. Fire bums and soap consumes what the The First Lesson Mai. 3:1-4 sinner so dearly loves, not only transgressions of God’s Choral Response “Sing Praise to God Our Rock” Law but also all self-righteous works. Yet, the refiner The Second Lesson Phil. 1:3-11 comes not only to bum and the fuller not only to con­ A Moment for Meditation sume; they come to refine and to purify. Hymn of Response “As with Gladness Men of Old” The People’s Prayer at the Altar C. The Lord promises to remove the heart of stone and Congregational Response “Emmanuel” give us a new heart and a new spirit, His Spirit (Ezek. 36:26). Our sins will be forgiven and remembered no BRING OFFERINGS Offertory Scripture Exod. 35:5 more (Jer. 31:34). We’ll be “clothed .. . with garments of Offertory Prayer salvation ... a robe of righteousness” (Isa. 61:10). Vocal Offertory CONCLUSION: HEAR THE PROCLAMATION Malachi wouldn’t be a family film or Christmas bedtime The Gospel Lesson Luke 3:1 -6 story. It is marked with pathos, despair, and heaviness. The Doxology One is tempted to walk away from it all, contending, The Sermon “A PROPHET FOR ALL TIMES” “That was then, and now is now, and never the twain Closing Hymn “Lo! He Comes, with shall meet.” But there’s a real sense in which “then is Clouds Descending” now” and “now is then,” and Malachi could be called a RECEIVE THE BENEDICTION prophet for all times. We’re not as apt to think about world domination. We re­ Creative Worship Ideas member “days of infamy” and Berlin walls. We reckon with Prayer of Blessing a crumbling Soviet empire and a weakened world economy. Invite the congregation to sing the Lord’s Prayer We’re more likely to think in terms of surviving than con­ in lieu of or as part of the Prayer of Blessing. quering. All of that is masked by Christmas routines of get­ Greeting ting and spending, partying and musicals, increasing rates Invite the congregation to greet each other with a and decreasing benefits, and stress, stress, stress. Christian greeting. The pastor may begin by saying, So worn-out are we that divorce, adultery, oppression, “The Lord be with you” or “Peace be with you” or abject apathy, and indifference are no longer head turn­ “Greetings in the name of our risen Lord.” ers. The Church stands begging for ministers and money When one says, “Peace be with you,” the Chris­ but knows it will stand in line with museums and good tian tradition recognizes the richness of the greeting causes for less than a fair share. Where there’s little mon­ to mean, “May all be well with you in body, soul, and spirit.” ey, there is even less time. The world stands wanting for those who would minister. Prayers of the People Worship can understandably be lackluster. Hardly can Consider inviting the congregation to participate we be called celebrants, people of praise, offering our­ in “bidding prayers.” The pastor may pray, “Let us remember those of our number who are ill,” after selves unto Christ Jesus, when we have to hang on just to which he pauses. The congregation then offers only survive. the names of those who are ill. The same kind of More than a few times we have said to each other, “I prayer could be offered for the unemployed, the be­ would love just to get away from it all.” “I wish just one reaved, etc. Christmas wouldn’t be so awful and hectic.” Some dear Benediction soul may even be heard to utter, “I just wish the Lord “May the blessings of the Lord be with you now would come.” It’s a faint voice, but the message is clear. and evermore. Amen.” Somehow things would be better if the Lord would come—or so we think.

58 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE THE WORD OF THE LORD THAT CAME TO MICAH by Randall E. Davey Mic. 5:1-5a 4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT December 20, 1992

INTRO: of doom associated with Sennacherib’s invasion in 701 B.C. In the second half of the eighth century, Jotham, Ahaz, and ultimate destruction that comes a century later. and Hezekiah ruled Judah in succession. These three A. The call to gather in troops was to prepare fo r that kings worked in a turbulent political climate. Domestic is­ which is sure to come. The enemy is at the door. sues took a backseat to foreign affairs, but the administra­ ILLUS. The world awaited the resignation of Mikhail Gor­ tion failed to achieve independence. bachev. Boris Yeltsin, his savior in the coup, had proven The rebellion was short-lived against Assyria. Samaria fell to be Gorbachev’s political captor. Gorbachev, who in 722 b .c . Deportation, begun 10 years early, resumed. months ago enjoyed worldwide admiration, is fading in In 701 b.c ., 21 years after Samaria fell, Assyrian troops in­ relative obscurity. habited Judah, and Hezekiah was fined and lost part of his territory to the Philistines. B. The venerable judge has become a whipping boy. The influx of military money boosted the economy and ILLUS. Judges are not immune from criticism for the improved the locals’ financial lot. Financial gain meant pow­ opinions they render. Newspapers frequently vent public er, and power bred independence. Attitudes toward religion outrage over one ruling or another. But the outrage is at became complacent. Personal and social values disintegrated. its zenith when a judge violates the law and stands before Land barons squeezed farmers out of business. Age-old a peer for sentencing. sanctions associated with the divine covenant were for­ President Bush’s selection of Clarence Thomas illustrat­ gotten. Priests and prophets preached in concert with ed the point as Thomas was made out to be less than ju­ the new age, conscious of the hand that fed them. dicious or prudent. His alleged offenses were noteworthy Government did nothing to check the rich. Policies de­ in view of the fact that he may be called upon to rule in a fended wealth gained by illegitimate means. The poor be­ sexual harassment charge. came poorer. Self-interest was the standard by which po­ C. Though the citizens of Judah will not quickly re­ litical decisions were made. cover, God has not forsaken them. Within this drab The prophet Micah attacked with disgust and context of misfortune Micah paints a contrasting pic­ vengeance the absence of justice. “They covet fields and ture. then seize them, and houses, and take them away. They rob a ILLUS. A friend was shocked when he lost his job. He man and his house, a man and his inheritance” (2:2, NASB). first responded with dismay, “I’ve always tithed.” He con­ He rebuked them for portraying God apparently as a cluded that he was recession-proof via his tithe contract. benevolent and forgiving grandfather figure, doting over the His job loss had to mean that he was in trouble with God. sins of the people. Priests were granting the people false as­ But circumstances don’t mean all that much about God’s surance. They were sure that God would tolerate their ven­ attitude toward us. However, our attitude toward Him is tures into the occult and their spirit of self-reliance. reflected in the way we respond to circumstances. He Micah reminded the community of the saving acts that will not forsake His people. started with the Exodus and ended in their arrival in Ca­ naan (6:4-5). It was nothing new. They recited these II. A Ruler born in Bethlehem is certain deeds in worship, but they failed to be moved to carry Micah sees through Israel’s despair to a better day. out the terms of the covenant. They knew the Exodus From Bethlehem Ephrathah, the “Fruitful House of story but lived as if it never happened. Bread,’’ a Ruler would come. Sunday by Sunday, believers gather for worship and A. Bethlehem Ephrathah was the birthplace of the stare out stained-glass windows, yawning as Scripture is Davidic dynasty. David’s father is described as “an read, dozing as the Word is proclaimed, and living as if it Ephrathite . . . from Bethlehem in Judah” (1 Sam. were a fable told for the amusement of children. 17:12). Apparently Ephrathah is the district in which ILLUS. An uninvited consultant told his pastor, “Start the ser­ Bethlehem lay. vice with something peppy. You have to get my engines B. The Davidic covenant, referenced in Psalm 89, started before I feel like singing. It’s been a bad week. ” Appar­ says, “Once for all, I have sworn by my holiness— ently he sensed no need to sing or knew of no reason to sing. and I will not lie to David—that his line will contin­ The believer can look a little farther back in history to ue forever and his throne endure before me like the find reason to sing. It’s about the Cross. It’s reason enough. sun” (35-36). Micah reminds Israel that God will not al­ Reflecting on the mighty acts of God, we have reason low them to slip into oblivion. to enter worship with thanksgiving in our hearts. C. This Ruler hails from “the days of eternity” I. There is something worse than recession on (NASB). Some scholars contend that Micah simply the horizon meant, “from the distant past.” Others argue that he in­ Micah identifies with Jerusalem (v. 1). He sees the details sisted on a Ruler with heavenly origins, an ideal David.

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 59 But most agree that he believed that the Ruler to come and spent time with outcasts. He delivered all who would be was a person of destiny. delivered. He was a shepherd. In fact He said of himself, “I D. The Ruler-Savior will come after judgment. Israel’s am the good shepherd” (John 10:11, NASB). In Him we have foes will close in, and God’s chosen people will be peace that passes all understanding (Phil. 4:7). taken captive; but it will be a temporary phenome­ non. They will remain prisoner, Micah believed, until the Royal One is bom. SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER Choral Call to Worship “O Come, All Ye Faithful” III. What kings couldn’t do, God’s Ruler can GATHER TO WORSHIP When God’s Ruler comes, the captives will be deliv­ Unison Scripture Reading Isa. 60:1 ered! Micah promised that “the remainder of His Processional “The First Noel” brethren [would] return” (NASB). Prayer of Blessing ILLUS. For the first two years of my college work, I attended Ministers of Music “Canticle of Joy” Mount Vemon Nazarene College, which, at that time, was a Children’s Choir “O Little Town of Bethlehem” two-year program. Because I happened to be part of the HEAR AND RESPOND school’s first two years of existence, the ambience was The First Lesson Mic. 5:1 -5a unique and unrepeatable. I remember a distinct feeling of dis­ Choral Response “O Come, Let Us Adore Him” sonance at the thought that the vast majority of the graduat­ The Second Lesson Heb. 10:5-10 ing class of 1970 would never be together again as a class. Hymn of Response “Angels, from the Realms of Glory” And we haven’t been. Some went to Eastern Nazarene Col­ The People’s Prayer at the Altar Congregational Response “Emmanuel” lege, some to Bethany Nazarene College, others to Trevecca Nazarene College, and a few to Olivet Nazarene College, and BRING OFFERINGS scores of others to one place or another. The few times I Offertory Scripture Lev. 27:28 went back, I left depressed. Most of the teachers I had are Offertory Prayer long gone. It’s not the same, and it never will be. But what HEAR THE PROCLAMATION if—? What if somehow, someone could pull it oil? The Gospel Lesson Luke 1:39-55 That’s the kind of hope with which Micah teased his The Doxology audience. When the Ruler comes, He will usher in a The Sermon “THE WORD OF THE LORD THAT CAME TO MICAH” grand homecoming. Closing Hymn “O Little Town of Bethlehem” A. The Ruler will work like a shepherd tending his (final verse) flock. This figure embodies an ideal of Israelite king­ ship. It brought to mind stories of David, who was tak­ Creative Worship Ideas en from his care of sheep to care for the people of God Prayer of Blessing (2 Sam. 7:7-8). ‘“Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come. . . . Worthy art B. He will rule with strength, evidence of divine en­ Thou, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor abling. In the coronation ode recorded in Psalm 21:1, and power; for Thou didst create all things, and be­ strength is the divine enabling of the king, by which cause of Thy will they existed, and were created’ [Rev. alone his reign is a success. 4:8,11, NASB]. As your created ones, grant us blessing C. He will be great. God promised David that Israel as we give You that which You alone deserve. We offer our worship in the name of our coming Lord. Amen.” would be planted, and they would remain where they are, never to be disturbed again (2 Sam. 7:10). This Prayers of the People ideal would take place in the sweeping reign of the “We praise You, we worship You, we adore You, for You are our Shepherd. While we talk about our wants, Coming One, whose fame was to be spread world­ You supply our needs—eternal ones. While we try to wide. In fact, the “ends of the earth” depict a world­ squeeze more out of a day than we should, You pur­ wide empire. pose to grant us rest and renewal. While we fill our wak­ D. He will be our Peace. The One who is coming, Mi­ ing moments with radio, TV, conversations, and videos, cah preached, was One who could manage what no You lead us in quietness. While we nigh on kill our­ one else could. selves to make a dollar, You purpose to restore our soul. While we company with evil and are bombarded CONCLUSION: with filth of every kind, You purpose to lead us in righ­ “O little town of Bethlehem.” So long ago they hoped teousness. In ignorance and self-reliance, we march for a military Leader who could conquer. They believed until we drop. And then You comfort us, and feed us, He would be born in Bethlehem. So long ago they be­ and bless us, not as reward but as expressions of Your loving-kindness. And in spite of ourselves and all be­ lieved that an ideal Ruler would come and deliver them. cause of Christ Jesus, we may abide with You all the So long ago they were confident that the Ruler would be days of our lives. To God be the glory. Amen.” a Shepherd, Protector, and Guide. So long ago they be­ Benediction lieved that peace would result. So many lived and died “May the mercy and grace of God the Father, the without seeing their hope come to fruition. Son, and the Holy Spirit, be with you now and forev­ But we live and celebrate the coming of One bom in Beth­ er. Amen.” lehem. He didn’t muster armed forces, but He conquered. He didn’t rule like potentates. He served and washed feet

60 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE THE PEOPLE OF GOD by Randall E. Davey Titus 2:11-14 December 27, 1992

INTRO: I. Paul reminded Titus that God wants a peo­ During the summers of my elementary school years, ple for His own possession my sister and I fended for ourselves during the day, since God rescued us from evil that we might be a people. It both of our parents worked. My sis and I typically awak­ had to be a word of comfort to early-century Cretan ears. ened to a quiet house and unstructured days, punctuated They were considered the scum of the earth. Now they by the daily TV episode of “The Millionaire” and an occa­ were hearing that God wanted them to be His possession. sional chore. My sister, being a few years older, was the A. As used in the Bible, the term “people of God” typi­ designated boss, but she rarely tried to pull rank. cally refers to common folk as opposed to the ruling One daily ritual remains fixed in my mind. Since my class. Ordinary people are linked to a common ori­ mother left for her factory job in the wee hours of the gin—none other than Jesus. morning, she invariably left a note for us on the kitchen table. It was predictable and read something like this. B. Things were going from bad to worse. Some of “There is lunch meat in the fridge for sandwiches. Bread them were soon to be slaughtered. Undoubtedly, they and potato chips in the cupboard. Fix Kool-Aid to drink. felt abandoned and disconnected. Titus was to reassure R, don’t forget to mow Fanny Crown’s yard; and B, fold them that they were God’s possession, dead or alive. the clothes.” C. We children of the Enlightenment pride ourselves Nothing on the note was new information. We had on such things as individuality. Instead of thinking as gone over it the night before. The note was just a re­ a people, we revel in our separateness. minder. Paul’s letter to Titus, both personal and official, ILLUS. One Sunday a parishioner commented on the way was basically a reminder. The reminder wasn’t just to out of service, “If you’re interested, I’ll tell you what I shore up Titus’ memory. It was designed to encourage think that passage means, and I don’t know Greek or He­ him in his ministry. brew!” He went on to discount the value of commen­ Titus, a Gentile probably converted under Paul’s min­ taries before giving a view of the passage that sounded istry, was a third generation Christian. He was like a son very American and very male and very unchristlike, yet to Paul (1:4), and the letter is laced with paternal tones. he was proud of it. Titus probably received the letter during his ministry “But the Bible was written to a people,” I countered. to the Cretans, of whom it was said they were among the “What do you think the passage means to the community most contemptible, despised, and oppressed people of of faith and how do you respond to the way the church the Mediterranean world. He worked specifically with has historically understood this passage?” the poor and dispossessed. “Don’t know and could care less”; and with that, the His task was even more difficult since the future of conversation ended. Christianity seemed highly doubtful to any discerning soul. Persecution threatened the very existence of the D. God isn’t interested in a bunch of lone rangers loosely linked house churches. who argue from their own vantage point. He rescues us from ourselves, bom with the self turned inward, Facing overwhelming odds, Titus served in a hostile environment, passing on the Christian message. Paul bom with a bent toward sin. He redeems us from a life wrote to remind Titus of basic truths that Titus’ crowd given over to the pursuit of self-centered interests and delivers us into the context of relationships, persons needed to hear over and over. with whom we can hammer out the basics of salva­ That letter, written in antiquity, has a contemporary tion—as a people. ring. The Church exists today as “the called-out ones,” ILLUS. Since the November 9, 1989, fall of the Berlin gathering around the Word, informed and Spirit­ wall, one cannot help but feel part of the rapidly unfold­ shaped. ing worldwide drama being played out with daily scene changes. Plummeting real estate prices, bank failures, the II. Paul reminded Titus that the people of God fall of the communist regime, nuclear disarmament, food were distinctly different shortages, the AIDS epidemic, recession, and talk of glob­ The Cretans were about to go under in every way imag­ al depression fuel survivalist thinking. Credible authors inable. Paul urges Titus to remind them that God had al­ are urging persons to hoard food, buy guns, move to ready saved them. God’s kindness was evidenced in Jesus, warm climates, away from all cities as steps to survive the who saved them and was present as Savior. He would coming rough times. One can easily become preoccupied save them for all of time. In that they were distinctly dif­ with mere survival and lose sight of eternal matters. ferent from so much of the world who had to rely solely The Lord spoke through Paul’s pen to an anxious audi­ upon might. They were distinctly and uniquely God’s. ence: “I encourage God’s own people to have more faith ILLUS. Not long ago, a researcher from Princeton Univer­ and to understand the truth about religion” (1:1, BTF). sity interviewed me as part of a study on religion in Ameri­

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 6 l ca. “Nazarene?” she said quizzically. “How is that different gold-backed currency. Not long into the project, he real­ from the church down the street? What is your distinc­ ized that if he saved all he could and then met someone tive?” Paul could have answered more quickly than I. thirsting, he would be compelled for Christ’s sake to give A. The people of God are trained to deal with their a cup of cold water until there was no more to give. wicked ways by repenting and purposing to imitate B. Oppressed, maligned, and persecuted Cretans were Jesus. It’s not so much a matter of the will as it is a re­ reminded to be model citizens, even unto death sponse to God’s graciousness that makes it possible. (3: Iff). Grace would make possible the reshaping of B. The people of God are taught to live in harmony sinful humanity into the people of God. with the person, work, and ministry of Jesus. That CONCLUSION: means, they want to live sensibly and in right relation­ Only by grace can we be called the people of God. Are ship with God and humankind. They believe the Christ you numbered among His people? Redeemed? Purified? of the Resurrection is presently at work in them. With Full of hope? Living rightly? Denying evil? Zealous for Paul, they confess, “I have died, but Christ lives in me” good works? If not, you can be. The invitation to receive (Gal. 2:20, BTF). God’s saving grace has been extended by Jesus Christ C. The people of God are instructed to be a people of himself. hope. The word “hope” has become synonymous with wish. Interchangeably, folk may say, “I wish I would win a million dollars,” but they know it’s just a wish. That’s not the hope about which Paul wrote. To those soon to die, Paul encouraged Titus to re­ mind them that Jesus promised to come back. That en­ SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER abled them to look beyond present circumstance to Choral Call to Worship “Angels We Have Heard see that which really mattered. on High” Antiphonal Scripture Reading Isa. 6:3 ILLUS. “I’m ruined. I worked a lifetime to have what I Congregational Hymn “Holy, Holy, Holy” have, and now it’s all gone. I’m ruined.” The confession Prayer of Blessing of a homeowner whose home, furnishings, and personal Responsive Reading “The Ten Commandments” memorabilia had been destroyed by fire. Ruined? Not for Gloria Patri the people of God. Murdered? Awful, but not the worst The First Lesson Isa. 9:2-7 thing that could happen for the people of God. Unem­ Psalm 96 (read in its entirety) ployed? Terminally ill? Crippled? Maybe. But not ruined! The Second Lesson Titus 2:11-14 As Paul penned the reminder, one can imagine the early Congregational Response “Come, Thou Long-expected Jesus” strains of “My hope is built on nothing less ...” straining The Gospel Lesson Luke 2:1 -20 to be penned. The Sermon “THE PEOPLE OF GOD” D. The people of God are purified. They are the prod­ Confession of the Apostles’ Creed uct of God’s handiwork, as much as trees and streams The People’s Prayers and mountains. We were slaves and He freed us. The The Lord’s Prayer mystery of the Cross! The wonder of the Resurrection! The Celebration of Communion The coming Lord set us free from every wrong, and He The Offering Congregational Response “Arise, My Soul, Arise” cleansed us. That’s a distinction! The Benediction III. Paul reminded Titus that the people of God are zealous for good deeds Creative Worship Ideas The word “zealous” (NASB) was not a new one to this Prayer of Blessing crowd. They knew of Zealots, fanatics bent on over­ “Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all throwing any kind of political rule. Zealots they could be, desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: but zealots for Christ’s sake. They were to be a sign to Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration the unsaved that God in Christ makes humankind dis­ of Thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love Thee, and worthily magnify Thy holy name; through Christ tinctly different. our Lord. Amen.” A. They were to pour themselves into the lives of fel­ Offertory Sentence low Christians, especially the poor. Those beyond “the “Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows household of faith” were to be the recipients of their to the Most High” (Ps. 50:14). care (see Gal. 6:10, KJV)- Communion ILLUS. A friend was reading a popular economic fore­ During the ministration of Communion, appropri­ caster. In response he concluded that he would do every­ ate hymns, psalms, or anthems may be sung. thing possible to flee the coming rough times. He planned to squirrel away food, clothing, medicine, and

62 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE INTERESTED IN THE PRIESTHOOD? by Randall E. Davey 1 Pet. 2:9-10a January 3, 1993

INTRO: More than one team has risen from defeat to eliminate a According to First Clement, Peter, a leader and contender. spokesman for the early disciples, fell victim to Nero’s great God in Christ reminds us that we are new creatures, giv­ persecution. Some speculate that his First Epistle was writ­ en the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:17-18, NASB). ten in the early 60s, a few years before his tragic demise. I. You have something significant in common The tone is pastoral, warm, and supportive, written to Peter tells his readers that they have a common life and persons converted from paganism to Christianity. In so do­ descent; they are people of the same nature. They are ing, they were subject to misunderstanding and cruel treat­ holy, a word from which 20th-century readers recoil. ment. Peter tried to help them see their present sufferings “Holy” does not denote perfection in terms of perfor­ in light of eternity, a perspective with which he died. mance. The word “holy” in the Greek text means literally Since they were under surveillance, this passage deals “set apart for the service of Deity.” with the duty of Christians to be holy in their conduct. Peter told them that they were God’s own possession. While Paul tells new converts to “put o ff. . . the old man” ILLUS. Possessions have worth largely because of their pos­ (Eph. 4:22, KJV), Peter encourages them to make a dis­ sessor. I’m still amazed when I read that persons bid thou­ tinct break with their past. Put aside every kind of evil, de­ sands of dollars for Michael Jackson’s glove or Elvis Pres­ ception, and malevolence. These folks were soon to die. ley’s car or some such memorabilia. If the “glove” were ILLUS. I visited an acquaintance who was in prison for found independent of the Jackson tag, it would be discard­ crimes against persons. While incarcerated, he under­ ed, deemed worthless since its counterpart wasn’t found. went mandatory therapy. Though it didn’t lessen his sen­ The Christians to whom Peter wrote felt they had no tence, he felt somewhat relieved to know that persons worth or were of little value to God, since things weren’t most frequently act out aggressively when under pres­ working out well for them. With job loss and other eco­ sure. He had lost his job, his wife, and his home. To peo­ nomic adversity, one is tempted today to assume that ple under equally significant stress, Peter wrote. God has turned a deaf ear. In that moment, one should In Peter’s mind, believers start life over. He compares read 1 Pet. 2:9—true then and true now. them to “newborn babes,” who should “long for the pure These persons to whom Peter wrote were valued as a milk of the word” (2:2, NASB). This alludes to a custom chosen race, owned and set apart by God for His purpos­ of drinking milk after baptism, which, mixed with honey, es. He chose to use His “possession” as priests. was considered to be Messianic food (Exod. 3:8). Here it is a symbol of the Word, for which the Christian is to A. Being labeled with terms exclusively used of Israel hunger and thirst so that one may grow. must have been an obstacle. The concept of “holy” did not fit lst-century Christians any more than 20th- century disciples. Peter contended that their holiness IThe metaphor changes from “babes” to “living stones” (v. would be expressed in their identity as priests. 5). Later, the new converts are called “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own posses­ B. Believers are “king-priests” associated with the sion’’ (v. 9, NASB), terms of honor initially reserved for Is­ Lord Jesus, a priest after the order of Melchizedek. rael. These collective “identities” stand out as significant. Liv­ Calling the Church a “body of priests” emphasizes its ing stones compare with Jewish altars on which priests corporate nature. make offerings. When Paul speaks of such offerings in Rom. C. The lst-century understanding of “priesthood” was 12:1, he refers to committing one’s whole life to God. like a 20th-century view. The duty of the truly chosen people is to proclaim the ILLUS. The lst-century priesthood referred exclusively to wonderful deeds of the God who has called them. Procla­ the Levites. Today, 20th-century Protestants would as­ mation consists in irreproachable conduct. sume it refers to Catholic clergy. In either case, the term The recipients of the letter lived in various degrees of applied to “professional” religious persons through duress. Beaten down for a new belief! Alienated for being whom laypersons make contact with God. different! Persecuted and killed for a way of life! Hardly a For centuries, the priests held exclusive rights to cer­ sign of honor. tain ceremonial, religious acts. The thought that every­ ILLUS. As professional football teams near the playoffs, one was a priest seemed ludicrous. there are winners and losers. Some of the losers aren’t all that bad. One team that fell to the bottom of the pile this II. You are a royal priesthood In view of life or death, they were to be a royal priest­ year has lost all of its games by 7 points or less. Their hood, and that was an old idea. coach was asked, “How can you keep your players psyched to play the final game when they know that they A. God through Moses addresses Israel, saying, “You will finish last regardless of the outcome?” shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy na­ I “I tell them that they are winners, that they can and tion” (Exod. 19:6, NASB). Israel had arrived where will play like winners, and will probably win the game.” DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 63 God would make them into a religious community pe­ CONCLUSION: culiarly His. The multitude that had escaped from You are chosen to be a people of priests! You have re­ Egypt was unified into the beginnings of a nation. This ceived mercy. You have been redeemed. Live and re­ period has great importance for understanding God’s joice, showing God’s praise. will as it was revealed in the heart of the law. B. They were to be a ministering community. Every­ one had a unique religious task as though he were standing at Sinai, hearing the thunder and the horn and the Voice. Fearing for their lives, they had a tendency toward SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER self-preservation. But, in face of death, Peter calls them Call to Worship “Praise Ye the Lord, the Almighty” to think of others. GATHER TO WORSHIP Unison Scripture Reading Ps. 92:1 C. /4s a priest mediates between God and man, God Procession “0 God, Our Help in Ages Past” called Israel to be the vehicle of the knowledge and Prayer of Blessing salvation of God to the nations of the earth. This was Ministers of Music “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” written before the “professional priesthood” devel­ Choral Response “Gloria Patri” oped. Nevertheless, it represents God’s intent. Greetings D. “And has made us to be a kingdom and priests” HEAR AND RESPOND (Rev. 1:6). The Scripture is saying, “You shall be, you The First Lesson Exod. 19:1-6 are, you were made to be” a kingdom of priests. Choral Response “Thy Word” The Second Lesson 1 Pet. 2:9-1 Oa III. You are who you are—that you may A Moment for Meditation proclaim Hymn of Response “Guide Me, O Thou I Great Jehovah” The People’s Prayer at the Altar When I have looked at this passage, I have been lost in Congregational Response “Something Beautiful” the idea of priesthood. I’ve reflected on the Reforma­ BRING OFFERINGS tion’s celebration of the “universal priesthood of believ­ Offertory Scripture 2 Cor. 9:7 ers” and the marked regression the church has experi­ Offertory Prayer enced since then. As priesthood is an expression of Vocal Offertory holiness, proclamation is an expression of priesthood. HEAR THE PROCLAMATION A. The priesthood praises God for His gracious deal­ The Gospel Lesson Matt. 21:33-46 ings and glorious attributes. The Church is to “adver­ The Doxology tise” the noble acts of God in history. The Sermon “INTERESTED IN THE PRIESTHOOD?’’ Closing Hymn “Called unto Holiness” ILLUS. An old adage says, “A satisfied customer is the best advertisement.” That thought convicted me. What RECEIVE THE BENEDICTION have I advertised? Creative Worship Ideas B. Christians are reminded of God’s action in bring­ Prayer of Blessing ing them “out of darkness into His marvelous light” “Lord, we are not inclined to give glory. Instead, (v. 9, NASB). “Those who look to him are radiant” (Ps. we’re more likely to want glory. We are not inclined 34:5). “Ye are the light of the world. . . . Let your light to kneel in reverence. Instead, we’re more likely to so shine before men” (Matt. 5:14, 16, KJV). want folk to defer to us. Thank You for granting us grace to see, here and now, that one day, every C. The church is to be a joyous community, constant­ knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus ly and gratefully declaring the “wondrous works” of Christ is Lord. God. “Until that time, may our Lord’s days be opportu­ ILLUS. I grew up hearing testimonies of fairly short or­ nities to practice that which we will gladly do for der—long before the “care and share” style of the ’80s eternity. This we pray in spirit and in truth and in the and ’90s. “I’m saved, sanctified, and satisfied,” they Name. Amen.” would say. But Peter saw testimony of life and lip as an Prayer of Offering opportunity to “declare.” “Habitually we ask for Your blessings, Father, on J. G. Morrison was known for saying that testimony offerings we bring. was second only to preaching in terms of its convincing “Today, we ask for You to bless our understand­ value to the non-believer. This passage informs the ing so that we can see how we fit into the scheme of church concerning the content of profitable testimonies. things. Help us to willingly give of ourselves, our time, and our attention to the neighbors closest to D. The sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving symbol­ us—those with whom we live. ize the fact that the holiness of the church is for the “May all of our possessions be expressions of our sake of the world. David sang, “My vows to thee I attitude toward You and life in the Kingdom. Amen.” must perform, O God; I will render thank offerings to thee. For thou hast delivered my soul from death, yea, my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of life” (Ps. 56:12-13, RSV).

64 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE ANOINTED AND SENT by Randall E. Davey Isa. 61:1-4 January 10, 1993

INTRO: I. The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me This text reads like a preacher’s idealistic, self-imposed Isaiah said a mouthful when he confessed that he had job description delivered on his inaugural Sunday. At a been anointed. Anointing language was normally reserved glance, one may dismiss the rhetoric as good intentions for political types, not preacher types (see 2 Sam. 23:1-7). overcome by optimism. A. Anointing was the method whereby one received Obviously, the Word deserves more than a cursory the Spirit. With the giving of the Spirit came the power glance. Perhaps it’s the modem “can do” spirit in me that to carry out whatever one was called to do. The king focuses on the “to do” list (w. 1-3). had the power to carry out the law of the land. Since ILLUS. A few years ago, I passionately maintained that Isaiah was anointed, he had the power to fulfil his computers were toys of the affluent, something with promises, unlike the politicians. which we have gotten along without for, lo, these many ILLUS. American President Bush admitted his frustration years and, frankly, something I never intended to have. at the comparison being made between his Gulf War per­ But now I have one. formance and his ineffective domestic policy. During the Hardly a day goes by that someone doesn’t tell me war, he was empowered to tell the military what to do, about a new software program that will save me zillions of hours with a punch of the key. I buy them and don’t and they did it. On the domestic front, he can tell Con­ have a second to spare. gress what he wants done, but the legislation can be lost One of the programs installed on my personal comput­ in committee, modified, or defeated. The president er is called “Task Manager.” I used to have lists written doesn’t always have the power to get things done. on anything and everything. I now can conveniently B. Isaiah’s testimony had to be good news. They were transfer every list to the task manager. It asks me to give in absolutely despicable condition. Many had come priorities to the tasks, the due day, and some pertinent back to a home they never knew, bom as children of note about it. When I turn my computer on, the Task the Exile. Though they had returned from captivity Manager Program boots up automatically. When it does, with high hopes, they were now given to hopeless­ the computer makes an obnoxious alarm clock sort of ness, depression, and poverty. sound at the same time the screen is flashing, “21 Tasks ILLUS. In the aftermath of the 1991 Gulf War, Kuwaitis [PAST due!” The word,“PAST” is capitalized. The excla­ were liberated from Hussein’s murderous hand. The tele­ mation point is there also. I feel ashamed and blamed by vision network CNN revealed the impoverished look of my own computer. But it trains me to think in terms of the liberated, devastated and ravished by war. Inadequate tasks. medical supplies, bombed cities, and mine-laden fields I’m dominated by time management and task lists. brought the liberated economy to its knees. Many of us value being called “effective.” ; Added to that, I am a Type A personality. I’ve often II. The Lord anointed Isaiah to bring good wondered how men like Isaiah made it through their news ministry not knowing if they were Type A or not. But I To disadvantaged and economically oppressed, a warm tend to read every Bible character through my Type A coat or a loaf of bread may warrant a smile but not jubila­ eyes and believe, that the bulk were similarly wired, Je­ tion. Isaiah proclaimed “the favorable year of the Lord” sus being the notable exception. (v. 2, NASB). All of that means that I tend to take charge, handle A. Commentators suggest that the favorable year of tasks in a timely and responsible way, believing that the Lord was actually the Year of Jubilee, mentioned whatever the mind can conceive and believe one is ad­ in Lev. 25:8-55. It’s a moving account of forgiveness dicted and driven to achieve. Three guesses, then, on that may never have been a social reality. The idea how I initially read Isa. 61:1-4! worked something like this. You’re thinking, This is a terribly long and involved in­ Every 50 years came an economic leveling, which no troduction for a four-verse text. There’s reason to my 20th-century politician would have the nerve to sug­ method. gest. Land was to return to it’s rightful owners. Slaves We are in such a habit of getting things done, being were released. Debts were waived. somewhere on time, and finishing with excellence that which we have started, that we can’t divorce that mental­ B. Captives and prisoners were in debtors’ prisons. If ity from the way we think about Scripture. this was indeed the favorable year of the Lord, now they ; I jump past Isa. 61:1 and get on with the job. Too were candidates for release. In their despair, they were much work to do to sit around and reflect! But it’s only called to celebration. The released will surely rejoice. when we allow the Word to shape us and the Spirit to ILLUS. I bought a small, two-bedroom house as rental speak to us that we reach the understandings that God in- property. Not long into the arrangement, I determined i tended. that one should know more than I knew and be more ca­

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 65 pable than I to be a landlord. So I sold it without the aid for those who haven’t yet heard the Lord say, “Forgiven.” of a realtor. No problem. “You’re released.” “Redemption is possible because of Years later, I got a document from the U.S. Bankruptcy Christ Jesus.” “You can be a new creature—to My glory.” Court, notifying me that the couple to whom I sold the Unless the Spirit of the Lord God is upon us, we’ll ex­ house had declared bankruptcy. That house, their delin­ pect folks to line up with our way of seeing things. But quent payments, and fees were now my responsibility. when the Spirit whispers release, we can’t help but whis­ That news rained on our parade. It could have been fi­ per it with Him. nancially devastating. For one year it was never far from my mind. Every purchase I made, I made in light of the debt that might fall my way. For reasons I’ll never understand, my attorney called to SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER say that the bank had released us from liability. The case Call to Worship “Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven” was closed. My heaviness of heart and yearlong sobriety GATHER TO WORSHIP of spirit was transformed instantly, and I couldn’t hide Unison Scripture Reading Ps. 92:1 the smile. Processional “0 Worship the King” Prayer of Blessing III. Good news makes a real difference Choral Response “Gloria Patri” Isaiah’s ministry was not relegated to a week of special Confession Pastor: “Christ is risen!” services. His ministry resulted in real change. People: “He is risen indeed!” A. The devastated community would be renamed Ministers of Music “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” “oaks of righteousness” (v. 3)- A new name signaled a Greetings new reality. The new reality would bring glory to the HEAR AND RESPOND Lord. The First Lesson Isa. 61:1 -4 ILLUS. I walked through a park not far from home and Choral Response “O for a Thousand Tongues” The Second Lesson Acts 8:14-17 counted 14 trees that didn’t survive the Kansas drought A Moment for Meditation of ’91. They stood erect but lifeless, victims of an un­ Hymn of Response “And Can It Be?” quenched thirst. The People’s Prayer at the Altar I passed an old, scarred oak, home to squirrels and a Congregational Response “Because He Lives” poorly built tree house. One limb supported a homemade BRING OFFERINGS swing. The bark was stripped. But there it stood, full of Offertory Scripture Rom. 12:1 life, resilient, a testimony to its strength and vitality. Offertory Prayer B. The released are free to rebuild so that the ruins Choral Offertory “My Faith Has Found can become inhabitable again. They were released to a Resting Place” rebuild to God’s glory. Indeed it was a new day! HEAR THE PROCLAMATION The Gospel Lesson Luke 3:15-17, 21 -22 CONCLUSION: The Doxology On the heels of His baptism, Jesus visited a synagogue, The Sermon “ANOINTED AND SENT” read today’s text from the scroll, and identified with it by Choral Benediction “Set Me as a Seal” saying, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21, NASB). It has been called the mis­ Creative Worship Ideas sion statement of Christ’s Church. Greetings How do we release? I’m not empowered to release you Invite the congregation to engage in the act of af­ from your debt. You don’t owe me. I’m not empowered firmation as they greet each other. Encourage con­ to right economic wrongs from which you have suffered. gregants to affirm persons for evidences of Christian But as a member of Christ’s Church, the message of re­ graces and acts of service. lease is mine to proclaim. Offertory Prayer In a sense we hold sway over one another. To the ex­ “All that we are and all that we have we owe to tent that I want you to live up to my expectations, I hold You. In giving of our means, we indicate our willing­ you in bondage. It happens in marriages, in friendships, ness to give ourselves to You and Your kingdom. It’s another way of saying, ‘Have Thine own way.’ The and in work relationships. Unless you act like I think you offerings are made in Jesus’ name. Amen.” ought to act, or talk like I want you to talk, or think like I Doxology want you to think, I will not love you to the extent that I The Doxology is a response to the Word. Some could. I simply choose not to reward you if you insist on communities of faith respond with a variety of verbal being different from my expectations. acknowledgments that God has just spoken through Sound familiar? It makes me wonder how someone His Word. would respond if I said that you can do life as you feel Note that you should. If it doesn’t line up with my expecta­ This order of service allows for a 60-minute ser­ tions, it’s fine. Though I reserve the right to hold my own vice with at least 20 minutes to preach. The missing opinions and I reserve the right to grieve for you if I element is announcements, which are characteristi­ must, I will love you none the less. You are released to be cally relegated to one page of the worship folder. who you ought to be for Jesus’ sake. That’s foreign speech to most of the world. Especially

6 6 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE WHATEVER IS A PRETTY BROAD TERM by Randall E. Davey Col. 3:12-17 January 17, 1993

INTRO: community. Believers are not called to be holy isola­ Colossae was the San Francisco of Asia. Richter scales tionists. were broken more than once by quakes in the Lycus Riv­ B. Paul uses the language of clothing to convey his er Valley. Neighboring city Laodicea was twice destroyed teaching. Colossians should put on qualities seen in by destructive tremors. But, as a testimony to the area’s the life o f Jesus. In another letter, he simply says, “Put deep pockets, reconstruction was accomplished without on the Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 13:14, RSV). government grants or aid. The beautiful valley had the makings of a national park. ILLUS. As a kid growing up in Cambridge, Ohio, I would The chalk-laden waters of the Lycus formed incrustations traditionally ask my mother, “What can I get you for that spread like a stony shroud over the ground. The de­ Christmas?” scription brought to mind Utah’s Brice Canyon, where for­ Without fail, my mother would say, “Just be good.” That mations remind one of the skyline of Moscow. Typical of wasn’t the kind of response I had in mind. I was thinking volcanic areas, ground that wasn’t covered by ash was ex­ more along the line of a coffee mug. If I pressed her a bit, tremely fertile and good ground for pasturing sheep. Re­ she would say, “I mean it. Be good. Clean your room. Make putedly, the area was a world center for the wool industry. your bed. Mow the lawn. Be nice to your sister. Obey.” Actually, Colossae stood as one of three cities built in C. Sometimes Paul said, “Be holy”; at other times, he view of each other and ultimately was deigned the least spelled out what it meant to be holy. Paul knew that important of them. Neighboring Laodicea became the po­ Jews had been cautioned to keep God’s command­ litical and financial headquarters of the valley, while Hier- ments (Deut 7:6-11) and to be holy, as He is holy (Lev. apolis found fame for its trade and healing spas. At one 11:44). Men and women of the new creation should in­ time Colossae was equally significant, but eventually it evitably exhibit something of His nature. was said that “the glory had departed.’’ They remained noteworthy, however, in religious cir­ II. The chosen of God should imitate God’s cles, but that wasn’t Who’s Who material either. On the Chosen One contrary, their notoriety resulted from a sweeping heresy Paul explains how the church is to be Jesus to each identified as gnosticism. other. Gnostics believed that spirit alone is good and that A. Put on a heart of compassion. In that day, there was matter is essentially flawed and evil. That understanding no provision for the aged. The physically and mentally gave rise to a fully developed but destructive worldview. disadvantaged were barely tolerated. Jesus stood as the (1) They insisted that God did not create the world, be­ Model of compassion. With compassion He looked at the cause He couldn’t have anything to do with evil matter. multitude as sheep without a shepherd (Mark 6:34). (2) Jesus, then, could not have had a “flesh and blood” B. Put on kindness. Josephus contended that Isaac was body. Rather, He must have been a spiritual phantom. an example of kindness in that he dug wells and gave They even said that when Jesus walked, He left no foot­ them to others, insisting they weren’t worth fighting prints. (3) Since the body is evil, it either must be kept over (Gen. 26:17-25). Kindness is identified as a fruit of under and denied. If the body is evil, what difference the Spirit (Gal. 5:22). “Taste and see that the Lord is does it make what one does with it? (4) Gnosticism was a good,” says the Psalmist (34:8). Paul writes, “Continue highly intellectual way of life. Man must fight his way to in his kindness” (Rom. 11:22). God, and only a few ever attain contact with Him. (5) Jewish Gnostics insisted that the way to God was tied C. Put on humility. That has been a stumbling block closely to ritual and ceremonial law. for humankind who crave recognition and attention. The Christian church at Colossae to which Paul wrote was Those who walk with God must humble themselves mainly a Gentile church that Paul had not founded or visited. (Mic. 6:8) because He prefers to dwell with those who Through Paul’s partner, Epaphras, the church’s probable are of a humble and contrite spirit (Isa. 57:15). founder, Paul learned of the problems that were brewing. D. Put on gentleness. Moses was very gentle in facing I. Paul addressed the Colossian Christians as undeserved criticism without giving way to rage. In­ the “chosen of God” (v. 12, NASB) stead, he interceded for offenders (Num. 12:13). The That sounds a bit like Peter’s words, “But you are a Psalmist said, “The humble will inherit the land” chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own (37:11, NASB). people” (1 Pet. 2:9, RSV). Those had been terms applied E. Put on patience. God, who is patient (Exod. 34:6), to Jews and later to Jesus. demonstrates the same through His people. To the ex­ A. Paul was saying that there was no longer a “fa­ tent that we are patient, we testify of His patience. vored nation status.” Now, all who responded to Paul contends that love is patient (1 Cor. 13:4). God’s grace could be part of His great Christ-centered ILLUS. Regardless of the severity of winter weather, our

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 6 7 seven-year-old Ashley has to be reminded to zip up her “Whatever” I do—my labor, my leisure, my relation­ coat and don her hat. In her excitement to play, she will ships, my solitude, my possessions, my dreams are all an dash out into subzero temperature oblivious to danger. expression of thanksgiving. Christ’s Church must heed Paul’s reminder to be prop­ I suspect that you share my feelings of being over­ erly clothed before entering into community. whelmed at the “whatevers” of our lives. Join me in prayer, asking the Spirit to grace us sufficiently so that III. Imitation of the Lord reaches its zenith in whatever we do in word and deed will be an expression forgiveness of thanks for His redemptive work in us, reflecting the New clothes generally need alteration. “Compassion, risen Christ at work through us. kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (v. 12) don’t fit like tailored garments on bodies habituated to wearing “immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed” (v. 5, NASB). When we try to be compassionate or kind, someone will suspiciously ask, “What’s with you? You’re SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER not acting yourself!” And they’re right. You are not acting Choral Call to Worship “Holy, Holy, Holy, yourself. You are allowing Jesus to be expressed in you. Lord God Almighty” GATHER TO WORSHIP A. Give your brother some room and forgive him. It Unison Scripture Reading Psalm 100 has little to do with what he deserves or how you feel Processional “How Great Thou Art” about it. It has to do with God’s response to your own Prayer of Blessing record (v. 13). Ministers of Music “The Old Hundredth” B. “Put on love, which is the perfect bond o f unity” Choral Response “Gloria Patri” (v. 14). Love holds the whole Christian body together. Greetings Any body of people sooner or later tend to fly apart. HEAR AND RESPOND Love is the one bond that will hold them together in The First Lesson Isa. 61:1 -3 unbreakable fellowship. In 1 Cor. 13:13, love is listed Choral Response “Sing Praise to God Our Rock” The Second Lesson Col. 3:12-17 as the supreme Christian grace. Love checks the self­ Hymn of Response “My Wonderful Lord” ish, hard tempers that keep people apart. Love ex­ The People’s Prayer at the Altar presses divine life in the community. Congregational Response “He Touched Me” C. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts” (v. BRING OFFERINGS 15). One scholar paraphrased it this way, “Let the Offertory Scripture Eph. 5:2 peace of God be the umpire in your hearts” (see Vocal Offertory Williams). The way to right action is to appoint Jesus HEAR THE PROCLAMATION Christ as the Arbiter. If peace is sacrificed in hammer­ The Gospel Lesson Luke 2:41 -51 ing out differences, the body has been fractured in de­ The Doxology fiance of the will of God. The Sermon “WHATEVER IS A PRETTY ILLUS. I grieve every time I hear of church splits, regard­ BROAD TERM” less of the number of folks involved. A split that results in Closing Hymn “Such Love” one family or one person leaving a fellowship is just as RECEIVE THE BENEDICTION tragic as a whole group seceding. It’s a sad commentary on God’s people saved by grace. Creative Worship Ideas Pastoral Prayer D. Be thankful. Paul said of the pagan world, “Al­ though they knew God they did not honor him as God “Lord, we gather as disciples this Lord’s day to seek first Your kingdom. That reflects our intentions, or give thanks” (Rom. 1:21, RSV). If all humanity owes even though our minds are racing in all directions. thanksgiving to God, how much more should the re­ “We can’t help but think of the week that is forev­ deemed thank Him? er history. We wonder about the way we did what ILLUS. For a long time I have believed that worship we did. We wonder if it was good enough. And we should be rich with persons spontaneously “teaching and think about the week to come and wonder if we’ll admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and make it. We think about ordinary things like jobs and spiritual songs” (v. 16, NASB). I can ’t escape the cars and houses and bills. Yet we want to seek first prophet’s dream that the “chosen ones” were created to Your kingdom. be a people of praise. That’s the tenor of the community “We’re fortunate that You know our needs before where the Word of Christ richly dwells within. we voice them. We know that we don’t really know our needs, but we think we do. CONCLUSION: “It’s hard to think that today may make an eternal The grand finale of the text is verse 17. Paul addressed difference, but it might. Help us to hear what You basics for Christian relationships within the community. He choose to say, knowing that You might speak summarizes with a life principle: “Whatever you do . . . in through a hymn or chorus, through testimony or word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (v. prayer, through silence or sermon. Amen.” 17). The Christian’s whole life must be lived in obedience to Him.

68 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE SOMEONE OUGHT TO READ SCRIPTURE by Randall E. Davey Neh. 8:1-4, 5-6, 8-10 ■ January 24, 1993

INTRO: they had put in place. The finished product represent­ An ad hoc committee planned this fifth-century b .c . ed something that they had done as a people. | dedication service held at Water Gate Square, Jerusalem. B. Babylonian captivity had devastated their sense of Phase three of the building project had gone over the being a people. In the midst of celebration, they I cost estimate and the time estimate. couldn’t help but think of relatives still in a foreign land. Father Ezra, a priest, had arrived in Jerusalem in 458 to ILLUS. We 20th-century Americans find it difficult to un­ promote religious reform. Jerusalem had been destroyed derstand the profundity of oneness, since individuality years earlier. The Temple was mere rubble. Religious life and “self-madeness” are cherished. We honor the “man of was nothing like the ceremonial past of tradition. the year,” or the “woman of the year” while other coun­ After a long stint of Babylonian oppression, the fate of tries think in more corporate ways. the Jews had gone from bad to worse. Cyrus of Persia The president of a major Japanese company was asked, overran Babylonia and permitted displaced persons to re­ “Who invented the product for which your company is turn home to rebuild their centers of religious life in ex­ famous?” change for loyalty. “Oh, 2,000 employees did,” he responded. They don’t Not all the Jews in Babylonia took the offer. Some think in terms of individual efforts but in that which is were doing quite well financially and opted to stay be­ good for the company. hind but donate to the “Rebuild Jerusalem Fund.” The folks who did return to Jerusalem tended to be poor and C. That fifth-century b.c. crowd gathered as a people and unskilled. Though their building fund was impressive, it positioned themselves to hear what God had to say. didn’t take much opposition from the locals for their en­ Every time the congregation gathers reminds us that thusiasm to be quelled. The work stopped. we are a people, to whom we are called to minister Nehemiah, appointed governor of Judah by Artaxerx- and who are called to minister to us. We’re not in it es, arrived in 445 and boosted Ezra’s construction efforts. alone. We are a people. Both men were bent on pushing through religious re­ II. Ezra read the Scripture to all the people forms. Both were especially concerned about purity of Ezra started reading at dawn. This might have been the heart. first recorded sunrise service! So, 25 years into the project, the overanxious dedica­ In preparation for the dedicatory ceremonies, work­ tion committee planned a celebration to coincide with men had built a scaffolding large enough to hold at least the New Year’s celebration. The crowd gathered near the 12 men. A wooden podium served to support the Law recently completed wall for the ceremony. Perhaps there from which he read. were a few speeches and thank-yous before the “planned spontaneous” request for the reading of the Law. A. Ezra stood to read, and the people stood as well. No one thought the feast would take the sober twist They remained standing as long as he read. Standing is that it did after the Scripture was read. It was supposed a natural human posture for respect. to be an innocent, ceremonial reading of the Law. ILLUS. Out of respect for the law, persons in a court­ I ILLUS. Being a preacher includes being the token prayer. room stand when a judge enters the room. I was asked to give the invocation for a convention of in­ B. Ezra prayed a prayer of invocation. “The people surance underwriters. Prior to my spot on the program answered, ‘Amen, Amen!’ while lifting up their was a professional comedian whose humor was pre­ hands” (v. 6, NASB). In the longer tradition of the dictably raw. I was tempted to preach instead of pray. church, the “amen” was a corporate word, an expres­ But one could tell that the planners of the convention sion of “peopleness.” The lifting up of the hands indi­ banquet saw no conflict between the comedian’s materi­ cated that one was open to receive from the Lord. al and my prayer. C. Then they bowed low and worshiped the Lord with Regardless of the committee’s motives, Ezra seized the their faces to the ground. These physical gestures opportunity and read the Word from dawn till noon! were tokens of honor and reverence, an antidote to I. All the people gathered as one pride. They witnessed to the presence of the Holy and “The people gathered . . . as one man,” a primitive indicated their spirit of submission in His presence. kind of congregation. Though not a worship service, it D. “All the people were attentive” (v. 3, RSV). They lis­ was certainly a sacred celebration. All who could under- tened with interest and openness. 1 stand were welcomed there. ILLUS. A parishioner complained to me about the Scrip­ A. There was an air of excitement as they stood ture readings. “They’re too boring. I don’t like hearing shoulder to shoulder, “clients of a common God.” someone read more than a few verses at a time!” Some stared at the walls, remembering the rocks that Surely a casual dismissal of the reading of the Word as

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 6 9 boring or a preliminary that could easily be eliminated for Well, I’m encouraged. My joy is not explained by cir­ the sake of time misses the dynamic in the formation of cumstance. It rests in knowing that Jesus has whispered the people of God. the last word on sin, and it’s “forgiveness.” E. The Word was read and explained. Even the If you believe in that truth, let the party begin! church board got in on the act (v. 7). Several of them read and then moved through the crowd, explaining the import of the lessons. The Law was understood to be God’s instructions for life. Ezra reminded them of what they had forgotten. SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER Choral Call to Worship “Holy, Holy, Holy, III. The attentive crowd responded to the Lord God Almighty” reading of the Word GATHER TO WORSHIP Some communities of faith respond to the reading of Unison Scripture Reading Ps. 66:1 the Word by saying, “Thanks be to God,’’ or “Praise be to Processional “To God Be the Glory” Thee, O Christ.” They say it in unison as a congregation. Prayer of Blessing Ezra’s crowd grieved and cried openly. Ministers of Music “Lift High the Cross” Ministers of Music “Crown Him with Many Crowns” A. It had been a long time since they had been able Greetings to worship as a people. For the majority, this experi­ HEAR AND RESPOND ence may have been a first. The First Lesson Neh. 8:1-4, 5-6, 8-10 B. They may have been reminded that they were to Choral Response “Sing Praise to God Our Rock” love God with all their hearts and their neighbors too. The Second Lesson 1 Cor. 12:12-30 A Moment for Meditation C. Perhaps some prayed prayers of repentance. Oth­ Hymn of Response “Fairest Lord Jesus” ers may have wept in fear of judgment. The People’s Prayer at the Altar D. They listened with attentive ears and responded Congregational Response “We Will Glorify” with sensitive hearts. Every time the Word is read or BRING OFFERINGS heard, one can either be confirmed or convicted. God Offertory Scripture Ps. 96:8 speaks through His Word. He intends for His people to Offertory Prayer hear and respond. Vocal Offertory HEAR THE PROCLAMATION IV. Nehemiah and Ezra sing a duet The Gospel Lesson Luke 4:14-21 Both the governor and the priest respond to the weep­ The Doxology ing and wailing with an odd announcement. They say, The Sermon “SOMEONE OUGHT TO READ “Don’t worry. Be happy.” The people are told to eat of SCRIPTURE” the fat, drink of the sweet, give some food to the poor, Closing Hymn “O Word of God Incarnate” and remember, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” RECEIVE THE BENEDICTION A. I couldn’t imagine saying to folks convicted by a sermon and moved to pray, “Don’t cry! This is the Creative Worship Ideas day we celebrate the Resurrection. Go! Eat till you’re Notes on Worship full! Rejoice.” The portion of the service that begins with the prelude and concludes with the greetings is some­ B. Regardless of their sin, God was a loving God, and times referred to as the “entrance” portion of the eager to restore His people. A short line exists be­ service. Typically, this is one of the more celebratory tween tears of sorrow and tears of joy, repentance to parts of the service and should be Christ-centered in reconciliation. music selections. ILLUS. I don’t know what I did wrong. But it must have Gospel services frequently exclude hymns or cho­ been something major, resulting in a spanking when Dad ruses that focus on the Godhead, opting for lyrics that emphasize humankind’s condition, decisions, or got home. He routinely got home at 6:15 p .m ., making for a torturously long wait for sure and certain pain. He used commitment. the line, “This will hurt me more than you.” I so desper­ The portion of the service that includes Scripture ately didn’t want him to hurt himself. But, he did. After readings, prayers, and sermon is the “Service of the the “board” meeting, we ate supper. The meal somehow Word.” Here, the congregation intentionally strives to hear that which the Spirit is saying through the re­ made things all right again. It was neutral ground. By vealed Word. dessert time, I was restored to fellowship. I had bright The concluding part of the service is generally un­ hopes for the evening. derstood to be the Service of the Table. Reflecting CONCLUSION: the influence of the American frontier tradition, the The joy of the Lord! The Lord who is grieved by sin re­ holiness movement basically replaced the historic mains eager to forgive and reconcile the sinner—gladly. celebration of the Lord’s Supper at the close of every service with the “altar service,” a modern So I hear the Word. I listen attentively. I am grieved. I adaptation that is geared more toward “seekers.” whisper a prayer and may even weep. Then I’m remind­ ed of God, who delights in my prayers and is overjoyed when I rest in His forgiveness.

7 0 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE WHEN CHRIST IS PRESENT by Randall E. Davey 1 Corinthians 13 January 31, 1993

INTRO: understand that to mean that they cherished gifted With confidence that Jesus will meet with the two or speakers. Others understand tongues to refer to lan­ three who gather in His name (Matt. 18:20), we marry guages. Still others think “tongues” refer to unknown and bury, worship and study, fellowship and do business ecstatic utterance. Whatever the case, some prized the as Christians. gift. If they employed it publicly, they may have been To be Christ’s implies one has responded to Jesus’ gra­ perceived as being especially spiritual. cious offer of forgiveness, justification, and reconcilia­ B. Some Corinthians esteemed the gift of prophecy. tion. Convicted of sin, we repent and open ourselves to Some scholars understand it to mean preaching with the risen Lord’s saving ways. To that we give witness by special inspiration or preachers who were particularly saying, “I’m saved,” “I’m bom again,” or by confessing, insightful in exposing biblical truth. “I’m a Christian. ” When Christians meet, Jesus is present. The believer C. Another segment gained notoriety by making no can say, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” secret that they supported local charities. Some may (Gal 2:20, NASB). Jesus promised to be with the “believ- have etched on the back of their secondhand wooden oxcarts, “We support the poor.” Probably they er-disciple” to the end of the age (Matt. 28:20). wouldn’t have opposed seeing their name in print as I Corinth Community Church was having trouble inte­ members of the Heavy Duty Donors’ Club. grating the idea of Christ’s presence with everyday living. One church member was living with his own stepmother D. Many among them went to extremes to insure with the tacit approval of the congregation. Others were their spirituality. These folk talked of martyrdom and having sexual intercourse with prostitutes. Others, influ­ their willingness to undergo it. Surely some would enced by a Gnostic worldview, had given up sexual rela­ have concluded that these types must be spiritual to tions with their spouses. The same group overate at the say those kinds of things. Lord’s table, got drunk, and were riotous. They did not R Is Christ more present in one spiritual gift or an­ oppose partying with non-Christian neighbors. They other? brought the same spirit to worship services. A district su­ We are more apt to identify one who prays and perintendent might have trouble filling this church. “touches heaven” as a truly spiritual person. Others ILLUS. I preached a revival meeting for a group who would point to one who cries when he sings. Others seemed little interested in or inclined to revival. The measure the audible responses in a service as a sign of meetings were fairly routine and disappointing. At the God’s real presence. For many evangelicals the altar close, a retired preacher explained. “The Spirit wasn’t service is perhaps the test case for God’s obvious pres­ here. He just wasn’t here.” ence. I’m not sure where the sacraments would rank, I understood what he said. Undoubtedly God was pres­ but I suspect they would be a distant last. ent, but not in the ways we would have preferred. Regardless of the criteria, we testify to the mystery Christ is present when His people meet. How Christ’s of His presence. We understand that there are ways presence is expressed and how Christ’s presence is expe­ and times He seems to be present. rienced is not so clear. II. How else is Christ’s presence expressed? I. How is Christ understood to be present Paul argues in the “love chapter” that one can have all when the church gathers? kinds of spiritual gifts and signs that are absolutely worth­ ; When the Church gathers for worship, what causes less if unaccompanied by love. He insists that Christ’s persons to say, “The Lord was really here today”? community must be primarily known for its willingness ILLUS. A few weeks ago, we had an unusual service. It to love each other and to die for each other (John 15:12- Was different from anything we have experienced. Before 15). Admittedly, that is a far cry from where most of us I read the sermon text, a spontaneous testimony was giv­ live. But Paul asserted that only in loving do we under­ en, followed by several others. Soon an hour had passed. stand Christ’s presence. No text was read. The Doxology wasn’t sung. The ser­ A. In Jesus’ community folks are patient with each mon wasn’t preached. Yet, obviously God’s Spirit was other. That’s tough to imagine in any time, let alone in present in an unusual way. an age in which we can fax and phone from our cars. Admittedly, we use a very unscientific method in say- When, for a moment, someone, somewhere extends aig what we say. It is difficult to analyze that which can’t patience to you, rejoice. Christ is present. be analyzed. But the church has always prized some ex­ B. In Jesus’ community folks are kind. They ease one pressions of Christ’s presence more than others. Corinth another’s pain and are sensitive to one another as Paul kas no exception. was to Onesimus! “Folks have been kind to me,” you I A. The Corinthians valued speaking in tongues. Some insist. Rejoice. Christ is present.

DECEMBER/JANl.'ARY/FEBRUARY 7 1 !

C. In Jesus’ community folks aren’t jealous or think too highly of themselves! It’s so natural for us to be jealous of the position and status we think we’ve SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER worked hard to achieve. What fun is it if we don’t let a Choral Call to Worship “When Morning Gilds the Skies” few friends in on our success? GATHER TO WORSHIP “But,” you say, “not everyone is a legend in his own Unison Scripture Reading Ps. 48:1 mind, and not everyone seeks praise and exaggerates Processional “Lead On, 0 King Eternal” his accomplishments.” No? Then rejoice. Christ is pres­ Prayer of Blessing ent in them. Ministers of Music “Be Strong in the Lord” Choral Response “Rejoice in the Lord Always” D. In Jesus’ community folks are not rude, do not in­ Greetings sist on their own way, are not easily provoked, and HEAR AND RESPOND don’t keep records of wrongs! The description is get­ The First Lesson Jer. 1:4-10 ting more unrealistic. We’ve all encountered rude folk Choral Response “Sing Praise to God Our Rock” who explain themselves by saying, “I’m an up-front The Second Lesson 1 Cor. 13:1-13 kind of guy. You never have to wonder where you A Moment for Meditation stand with me.” Sometimes we would prefer to won­ Hymn of Response “Jesus, Lover of My Soul” der as we nurse our wounded spirits. The People’s Prayer at the Altar Of course, the conflict over which we came to ver­ Congregational Response “Be Glorified” bal blows was induced by everyone insisting on his BRING OFFERINGS own way. But the apostle Paul dreamed of relating in Offertory Scripture Exod. 35:4 love. Offertory Prayer All of us know folks who are tactful and don’t insist on Vocal Offertory their own way. They are not given to temper and don’t HEAR THE PROCLAMATION keep bringing up the past. They are so few that we cele­ The Gospel Lesson Luke 4:21 -30 brate their presence and slowly recognize Jesus’ presence. The Doxology The Sermon “WHEN CHRIST IS PRESENT” E. The description of this new community grows Closing Chorus “We Are One in the Bond of Love” more heavenly. A place where folks take no pleasure in doing evil or tale bearing, where they rejoice in the RECEIVE THE BENEDICTION truth and are unbelievably supportive! Christ is present Creative Worship Ideas in them. Prayer of Blessing III. How is Christ’s presence experienced? “Bless our memories as we submit ourselves in We experience grace that makes it possible for us to worship. Help us to remember Your healing ways. turn to Jesus in conversion. We experience Him in mar­ Help us to remember the times and places where we velous outpourings of grace that may result in our sancti­ have received forgiveness. Help us to recall Your re­ fication and His calling upon us to be a community of deeming work. Help us to reflect on Your mercy. persons, worshiping God in spirit and truth. We experi­ Help us to remember Your many good gifts, granted ence Him in the community of His people. to us in Christ, whose presence we celebrate in the spirit of the Resurrection. Amen.” ILLUS. Years ago, I was part of a congregation given to Unison Scripture Reading singing any hymn, gospel song, or chorus that focused on Christian love. It was that kind of an era. One night, fol­ After years of doing an opening “monologue,” I opted to start the service with God’s Word versus lowing board meeting, one member said to another: “If my own. It sets a decidedly different tone and we are one in the bond of love, I’d hate to see what a seems to start the service with the appropriate fo­ meeting would be like if we weren’t!” cus. A. John Wesley said that from the beginning there Unison reading underscores the fact that worship have been two kinds of Christians. The first try to live is an act of the people as opposed to something the Christian life. The second take up their cross daily. done for them. The latter want to be like Jesus. Processional B. Some may believe that they will experience The processional enjoys quite a significant tradi­ tion and generally symbolizes the church gathering Christ’s presence if they worship this way or that, from the far reaches of the world for a central pur­ fast, pray, give double tithe, or run the aisles. Paul pose. would contend otherwise. In Jesus’ exemplified, spon­ In some traditions, the processional includes the taneous, self-giving love He is understood, expressed, entire congregation, and the march begins outside and experienced. the church proper (a practice that obviously isn’t CONCLUSION: employed during Kansas City winters). If one purposes to be like Jesus, he must be like Him in loving, for God is love. Have you been loved when you felt you deserved less? Have you loved the unlovable and didn’t know why or how you could do it? Rejoice. They could do no less. Christ is present.

72 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE THE VISION by Randall E. Davey Isa. 6:1-8 February 7, 1993

INTRO: can’t bring himself to paint a verbal portrait of God. The I have never had a spiritual experience that could top description rises no higher than the hem of His garment. Isaiah’s vision or even come close to it. In fact, this vision C. Seraphim stood above God. Seraphim are not part is something with which I cannot identify, yet I find it en­ of current vernacular. The first group with whom Isa­ gaging. iah shared his experience understood seraphim to be Is the vision to be dismissed as one of those infrequent creatures popular in Egyptian royal symbolism. The God-man encounters, buried with His appearances to winged cobra was understood to be a divine protective Noah, Abraham, or Moses? Is it fascinating but personally spirit, guarding the king. irrelevant? Others associate the word “seraphim” with fire, It seems reasonable to believe that Isaiah was a man of likened unto the “fiery serpents” mentioned in Num. God, long before he experienced this dramatic vision. 21:6, NASB. Isaiah paints them as winged creatures Some contend that he had a history of preaching, pro­ with some humanlike characteristics. nouncing woe, warning his kinsmen of coming peril and They were attendants or servants engaged in perpet­ the sure and certain consequence of their self-reliant spirit. ual praise. John saw four living creatures, winged and Others suggest that the vision occurred during some act singing similar hymn tunes, perhaps first scripted by of worship occasioned by a seasonal festival, such as New their Old Testament counterparts. “Holy, holy, holy, is Year’s, which called attention to the divine Kingship. If so, the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and the Jerusalem Temple celebration would have had added who is to come” (Rev. 4:8, NASB). meaning, since Uzziah (also known as Azariah), a popular The Old Testament seraphim choral group were and effective king, had just died of leprosy (2 Kings 15:5). singing antiphonally, first one group, then another. At Uzziah’s death, Judah was gripped with fear. Uzziah D. “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of hosts” (v. 3, was an efficient administrator, capable military leader, NASB). At that time, only God could be called holy. and competent politician (2 Chron. 26:1-15), a tough act Yet the entire nation has been called to be holy (Exod. to follow. With Assyria about to invade, Judah had no ex­ 19:6). Hebrew understanding of holiness took on an perienced and capable leadership. ethical cast. To be holy implied right relationship with ILLUS. In the U.S.A., President George Bush’s selection God and humankind. of Dan Quayle as a running mate fueled nationwide inse­ curity. The public questioned Quayle’s competency and E. “The whole earth is fu ll o f His glory” (v. 3, NASB). doubted his ability to govern in the event of the presi­ In the postexilic age, this was simply a way of saying, dent’s death. “God’s presence is with us.” Not only in Temple and While Judah panicked, Isaiah had a vision. not only in cloud but also in all the earth! Where God’s glory is revealed, judgment for sin is inevitable. One I. “I saw the Lord” (v. 1) can’t help but think of Jesus, of whom it was said: Without explanation or fanfare, Isaiah recalls the expe­ “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and rience that undoubtedly changed his life and ministry for­ we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from ever. He observes the glory of the king and overhears the the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14, NASB). deliberations of heaven. F. The foundations shook at His voice, and smoke A. “I saw the Lord sitting on a throne” (NASB). We filled the Temple (v. 4). Some traditions include a ritu­ would love to know the details of this story. al during which they dispense smoke, a reminder of Normally people who saw God died (Exod. 19:21). the vision and a reminder that God is mystery. Isaiah caught a glimpse of God. But in the instances II. “Then I said, ‘Woe is me’” (v. 5, NASB) when persons like Moses saw God and lived, they Isaiah was reduced to grief and overwhelming self-as­ were never the same. The encounter enabled them to sessment. He had doomed others, and now he doomed do what God required of them (Exod. 24:9ff). himself. Isaiah leaves the reader with a sense of reverential awe for the One who was high and lifted up. A. When confronted by the Holy One, Isaiah realized that he deserved his absolute and immediate destruc­ B. The throne and royal robe were furniture and gar­ tion. He knew that he could not join the heavenly ments of a king. God alone is the King so desperately choir in songs of praise. needed but so rarely heeded by Judah. God was exalted. The throne of Isaiah’s vision was B. He linked himself with his kinsmen. “And I live among mammoth, and on it sat the Holy One. While Judah franti­ a people of unclean lips” (v. 5). With them and for them, cally searched for someone to lead them, Isaiah lay pros­ Isaiah recognized that their lips were unfit for God. Instead trate in the presence of the only One who is to be exalted. of praise, Isaiah was reduced to abject silence. The skirts of the royal robe filled the Temple! Isaiah ILLUS. I spent a few minutes near an electronic security

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 7 3 I gate through which airline passengers had to walk before can’t create visions, but neither did he. God initiated the getting on board an aircraft. Most went through without action. We can’t purify ourselves and pronounce ourselves interruption. But one tall fellow wearing cowboy garb forgiven, but neither did he. God initiated the action. had a few problems. We can’t genuinely worship God and sing, “Holy, Holy, He initially walked through the gate with confidence, Holy,” while hanging on to acts, attitudes, or spirits in­ but the buzzer sounded. He was asked to de-belt and go congruous with the character of God. Shall we praise or through again. He did but met with the same results. He shall we pray? emptied his pockets, threw his brimmed hat to the ground, and tried it again. No luck. With obvious exasperation, he angrily shouted, “Do you want me to take off every stitch of clothes I have SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER on?” Choral Call to Worship "Brethren, We Have Met The attendant replied, “If that’s what it takes.” to Worship” I read the passage and thought of the angry cowboy, GATHER TO WORSHIP and I thought about me. I can’t carry baggage that is not Unison Scripture Reading Ps. 34:1-3 in keeping with the character of God into His presence Processional “Come, Christians, Join to Sing” and expect to praise Him. Will I have to confess anything Prayer of Blessing and everything to join the heavenly chorus? “If that’s Choral Response “Gloria Patri” what it takes.” Children’s Choir “This Is the Day That the Lord Hath Made” C. Without a prayer for mercy or a promise in ex­ HEAR AND RESPOND change fo r mercy, God acts. Before we can think or The First Lesson Isa. 6:1-8 act, God acts. That’s grace! Ministers of Music “Holy Is the Lord” Seraphim flew with a burning coal in hand, touched The Second Lesson 1 Cor. 15:1-11 the lips of Isaiah, and pronounced him clean. “Your in­ Hymn of Response “Just as I Am” iquity is taken away, and your sin is forgiven” (v. 7, The People’s Prayer at the Altar NASB). He who expected to die was redeemed! Grace Congregational Response “He Is Lord” upon grace. BRING OFFERINGS One wonders if Isaiah’s mind raced to the thousands Offertory Scripture Ps. 96:8 to whom he had preached. Folks who refused to give Offertory Prayer God the time of day, much less acknowledge Him! HEAR THE PROCLAMATION Folks who would be lost if called upon to lead in The Gospel Lesson Luke 5:1 -11 singing, “Holy, Holy, Holy”! The Doxology The Sermon “THE VISION” III. Then Isaiah heard the voice of the Lord Choral Response “Holy, Holy” He listened in on conversations of the heavenly court. There was talk of sending someone with a message from RECEIVE THE BENEDICTION the Lord. Creative Worship Ideas A. Isaiah answered humbly but with a sense of neces­ Prayer of Blessing sity, “Here am I. Send me!” What else could he have “We gather as glory seekers to give glory. We as­ possibly said? Life instead of death. Pardon instead of semble as persons given to the worship of things, punishment. Guiltlessness instead of guilt. He had to our cars and homes included. We meet thinking of go! ourselves, our schedules, our jobs, our needs. We stand here with like-minded folk, desperate but un­ B. The rest of his life was a response to that which knowing. Bless us with Your presence so that we God had initiated and so graciously done. may responsibly give You glory, worship You, think IT .TITS. A dear friend of mine was released from prison of You, love You, and do what we do in Jesus’ this past week. For six years and four months he was un­ name. Amen.” der strict and constant surveillance. But while in prison, Offertory Prayer he had a transforming experience with Christ Jesus. So “That to which we hold so tightly, we lift to You many were faithful to the gospel in ministering hope to and ask, ‘How shall we manage it for Jesus’ sake?’ him. Grant us wisdom to be the stewards You have He didn’t learn of his release until 48 hours before he called us to be. Amen.” was set free. I talked with him on the phone and asked, Notes “How does it feel to be free?” In addition to the “Gloria Patri,” the worship leader “I can’t believe it. I simply can’t believe it.” may want to occasionally use the refrain from “An­ At that, he rushed to tell me that he wanted to give the gels We Have Heard on High,” Crosby’s “To God Be rest of his life ministering to inmates who would live out the Glory,” or even Crouch’s “My Tribute.” their days behind bars. Why? Because he felt compelled. More important is the understanding that follow­ Isaiah had to go. He could do nothing else. ing our asking God to do something, in this case for blessing, it is appropriate to give Him that which He CONCLUSION: is due— glory! Are you tempted to say, “If I had a vision like Isaiah’s, I would more readily give myself to God in worship ”? We

7 4 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE IF YOU’RE HATED, YOU MIGHT BE ON THE RIGHT TRACK by Randall E. Davey Luke 6:17-26 February 14, 1993

INTRO: ILLUS. I drove past a high school the other morning I watched several minutes of a televised interview with about 7:30 a .m . As I pulled up to a traffic light, I noticed a politicians, all of whom hope to win their party’s nomination few high school students standing in front of the school. for president of the United States. They were asked tough, One girl had on what appeared to be a cross between a pointed questions that could have easily been answered with David Bowie suit and a Madonna hairstyle. She looked a yes or no. Not one of them offered an easy, understandable pitiful and lonely. I wondered if she was saying, “All response. Skillfully they answered “hot button” questions right, gang, will you love me now?” that they hadn’t been asked, avoiding the simple queries. One will experience joy in the face of overwhelming ILLUS. One politician was asked, “Is it true that you had odds if one is hated for the sake of the Son of Man. an affair?’’ The candidate fussed with semantics, suggest­ B. Jesus said one will have joy when, as a result of be­ ed that the past was past and that he enjoyed the support ing hated, one is ostracized. Jewish converts to Chris­ of his wife, and told us that America needed to lower tax­ tianity had been excommunicated from synagogues and es, help the poor, and implement medical coverage for banned by their own blood relatives. Merely confessing everyone. Did he or didn’t he? Jesus to be Messiah was grounds for ouster (John 9:22). Why didn’t they answer the questions yes or no? ILLUS. I met a woman who had been a church pianist for One doesn’t have to be a rocket scientist to answer that. over 10 years in the same church in which she was raised. They wanted to address the kinds of topics the public want­ In her late teen years, she married her childhood sweet­ ed to hear. They only do that by controlling the interview. heart. They eventually had two children. For reasons I will The following morning, the city paper gave the inter­ never know, her spouse abused her, and she finally left him view as little attention as a recycling program. No one ex­ in fear of her life. The church, as she reported it, benched pected them to answer the questions. The candidates’ her from the piano since she didn’t have “biblical grounds” primary aim was to please the audience in hopes that for leaving him. She wept openly and told how she felt, be­ that would translate into votes. ing ostracized from her church family. After some time, she How odd of Jesus, advancing a new kingdom, to say dropped out. Ostracism wasn’t an occasion for joy. what He said. He didn’t throw out crowd-pleasing tid­ C. Jesus said one would experience joy when insult­ bits. He talked in puzzling, upsetting, nonsensical ways ed. The crowd must have questioned His sanity! “You about pertinent matters. will experience joy when you are hissed off the stage The text covers what some call the “Sermon on the and your reputation mocked.” Plain.” It has considerable differences with Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount. Volumes have been written on ILLUS. A television program attempted to launch persons these passages given to disciples in the hearing of a larger into stardom. Serious contenders sang or performed in crowd. Verses 22-23 and 26 will serve as a typical exam­ front of a live audience who had the prerogative to hiss and ple of Jesus’ teaching. boo if they didn’t like what they saw or heard. It must be devastating to be mocked and ridiculed right off the stage. I. Blessed are you in the oddest of times D. When one is hated, ostracized, insulted, and one’s “Blessed” refers ,to the deep, religious joy that is the reputation ruined, take heart if it is for the sake of consequence of one’s participation in the kingdom of the Son of Man. If the Son of Man was rejected, those God. One doubts the disciples could have imagined the who follow Him can expect the same kind of recep­ things Jesus said would produce such an experience. tion. It did happen (John 16:2), and happen it will. ILLUS. Friends of ours who recently returned from a minivacation called to say, “Hello!” The first thing out of II. When most men would weep, you can their mouths was, “You want to know where to go for a leap great time?” Jesus doesn’t give mere lip service to keeping one’s I bit. “Where?” chin up in tough times. He doesn’t stop with positive atti­ I “Sanibell Island,” they replied. It’s February in Kansas tude or a “can do” spirit talk. He says that when folks are City. I expected them to say Hawaii, the Caribbean, or persecuted for His name’s sake, they can leap for joy. some such exotic place. On the other hand, I would have ILLUS. A commercial jingle went something like, “I love been floored if they had said, “Go do hard labor in a what you do for me, Toyota!” In the background, a variety prison camp. It’s great.” of folks were jumping up in the air, kicking their heels. Jesus was saying things that made no sense. Even from the lips of Jesus, it’s so difficult to under­ A. Jesus said one will have joy when one is hated. I stand joy in the face of rejection and abusive treatment. wonder how many heard the rest of the story. I can’t Jesus offered two reasons they could leap. think of a soul who enjoys being hated. I can think of a A. Leap because you have a heavenly reward in whole flock who would do anything to be loved! store. Jesus was saying, “Discipleship isn’t one grand

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 75 picnic; but when times are tough, know that there is a final chapter about which your persecutors do not know.” SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER Talk of immortality wasn’t household conversation. Choral Call to Worship “O for a Thousand Tongues!” Many of the crowd didn’t believe in the resurrection. GATHER TO WORSHIP So His talk of heaven was one more confusing part. Unison Scripture Reading Ps. 33:1 B. Leap because you are being linked with the proph­ Processional “All Creatures of Our God and King” Prayer of Blessing ets who were mistreated and persecuted too. The Ministers of Music “My Jesus, I Love Thee” messengers were hated because of the message. Children’s Choir “Give Thanks unto the Lord” III. “Woe to you when all men speak well of Greetings you” (Luke 6:26a, NASB) HEAR AND RESPOND Who doesn’t want to have a good reputation? Who The First Lesson Jer. 17:5-10 doesn’t give himself diligently to shaping and managing Choral Response “Thy Word” perceptions to insure that a reputation gained is a reputa­ The Second Lesson 1 Cor. 15:12-20 A Moment for Meditation tion kept? Hymn of Response “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” Jesus was quick to say, though, that Joe Public spoke The People’s Prayer at the Altar well of false prophets. If you want to be like the truth- Congregational Response Refrain of “I Will telling prophets and the Son of Man, expect to be hated. Praise Him” Since one may compare with a false prophet, it helps BRING OFFERINGS to know if that is a compliment or an insult. Offertory Scripture 2 Cor. 9:7 A. They were a problem in Jesus’ day (Matt. 7:15-23)- Offertory Prayer Vocal Offertory B. They were a problem in Paul’s ministry (Acts 13 '6) but frequently had amazing popularity with HEAR THE PROCLAMATION The Gospel Lesson Luke 6:17-26 the masses. The Doxology C. They had a string of undesirable predecessors who The Sermon “IF YOU’RE HATED, YOU MIGHT BE drew crowds by hitting “hot buttons” and telling the ON THE RIGHT TRACK” crowd what they wanted to hear. Closing Hymn “I Am Coming, Lord” 1. “Speak to us pleasant words, prophesy illusions” RECEIVE THE BENEDICTION (Isa. 30:10, NASB). 2. “The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests Creative Worship Ideas rule on their own authority; and My people love it Prayer of Blessing so!” Qer. 5:31, NASB). “May, O God, Your Spirit bear witness with our spirit, that we are indeed Your children. May we re­ D. False prophets still abound. flect the joy of knowing that we are Yours, creatures, ILLUS. I heard a TV evangelist preaching that God wants servants, sons and daughters. His children to be affluent. He pitched Scripture out of “May we sing and pray, hear and heed as children context. In so doing, he set the stage for those who be­ of the Most High. Your blessing we need and seek; lieve and will send a promise (offering) to mark their for it we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.” commitment to trusting Jesus. Greetings CONCLUSION: Consider beginning this time with an invitation to Jesus’ message is sobering. The media says of a well- confess the Apostles’ Creed. Having confessed the risen Lord, the church as community can express known pastor, “He’s thought highly of and is well re­ union with each other and the church of past cen­ spected throughout the world as a religious leader.” I turies in using the creed. wonder if that is a compliment or an insult. Prayers of the People I wonder about pastors who crave unanimous votes of “For things carelessly said and things thought­ confidence from the congregations they serve. Isn’t there lessly done, for things that should have been something about the nature of the gospel that invites cru­ thoughtfully said, and things that should have been cifixion? carefully done, What does the message say of any who follow Jesus? for labor and leisure that was to be done as unto Those who live a truly holy life will conflict with the val­ You, ues of the ungodly and the would be godly who want a for witness and service poorly done, grant us for­ modified Gospel? giveness. Jesus forces His hearers to think. This Kingdom of “For unkindnesses and meanness of spirit, grant which He talked was not a mildly different political agen­ us forgiveness and grace that we might be forgiving da that would please the ears of the undecided. No. On and gracious. the contrary. If the agenda is preached and heard and “For mercy, grace, and forgiveness received, we lived, one might be hated. give hearty thanks. Amen.” To the extent that you are hated for His name’s sake, be glad and leap for joy!

7 6 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE MAJOR MESSAGE FROM A MINOR PROPHET by Randall E. Davey Zeph. 3:14-20 February 21, 1993

INTRO: ILLUS. A few nights ago, I heard a racket coming from The scanty material provided in the writings of the sev- Ashley’s room. Theoretically, she was fast asleep, but I enth-century b .c . prophet, Zephaniah, is the sole source could tell she wasn’t. I went “forthrightly” to her room of biographical data available. He was a distant relative of and saw her bouncing on her bed like an Olympiad on a Judah’s King Hezekiah, making him a second cousin to trampoline. Wide-eyed with excitement, she said, “Two the current king, Josiah. Probably, he was in his early to more days until Amanda’s party!” Though her enthusiasm mid-20s at the zenith of his ministry. That would put his was short-lived, she was already in the party spirit long work at the 638 b .c . to 621 B.C. date, making him a con­ before the balloons were inflated! temporary of Jeremiah. Israel was invited to celebrate now, based on that History looks kindly on Josiah. His administration came which was sure to come. Christians understand that. We on the heels of Amon’s, a short term ruler whose untime­ celebrate, knowing that the victory was won in history, ly, tragic demise by his enemies spelled an abrupt end to and the Victor is coming again. a questionable political career. Amon’s father, Manasseh, A. “Shout in triumph, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with served as king of Judah for 45 years prior to Amon. Ma- all your heart, O daughter o f Jerusalem!” (v. 14, NASB). nasseh’s stamp remained long after Amon was laid to rest In verse 14, three honorable names are given to the and Josiah had ascended to the throne. Church of God: Daughter of Zion (cf. Isa. 1:8), Israel (cf. Manasseh dictatorially ruled Judah with an iron fist. But Gen. 32:28), and Daughter of Jerusalem (cf. Isa. 37:22). he proved to be putty in the hands of Assyrian political and The remnant, the survivors who will be saved by God military bosses for whom he had fear-inspired respect. They “on that day,” are invited to rejoice “with all their hearts. knew that he ruled Judah at their Assyrian whim and will. The evil despot seduced his own people to win favor with ILLUS. “I can’t rejoice in the Lord always. In fact, I have the powers that be (2 Kings 21). Under Manasseh’s direc­ trouble rejoicing at all.” It was a confession of sorts. He ex­ tive, Judah was overcome with Assyrian customs, policies, plained why he left the choir. “I just couldn’t sing anymore.” and religion. So broad-minded was he that he opened his “Why not?” arms to child sacrifice (v. 6), witchcraft, the cult of the “Lost my job.” dead, and worship of astral deities. Intolerant subjects were Both Zephaniah and Paul would remind us all that our candidates for a premature trip to the morgue. celebration is not tied to the oppressive realities of every Barbaric neighbors to the north, known as Scythians, day but to the certainty of “the day of the Lord.” posed a constant threat too. The Scythians were fierce B. Our worship results from reflection. That really mobsters, bent on destruction. flies in the face of our experience. Typically, worship Onto the geopolitical stage walked Josiah, whose own leaders assume that it is their task to “get people spiritual crisis and “conversion” resulted in further ready” for worship. Only after singing a few upbeat change for corrupt Judah. Josiah’s leadership was initially songs would folk likely testify. Zephaniah would insist unpopular, but he wasn’t to be intimidated. With the zeal that we come ready to engage in an act of worship be­ of a freshman politician, he introduced sweeping cause “the Lord has taken away His judgments . . . He changes that culminated in his first published work, the has cleared away your enemies” (v. 15, NASB). Deuteronomic Code. ILLUS. If I received a check in the mail from our church Soon after Josiah found his way around the presidential board for a million dollars, I would walk into our next ser­ (rose garden, Zephaniah was on hand for a press conference. vice differently. I couldn’t remain the same. The expression Like his idyllic tutor, Isaiah, Zephaniah warned of the on my face would tell the story. We gather, having received imminent day of the Lord, a day of promise for some, a the heritage of the Cross. We can’t remain the same. We day of destruction for others. Undoubtedly, he saw judg­ enter worship with a profound sense of gratitude. ments in terms of “this world” events, unfolding through God-used military machines. II. The King of Israel is in your midst! The “day of the Lord” was a necessary evil, a judgment The occasion of celebration was not lost in an isolated that could have been avoided. But for the “humble and historical event. It wasn’t simply “Red Sea stuff,” their lowly . . . [who] tell no lies, nor . . . [are] deceitful” (w. own kind of Pearl Harbor, that they were being called to 12-13, NASB), good days are ahead. remember. Zephaniah contended that the Lord himself had delivered them from the scourge of the enemy. He I. Shout for joy! would be in their midst! ' These verses reflect the joy of the redeemed in the presence of the promised Lord on the climax of the day A. Zephaniah’s crowd lived in hopes of Messiah’s com­ ing but undoubtedly were more focused on the barbar­ of the Lord. The verbs are labeled as prophetic perfect; ians to the north and the soothsayer on the next block. the events, though yet in the future, are described as hav­ ing taken place already. B. The Lord is present. He is with His Church always,

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 7 7 even unto the end of the world (Matt. 28:20). Zephani- D. “I will give you renown and praise among all the ah’s picture bypassed so much of that which is now his­ peoples o f the earth” (v. 20, NASB). The deliverance will tory and that which John saw in his end-time vision: “Be­ be observable. It will happen “before your eyes” (NASB). hold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He shall CONCLUSION: dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and That’s the way Zephaniah saw it! The day of the Lord God Himself shall be among them” (Rev. 21:3, NASB). would be the ultimate in salvation. He may have under­ C. The Lord as “a victorious warrior” will save them stood it strictly in terms of real dirt and real boundary (v. 17, NASB). Zephaniah employs a militaristic lines and real enemies. But of deliverance he was certain. metaphor painfully obvious to his hearers. The pres­ That was enough for praise. ence of the Lord and the certainty of future deliver­ The redeemed read the story of history a little differ­ ance cause present celebration. ently. We know the Christ chapter. We know about the ILLUS. My older brother has always been a hero-type to Cross. And we know about the Resurrection. We can’t me. It was initially rooted in the status he gave me by sim­ help but praise. Jesus is coming again! ply being my bigger brother. The neighborhood in which I grew up knew nothing of gangs and street violence. But we could occasionally square off if someone spoke ill of SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER “Gunsmoke’s” Matt Dillon or “The Rifleman’s” Chuck Con­ Choral Call to Worship “O for a Thousand Tongues!” nors. If the odds were against me, I only had to invoke the GATHER TO WORSHIP name of my brother, declare that he was soon to be home, Unison Scripture Reading Ps. 68:19 and that very thought gave me confidence and strength. Processional “Immortal, Invisible” The Victor is present. The Cross and Resurrection are Prayer of Blessing part of our history, yet somehow part of our present and Ministers of Music “Let Songs of Praise Begin” part of our future. Our adequacy is in Him (2 Cor. 3:5-6). Children’s Choir “Clap Your Hands” Our hope is in Him. HEAR AND RESPOND The First Lesson Zeph. 3:14-20 III. He will exult over you with joy! Choral Response “There Is a Balm in Gilead” Zephaniah details the ways He understands that God The Second Lesson Phil. 4:4-9 will act in behalf of His people. We recite, “I the chief of Hymn of Response “Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee” sinners am, but Jesus died for me” (John Wesley). The em­ The People’s Prayer at the Altar phasis there is “for me.” Zephaniah is certain, because of Congregational Response “All Hail King Jesus” God’s presence, the remnant have nothing to fear (v. 16). BRING OFFERINGS I struggled with the idea of God’s acceptance of me in Offertory Scripture Exod. 35:21 Christ. Believing it to be true was an exercise of faith. But Offertory Prayer believing that God will delight in me was a bigger step yet. Vocal Offertory A. “He will exult over you with joy” (v. 17, NASB). God HEAR THE PROCLAMATION The Gospel Lesson Luke 3:7-18 rejoices over every repenting sinner (Luke 15:7, 10); He The Doxology rejoices as he sees the Church and her individual mem­ The Sermon “MAJOR MESSAGE FROM A bers joyfully serving Him. As He sees their godly lives MINOR PROPHET” (Titus 2:12-14), their “feet shod with the preparation of Closing Hymn “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee" the gospel of peace” (Eph. 6:15, KJV), ready and eager RECEIVE THE BENEDICTION to preach, He rejoices over them with great joy! ILLUS. When Ashley was six years old, she figured it out. Creative Worship Ideas “Do you know why Jesus wants us all to get killed?” she Lectionary asked her brother. “He wants us all with Him; and you A lectionary is a compilation of scripture that can know what? Up there, we can jump on beds, and they be used in worship in a variety of ways. Typically, won’t even break! And you can walk up walls.” editors develop a three-year schedule. It’s all right with Jesus if you jump on beds! She has Lectionaries include a Psalm for the Day, an Old the idea that Jesus really wants to be with us and is inter­ Testament Lesson, a New Testament Lesson, and a ested in our enjoying the relationship. Zephaniah may Gospel Lesson. Lectionaries track with the church have been a bed jumper! “He will rejoice over you with year, highlighting Epiphany, Transfiguration, Lent, shouts of joy” (NASB). Passion Week, Holy Week, Pentecost, Trinity Sun­ day, and Advent. B. “He will be quiet in His love” (v. 17, NASB). Silent­ Preaching through the lectionary affords one the ly He basks in love, an expression used to denote love opportunity to deal with some very sensitive issues deeply felt, which is absorbed in its object with without appearing to be “gunning” for a particular thoughtfulness and admiration. problem in the congregation. Those who use the lec­ C. “I will gather. . . deal. . . save . . . turn . . . bring” tionary frequently comment on the uncanny way the (vv. 18-20, NASB). All in their behalf! During the com­ text for a given day seems to be so timely and current. ing days of Jerusalem’s destruction, the captivity of her Use of the lectionary opens the congregation to a full range of biblical thought and encourages the preacher citizens, the disruption of worship practices, God’s to explore issues that might be tempting to bypass. promises voiced through the prophets were absolutely essential to their survival.

78 THE PREACHER S MAGAZINE NO NEWS WAS G O O D NEWS by Randall E. Davey 1 Thess. 2:13 February 28, 1993

INTRO: I. They received the Word of God Thessalonica was considered one of the most signifi­ We get some insight from this passage: “You also be­ cant cities of the eastern Mediterranean area. Built on a came imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the rising hill and overlooking the gulf, Thessalonica was the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit” leading harbor of Macedonia. Romans used it as a naval (1:6, NASB). Young Christians need to imitate other fol­ station. The Via Egnatia or “Overland Military Highway,” lowers who are following Jesus. connecting the city of Rome to the countries at the east­ A. In less than ideal circumstances, they “welcomed” ern end of the Mediterranean, ran through the city from the Word as one would welcome a guest. The Jews west to east. In 146 B.C., Thessalonica became the capital of the entire province. Though a military presence was were so opposed that they followed Paul to Berea. not obscure, the city was “considered a free city.” They would have molested the young believers. Two mystery religions, both fertility cults, were domi­ B. Paul maintains that the message was “the gospel of nant along with hosts of other religions, including em­ God” (2:2, NASB). He is simply a herald. The function of a peror worship. The environment was ripe for new herald is to pass on the words given to him. He is not to thought. give a message of his own devising, nor even to elaborate Paul and his evangelistic association had just done a on what has been given to him. He simply passes on what stint in Philippi, where they had suffered persecution he is told. Paul’s forceful drive came not from some and insulting treatment (1 Thess. 2:1-2). They moved on thought that he was abreast of contemporary trends in to Thessalonica and met with “much opposition” philosophy or religion or science, but from the deep-seat- (NASB). ed conviction that he was simply God’s mouthpiece. What The text suggests that they stayed there three weeks. he spoke was the veritable Word of God. Some contend that it was more like three months. Their ILLUS. I have frightening memories of an adult Sunday work certainly wasn’t in vain. School class where the teacher ritualistically tossed the i While ministering, they were self-supporting. Paul printed lesson aside and said, “Let’s talk about something worked as a tent or tent cloth maker. Though entitled to practical.” support from those to whom he ministered, he was not He couldn’t make the connection between the Word inclined to take it. Several “strolling teachers” made their given in antiquity and its application for the 20th century. living by their wits and not by their character. Paul didn’t Yet much of the 20th century won’t make sense to the be­ want to be confused with them. liever apart from a solid understanding of the Word. Paul’s tentmaking business was barely off the ground The church ought to be a place where we hear and under­ when his gospel team was unceremoniously evicted from stand “the message” so that we can pass it on to someone Thessalonica. Though absent in body, they were never else. In the old game one whispers something in someone’s ong out of his mind. ear, who in turn does the same thing to someone else. Usual­ Paul worried about the young group and tried twice to ly, the message heard differs from the message given. return to them but was “hindered by Satan” (see v. 18, KJV). He wondered about their welfare. When his curios­ Paul was anxious that the message given was the mes­ ity could not be abated, he sent Timothy from Athens to sage heard. “encourage” the young church (3:2). II. They didn’t take Paul’s words as though | Paul prepared to hear the worst. Had nothing re­ they were mere men’s words mained of his work, he would understand. There were They responded as though God were speaking to them no Bible studies, Christian literature, parachurch groups, through Paul. To whom do we listen? IChristian television or radio. Yet the young church sur­ ILLUS. We had guests in our home. On one occasion, I vived in the face of opposition. How? heard our adult guest discipline our youngest daughter. ILLUS. Years ago before church planting was a science, I “Ashley, don’t sit on the kitchen table.” planted a church. The experience nearly buried me. I For just a moment, Ashley eyed our guest and then vividly remember moving to a city where I knew no one. said, “You aren’t the boss of me.” I remember the early days, leading people to Jesus, It was clear that Ashley didn’t think for a minute that atching them grow in the Lord and me growing along our guest had any right to tell her what to do. Ashley was ith them. A little over four years later, I moved from the wrong, but nevertheless, she acted on what she assumed city and left a part of my heart with that group with to be good conclusions. hom I had celebrated and wept and worshiped. To this day, it’s difficult to call “back home” and find A. If we conclude that the preaching we hear is simply out about Heidi and Billie and Franz and Pat and on and the opinion of “some preacher,” we can turn a deaf on. I want to know, and yet I don’t. I’m fearful that I’ll ear. But what if it is the Word of the Lord? Week by hear that some have fallen away—and they have. week, we hear God’s Word. It was the Word of God that

d ecem ber/ja n u a r y / febru a ry 79 provided solid foundation for the new church plant and In both cases, people were pleasant, intrigued, and an­ the Word they received in the face of opposition. swered, “Yes,” in an intellectual but unconvincing way. ILLUS. Someone walked out of service and made a very The Word can shape us only to the extent that we are typical comment. “That was truth-preaching today. I’ve willing by grace to be shaped. always believed what you were talking about today.” CONCLUSION: I have preached from other passages of Scripture and been The Thessalonians imitated Paul, endured sufferings, held suspect by the same well-wisher. Did he conclude that grew, and were identified as Paul’s “glory and joy.” Our it was truth preaching because it lined up with his previously purpose, our mission, is to glorify God and enjoy Him for­ held notions or was it truth simply because it was truth? ever. Our ability to do that is tied to our responsiveness B. Their reception o f the Word was not merely attitudi- to the Word that became Flesh. Hear the Word, receive nal. According to 1 Thess. 1:6-10, (1) they became imita­ the Word, hide the Word. Let’s welcome it. Let’s respond tors of Paul and the Lord; (2) they became examples to to it and be shaped by it—to His glory. Amen. all the believers. They received the Word, and it resulted in observable, behavioral, and ideological changes. They turned from idols to serve a living and true God (v. 9). C. What does it mean to be a “pattern community”? SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER Choral Call to Worship “Joyful, Joyful, Perhaps Paul knew that some persons learn by hearing, We Adore Thee” others learn by seeing, and still others learn by feeling. The church was to consist of believers who teach for­ GATHER TO WORSHIP giveness, who demonstrate forgiveness, and who feel Unison Scripture Reading Ps. 149:1 Processional “O Worship the King” deeply about forgiveness as the basis by which all of us Prayer of Blessing are reconciled to the Father. Ministers of Music “He Lives” ILLUS. I became acquainted with a small independent Choral Response “Gloria Patri" ministry in northwest Ohio. Doctrinally they were a bit HEAR AND RESPOND unique, but one thing was inescapable. They were living The First Lesson Deut. 6:4-9 examples of changed lives. Choral Response “Thy Word” My barber was a member of that fellowship. I asked The Second Lesson 1 Thess. 2:13 him, “Carl, why do you attend church where you do?” Hymn of Response “I Am Thine, O Lord” “Simple,” he said. “They show you how to be a husband The People’s Prayer at the Altar and father.” “They show you how!” Congregational Response “I Will Praise Him” BRING OFFERINGS III. The Word performs its work in those who Offertory Scripture Matt. 5:23-24 believe Offertory Prayer The verb “worketh” is almost always used in the KJV New Testament of some form of supernatural activity. HEAR THE PROCLAMATION The Gospel Lesson Matt. 10:16-23 Mostly it is that of God (1 Cor. 12:6; Phil. 2:13). Here the The Doxology power manifested in the lives of the converts is not of this The Sermon “NO NEWS WAS GOOD NEWS” world, but divine. Where the Word of God is welcomed Closing Hymn “Wonderful Words of Life” with obedient faith, there the power of God is at work. RECEIVE THE BENEDICTION A. No wonder Paul was full of thanksgiving. Con­ verts responded initially and continued to believe. Creative Worship Ideas ILLUS. A friend said of his wife, “She has never been a Prayers of the People finisher.” Have you ever “signed up” for something—an “We who come confessing Christ as Lord come exercise regimen, a diet, or a commitment to begin some­ with the scars of the week. We are called to be thing new, only to drop out after a few weeks? How Christ to each other; and if we have been that, it’s a many of us have “starter kits” of one kind or another—or testimony to Your great grace. a basement full of products of some sort or another? “We have been called to be patient and kind. If we These indicators show that at one time we believed have been impatient and unkind, we seek forgiveness. someone’s report, but over time, it didn’t ring true. “We have been called to be humble and sensitive. If we have been arrogant and rude, we seek forgiveness. B. We catch the vibrant spirit of the Thessalonians. “We have been called to put others’ needs before Like baby birds with open mouths, they received the our own and to forget those times when people have Word and appropriated it. wronged us. Forgive us for insisting on our own way Receiving the Word takes discipline. It says something and for nursing old injuries. about the way we listen and what we expect to hear. “We have been called to love as Christ loved. For­ ILLUS. I conducted a very unscientific survey one Sunday give us for not wanting to be inconvenienced in morning as people were coming to Sunday School. I met small ways, not to mention laying down our lives. them in the parking lot and asked, “Do you expect to “Grant us eyes of compassion that we may see hear something today that could make an eternal differ­ the world around us and the will to respond in Je­ ence?” With some, I modified the question. “Do you ex­ sus’ stead. Amen.” pect that you might have to think differently or do some­ thing differently as a result of your presence in church?”

8 0 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE TOPIC' SOMETIMES 1 Unfair WE DON'T Expectations, U m l p 9er’ So>ving

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