SJ03SEJ JOJ JBl Letters

The historical-critical method: the we will not be anxious over divinity. Paul Tonson, Victoria, Adventist debate discrepancies in biblical accounts. Australia. To those of us who are not Indeed, the transparency of minor academically qualified to participate in discrepancies is a reassuring aspect of How do you handle truth? the debate, Robert Mclver ("The Scripture and serves to highlight the James Cress (March 1996) quotes Historical-Critical Method: The Adventist big picture of Scripture, namely the 2 Timothy 2:15: "Study to shew Debate" [March 1996]) has made a basic theology of a loving God behind thyself." The Greek word for "study" significant contribution. He has given a it all. It is precisely the message of is spoudazo. Arndt and Gingrich balanced overview presenting the Scripture (that we are made in the translate it as "hasten, hurry, be strengths and weaknesses of both sides. image of God) that frees us from zealous or eager, take pains, make I especially appreciate his hopeful dependence on a notion like inerrancy. every effort." With surprising assessment: "What we have here is not For we individually have the divine unanimity the New International so much an impasse as an opportunity capacity to reflect and to discern, Version, the New Revised Standard to find a better basis from which to aided by the Spirit. When further we Version, the American Bible work." This controversy may never be subject our reflection to the Christian Society©s Contemporary English completely settled, but we should body of which we are a member, we Version all translate the word as "Do earnestly endeavor to enlarge and find all the safeguard we need for true your best to." It has nothing to do emphasize what the author terms the understanding. with study in the popular "common ground." Holland Ruf, The article does not acknowledge understanding of the word. Collegedale, Tennessee. that in the past decade, scholars within If this had been stated at the the field of historical-critical beginning of the article, the author©s As a Baptist minister in scholarship have produced their own excellent points might have been Australia, I receive your magazine far-reaching critique of previously clearer and more telling. Rev. unsolicited and I find it offers some "assured results." The emphasis of William G. Campbell, St. Saviour©s thoughtful articles. I am responding to this post-modern era has returned to Anglican Church, Alberta, Canada. the very fair article by Mclver in the the text in its final form and this has issue of March 1996 concerning the opened up great opportunity for Useful and relevant articles historical-critical method. I have also evangelical scholarship to engage This simply comes to commend struggled to reach a balanced those whom the article refers to as you for the useful and relevant articles conception of the Bible as Word of God "liberal." presented in your May 1996 issue. As but have found some integrating I am concerned at the somewhat an involved member of a local church principles along the way. naive use of the term antisupernatural whose membership is very diverse, I First, concerning redaction and in the article. It is not helpful, nor noticed that the articles not only revelation: if we may believe that the correct, to equate this with the matter portrayed such congregations as work of the Spirit applies as much to of historical-critical scholarship. The legitimate, but they also gave an the redactor as to the writer, we may trouble with the strong dualism accurate picture of what heaven will be extend our view of inspiration without suggested by this term is that it like. They were refreshing and being tied to the peculiarly American differentiates the quality of God©s enlightening. A few years ago when we solution in the words: "as originally work within the natural order from were considering merging with another given." For example, it has been well what is supposedly outside the natural church, we could find very little demonstrated that accounts of the order. In fact, we know that this information when it came to how-tos, Second World War written near the dualism is no more than a human benefits, or pitfalls not much in fact time lack both the perspective and the thought construction to help us talk except for church growth statistics, information released in the past few about the mystery of the spiritual. It which seemed to encourage homogenous years. So redactive interpretations of is entirely biblical to recognize that groupings. To many of us this did not Scripture, normally added to the every event in the world is seem to be the whole picture, and I am existing text, can be at least as historically conditioned, but at the most appreciative that you are helping reliable. The ultimate example is the same time, with the eye of faith, to us, as a member of a world church, New Testament Gospel which rein see in these events the hand of God. with some practical directions. terprets the nature of God shown in This is our testimony to the world. Both my husband and I also found the Hebrew Bible. Fundamentally, the incarnation of the piece on PKs quite fascinating, Second, if we trust in the work of God as Christ puts an end to this especially since he falls into that the Spirit bringing inspiration to the dualism and demands a more category! Nancy Marter, Silver reader (as well as writer and redactor) integrated way of conceiving Spring, Maryland.

If you©re receiving MINISTRY bimonthly without having paid for a subscription, it©s not a mistake. Since 1928 MINISTRY has been published for Seventh-day Adventist ministers, but we believe the time has come for clergy everywhere to experience a resurgence of faith in the authority of Scripture and in the great truths that reveal the gospel of our salvation by grace, through faith alone in Jesus Christ. We want to share with you our aspirations and faith in a way that we trust will provide inspiration and help to you too. We hope you will accept this journal as our outstretched hand to you. Look over our shoulders, take what you want and find helpful, and discard what you cannot use. Bimonthly gift subscriptions are available to all licensed and/or ordained clergy. Requests should be on church letterhead. 2 MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER 1996 First Glance.

A thoughtful glance at the massive changes that have 2 Letters rocked our planet during the past two decades should soften 4 Worship and music: natural but uneasy mates the conflict and bewilderment behind our questions over the Will Eva issue of appropriate music in worship. It is significant that most of this conflict is concentrated in high-tech, high- 5 Sing the song of gladness communication cultures. Anita J. Strawn de Ojeda In these cultures, not only is there a plethora of new *7 Historical perspectives on change in worship music thought and influence, but the new forms of musical Lillianne Doukhan expression convey powerfully the new ways of looking at new realities, and are able to do it for a very broad audience in a 10 The crisis in the congregation matter of hours. All kinds of music speak profoundly to the Dick Tibbits lives of all kinds of people in all kinds of cultures. 14 The Benny©s dilemma Are there legitimate or even urgently necessary Ron Gladden applications of some of these forms of musical expression in at least some of our worship? If so, how far should we go in 18 Divine designs for dealing with ethical issues adapting these expressions in genuinely Christian worship? Ron du Preez For some, these questions along with many related ones are 21 Ten reasons we need those great hymns old hat, for others their significance is urgent, and for still Bill O©Connor others the whole question possesses just a dawning import. I believe the theme articles in this issue of Ministry are 23 Annie worthy of every pastor©s attention. This month©s issue simply Loren Seibold attempts to contribute to our thinking and action in relation to the critical question of music and Christian worship. You 25 Seminary features third H.M.S. Richards lectureship on preaching and evangelism may not always agree with Anita Ojeda, Bill O©Connor, Benjamin Schoun Lillianne Doukhan, and Michael Tomlinson, but your thinking will be properly challenged by them. 26 Viewpoint: Our other authors also add very significant thought to Contemporary Christian music is Christian music this month©s issue. Michael Tomlinson 30 True evangelistic success James A. Cress 31 Shop Talk

Ministry is the international journal Walter L. Pearson, Jr. Ekkhardt Mueller, Euro-Africa SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: Steve Hanson of the Seventh-day Adventist Joel Sarli P.O. Box 219, CH 3000 Ministerial Association. Michael A. Speegle Berne 32, Switzerland Ministry, (ISSN 0026-5314), the interna Heikki Silvet, Euro-Asia tional journal of the Seventh-day Adventist ASSOCIATION SECRETARY: CONSULTING EDITORS: Isakovskogo St. #4, Korpus 1, Ministerial Association 1996, is published James A. Cress Matthew Bediako Stroghino, 123181 Moscow, Russia monthly by the General Conference of Ellen Bresee Jaime Castrejon, Inter-America Seventh-day Adventists and printed by the EDITOR: Willmore D. Eva Floyd Bresee P.O. Box 140760 Review and Herald Publishing Association, Gerard Damsteegt Miami, FL 33114-0760 55 West Oak Ridge Drive, Hagerstown, MD ASSISTANT EDITOR: Julia W. Norcott Raoul Dederen William C. Scales, Jr., North America 21740, U.S.A. Subscriptions: US$25.00 for Robert Folkenberg 12501 Old Columbia Pike 12 issues worldwide, air mail US$39.85. SEMINAR DIRECTOR: John M. Fowler Silver Spring, MD 20904 Single copy US$2.25. Member Associated Nikolaus Satelmajer Roland R. Hegstad Alejandro Bullon, South America Church Press. Periodicals postage paid at Karen Holford Caixa Postal 12-2600 Hagerstown, MD. This publication is avail SPECIAL ASSISTANT EDITORS: Herbert Kiesier 70279 Brasilia, DF, Brazil able in microfilm from University Microfilms Miguel Angel Cerna Alfred C. McClure Ray Zeeman, Southern Africa Union International. Call toll-free 1-800-521-3044. Esther F. R. Knott George W. Reid P.O. Box 468, Bloemfontein 9300 Or mail inquiry to: University Microfilms Eric C. Ward Angel Rodriguez Free State, South Africa International, 300 North Zeeb Road, Ann Ariel Roth John Willmott, Southern Asia Arbor, MI 48106. PRINTED IN U.S.A. EDITOR EMERITUS: J. Robert Spangler William H. Shea SDA Complex, Post Box 2, HCF Russell L. Staples Hosur, Tamil Nadu, India 635110 Editorial Office: 12501 Old Columbia Pike, PASTORAL ADVISORY: Richard Tibbits Eric Winter. South Pacific Silver Spring, MD 20904. Stamped, self- J. Ray Bailey 148 Fox Valley Road addressed envelope should accompany S. Peter Campbell INTERNATIONAL EDITORS: Wahroonga, N.S.W. 2076, Australia unsolicited manuscripts. Office telephone: Charles Ferguson Walton Whaley, Africa-Indian Ocean Peter Roennfeldt, Trans-European 301-680-6510; Fax: 301-680-6502. E-mail Desmond Francis 22 Boite Postale 1764 119 St. Peter©s Street via CompuServe: 102555,70 or 74532,2425. Robert Lloyd Abidjan 22, Cote d©lvoire, West Africa St. Albans, Herts, AL1 3EY, U.K. Sam Miller George Johnson, Asia Pacific Postmaster: Send address changes to Dwight Nelson STemasekBlvd., #10-01 Suntec City Tower COVER DESIGN: Harry Knox Ministry, 55 West Oak Ridge Drive. Donald Stoyanowski Singapore 038985, Rep. of Singapore Hagerstown, MD 21740. Eric C. Ward Eugene Hsu, East Asia Association LAYOUT: Regina Hayden House 1004, Grandview Terrace CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Siu Lam, Tuen Mun, N.T., Hong Kong Galen Bosley Joel Musvosvi, Eastern Africa MARKETING: Mark Thomas Sharon Cress P.O. Box H.G. 100, Highlands Rex D. Edwards Harare, Zimbabwe, Africa ADVERTISING SALES: Melynie Tooley Volume 69 Number 9 MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER 1996 3 Editorial. Worship and music: natural but uneasy mates

Will Eva

ou may pastor a church in opening and evocative (John 4). Jesus gations that contain a cultural assortment which majesty pours from the not only revealed who He was to this of people that are generationally diverse Y organ, and the choir©s voice woman (verse 26), but He opened up the or who are simply time-bound in their soars through the soul of the congre quintessence of His thinking about views of worship, many of us and our gation. You may minister in simpler worship. In order to sidetrack Jesus from members have been caught up in surroundings where a few songs are the probing questions He was putting to concerns about worship similar to those sung with imperfect harmony, and her, the woman asked a popular, of the Samaritan woman. These con where instrumental accompaniment is controversial question about where cerns have a way of dominating our more a dream than reality. Some of us people should worship if they were to spiritual horizons, and eclipsing the real pastor a fellowship where guitars and worship properly. In doing so she did issues of the hour that has arrived. drums have deposed the organ, and an something she apparently did not mean As one not long out of a pastorate in interactive musical group leads the to do. She inquired about worship at the which similar concerns were significant, worship. In all of this, what is the ultimate Oracle (verse 19). She loaded I know that these questions cannot be significance of the relationship between her question with an appeal to tradition, spiritualized away, and I also know that music and worship? culture, and the authorities in her world: the real concern for all of us is not simply "our fathers worshiped on this mountain" a certain kind of music or a certain form Music in a world church (verse 20, NKJV). of worship, it is the one that Jesus Clearly, when one looks at this In His reply, Jesus swept away her identified for the Samaritan woman. We question with a world church in mind, localized, culturalistic concerns and her are all looking for meaning and life, for the music of worship does not have to appeals to this or that authority. He significance and authenticity in our have Bach to be acceptable any more ignored her need to affirm her right- worship experience. I am convinced that than a rural Chinese fellowship must ness in the debate. He did this not in this is not going to be found by have the King James Version for the order to deny her tradition or culture, cosmetically adopting this style of wor Scripture reading. But should Bach be but so that He could point to something ship or that kind of music, but first of all left out where he is still heard in living transcending anyone©s tastes and by finding something deep and real to tones? Looking from the universal traditions. Instead He got down to the express in our modes of worship and perspective, the relationship between heart and soul of the whole question music. Progress today has to do with music and worship is not defined by what (verses 21-23). He put His finger on the worshiping the Father in spirit and truth. kind of music is sung or played, or what most sensitive spot when He told her in instruments, if any, are used, or what effect that in all her concerns about the Defending one another©s interests form of worship is employed. where or how of worship she had ended I am also convinced of something Rather, the essence of the relationship up, in fact, worshiping she did not know else about the hour to which we have between music and worship has to do what (verse 22). Above all, embroiled in come: That we must not only cease to with the heart of God and the heart of her rather trivial controversies, she was promote our own concerns or simply the worshiper. This assertion is not trite, unaware of the hour that had arrived in tolerate one another©s viewpoints, but especially when one considers how which God was especially looking for that we must rediscover and reinstitute fundamental it is, and the difficulty people who would "worship the Father the fabulous Christian art of defending many of us experience when it comes to in spirit and truth. For the Father is the special interests of one another questions of worship and music. seeking such to worship Him" (verse 23, rather than our own. 24, NKJV). Romans 14 and 15 are key chapters Jesus on worship in our here and now. They lay down In all of this the conversation between Music, worship, and the present hour crucial principles: "Welcome those the Samaritan woman and Jesus is eye- In the press of pastoring congre Continued on page 28 4 MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER 1996 Sing the song of gladness

Anita J. Strawn ould she play the special battle, weddings, and coronations. It de Ojeda music for our academy was used in worship and practical life. W chapel? It wasn©t easy, but It was used in times of joy and moments Lupita agreed to try. She practiced for of grief. The people of the Bible were days, and at the appointed hour she surrounded with music, just as we are walked steadily to the piano, sat on the today. The Psalms are perhaps the bench, and gently touched the keys. greatest example of how music was part Being contemporary Soon a soft, uplifting melody filled the of biblical life. in music does not room. I was immersed in its sweetness, The New Testament too exhorts the only to be interrupted by a rude whisper church to worship "in psalms and diminish its behind me. hymns and spiritual songs, singing and sacredness or "Doesn©t she know that©s not a making melody in your heart to the church song? I can©t believe they©re Lord" (Eph. 5:19). Paul does not tell the its joy. letting her play that in here." churches to sing only hymns. Although I cringed, hoping Lupita hadn©t heard he calls them to make melodies, he does the whisper. Lupita, a non-Adventist, not tell how a melody should be made. was sharing beautiful, uplifting music, He tells the Colossians to sing "with as well as part of herself, only to be grace in your hearts to the Lord" (3:16), criticized by a church member. but does not instruct them in how to sing Non-Adventist youth aren©t the only or what is acceptable in singing. ones who come under fire for their Like us, the people of the Bible had choice of music. People who are certain the choice of using either their voices that there is only one way to sing praises or instruments. In fact, musical to God regularly criticize others who instruments were often used to praise think otherwise. God. The Bible mentions timbrels, Most criticisms against "contem stringed instruments, organs, harps, porary" music fall under one of the cymbals, lyres, trumpets, and psalters. three following categories: (1) much Other cultures in the area used the same contemporary Christian music uses and other types of instruments. dance, jazz, or rock music with sacred The most common stringed instru words; (2) it appeals to our sensual ment found in biblical times was the lyre nature, and therefore cannot be from (a type of primitive harp) and its cousins. God; (3) it entertains instead of uplifts. The harp mentioned in 1 Samuel 16:23 was actually a kinnor, a type of lyre, the Anita J. Strawn de Ojeda is an ESL teacher at Beginning with the Bible national instrument of the ancient Jews. Duncan Elementary Perhaps we should begin with the A lyra was a lyre that was associated School in Reno, Bible. What does it say about music and with amateur players, love songs, and Nevada. the form it should take in worship? parties; and the baganna was a type of A careful reading of Scripture shows lyre used by the wealthy. There is no that among the communities covered mention that any of these instruments during biblical times, music was very were in any way sacred. much a part of daily life. It was used to First Chronicles 13:8 tells us that celebrate God©s goodness, victories in David and the Israelites played before MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER 1996 5 God with all their might. They sang, and follow the advice of Paul to use music poraries didn©t find his 95 theses as their songs were accompanied by a for worship. The first "church music" unsettling as his introduction of variety of musical instruments. Notice was developed during the first four congregational singing. "His enemies that they were singing "with all their centuries of Christianity. Plainsong, as declared that Luther had destroyed more might." When I do something with all it was called, was unaccompanied by souls by his hymns than by his writings my might I am attuned both physically instruments and was purely melodic. Its and speeches."6 and mentally to that which I am doing. development was influenced by the If my foot taps or my hands clap during music of the Jewish synagogue as well Changes in music acceptance a song, I am singing with "all my might." as the Greek community. At various J. S. Bach, one of the greatest com That is, my whole being is involved. times it was "reformed" because it was posers of all time, used new techniques If David had been writing today, too confusing or needed updating in developed in secular music to accomplish would he have said, "Praise Him with keeping with new developments in some of the greatest religious pieces drums and clapping; praise Him with music. known in history. Once again, his guitars, banjos, and synthesizers; praise Even though instruments were contemporaries (mostly his employers) Him with loud drums; praise Him upon widely used at the beginning of the deplored his individuality. According to the electric guitar" (see Ps. 150:3-5)? Christian era, they were not popular. one of his biographers, Bach "played Putting it all into context, he may well Jerome (d. A.D. 420) wrote that a whatever music seemed fit to him have said something similar to this. Christian maiden should not even know improvised, extemporized, modulated, The way we praise God with music what a lyre or a flute is like or to what juggled his notes and melodies, as if is important. Psalm 126:2 assures us use it is put.2 Such attitudes of Christian there were no hard and fast rules for the that our mouth can be full of laughter leaders may have led Christians to rendering of decent and ©regular© church and our tongue praising God through disassociate their music from the music."7 As music continued to develop, song at the same time. Worshiping the popular Greek and Roman plays and things that had once seemed shocking Almighty doesn©t mean a long face and their use of musical instruments. became the acceptable norm in worship a slow beat. Biblical evidence shows As each new musical discovery was services. that the music was sometimes loud, made and put into use, there was a The hymn, as we know it today, is a accompanied by common instruments, corresponding resistance by organized fairly recent innovation in music. It has and that the act of praise is more religion. Pope John XXII in the been around only since the sixteenth important than the method one uses. fourteenth century forbade the use of century. By the time the pilgrims came secular melodies as a basis for the to America, hymns and hymnbooks Music: neglected in history harmonized expressions of portions of were widely accepted, although our Discussions on "good" and "bad" the mass. He even tried to do away with current hymnbook would be quite music go back to antiquity. Greek harmony altogether.3 For about the shocking to colonial Americans. philosophers recognized the ethical and first 10 centuries of Christian history, Colonists were accustomed to memo pedagogical value of music. A classic professional choirs or singers per rizing 8 to 10 sacred tunes, and singing education comprised instruction in formed church music. All this changed different psalms and verses to each tune. athletics and music (body and mind). when Martin Luther published the first In the nineteenth century, more tunes One author summarizes what Aristotle Protestant hymnbook in 1524. and verses were accepted into the sacred thought of music: "If one listens to the repertory, and hymnbooks grew in wrong kind of music he will become Luther and music popularity.8 the wrong kind of person; but, con Luther, an accomplished lute and Adventists have even borrowed from versely, if he listens to the right kind flute player, enjoyed the music of other the secular. James R. Nix suggests that of music he will tend to become the contemporary composers, such as it was common practice for verse right kind of person."1 Josquin des Prez. Luther wrote at least writers to set their words to popular History shows that Christian song- two types of music: hymns and tunes so that congregations all over writers borrowed elements from motets a type of church chorale that America would be singing the same secular music. As the science of music found musical inspiration in the words to the same tune. Some of the progressed, a corresponding conflict rhythmic schemes of the day. Luther secular tunes employed include ©"Tis between new techniques and organized found inspiration for both types of Midnight Hour," "Old Folks at Home," religion also ensued. music in old vernacular religious and and "Bonny Eloise," which made the The early Christian church struggled secular songs.4 Some of the songs "top 10 list" of the day. Many of the with the problem of music in the same published in the 1552 Geneva Psalter tunes in our current church hymnal way we do today. They sought to separate borrowed their tunes from old French came from folk songs, operas, or other themselves from pagan philosophies melodies and popular secular songs.5 secular sources. Some familiar ones are while at the same time they tried to Oddly enough, Luther©s contem Continued on page 29 6 MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER 1996 Historical perspectives on change in worship music

Lillianne Doukhan eriodically through history, the style of art music, and adopted the church has been confronted with subjective hymn featuring dancelike Pthe problem of the introduction rhythms.6 In England, John Wesley of new elements into an existing (1703-1791) had aburden that the tunes tradition. In the context of congre of the hymns be accessible to all, so that gational singing, this issue centered on all could participate in the singing and the infiltration of secular elements. The thus express their personal acceptance purpose of this study is to present such of salvation. Much to the discontent of Our generation is situations, to show how people dealt the church officials, he adapted popular not the first to with change in their time, and to draw tunes from many sources.7 lessons from it for today. Closer to our times, hymn singing struggle with was a major element during camp changes in worship The use of secular music in the church meetings and the Great Awakenings. It The resurgence of the popular was intended to be a means to musc. element in church music has been a communicate the gospel in a simple and constant phenomenon throughout direct language, and an effective history. 1 The Arian heretics already used manner, to the ordinary man and the power of popular tunes to spread woman. The melodies of these spirituals their false doctrines through singing.2 or gospel songs were folklike, easy to The fourth-century Church Father teach and to catch, mostly adapted Ephraem Syrus (b. 309) from Antioch from well-known folk melodies. Some did not hesitate to pick up these of the tunes used at the Moody-Sankey melodies, being aware of their "sweet" revival meetings (late nineteenth effect. 3 Nine hundred years later, century) were taken over from Stephen reacting to the heavy formalism of the Foster.8 William Booth (1829-1912), church and wanting the hymns to be the founder of the Salvation Army, more Christ-centered, Francis of Assisi shared the same philosophy.9 (1182-1226) also integrated the This desire to reintroduce the contemporary secular melodies and simplicity of folk music into the rhythms into his laude.4 worship experience stemmed often from Martin Luther (1483-1546), again in a reaction to the pomp and formality reaction to the formalist worship style which characterized the official of the church in his time, used melodies religion. Furthermore, at those moments and rhythms familiar to the people for in history, the congregation was Lillianne Doukhan, Ph.D. in musicology, is his chorales.5 Contrary to Calvin, Luther geographically and often physically currently assistant did not perceive the church as separate separated by a screen from the church professor of worship from society; in his philosophy, secular choir, the part of the church where the and church music at the elements could be transformed according office took place.10 The luxurious style Seventh-day Adventist to a new understanding. of the Byzantine church brought about Theological Seminary at Andrews University. During the late seventeenth and early Ambrose©s simple antiphonal hymns; eighteenth centuries, the Pietists, in the sumptuousness of the Roman liturgy reaction against the Scholasticism of the led to Luther©s conviction for the Protestant church, rejected the operatic necessity of hymns close to the people. MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER 1996 7 These "reforms" correspond then to a rote),13 relates some of the reactions to St. Matthew Passion were a stumbling time of renewal and revival, a time when this innovation: "Tho© in the polite city block to the congregation of his times. the reformers decided to put music back of Boston this design [the new way] met "When in a large town [Bach©s] into the hands of the people. with general acceptance, in the country, Passion music was done for the first Official reaction from the church to where they have more of the rustic, time, with 12 violins, many oboes, these innovations most often resulted some numbers of elder and angry bassoons, and other instruments, many in partial or total prohibition of congre people bore zealous testimonies against people were astonished and did not gational participation in the service. these wicked innovations, and . . . not know what to make of it. In the pew of Possible motives for such radical only . . . call the singing of these a noble family in church, many decisions could have been fear of Christians a worshiping of the devil, but ministers and noble ladies were present, syncretism or weakened ecclesiastical also they would run out of the meeting who sang the first Passion chorale out powers, suspicion of people©s sponta house at the beginning of the exercise."14 of their books with great devotion. But neity which would compromise the Among the objections we find the when this theatrical music began, all transcendental character of the act of following arguments: "It is a new way, these people were thrown into the adoration, or simply a concern for an unknown tongue. It is not so greatest bewilderment, looked at each tradition and continuity. melodious as the usual way. . . . The other and said: ©What will become of The Council of Laodicea, called by practice creates disturbances, and this?© An old widow of nobility said: the Church Fathers in A. D. 367, decided causes people to behave indecently and ©God save us, my children! It©s just as to prohibit congregational singing in disorderly.. . . The names given to the if one were at an opera comedy!© But order to avoid the use of secular tunes notes [do, re, mi] are bawdy, yea, everyone was genuinely displeased by and to prohibit the use of instruments blasphemous. It is a needless way, since it and voiced just complaints against it. in church in order to avoid pagan our fathers got to heaven without it.... There are, it is true, some people who associations. A similar decision was They are a company of young upstarts take pleasure in such idle things."18 taken on the occasion of the Council of that fall in with this way, and some of Trent (1545-1563). Congregational them are lewd and loose persons."15 Finding it difficult to change singing was no longer to be part of the The foregoing examples demon Mass, but was relegated to extralitur- Turmoil in the church strate how change is difficult even gical moments of popular devotion.11 In It is a well-known fact that the when it is for the better. Indeed, change addition to eliminating congregational introduction of "new" instruments also is in itself a painful process, for we like participation from the Mass, the council created turmoil in the church. Such was to hold on to the familiar, predictable, also prohibited the use of secular the situation in a late-eighteenth- and comfortable, the nonthreatening. elements (seen as "lascivious and century New England church that had Furthermore, the value of the old is impure") 12 as a basis for Mass com been offered an organ in 1713 by the associated with "tradition," synony positions, a practice that had been treasurer of Harvard University, but mous with stability and absence of widespread for 200 years. turned it down. The general opinion change. 19 was that "if organs were permitted, Tradition is often a matter of feeling Sources of resistance to change other instruments would soon follow, at home with what we have grown up Resistance to change in church and then there would come dancing!"16 with, which then comes to be inter music was not, however, the sole Finally "the Brattle Street Church sur preted as the "truth." Old music carries domain of the officials of the church. rendered to the inevitable and decided also the aura of being consecrated by Many protestations to the introductions to have an organ, but even after the the past. Antiquity becomes a recom of "new" elements in church music order had been sent to England and the mendation in itself. Today the veneration came from within the congregation instrument was on its way, the con of the past is essentially an outgrowth itself. It is noteworthy that such gregation was torn with bitter strife. of Romanticism. It was indeed the reactions did not occur solely when One wealthy member besought with Romanticist understanding of the world change was concerned with theological tears that the house of God be not as an organic unity that aroused interest truth and moral values. It seems as if desecrated, promising to refund the in the origins of things, and thus led to change per se was the problem; the entire cost of the organ if the evil thing a consideration of bygone times as "new" was bad simply because it was might be thrown to the bottom of valuable and worthy of interest. new. Some of the arguments advanced Boston harbor. But gradually oppo Ever since those times, the music at those times carry in fact a very sition subsided."17 of contemporary composers has been contemporary flavor. In 1712 Thomas In the same way the organ was overshadowed at concert programs by Symmes, who encouraged the "new considered a secular instrument for historical works. Before the nineteenth way" of singing (by note) in reaction to which there was no place in church, the century it was not customary to per the practice of "lining out" (singing by instruments used by J. S. Bach in his form works from times gone by, at 8 MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER 1996 church as well as at court. It is a well- consider the parallels with past history sacred and the secular. Here lies the known fact that J. S. Bach, for instance, described earlier but also be acutely principal difficulty in adopting secular was to produce a new cantata every aware of the differences. Indeed, the elements for worship. Today©s society Sunday, which, by the way, explains the situation today carries specific new is characterized by a great rift between numerous borrowings from his own elements that make the process of the secular and the sacred.20 Daily life works as well as from those of earlier change much more complex and is no more permeated by the sacred; composers, a practice that was wide certainly more delicate. I shall note at there are no more laws, no more spread since the earliest times. These least two of them: taboos, no more direction. borrowings involved sacred as well as 1. In historical times the introduction Both a memory of history and a lucid secular sources. of secular music was proposed and observation of our times should inspire The examples also testify to the monitored by theologians and realized our approach to the problem. One may problem of borrowing musical elements by professional musicians; many of the adopt, of course, the traditional attitudes familiar to the congregation from reformers speak not only of adoption of rejection or prohibition, but history secular contexts. And yet this is what but also of adaptation. Many of the has shown that those are not very great personalities of the church did all Church Fathers were trained as musi effective in the long run. along. On closer examination it seems cians, and the same was true of Luther. Change will happen anyway, with or that the reasons for this tension lie In addition Luther worked closely with without us; it is a fact. Instead of essentially in the conflict between two such eminent composers as Johann refusing change and thus provoking different ideals for church music. On Walter; those composers were active in revolt, we should become a part of it, one hand, we note the concern for a the fields of both secular and sacred and make it happen in a responsible relevant means of congregational music and knew how to manipulate the manner. participation, a way for the people to musical language for the one or the On the other hand, considering the join in and sing along without particular other. above-mentioned forces that surround musical training (emphasis on the Today©s renewal of church music, us today, change needs to be much human aspect of religion); on the other initiated by Vatican II, is mostly the more controlled and monitored than hand, we note the concern for the lofty result of a grassroots movement under it was at the time of Luther or Wesley. ideal of church music as a tran the motto "By the People and for the Perhaps education is needed more scendental expression of God and the People." The initiative for renewal often today than it used to be. Yet education truth, a means to elevate human comes directly from the congregation should not operate against, but with, thoughts toward their Creator. and is actually realized by the people the people; it implies listening to In fact, both concerns are legitimate who form this congregation. each other and preparing a ground and should work hand in hand in a Our culture has developed a strong for common action. Rather than healthy and necessary tension. In order sense of democracy and, especially resisting change, musicians should for church music to be an authentic since the 1960s, young people have take part in it and help shape it. Isn©t expression of worship, it should acquired their own voice and participate this, after all, the challenge of the undergird both the transcendental and actively in various societal matters. It artist in society? the anthropological aspects. It should be would be of no avail to ignore or deny appropriate to the circumstance and this reality which can be observed in This article was reprinted with permission from Notes, Spring 1996. It is from a series of hence translate the lofty character of many other aspects of society. articles on music in worship published in Notes, worship; but it should also be relevant The same phenomenon could not the quarterly magazine of the International and be conveyed in a language that is fail to happen in religion. The young Adventist Musicians© Association, which began in the summer of 1995. A listing and reprints of readily understood for a more spon people need to express their desire for these articles, which represented a full spectrum taneous participation. participation through their own language of viewpoints on this topic, can be obtained by in music. However, the enthusiasm of writing to IAMA, P.O. Box 476, College Place, The lessons of history conviction and the stimulation of action WA 99324. The first lesson of history is therefore should not prevent them from reflecting 1 The application of new texts to already a lesson of openness and of flexibility. on the nature of worship and the existing popular melodies is known under the technical term contrafactum. However, whether these principles are purpose of church music; they should 2 Theodore Gerold, Les peres de I eglise et la still applicable today remains the also be concerned with the nature and musique (Strasbourg: Imprimerie Alsacienne, burning question; can history be used the expressive power of music, as well 1931; reprint, Geneva: Minkoff, 1973), pp. 46, 47. as a perfect model for today? In other as the need for high musical standards. 3 He criticized the heretics for "offering words, how far can we use secular 2. The strongest consideration, healthy people bitter poison dissimulated by sweetness" (Ephraem: Syri opera, quoted in Jules elements in our congregational singing? however, must be the changes that have Jeannin, Melodies liturgiques, syriennes et To answer this question in an appro transformed the modern world in chaldeennes, [Paris: Leroux, 1924], p. 147). priate manner, we should not only regard to its understanding of the Continued on page 28 MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER 1996 9 The crisis in the Counseling people in crisis congregation

he call was desperate. The conference president was at his wit©s end. One of his churches was hopelessly split. Fault-finding, rumors, and misunderstandings were flying on all fronts. The church pastor identified himself with one group, thus leaving the church without objective leadership. By the time I was asked to mediate, the church board had asked for the pastor©s removal and one group of members had already split from the main body and was meeting independently. I stepped in to bring healing to this body of Christian believers. I Tstill recall the divergent voices in that little church: 1 voices of anger, desperation, How to handle accusation, and criticism. Some of the voices were quite pointless. Some of them seemed childish. None of them too big to be beyond the power of grace and prayer. "The music they play," said one, "is of the devil. We should never have allowed congregational it in our church." Such individuals were attempting to uphold what they believed were the right standards, no matter what the cost. "The old guard is so out of touch with contemporary society," said a young conflicts member. "They must have gone to sleep about 10 years ago and haven©t woke up yet." Some were sarcastically saying that the "elders" were out of touch with the needs of the younger members, who felt that they were irrelevant to the church. ©This used to be such a loving church," said still another. "My heart aches to see the church falling apart like this." Then there were others the majority who felt confused and saddened by the recent events and were not sure of how to resolve the problem. How can a healthy and growing church so quickly degenerate into warring factions? What should be done when a church is so deeply divided? It may be tempting to resolve the problem by simply firing the pastor and bringing in "new blood." While there may be times when a pastoral change is necessary, simply changing the coach does not necessarily make a better team. Canses of congregational division Most congregational division is based on one group©s biased perception of the other©s position. These perceptions are then pushed to the extreme in order to demonstrate the other©s error. The "correct" position is offered as the only real truth. Both sides often end up with positions far to the left or right from where they began. All sides become unwilling to compromise as they defend their own position. Once any position is pushed to its extreme, and is advocated by a significant number

Dick Tibbits, D.Min., is administrative director, Florida Hospital, Orlando, Florida, and he has had years of experience in pastoral and chaplaincy ministry. 10 MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER 1996 of members, any church will become divided no matter how Care enough to confront healthy it may have been. The bottom line of a church community is the expression When I met with various leaders of the church, I quickly of love in the context of truth. If I care about you, then I must discovered that each side had solidified its position to the be honest with you by telling you my truth. This of course approximate density of concrete. By then, each group had should be done in a sensitive manner. If I want to receive closely linked its opinions to important church values. your care, I need your truth. When everyone in a given context Defending the values of "truth" and the church is a powerful of conflict cares in this manner, the truth can be freely spoken motivator for maintaining one©s position. Upon closer in love. Such expressions, when heard and examined in the evaluation, however, it will be found that it is not the values light of the church©s stated purpose, should lead to the that are in conflict, but how those values are expressed and strengthening of church unity. As Paul states: "He has made by whom. When one is evaluating any given situation, it is known to us his hidden purpose such was his will and important to make a distinction between the cultural pleasure determined beforehand in Christ to be put into expression of values that vary with time and place and effect when the time was ripe: namely, that the universe, all the underlying values themselves. in heaven and on earth, might be brought into a unity in Christ" This particular church initially had two services: one (Eph. 1:9, 10, NEB). contemporary and the other more tradi Caring and confrontation can be tional. The traditional service had old understood as a balancing of love and hymns. Its familiar sermons spoke of hope power. Both are essential for maintaining and stability. The contemporary service Perfectionism and a lasting relationship. Confrontation works spoke for those who sought relevance in a when both parties share a common vision modern context. These differences, which at for the future. If we are headed toward a first seemed to be an advantage in attracting common goal, we will eventually end up a wider range of people to the church for at the same place. It may take time, but it worship and witness, eventually became will happen. Thus it is profitable to evaluate points of division. What started out as the advantages and disadvantages of every mission soon became misery. idea, making appropriate decisions in light any relationship, of the evidence. When this is done, Define carefully the issues something much more productive than During a congregational crisis it is including the life merely arguing over who is right or wrong important to have a well-defined approach will occur. that addresses the issues. Simply to listen Perfectionism and judgmentalism are empathetically, or declare a predetermined of a church. the great divides of any relationship, official position, is a sure way to guarantee including the life of a church. A perfec failure. Mistakes at this juncture can be costly tionist views every situation as having only and contribute to further complexity. Objectivity, fairness, and a right or wrong answer. A judgmentalist always believes openness are essential to restore trust and dialogue. his or her point of view is the right one, and thus condemns If each participating party has an agenda that is perceived others for their "obvious" error. This sets up the classic win/ as biased, it is best to obtain an outside professional who is lose situation that can result only in increased resentment skilled at mediating church conflict. This may be another and further alienation. pastor or a qualified layperson. It is important that all sides agree to the qualifications and objectivity of the chosen Plan your objectives in crisis counseling mediator. The stakes are too high to risk further division or In my approach to crisis counseling I seek to accomplish deeper mistrust. To ask the next pastor to do this work could three objectives. First, reopen the doors of communication. result in sacrificing him or her to the conflict. Seeking outside To accomplish this, I start by getting each side to understand consultation should be interpreted not as a sign of weakness the concerns of the other. Until you take the time to understand, or failure but rather as a demonstration of commitment to you have not earned the right to be understood. Assuming discover the best possible solution. It is the first important you understand only confirms your ignorance. step in moving from blame to resolution. Second, clarify and differentiate the underlying values from It is also important not to view all conflict as bad. Conflict the issues that are being expressed i.e., the argument may can be healthy as unaddressed concerns are surfaced and dealt be over the color of carpet, but the underlying issue is how to with. Thus conflict is not to be feared and avoided at all costs, assert my authority. To resolve the carpet issue without but rather embraced and valued for the new opportunities it understanding the authority issue is to fix the presenting can create. Growth necessitates change, and change requires problem while leaving the underlying issue unresolved. In confrontation. When you care enough to confront, issues can time, another conflict will inevitably emerge over another be thoughtfully resolved. topic. The best way to get at underlying values is to invite MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER 1996 11 12-parl scries

each group to define its purpose and identify what values are In effective problem solving, it is important to value one©s being expressed through its activities. Begin with the end in own opinions as well as the opinions of others. By making mind, and work back to current realities. This creates a new "I" statements, I give value to my ideas while creating space way of viewing the issues, thus creating a new set of solutions. for another©s point of view. When I make "you" statements, I The best solutions are those that are most likely to achieve fix blame and undermine your point of view. common goals. For example: "I would like to sing this song, for I believe Third, make decisions that support both the values of the the words express well the thought of the sermon." In this church and the relationships in the church. You will always expression, the purpose of special music is understood and achieve better results if you think along two continuums rather my desire is made clear. There is now room to discuss the than one. This avoids either/or positions that produce a winner appropriateness of the selection and alternatives that may and a loser. You will be much further ahead if you think win/ better accomplish the desired goal. Compare this approach win as the only acceptable solution. to: "You never approve the songs I want to sing." You statements blame and encourage defensiveness. They lead to Work atyoiir objectives conclusions rather than open possibilities. Communication. Expressed hostility, hurt, or withdrawal The first step in resolving conflict is to pay attention to are signs of pain, injury, and misunderstanding. The expression our communication. The biggest dividends are to be found in of such feelings is an indicator of poor communication. Instead improved listening. "Hear what I say, not what you think I of a clarification of the issues with a desire to understand, am going to say." ideas are labeled and then judged according to one©s Understanding. The topic being discussed is most likely preconceived biases. Instead of attempts to discover common to be a symptom of the underlying problem, not the problem ground upon which to build a new solution, endeavors are itself. Often the real problem is clouded by the personal issues made to convince, or force, others to see the superiority of of the participants. Underlying the discussion are the their own position. Such an approach continues the destructive substantive issues of personal bias, authority, power, control, cycle of conflict by building walls rather than bridges. and one©s insecurities that are masked by the need to be right. Effective communication takes place when someone has Vulnerability is protected by arguing over fixed positions. something important to say and another is willing to listen Rigid positions hide deeper fears: fear of failure, fear of with a desire to understand. The weakest link in all disapproval, and/or fear of rejection. Individuals in such communication is listening. Most leaders receive some arguments believe they cannot afford to lose. They must win, training in public speaking; but how many have received any no matter what the cost. In church conflict the costs can be training in effective listening? This is a serious gap. Listening high. Once this dynamic is established, you are sure to have a is often much more beneficial than talking. When I talk, I am winner and a loser. Both sides will find a way to win even if simply repeating what I already know; but when I listen, I both end up the losers by either striking back or breaking learn something new. It is through learning that new ideas away. Division is the natural result of such an approach. emerge. This is the process of growth. Before going down this road, go back to your church©s In fact, we were designed for listening. It has been said mission. If your church does not have a mission statement, it is that God gave us two ears and only one mouth, for He intended time to write one. A mission statement should identify the that we listen twice as much as we talk. Of course, it was no purpose of your church and what it seeks to accomplish. The mistake that our mouths were designed to shut while our ears mission of the local congregation should align with and support were created to be constantly open. The better we listen, the the mission of the denomination with which it belongs. All more understanding we become. ideas should then be evaluated in light of the mission statement. The greatest need of anyone in pain is to be understood. The best solutions are those that have the greatest impact on To be understood, I must be willing to tell my story; and if I fulfilling your mission. The more that buy into the mission, the tell my story. I need someone who will actually listen. Hearing more likely there will be alignment of ideas and activities. a person©s pain is the first, and most important, step to A good mission statement can help determine if your resolving the pain. I believe that being heard is so close to alternative points of view take you down separate paths, or head being loved that, for all practical purposes, they are you in the same direction. A common goal is more important indistinguishable. than common ground at this point. Diversity is essential for Most people listen just enough to select the most effective growth, as long as there is agreement on direction. When you rebuttal. Such individuals are thinking their thoughts rather do not have common direction, diversity can lead to chaos. than listening to what the other is saying. Listening must begin Solutions. The goal of resolving any problem is not to fix with a desire to understand. Solutions are not effective, and blame but to discover solutions. Blame results in division, usually are not accepted, until the problem is understood not whereas solutions bring about unity. Remember, our goal is only on the intellectual but on the emotional level. The single not only to solve the problem but to strengthen relationships. greatest mistake in conflict resolution is fixing problems Solutions come when people are committed to their possibility. before understanding them. Commitment comes when one feels valued and included. 12 MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER 1996 People matter the most. I would rather make a few adjustments to be inclusive than rigidly let people fall out of CONTINUING EDUCATION EXERCISE my circle of concern. Remember the advice of Ellen White: "It is better to err on the side of mercy."2 To value both the person and the outcome, we must think The crisis in the congregation along two continuums simultaneously. To do this, picture a graph3 with two sets of concerns intersecting, as shown here. 1. If you are avoiding a potential conflict, what can you do to resolve it before it becomes an open conflict? High concern for people 2. How can you best identify an objective party to assist you in mediating your differences? 10 3. In resolving any conflict, what must each side agree to before you can hope to succeed? Accommodate Cooperate 4. In-ypur current conflict, can you identify how concerns for both^yalues and-people are being expressed or not being ;;expresse. © ©© ©; 7 :I:,(V 5, Tfte i|sne is not wftb is right tot what is right. If you ,^apnot .coiftBlte a res.olpfion,. identify potential tjiitderlying 6 ©i|f lies that ffl||:i be hmdifeuptg ^our wo^f,; ^©© © ©©;©,;©.;© i> . Low concern High concern (or outcome 12345 6 7 8 9 10 for outcome 4

3 Avoid Compete 2

1

Low concern for people ntify 1; Plot your solutions according to where they best fit on the : Augsburg ©:" graph. Evaluate each solution on a scale from one to ten in regard the chail^teristjcs of to desired outcome and expressed concern for all individuals. antal^list©in©tfii^ijiiireh. iKikes- helpfuPdlltijjKtions This will help to determine if your solution is a real winner. weeiijiiii^^ycri^^ Such an exercise should help you move in your thinking understaMisag- ©and from a "we/they" position, in which they are the enemy and witlj:>Eifficult pefshaalitiesaacJ ©underlying issues. we are the preservers of truth, to an "us" position, in which ;McSwaiii, ~Larry ;:*lk;: ^and: William C. Tread^ell, Jr. Conflict we are in this together as a family of God. We must learn how '• . Ministry in the. 'C-iftu-ch: Nashville: Broadifiati Press, 1981. to talk out, listen through, and discover our common solutions. ':''•• The authors identify several potential source©s .. of conflict There is a danger when everybody thinks the same, for then !; © ©. with direct problepi solving techniques and a helpful, nobody thinks. There is also a danger when everyone thinks >. straightforward approach to raanaging conflict. differently, for then there is no alignment of ideas, indicating a lack of common vision. Moeller, Robert, Love in Action: Settling Conflict in Your Every conflict must eventually end. To get there, you need Church. Sisters, Oreg.: Multnomah Pub., 1994. Moeller to focus on problem solving. This is a process of collecting offers solid biblical principles with which to approach data, identifying options, and evaluating the pros and cons of differences and resolve them. He encourages people to each option. From this information a decision needs to be deal, with issues/as they arise, rather than letting them build up to explosive events. made. The primary consideration is not whose solution is right but whether the solution supports the mission. It is a matter not of winning, but of doing the right thing. And in doing so, expressing care and concern for all involved. 1 The story is a composite of several situations I had to deal with in my ministry. No particular congregation is to be identified. -:;©« 2 Ellen G. White, Education (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. WA^,'^'''-,-"*'^ i-"lSiii|sppM,«sr: -^nir- '•sff-M^S^"^''^'*'-'" :?©= ^^$ff sf"""'"'!' i• '"• •-•?'" '•'$« y*|f©aj©i""©. ,~'-'"" i: Assn., 1903), p. 294. ^© 3 See David Augsburger, Caring Enough to Confront (Ventura, Calif.: Regal Books, 1986). MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER 1996 13 The Benny©s dilemma

Ron Gladden f Benny©s* were the only restaurant hungry Americans from coast to coast. in town, would more people dine at Most counties have been entered. Many IDenny©s, or would fewer people go cities enjoy several of these estab out to eat? lishments. Name recognition is high. Let©s pretend we©re in business the Yet all is not well. Research shows consulting business. We©re meeting this that only one of 1,000 Americans eats month with Denny©s corporate board, in a Denny©s on a fairly regular basis. whose calling is food service. Their Even in neighborhoods with strong Multiplying means passion is to entice as many people as restaurants, most of the people never moving beyond the possible to eat their food. One thing is darken Denny©s doors. So the chain has not negotiable: they refuse to com had to retreat from the original vision restrictions of the promise the quality of their food. The of serving people of all ages and traditional order. rest, supposedly, is up for grabs. economic backgrounds with a wide Their beginnings were humble; they range of menu options. Now it targets go way back. Denny opened his first senior citizens. diner, and the people came. He insisted Listen to the Denny©s advertising. on reasonable prices, 24-hour service, Two older, hard-of-hearing ladies and "down-home" decor. "This will be loudly discuss the latest specials at America©s restaurant," Denny boasted. well, let©s see was that Denny©s or "We will offer something for everyone: Lenny©s? While corporate sales squeak steak, salad, sandwiches, children©s ahead at barely 2 percent gain a year, menu, and breakfast items. When people the population is expanding so quickly think eating out, they©ll think Denny©s." that market share is actually in retreat. One restaurant became 10, then a What should they do? How can they 100. The way he prepared and served reach the vast millions of Americans food was an obvious "grand slam" with their food? success. Denny dreamed even bigger. A special "think tank on growth" has "Decided efforts should be made to open been called to address the problem. new diners in the North, the South, the Loyal but frustrated corporate leaders East, the West," his employee bulletin have flown in from all over the country proclaimed. "Place after place is to be in hopes of stumbling onto something visited; restaurant after restaurant is to that will make a difference. Participants be raised up." take their places around the polished oak table; we are invited to listen as the Ron Gladden is the ministerial director for A plan to multiply ideas spill out. the Oregon Conference of Early corporate leaders seized the "Back when Denny started this chain, Seventh-day Adventists in challenge and devised a plan to multiply a lot of young people ate here," an old- Clackamas, Oregon. their presence rapidly. They called it timer reminisces out loud. "If we could "dark county marketing." The plan? just get more young people to show up, Place a Denny©s restaurant in every they©d get other youth to come!" county in America. "I have a brainstorm," a regional It went pretty well. So well, in fact, manager breaks in. "Use giveaways. that today nearly 4,700 Denny©s serve Give everyone a free meal on his or her 14 MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER 1996 birthday. My granddad used to run a other ethnic areas, I can live with that, Denny©s. You©ve earned a lot of little restaurant, and that©s what he did. but not anywhere else." customers. By and large, they©re happy It worked! Once they got hooked on "Amen!" chimes in an executive from with what you do. That©s great. So keep Grandpa©s food, they came back again the division office. "If people really want all Denny©s restaurants open. Make them and again." to eat out, they know where we are." the best they can be. Run new specials. The only female in the group is The CEO clears his throat. He unfolds Give things away. Try the new slogan. known for her progressive ideas. "How his arms and plants his elbows on the "Next, plant a few new ones about this?" she suggests. "Let©s adopt table. "OK," he speaks deliberately. "I wherever the territory permits. a new slogan. It could be printed on our can live with the birthday idea, and "Finally and here©s the break menus, our napkins, our signs. It could maybe the right slogan will help. through open new restaurants where be a little jingle in our ads. Let©s call Regarding your suggestion, Tom, of the food is deliberately served differently. ourselves ©The Caring Restaurant.© Hear opening new restaurants, I©ve heard the "For example: Start a restaurant me out. People get beat up all day at objections, but I think you©re right. We where baby boomers feel comfortable work. This is the place to come and tank need to dust off the maps, find some and young couples can go for their first up, where someone cares about them." unentered areas, and go for it. date. A good name for it would be the "Whoa! You©ve given me an idea. "But to be honest, I©m still worried. Olive Garden. Decorate with patio Would it work to have a ©Visitor©s Day© Really worried." The crease in his lighting and murals to give the sense once in a while? I mean, our regular forehead is convincing. "Living in the that you©re outdoors in old Italy. Make customers are great, but what if all our shadow of our existing restaurants are pasta right out front where customers employees went out and invited their thousands of people who apparently can salivate and anticipate. Create the friends to eat at Denny©s? They could won©t come no matter what we do. illusion of getting something for even knock on doors in the neigh Tweaking what we©re already doing and nothing with all the salad and bread- borhood and say something like ©Hi! opening a few places similar to the old sticks you can eat. Price it a bit higher My name is Jane. I work at Denny©s, ones will help a little, but only than Denny©s so it seems ©classy.© and we©re having a special Visitors© Day. incrementally. We need a breakthrough. "Then create a restaurant targeted at I wonder if you©d like to come eat at Something has to give. Something kids. Name itTaco Bell. Kids aren©t good our place this weekend!© Then, when consistent with our mission, yet radical at waiting, so serve the food fast. Use they come, we could really make them enough to shake things up!" bright colors and hard seats. Hang feel welcome. Partway through the meal Pencil erasers are chewed. Corners crooked signs that shout ©Four-Alarm we could ask all the newcomers to stand are stared into. Papers are rearranged. Tacos!© ©Extreme Meals!© ©Summer©s short and tell us who they are and where At this point the CEO nods toward us, Stay up late!© Sell small, inexpensive they©re from!" and we©re on. ... Any suggestions? portions so kids can eat all they want. Can we help? "Next, Mr. Chairman, ask this. If you Multiplying despite the risks offered Italian food say eggplant The VP for marketing bounces a Reapplying the original vision parmigiana at Denny©s, prepared pencil on his palm. "That©s all well and First, let©s remind him of the original exactly as you would at the Olive Garden, good, but I think what we really need is vision. That vision was not to open a would people come to Denny©s to get it? more restaurants. I©ve crunched the Denny©s in every county or even in every Most would not. It©s not just the food; it©s numbers. The demographics show that neighborhood. "Dark county marketing" the way it©s presented. It©s the atmosphere. there is room for a few more of our was only an initial step toward making It©s the wild-colored neckties of the restaurants in several states. I suggest the food available to more people. Even waiters and waitresses. It©s the hanging we scout out some affordable land or if there were a Denny©s on every block, plants and the Old World flair. find some buildings for sale and enter thousands would remain unreached. "What about seven-layer burritos or those dark areas." The original vision was "to entice as Mexican pizza? Would the kids beg Dad "That©s risky!" a regional manager many Americans as possible to eat our to take them to Denny©s if you served from the Midwest warns. "Can you food." them there? Don©t you wish! It©s not just imagine how upset some of our "We think the answer is fairly the food; it©s the way it©s presented. employees will be when they lose some obvious: There is not just one way to "So be proud of the Denny©s you of their ©regulars© to new restaurants?" serve food. There is not a ©right© way of have. Dream bigger than just improving The old-timer comes to life. "I©m operating a restaurant to the exclusion Denny©s and starting some new ones. against it too. Sure, our profits are flat, of other ways. As long as you don©t Dream of reaching tens of thousands of but we ought to work on filling the ones compromise the quality of the food, the new customers everywhere with high we have before we go to the expense of rest, remember, is up for grabs." quality food served in a host of creative opening new ones. Now, if you©re "Pretend, sir, that there are no other ways. Dream of planting Casa Lupitas, talking Hispanic neighborhoods or restaurants in America. Just yours. Just Subways, Red Robins, China Gardens, MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER 1996 15 Friendly©s, even a Macheezmo Mouse p. 19). "Place after place is to be visited; accomplished? Would Ellen White pat or two. church after church is to be raised up" us on the back for a job well done? Can "Roll out the maps again. Plot the (Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 20). we fold up the maps and tuck them restaurants you already own, then go The dream proved contagious. Our away? Is it appropriate that the early beyond thinking merely in territorial leaders seized the day and launched a momentum of church planting has terms. Lay out new maps. Target age serious initiative to bring the light of nearly ground to a halt? groups, mind-sets, interests, pref truth to every county in America. We The answer is determined by the erences. Be different on purpose. Notice called it "dark county evangelism." vision. What is God©s vision? What was now that every county is a ©dark© county. From that origin Adventist church Ellen White©s vision? A church in every Realize that hundreds, even thousands, planting came to mean: spread out the county? Not at all! For the church of her of restaurants are begging to be planted. maps, highlight the county lines, plot the day, dark county evangelism was a bold If you plant them, people will come!" Adventist churches, list the unentered response to an urgent need, a critical step Speaking of grand slams, we con counties, prioritize by population, then in the right direction. Dark county sultants have just hit one. The CEO is do whatever it takes to raise up a church evangelism was the church©s initial ecstatic; the think tank is a smashing in that place. Our paradigm for church strategy for placing the everlasting success! planting was territorial. gospel before the vast numbers of people How did it go? Not bad, actually. The who would otherwise never hear it. From restaurants to churches number of churches in North America Yet the dream was not territorial. The One hundred years ago Ellen White surged from 179 in 1870 to nearly 4,700 mere establishment of churches in urged church planting upon a young, today. Relatively few dark counties previously unentered counties was aggressive church. Her vision was huge. remain, and those are quite sparsely never an end in itself. A larger vision She insisted that far too many people populated. (One example is the Oregon burned in the hearts of our leaders and still lived beyond the reach of Adventist Conference, which has 131 churches still does today. The vision is to make influence. "Becided efforts should be and companies within the 31 counties Jesus and His truth attractive to the made to open new fields in the north, the of its territory.) millions of North Americans who are south, the east, the west" (Evangelism, Is the mission of planting churches headed for a Christless eternity. Many Citrus Fund Raising The Healthy Alternative Pastors! Equip your leaders with the ability to raise funds for mission trips, youth activities. Pathfinder clubs, building projects, choir/musical group supplies - what©s on your wish list? 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16 MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER 1996 of these people live in the very shadow wave that holds our message high while of our existing churches. arresting the interest of lost people everywhere. As we who love Christ Church planting works resolve to ride this wave together, we Evidence abounds that church will unleash a virtual torrent of energy, planting works. Church planting kindles excitement, and enthusiasm for the the fire of mission. It reclaims the mission and message of Jesus Christ. inactive. It develops new leaders. It wins "The children of this world," Jesus the lost more effectively and at signi lamented, "are... wiser than the children ficantly less expense per convert. Why, of light" (see Luke 16:8). Letus be wiser then, has church planting ended up on and more daring than before, as we seize the back burner of evangelistic the challenge of growing the church for priorities? Two reasons. Christ. We solved the Denny©s dilemma. 1. Even today, when we as Adventists Under the Holy Spirit, let©s solve ours. A Collection of think church planting, we think ter * Denny©s is a well known restaurant chain in Pastoral Wives7 ritory. When someone suggests a new the United States. church, our mind©s eye scans the map. All "facts" regarding Denny©s are hypo Favorite Recipes "Let©s see," we inquire, "we already have thetical and are used for illustrative purposes. Choose any group of people we are not a church in that area. Has the popu currently reaching and insert their name in the e 320 pages of tastes from lation profile changed significantly place of Denny©s. around the world enough to warrant another church so close to the first one?" @ Hundreds of vegetarian 2. When we do plant churches, they llen White believed in planting recipes tend to be like the churches we already E targeted churches. She recognized that where cultures differ, it is necessary A great gift for birthdays, have. Ministry is done with more energy, to open new Adventist churches where old but just like Denny©s our approach ones already exist. holidays, weddings, friends, and methods are the same. It is natural "One of the difficulties attending the housewarmings and other for parents to have children like work is that many of the White people special occasions living where the Colored people are themselves. But the question begs to be numerous are not willing that special asked: If the parent churches struggle efforts should be put forth to uplift them" to impact their communities, why plant (Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 204). churches that are similar to them in Paraphrase: One of the difficulties attending the work is that many of our approach and personality? people living where secular Generation We can do better, much better. We can Xers* are numerous are not willing that reach thousands more people hungry for special efforts should be put forth to $14.95 reach them. Christ by planting varieties of churches "Among the White people in many with "atmospheres" and "food prepa places there exists a strong prejudice rations" or presentations especially against the Negro race. We may desire to To order call: designed for specific groups within the ignore this prejudice, but we cannot do it. (800) 982-3344 If we were to act as if this prejudice did culture. That is, we can plant churches not exist, we could not get the light before Or send check/money order for US$18.45 to: that are deliberately different not in the White people. We must meet the Seminars Unlimited theology, character, or essential stan situation as it is and deal with it wisely P.O. Box 66 dards, but in approach and personality and intelligently" (ibid.). Paraphrase: Among the Adventists in Keene, TX 76059 from our traditional churches. Without many places there exists a strong prejudice Also available at your local compromising the quality of food, we against the interests and lifestyle of secular Adventist Book Center. can plant a variety of churches in which Generation Xers.* We may desire to ignore the food is served to attract youth, the this prejudice, but it will not go away. If we act as if it does not exist, we will not unchurched, singles, Christians of other be able to introduce the light to this faiths, and young parents to the Bread generation. We must meet the situation of Life. where it is and act wisely and intelligently. The first wave of church planting What would Ellen White urge today? The same as in her day: Churches targeted was territorial. It lasted 130 years. It at those who, when they hear the gospel brought us to the strength we enjoy in language meaningful to them, will today. North America is ready now for respond with willing and eager hearts. a new wave, the wave of targeting. A MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER 1996 17 Divine designs for dealing with ethical issues

Ron du Preez "Pastor, my wife has tested HIV ritual requirement that faithful Hebrew positive. Can I divorce her and remarry males had been performing for about so that I can have a normal life without 2,000 years as a special sign that they the constant threat of contracting were God©s chosen people. However, AIDS?" the issue also had to do with ethics, "Pastor, I'm single. I can't find a behavior, and with matters important to suitable Christian husband. I want to have the believing Christian. a child. Would it be morally appropriate A six step biblical to be artificially inseminated?" Acts 15: a norm for moral decisions paradigm "Pastor, my 85-year-old grandfather The steps taken by the first-century is brain-dead. He has been in a coma church council that wrestled with this for the past five years, and we have run issue provides a normative pattern for out ofmoney to pay hospital bills. Would moral decision-making. The potency it be right for us to pull the plug ? " and adaptability of this pattern are affirmed on the basis of principles basic to the Christian faith: ew ethical issues continue to 1. The church council was conducted confront the pastor. How should under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Nthe pastor handle these ques believers stated, "The Holy Spirit has tions especially when there is no clear shown us that we should not place any biblical answer? In addition to showing extra burden on you" (verse 28, CEV). the way that leads to salvation through 2. The council based its deliberations faith in Christ Jesus, the Bible also and decisions on Scripture, rather than contains principles necessary to guide us merely on human reasoning. The through our daily lives (see Ps. 119:105). believers operated on the foundation of But how does one go about discovering the Word of God. For example, one of these principles? the leaders stated that "this is entirely in harmony with the words of the In pursuit of a paradigm prophets" (verse 15, New Jerusalem). Recently I have been searching Thus, a strategy based on divine Scripture for a strategy capable of revelation becomes a prime pattern for resolving complex lifestyle quandaries. Christians who seek to base their My exploration has taken me on a decision-making methods and ethical fascinating study of the moral problems approaches on God©s revealed Word. Ron du Preez, D.Min., is an associate professor encountered by the first Christians. We 3. The council involved leaders of religion at Southern have one such case in Acts 15 dealing charged by Jesus to guide and advance College, Collegedale, with an urgent matter: Should the the church. The early church recognized Tennessee. Gentile converts to Christianity be that its leadership had obtained the required to be circumcised "according commission to disseminate the gospel to the custom taught by Moses" (Acts and to preserve and protect the church. 15:1)?* This was clearly a major issue Peter, John, James, and Paul had the for the first-century church. True, it was charge to evangelize, to teach and to a question of custom, and tradition a disciple. Since they were authorized by 18 MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER 1996 Jesus and worked under His auspices, A six-step strategy Personal testimonies. First, instead the actions of the Jerusalem Council can Analysis of Acts 15 shows that several of going directly to the contentious issue be viewed as a representative strategy steps were taken by the Jerusalem that had precipitated the Jerusalem to be appropriately utilized by all council as they wrestled with the difficult Council, Paul and Barnabas began with subsequent believers. question of circumcision. personal testimonies and "reported 4. The council held that its decision Step one: the debate. To begin with, everything God had done through them" had implications for all believers. The there was a serious discussion on the (verse 4). Even though this testimony decisions were obviously not restricted issue among those affected by it. Luke included a description of matters related to only those originally involved in the records "no small dissension and to the issue at hand, the attitude of debate on the issue. "This decision dispute" among them (verse 2, NKJV). thanksgiving and praise to God helped was ... to be universally accepted When despite initial debate, no set the proper worship atmosphere and by the different churches throughout conclusion was reached, it was decided spiritual tone for the conference. the country." 1 This was clear by the to seek for greater input from Christian Inclusive participation. Second, way in which the believers dissem leaders and other believers in those who were promoting circumcision inated their ruling "from town to Jerusalem. Thus, "Paul and Barnabas were permitted to share their views. town" (Acts 16:4). were appointed, along with some other These believers, who were formerly 5. The council understood the believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see Jews, said: "The Gentiles must be seriousness of the issue. The issue was the apostles and elders about this circumcised and required to obey the not only doctrinal, philosophical, and question" (verse 2). law of Moses" (verse 5). Thus the theological. It was also an ethical con Step two: the delegation. A repre assembly demonstrated fairness and cern, and a matter of moral significance. sentative group of church members was open-mindedness. It was willing to give Circumcision had been enacted "in assembled to address the issue. First a fair hearing to all. accordance with the Mosaic practice" there were the missionaries, Paul and Sustained discussion. Third, after the (Acts 15:1, NEB). The word rendered Barnabas, who were on the front lines believers had presented their case, the "practice" comes from ethos, from doing evangelism among both Jews group "gathered to study this problem" which we derive the word "ethics." and non-Jews and who had firsthand (verse 6, EB). They did not jump to Thus the issue had to do with lifestyle experience of the problems encountered hasty and premature conclusions on the and a correct ethical conduct essential in the field. Second, there were several subject, but there was "much discussion" to the community. regular members, some of whom were (verse 7) of the issue. 6. The council for the first time apparently affected by this issue (see Theological considerations. Fourth, addressed a major behavioral matter verse 2; Gal. 2:1-5). Third, there were after extensive consultation, "Peter affecting the life and future of the those who raised the issue of circum stood up" (verse 7, EB), and began church. Even though prior to this other cision and promoted its continued sharing his personal experience and issues had arisen, none of them had practice. Fourth, there were leaders testimony. He highlighted the character been of the magnitude and signi (apostles) like Peter and John who were of God, noting that it was God©s desire ficance of this one. As one scholar giving guidance, nurture, and leadership to offer salvation to these people "the states, this was "the greatest crisis to the church in other parts of the field. Gentiles were to hear and believe the with which the young church had yet Fifth, there were church administrators, message of the gospel" (verse 7, REB). been confronted, if indeed not the those who directed church affairs from This all-wise God had revealed His greatest crisis the church has yet faced Jerusalem (see Acts 15:2,4,6,22,23) and generosity in giving the Holy Spirit to in her history."2 promoted sound teaching. Sixth, there the Gentiles, "just as he had given his In brief then, Acts 15 reveals a were theologians, such as James and Paul, Spirit to us [Jews]" (verse 8, CEV), and Holy Spirit-directed, Bible-based, whose biblical approach was clearly in cleansing their hearts from sin (see Christ-commissioned, universally- needed to assist the church in coming to a verse 9). Thus, by focusing on the applicable, ethically-oriented, original reliable conclusion on the issue. character of an omniscient, benevolent, paradigm for ethical decision-making. Step three: the deliberations. This and supremely fair God, who saves and These six principles indicate a valid, representative delegation of missionaries, sanctifies, Peter provided a solid divinely-inspired model for the pastor pastors, administrators, theologians, as theological basis from which to and the Christian community as they well as lay members both for and against consider a perplexing moral problem. deal with any ethical problem they the matter became immersed in a wide- Next, Peter underscored God©s might face. John Calvin was right: ranging open discussion. The precise concern for people. He questioned why "Here is prescribed by God a form and steps taken in these deliberations provide some were wanting to promote the an order in assembling synods, when an excellent model for conducting continuation of circumcision, adding, there ariseth any controversy which discussions on sensitive problems. These "You are putting a heavy load around the cannot otherwise be decided."3 steps may be described as follows: necks of the non-Jewish brothers. It is a MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER 1996 19 load that neither we nor our fathers were Step four: the decision. At the end of well-received, for "the people read it able to carry" (verse 10, EB). Because the discussion and deliberations James and were glad for its encouraging of his interest in the spiritual and led out in formulating a resolution. He message" (verse 31). Later, Paul psychological welfare of the believers, began by saying "I don©t think we should continued to disseminate widely these Peter recommended that no unnecessary place burdens on the Gentiles who are clearly articulated ethical standards as burden be placed on them. This others- turning to God" (Acts 15:19, CEV). he "traveled from town to town" (Acts directed emphasis was crucial in the Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit 16:4) on his missionary journeys. deliberations over this issue. (see verse 28), he recommended that the Step six: the development. Finally, Peter focused on Jesus Christ council "should write to them, telling Apparently the leaders who delivered the as Saviour and Lord. Recognizing that them to abstain from food polluted by infor-mation about the decisions of the salvation does not come by works, he idols, from sexual immorality, from the council did not simply present the letter affirmed: "We believe it is through the meat of strangled animals and from and then leave. Rather, Silas and Judas grace of our Lord Jesus that we are blood" (verse 20). That this listing of Barsabbas remained, "spending some saved" (verse 11). Peter©s reference to ethical requirements is evidently based time there" (Acts 15:33), saying "much Jesus as "Lord" is significant, for it on the Word of God can be seen from to encourage and strengthen the indicates that Christians are called to the very next comment of James: "For believers" (verse 32, NRSV). Also, Paul willingly submit their entire lives to Moses has been preached in every city" and Barnabas "remained in Antioch, their Master, Jesus Christ, allowing Him (verse 21). The conjunction "for" is a where they and many others taught and to direct their behavior and lifestyle. In translation of the Greek gar, which is preached the word of the Lord" (verse other words, Peter pointed out that Jesus chiefly used to explain the reason for 35). Later, as Paul continued to spread is both Saviour from sin and Lord of something. In other words, James was the requirements forged out by the life. Thus, by means of a balanced focus basing his counsel on "the Law of council, he "urged them to follow these on Jesus, Peter furnished the council Moses" (verse 21, CEV). Further proof instructions" (Acts 16:4, CEV). "So the with a sound Christological foundation of this reliance on Scripture becomes churches were strengthened in the faith from which to examine an intricate evident in verse 29, where the council and grew daily in numbers" (verse 5). ethical quandary. rearranged the sequence of these Thus it is evident that, in addition to Acknowledging providence. Fifth, prohibitions, placing them in the same delivering the decision of the council, once the council created a God-focused, order as those in Leviticus 17 and 18. these leaders spent time encouraging and compassionate, Christ-centered frame Thus, it is plain that while new converts developing the faith of the members. work for decision-making, it took time were welcomed into the Christian to acknowledge God©s providential communion, they were to adhere to Challenge to the church leading in taking the gospel to non- certain biblical ethical standards. Despite the fact that the Jerusalem Jews. "The whole assembly became Step five: the communication of the Council met 2,000 years ago, the silent as they listened to Barnabas and decision. Once the Scripture-based approach is still relevant. Moreover, Paul telling them about the miraculous conclusion had been finalized and since this pattern of decision-making signs and wonders God had done recorded, "the apostles and elders, with was divinely directed, it is fully trust among the Gentiles through them" the whole church, decided to choose worthy as an acceptable and reliable (verse 12). some of their own men and send them system for contemporary Christian Scriptural validation. Sixth, James, to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas" consideration. who appears to have been the leader (Acts 15:22). Two respected leaders, While it is not suggested that this is of the convention (see verses 13, 19; Silas and Judas Barsabbas, were asked the only way for pastors and church cf. Gal. 2:9), spoke up in sup-port of to accompany them as they delivered the members to address ethical issues, it Peter. He indicated that Peter©s written decision of the council (see does provide an inspired paradigm for personal experience was valid because verses 22-29), and "to confirm by word the appraisal of pressing ethical issues it was firmly based on the Scriptures. of mouth" (verse 27) what had been in the local and even the corporate He said: "This agrees with what the decided. While the issue of circum church. prophets wrote" (Acts 15:15, CEV), cision had apparently been a major * Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture passages and then quoted from Amos 9:11, 12. concern in Antioch, the Jerusalem in this article are from the New International Version. James noted that the taking of the Council obviously wanted this decision 1 Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles gospel to the Gentiles was in ful to have a larger circulation "to the (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., fillment of Old Testament prophecy. In Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria, and 1911), p. 190. See also Acts 15:23; 21:25. 2 Charles W. Carter, ed., The Wesleyan Bible other words, Peter©s testimony could Cilicia" (verse 23). First, however, the Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, be considered a trustworthy guide decision was taken to Antioch, "where 1966), vol. 4, p. 580. 3 John Calvin, Commentary Upon the Acts of the because it was in harmony with the they gathered the church together and Apostles, vol. 2 (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book objective Written Word of God. delivered the letter" (verse 30). It was House, 1979 reprint), p. 44. 20 MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER 1996 Ten reasons we need those great hymns

Bill O©Connor n recent years worship and praise 3. The great hymns expose us to choruses seem to be replacing old superb poetry, with the most beautiful Ihymns. The idea isn©t all bad. words ever penned. Consider the words Many worship services need greater of Katharina von Schlegel from "Be spontaneity, depth of emotion, and Still, My Soul": congregational involvement. Praise and worship choruses help to meet "Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side. The great hymns of this need. But should this entirely Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain; displace the singing of traditional Leave to thy God to order and provide. Christian history In every change He faithful will remain. hymns? I think not. Here are 10 rea expand the mind, Be still, my soul: the best thy heav 'nly sons to keep singing hymns even as Friend illuminate the we sing contemporary songs. Thro' thorny ways leads to a joyful end. 1. The great hymns keep us in understanding, and touch with our Christian heritage. "A "Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake Mighty Fortress" takes us back to the To guide the future as He has the past. excite the soul. Reformation and allows us to hear the Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing words of Martin Luther. "Joyful, shake; All now mysterious shall be bright at last. Joyful, We Adore Thee" exposes us to Be still, my soul: the waves and winds the music of Beethoven and lets us still know revel in the melodic mastery of one His voice who ruled them while of the great composers of church He dwelt below. history. The hymns of Charles Wesley immerse us in the spirit of the "Be still, my soul: the hour is hast'ning on Wesley an revival. Depending on our When we shall be forever with the Lord, denominational heritage, the hymns When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone, we sing remind us of our founders, our Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored. history, and our doctrinal distinctives. Be still, my soul: when change and tears Without the great hymns we would are past, lose touch with our past. All safe and blessed we shall meet at last." 2. The great hymns expose us to some of the greatest music ever written. 4. The great hymns give our worship "How Great Thou Art" comes from a a sense of majesty and beauty. The great Swedish folk melody. "Be Still, My cathedrals were built to convey a sense Soul" is Jean Sibelius© "Finlandia." Our Bill O'Connor was a of the greatness and majesty of God. jjl Church of the Nazarene hymns set before us music from the Their vaulted ceilings were designed to i pastor for many years centuries. Some go back as many as direct our attention upward. Often their \ and now is the executive 800 or more years, while others date acoustics gave one the feeling of being '•' director of the La from the turn of the century, and still part of a heavenly choir. Many of the I Grande-Union County Chamber of Commerce, others (in the newest hymnals) come early hymns were written to com Newberg, Oregon. from the present decade. With all their plement the sublime sense inspired by advantages, many choruses lack that those cathedrals. rich, broad musical variety and Though we seldom build cathedrals heritage. anymore, and though our worship has MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER 1996 21 become more personal and intimate, Who could sing such hymns without hymns. Many of Charles Wesley©s there is still a place for being deeply gaining a deeper appreciation and hymns once had several more verses moved by our Creator©s majesty. understanding of our heavenly Father? than we sing today. Some of the stanzas Though some choruses achieve this 7. The great hymns contribute to were so personal to the writer himself goal admirably most notably Jack the depth of our Christian experience. that they can hardly be sung by anyone Hayford©s "Majesty" the hymns Choruses tend to appeal to the emo else. Listen to the intensely personal usually do it better. Who can ever tional side of the worshiper. The nature of the first and last stanzas of forget, having sung it even once, the hymns excite our emotions as well as Wesley©s "And Can It Be?" sense of God©s greatness evoked by our minds; as a result, even our emo such hymns as "How Great Thou Art," tional response is deeper. You can©t "And can it be that I should gain or the deep appreciation summoned reach much deeper into eternal truth An int'rest in the Savior's blood! by "Great Is Thy Faithfulness"? than when you understand the God Died He for me, who caused His pain? 5. The great hymns embed Christian For me, who Him to death pursued? found in Walter C. Smith©s "Immor Amazing love! How can it be truths in our minds and hearts. Some tal, Invisible." That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me? say they can©t memorize; as a result they seldom attempt to commit God©s "Immortal, invisible, God only wise, "Long my imprisoned spirit lay Word in their hearts. Without our even In light inaccessible hid from our eyes, Fast bound in sin and nature's night; realizing it, the hymns do that com Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient Thine eyes diffused a quick'ning ray, mitting for us. Christians who couldn©t of Days, I woke, the dungeon flamed with light; Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we My chains fell off, my heart was free; quote 10 verses of Scripture could easily praise sing dozens of hymns that are based on I rose, went forth and followed Thee." or directly drawn out of Scripture. There "Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light, are any number of Christian concepts Nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rulest in There is another verse to that hymn tucked away in our minds ready to be that is even more personal and more pulled out when we need them, and they Thy justice like mountains high soaring exalting of the Lord and His saving work. were put there by the repeated singing above Thy clouds, which are fountains of "No condemnation now I dread; of the great hymns. Thanks to our goodness and love. Jesus, and all in Him, is mine! hymns we know that God is faithful, Alive in Him, my living Head, that He provides a firm foundation for "Great Father of glory, pure Father of light, And clothed in righteousness divine, our lives, that we should "Take Time to Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their Bold I approach th' eternal throne, Be Holy," and that God©s love will not sight; And claim the crown, through Christ let us go. Our hymns teach new truth All laud we would render: O help us to my own." every time we sing them. see 'Tis only the splendor of light hideth 6. Singing great hymns is one of the 10. The great hymns do more than Thee." most effective ways the church has of other resources to help us actually teaching Christian doctrine. Systematic worship God. If you have entered into theology is often communicated in a dull, 8. The great hymns help us to the poetry of the verse quoted in this dry way. If you announce that you©re lift our hearts to God. No thinking article, you have worshiped as you©ve going to preach a series of sermons on Christian could sing the hymn just read. The power of the great hymns is the attributes of God, most people will quoted and not be moved toward the such that you can©t be exposed to them yawn and quietly slip into a silent ho- Lord. Such hymns take us out of with an open heart without worship hum mode. If you conceive and build a ourselves, out of our problems, out of taking place. The hymns, carefully well-implemented thematic service the pressures of the present moment, planned and scheduled in worship, around each of the attributes of God and and into the throne room of God©s pave the way for great preaching, let the great hymns do the teaching, majesty. There, along with Isaiah the giving the message a better chance of people will learn about God without prophet, we cry out, "My eyes have making a lasting impact. Without the knowing they©re being exposed to seen the King, the Lord Almighty" hymns where would some of us poor systematic theology. Just think of the (Isa. 6:5, NIV). preachers be? theology that would be taught by a course 9. The great hymns exalt and We need the choruses of worship of hymns such as these: magnify the Lord Jesus Christ. The and praise. They excite the emotions, "God the Omnipotent!" hymnwriters had an experience with lift our spirits, and help release us to "Holy God, We Praise Thy Name" Christ that had to be explained, an glorify the Lord. We also need the great "O Love That Will Not Let Me Go" encounter with Him that had to be hymns. They expand the mind, "O Splendor of God©s Glory Bright" shared. They put the very heart of their illuminate the understanding, and "Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise" experience and encounter into their excite the soul. 22 MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER 1996 Annie

Loren Seibold nnie called me on a winter knowledge of doctrines; nonetheless, I afternoon. "I want to be bap find Annie has learned the material. A tized in your church," she said. It©s not difficult to decide that Annie Complete strangers rarely volunteer should be baptized. for baptism around here. I made an But there is something that troubles appointment to meet her at church on me. Annie has found the Lord. But will Finding a place in Sabbath morning. "Just look for an Annie find a church home? overweight girl with blond hair," she Annie is not impoverished. She has the congregation tells me. a job. She is responsible, in her way. Her description proves accurate. Annie, it seems, is functional. She©s about 40, short and broad, with a But Annie is not quite normal, either. round face, blotchy complexion, and She would stand out like a sore thumb light-blue eyes. Her stringy hair is tied in any group, and even more so in a up at her neck, with a part like a church on the fringes of Stanford lightning bolt. Between the hem of her University. My members are thoroughly too-short skirt and the tops of her too- kind and Christian. They will do what short stockings white flesh bulges. She ever they can to accommodate her. But carries a huge Revelation Seminar Annie, I can see already, is going to be Bible, which she©s adorned with a a difficult fit. homemade cover that looks like it was After her baptism, people make a made by a 5-year-old at Vacation Bible game attempt to include her. Someone School. invites her to a Bible study and prayer She is instantly in my face. Annie has group. She is so needy that she developed a method of keeping people dominates the evening. She has poor from dismissing her: she talks without boundaries, telling things that she a break for you to respond or end the shouldn©t, cycling through emotions conversation. that seem to make no sense. After just After church she corners me. She one evening the other members are works in a small factory, she tells me. exasperated; by the third the group has She lives alone, and seems to have few been totally absorbed into Annie, and friends: what she describes as friends people begin dropping out. sound to me like people who make fun In Sabbath school I see some young of her. She has never been married or visitors whom I©d like to encourage to had a boyfriend, but I get the impression choose our church. But during the Loren Seibold is pastor that she has a remarkable fantasy life. lesson discussion Annie takes over, with of the Seventh-day Adventist church in She©s just finished a Revelation nonstop nonsequituers and pointless Palo Alto, California. Seminar in another city, she tells me, tales of her life and hard times. I can and she wants to join a church close to see that the visitors aren©t enjoying it; home. As she talks, I become convinced for that matter, neither are the rest of that she is seeking a relationship with us. I don©t expect to see my visitors the Lord. I©ve never held the opinion again. that conversion must be proven by the As I circulate among the pews ability to acquire an encyclopedic between services shaking hands and MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER 1996 23 greeting, Annie grabs hold of me, begins for the next 10 years about what they to accept that when the Lord drew a new story, and won©t let me go. should do, and in the end I know would someone like Annie to Himself, we Eventually I escape; but later she will blame them very much for trying to could not keep up our end of the grumble to me that I snubbed her. leave space between themselves and bargain. It speaks volumes about the Even one-on-one meetings are someone who clings and dominates. It culture we Adventists share: one that harrowing. What starts out as a half- is, in fact, a testimony to their own doesn©t easily make room for God©s hour visit turns into two hours, with me psychological health that they maintain odder children. spending the last three quarters of the their stability in the face of Annie©s all- Could another congregation have time trying to extricate myself for other encompassing neediness. ministered to Annie? Perhaps. And yet errands. But what about Annie? I hear similar stories from other pastors. As weeks pass, I see people leaving I©ve never seriously doubted that As long as we minister, we will be a space around her psychological and Annie was seeking the Lord and that the not just ministers to souls, but also physical. A month later she ceases to Lord sought her. She sought the Lord©s ministers of relationship and group come. When I call her, she complains church, too but we didn©t find her. process. that she has been left out. On one hand, I wonder if it©s fair to And as long as we minister, we will And she©s right. expect that every church should meet have Annies. I hold an idealistic view of what the the needs of every member. Were we Sermon Outlines church should be. It should be a place equipped to fill Annie©s needs? Ethnic on diskette where the needy come for help. A church pastors tell me that they meet shelter for those from the highways and separately from the rest for language byways. A fueling stop where spiritual and cultural reasons. In a way the same emptiness is filled. A hospital for thing is true of Annie. We didn©t share sinners. the same culture. And although we and That©s the ideal; let©s talk about she spoke English, we never really things as they really are. In truth, I could spoke the same language. Orders: 1301) 680-6508 instruct and push and scold my church On the other hand, it is hard for me Fax: (301) 630-6502 "The program is good. The price is right. I am learning just as much as I would in a classroom, if not more... As I work as a pastor, Home Study International helps me keep sharp and increases my theological understanding on current issues. The fact that I'm continuing to study will ultimately be a positive factor in my career." ; " -. . , .... © >.; :/; , ,:,, ,-*6r,-,. Pastor Marvin Glass . © © ©l:Ji-.:fei 'g, .-,-,-C©xlv-Vs Summer 1995

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24 MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER 1996 Seminary News

Seminary features third H.M.S. Richards Andrews University©s lectureship on preaching and evangelism Seminary Studies

n inspiring teacher, an out Washington Missionary College (now standing preacher, and an Columbia Union College). Fifteen Aaccomplished writer has been years later it was revived on the campus chosen to be the featured person for the of Andrews University. The first and H.M.S. Richards lectureship on second lectureships at Andrews Univer preaching and evangelism for 1996. sity involved two speaking teams, Wilber Mervyn A. Warren, chairperson of the Alexander and Winton Beaven in 1994, Religion Department at Oakwood and Ivan Blazen and Louis Venden in College, will deliver the lectures at the 1995. Besides thus honoring an Adventist Seventh-day Adventist Theological evangelist, Andrews University has A Refcreed Journal within Seminary, Andrews University, October become the home of some of the pre the Context of Biblical 20, 21, 1996. Warren has published an cious papers of H.M.S. Richards. The Faith to Keep You Abreast. award-winning sermon in the first Adventist Heritage Center of the James volume of Best Sermons (Harper San White Library at Andrews University Twice a year AUSS brings Francisco). In the Richards lectureship has received more than 125 boxes of to you: he will speak on the theme "Prickly historical records from the Voice of Scholarly articles on: Enquiries in the Side of Preaching." Prophecy documenting its growth from biblical studies The Richards lectureship honors the the 1930s to the mid-1980s. The Voice biblical archaeology life and ministry of H.M.S. Richards, Sr. of Prophecy, founded by H.M.S. historical-theological (1894-1985). The lectureship began in Richards in 1930, is the longest- studies 1957, was sponsored by the Columbia running Christian evangelistic radio Reports of archaeological Union Conference and cosponsored by broadcast in the United States. digs and projects of Benjamin Schoun, associate dean, Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, Andrews University, Andrews University Berrien Springs, Michigan. Please Check the Boxes Which Apply to Your Order: US Foreign Assessment ©96 One year regular O $18 O $21 One Year student O $15 O $18 God has wired up a few men and women for the extraordinary challenge of church planting. You may be one! Act now to beat the 1997price increase! A four day church planting assessment is being sponsored by the North 2 year regular O $36 O $42 American Division and administered by the Center for Organizational and (1996-1997) Ministry Development of Colorado Springs. To create a single integrated evaluation of attendees, a team of trained 2 year student O $30 observers will use-. (1996-1997) ty simulated church planting exercises Everyone attending w/ff Name: $ small group activities ^-personal interviews graduate w/ffi a clear sense Address: $ teaching modules $-personality testing and of Sod's fingerprint for ^letters of reference their ministry. City:. State: As North America moves toward a church planting strategy, the Zip: Country: assessment will help to identify, and eventually place those who are qualified to lead church planting ventures. Write to: If you are considering starting a new church, consider yourself invited. AUSA The event will be held near Portland, Oregon, November 18-21, 1996. Andrews Universiy For more information, or to receive an application form, Berrien Springs, MI 49104 call 5O3-652-2225, extension 210, and ask for Genia. http://www.andens.cdu/@auss

MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER 1996 25 Viewpoint Contemporary Christian music is Christian music A candid discussion of the role of contemporary music in today©s church Michael Tomlinson

"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, sometimes fall prey to misunder the music per se. Paul Hamel, a burst into jubilant song with music;... standings and frustrations due to conservative Adventist musician, implies shoutfor joy before the Lord, the King " communications failure. This occurs the neutrality of instrumental music (Ps. 98:4-6, NIV). with music or different generations,"1 when he writes in Adventists Affirm: Put simply, people like what they "Perhaps no melodic line is inherently usic is a hot topic within like, and if something sounds strange wicked nor four-part harmonization Christianity today. It©s also a or different, then for many "it©s from unacceptable. Nor can I conceive of a M sizzling subject within the the devil." But wait a minute! Just series of chords that would be objec Seventh-day Adventist Church. because I don©t like something or have tionable in themselves."2 How true, yet I Nothing inflames the passions of the had a negative experience with it does find an inconsistency in HameFs position saints more than the worthiness or not make it sinful or devilish. When I when he deems Christian rock music as unworthiness of this or that form of was in high school I was hurt in a "out of place in church, no matter how music. Sadly overlooked is the reality waterskiing accident. To this day I do orthodox the words might be," because that one©s personal taste, culture, not water-ski. Is waterskiing therefore of its association with "unacceptable, un- background, lifestyle, and the numerous wrong? No, it©s just not my favorite Christian kinds of behavior." other factors which dictate music sport. preferences. Thus many sincere but A double standard? dogmatic members of the church might Comfort zones vary The problem is that somehow Hamel be standing more for personal whim Do some church leaders denounce does not apply the same standard to than biblical principle. Christian "rock" because they do not secular classical music with its non- Music is common to all peoples, understand it or perhaps because they Christian roots and associations. Take, classes, and cultures. Every society are blinded by generational prejudice or for example, the wedding march from shares an appreciation for music. The personal preference? They no doubt are Lohengrin, an opera libretto that he types of music are noticeably diverse leaders of integrity, but that doesn©t acknowledges is "based upon concepts indeed. But it is music all the same. So prevent Adventist teenagers from far from Christian ideals." Yet he states: why is the issue of church music so rejecting religion for the lack of a "Though it was not created for a sacred controversial? Why does intolerance so legitimate way of expressing their own purpose, it is music that was artistically often sit prominently on the front row Christian identity. Like David, should composed, in contrast to what is occa when the music starts to play? Why is not the present generation of Adventists sionally heard in our churches today."3 one form of music acceptable today, be allowed to "fight in their own Evidently he regards contemporary while a generation or two ago it was armor"? Christian musicians such as Amy Grant, "demonic strumming, leading God©s In saying all of this, I am not Russ Taff, Ray Boltz, and David Meece people astray"? promoting rock and roll. But I am a Juilliard graduate as less than Dan and Peter Stevens, authors of defending a legitimate form of Christian artistic composers. But on what basis? Why Knock Rock! state: "As a language music and testimony of faith in Jesus. I The only possible answer is personal . . . music has the capability to believe music itself is without moral taste. communicate only to the culture which qualities, either for good or evil. The Music can be good or bad depending produces it. It often confuses outsiders, question has more to do with what the upon its use. Consider how the Nazis even as people with different languages music is employed to say or do than with played the music of Wagner to soothe 26 MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER 1996 the emotions of their gas chamber faithfully as any type of traditional contemporary delivery and hold a victims while marching them to their Christian music. campaign geared for ages 30 down to deaths. Music used for evil purposes By beholding we become changed the late teens? Billy Graham notes that produces evil results, but let©s not (see 2 Cor. 3:18). Those who fill their 85 percent of all conversions to Christ throw out the baby with the bath minds with secular messages, whether happen to those 18 years old or younger. water. Eliminating the secular roots of positive or negative, invariably will With all this in mind, if such a campaign Christian music would mean to say become more secular. However, those were held in an industrial culture, would goodbye to the hymns of Martin who listen to contemporary Christian it be at all successful without the use of Luther, whose music was borrowed music are filling their minds with a carefully chosen contemporary music? from secular German folk tunes. Christian message. This, coupled with Contemporary Christian music is Bernard of Clairvaux, a twelfth- a faithful devotional life, will result in one means of translating the Seventh- century Christian, set the words of "O spiritual fruitfulness. But for many day Adventist message into a language Sacred Head Now Wounded" to the young Adventists the traditional or old- that will be understood by the present tune of a German jig. In the new fashioned means of worshiping God just generation. If Adventist musicians Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal, a "doesn©t cut it." It simply does not could enjoy the support of church number of hymns would have to go, communicate in a way with which they leaders in expressing the three angels© because they are based on contemporary can identify. And that is certainly not messages in a more contemporary way, secular tunes of their day. simply because they have, as some we would see an upsurge in winning as Could it be that all our hymns have would rather thoughtlessly assert, been well as holding young people. If we been significantly influenced by the "corrupted by the world." could be granted the freedom for such music of their day? It might be well to In the early 1970s, former secular expression, we would unquestionably allow Christians today a little latitude rock musician and disk jockey Bob ease the hemorrhaging of youth from to think and act for themselves in Larson denounced Christian rock our church. exercising their own preferences in music. He is, in fact, the source most harmony with their own consciences. often quoted by Adventists who wish 1 Dan Stevens and Peter Stevens, Why Knock Whatever our personal musical tastes to disparage contemporary Christian Rock? (Minneapolis: Bethany House Pub., 1994). may be, let©s remember that our youth music. Sadly, they quote the Larson of 2 Paul Hamel, Adventists Affirm, Fall 1991. 1 Ibid. are entitled to their own preferences too. the past. In the 1980s, after inter 4 Barbara Jepson, "Pop Music for the Young However we feel about contemporary viewing musicians and listening to and and Pious," Wall Street Journal, Jan. 6, 1993. Christian music, it is Christian music. studying Christian rock, Larson has changed his tune. Now he eagerly Different from secular rock endorses this form of music as a healthy Contemporary Christian music Christian alternative. differs from secular rock in four major Youth who abandon Guns ©n Roses areas: lyrics, lifestyles, goals, and or the Red Hot Chili Peppers for Christ graphics. In each of these areas the need a healthy and youthful alternative Christian artist attempts to lift up Jesus good quality music that positively Christ and/or the Christian lifestyle. motivates them and speaks of the love Millions find the music beneficial in of Jesus. If forced to swallow the music maintaining their walk with Christ and of an earlier generation that they do not the continual state of prayer advocated like, they will eventually turn against "Be the best leader you in 1 Thessalonians 5:17. it and against the church that robbed can possibly be for God, Barbara Jepson, writing in the Wall them of vital generational and personal the people, and Street Journal, observes: "The issue, I meaning. yourself." think, is not whether this mix of the sacred and secular is inappropriate, but Contemporary Christian evangelism Great how-to book for pastors and how effectively it works. As a believer Today young people, particularly members on sharing your faith. and a music journalist, I have three teenagers, live for music. That is their Written by popular management and criteria: Does the spiritual content passion. For some it is their life. leadership consultant Dr. Jard DeVille. encourage, exhort, or confront me in Understanding this might provide a some way? Second, is the music degree of caution when we are tempted Only US$6.00 includes shipping appealing? Finally, does the music suit to try to reach youth with religious music the text... ?"4 She proceeds to show how from the 1950s, 1940s, or earlier. Would Orders: (800) 982-3344 contemporary Christian music amply it be wrong for a young evangelist to Info: (817) 641-3643 meets these spiritual requirements as recruit good Adventist singers with a MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER 1996 27 9 "Not allowed to sing that tune or this tune? Worship and music: Indeed! Secular music, do you say? Belongs to the devil, does it? Well, if it did, I would plunder him of it. ... Every note and every strain and every natural but uneasy harmony is divine and belongs to us" (William B. Booth, quoted in B. Boon, Sing the Happy Song: mates The History of Salvation Army VocalMusic [London: Continued from page 4 Salvationist Publishing and Supplies, 1978], p. 115). 10 James F. White, Introduction to Christian Worship, rev. ed. (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1991), who are weak in faith, but not for the pp. 100, 102. purpose of quarreling over opinions" 1© During the earlier Middle Ages the congregation (Rom. 14:1, NRSV). We all stand orfall had participated in the Mass by singing the Kyrie, Credo, Sanctus/Benedictus, andAngus Dei (Wilson- before our own Master, who is able to Dickson, p. 41). make us all stand (verse 4). Allow 12 See Edith Weber, Le Concile de Trente et la Musique: De la reforme a la contrere-reforme (Paris: everyone to be convinced in his or her Honore Champion, 1982), pp. 65, 87, 196-99, etc. own mind (verse 5). We do not live or 13 The first psalters both in England and in the die only for ourselves (verse 7). Don©t United States contained only the text without the music. In addition, most people did not read. A judge one another, for we will all be practice of psalm singing had thus developed in judged by God (verses 10-13). In your which the minister or a deacon would read aloud or need to express Christian freedom, sing the first line of the psalm ("lining out"), which was then taken up by the congregation; each never put a stumbling block in the way successive line of the whole psalm would be sung See a church board at work and of another (verses 13-15, 21). The in this fashion. One can imagine the results of such observe how a chairperson relates to 12 kingdom of God does not consist of our a practice: "In singing two or three staves the behavioral types. Church consultant congregation falls from a cheerful pitch to downright opinions about this or that, but peace grumbling, and then some to relieve themselves Don Reynolds walks the chairperson and joy in the Holy Spirit (verse 17). mount an eighth above the rest, others perhaps a through the committee process. fourth or fifth, by which means the singing appears We are to pursue what creates peace to be rather a confused noise, made up of reading, and mutual upbuilding, that is, what squeaking, and grumbling.... In many places, one In just 60 minutes you will learn- pleases our fellow human being for the man is upon this note, while another is a note before E the four stages of the meeting him, which produces something so hideous and purpose of building him or her up (verse disorderly, as is beyond expression bad . . . and process 19; Rom. 15:1-3). Finally, we are to wel besides, no two men in the congregation quaver D the protocol of chairmanship come one another in the same way Christ (decorate the tune) alike, or together, which sounds B how to develop an agenda in the ears of a good judge, like five hundred has welcomed us (verse 7). different tunes roared out at the same time" (T. n the essential elements of Walter, The Grounds and Rules of Music Explained parliamentary procedure [Boston: 1721], quoted in Wilson-Dickson, p. 184). B how not to take sides 14 In K. Silverman, Selected Letters of Cotton Historial perspectives Mother (Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University AND MUCH MORE Press, 1971), p. 376. on change in worship 15 Quoted by Henry Wilder Foote, Three Centuries Includes- ofAmerican Hymnody (Hamden, Conn.: Shoe String Press, 1961), p. 102. 60-minute video music 16 Edward S. Ninde, of The Story of the American text Making Committees Continued from page 9 Hymn (New York: Abingdon Press, 1921), p. 95. Work 17 Ibid., pp. 96, 97. 18 Christian Gerber (1732), quoted in H. David and ' facilitators guide. 4 Donald P. Hustad, Jubilate! Christian Music in A. Mendel, eds., The Bach Reader: A Life ofJohann All for just the Evangelical Tradition (Carol Stream, 111.: Hope Sebastian Bach in Letters and Documents, rev. ed. Publications, 1981), p. 123. Laude were (New York: W. W. Norton, 1966), pp. 229, 230. extraliturgical devotional songs for the edification 19 As early Seventh-day Adventist worship styles plus shipping & handling. of the faithful. reveal, this theory can be very misleading. See Ronald Overseas surface add 15%. 5 Friedrich Blume, Protestant Church Music: A D. Graybill©s article "Enthusiasm in Early Adventist (Earns CEUs) History (New York: W. W. Norton, 1974), pp. 29- Worship," Ministry, October 1991, pp. 10-12. 35. For a list of contrafacta used in the early Lutheran 20 Luther had solved this tension by giving a new church, see pp. 32-34. meaning to the old tune; the secular language, so to Ministerial Supply Center/ 6 Hustad, p. 125. speak, gained sacralization through a new Seminars Unlimited ©Andrew Wilson-Dickson, The Story of association. Friedrich Blume comments on this: Christian Music: From Gregorian Chant to Black "Protestantism preserved the medieval classification P.O. Box 66 Gospel: An Authoritative Illustrated Guide to all the of the world, with secular art subjected to an Keene, IX 76059 Major Traditions of Music for Worship (Oxford: intellectual discipline characterized by piety and Lion, 1992), p. 117. churchliness. Under these conditions the disparity Orders: (800) 982-3344 8 Wilson-Dickson, p. 140: "Poor Old Uncle Ned" between sacred and secular music could at first Info: (817) 641-3643 ("O What Battles I©ve Been In"); "Poor Old Joe" hardly become a problem" (Protestant Church ("Gone Are the Days of Wretchedness and Sin"). Music, p. 29). Starting with the latter part of the See also Foster©s "Old Folks at Home," adapted by seventeenth century, this principle became Uriah Smith to "Land of Light" (James R. Nix, increasingly difficult to realize because of the impact Advent Singing [Washington, D.C.: North American of humanism, which would bring about an ever Division Office of Education, 1988], pp. 88, 89). growing gap between the secular and sacred worlds. 28 MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER 1996 Sing the song of appeal to our "sensual nature" the words Long ago, in the fourth century, the to the tune must be suggestive of some council of Carthage gave some sound gladness thing sensual. advice that we would do well to heed: Continued from page 6 History suggests a tradition of "See that what thou singest with thy lips borrowing from the secular to turn the thou believest in thy heart; and what heart toward the holy and uplift one©s thou believest in thy heart thou doest "Thou Art My Shepherd" and "Fairest thoughts to a spiritual realm. To borrow exemplify in thy life."11 Lord Jesus." the rhythm, instruments, or style of 1 Donald Jay Grout, A History of Western Music secular music is not in and of itself bad. (New York: W. W. Norton and Company, 1960), p. 9. 2 Perry A. Scholes, The Oxford Companion to Modern beat, something evil? According to Scholes, "if music heard Music, 9th ed. (London: Oxford University Press, Is there something evil about the beat in church is good and sincere, and 1955), p. 184. 3 Ibid. of modern music? All music has a suitable to and expressive of words or 4 Robert Sabin, in International Cyclopedia of beat."Beat" is simply one of the thoughts to which it is allied, then the Music and Musicians, ed. Oscar Thompson, 6th ed. elements of rhythm (along with accents association of time and place will (New York: Dodd, Mead and Company, 1939), p. 1526. and measures), and rhythm one of the convert it into ©church music.©"10 5 Ibid., p. 1527. elements of music. Even plainsong, the What needs to be questioned is our 6 Groves Dictionary of Music and Musicians, ed. J.A.F. Maitland (New York: Macmillan, 1908), Vol. earliest "acceptable church music," has motive for singing or listening, not the II, p. 788. a beat. According to Scholes, the human melody, beat, or instruments. Are we 7 Hendrik Willem van Loon, The Life and Times ofjohann Sebastian Bach (London: George G. Harrap ear seems to demand "the perceptible singing or listening to glorify God? Or and Co., 1942), p. 54. presence of a unit of time [the beat]."9 are we only interested in a mindless 8 Scholes, The Oxford Companion to Music, p. 506. © Ibid., p. 878. It©s true that the beat can be used to escape which only directs us back into 10 Ibid., p. 183. influence the emotions, but in order to ourselves? 11 Sabin, p. 1524.

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MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER 1996 29 Pastor©s Pastor. True evangelistic success

James A. Cress

iligent personal work and the emphasis for success away from Attendance at participative pro Holy Spirit©s role in the con Orlando and the featured evangelist and grams, small groups, seminars, church D version process are sometimes directly onto the local church members services, or evangelistic meetings are all obscured as we focus on technology, and pastor. "Christ©s method alone will designed to get nonbelievers interacting human ingenuity, and bright light ideas give true success in reaching the people. with believers. Thus the individual non- that spring to our minds. The Saviour mingled with men as One believer will be impacted by those As at least five divisions of the world who desired their good. He showed His whose own lives have been impacted by church prepare to participate in our sympathy for them, ministered to their Jesus Christ. denomination©s largest-ever evangelistic needs, and won their confidence. Then Furthermore, if we designate the event, it is important to reflect on the real He bade them, ©Follow Me©" (The horizontal barrier (broken line) from secret of spiritual power in the process Ministry of Healing, p. 143). bottom to top in the diagram as a of bringing individuals to Jesus Christ. Far too often we emphasize making cultural barrier between nonattendance Beginning October 5,1996, a series believers out of nonattenders when the and attendance and the vertical barrier of It Is Written public evangelistic easier path to active fellowship in the (dotted line) of the diagram from left to meetings, conducted in Orlando by body of Christ is making believers out right as a spiritual barrier between Mark Finley, will be beamed via a of attenders. Notice the diagram: nonbelief and belief, the church©s task satellite across North America, South becomes more distinct. America, and the islands and countries Nonbelievers Believers People help people cross the cultural of the Caribbean, as well as to almost attending attending barrier "we don©t go there" or "we don©t all of Europe. attend church" and thus place them Attendees in more than 5,000 locations Nonbelievers Believers where the Holy Spirit can most easily do will hear the gospel downlinked to them not attending not attending His work of bringing them across the from the live presentations in Orlando. spiritual barrier from nonbelief to belief. The process behind this event, Assuming that we begin with non- So the greatest task of NET ©96, or termed NET ©96, was crafted 18 months believers who are not attending church any other evangelistic thrust, is to get earlier in Chattanooga when the results (bottom left) and that we must reach people into relational proximity to other of that inaugural event produced one of our objective of believers who are believers, which then allows the Holy the largest baptism years ever in the attending (upper right corner), by Spirit to move them into relationship history of the church in North America. moving through the process of one of with Jesus Christ. For local pastors, it will be tempting the other two boxes, it is sobering to to rely on the glitz of technology or the see where, traditionally, we have put SPECIAL NOTE TO OUR CLERGY READERS brilliance of an outstanding public so much of our energy and resources. OF ALL DENOMINATIONS preacher and to forget the essentials of Any program designed to keep As described above, on October 5,1996, Seventh- personal work and individual contact. nonbelievers isolated in their own day Adventists will launch a major evangelistic thrust However, regardless of how well the homes away from the body of Christ directed at reaching the nations for Jesus Christ. We speaker preaches or how smooth the while attempting to bring them to value your input and critique of our effort. Please feel free to view any of these satellite broadcasts technology operates, it is only when the belief is less productive. Therefore, and hear an Adventist minister presenting biblical gospel impacts the life of the individual magazine subscriptions, television messages. Your evaluation is welcome and would that conversion occurs. Simply stated, programs, radiobroadcasts, and even provide a helpful insight into our ongoing evangelism this means people must be present to Bible correspondence schools are program. For information on how to receive the downlink, call 1-800-226-1119. hear the message proclaimed if their secondary to those activities that bring lives are to be changed. nonbelievers into direct contact with PLEASE DIRECT YOUR EVALUATION OR INPUT TO JAMES A. CRESS. This reality moves the necessary believers. 30 MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER 1996 Shop Talk

A stenographer©s notebook school mission emphasis by visitation I have been visitation they can get to For years I would forget to simply going to a color challenged to constantly study know many of them on an bring up important items to printer and having an God©s Word to feed my flock individual basis. As the church board or various enlargement made of the appropriately. Visitation also members become acquainted committees. Sometimes these "mission map" on the back of helps to meet nonmembers with their pastor, they were items that needed the Sabbath school quarterly. who may be visiting the develop trust. Some weak discussion, action, and These make attractive parishioner at the same time. members may grow stronger. assignment. Finally, I posters for our various In large districts pastors Douglas Mutanga, discovered a solution. bulletin boards around the may not know all the mem Nyahuni Mission, Murehwa, I took a stenographer©s church. Charles Mitchell, bers by name, but through Zimbabwe, Africa. notebook and attached tabs Seventh-day Adventist every few pages. Now when I Church, Palm Springs, think of something that needs California. to be discussed and/or acted for Bible Study upon, I write it down in the A sermon in your back Is awarded Cjola M.eda notebook under the appro pocket priate committee or board. Even if you don©t prepare congratulates Lee Gugliotto The notebook is then referenced sermons a long way in for all meetings. Committee and advance, consider preparing Senior pastor of the College Heights church at Canadian Union board action is often recorded at least one or two up to six College, Gugliotto has received a Gold Medallion from the Evangelical along with the notebook item. months ahead of time (for Christian Publishers Association for his Handbook for Bible Study (Review Now it is seldom that I example, think about the and Herald Publishing Association, 1995). miss bringing up needed February "blahs" some time Publishers, authors, and guests from around the world attended the items at meetings. It works in September). annual awards banquet held this year on July 13 at the Marriott Hotel in for me and I©m sure it will This then can give you a Anaheim, California. The Christian equivalent of an Oscar or Emmy, the work for you! R. Vernon "gift week" when that date award is the first for an Adventist author or publishing house. Babcock, Franklin, Ohio. rolls around a "mini- vacation" during which you An interdenominational panel of 200 experts trimmed the original field of 440 entries to five finalists in each of 22 categories. The group selected On losing and letting go can give extra time to a the Handbook as the Bible study book of the year because of its content, In every new experience, project, to pastoral visiting, literary quality, design, and significance of content. Conominee Kay Arthur happy or sad, there©s a need to or to a neglected family life, graciously told Gugliotto, "Your book deserved to win. I am awed by the let go of what was. Until we knowing that you still have a contribution you have made to the church." do, we can©t appreciate what is. sound, carefully prepared Twelve years in the making, the Handbook is a comprehensive guide to Judith Viorst suggests in message for the Sabbath. understanding, teaching, and preaching God©s Word. Necessary Losses, by "losing A sermon that is prepared and leaving and letting go, that this far in advance makes up As Steve Bond of Broadman and Holman Publishers said to Gugliotto, we grow." in reflection what it may "Your book is the new standard in its field. It will have a Here are six ways to seem to lose in spontaneity. major impact on Bible study and preaching for many years to come." make letting go easier: Often letting ideas lie fallow 1. Take time to say goodbye. gives them added depth. The product of a team effort, Handbook for Bible Study 2. Stay in touch with your Neil Parker, Deer Lake is available at most Christian bookstores. You may consult friends. 3. Accept what has United Church, Burnaby, with the Review and Herald by telephoning the editorial happened. 4. Leave blame British Columbia. staff at 301-791 -7000. You can also arrange for seminars or speaking engagements with Pastor Gugliotto behind. 5. Help others be their by phone (403-782-5548), fax (403-782-7779). best. 6. Look for the positive. Visitation and nurture Loss is a natural part of Visitation is an important Bible credits: Texts credited to CEV are from the Contemporary English Version. Copyright living. When we let go of means for nurturing church American Bible Society 1991, 1995. Used by permission. Scriptures credited to EB are from The Everyday Bible, New Century Version, copyright & 1987, 1988 by Word Publishing, Dallas, Texas our demands for how our members. The nurturing done 75039. Used by permission. Texts credited to Jerusalem are from The Jerusalem Bible, copyright world should be, a load is this way is unique; it has long- 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd., and Doubleday Company, Inc. Used by permission of the publisher. Scripture quotations marked NASB are from the New American Standard Bible, © The lifted, and we make a remark term effects and meets specific Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977. Texts credited to able discovery who we are needs of parishioners. Often NEB are from The New English Bible. The Delegates of the Oxford University Press and the and "whose we are." William these needs cannot be met at Syndics of the Cambridge University Press 1961,1970. Reprinted by permission. Bible texts credited to New Jerusalem are from The New Jerusalem Bible, copyright 1985 by Darton, Longman & F. Chilton, Encouragement church, so we need to get to Todd, Ltd., and Doubleday & Company, Inc. Reprinted by permission. Texts credited to NKJV are Ministries, Birmingham, the homes of our members. from The New King James Version. Copyright 1979,1980,1982, Thomas Nelson, Inc., Publishers. Text credited to NIV are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright 1973, 1978, Alabama. Visitation can also help in 1984, International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Texts credited preparing sermons that are to REB are from The Revised English Bible. Copyright Oxford University Press and Cambridge University Press, 1989. Reprinted by permission. Bible texts credited to NRSV are from the New Mission map relevant to the needs of the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of We advertise our Sabbath congregation. Through the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by permission. MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER 1996 31 (For more information or to order these books, call toll free! 1-800-447-7377.