INTERNATIONAL

JJOURNAL FOR PASTORS

MARCH 2009

MINISTRY 1 MARCH 2009 MINISTRY 2 MARCH 2009 CONTENTS

A word about our great Saviour 04 LETTERS One of the most infl uential preachers of the last 50 years 06 shares a message based on 1 Timothy 1:12–17. 05 EDITORIAL James Earl Massey 26 DATELINE

You did not know us, but you loved 27 RESOURCES us: An interview with ADRA 09 This ministry does more than just respond to disasters. ADRA is 29 PASTOR’S PASTOR the Adventist Church’s clearest expression of its commitment to acts of justice, poverty reduction, and responding to human needs and human rights. Nikolaus Satelmajer | Willie E. Hucks II

MINISTRY® INTERNATIONAL EDITORS International Journal for Pastors Chinese-Robert Wong 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Indonesian-Edwin T. Pandjaitan Forgiveness: An essential in Spring, MD 20904-6600 U.S.A. Japanese-Yukio Ebihara Christian life www.ministrymagazine.org Korean-Sung Sun Hong 12 [email protected] Portuguese (South America)- Who benefi ts from forgiveness? And why is this so important EDITOR Zinaldo Santos for the Christian? Nikolaus Satelmajer Russian-Ilie Leahu ASSOCIATE EDITOR Spanish (South America)- Colin T. Richardson Willie E. Hucks II Marcos Blanco CONSULTANTS TO EDITOR Spanish (Inter America)-Pablo Perla John Fowler, Clifford Goldstein, INTERNATIONAL ADVISORS Myrna Tetz Balvin Braham, Ron Clouzet, Daniel EDITORIAL SPECIALIST Duda, R. Danforth Francis, Passmore How to avoid destructive behavior Sheryl Beck Hachalinga, John Kakembo, Gerry There’s no denying the fact that many pastors face sexual OPERATIONAL SPECIALIST Karst, Janos Kovacs-Biro, Ilie Leahu, 16 John Feezer IV Miguel Luna, Jan Paulsen, Bruno temptation. How does one recognize the warning signs? What OFFICE ASSISTANT Raso, Ángel M. Rodríguez, Ranieri Mervyn Lee Sales, Hector Sanchez, Houtman can be done about it? STUDENT ASSISTANT Sinaga, Gary Webster, Walton Lawrence G. Downing | C. Richard Johnson Evan Knott Williams, Measapogu Wilson

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Growing leaders through coaching Director Anthony Kent | [email protected] | +1 301-680-6516 Mentoring is a critical element in pastoral development. How is 23 MINISTRY® has been published PRINTER Pacifi c Press® Pub. Assn., this accomplished? How does it impact the mentor and the one monthly since 1928 by the 1350 N. Kings Rd., Nampa, ID 83687 Ministerial Association, General Standard mail postage paid at Nampa, being mentored? Conference of Seventh-day Michael Cauley Adventists® Idaho. (ISSN 0026-5314) SECRETARY Member of Associated Church Press. James A. Cress Adventist®, Seventh-day Adventist®, ASSOCIATE SECRETARIES and Ministry® are the registered trademarks of the General BIBLE CREDITS Scriptures quoted from NEB are from The New English Bible, copyright © The Delegates of the Oxford University Press and Jonas Arrais, Sharon Cress, the Syndics of the Cambridge University Press 1961, 1970. Reprinted by permission. Scripture quoted from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL Anthony Kent, Peter Prime, Conference Corporation of Seventh- VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. Nikolaus Satelmajer day Adventists®. Scripture quoted from KJV are from the King James Version. Scriptures quoted from NKJV are from The New King James Version, copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982, Thomas Nelson, Inc., Publishers. Scripture texts quoted from NRSV are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright MINISTERIAL RESOURCE CENTER Vol. 81 Number 3 © 2009 Coordinator Cathy Payne © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. Scriptures quoted from RSV are from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, 1971 by the Division of Christian Education of 888-771-0738, +1 301-680-6508 the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by permission. www.ministerialassociation.com

MINISTRY 3 MARCH 2009 LETTERS Our Readers Respond...

Domestic violence —Carla Baker, Women’s Ministries director for the Worship applaud Ministry for tackling the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America, astor Robert Leslie Holmes’s Idifficult but very real issue of Silver Spring, Maryland, United States Particle, “In Spirit and in Truth: Let’s domestic violence among church Talk About Worship!” (January 2009) members. Unfortunately, Natalie atalie Joy’s article outlines speaks to the heart of the issue when Joy’s story (“Recognizing Abuse Neverything that a relative of mine he writes, “Worship is not about you for What It Is: A Personal Story,” has been going through for 42 years or about me or about what we like; November 2008) is repeated far too (physical, mental, emotional, and ver- and . . . certainly not about entertaining often in our churches—pastors and bal abuse). Her husband (“wonderful,” us. Worship is about God alone.” members [are] often in denial that church–going man) would repeatedly As one who is saddened by the seemingly upstanding members kick her out of their home because she loss of too many of the church’s (often church leaders) could possibly disagreed with him, then take away youth, I long to hear “ ‘Fear God, abuse their wives, children, or a her house and car keys and credit and give glory to Him . . . and wor- young person in the church. How card. He also listened to or taped all ship Him who made heaven and incredibly sad when, as the article her phone conversations, and isolated earth’ ” [Rev. 14:7, NKJV, emphasis points out, the church revictimizes her from people. She would be taken added]. The same God who, through the very people it should be pro- in by neighbors, but would always go His angel, issued that urgent call, tecting by taking the easy way back because she had nowhere to gives us not only the ability, but has out—failing to believe them and go. Plus, she wanted to be the dutiful, created in each of us a yearning for take appropriate action. Christian wife she was expected to the sacred—for meaningful, spiritual This is the reason that the Adven- be. And somehow, she, too, would worship. It is for us as pastors to pro- tist Church voted (Annual Council condone his behavior! By God’s grace, vide worship services that awaken 2001) that every Adventist church the last time her husband kicked her and nurture that hidden hunger. around the world should observe out, my sister was visiting in their Worship services that feature infor- Abuse Prevention Emphasis Day state, became aware of the situation, mality and “cool” music may attract (APED) annually. The designated and brought her to our home. and entertain, but seldom hold today’s day is the fourth Sabbath in August; Just before my relative left, she jaded young people (or others, for that however, we suggest that each visited her pastor and he gave her the matter). Yes, “God is a Spirit: and they church choose the date that works article “Recognizing Abuse for What It that worship him must worship him in best for them. The important thing is Is.” She saw herself in the article, and it spirit and in truth” [John 4:24, KJV]. that the issue of abuse be addressed gave her the affi rmation she needed to —Oliver Jacques, Fallbrook, California, United States at least annually in all our churches. separate herself from this abuse. Her To facilitate APED observance, husband, too, had tried to convince lain Coralie’s article (“Wor- the General Conference Women’s everyone that she was crazy, because Aship: Maintaining Theological Ministries Department produces an she appeared scattered, unable to Soundness and Cultural Relevance,” excellent packet of resources each focus, and totally unable to make a January 2009) is a well-considered year, including a sermon, a children’s decision. Anytime she did not agree and carefully presented article. The story, and a PowerPoint presentation. with him, it was because she was author should be recognized and It can be downloaded from their crazy. He had even taken her to a neu- encouraged for his efforts. At the core Web site or the Web sites of several rologist and tried to have her declared of his premise are his two questions: Adventist Church ministries: Women’s incompetent to make decisions. To the “Do we run the risk of denaturing Ministries (www.nadwm.org); neurologist’s credit, he told her, “You’re the gospel by mass-marketing it? By Children’s Ministries (www.childmin not the one with the problem. It’s your making the gospel as palatable as .com); Ministerial (www.nadministerial husband’s problem.” possible, do we end up robbing it of .org); Family Ministries (www.adventist Thank you for publishing this its power to challenge the world with familyministries.com); Health Ministries article. We’re praying that she will the values of the kingdom?” These (www.nadhealthministries.org); and soon experience that spirit of liberty are popular questions in some circles Youth Ministries (www.adventistyouth Natalie did. in the church today. But they are the ministries.org). —Christie Weston, email Continued on page 30

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MINISTRY 4 MARCH 2009 EDITORIAL | NIKOLAUS SATELMAJER Play at least one musical instrument well

he other day I came home, and in which individuals whom I recall exceptional in the study of the Word immediately my wife told me have excelled. of God and theology. I think of some Tthat I needed to call our fi ve-year Personal studies with indi- of the individuals whom I have known old granddaughter. As soon as she viduals. One particular pastor had who stand out as the kind of person answered the telephone I could tell developed a gift of successfully work- you can go to and ask, “Give me your that she had something exciting to ing with individuals or small groups for input on this theological issue.” By the tell me. Just a short while before she Bible study so that there was always time they provide the input you have a had completed her fi rst piano lesson, growth in his church. He thrived in sense that they have prayed, studied, and she had to tell me how much she that area, and enjoyed doing such and thought through the issues. There- enjoyed it and what a great experience studies. In several other areas, he fore their input is valuable. it was. Without stopping for breath, she was actually weak—although he did Leadership. Pastors are lead- told me that she was going to learn to his best. Consequently, because he ers, but some whom I have known play the piano, fl ute, piccolo, clarinet, stood out in at least one area, he was worked diligently on being effective drums, and xylophone. And when she a successful pastor. leaders. I think of one individual in learned to play all of those instruments, Visitation. Another pastor I particular who did not have much she would then study music, and when knew spent considerable time visit- formal training in the area, who did she grows up she will become a music ing his members. In fact, if someone not necessarily read the latest books teacher and teach kids to sing and play was listed on the church books and on leadership, but was a successful music. I assured her that I would be at he didn’t know where they lived, he leader because he focused on his role such a concert. went to great lengths to fi nd that as leader. Because of that focus, he Will she learn to play all of those person. I recall one case when the was able to lead effectively. instruments? Will she become a music pastor spent the whole day tracking Choose an area or two—without teacher and share the joy of music one inactive member who, after the neglecting the other various respon- with others? I don’t know. But I do visit, became an active member. sibilities of ministry—in which you hope that she will learn to play at least Now, frankly, that particular pastor will excel. Since 1998, for example, one of those instruments well for her was not an outstanding preacher— Ministry has sponsored the Ministry enjoyment and for the glory of God. and I have to smile when I look back Professional Growth Seminars by satel- Do you remember your thoughts at his lack of organizational skills, lite. Once a year, we invite some of the about what you were going to do as but I do recall that his congregations most outstanding speakers to make a minister before you started your loved him and considered him to be presentations to clergy around the fi rst assignment? I do. My plan was a successful pastor. world. As I look back, and this group to do everything in such a way that Program planning. Some pas- of speakers now numbers almost it would be outstanding. I was plan- tors do not like the idea of having 50, I am impressed with each one’s ning to be the best preacher, teacher, to plan programs. It just seems that presentation. Obviously, they worked leader, fund-raiser, administrator, and there are too many details and they hard and focused on what they were everything else associated with min- are far removed from what some of going to say, and because of that they istry. The reality? We found out that us see as our spiritual role. But there succeeded in their presentations. we cannot be fi rst in all these areas. are programs that need to be planned The next broadcast will be Some areas are just diffi cult for us. and overseen. Early in my ministry, Tuesday, April 21, 2009. You can Other areas? Well, we just don’t enjoy there was a pastor who taught me the get additional information by visiting them, but some areas always remain importance of planning and following www.ministerialassociation.com. I our favorite parts of ministry. through with programs. In fact, he hope you will participate. While it is important for us to was so effective that unashamedly I In what area of ministry do you focus on all aspects of ministry, we copied many of the things he did and excel? Surely there must be an area should single out one or two areas in found that they really worked well. To in which you can excel and experience which we will excel. Looking back at this day I’m grateful for that example. satisfaction. Choose the area without my years of ministry, I have noticed Because of that skill, he successfully neglecting the others and you will be that a number of pastors did excep- led the congregation. blessed—and the people whom you tionally well in one or two areas, but Scholarship. Pastors, by the very lead will benefi t. Maybe you can’t play they could not excel in all areas. Let nature of the profession, need to study. six or seven instruments, but play at me share with you some of the areas But some individuals whom I know are least one and play it well.

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MINISTRY 5 MARCH 2009 LEAD ARTICLE | JAMES EARL MASSEY

James Earl Massey, DDiv, is dean emeritus and distinguished professor- at-large, Anderson University School of Theology, Anderson, Indiana, United States, as well as emeritus dean of the Chapel, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Alabama, United States. A word about our great Saviour

Editor’s note: Each year Ministry error, wisdom from life below shared refers to as “the wrath to come.” sponsors the Ministry Professional and taught to guide our behavior. Jesus warned that “ ‘he who does not Growth Seminar, a live satellite But the saying in our text is no trial- obey the Son shall not see life, but broadcast. This is an adaptation of a and-error truth, it is a revealed truth the wrath of God rests upon him’ “ sermon delivered during a previous that God disclosed “from above.” (John 3:36). Jesus came into the broadcast. This issue of the journal Remember the angel’s informing world to save us, not only from the will be distributed at many downlink word to Joseph: “ ‘[Your wife Mary] wrath of God, but also from the way- sites that will participate in the April will bear a son, and you shall call wardness which makes one deserve 21, 2009 satellite broadcast. his name Jesus, for he will save his that wrath. I speak of waywardness people from their sins’ “ (Matt. 1:21). because that word best describes iving in the so-called Bible And remember what Jesus said the conditioning selfi shness induces Belt of the United States about Himself to Zacchaeus, “ ‘The in us, and that word embraces the for several years now, I am Son of man came to seek out and gamut of deliberate human failures. Laccustomed to the large to save the lost’ “ (Luke 19:10). Yes, Waywardness involves wrongdoing, lighted signs churches there use “Christ Jesus came into the world to and Scripture has explained that “All to draw attention to their services. save sinners.” wrongdoing is sin” (1 John 5:17). Some signs even offer a concise The prophet Isaiah said this about Christ Jesus came into the world to message—a saying—to prod thought humans: “All we like sheep have save sinners from God’s wrath and and promote faith. One church sign gone astray; / we have turned every from the waywardness that makes I saw stated, “Satan Subtracts and one to his own way” (53:6a). The one merit the effects of that wrath. Divides, God Adds and Multiplies.” result has been lostness and many Another sign warned, “Forbidden fated ills. The testimony of Paul Fruit Creates Many Jams.” Another The salvation Jesus offers rescues The textual passage reports sign promised, “God Answers Knee- us from two life-threatening realities. Paul’s testimony about how he Mail.” Still another sign advised, The one reality is God’s wrath, His came to experience that salvation. “Read the Bible: Prevent Truth indignant anger against sin. Sin Four words stand out boldly in his Decay.”1 What a worthy message angers God because it violates God’s testimony about what issued from when so many unbiblical notions are righteous will and spurns God’s wis- Christ to change his life and destiny: widely voiced and steadily promoted dom, causing sad consequences to mercy, grace, faith, and love. in our syncretistic and religiously result. Some of those consequences Like every other human, Paul had muddled society. Our textual pas- are sad here-and-now outcomes from a sinful past that needed to be rem- sage, 1 Timothy 1:12–17, shares a selfi sh choices, happenings for which edied and he had a fl awed personality saying fi rst century Christians joy- we have sayings such as “You reap that needed to be corrected and ously voiced as they worshiped, and what you sow” and “No one can do harnessed. He was well educated. He it was their word of witness as they wrong and get by.” There is always was highly gifted. He was a tough- evangelized. Paul has preserved that a connection between sinful choices minded person whose tremendous saying here, and he commended it as and sad outcomes, between sowing energy and personal forcefulness “sure and worthy of full acceptance and reaping, between disobedient had made him noticed and valued. ... Christ Jesus came into the world actions and inevitable disorder. But He had dedicated himself to the to save sinners” (v. 15).2 God’s wrath includes more than sad service of a religious system, and We are all familiar with” sayings,” here-and-now consequences. A life of he was doing well by its standards. those maxims that hold true-to-life sinning invites eternal consequences But although well-educated, highly insights gained by human trial and as well, consequences the Bible gifted, tough-minded, personally

MINISTRY 6 MARCH 2009 forceful, and intensely religious, Paul favor sent in his direction, a gift Jesus DOCTOR OF MINISTRY was a sinner who needed to be saved Christ personally addressed to him: from his sins and from himself. “The grace of our Lord overfl owed Paul tells us in this passage how for me” (v. 14). that needed change in his life took I do not want to come across place. Looking back on his life before as pedantic or bookish at this point, conversion, and remembering what but the Greek term translated here he had slanderously spoken against as “overfl owed” (huperpleonazo) is Jesus, Paul confessed, “I was formerly so pictorial—and was so personal a blasphemer.” Remembering how he to Paul—that I must say something had zealously sought out and arrested more about it. It is a compound term followers of Jesus, he admitted, “I that means “to be plentiful, great was a persecutor.” Remembering in quantity, to be in surplus.” Paul how he had ordered the torture of himself coined that term in seeking Christians, and the undeserved death to express adequately what he had of Stephen, which he directed, Paul experienced of God’s grace: he took Bold lamented, “I was a man of violence.” pleon, a comparative that means Paul had been a religious zealot, an “more, greater in quantity,” and added Extreme eager enthusiast for the system, but the prefi x huper, which means “over, sinfully wrong because in it all, he above,” to express the notion of Passionate was opposing the Son of God. superabundance. If used with refer- Although years beyond the past ence to pouring liquid into a vessel, Transforming he mentioned here, and despite the or to a river at spate, the word means incredibly active and fruitful life he “to run over, to be in such abundance Youth Ministry cohort had lived since experiencing conver- as to overfl ow.” That is the way Paul launching soon sion, Paul still felt a stinging shame understood God’s grace, and that is Dr. Steve Case, coordinator from that past, a shame so deep that actually the way God’s grace oper- he considered himself “the chief of ates: it is suffi cient, it is effi cient, and sinners.” So deeply did Paul lament it is abundant. God’s favor toward “CHANGING THE PEOPLE his past, that even the Lord’s honoring us is always offered in an abundant WHO CHANGE THE WORLD” summons to be one of His apostles measure, and that favor is always did not make him feel worthy. “I am more than a match for all aspects and the least of the apostles,” he told stages of our human condition. The the Corinthians, “unfi t to be called songwriter expressed it well: “Marvel- APPLY NOW an apostle, because I persecuted ous, infi nite, matchless grace, freely for cohorts launching soon: the church of God” (I Cor. 15:9). But bestowed on all who believe!” what he lamented about his past was “I received mercy,” Paul further Discipling and Spiritual all in the past. Jesus Christ had saved explained, “that in me, as the fore- Formation him from his sins and had harnessed most [among sinners], Jesus Christ Family Ministry his selfhood for right living. He was might display his perfect patience Pastoral Ministry (Spanish) busy witnessing across the Roman for an example to those who were Leadership Empire world about Jesus as Saviour, to believe in him for eternal life” (v. and was making what became an 16). These are the words of a grace- Youth Ministry indelible imprint on Christian life and claimed person. This is the testimony thought. of a Christ-claimed life. This is the For more information, Twice in his testimony Paul stated, witness of one who had experi- call 1-888-717-6244 “I received mercy.” He mentions enced what salvation does, and this www.doctorofministry.com this fi rst in verse 13 of 1 Timothy 1, remains an exultant message about [email protected] concerned to explain how, despite his what salvation means and how it can past, he had been divinely appointed happen for all others. to serve Jesus. Due to God’s mercy, Saving people, changing lives, is the magnitude of Paul’s sinfulness as what Jesus came into the world to do. a blasphemer, persecutor, and man He saves from the wrath of God, and of violence had been matched by He saves from the waywardness that the grace and faith and love found in makes one worthy of that wrath. By Christ Jesus. As for that “grace,” Paul saving us, Jesus gathers us into His spoke of it as an abundant quantity of purposed life, renews us, and sets us

MINISTRY 7 MARCH 2009 LEAD ARTICLE | JAMES EARL MASSEY on the right path. It is all motivated by of sickness, Fanny Crosby neverthe- “Christ Jesus came into the world His mercy, grace, faith, and love. less grew up equipped with spiritual to save sinners,” and He still does! insight, and she let her life steadily Spreading this word is the central O the deep, deep love of Jesus, speak for Jesus. She considered her issue in preaching, and gaining its Spread His praise from shore to poems and hymns about salvation acceptance is every true preacher’s shore! as the great work of her life. Thank major concern. Let us never forget that How He loves us, ever loves us, God for her witness the next time you “it pleased God by the foolishness of Changes never, never-more! sing “Saved by Grace,” or when you preaching to save them that believe” How He watches o’er His loved rejoicingly sing “Blessed Assurance,” (1 Cor. 1:21, KJV). With the apostle ones, or when you prayerfully sing “Saviour, Paul, I gladly and gratefully thank “him Died to call [us] all His own; More Than Life to Me.” Thank God who has given me strength for this, How for [us] He intercedeth, for her witness when you sing the Christ Jesus our Lord, because he Watching o’er [us] from the exultant lines of “To God Be the Glory,” judged me faithful by appointing me to throne!3 or the invitational lines of “Praise Him! [this] service” (1 Tim. 1:12). And I am Praise Him!” or utter the plaintive ready—anytime, anywhere, and here Those who have experienced such prayer “Jesus, Keep Me Near the and now—to tell everyone: mercy, love, and grace, will readily Cross.” These are all songs of simplic- understand why Paul broke into praise ity and emotional warmth, but behind I know a great Saviour, I do; as he concluded his testimony to them was not only a concern to state don’t you? Timothy about his conversion and call and shape what any worshiper could I live by His favor, I do; don’t you? to service: “To the King of the ages, readily use, but also a heart afi re with For grace I implore Him, I immortal, invisible, the only God, be gratitude for grace. As one redeemed, worship before Him, honor and glory for ever and ever. like Paul, Fanny J. Crosby had ready I love and adore Him, I do; Amen” (v. 17). Sinners order their own words about her Saviour. don’t you? lives and understandably lament their “The saying is sure and worthy fate, singing the blues, but the saved of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus I need Him to lead me, I do; offer praise, grateful for a gracious came into the world to save sinners.” don’t you? Saviour. And they let their gratitude Like Paul and the many others who Heav’n’s manna to feed me, I show in how they live. have borne witness to this truth, I do; don’t you? conclude this message by sharing Whatever betide me, I need The testimony of others my witness to it. Having experienced Him beside me, The psalmist exhorted his fellow the mercy, grace, faith, and love that In mercy to hide me, I do; don’t worshipers: “Let the redeemed of Jesus offers, I, too, know what it you? the LORD say so” (Ps. 107:2a). George means to be saved: Fox, the Quaker leader, understood I want Him to use me, I do; that injunction to involve much more I heard the voice of Jesus say, don’t you? than speech, so he advised, “Let “Come unto Me and rest; For service to choose me, I do; Your Lives Speak.”4 That is no simple Lay down, thou weary one, lay don’t you? deed, nor a spasmodic event; it is down I want Him to bless me, To own the business of a lifetime. It is the Thy head upon My breast.” and confess me, necessary and lifelong business of I came to Jesus as I was, Completely possess me, I do; everyone who, like Paul, has been Weary, and worn, and sad; don’t you?6 forgiven and knows Christ as the I found in Him a resting place, saving change-agent that He is. And He has made me glad. 1 See Markeshia Ricks, “Divine Signs,” Tuscaloosa News, Saturday, April 2, 2005, section D. The legendary Fanny J. Crosby 2 Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from knew something about the “faith and I heard the voice of Jesus say, the Revised Standard Version. 3 Samuel T. Francis, “O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus,” love that are in Christ Jesus,” and she “Behold, I freely give no. 238, Worship the Lord: Hymnal of the Church of God said so in the many poems she wrote The living water; thirsty one, (Anderson: Warner Press, Inc., 1989). 4 See Margaret Hope Bacon, Let This Life Speak: The that became gospel songs. Through Stoop down, and drink, and live.” Legacy of Henry Joel Cadbury (Philadelphia: University of those songs, her name became I came to Jesus, and I drank Pennsylvania Press, 1987), 218. prominent in late nineteenth century Of that life-giving stream; 5 Horatius Bonar, “I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say,” no. 414, The Hymnal for Worship and Celebration (Waco, TX: Word urban revivalism. Although blind from My thirst was quenched, my Music, 1986). eight weeks of age, when her eyes soul revived, 6 Melville W. Miller and E. O. Excell, “I Do, Don’t You?” no. 17, Gospel Pearls (Nashville: Sunday School Publishing Board, 5 suffered maltreatment during a spell And now I live in Him. National Baptist Convention, U.S.A., 1921).

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MINISTRY 8 MARCH 2009 NIKOLAUS SATELMAJER | WILLIE E. HUCKS II

Nikolaus Satelmajer, DMin, is editor of Ministry.

Willie E. Hucks II, DMin, is associate editor of Ministry. You did not know us, but you loved us: An interview with ADRA

Editor’s note: Three leaders of the NS: You just touched on my next by what we do, but some of the Adventist Development and Relief question. How does the work of ministries we do for the poor and the Agency (ADRA), Charles Sandefur, ADRA relate to Christ’s commission oppressed aren’t necessarily popular. president; Mario Ochoa, executive to His church? They are nevertheless expressions of vice president; and Gideon Mutero, God’s unconditional love. So we do chief fi nancial offi cer, met with the CS: I think a lot of times, people want this with no strings attached. Ministry editors. ADRA to be the front person for the rest of the church, the other mis- Mario Ochoa (MO): It’s amazing Nikolaus Satelmajer (NS): Please sions and ministries that the Adventist for me how the person in need tell our readers what ADRA does. Church has. So, we’re seeing this kind can see through our acts to see of icebreaker, or entering wedge, or Jesus. It’s simply amazing. I was in Gideon Mutero (GM): ADRA min- the fi rst steps, and that model just Honduras recently, visiting a very isters to the needs of the poor as simply makes this mission instru- isolated mountain community. It was the hands of Jesus to fulfill His mental to something else. It isn’t a surprising to me the clarity that the mission to those who are in people had about the mission distress and those who are of ADRA in relationship with in poverty. Through ADRA, Jesus. They said, “Thank You to the Seventh-day Adventist the Lord because the Lord sent Church expresses its ministry you to work with us.” For me, of compassion. that essentially summarizes what we should do. Charles Sandefur (CS): We believe that the arch of God’s NS: You do your work without love is especially bent towards conditions? the poor and those who are vulnerable and marginalized. MO: That’s exactly right. ADRA is the church’s expres- sion of that commitment. CS: The three of us were in We’re not the only expression Rwanda a while ago. We were of the church’s mission, we’re visiting a project, and a woman not the only expression of the spoke to us and just kind of church’s ministry to the poor, captured the entire theology but we are probably the clear- of mission and ministry for est instrument of the church’s ADRA. She was grateful for commitment to acts of justice Charles Sandefur the difference our staff, and and poverty reduction and Photo by David Fournier the work we had done with responding to human needs her, had made in her life. She and human rights. So, ADRA does sign of God’s unconditional love; it is was living with HIV/AIDS, had been this in the name of Jesus and in the a public relations technique where it’s ostracized, and we were doing name of the Seventh-day Adventist something that increases the image counseling and supplemental feed- Church. The church couldn’t be of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. ing and Christian programs. She the church without ministries like We’re always grateful when the image said this, “You did not know us, but ADRA. of the Adventist Church is enhanced you loved us.”

MINISTRY 9 MARCH 2009 NIKOLAUS SATELMAJER | WILLIE E. HUCKS II

Willie Hucks (WH): What are some face. So, that means that one of our Latin America, for instance, there of the challenges and rewards in this greatest challenges is not just the are some countries where ADRA is ministry? ministry that we do with the poor totally embedded into the fabric of but to bring a vision of how the poor the church, all the way to the pews. GM: We are stewards of resources are part of our family, our human In some other countries, we’re not. In that come to us from public sources, family, and to recognize a sense of other countries, we have a challenge from governments, and from private obligation that really is duty. in that respect; we have to reach out donations. Full accountability of more to the pastors and other leaders these resources in diffi cult times and NS: ADRA has gone through so to make them aware of the church’s many changes, name changes responsibility to the poor. even, but before there was any Gideon Mutero structured organization, have CS: The Adventist Church has always Photo by David Fournier we always had this idea of had the privilege of having church ministry, of mission? members that have been loving, caring, kind, and compassionate. MO: In the history of our Embodying that in a structured church, the local congrega- ministry of the church has been tions have been very active more challenging. And at the start, in the sense of reaching out we focused mostly on disasters. We to communities in need. As a were kind of catastrophe oriented. church, we have a Dorcas or And then came the recognition that Community Services minis- we were about the transformation of try. In the early stages of our people, not just responding imme- church, the church organized diately to needs, but how do you keep those catastrophes and disasters from happening in the fi rst place, and how do you respond to long-term growth and change in people’s lives, rather than merely responding in diffi cult places with limited to headlines? I think ADRA capacity is one of the chal- came formally into existence lenges that we face. It is an with a recognition that we were area that we continually seek a development agency, not just to improve so that we can a relief agency. That we were become better stewards and be about sustainable change, not the preferred organization and just an emergency response. agency for those who want to Hurricanes and tsunamis are partner with ADRA to fulfi ll its just a small window to the kind mission. of work we do, and even there The rewards? We see lives we are engaged for years. changed and transformed and Mario Ochoa communities improved. God’s Photo by David Fournier GM: And what Charles love is being made manifest in Sandefur just mentioned has others. been a trademark for us. We the Seventh-day Adventist Welfare don’t just go and touch them and CS: I think one of our huge challenges Service (SAWS), and then that was then leave. We stay there to make a is that the people that we work with, re-organized into the Seventh-day change that is sustainable. the poor and the oppressed, are so Adventist World Service. Twenty-fi ve invisible to the other three-quarters years ago, the church decided to CS: I actually think it’s one of the of the world. They don’t live in many put it all together into ADRA, the unique things that ADRA offers of our communities; we don’t see Adventist Development and Relief because we rise out of the Seventh- them on the news. So we minister Agency. So, from that moment on, day Adventist Church that’s planted in very invisible places. It is diffi cult we have been interacting with dif- one hundred thousand churches, one sometimes for my church family to ferent levels and units of the church thousand hospitals, and thousands of recognize the brutality and injustice to serve as an ignition point for the schools. Doing our work in local com- that so many people in the world ministry to the poor and needy. In munities and doing local community

MINISTRY 10 MARCH 2009 development is something just kind need to see that they are the object colleagues. They all work by defi ni- of wired into our DNA, and that is of God’s love through actions of our tion in extremely difficult places: what we’re best at. We are best at members—that ADRA is the arm of emotionally, spiritually, and physi- working with local communities, and the church that extends to people in cally diffi cult. Nineteen of my ADRA we work with thousands of them. these ways. Another way for them colleagues have died since I joined to support this mission is by praying ADRA six years ago. Half of them WH: Gideon, please address a little for ADRA, contributing resources, violently, through acts of war, gun- more the financial side of ADRA’s and volunteering services. All of shots, or being killed. operation. these are needed for ADRA to be able to go even further in terms of NS: How has this ministry that you GM: We have continued to get accomplishing its mission. are involved in impacted your per- very favorable ratings with major sonal Christian experience and walk credentialing agencies like Charity CS: My vision would be for every with God? Navigator and the Better Business church member to see that every Bureau. They recognize our respon- ministry to the poor and oppressed MO: I embraced this ministry of sible management of our resources. is part of discipleship and Christianity. the church early in my Christian Our documentation to donors experience. I decided to give normally has the charity seal up my career as an attorney to that is granted to us by the The arch of God’s become a worker for the church Charity Navigator because in ADRA. I became a country of our four-star rating. We love is especially director for ADRA when I was appreciate that our efforts are twenty-four years old, so from recognized by these agencies. bent towards then on, I have always under- They recognize that we render stood the work of the church sound financial reports and the poor and through ADRA as the work get good audit reports. This is that Jesus would do if He were important for us because we those who are here on this planet. To see the need to demonstrate to the vulnerable and change that people experience donor community, the church, in their lives, to see how they and ADRA partners that we marginalized. become better people—that has are a responsible agency impacted my personal experi- that conducts its business by ence with God. upholding the highest principles of integrity. That’s very different from saying, GM: Just the realization that there “Support ADRA.” ADRA is just the is a lot of suffering in this world NS: So, any money you receive is public agency expression of that. and that ADRA as a ministry plays appropriately accounted for, audited, But I would cheer if more church a role in affecting these needs in and reports are open to the public? members saw themselves living with making change to people’s lives their eyes wide open to the needs and communities—that is some- GM: Yes. and the injustices and the unfairness thing that gives me a lot of personal inside their communities. We’re in satisfaction. WH: What can pastors and other nearly 125 countries, but no one church members do to further the person is everywhere. We’re all just CS: I think a lot of us, who grew up ministry of ADRA? knitted together in this organization. in the church, grew up choosing to So, pastors and church members can identify ourselves as very caring and GM: One of the ways would be in support what we do, they can support compassionate people. None of us talking about the biblical concept what they are doing and increase their would ever want to say that we are of social responsibility, letting the vision of what it means to be socially not compassionate or caring. What members know that they have a responsible in their communities. I have experienced in my own life is responsibility to their neighbors, to That is why in our recent strategic a vulnerability to seeing people so their communities in which they plan, our fi rst preferred future is to oppressed and so hurting. When I live. This goes beyond trying to call the church to a deeper sense of was a pastor, I could somewhat regu- proselytize the communities, trying biblical social responsibility. late that vulnerability. But now I’ve let to make them Adventist, but even if I would also ask our church new victims come into my life to see they will not become Adventist, they members to pray for our ADRA them as part of my ministry.

Tell us what you think about this article. Email [email protected] or write to 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904.

MINISTRY 11 MARCH 2009 COLIN T. RICHARDSON

Colin T. Richardson, MS, is the pastor of Griffi th, Narrandera, and Broken Hill churches in New South Wales Conference, Australia. Forgiveness: An essential in Christian life

orgiveness exists as an essen- we should likewise forgive, pointing of the wrenching stories of what tial and inescapable aspect of out that we ourselves have been happened to so many of my friends. Christian life. Jesus Himself forgiven a large debt. The failure to Maimed, slaughtered! Entire com- Fgave us the supreme example adopt forgiveness as an essential munities left homeless, hopeless, of forgiveness in the face of the most lifestyle brings forth its utter dilemma: on the run. Even church compounds ignoble cruelty infl icted upon Him on we stand unforgiven before God and mission centers became blood- the cross: “ ‘Father, forgive them,’ ” and humans. The king in the parable letting centers. My best friend was He prayed, “ ‘for they do not know retracted the forgiveness when the killed horribly, and soon I learned what they do’ ” (Luke 23:34).1 The forgiven refused to forgive in turn. that among my friends were both Scriptures challenge us to follow His Jesus concludes, “ ‘So My heavenly victims and hatchet bearers. I found example: “bearing with one another, Father also will do to you if each of it hard to believe and even harder and forgiving one another, if anyone you, from his heart, does not forgive to forgive. As the stories of atroci- has a complaint against another; even his brother his trespasses’ ” (v. 35). ties fl ooded in, even though I was as Christ forgave you, so you also In the parable, Matthew defi nes sitting in the comfort of distance of must do” (Col. 3:13). forgiveness as canceling the offender’s time and space, anger boiled within Indeed, Jesus placed forgiveness “debt” toward us. Not only do we me. Three years and more elapsed as central to the Christian way of life cancel any indebtedness or obligation before I could, by God’s grace, lay and put it in the center of the prayer toward us, we also renounce any claim aside my anger, my desire to see that He taught His disciples to pray— or liability against the forgiven person. the perpetrators punished, and my a prayer that Christians have prayed Viewed thus, forgiveness becomes bitterness at the foot of the cross, for two millennia. That prayer links intensely personal, and relates more and acknowledge that this was no God’s forgiveness of our sins to our to the forgiver than to the forgiven. longer my burden but Christ’s. He willingness to forgive others (Matt. Forgiveness is no mere form but must must have suffered infi nitely more 6:12), a crucial thought elaborated a spring from the heart. Even if one can- sorrow than I did, since He loved little later: “ ‘And whenever you stand not forget the incident in an absolute every one of them infi nitely more praying, if you have anything against sense, no room for any grudge or than I ever could. anyone, forgive him, that your Father resentment should live in the forgiving In the midst of all this pain, agony, in heaven may also forgive you your person’s mind. Such an experience and shame, I heard of one Rwandan trespasses. But if you do not forgive, may be very diffi cult in human terms, woman, a faithful Christian, who neither will your Father in heaven indeed impossible for human strength; watched in horror as a neighbor, con- forgive your trespasses’ ” (Mark it calls upon us to claim that great sidered a friend, hacked her husband 11:25, 26). promise, “ ‘with God all things are to death. With blood on his hands, possible’ ” (Matt. 19:26). the murderer, with some two million Called to forgive One of the great tragedies of others, fl ed to neighboring Zaire. Two Consider what Jesus taught us to recent history comes out of the civil years later, when civil war broke out pray, “ ‘And forgive us our debts, / As war and the resultant genocide in in Zaire, he returned to Kigali, the we forgive our debtors’ ” (Matt. 6:12). Rwanda. I had served in that country capital of Rwanda. Starved and in Consider also Christ’s parable in Mat- as a missionary nurse and health rags, he sought survival in anonymity. thew 18:23–35, where an unpayable educator. When I left the country One day, in the marketplace, he came debt is freely forgiven by the one to in 1989, it was not easy to leave so face-to-face with the woman whose whom the debt is owed. The parable many friends behind—students, col- husband he brutally murdered. They then likens the wrongs others have leagues, church members. When the recognized each other instantly. It is done to us as a small debt, which civil unrest broke out in 1994, I heard hard to say who was more shocked.

MINISTRY 12 MARCH 2009 He froze in terror for all she had to do The sinner has made their peace with woman. Maria was heartbroken, and was to cry out, denounce him, and he God, and so far as possible, with the as months passed with not a word would be arrested at best; at worst, he victim. The victim has allowed the from Carl, not even to Carlotta, her might have been lynched on the spot. love of God to heal their heart and pain and anger hardened into bitter- Even if arrested, her testimony would to let go of the anger, hurt, sorrow, ness. Divorce followed, and over the be enough to have him condemned resentment, and bitterness—to turn years, she became armored against forever. Instead, she invited him it over to God and allow Him to deal kindness and pity. A deep hatred of to her home. Fearing reprisals, but with it. From being enemies, the Carl became a part of her life. Years not having any other alternative, he two can move forward to becoming later, something changed in Carl’s life. followed her to her home. She made brothers/sisters in Christ. He came to know Jesus as his Savior, him sit. He thought to fl ee, but she 2. The sinner does not repent, but and he accepted divine forgiveness brought him food and water. While he the victim forgives. The sinner remains for his sins. He could not undo the was eating, she brought him some of in sin, but the victim has made their consequences, but he tried his best her late husband’s clothes. And she peace with God. Note that told him, “I want you to know that I the victim does not need to forgive you for your sin against me. I wait until the sinner repents Jesus placed forgiveness can do this only because I love Jesus, before forgiving them. It is who has forgiven me. Through His vital for Christians to forgive as central to the grace, I can follow His example. You for their own spiritual health. Christian way of life may go in peace.” This was the case with Jesus I do not know if the man repented and those who crucifi ed Him. and put it in the center of his deeds and sought salvation in “Forgive them, Father, for Christ. That is between him and God. they know not what they of the prayer that He But this simple woman taught me do.” Thus, Jesus showed taught His disciples that forgiveness is not easy, but with that to forgive remains our God, forgiveness becomes possible. duty regardless of whether to pray—a prayer that the other party accepts Forgiveness and this offered forgiveness or Christians have prayed repentance not. Indeed, many of those for two millennia. Who benefi ts from forgiveness? involved in the crucifixion And why is this so important for the of Jesus did not repent or Christian? In any forgiveness situa- accept the forgiveness Jesus tion, there are four possibilities: offered them, but chose to remain in to make right what he could. He their sins. could not return to Maria, for he had Sinner 3. The sinner repents, but the victim remarried and had two more children. Repents does not forgive. The sinner remains But he offered regular maintenance at peace with God, and eternally income—only to have it rejected. YN speaking, may be forgiven. However, Maria’s response was, “You weren’t Victim Y1.2. this does not mean all consequences around when I needed you, and now Forgives are erased. But the person who has I want nothing to do with you.” A N3.4. forgiven may trust God to deal with common scenario, but a tragic one. them. Sadly, the victim remains a Carl is in the Lord—and Maria is not, 1. The sinner repents, the victim victim: unable to surrender the pain for she cannot let go and turn the pain forgives. and anger to the loving Jesus, unable and anger over to God. 2. The sinner does not repent, but to allow the barrier between them and 4. The sinner does not repent, and the victim forgives. God to be broken down. the victim does not forgive. This is the 3. The sinner repents, but the victim Maria2 fell in love with Carl. Her worst case scenario, and sadly, the does not forgive. friends all warned her that Carl was most common one. No repentance 4. The sinner does not repent, and a womanizer, that he had broken from the one and no forgiveness the victim does not forgive. other hearts; her answer to all this from the other can be identified was that her love would last and as the root of all feuds, disputes, What happens in each of this love would make all the differ- fi ghts, wars, massacres, and other the cases? ence to Carl. She became pregnant, atrocities. Neither person will allow 1. The sinner repents, the victim and a rushed wedding followed. Six Christ into their hearts, and both risk forgives. This is the best case sce- months later, Carlotta was born. Less eternal loss. The tragedy needlessly nario. Both sinner and victim are at than a year later, Carl abandoned continues, often from generation to peace with each other and with God. them both, going off with another generation.

MINISTRY 13 MARCH 2009 COLIN T. RICHARDSON

Continual forgiveness his body covered with small blood- How often should we forgive? sucking leeches. His fi rst impulse The Pharisees taught that one was was to pull them off, but his guide obliged to forgive three times; after said, “No, don’t! Part of the leech that, if the offender persisted in in your body will remain and thus offending, one was freed of any obli- cause infection and swelling. Wait gation to forgive. So Peter thought till we arrive at our lodging. There Advance he was being very magnanimous I will show you a better method.” when he asked Jesus, “ ‘Lord, how On arrival, he prepared a warm bath Your Career often shall my brother sin against for the traveler and added to the me, and I forgive him? Up to seven water certain herbs. As the traveler Prepare times?’ ” (Matt.18:21). immersed himself in it, the leeches Christ’s response must have dropped off one by one. Unforgiven for Service stunned Peter: “ ‘I do not say to you, injuries are like leeches, draining our Study in up to seven times, but up to seventy spiritual and emotional life. Keep- times seven’ ” (v. 22). ing them drains our vitality. Our I remember, as a child, I once own efforts to remove them cause Germany recounted to my mother my newly festering and emotional poison. Only New programs acquired mathematical ability and bathing in Christ’s love can cause taught in the English language: proudly announced that I should these injuries to drop away—and Master of Theological Studies forgive my pesky little brother 490 only thus can we truly forgive. (M.T.S) with concentrations in times, and after that I could get even Adventist Studies or Mission Studies with him. My mother said just four Forgiving, a condition of Master of Arts International words: “Wouldn’t you lose count?” forgiveness Social Sciences (M.A.) Indeed, this describes the essence “ ‘Whenever you stand praying,’ ” 7 reasons to study at Friedensau: of Christ’s reply: there can be no end said Jesus, “ ‘if you have anything ■ Get to know Germany – to our Christian duty to forgive. In against anyone, forgive him, that right in the centre of Europe fact, if we try to keep a record of the your Father in heaven may also ■ Make life-long friends with other times we have forgiven, we have not forgive you your trespasses. But international students forgiven at all. When we continually if you do not forgive, neither will ■ Live on a beautiful campus, keep a record of forgiving, we con- your Father in heaven forgive your just an hour from Berlin, the capital tinually keep a record of the wrongs trespasses’ ” (Mark 11:25, 26). What ■ Study with an internationally as well. This is contrary to the entire does this mean? Simply this: when trained and highly qualified faculty biblical concept of forgiveness: to let our hearts are fi lled with negative ■ Use the brand new library and go, and to leave it in God’s hands. attitudes because of our anger, bit- its superior research facilities terness, resentment, or hatred of ■ Discover the historic heartland Forgiveness, a blessing another, we are in no state to repent of Protestantism for our own benefi t of our own sins and receive God’s ■ Benefit from the university’s Thus, for our own blessing and forgiveness. We are unable to accept low-price policy salvation, we are called to forgive. the Father’s love, for we refuse to We must let go—let go of anger, allow Him to soften our hearts to resentment, hurt, hatred, bitterness, receive His love. But when, through ACA desire for revenge, and getting even. Christ’s own love, we turn it all over accredited Instead, we must move on with God. to the Lord, we choose to let go, to Sin, as a two-edged sword, damages resign any interest in vengeance, the victim and also damages the any right or claim we may have on sinner. Likewise with forgiveness: the one sinning against us. Thus we refusal to forgive damages the victim open the way for His love and peace as they cling to their pain, anger, to fi ll our hearts. and hurt, and fail to move on with a life of peace that comes from the 1 All Scripture passages in this article are from the New King James Version. experience of having forgiven, for a 2 Fictitious names are used throughout. refusal to accept forgiveness leaves More information at one in sin. Spiritually, the only real Tell us what you think about this article. www.friedensau.eu healing for a victim is to forgive. Email [email protected] or write to or write to 12501 Old Columbia Pike, [email protected] A traveler forded a river. When he emerged on the other side, he found Silver Spring, MD 20904.

MINISTRY 14 MARCH 2009 “. . . O sing praises unto the Lord.” —PSALM 68:32

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Lawrence G. Downing, DMin, a retired pastor, works part time as a consultant for the White Memorial Medical Center in Los Angeles, California, United States. C. Richard Johnson, MD, is a psychiatrist and a long-time member of the Green Lake Church of Seventh-day Adventists in Seattle, Washington, United States. How to avoid destructive behavior

month after Eliot Spitzer Destructive behavior in is often understood to be a direct resigned as governor of the church call from God. To explain to family, the state of New York in A pastor, over a period of parishioners, friends, and colleagues A early 2008, Evan Thomas, months, seduced several women the decision to forsake that call can- a Newsweek writer, reported that in their homes (on visitation) from not be expressed as an easy task. one of Spitzer’s old friends asked his churches. After each seduction, Times do exist when the tension him, long before the scandal broke, he mailed a tape recording to the within a pastor may build until, if he liked being governor. “ ‘I hate woman he seduced, and in tears, consciously or unconsciously, the it,’ ” Spitzer answered. “ ‘Really?’ ” begged forgiveness for his sin. The pastor allows, or even initiates, a the friend asked. “ ‘Yeah, I’d rather husband of one of the women dis- situation that assures sudden and be a high-school teacher.’ ”1 covered several of the confessional fi nal solution to the building frustra- We, along with Thomas, can tapes and sent them to the pastor’s tions. Should this involve a sexual wonder if indeed Spitzer’s dislike supervisor. A minister’s career came relationship, then with the discovery for his job was at all related to the to a sudden and scandalous end. of that relationship, the anxiety over destructive behavior that would end Another pastor had an illicit rela- a career change ends. his promising political career. If he tionship with a woman whom he had did hate his job and wanted to get known in high school. He fi lmed his Effects of destructive out of it, but lacked the courage or sexual conquests and left the fi lm behavior will to make such a momentous and videos in his church offi ce where When an illicit relationship or decision, his traceable association they were seen by a parishioner. other high-risk venture results in with a prostitute was a sudden and Another career was over. a pastor’s termination, the shame sure solution. Those of us who have witnessed and disgrace is not limited to the Spitzer’s case is not unique. a valued colleague’s career crash perpetrator, for a ripple effect results. Examples of people with self- and burn because of an inappropri- No one can calculate the effect on destructive behavior can be found in ate behavior deal with an array of family, parish, those violated, and every profession, pastors included. emotions: sadness, disappointment, the community. The negative effects As did Spitzer, some pastors dis- embarrassment, anger, and wonder. linger for years. We also know that like, even hate, their jobs. They What drives a person to such foolish- people do not enter ministry with an would rather do almost anything ness? How could such smart people intention to self-destruct. than be a pastor, but they cannot do such dumb things? Why did they If we were to interview the pas- bring themselves to resign. And, if make it so easy to get caught? It’s tors before they left ministry, no doubt they did resign, they do not know almost like they were crying out, each would condemn the acts that how they could pay the bills. They “Here, catch me!” And, perhaps, brought an end to their career. We feel trapped and, like Spitzer, they they were. would expect the pastors to affi rm become involved in self-destructive their commitment to ministry, their behavior, often of a sexual nature, When pastors feel there love for the church, their desire to help that, when discovered, results in is no way out people, and to lift up the Lord. How, resignation or termination. The pas- When pastors feel trapped in then, does one explain the disparity tor has solved the frustration with their job and want to change careers, between what they claim and the ministry. Sound far-fetched? Refl ect they fi nd themselves in a dilemma. sad actions that ended their ministry? on the circumstances that led to the To leave ministry becomes diffi cult, What can be done to help valued termination of people you know. for expectations are associated with people avoid situations that damage being a pastor. The call of ministry people and destroy careers?

MINISTRY 16 MARCH 2009 There are things that can be denials, may themselves be infl u- done. And the avoidance systems enced by the popular culture. Clergy, Within each begin with the pastor. like all others, are products of their time and place. of us swirl Factors that lead to Ministers and other professions perceptions and destructive behavior that require the occupancy of a center Pastors need to be aware of stage are susceptible to flattery expectations the importance of recognizing the and the adulation of the audience, cognitive and emotional factors especially from the opposite sex. that arise from and forces that affect our behavior. This susceptibility may often result our real and Within each of us swirl perceptions from unmet and unconscious and expectations that arise from our psychological needs. Then, when perceived needs: real and perceived needs: our hopes a parishioner of the opposite sex and fears, our dreams and fantasies, comes for counsel and is undergoing our hopes and and the reality that is our life. obvious distress, the human impulse fears, our dreams At times we feel overwhelmed is to touch or embrace that person by what life brings, and we find in order to provide comfort and and fantasies, the things that bring us pleasure support. This physical response are shortlived and of limited effect. can be fraught with some danger. and the reality We fi nd ourselves in a whirlpool of Touching can be stimulating to both that is our life. events that we feel powerless to parties. Save the embraces and the overcome. touching for family members; don’t The fact is, though, that we do it for parishioners. are not powerless. We can avoid 2. Recognize that our congrega- destructive behavior and high-risk Power and its abuse tion sometimes allows us, as situations. We must accept that we Of course, occasionally a minis- ministers, by virtue of our calling, are in control of what we do, and that ter who has some sociopathic traits special power and privilege. We we are responsible for our decisions will take advantage of vulnerable should never use this power to and behavior. We have the ability to parishioners. This consists of an our own advantage. be intentional with our relationships unholy use of pastoral power. 3. When in a counseling situation, and behaviors. In most cases, though, the pastor we should avoid physical contact falls into the trap unexpectedly. For other than a handshake. The pastor trap instance, Jesus said that to look a. When in a counseling situation, Many people who come to the on a woman with lust is the same the pastor should establish a pastor for help are weak, needy, as committing adultery. This state- defi nite time limit per session and vulnerable. (In rare situations, ment equates with the idea that a and adhere to that schedule. there are predators from both sexes thought is the equivalent to action. Usually not longer than an that prowl for victims and cast their If a person subscribes to this belief hour. wiles toward those in positions of and recognizes that feeling and b. If the minister has not had power, including pastors.) Pastors desire, the person may reason that formal training in counseling, understandably accept compliments because the wrong already prevails it would especially be wise to when these people assure them in the thoughts, and thought is equal avoid seeing the parishioner of how they have ministered to to action, why not experience the on a regular basis over a long them and stress how much they are action itself? period of time. We believe that needed. They give of their time and Deny this irrational conclusion! even if the pastor has licensed energy, and thus become emotion- To make every thought equal to counselor credentials, it is not ally involved with their needs. action carries high risk of heartbreak a good policy to enter into Beware! You may not see a red and ruin! long-term therapeutic coun- flag flying, but it’s there. And if Here are some important precau- seling with a parishioner. the roots of an unhealthy relation- tions every pastor should take: ship begin to take hold, cut off that Transference and relationship—and do it quickly! 1. Recognize and admit to ourselves countertransference Contemporary culture, as that we can have sexual feelings The pastor should be aware of depicted in the media, suggests in inappropriate situations. We the importance of the concepts of that unfaithfulness to a spouse, do not have to judge ourselves transference and countertransfer- rather than faithfulness, is the norm. harshly for these feelings, nor do ence. These are technical terms We suspect that ministers, despite we have to act on them. that defi ne the feelings a counselee

MINISTRY 17 MARCH 2009 LAWRENCE G. DOWNING | C. RICHARD JOHNSON

(parishioner) has toward the coun- California has adopted a Professional from the other mammals? We have selor (pastor) and vice versa. For Code of Ethics that can serve as a a cortex that allows us to choose or example, in transference, the parish- model.2 Employees are required to modify actions and that enables us to ioner transfers feelings they have sign that they have read the Code of have ideas about moral behavior. Our toward others—such as toward a Ethics and understand what it says. mammalian instincts and the moral parent, a sibling, a boyfriend, or While necessary, that in and of itself values may, at times, confl ict. There a lover—onto the pastor. These is not enough. is within us, says Paul in Romans feelings may be either negative Every conference should estab- 7:21, a war, a struggle between or positive. In either case, when a lish a pastoral continuing education what we know is right and the evil parishioner tells a pastor how they program with a component that we are tempted to do. Simon Peter, feel toward others, the pastor must addresses ministerial ethics and meanwhile, echoes this warning. recognize that this describes how behavior. The parish minister, like “Like a roaring lion your adversary transference operates. other professionals, should be the devil prowls around, looking Countertransference comes required to complete a minimum for someone to devour” (1 Pet. 5:8, when the pastor transfers their own number of continuing education NRSV). His solution: resist him! feelings onto the parishioner. The units (CEUs) each year. Those who How? Be “steadfast in your faith” pastor may feel the suffering of do not comply will have their min- (v. 9, NRSV). the parishioner to such an extent isterial credentials suspended until It comes down to our decision. that the parishioner’s sufferings are they complete their CEUs. When we are in the throes of destruc- perceived to be their own. We suggest that church admin- tive behavior, we can choose to Both transference and counter- istrators assure pastors that they remain true to our calling and honor transference are real. The feelings have the freedom to pursue other our values, or we can make the deci- of love or hate that a parishioner fi elds besides ministry. No negative sion, as did Governor Spitzer, to be expresses toward a pastor may be judgment toward those who change caught in self-destructive behavior. real. Likewise, the feelings a pastor occupations should be expressed. There are better ways to leave the has toward the parishioner may be If a pastor pursues another line of ministry than doing something very real. The pastor should recognize work, the conference should assist damaging and destructive, not only the importance of responding to in this transition. to yourself but also to others. both perceived and real feelings Establish an accountability system appropriately. Never should the with a close friend or colleague whom 1 Newsweek, March 24, 2008, 44. 2 http://sccsecretariat.netadventist.org/index.php?option=com_ pastor compromise the counselor- you trust. If that person raises warn- na_content&task=view&id=14&Itemid=42. counselee relationship or violate the ings, pay attention and take action to ministerial moral code that defi nes remove yourself from the potential appropriate relationships between a problem. It’s better to cause a bit of Additional resources pastor and a parishioner. hurt now than a greater pain later. “Does Ministry Fuel Addictive Behavior?” The parishioner usually does not Leadership journal ChristianityTodayLibrary.com have insights to know that the feel- Personal and http://www.ctlibrary.com/36725 ings they have toward the counselor professional “A Preventable Tragedy” result from transference. The pastor responsibility Evangelicals must not pretend to be immune must recognize the importance of Accept as fact that, whenever a to sexual sin by clergy or volunteers remaining aware of the potential minister enters into an illicit behavior, http://www.ctlibrary.com/8558 mischief these emotional powers the minister is at fault. There is no DNF, Leadership journal, ChristianityTodayLibrary.com exert if not under control. exception! “I could not help myself.” http://www.ctlibrary.com/34890 “I was trapped.” “I did not intend “A Family That Risked the Relationship” Ethical guidelines and things to go this far.” These excuses Leadership books ChristianityTodayLibrary.com accountability are unacceptable. When feelings http://www.ctlibrary.com/6244 Rules and policies alone are take us into areas that we know “Journey of Recovery” http://www not enough. Of course, we need violate the moral code, the pastor’s .journeyofrecovery.org/faq.htm rules, policies, and guidelines that responsibility is to back off. “Sexual Training,” Leadership journal, govern professional behavior, but Be honest with yourself. Every ChristianityTodayLibrary.com because these are not enough, every person is vulnerable. Our brains http://www.christianitytoday.com/ church organization should have below the cerebral cortex are basi- le/2006/001/21.55.html a Ministerial Code of Ethics that cally wired like other mammals, and Transference and countertransference: http:// each employee must read and sign. mammals are not known for sexual en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transference The Adventist Church in Southern faithfulness. What separates us

Tell us what you think about this article. Email [email protected] or write to 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904.

MINISTRY 18 MARCH 2009 ALAIN CORALIE

Alain Coralie, MDiv, MTh, is associate secretary for the Seventh-day Adventist Church for East Africa, headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. Worship: Maintaining theological soundness and cultural relevance

Part two of a two-part series Most of them are kept simple, cur- contemporary worship. This leads rent, and short. Although many of me to raise two important issues Editor’s note: In part one (January the songs are based on passages of regarding worship. 2009), the author reviewed the cur- Scripture, they are generally devoid rent trends in worship that emphasize of deep theological meaning. Rather, Emotionalism and the emotional and the subjective in they stress heartfelt thanks and praise individualism worship experience. This concluding for God’s greatness and goodness. The fi rst area of concern includes part provides a theological framework The common use of PowerPoint emotionalism that is never far away for worship within the understanding technology in worship services also when “belief is demoted, [and] expe- of Revelation 14:6, 7, to assure a favors greater bodily freedom than rience promoted.”3 Too often, the balance between subjective and hymnals would allow. Hence, con- value of worship experience runs objective, emotional and theological temporaneousness and accessibility the risk of being measured almost content of worship. are paramount to P&W. exclusively by the feelings it gener- Another element of this experien- ates, thus divorcing intellect from n a world where people are eager tial nature of P&W music focuses on Christian experience. to embrace mystery and give more songs to God rather than songs about In a milieu where people take space to their intuition, personal God. British theologian Pete Ward experience and emotions very seri- involvement becomes the key argues that this shift denotes a move ously and consider propositional I 2 word. Refl ecting on today’s worshipers, from objective to refl exive worship. truth as a social construct, fi ne points Kenda Dean writes, “To them worship Whereas traditional hymns tend to of doctrines tend to become simply is a verb. ‘To worship’ is to invoke be centered more on the “objective” irrelevant. However, detaching wor- God’s immediacy—God’s awesome rehearsal of salvation history, contem- ship from theological refl ection on ‘nowness’ in which the divine pres- porary songs tend to stress more our God and His mighty works cannot ence is subjectively apprehended.”1 feelings and emotions toward God. be helpful to congregations. Church This experiencing of God is a fully Thus, they see God as being actively members should not only be encour- active and dynamic engagement. involved here and now, eager to touch aged to express their feelings to The Praise and Worship move- and transform lives. God but also be challenged to think. ment (P&W) and its newest cousin, This emphasis on God’s imma- The notion that we come into the the Emergent church, can be seen as nence results in a welcome change, presence of God just to relax simply a response to a thirst for more inti- for in worship we do not exalt a God stunts spiritual growth and hampers mate religious experiences. The type locked in time or impervious to our theological refl ection. Indeed, such of music (most often soft popular or praise and adoration. Yet, worship types of sentimentalism are anti- light rock) plays an important part in also needs to take into account the thetic to a true engagement with the ability of P&W to resonate with transcendence of God because He is God. Worship, as holistic in nature, the current generation with no need “a God at hand . . . and not a God afar should involve all our faculties. to revisit the past and sing unfamiliar off” (Jer. 23:23, KJV). Hence, limiting The second area of concern is words and unusual tunes to meet the the worship of God to a present the notion of individualism. In an God of the ages. experience seems rather restrictive age where people thirst for a spiritual This vernacular approach also and does not keep in balance the experience, what matters most is manifests itself in the texts used. biblical tension that should inform the human-divine contact. Many

MINISTRY 19 MARCH 2009 ALAIN CORALIE of the contemporary songs stress had the eternal gospel to proclaim Viewed this way, the gospel can the individual expression of faith. to those who live on earth—to every be a powerful and liberating insight The overuse of the I and me instead nation, tribe, language and people. for worship leaders. It puts things of the we and us in lyrics reveals He said in a loud voice, ‘Fear God and in perspective by reminding us that that tendency. Such expressions give him glory, because the hour of Christ, not the market or culture, is of individual experiences extol God his judgment has come. Worship him Lord. By overlooking the fact that for His care and mercies toward the who made the heavens, the earth, the worship is our response to God’s believer. Yet, a question remains, sea and the springs of water’ ” (NIV). redemptive provisions in Christ, many Are they simply expressions of an How can this text inform our pastors have often been burdened by inward-looking faith? We need to be thinking? First, it delineates a key a sense of overanxiety concerning reminded that the original meaning aspect of worship that is gospel-cen- forms and accessories of worship and nature of corporate worship teredness. Second, the verse from rather than content and truth. Hence, should be communal, not individu- Revelation offers clear guidelines. many pastors have been overtaken alistic. Worship includes a dialogue by an urge to design user-friendly and a communion along vertical Gospel-centered worship anthropocentric worship services and horizontal axes, as it unites us Despite its strong symbolism, the to attract people rather than focus- both with God and one another. The text contains an important consid- ing on the transforming power of songs we sing and the worship we eration—the “eternal gospel” (v. 6) the Cross. Therefore, we cannot conduct should not fail to express constitutes the basis of true worship. overemphasize the fundamental the communal nature of our faith. This emphasis on the gospel refl ects principle of attraction in worship: the essence of the Christian kerygma. Christ and Him crucifi ed (1 Cor. 2: 1), Revelation 14:6, 7, as an The good news is that Christ, through not our ingenious ceremonies or integrative framework His victory on the cross, has brought entertaining rituals. The dual impact of the Seeker salvation to the human race and made Thus, true worship will be pos- Service and the Praise and Worship true worship possible. sible only as focused on the gospel, movements within a postmodern At the heart of the gospel stands and if its ethos and forms refl ect the cultural context has introduced new not only a glorified cross and an liberating message of Jesus Christ. dynamics in many congregations. empty tomb but also a living and Worshiping God is not an option; This major shift should encourage coming Christ who now ministers it is a gospel imperative. Revelation us to examine more carefully the in the heavenly sanctuary. In other 14:6 describes the eternal gospel as essence of worship. Unfortunately, words, Christian worship looks not one that concerns the entire globe the church has often failed to articu- only backward to the past but also and addresses “every nation, tribe, late a clear theology of worship. As a forward to the future, while also language and people.” Contrary to the result, debates over worship revolve focusing on the present—Christ’s postmodern ethos that tends to turn around style rather than substance. ministry in “the presence of God for worship into a nicely packaged and If it is true that the challenge for us” (Heb. 9:24, NKJV). The author fuzzy product, Revelation 14 points pastors comprises being alert to the of the letter to the Hebrews clearly to a threefold imperative of true wor- cultural conditions in which they points out Christ as our Leitourgos ship. Look at verse 7: “ ‘Fear God . . . operate, they should also aim at (Heb. 8:2), our heavenly Liturgist, give him glory. . . . Worship him.’ ” having solid biblical grounding. This who gathers in His life and person Let’s explore these essentials. means that while pastors do not need the worship and prayer of His people. to repudiate contemporary culture to In a remarkable way, He is both the Imperatives in worship be faithful to God, they do not need One we worship and the “Wor- Fear God. While worship can to conform to every aspect of that shiper.” As the supreme revelation of easily slip into personal preference culture to be effective in reaching the Father (John 1:18; Col. 1:15, 16) or prejudice, the angel summons worshipers. Christian calling mani- and the only way of salvation, Christ the nations to fear God. The biblical fests itself alternatively in embrace deserves all the praise and honor of notion of “fear” (phobeo) suggests and resistance, depending on differ- the entire creation. As the Mediator reverence, respect, and honor to ent aspects of the ambient culture. of the new covenant, He cleanses God. God is God, the Wholly Other. Only solid theological engagement and purifi es our tainted worship and Fear develops into the appropriate can provide such a stance. prayers to offer them spotless to response to the greatness of God, In Revelation 14:6, 7, John offers the Father. Within such a vision, the especially as it relates to His mighty such a theological ground—an inte- local worship leader does not act acts of salvation and judgment. To grative framework for worship leaders on behalf of worshipers but among fear God does not mean to be afraid to forge authentic worship services. them, in recognition that a single of Him, but to take Him seriously. It The passage declares, “Then I saw High Priest now serves on our behalf demands full surrender of all aspects another angel fl ying in midair, and he in the heavenly sanctuary. of our lives to Him.4

MINISTRY 20 MARCH 2009 The notion of fearing God can be one purely and humanly crafted. Ascribe to the LORD, O families very odd in an age where worship Rather, fear has to come from the of nations, services often lack a sense of awe. worshiping community’s realization ascribe to the LORD glory and Marva Dawn refers to it as “the that they serve a God who is exalted strength. postmodern lack of genuine ‘fear’ above the heavens (Pss. 57:11; Ascribe to the LORD the glory for God.”5 Dawn claims that the 108:4). Only a theology that exalts due to his name; . . . scriptural tension between fear and God’s glory and purpose along with Worship the LORD in the love has been lost in many churches the eschatological presence of the splendor of his holiness; because of the trend toward cheap Holy Spirit in worshiping communi- tremble before him, all the grace and the muting of God’s jus- ties can bring that sense of awe and earth. . . . tice.6 As a result, we often end up reverence. To this effect, the angel’s He will judge the peoples with with services infused with tepid summon to fear God embodies a equity (NIV). sentimentalism geared at making wake-up call to our worship leaders worshipers feel happy rather than to embrace the biblical paradigm In an age where laxity and confronting them in their inner- of a transcendent God who is just casualness are often celebrated as most being and challenging their and holy. virtues, the very notion of judgment complacencies. Give glory to Him. To glorify must be quite shocking. Yet, on Worship tailored only with the God as seen in Revelation 14 is the the positive side, worship can be spiritual consumer in mind will be second imperative of worship. The greatly improved if congregations profoundly lacking in heightening a supreme purpose of God creating are reminded of their accountability sense of God’s glory and holiness. It humans is to glorify Him (Matt. 5:16; to God. He who inspires and enables will tend to adopt “a cozy and sen- Rom. 1:21; 1 Cor. 6:20, 10:31; Eph. our worship also judges it. He who timental Jesusolatry”7 and reduce 1:12; Phil. 1:11). The angel summons empowers us also brings us into the living God to an indistinct Lord, the nations to fear God and glorify account (Rev. 1:10–3:22). This i.e., one with no explicit references Him for “ ‘the hour of his judgment becomes especially important at a to biblical history. has come’ ” (Rev. 14:7, NIV). Clearly, time when “false worship is as much Consequently, we can safely the global scope of the angel’s mes- a possibility as true worship, and that assume that one of the biblical sage recaptures the Old Testament the distinction between the two is guidelines for our age contains an hopes of nations being united in not always crystal clear.”8 invitation to be re-sensitized to a due the worship of the true God. David Interestingly, the term giving glory sense of fear in worship. This fear emphasizes this call to the nations to to God contains a dialectical tension cannot be an initiative from below, worship God in Psalm 96:7–10: that characterizes balanced worship:

• Training lay leaders to effectively work with you • Designing sermons to meet the needs of different churches • Addressing family life in a multichurch district with special emphasis on children • Organizing the evangelistic outreach in a district • Coordinating boards and committees in a district • Working with the communities in the district • Creating a spirit of cooperation among the churches • Recognizing the needs of the pastor’s spouse and children for continuity as the pastor preaches in a different church each week

If you pastor several churches, you will no doubt have other topics in mind.

NEXT STEPS: IIff youyou ppastorastor mmoreore tthanhan • Email, write, or call and discuss with us the topic or topics you are suggesting. • Once we have agreed on the specifi c topic, we will ask you to proceed with oonene church—wechurch—we wwantant the writing. ttoo hearhear ffromrom youyou WE NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU BY APRIL 15, 2009. Nikolaus Satelmajer, editor Here at the Ministry magazine editorial offi ces, we are planning another issue featuring and recognizing the work of pastors who Willie E. Hucks II, associate editor have more than one church. In order for this issue to be valuable Email—[email protected] to ministers around the world, we need your participation. You Telephone—301-680-6510 are invited to prepare an article for Ministry magazine. Here are Address—12501 Old Columbia Pike, some suggested topics you may consider: Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600

MINISTRY 21 MARCH 2009 ALAIN CORALIE reverence and joyfulness. Sadly, the earth, the sea, and all that is in 3. Carefully choose and train wor- the two extremes of the Christian them’ ” (v. 11, NIV). ship leaders. Some of them are spectrum have often tended to stress He is Redeemer: “ ‘I am the LORD good singers but not good theo- one at the expense of the other. your God, who brought you out of logians, and fi ne singing does not Traditionalists have stressed rever- Egypt, out of the land of slavery’ ” make up for sound theology. ence, charismatics have emphasized (v. 2, NIV). 4. Stay away from nebulous spiri- enthusiasm, and those in the middle He is Judge: “ ‘For I, the LORD your tuality that makes Christianity have often fallen short of both. God, am a jealous God, punishing . . . simply a matter of feelings. Certainly, only a God who comes those who hate me, but showing love 5. Make sure that sermons explore to us with grace and judgment, justice to a thousand generations of those the exceeding riches of biblical and love can inspire such apparently who love me and keep my command- truth. contradictory and simultaneous ments’ ” (vv. 5, 6, NIV). 6. Connect the worship experience responses as respect and joyfulness, If this theological framework with to real life by creating space in reverence and jubilation. This dialecti- themes such as creation, redemption, the worship service not only for cal tension needs to be kept alive for judgment, eschatology, and the Sab- celebration, but also for refl ec- worship to remain theologically sound bath informs our concept of worship, tion, confession, repentance, and experientially meaningful. our worship emphasis and style will and mourning. A danger exists Worship Him is the third impera- take on a theocentric and eschatologi- in constantly requiring people to tive of worship. Etymologically, the cal emphasis. As argued already, one be joyful and happy within the core meaning of the verb worship of the problems in contemporary wor- worship context, when they are emphasizes submission and hom- ship is its anthropocentric tendencies. struggling and hurting in life. age.9 The meaning surpasses the Many programs, ideas, and ministries 7. Make worship more intercultural common restrictive use of worship to revolve around human wants and and intergenerational rather than congregational services to embrace desires instead of the primacy of being narrowly selective and the fuller range of “Christian life and God, His love, holiness, and justice. A potentially divisive. Multichurch thought and experience.”10 human-centered mentality distorts the services for different ages, worship The angel of Revelation 14 points nature of true worship by displacing styles, musical tastes, and ethnic to the true ground of divine worship: God from the center. True worship, as categories are bound to lead in a the distinction of God as Creator a matter of proper focus, “must fi rst number of unhealthy directions. A “ ‘who made the heavens, the earth, be God-focused and then be human better way to go could be blended the sea and the springs of water’ ” sensitive.”11 Pastors should, therefore, services where elements of tradi- (v. 7, NIV). Here the angel gives a put things in proper perspective when tion, contemporary culture, and salutary reminder that we worship it comes to such a sensitive issue as innovation cross-fertilize to enrich God not only because He created us worship. the worship experience. but also because we were created for Him (Rev. 4:11). That’s not all. The Conclusion 1 Kendra Creasy Dean, “Moshing for Jesus: Adolescence as a Cultural Context for Worship,” in Tim Dearborn and angel summons us to worship God With these biblical guidelines Scott Coil, eds., Worship at the Next Level: Insight from for three interlinked reasons: in perspective, I now proffer a brief Contemporary Voices (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2004). 2 Pete Ward, Selling Worship: How What We Sing Has Changed ensemble of ideas that necessitate the Church (Milton Keynes: Paternoster, 2005), 207. • Because He is the Creator (wor- further consideration by worshiping 3 David Lyon, Jesus in Disneyland: Religion in Postmodern Times (Oxford: Polity, 2000), 94. ship him who made the heavens communities. I believe an urgent 4 Ranko Stefanovic, Revelation of Jesus Christ: Commentary and earth) need exists for spiritual leaders to: on the Book of Revelation (Berrien Springs, MI: Andrews • Because He is the Redeemer (the University Press, 2002), 441–443. 5 Marva Dawn, How Shall We Worship? (Wheaton, IL: eternal Gospel) 1. Move from the prevalent anthro- Tyndale, 2003), 49, 50. • Because He is the Judge (the hour pological model (in which the 6 Ibid., 50–52. 7 Daniel L. Migliore, Faith Seeking Understanding: An of His judgment has come) ambient culture predominantly Introduction to Christian Theology (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, defines how worship is con- 1991), 65. 8 Ian Boxall, Revelation: Vision and Insight: An Introduction to As we look at these three reasons ducted) to a more theologically the Apocalypse (London: SPCK, 2002), 155. for divine worship, we cannot but robust model (in which theology 9 Howard Marshall in New Bible Dictionary, 3rd ed. (Leicester: IVP, 2003), 1250. note a glorious parallel to these three courageously engages culture, 10 D. A. Carson, Worship: Adoration and Action (Grand Rapids: characteristics of God in the call to alternatively accommodating or Baker Book House, 1993), 15. worship and obedience found in the rejecting its varied aspects). 11 R. Kent Hughes, “Free Church Worship: the Challenge of Freedom,” in D. A. Carson, ed., Worship by the Book (Grand Decalogue (Exod. 20:1–11). 2. Craft worship services by taking Rapids: Zondervan, 2002), 151. God is Creator: “ ‘For in six days into account the eschatological the LORD made the heavens and dimension of faith.

Tell us what you think about this article. Email [email protected] or write to 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904.

MINISTRY 22 MARCH 2009 MICHAEL CAULEY

Michael Cauley, DMin, is president of the Florida Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Winter Park, Florida, United States. Growing leaders through coaching

hat would happen if practicing about two hours from where trained coaches on our staff. I also inter- every leader had some- I was living at the time. I decided to viewed the trainee coaches who were one with whom they give coaching an opportunity, and we coached by Dr. Howard throughout the Wcould talk, who would had a few sessions before I moved to time they were being trained to serve challenge them to grow and help them another state. as coaches. Given that this training was identify resources to do so? What Because of the move, my doctoral different from others, I was curious would happen if every leader had an work was delayed. In the meantime, I about how my peers, and those who unseen friend to ask them hard ques- had begun to experience great value were coached by them, ultimately tions about self-care or their growth in being coached. I was growing as viewed their experience. Interestingly, plan for the new year? What would a leader and a person. The initial idea the responses from the people who happen if every leader had someone of training my key leaders in coaching were coached by the trainees were to speak with regularly, who, no matter skills took on greater meaning as I was overwhelmingly positive and affi rming. what they discussed, would love them experiencing genuine growth through When I asked the coachees what the as a brother or sister in Christ and hold the coaching process. Meanwhile, I single greatest benefi t of the coaching their confi dences? And, what would it had coaching sessions with Dr. Howard experience was, their responses fell in feel like to know that you are not alone by phone, and I began to lay out the the following categories: in your journey through life? While this academic project that would involve Providing a framework for growth may sound inconceivable, it is some- developing a system of coaching for and accountability. Coaching helped thing I have experienced fi rsthand in pastors and school administrators. certain pastors and educational many ways. And it has blessed my life Over a period of seven months, a administrators by providing a frame- and my leadership. number of the leaders in our organiza- work for professional growth with About five years ago, while on tion became trainee coaches. The accountability; something highly a trip with my brother-in-law, we eight of us received coaching from Dr. important in helping a leader move dialogued about a fundamental leader- Howard and he, as the coach/trainer, forward on their most important ship issue: how to help leaders develop conducted three two-day seminars priorities. One coachee’s comment their skills and lead more effectively. over a six-month period. was typical in describing the way his He had served in health-care admin- Moreover, we read about 1,100 coach provided a kind of supportive istration for several years and had pages of material from various authors accountability: “Now, as I go about recently completed extensive training on coaching, systems theory, change my work, I hear my coach’s voice in to become a leadership development theory, and human development. The my head saying, ‘How are you going coach. He then told me something capstone of the training process was to do that? What is the fi rst thing that I hadn’t heard before: he had never that we each coached two people you are going to do?’ ” seen anything that equaled coaching over a six-month period under the Giving support in the midst of chal- in terms of its potential for developing supervision of Dr. Howard. I have lenges. Coaching gave support in a people. Since I was looking for a listed below some of the key fi ndings profession vulnerable to discourage- Doctor of Ministry project on growing that emerged from that unique learn- ment because of the real existence leaders, immediately my interest was ing experience. of isolation. I was struck by how piqued. We discussed the process of coaching was striking a deep chord being trained to function as a coach, The impact on those in those receiving coaching. Note this and I learned that the fi rst step is to who were coached comment: “To come into a church be coached by a skilled coach. I was As a part of my doctoral project, I and fi nd opposition and resistance is put in touch with Dr. Nick Howard, received permission to interview those discouraging. Before, I easily became a psychologist and leadership coach who had been coached by the newly discouraged and I felt that I wasn’t

MINISTRY 23 MARCH 2009 MICHAEL CAULEY succeeding. Coaching has led me improved as a result of the coaching to be more patient with myself and experience. . . . I am now freer and people in the church.” Another com- have peace of mind when I set aside ment, “Coaching has rescued me time to be with my family.” from discouragement and doubt . . . . It has enriched my prayer life and The impact on those increased my confi dence in myself.” who were trained as Growing as a leader. Some of coaches the coachees began using coach- Since I was a part of the learn- ing skills with their church leaders ing group, I was able to experience without receiving the formal coach fi rsthand the transformation in the training. They reported results I lives of several of the trainee-coaches. hadn’t anticipated, but they were They received expert coaching by Dr. outcomes I certainly welcomed. Howard, while acquiring a vital skill. People shared things such as: Here are some of the benefi ts: Obtaining new skills in commu- • I use the coaching principles to ask nication. Communication skills are more questions to see what others obviously highly important in effective think. I coach my church leaders ministry and leadership. The trainees toward a common goal or vision. reported improved skills that are • Coaching has sped up the pro- essential to solid coaching, such as cess of turning over responsibility active listening, asking open-ended to others. I spend time with the questions, naming, and affi rmation. church members getting them to One staff member shared, “I learned share responsibilities. new listening skills, questioning skills, • It has given me a model for doing and naming skills that have made me discipleship. a better husband, father, and leader.

• It is making me more focused and I have become an advocate with my Charlie Peacock more assertive and has helped me subordinates and have gained the to lead the congregation better. skill of affi rmation.” Another stated, “Coaching has changed my perspec- Facing issues of self-care and family tive on every conversation I have with needs. Learning how to take care of the pastors with whom I work.” ourselves as church leaders becomes Developing effective teamwork. Dr. Dave Anderson one of the tougher challenges we face. A well-functioning leadership team I’m beginning to think that healthy becomes central to effective leader- self-care is fundamental to creating a ship. One coach reported that his truly effective ministry over the long subordinates had picked up coaching term. As a result, I was pleased by how skills through the process of being Dr. J. David Newman self-care emerged as a theme in the coached by him. This resulted in them responses. One coachee responded, working more effectively to resolve “I have established boundaries regard- problems as a team. “Soon [my sub- ing my health. . . . The tyranny of the ordinates] were reporting to me, not urgent had pushed my personal life to only the answers to their problems depletion. Coaching forced me to do that they had discovered, but on their Meredith Andrews an inventory on how I was living my success in cooperating with their life. Taking the time for contemplation peers to discover solutions.” and refl ection has caused me to look Living more consistently with at what is really important.” their vision and values. Lastly, those “One of the things that I do dif- participating in the training reported Nick Zork ferently is that I enjoy life more. I am increased focus and confidence. happier. I spend time with my family Many made progress on long-term and enjoy it and feel good about it goals and short-term plans. Several instead of always feeling that I have to addressed areas of their lives that Denise Vaneck be working.” had held them back from reach- “In my relationship with my wife, ing their potential. For many, it our communication has definitely included wrestling with the issue of

MINISTRY 24 MARCH 2009 balance—especially relative to family months impacted people to the appears to include people having and health. extent that it did. I felt rewarded to someone to come alongside them to see people grow to a healthier place be an unseen, trusted friend on their Conclusion and become more effective in their journey through life. This is likely the As leaders, we are often faced leadership and service. only way for individuals to mature with substantial questions that can I’m now beginning to see fully to God’s ideal for them. certainly be overwhelming at times. that coaching is, in reality, a kind Aligning a person’s life with their Questions such as, How do you of discipleship for vocation. Fun- vision and values becomes critical to meaningfully impact the culture of a damentally, coaching focuses on living empowered lives and becoming church, institution, or conference? coming alongside people, creating a agents of transformation. And the Or, how do you develop leaders safe environment, and helping them experience of personal transforma- in your place of ministry? Further, achieve their potential. In the book of tion is perhaps more powerful than how do you address the desire and Acts, the church seems to have lived all the leadership lessons that we can need of people to grow? And, lastly, in a role of supporting, strengthening, study otherwise. I am more and more what can we do to tackle issues of and encouraging one another, fun- convinced that who we are and how isolation in ministry? As leaders, we damental to New Testament religion. we live communicates so much more are charged with addressing these Perhaps this was more natural for than what we say. The coach training real needs but, of course, this is people living in simpler times. Could it program brought these truths to light much easier said than done. Through be that in our complex world we need in a deeper way, and I am grateful for this training process, I’m realizing, an intentional structure to help us the impact it has had. on deeper levels, that it does not have meaningful conversations that Through this doctoral project happen overnight or without a real facilitate growth? It seems clearer to “experiment,” we are now incor- investment of time and resources in me that we don’t naturally take time porating coach training for more of the right kind of training. And, while to refl ect and process and hold each our pastors and administrators, and I did not dare to hope that a tool other accountable for our growth. the ripple effect of this vital work is existed to address those issues, I was Ultimately, this project has con- spreading throughout our fi eld. This happily surprised by the impact of fi rmed my thinking that to live up to includes an investment in time and the training program. I was amazed your full potential as a church leader, energy, but I believe coach training that the experience of having a coach if you are going through life solo, will pay signifi cant dividends when over a period of approximately six is simply not possible. God’s ideal we invest in our people.

Tell us what you think about this article. Email [email protected] or write to 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904. Share the Hope Our desire is to reach as many people as possible in 2009. 1 Year • 1 Goal • 100,000 Souls Every Pastor Hold a Spring and Fall Evangelistic Series. www.sharethehope2009.com

Support for your Church I January Prayer Conference I National website for on the Hope Channel meeting locations I Adventist Ministries Sharethe I Advertising on media Convention keynote ministry programs address live on the I Monthly interactive programs Hope Church Channel on the Hope Church Channel I Professional brochures (and on the web) available The 2009 Initiative of the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists.

MINISTRY 25 MARCH 2009 DATELINE

Religious freedom The general editor, John Graz, for the Adventist Church in the Mid- notes that in “many countries around dle East, then gave the devotional report released the world being a member of a presentation. religious minority is a crime.” Despite “The support of the local con- ilver Spring, Maryland, United this, Graz says, “the main positive gregation made it possible for this SStates—The Religious Freedom factor is that religious freedom exists evangelistic campaign to proceed World Report for 2006–2007 was in a majority of the countries in the smoothly,” said Yuot, who was moved recently released as a joint project world.” The report, with the ranking by the fact that the local congregation of the Public Affairs and Religious of countries and the details of the in Malakal contributed their meager Liberty Department of the General treatment of Adventists, can be funds to feed the youth participants, Conference of Seventh-day Adventists accessed at www.parl.gc.adventist pay guards, and rent a sound system and the International Religious Liberty .org. [Nicholas Miller] that cost $100 a day. “Praise the Lord Institute of Andrews University. for their willingness and commitment The report, which is published to serve Him!” he added. biennially, gives an account of the Lifesaving Toward the end of the campaign, status of religious freedom in every the team handed out decision cards country in the world, with a special seminars and 83 individuals made a decision focus on the Adventist experience. The to join the church by baptism. Fifty- report ranks each country on a scale alakal, Sudan—More one of these persons were baptized of one to fi ve regarding its religious Mthan 350 people attended at the close of the meetings, having freedom record. “One” represents evangelistic meetings in southern received additional Bible studies countries that have full freedom, and Sudan, December 14–30, 2008. The during the day, and the rest will be “fi ve” represents the most oppressive meetings, jointly organized by the prepared for baptism by the pastoral states. The report gives a general Seventh-day Adventist Church in team at a later date. [MEU News/ account of the legal, political, and the Middle East and local Sudanese TED News] social climate of each country in pastors, were advertised to the sur- regards to religious freedom. rounding community as “Life Saving Managing editor Nicholas Miller Seminars.” Growth in the says the details about the Adventist Each program began with music experience are useful for others as and drama, followed by health Netherlands well as the church because Advent- and family-life lectures that were ism’s minority status makes it a good conducted by local pastors, Gai uis ter Heide, Netherlands— indicator of the health of religious Dualnyuak and Jacob Frungus. HFrom January to September freedom in a country. Bern Yuot, evangelism coordinator 2008, the Adventist Church in the Netherlands saw a net growth of 105 members. Total membership has now grown to 4,781 members. 6[gZh]!ZVhn" In the same period, the tithe income increased by 7 percent. id"jhZjeYViZd[ The Netherlands has struggled against a tide of secularism; and i]ZldgaY"[Vbdjh these figures reflect the church’s ÒkZ"YVneaVc# determination to do something about this.

MINISTRY 26 MARCH 2009 RESOURCES

Letters and Homilies to persuade the (3:1–18); and the third deals with for Jewish Christians:s: readers and lis- the most controversial element and, A Socio-Rhetorical tteners to do or following good rhetorical practices, Commentary on aavoid something. is saved for the last. According to Hebrews, James WWitherington Witherington, James is here combat- and Jude, by Ben aargues that the ing the desires and antiwisdom of Witherington III, Downers wwriters used the the mercenary and military mentality Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press rhrhetorical tech- (4:1–5:6). Finally comes the “Per- Academic, 2007. niqniques available to oration” (5:7–20); the conclusion tthemhe during the fi rst not only of the last elaboration but he production of Bible cecentury;n the early of the whole discourse (“the fi nal commentaries has JJewishew and Greco- harangue”). This type of rhetorical Tproliferated during thee RoRomanm rhetoric. It analysis is unquestionably useful in last 25 years. They are written for is that type of rhetoric that he uses the reading of the homily. different purposes (e.g., devotional, to analyze the homilies. The reader We need to ask ourselves, What theological, historical, linguistic, will fi nd references to those sources is the fi nal contribution of this socio- etc.). This is Ben Witherington’s throughout the commentary. He uses rhetorical approach to the text? third volume of a three-volume com- the technical language of rhetoric, There are many. For instance, it is mentary on the Pastoral Epistles, the but he clarifi es what it means as he always useful to know the social Johannine Epistles, Hebrews, the applies it to the text. It is not diffi cult practices and convictions found Petrine Epistles, James, and Jude. to follow his careful exposition of in the culture in which the biblical He grouped the epistles according to the text. writers crafted their messages. They the socioreligious context for which The structure of each letter is ana- do help to illuminate some obscure they were written. In this volume, he lyzed on the basis of rhetoric rather aspects of the text. The rhetorical placed together Hebrews, James, than on the basis of the theological dimension itself reveals the authors’ and Jude because they were written or thematic content of the docu- writing skills, their knowledge of for Jewish Christians. The approach ment. For instance, James begins the human mind, and their interest he is using has become quite popular with “The Epistolary Prescript” (1:1), in making their messages more among New Testament scholars. He which identifi es the addresser and appealing to their audiences. All calls it “A Socio-Rhetorical Commen- the addressee and contains the of these were used by the Spirit tary.” In other words, although he greetings. This is followed by the to touch the hearts of the original is commenting on the biblical text, “Exordium” (1:2–18). Its purpose audience and of the many who he is placing the emphasis on the is to establish a good relation with throughout the centuries have read social setting and on the rhetorical the audience in order to make them these documents. But in general, the techniques used by the biblical writ- positively predisposed toward what socio-rhetorical approach does not ers. The social setting is important the writer will ask from them. It is in signifi cantly uncover more than what as background information that will this section that the author makes a careful exegesis would fi nd there. help the modern reader gain a better reference to his authority and where The approach does not make a major understanding of the message of he lightly touches on some of his contribution to our understanding the book. main concerns. This is followed of the message of each one of the Consequently, in an effort to illu- by the “Propositio” (1:19–27). It is homilies. But perhaps that is not the minate the biblical text, Witherington a statement about the substance, intention of the method. In any case, uses materials found in the works of urgency, and theme that will be what Witherington has produced is classical experts who know about developed in the discourse. This very useful for preachers, teachers, the social history of the Greek and is the main advice that the author and interested church members who Roman society and historians of needs to get across to the audience. may want to know more about the early Judaism and early Christianity. Next we find the “Elaboration of contribution of the socio-rhetorical Rhetoric has to do with the art of Themes.” In the case of James, we approach to the study of the Bible persuasion and the techniques used have three different elaborations and its social background. In that to achieve that end. The three docu- based on three main concerns. The respect, this volume is very rich. ments he will comment on (Hebrews, fi rst elaboration deals with the rich —Reviewed by Ángel Manuel Rodríguez, ThD, James, Jude) were sermons or and poor, word and deed (2:1–26); director of the Biblical Research Institute, Silver homilies. Their specifi c object was the second with teachers and tongue Spring, Maryland, United States.

MINISTRY 27 MARCH 2009 RESOURCES

The Pastor as In fact, the Cross is perceive as enemies” (60). He notes Theologian: The the center of Chris- fi rst, in forgiveness we take back the Formation of tian belief, with negative aspects of ourselves that Today’s Ministry the Cross as the determines who our enemies are. in the Light of wwindow between Secondly, by doing this, we have an Contemporary hhumanity and God. effect on our enemies. With projec- Human Sciences, TThrough this win- tion recognized and taken back, 2nd ed., by Wesley ddow, we see how feelings are also changed. Thirdly, Carr, London: SPCK, GGod deals with evil— the relationship is altered. Christ’s 2008. seseeing how God takes death makes forgiveness possible. ththe responsibility for Forgiveness does not come as a esley Carr ggivingiv His creation the result of one’s confession. For- writes in the ffreedomre of choice. He giveness is the precondition of Wpreface that didiscussess two Greek confession. Christ’s death on the the theme of the book is “the way prepositions: anti and cross is on our behalf, thus the “on that the practice of ministry gener- hyper, which are used in Scrip- behalf of” becomes the ultimate ates theological insight” (ix). He ture for God’s activity. He notes clue to the Christian understanding considers the pastor as the theo- that anti means “in place of” and of life and God. logian. The introduction lays the hyper means “on behalf of.” The By using the insights of behav- framework within which he writes preposition hyper is used most often ioral science, Carr was able to apply his book. He cites three behav- describing God’s activity, including his understanding of the atonement ior insights: unconscious activity, the Cross. The author draws the to the pastor’s differing roles as transference (and its corollary, coun- conclusion that Christ does not die minister. There are certainly many tertransference), and projection. He “in place of” me but “on behalf of” more insights than those that I have writes that the unconscious is crucial me. Hence, I am not excluded but commented on. for our estimates of people, whether a participant. The Cross stands for In the second and third sections, as individuals or in groups. God’s willingness to be used and Carr addresses the doctrines of Transference occurs when the abused. Creation and Incarnation. He fi rst patient “transfers” on to the analyst In chapter 3, Carr shows how discusses the doctrine and then feelings and attitudes, primarily the doctrine of atonement can be attempts to apply it to the pastoral from their childhood relationships. applied in pastoral situations by tak- situation. Countertransference describes the ing into consideration the insights In chapter 12, the conclusion, feelings of the person who is the of behavioral science. He notes, Carr notes that theological refl ec- focus of the transference. Transfer- “projection is a basic ingredient in tion is required of all engaged in ence uses a repetition of something normal human behavior, and con- ministry. He also states that “min- in the past by imposing it upon sequently in pastoral ministry. . . . istry must creatively interact with someone or even something in the Ministerial expertise, therefore, the Church’s developing theology, present. Projection is disowning an means to follow the model of the making a distinctive contribution . . . aspect of our self and locating it in atonement and transform what which links the individual to his another person and attempting to inhibits or potentially distracts to or her social context and hence deal with it there as their problem, new creativity. When we realize that to society [which] is found in the thus freeing our self. The author projection constitutes basic human contemporary human sciences. notes that these three insights form behavior and is not a weakness The inspiration of ministry, the the foundation of modern thinking or failure, we can seek ways of clarifi cation of roles and theological on human behavior, whether as employing it in the service of pas- refl ection potentially hold the whole individuals or groups. toral ministry” (47). Projections in enterprise together. Difficult and In chapters 2–4, Carr deals with ministry are primarily directed at the strange as that often appears, it still the atonement and its relevance for minister’s roles. When the minister seems to me to remain intrinsically pastors in their ministry. In chapter accepts these roles, opportunities worthwhile” (171). 2, he discusses the meaning of the arise for responsible ministry. —Reviewed by Rollin Shoemaker, DMin, STM, a atonement. He notes the centrality In chapter 4, Carr notes that “the pastor with the Southern New England Conference of the Cross and how it becomes way of discipleship is that of forgive- of Seventh-day Adventists, United States. absolutely essential for Christianity. ness, particularly of those whom we

MINISTRY 28 MARCH 2009 PASTOR’S PASTOR | JAMES A. CRESS José, Can You See?

oday, January 20, as I watch “melting pot” has been stirred into more for the future than that they the inauguration of President a new stew. might be hired to clean and maintain TBarack Obama, I recall the José, can you see? If an African those same buildings. But with one anecdote about the Hispanic kid American can become president, so oath of office—even one bungled returning from his fi rst-ever ball game could a Hispanic. by the chief justice of the Supreme to proudly report, “Mama. They were Josefi na, can you see? If a His- Court—the country has changed. singing about me at the game. They panic could become president, so José, can you see? were singing about me!” could a woman. Oh church, can you see? When questioned what he Jae-Hwa, can you see? If a Have we slumbered along as meant, the youngster replied, “The Hispanic woman could become presi- the world awakens to a new state whole crowd stood up and sang, dent, so could a Korean American. of affairs? How should we believers ‘José, can you see?’ ” José, can you see? Doors have respond to this new reality? Improbable that “Oh, say can you been opened that never again can see?” (the introductory phrase of the be shut. U.S. national anthem) could refer to For more than 16 years, I have How should a youngster dreaming of greatness? watched a young black child develop Not anymore! into an outstanding, capable man. we believers Today, my country moved into a Back when I fi rst met three-year-old respond to new era with an African American Tony, no one would have ever told inaugurated into the most powerful him, “You can grow up to be presi- this new offi ce on earth. Our recent elections dent of the United States.” reality? have moved us to a post-racial era Sure, we might have chanted the where skin color is not the fi rst criterion mantra, but we would not have really for evaluating a person’s potential. believed the slogan that any kid could Does this mean we have resolved become president. Even worse, Tony Why, all too often, must the all problems? Does one election would not have believed it! church learn—or fail to learn—from erase the scars of racism past? Have But Tony has grown up. Today society rather than the sacred teach- we advanced to the point that no he is a scholarship student on his ing the secular? Do we believers have individual will ever be discriminated way to becoming a RN/pharmacist. something to tell the world on the against again? Have hatred, suspicion, And America has grown up. Because issue of post-racial cooperation? skepticism, and racism been perma- of today’s inauguration, no one When the nation has chosen to nently eradicated? Of course not! can ever say, “Tony, you could not move beyond racial profi ling in electing Discrimination and evil will always become president.” our most powerful leaders, why do rule in the hearts of wicked people like José, can you see? Christians remain segregated? In North the hate-fi lled behavior of students at Society has kicked down that America, the divine worship service a high school who, upon witnessing barrier by this peaceful transition from remains the most self-segregated President Obama’s oath of office, one elected president to the next. I hour of the week. African Americans stood and shouted racial epithets at exalt in the joy and release of Aretha come together to stand apart. White fellow students. Franklin singing, “My country ’tis fl ight breeds exclusivity until there is Shame! And somewhere it will of thee, sweet land of liberty.” I am nowhere else to fl ee. Hispanics, Asians, happen again. Neither America nor enthralled with the drama of a black and other ethnic groups conclave under the wider world has resolved all the family moving into the White House. the guise of “language and heritage,” challenges and sinfulness of racism Despite the reality that sixty years while their children reject their lingual just because one black man has ago President Obama’s father could heritage and, if they go to church at become president. But something not have been served lunch at a all, make certain that English is the lan- has happened. restaurant in the segregated District guage of fellowship and proclamation. What? Simply this: Barack of Columbia, today’s pomp and cir- Even where preservation of cultural Obama, son of a Kenyan father and cumstance, ruffles and flourishes, heritage is important, the incipient an American mother is the president and “Hail to the Chief” stand in stark racism of assuming we cannot all get of the United States. comparison to the reminder that our along reproaches the gospel. José, can you see? This door First Lady’s slave ancestors built the Remember Galatians’ declaration has been opened for you too! The monumental structures of America’s of interdependence! “In Christ, there slogan about American society’s beautiful capitol, expecting nothing is neither Jew nor Gentile; in Christ Continued on page 30

MINISTRY 29 MARCH 2009 PASTOR’S PASTOR | JAMES A. CRESS there is neither bond nor free; in Christ discrimination? Of course, this is not God’s plan welcomes all tribes there is neither male nor female, for God’s will any more than God wills into His house of prayer. we are all one in Christ.” for the church to remain structured God’s plan demonstrates that Does Jesus want His followers for racial separation. His church can answer Jesus’ prayer to be less faithful than society in God’s plan makes all nations one “that they all might be one.” matters of distinction, division, and people. José, can you see? Tell us what you think about this editorial. Email [email protected] or write to 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904.

LETTERS Continued from page 4 wrong questions. In them lies a fatal reach contemporary men and women with young people involved every fl aw that weakens the entire approach and then reaching out––not worrying week leading a signifi cant portion of used—and leads us down a road we that too many people may choose to our worship period. The truth of the don’t really want to follow. listen to us, and that their very interest faith we hold dear hasn’t changed, The power of the gospel is not somehow taints the effort. but some of us who are older folks exclusionary. We don’t free the power —Dan Day, email have a natural tendency to forget of God by making His message some- that the comfortable practices we’ve how separate and inaccessible. That’s enjoy the topic of worship and I adopted (for example, worship style, what the Gnostics did with their “secret Ienjoy worshiping. It is an action music, preference of parables, dress, knowledge.” Our goal is not to tell that I perform at home and wherever communication, and language used to fewer people—as though limiting our I attend a worship service. I especially describe important matters) are largely appeal only to “right-minded” people appreciated Donna Olivia Powell’s based on norms that existed when we is somehow praiseworthy. The truth article (“The Name Above All Names: were much younger. This causes us to is, we don’t have to choose between Redeeming Jehovah From Hip-hop’s treat the next generation in a trivial way marketing too broadly or effectively Grip,” January 2009). because they “just don’t get it.” and clinging to our propositional I happen to worship in a “postmod- As this article pointed out, we arguments because they sound “righ- ern” service as Alain Coralie defi nes have to keep refocusing conscious teous” in our ears. Instead, we need it. We sing with worship leaders and efforts on increasing the involvement an approach that takes seriously the guitars. We can express our feelings of the youth—ownership in the con- vitals of marketing, as professionals when the worship song is meaningful gregation. This is a ministry that I, as use it—and then making it work for by standing or raising our hands. Our an older member of the congregation, us. Marketing is, fi rst of all, about the service is also a “seeker’s service.” need to be encouraged to constantly quality and relevance of the product. Our young people are a vital part consider. The reality brought out in Our Christian message is a call of our worship. They not only have the article—that this isn’t a ministry to “come and see,” as the woman at their own worship team, but most that can be simply coordinated from the well put [it] to the villagers she ran of the time they are a part of every higher levels of church structure— to tell about Jesus. It’s an invitation worship team. Some times these kids rightly places the challenge of being to know our loving God, who wants can jazz up the music more than I like, relevant to our youth on the local to draw us into fellowship. This is our but I am thrilled to have them leading church level, on me! calling: to issue an appeal to come and taking part in our worship. —Terry Burns, Ukiah, California, United States back to a God who wants us. We don’t Worship is a verb, praising God, get kudos by narrowing our message praying, and lifting holy hearts A theological approach or intentionally choosing to make it heavenward. to pastoral leadership appeal to the fewest possible people. —E. E. Wellman, Yakima, Washington, United States on Coutts’s article, “A Theological If contemporary worship styles give JApproach to Pastoral Leadership us access to more people today––in Embracing those who Today” (November 2008), is full of good this age of YouTube and iPhone, let’s reject religion material. Thank you for publishing it. embrace them. How is that less “Chris- just finished reading the article, When we focus on the main thing— tian” than using technology, such as I“Embracing Those Who Reject Reli- that leadership is primarily a spiritual satellite programming, to seek the same gion: An Interview With Roger Dudley” issue—then we will pursue spiritual goal? We want to reach all who will lis- (January 2009), and will read it again disciplines. This offers me the freedom ten. Paul wrote, “Let your conversation before I sleep tonight! Our congre- to do what is needed and leave the rest be always gracious, and never insipid; gation has been open and, I would to the Spirit and God’s people walking study how best to talk with each per- say, fairly successful in its struggle side by side while going into the mis- son you meet” (Col. 4:6, NEB). That’s with adult versus youth ministry. We sion fi eld with Jesus Christ. our methodology––studying how to have an inclusive worship program, —Bill Harrold, email

MINISTRY 30 MARCH 2009 Shawn Boonstra

Messages from all over the world blare at us through an increasing assortment of electronics. Thanks to our labor-saving devices, our pace of life is more stressful. Somehow we’ve come to think of relentless activity as noble.

Pastor Boonstra has long sus- pected that the noise and pace of modern life is deliberate. Some- body is trying to keep us occupied, because if we stopped for even a few moments, we would discover something amazing: the presence of God. Learn about God’s sign of love and loyalty—the day He set aside to spend with you.

*4#/

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1–9 . . . . . $1.99 each 10–99 . . . . . $1.49 each 100–999 . . . . . $1.29 each 1000+ . . . . . $1.09 each

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MINISTRY 31 MARCH 2009 GENERAL CONFERENCE OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS®

Nonprofi t Organization U.S. Postage PAID 1350 N. KINGS ROAD • NAMPA, ID 83687-3193 Nampa, ID Permit No. 147 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

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