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© v i, Marriage: twin of the Sabbath, but a day older A Christocentric view of the Seventh-day Adventist belief in marriage and the family Ron and Karen Flowers
©I "1 I Open letter from a struggling pastor Beq Ctausen, 8»»l pederen, Teo%> FerWira, (ton A pastor©s personal appeal for help in handling his © f»iSi^tJr*rM©««;©»8M©H^SI«©«afl*eit,© - sexual addictions Kurrfanrf, Ekkehardt Muefer, Jari Paulsen, Robert Peach, Anonymous
Pastoral Assistant EdHors: John C. Cress, Fnxtrick "1 \ Integrated family life evangelism if h-artfetefiifeh; ©Zac<*>a6«s Matlienia, Gsbrief Mawrer,© Approaching evangelistic outreach through focusing on family issues (Year of World Evangelism feature) Gordon and Waveney Martinborough
\ Thoughts on the republished y Questions on Doctrine An alternative view on the human nature of Christ expressed from a theological-historical perspective «fld was^to US$M,9f; airmaU pf41 ,?5; d r»mfl$$itjij,, Herbert E. Douglass ©and© (N^Mmt t« dteW^©SiiiWirttWfs, t4stff OUT1
Circulation Writer©s, ,"L©r;., Otttctelines/ ".rii;, v i;., :\vr":;^ avaaafale ; ,j© © "an "© reqofiit. •»••''•' Bringing up great PKs Basics for providing a healthy foundation for pastor©s children Becky Donaldson PMNTSO IN TOE U-SA V0J.7<» © NuroberS © MINISTRY LETTERS BUT TO CONTINUE CHURCH IN A HISTORICAL [TRADITIONAL] FASHION THAT is OUTDATED AND IRRELEVANT IS UNACCEPTABLE. read lay Gallimore©s article entitled on with Luke 15 burning inside of me, fronts not only the Adventist Church but ( "Can the Church be ©Relevant© and that the search for the lost consists of an the Evangelical world as well. He says, Thrive?" My first impression when I saw all out search party, that does whatever "Yet numbers can deceive: church atten the title was Yes! Yes! Yes! I know it can it takes to bring that which is missing dance in Germany rose dramatically in and it should. But as I read the article, I back home. Our message is the hope of the years immediately following Hitler's began to hear excuses for failure and the world, it©s not meant to be con rise to power. I believe that in the present reasons to remain small and ineffective. tained in a country club, where only cultural situation, it is more appropriate to What if God used one of us, to rise members have privileges. It©s meant for speak of the evangelical debacle, a com above mediocrity, and to reach everyone, we have been too exclusive promised church that rests no longer on "megachurch" status, would we lose in our behavior and attitude, hidden the dear message of Scripture but on the our job? Would we be accused of being under the garb of conservative. I love carnal desire for a place in the sun." a heretic? What if one of the "mega- my church; it is the vehicle God chose Thriving doesn't always mean a crowd or church" pastors accepted the Adventist to bring jesus into my life. I will serve it the lack of one. When we are faithful we message and joined our church? What until I die. But to continue church in a thrive, whether anybody thinks so or not. would we do with him? Do we distrust historical [traditional] fashion that is him immediately because 7,000 people outdated and irrelevant is unaccept ay Gallimore©s thoughtful articles came to hear the message he preached able. We have a "Cadillac" in our J "Can the Church be Relevant and and to worship together? I read the arti garage while we harness to a horse and Survive?" and "Can the Church be cle a second time and more of the same buggy. Nobody can present Jesus like Relevant and Thrive?" (April and June feelings were aroused. I left Ministry on we can, but we aren©t even trying! 2003) raise a more fundamental ques my desk for a month, praying and con Excuses for failure, for floundering, for tion: Can the Advent movement be templating if I should state my opinion. misguided strategies are an abomina irrelevant and accomplish its mission? If I finally resigned myself, so here goes. tion to God. Change is the only we are to be faithful to the unique mis If we are not relevant, we have constant we have, look in the mirror! sion we have been given, we must become relics. We will be no more We can change to be more effective, to understand, connect with, and impact effective than other well-known anti bring the gospel to more people, to see contemporary culture. quated religious systems. Is that our more in the kingdom. Why wouldn©t I cannot conceptualize a remnant goal? Are we only to survive as a church we? I don©t understand . . . that accomplishes its global mission by organization? What©s wrong with a Dave Livermore, Longview, Washington. sitting on the sidelines, staying out of thriving church organization? What©s the mainstream, and deliberately avoid wrong with being on the cutting edge Jay Cailimore©s response: When ing engagement with any of the and leading? What©s wrong with taking was jesus a success? Was He only relevant contemporary developments in the risks for Jesus© sake? What did we join when He fed 5,000? Or was He still rele world. Adventist evangelists have always when we were baptized? I signed on to vant when He asked the Twelve if they preached "with the Bible in one hand join an organization that is never satis were going to leave too? In Christianity and the newspaper in the other." We fied until every human being has heard Today (Feb. 5, 2001), Donald C. Bloesch, have allowed ourselves to become very that Jesus is coming and soon. I signed states clearly the temptation that con continued on page 23 I If you're reteWngi; MNfcfay©blimenlftij)© «^ ***»$ jjorf ft»r o sufeofp&w, tt not o mfctafee Jfoee f9^8 Ministry ftos tew pu^fefel /W Free Subscription SewMft-doy 4A«rtfet mjnistas. fee fedferft ftw*BM?c, that {fte Sraje to ww for cteqy evetywhern to experience a resurgence of Wft OT the ®t$w&y of ^rip^e (md in the grert trttbs tha rev^ the gospel of our^w^ through faith done in fesus Christ We Hfnt to share our etspiretfjotK It°m>.we!m?-M,l^,yw,^la£^th®jufm!a^^^ ^^-s-©^o^i^jo^ite^^^ shoufe? fee on cfawcft tetterfjeod c«d addressed to the editorial o#Bc». August 2004 MINISTRY _J EDITORIAL L_ Keeping "abreast of truth"1 he song is controversial, but it is in servative, authoritarian, and creedal. It Christian hymnals across the land, loses it©s vertical dimension. It lives to T especially those more "tradition subtly champion the horizontal itself. al" in their content. It©s controversial, Above all it ceases to look beyond. It WlLLMORE D. EVA but the orthodox sing it anyway, often; believes it has the truth, and there©s no especially in its U.S. homeland. more truth to be revealed. It ceases the Something, though, is incongruent upward toil. Perhaps most appalling of about the hymn©s inclusion in these par all, it comes to consider those who are ticular collections of churchly lyrics. climbing the "new Calvaries" and who Perhaps that©s because James Russell are toiling upward, as dangerous as Lowell wrote "Once to Every Man and their spiritual ancestors did the One Nation" in 1845, and the acceptability who actually took the greatest upward that takes over something that©s trav journey of all. eled long through time, has a way of loses its nourishing consistency and But are the words of the last verse of bewitchingly sweetening the kind of evolves into a pablum that even the James Russell Lowell©s poem a further strong medicine that©s at the heart of most cowardly can swallow. Indeed, it warning, a statement of fact, a sublime this poem©s indisputable message. becomes "prosperous" to swallow it, encouragement, or all of the above? Take the second verse, for instance: not just financially, but socially, political ly, and ecclesiastically. Though the cause of evil prosper, Then [at the advent of some fresh In verse three Lowell says that, "New Yet 'tis truth alone is strong; unveiling of truth that Cod brings to occasions teach new duties," and "Time Though her port/on be the scaffold, life] to side with truth is noble, makes ancient good uncouth." That is, And upon the throne be wrong; When we share her wretched crust, new situations mentor us, even Yet that scaffold sways the future, Ere her cause bring fame and profit, demanding that we fashion new And, behind the dim unknown, And 'tis prosperous to be just; approaches, new ideas, new para Standeth Cod within the shadow, Then it is the brave man chooses, digms; while the traditional, time-tested Keeping watch above His own.3 While the coward stands aside, ways, even the old truths, become Till the multitude make virtue "uncouth." The bottom line? Minsters, pastors, Of the faith they had denied. For those of us who are committed teachers, leaders, administrators to one form or another of "conser prophets and priests in this great There are momentous times in vatism," this reality is hardest to accept. hymn, all of us are called by God to which Cod initiates the bursting forth of Most damaging is the fact that in reject remain eternally vigilant, consistently new truth; even truth that seems con ing it we tend to neglect and even to humble, and perpetually in prayer. tradictory to that which has come resist the critically important affiliated Vigilant not so much to the rumblings before it. To embrace just such truth task of "climbing up new Calvaries and ramblings of error, as to the while it is still considered "wretched" is ever."2 cadences and rhythms of truth. Humble by no means easy. One has to be truly But the poet doesn©t stop. Coming as we listen for the footsteps of Cod noble and veritably courageous to do it. to what©s perhaps his most pointed Himself walking, often in bewildering For at first these new movements of challenge, Lowell calls the world and directions, amid His world and in His truth seem contemptible to the majori the church to take up a potent position: church; especially during this time of ty. They seem dangerous, disunifying, "They must upward still and onward, shift and eschatological showdown, m and unsettling. Who would keep abreast of truth." But with time, and passing through As a faith movement loses its divine 1 James Russell Lowell, "Once to Every Man and many hands, what at first was a living elemental vision and evolves into an Nation," in Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal truth, direct from the heart of God, is elaborately structured fraternity, that (Hagerstown, Md.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1985), 606. (Lyrics written in 1845.) subtly massaged into something popu which once gripped its collective soul, 2 Ibid. lar and politically correct. As such it plummeting it forward, becomes con 3 Ibid. MINISTRY August 2004 Marriage: twin of the Sabbath, but a day older Elements of Seventh-day Adventist The spiritual significance of Faith, Belief #22: Marriage and the family relationships family. "Marriage was divinely estab RON AND KAREN Article 22 in the Fundamental Beliefs lished in Eden and affirmed by ]esus to be of Seventh-day Adventists, "Marriage a lifelong union between a man and a FLOWERS and Family," reflects the importance woman in loving companionship. For the Scripture places on human relation Christian a marriage commitment is to ships. In the biblical understanding, life God as well as to the spouse, and should among humankind was meant to be an be entered into only between partners expression of the self-giving love and who share a common faith. Mutual love, relational nature of God. honor, respect, and responsibility are the God is love (1 John 4:8) and God is fabric of this relationship, which is to manifested to us in Three Persons (cf. reflect the love, sanctity, closeness, and through Scripture human marriage is Matt. 3:16, 17; 1 )ohn 5:7). The per permanence of the relationship between the symbol of choice for God©s love for fectly harmonious Trinity Father, Son, Christ and His church. Regarding divorce, His people. All that God created on the and Holy Spirit exemplifies the Jesus taught that the person who divorces sixth day was Very good.© God has not essence of self-giving love that is mani a spouse, except for fornication, and mar changed His mind about that. Marriage fested in the fellowship of persons in ries another, commits adultery. Although is very good!" relationship. As creatures made in the some family relationships may fall short of These thoughts still linger in the image of God (Gen. 1:26), the need for the ideal, marriage partners who fully homily notes, memories, and memora harmonious and loving relationships are commit themselves to each other in Christ bilia from the high day when our son Jeff integral to our very being. may achieve loving unity through the and our daughter-in-love Pam commit Jesus elevated human relationships by guidance of the Spirit and the nurture of ted their lives to each other. Christian assigning to them a moral significance the church. Cod blesses the family and weddings give us opportunity to bring alongside a relationship with Cod. "You intends that its members shall assist each to life the truths we affirm and to gaze shall love the Lord your God," He said, other toward complete maturity. Parents again on marriage and family from and "You shall love your neighbor as are to bring up their children to love and God©s perspective. Such moments are yourself" (Matt. 22:37-40, NKJV). obey the Lord. By their example and their important, for the times we live in are Neighbor is often taken to mean the indi words they are to teach them that Christ not the best for the institution of mar vidual with the closest street address, but is a loving disciplinarian, ever tender and riage. Maligned in the media, made a the original word has a more intimate, caring, who wants them to become mem mockery by "stars," and challenged by homey sense. Your neighbor is "the per bers of His body, the family of Cod. so-called alternative sexual relationships son next to you." The way we live with Increasing family closeness is one of the in the social marketplace, marriage others who eat, sleep, work, play, and earmarks of the final gospel message. often seems to come up the loser. worship beside us our closest neigh (Cen. 2:18-25; Matt. 19:3-9; John Many adult children are frightened bors in marriage and family life matters 2:1-11; 2 Cor. 6:14; Eph. 5:21-33; Matt. by commitment, sickened by the mari much to our God. 5:31, 32; Mark 10:11, 12; Luke 16:18; tal abuses they©ve witnessed, and 1 Cor. 7:10, 11; Exod. 20:12; Eph. 6:1-4; seared by divorces that have altered Centerpiece of the family Deut. 6:5-9; Prov. 22:6; Mal. 4:5, 6.)" their lives. Many others like our son and As the cornerstone is to a great edi his wife still choose to make promises to fice, so is marriage to the family. It is the arriage! The oldest of all love, honor, and cherish one another social relationship at the foundation. human institutions a twin of for as long as they live, no matter what Upon its integrity and strength, the M the Sabbath,1 but a day older. life may bring. quality of all family relationships rest. It was the very first Friday when God With their promises, they join a Says the psalmist, "Unless the LORD said, Therefore a man shall leave father braided cord of couples stretching back builds the house, its builders labor in and mother and be joined to his wife across time to Eden itself when the first vain" (Ps. 127:1, NIV). and the two shall be one flesh.© So dear man and the first woman surrendered In Genesis 1 and 2, the divine is marriage to the heart of God that all themselves to marriage before God. Architect revealed His blueprint for mar- August 2004 MINISTRY riage. The plan calls for marriage to be a and others who can help them. maintained with constant vigilance. lifelong, covenant-based, exclusive More than any natural order or "Guard yourself in your spirit, and do union of mutual companionship assigned primacy, the nature of the not break faith with the wife of your between one man and one woman. marriage relationship establishes it as youth" (Mal. 2:15, NIV). Jesus affirmed this creation plan (Matt. the centerpiece of the family. The mari "Marriage rests on principles of love, 19:4-6) and it is of paramount impor tal union is not secured by ties of blood, loyalty, exclusivity, trust, and support tance that we rediscover and reaffirm but by ties of promise. upheld by both partners in obedience to God©s design in our time. Profound in its God (Gen. 2:24; Matt. 19:6; 1 Cor. 13; simplicity, it really needs no updating, Marriage as covenant Eph. 5:21-29; 1 Thess. 4:1-7). When no retouching. It needs living! To use biblical language, marriage is these principles are violated, the mar Marriage is the only divinely ordained a special human covenant a mutually riage is endangered. Scripture acknowl setting for sexual intimacy. The union of binding agreement with each other edges that tragic circumstances can one male and one female is specifically before God that includes promises, priv destroy marriage."4 intended in the divine blueprint. Such a ileges, and obligations. "She is your Divorce is the antithesis of covenant. complementary, committed union partner, the wife of your marriage In the expression "I hate divorce" (Mal. 2:16, NIV), we hear the profound sadness of the Creator as His creation is marred. In N GOD©S PLAN, MARRIED COUPLES ARE the discussion of marriage and divorce in Matthew, Jesus acknowledged that the provision for divorce had been given ENTRUSTED WITH THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE I because human hearts were "hard," adding wistfully, "It was not this way PERPETUATION OF THE HUMAN FAMLLY from the beginning" (Matt. 19:8, NIV). Hardness is evidenced in the willful breach of covenant, as well as in the reflects in a singular way the Godhead covenant" (Mal. 2:14, NIV; cf. Gen. erosion of human relational capacities who dwells in a unity of love.2 Scripture 21:27-32; 31:44-53; 1 Sam. 18:3; 20:8, including the ability to apply the heal specifically denounces sexual inter 16; 23:18). The foundational passage ing balm of grace to troubled marriage course between members of the same on marriage in Genesis 2 uses covenan- relationships as a result of sin. Jesus sex (Lev. 18:22; 20:13; cf. Rom. 1:26, tal language: "This is now bone of my pointed to the tragic consequences of 27; 1 Cor. 6:9). All are called to respect bones and flesh of my flesh" (Gen. indiscriminate divorce and indicated marriage by their adherence to God©s 2:23). Attachment, mutuality, and self- that the circumstances for which plan for sexuality with singles living giving further describe this covenant. As divorce might be contemplated should celibately and the married living faithful the bride declares, "My beloved is be rare (Matt. 19:9). ly (cf. Exod. 20:14, 17; Prov. 5:1-20; mine, and I am his" (Song of Sol. 2:16, The Church Manual expresses the Song of Sol. 2:16; 4:12; 6:3; Matt. 5:27, NKJV; cf. 6:3; 1 Cor. 7:3, 4). Seventh-day Adventist view: "Scripture 28; 1 Cor. 6:15-19; Heb. 13:4). While the eternal covenant of God is recognizes adultery and/or fornication The blessings of friendship and the of a different order (cf. Isa. 55:3; Heb. (Matt. 5:32) as well as abandonment by fellowship of the church the household 13:20), Scripture sometimes uses mari an unbelieving partner (1 Cor. 7:10-15) of God are available to all regardless of tal imagery to describe God©s relation as grounds for divorce."5 their married state. However, Scripture ship with His people (cf. Isa. 54:5; Jer. places a solid social and sexual demarca 3:14; 2 Cor. 11:2). Couples are thereby When marriages struggle tion between such friendship relations summoned to marriages of steadfast Couples who marry embark upon a and marriage.3 love, goodwill, fidelity, commitment, life experience together. Many today The injunction to leave father and and permanence that reflect the rela put almost exclusive emphasis on mari mother (Gen. 2:24) further recognizes tionship between Christ and His church tal satisfaction. The downside of this the precedence marriage is given over (Ps. 89:28-34; Song of Sol. 8:6, 7; Isa. heavy accent on marriage as an experi other family relationships. "Leave" 54:5, 10; Jer. 32:40, 41; Hos. 2:19-23; ence is that, with legal and social implies sufficient maturity on the part of 3:1-3; Rev. 21:2, 3). Scripture consis supports for marriage diminished in the couple and obliges the older genera tently calls for marriage to be between many places, the dissatisfied can and do tion to release the younger to establish a partners who share a common faith leave marriage with greater ease than new home. An important boundary is (2 Cor. 6:14-18; cf. Gen. 24:3; 28:1; ever before. While we cannot support all thus established around the couple, even Judges 14:3; Ezra 10:2, 10; Amos 3:3). their reasons or the seemingly casual as they continue to receive support, nur The marriage covenant is not, how way in which many exit marriage, we ture, and counsel from family members ever, inherently indissoluble. It must be can affirm that an increased emphasis MINISTRY August 2004 if ill Pastor Lonnie Melashenko©s new telecast on ATN is designed as a Pastor©s Bible Class for your church. The weekly half-hour programs feature great themes and prophecies of the Bible, presented in a contemporary format with up-to-the-minute stories to illustrate the message, along with practical, personal applications. Invite your new members and interested friends to participate in this systematic study of God©s Word. They will be surprised how much they learn in just one or two quarters. Don©t miss this fresh approach to telling the old, old story! Register your church as a downlink site for Exploring the Word so you can be included in our church locator. Begin by sending an e-mail to: [email protected] View Exploring the Word exclusively on ATN. Our website will provide additional resources each week. neVotce of Prophecy www.exploringtheword.com In mv everv SEMINARY STUDENT, MOUNTAIN VIEW CONFERENCE Andrews iS University _earn more about our innovative degree delivery programs at www.andrews.edu/sem on quality of life in marriage has also "Resources are available through the which values are learned and the capac been a good thing. local church or other church organiza ity for close relationships with God and Too often in the past the state of mar tions which can be of assistance to with other human beings is devel ital life has been downplayed for the sake members in the development of a strong oped."10 Parents are disciples making of the estate of marriage. Many spouses Christian home. These resources include disciples. Introducing children and and children have been trapped in abu programs for: (1) premarital preparation, youth to Jesus so they may also follow sive situations with no recourse. That (2) marriage and family strengthening, Him is the family©s highest mission. unfortunate circumstance is changing. and (3) the support of troubled families Looking to the heavenly Parent for The Church Manual acknowledges that and divorced individuals."9 guidance and strength, parents build sometimes marriage relations deteriorate strong connections with children as they to the point that individuals, for person The family circle and its attend to their physical, emotional, intel al protection and other stated reasons, mission lectual, social, and spiritual needs, espe need a change in marital status.6 In Cod©s plan, married couples are cially the need for love. They patiently Child sexual abuse is specifically entrusted with the responsibility for the seek to pass on a legacy of truth, mod cited as "just cause for separation or perpetuation of the human family (Gen. eling the Christian life in winsome ways divorce." 7 Increased attention on the 1:28). Scripture puts a high value on and correcting their children with a experiential aspect of marriage has also children as an inheritance from the Lord redemptive rather than punitive spirit. engendered greater appreciation of (Ps. 127:3). Children can be a source of God feels the distress of parents scriptural themes about the joys of mar- great joy as parents delight in the won whose children ignore counsel, behave ried love and faithfulness (Prov. der of new life and share in the original in disappointing ways, and even discard 5:18-20; Song of Sol. 2:16; 4:9-5:1; creation blessing. They can help parents home values (cf. Hos. 11:1, 2). As our Heb. 13:4), the possibilities of forgive to better understand God and to grow heavenly Parent, He has bound Himself ness and renewal in marriage (|er. 3:1; in compassion, caring, humility, and to all children through Christ11 and will Hos. 3:1-3; 11:8, 9; Luke 17:3, 4; Eph. unselfishness. never let them go except by their own 4:32), and the lofty principle of mutual Bearing children, however, is not to deliberate, persistent, and ultimate submission which counteracts fallen be a selfish act nor is it an obligation in choice. Yet, He values human freedom. human tendencies toward power and order to please God, family, or society. God will help earthly parents do the control (Eph. 5:21-33). Rather, it is a divinely bestowed privi same to take a long view of their chil Couples need encouragement and lege, a choice to be made responsibly, dren©s salvation and keep the conduit of support to honor their promises and with the parents© ability to provide for parental influence open through warm enrich their experience: "Although children a primary consideration (cf. relationships. some family relationships may fall short 1 Tim. 5:8). While our work for Christ is to begin of the ideal, marriage partners who fully The family is "the primary setting in with the family, 12 the mission of the commit themselves to each other in Christ may achieve loving unity through the guidance of the Spirit and Addresses, books, churches the nurture of the church."8 church products, event The Church Manual speaks of specific information, materials, ministries: "The church as a redemptive ministry ideas, musicians, agency of Christ is to minister to its organizations, radio and tv members in all of their needs and to nur broadcast times, speakers, ture every one so that all may grow into statistics, and much more! a mature Christian experience. This is On th particularly true when members face www.plusline.org lifelong decisions such as marriage and the phone: distressful experiences such as divorce. "When a couple©s marriage is in dan 1-800-732-7587 (Live support) ger of breaking down, every effort should be made by the partners and those in the church or family who minis ter to them, to bring about their reconciliation in harmony with divine principles for restoring wounded rela tionships (Hos. 3:1-3; 1 Cor. 7:10, 11; 13:4-7; Gal. 6:1). August 2004 MINISTRY home extends beyond its members. 13 In the time of historic reform begun has once for all turned His Father heart Families where Jesus has transformed by the prophet Elijah (cf. 1 Kings 18:36- toward His children and embraced them hearts and lives are beacons of light for 39), Cod had shown Himself to be a in Christ. the community, winsome witnessing gracious Father whose heart was turned Included in the magnificent mystery centers that draw others to the Savior. toward His errant children and who of the Cross is the reality that Christ has In the quest to discover God©s purpose longed for them to respond by turning brought estranged people together in His for our homes, the various personalities, in faith to Him (cf. Isa. 44:22; Mal. 3:7). crucified body (Eph. 2:13,14,16-18). As talents, gifts, and abilities of each fami Elijah had prayed for Cod to give evi Cod©s messengers carry the gospel of ly member are recognized as precious dence that the work of reconciliation was grace to the world with renewed resources for the mission Cod has in His "so these people will know that urgency, it is as though Elijah has reap mind for our unique family circle. you, O LORD, are Cod, and that you are peared, for the message is like his. turning their hearts back again" (1 Kings Cod©s ambassadors plead with all to The gospel message and 18:37, NIV, emphasis supplied). believe and accept the incredible good family reconciliation Jeremiah corroborates what Elijah news of a Father who has already The Seventh-day Adventist doctrinal understood; any turning we do is in turned His heart toward them and statement on marriage and family clos response to God©s grace. "Restore us to longs for them to cease their hostility es with a reference to Malachi 4:5, 6 yourself, O LORD, that we may return" and unbelief and be reconciled to Him which points to increasing family close (Lam. 5:21, NIV). On Carmel, the peo and to each other (2 Cor. 5:20). ness as one of the earmarks of the final ple had turned their hearts toward Cod The most significant arena in which gospel message. Malachi predicts a as, in a mighty demonstration of grace, this final gospel message must take work of reconciliation and reconnecting Cod©s wrath against their sin had fallen hold is the home. Like all things creat in families, a turning of "the hearts of on the sacrifice instead of them (1 Kings ed, marriage and family are entangled the fathers to the children, and the 18:39). Refreshing rains had ended the in the web of the great controversy hearts of children to their fathers." This curse upon the earth (1 Kings 18:45). between Christ and Satan. It is the pur is to be accomplished by Elijah and is The sacrifice on Carmel pointed to pose of the gospel to restore marriage predicted to happen "before the com Jesus, in whom Cod reconciled the and family to God©s original design." ing of the great day of the LORD." world to Himself (2 Cor. 5:18, 19). God continued on page 29 10 MINISTRY August 2004 Open letter from a struggling pastor Editor©s note: Recently the Ministry responsible for my employment. Some editorial office received this letter—the conferences have paid mileage for pas copy of an original addressed to a specific tors to get together with an accounta Seventh-day Adventist Conference admin bility partner once a month. I know that istration. We hope that publishing it in finances are tight for many conferences Ministry will contribute to our awareness right now, but please consider this. of the serious personal and corporate 3. Help me get free, anonymous help. A challenge it identifies. conference on the [United States] West Coast has addressed this issue by mak Dear Conference President, ANONYMOUS ing arrangements with Christian Secretary, and Ministerial Director, counselors throughout their territory to I need your help. I am a pastor in provide counseling to workers, at the your conference, and I am addicted to conference©s expense. Each pastor is pornography. In fact, as I write this, I just love my ministry. I get excited about given a certain number of certificates, spent the past hour looking at porno evangelism, soul-winning, equipping my each good for one session. The pastor graphic Web sites. I feel ashamed and members for service. I love my family simply makes an appointment, turns in guilty, but I can©t stop. I©ve tried many dearly. Nobody looking on from my that certificate, and the counselor sends times, but to no avail. Ellen White©s church or my home would know that I the bill to the conference. Nobody ever words, in Steps to Christ, ring very true to have this problem. Yet I feel empty. knows who used the certificate, other me, when she says, "Our resolutions are I know that the Spirit©s power is lack than the counselor. I believe that many like ropes of sand." I need help. ing in my ministry because of my sin. I of us would try to get help if we knew You probably saw or heard about the often see Him working, doing mighty where to turn. Please help us by provid recent issue of Newsweek, in which a things in my congregation in spite of ing some sort of resource along this line. prominent Adventist pastor came for me, but I often wonder what He could 4. Send out information about online ward to talk about his struggle with this do if this big sin wasn©t standing in the ministries that deal with this. The addiction (Newsweek, April 12, 2004, way. I have prayed over and over again Newsweek article referenced a site called "Preachers and Porn"). As I read his that Cod would take this from me, that August 2004 MINISTRY 11 The Year of World Evangelism 2004- f he Total Inclusion of Leadership and Membership for the Final Conclusion qf the '-'^!'.i Harvest.•'• ' \ '«'''- ^ '' --. ',,.,,..A-,,..,. v,:yH.,.^jsJ i Go 1 Million • SOW 1 BilttJlJI For more information, stories, and a look at the calendar of events from every division around the world, log on to the website www. yearofworldevangelism.org YEAR OF WORLD EVANGELISM Leadership and Membership of the Seventh-day Adventist Church Joining Hands in Evangelism with Jesus Christ Integrated family life evangelism 2OO4 ntegrated Family Life Evangelism is family and the Sabbath. We declare that one of the most innovative and effec God's seventh-day Sabbath has been I tive evangelistic methods. It combines GORDON AND WAVENEY trampled, and we believe that the life of vital family issues with conceptually MARTINBOROUGH the family has also been seriously depre compatible Bible doctrines in a unified ciated. We proclaim that we are Christ-centered approach. "repairer[s] of the breach" and "restor- This article seeks to answer three er[s] of paths" (Isa. 58:12, KJV). We are questions. Why should we do Family famous for restoring the Sabbath! Life Evangelism? How can we use this But are we as famous for restoring approach? What does a Family Life marriage and family? When people evangelistic presentation look like? come to our evangelistic campaigns, do they expect that a significant part of our Why Family Life Evangelism? pares them to live happily on earth. It presentations will focus on family life? If First, it's biblical. All through the deals with the "nuts and bolts" of life: we are to be faithful to the Edenic Bible, Cod uses parental love to illus love vs. infatuation, compatibility, mari restoration, shouldn't we be restoring trate His love. Abraham's love for his tal roles, communication, conflict both the Sabbath and the family? son Isaac and his readiness to sacrifice resolution, sexuality, money manage More than that: We affirm that we him is a small but forceful example of ment, singleness, parenting, and much are commissioned to preach the Elijah the love of our heavenly Father as seen more. Moreover it is focused: "Seven message of Malachi 4:5, 6—turning on Calvary. Abraham was willing to sac steps," "Five ways," "Four keys," "Six "the hearts of fathers to the children, rifice his son on Mount Moriah even as secrets." And it is not theoretical; it's and the hearts of the children to their God gave His Son on Mount Calvary. practical. It does not only say "what to fathers." Doesn't that involve a family The Psalms portrays God's love in do," it emphasizes "how to do it." life revival? tender words: "As a father pities his chil Third, it's multilateral. These days, dren, so the LORD pities those who fear multitudes are joining the Seventh-day Doing Family Life Evangelism Him" (Ps. 103:13).* And the prophet Adventist Church. However, if we ana Even before we can involve ourselves adds, "Can a mother forget the baby at lyze the influx, we would see that most in this type of evangelism, we must her breast... ? Though she may forget, converts come from the less-prosperous believe and accept that this kind of I will not forget you!" (Isa. 49:15, NIV). sectors of society. Why aren't we attract evangelism is part of God's master plan The parable of the lost son and the lov ing a significant number of persons from to reach the unreached. The prophet ing father stands forever as a classic other socioeconomic classes? Why Hosea tells us God's sowing and reaping example of God's enduring love for His aren't we reaching people in the higher plan: "Sow for yourselves righteous children. social, educational, and financial strata ness; reap in mercy; break up your The Bible also uses marital love to of society? One reason is that many peo fallow ground . . . till He comes and illustrate God's love. For example, that's ple in these classes of society are not rains righteousness on you" (Hos. the message of the whole book of particularly interested in the Bible. But 10:12). So we need plowing, sowing, Hosea. And the book of Ruth teaches us while that may be true, they are inter reaping, and raining. How can we about the heavenly Kinsman redeeming ested in issues of health and family life. employ these concepts? the one He loves. Then there are the Family Life Evangelism has the potential We plow or soften hearts by praying wedding parables of Jesus, and the to reach such people because it satisfies and caring. In Family Life Evangelism, apocalyptic images of the Bride, the their felt need of happy family life, and church members are asked to compile a wife of the Lamb; and there are count will lead them to sense their unfelt need prayer list of relatives, friends, neigh less other examples in the Bible. for eternal life. bors, work mates, or school mates Second, it's practical. While the regu Fourth, it's eschatological. Seventh- whom they would like to see accept lar evangelistic campaign emphasizes day Adventists are people of "last Jesus during the campaign. Then each preparation for heaven, Family Life things" with a special eschatological intercessor joins one or more interces Evangelism has a twofold emphasis. It mission. We believe that in Eden, Cod sors to form a "care cell." prepares people for heaven and pre- created two eternal institutions—the This small group chooses a time and August 2004 MINISTRY 13 place for their weekly meeting and they for conservation, weekly visitation just two weeks to present the sermons name a cell leader. The care cell meets guidelines, new nightly decision cards, that were not covered in the group les weekly for study, prayer for prospects half-night prayer service, and the Happy sons. These are decision sermons. on prayer lists, and for Christian fellow Family theme song. Accompanying the Prospects from all the Fellowships are ship. In addition to praying, each manual is the Happy Family CD contain brought together for massive fellowship, intercessor looks for ways to intentional ing 24 PowerPoint presentations with and the preacher, using the identified ly show care for his or her prospects. multiethnic graphics. All presentations decision sermons from the manual with Sowing follows plowing. "The seed are in English, Spanish, and French. the matching presentations from the is the Word of Cod," which is packaged Option 2 is small-group evangelism. CD, calls people to decision. A variety of in attractive new Family Life lessons. While the evangelistic campaign is still baptismal services are scheduled during Then comes reaping, using campaign the traditional route, small-group evan this reaping campaign. sermons or seminars. gelism is fast becoming a more effective When the short reaping is over, Reaping should be followed by con methodology. where should the new believers go? serving. In too many cases, when the The small-group method uses long Back to the weekly care cells! For the campaign is over we think the work is plowing, long sowing, and very short next two months they study the conser done. To put it graphically, giving birth reaping. Plowing lasts about two vation lessons (Series C). But they do and then abandoning the baby is mur months, using the "pray-care" proce more than study together. They pray der! Eight advanced lessons provide a dures mentioned above. In addition to together and fellowship together. valuable tool for the conservation of praying in the weekly cell meeting, each Fellowship is the key! The greatest ben new believers. intercessor looks for ways to intentional efit of small-group evangelism is that it At every stage of the divine plan, we ly show care for his or her prospects. The provides an effective conservation need rain—the "early and latter rain" of groups practice "pray-care" visitation, mechanism. The newborn is surrounded God's Holy Spirit. We need to "ask the using the "LAP" procedure: Look for by a circle of friends who give spiritual LORD for rain" (Zech. 10:1). Following areas of interest; Ask questions to ascer support in a loving, caring environment. Cod's master plan ensures success. tain needs; and Pray for those needs. Option 3 is the professional evangelis But how do we do Family Life This "pray-care" is spiritual "daycare," tic seminars designed to reach persons in Evangelism? We see three different ways. where hearts are softened by love. the upper levels of society—people who Option 1 is the evangelistic cam The long sowing takes three to four do not come to the tent or the church. paign. This uses short plowing, normal months, and the dynamic of this process This option needs very long plowing, sowing, and short reaping. Plowing lasts is the expansion of the care cell, which is long sowing, and short reaping. for one month and employs the "pray- converted into a "family fellowship." If the gospel seed is sown on "stony care" plan stated above. Sowing lasts Each prospect is given lesson 1 with an ground," there will be no harvest! So about two months using short, simple invitation to the family fellowship. This we need to "break up" this "fallow family life lessons. Reaping lasts about a cell, or this small-group meeting, ground." We do so by operating a six- month, and at this stage we provide two becomes the center of operations. month "pray-care" plan of praying, tools. One is the Happy Family What do we do in the weekly family caring, and visiting. Evangelism Manual, a comprehensive fellowship? We study attractive small- We build strategic spiritual alliances handbook of 10 units containing every group lessons. These are really 15 of the with professionals and business persons thing one needs for an evangelistic 24 sermons that have been simplified in their "marketplace" and in their campaign: master sheet, 24 sermon and redesigned for home use! Like the "ballpark"! We visit them formally and outlines, 5 Sabbath services, Series AA sermon, half of each lesson is on the informally, ascertaining and satisfying lessons for preparation, Series C lessons family and the other half on Bible doc their felt needs, praying with them and trine. In addition to study, the family for them. This is plowing. fellowship focuses on prayer. Here we As in option 2, sowing is done in small pray for each other, and even more, we groups called "Family Fellowship." Here VISIT OUR UPDATED AND teach prospects to pray. we use lessons, specially designed for IMPROVED WEB SITE Although study and prayer are vital, professionals, such as, "Cod loves busi www.ministryrnagazine.org the most important element of the fam ness persons," or "God loves educators." ily fellowship is fellowship! Whether it be During the three months of sowing in Archived articles, Writer©s singing, drinks, cookies, or chit-chat, we the weekly fellowship, once each month create ways to build friendship, to show we bring all the prospects of all the small Guidelines, advertising care, and experience Christian love. groups for an appropriate Croup information, and more! After this long sowing, the harvest is Fellowship, such as a Prayer Breakfast, ripening, and we are ready for a short Gospel Concert, or Stress Management reaping! The reaping campaign needs continued on page 29 14 MINISTRY August 2004 * V? ,«."• BIBLE SEMINARS POWERFUL 24 Family Life Evangelistic Sermons «* Attractive Multi-Ethnic Graphics »* Effective Decision Strategies ONLY •* Family Issues Merged With Bible Doctrines $15.95 0 English, Spanish and French On One CD SINGLY For Bulk Orders of 100 Copies New 300-Page Evangelism Manual ONLY • 24 Family Life Sermons $9.95 • Preparation and Conservation Lessons SINGLY • 10 Units of Valuable Resources Bulk Orders of 100 Copies 15 Family Life Lessons for Small Group Evangelism • Three Languages On One Disc ONLY _ • Instructor's Mini-Manual Included $8.95 h • Permission to Print SINGLY For Bulk Orders of 100 Discs II Please add 10% for shipping and handling on all orders. With the purchase of all three resources. Hear the dynamic new evan- glism theme song in English, French and Spanish, performed by internationally-renowned Ullanda Innocent-Palmer! Order From: Family Ministries, Inter-American Division 8100 S.W. 117 Ave., Miami, FL 33183 • Fax: (305) 4034600 • Visit us at: www.interamerica.org Originally published in 1957, this book, as Knight observes, "easily qualifies as the most divisive book in Seventh-day Adventist histo ry. A book published largely to help bring peace between Adventism and conservative Protestantism, its release brought prolonged alienation and separation to the Adventist factions that grew up around it."1 Thoughts on Historical concerns Knight's Introduction provides the back ground for the early conversations between the republished Adventist spokesmen and Dr. Donald Grey Barnhouse, Walter Martin, and others of the Calvinistic wing of Evangelicalism. Some Questions on would say it was the Fundamentalist wing. The mystery to many of us in Washington during the 1950s was T. E. Unruh's (president, Doctrine East Pennsylvania Conference) letter to Barnhouse wherein he complimented Barnhouse's radio program on "righteousness by faith." This letter started the strange chain Editor©s note: Last August Ministry published of events that led to the publishing of QOD. Herbert E. Douglass an article by Woodrow Whidden announcing and Walter Martin, a young specialist in commenting upon Andrews University Press' republi- Christian cults, visited Washington in March cation of the book Questions on Doctrine. In the 1955 to hear from Adventist leaders exactly same issue Ministry declared itself on one side of the what they believed regarding certain doc most divisive aspect of the book when, in the editori trines that Martin had said were cultic. al, we affirmed the sinless human nature of fesus, Knowing that Martin was in the process of and attached a reprint of an insert that Ministry had preparing another book entitled, The Rise of published in 1970. Besides this, as part of our ongo the Cults, Leroy E. Froom, W. E. Read, and R. ing doctrinal series, expressing the Seventh-day A. Anderson thought it best to head off a neg Adventist faith in Christocentric terms, we published ative bombshell by responding with irenic Roy Naden's article in our June 2003 issue. deference; a lofty goal for any leader!2 As part of" Ministry'5 coverage of these topics, we Of course there were many topics that are pleased to publish the ascendant alternative Martin and Barnhouse would concede as Adventist view on the nature of Christ. Herbert interesting and different but not necessarily Douglass, one -who was intimately involved in the cultic. The four items they finally left on the 1950s and 1960s struggles over Questions on table and in contention were (1) that the Doctrine, agreed to express this alternative perspec atonement of Christ was not completed upon tive. the cross; (2) that salvation is the result of For further study on this subject we recommend grace plus the works of the law; (3) that the that our readers visit I torical notes and a theological nature, he would come to our office for coun Lintroduction by George R. Knight. sel. Week after week this would be the routine 16 MINISTRY August 2004 as Thurber tried to edit the QOD man uscript. Finally, Elder Froom said, "No more editing. We're going with what we have." At that point, the manuscript had been reduced significantly. The authors recognized, of course, that "no statement of Seventh-day Adventist belief can be considered official unless it is adopted by the General Confer ence in quadrennial session." But per ception often overrules. You can imagine our astonishment when we began to see the galleys of the forth coming book with comments such as this one on pages 8, 9: "The replies were prepared by a group of recog nized leaders, in close counsel with Bible teachers, editors, and administra tors. . . . These answers represent the position of our denomination in the area of church doctrine and prophetic interpretation. . . . Hence this volume can be viewed as truly representative of the faith and beliefs of the Seventh- day Adventist Church." But as far as we and some others were concerned, these statements did not represent the reality surrounding the production of QOD. Many were Conference president were not inter humanity of Christ "to be sinless, troubled by the direction of the book ested in recognizing his concerns, he holy, and perfect" despite the fact that and told the authors so. wrote open letters to church members. certain writers had occasionally got Milton L. Andreasen, "the denomi ten into print with contrary views. nation's most influential theologian Theological concerns Unfortunately, this is what they told and theological writer in the late 1930s Andreasen was primarily concerned Walter Martin. and throughout the 1940s, had been with the "troublesome" issues: the Froom and Anderson kept the new left out of the process in both the for "atonement" and "the human nature General Conference president well mulation of the answers and the cri of Christ."5 In looking into these theo informed. One of Froom's letters tiquing of them, even though he had logical questions, we need to look acknowledged that in QOD "some of been generally viewed as an authority more closely at the problem that L. E. the statements are a bit different from on several of the disputed points."4 Froom and R. A. Anderson faced. what you might anticipate."8 He went This omission was not apparent Froom took a poll of Adventist on to suggest that their approach was until QOD was published. Be that as it leaders and discovered that "nearly necessary in view of the backgrounds may, what we did not expect was the all of them" felt that Christ had our and attitudes of the Evangelicals. crescendo of Ministry editorials and sinful nature.6 Further, the recently articles, and workers' meetings retired General Conference president, QOD©s treatment of the throughout North America from W. H. Branson, wrote in the 1950 edi atonement 1957 on. The new president of the tion of his Drama of the Ages that One of Andreasen's chief com General Conference, R. R. Figuhr, was Christ in His incarnation took "upon plaints was the lack of lucidity as the impressed by the fact that Walter Himself sinful flesh."7 authors tried to pitch their answers to Martin had been headed off again But Froom and Anderson neverthe Martin's questions with language he from including Adventists in his next less affirmed in what appeared to could accept. He wrote private letters book on cults in America. George Knight to be a "less than trans to the General Conference president, When it seemed to Andreasen that parent" way that "the majority of the imploring him to look at the big pic the QOD authors plus the General denomination has always held" the ture. August 2004 MINISTRY 17 For many years Adventists had How can we summarize what Premium art. believed (1) that "the conditions of the Knight called "a less than transpar atonement had been fulfilled" on the ent" 12 defense of conventional cross (The Desire of Ages, 819) and (2) Adventist thinking on the humanity of More choices. that "the intercession of Christ in Jesus? man's behalf in the sanctuary above is 4 The Ellen White statements Best value. as essential to the plan of salvation as was appended to QOD created "a false His death upon the cross. By His death impression on the human nature of He began that work which after His Christ."13 resurrection He ascended to complete 4- The authors supplied in bold face GOODS ALT in heaven" (The Great Controversy, a subheading: "Took Sinless Human Now the wrM-wide leader w Nature." As Knight wrote, "that head Andreasen was concerned about ing is problematic in that it implies the Calvinist's limited gospel where that that was Ellen White's idea when the focus of Christ's atonement min in fact she was quite emphatic in istry is on the Cross; he feared that repeatedly stating that Christ took our the Adventist twin focus of Christ's 'sinful nature.'"" atonement ministry on the cross and 4 Curious touches of intimidation in the heavenly sanctuary was being are apparent when the authors said muted. Many have felt that if (after spelling out their interpretation Andreasen, with his undisputed theo of Ellen White statements) "it is in this logical experience, had been asked to sense that all should understand the participate in formulating answers to writings of Ellen G. White when she Martin's questions, theological equi refers occasionally to sinful, fallen and librium would have prevailed. deteriorated human nature." Further, "all these are forceful cogent state QOD©s treatment of the ments, but surely no one would Incarnation designedly attach a meaning to them Here again we must recognize the which runs counter to what the same Calvinistic presuppositions of Barn- writer has given in other places in her GOODSALT house, Martin, and other confreres. works."15 And the implicit response to EASTER For them the human Jesus was both assertions seems to be, "Of course COLLECTION "impeccable," that is, incapable of sin not!" VOLUME 2 ning. Bavinck, one of their theological Not only did the quotations con giants, wrote that the possibility of tradict their contexts, they seem to Jesus' "sinning and falling is an atro have been arranged to foster a partic cious idea. . . . For then God Himself ular presupposition. For an example must have been able to sin—which it of misrepresenting the context, think is blasphemy to think."" of one that has been used many times Froom admitted that some since 1957: "No one, looking upon the Adventists had been in print empha childlike countenance, shining with ani sizing these "atrocious ideas" but such mation, could say that Christ was just ^•'WS&g* Our were from those in the Adventist like other children. He was God in »•" royalty-free "lunatic fringe"! Remember, Froom human flesh." Yet a few sentences ear collections are produced from over and Anderson were trying to find lier, White also had written: "He was "' 11,000 high quality art some common ground with their not like all children. Many children and photographic originals Calvinistic friends! They used words are misguided and mismanaged. But created fay award-winning artists. such as "exempt from the inherited Joseph, and especially Mary, kept passions and pollutions that corrupt before them the remembrance of their To riftr and purcte visit the natural descendents of Adam."10 child's divine Fatherhood. Jesus was And, "all that Jesus took, all that He instructed in accordance with the www.goodsall.com bore whether the burden and penalty sacred character of His mission.... He or call (800) 805-8001 of our iniquities, or the diseases and was an example of what all children ©2004 GoodSa!* inc All nghts reserved. CD ,'oyacy-free frailties of our human nature—all was may strive to be if parents will seek collections are tor presentation use unless omerwis^ no'sc. taken and borne vicariously. "" the Lord most earnestly, and if chil- 18 MINISTRY August 2004 dren will co-operate with their par sinned, or inherited evil, corrupted dent has a grasp of the intent of a let ents. In His words and actions He "passions and pollutions." Arguing ter and has access to the entire diary manifested tender sympathy for this way creates a straw man! The or manuscript, those apparent dis all."16 One gets the larger picture that Adventist position for a century was crepancies vanish like Jell-O (gelatin) White was painting when we look at solidly based on biblical statements at a picnic on a hot summer day. the whole article. such as Hebrews 2:14-18; 4:14-16; 5:7- In other words, The Desire of Ages In the list of reasons for Christ 9; Romans 1:1-3; 8:3, 4; 2 Peter 2:21; should be the acid test of Ellen coming to earth, it seems that the Revelation 3:21. White's Christology by which all authors of QOD omitted two of the This biblical foundation lies at the other statements should be judged. most essential reasons: He came to core of Ellen White's understanding of 3. Modus operandi. On subjects save His people from their sins (Matt. Christ's humanity. For example: "It such as "The Ten Commandments," 1:21). He came to be our Example would have been an almost infinite "The Sabbath and the Moral Law," (1 Peter 2:21). It would have been humiliation for the Son of God to take "Scholarly Precedents for 1844," "The more than helpful if they had listed man's nature, even when Adam stood Meaning of Azazel," "The Investi the additional reasons Ellen White in his innocence in Eden. But Jesus gative Judgment," "Condition of Man has provided us. accepted humanity when the race had in Death," and "Champions of been weakened by four thousand Conditional Immortality," the QOD Radiation fallout years of sin. Like every child of Adam authors used a host of non-Adventist As Knight says, QOD "easily quali He accepted the results of the working writers to supplement and enhance fies as the most divisive book in of the great law of heredity. What their doctrinal positions. Seventh-day Adventist history." To these results were is shown in the his An equally good supply of non- document this divisiveness is easy tory of His earthly ancestors. He came Adventist writers could be gathered, but painful. Most, if not all, of the so- with such a heredity to share our sor other than Calvinistic writers, to sub called "dissident" or "independent" rows and temptations, and to give us stantiate the historic Adventist groups of the last 45 years are direct the example of a sinless life. position on what is meant by Christ's results of the explicit and implicit "Satan in heaven had hated Christ "sinful, fallen human nature." Why positions espoused by QOD on the for His position in the courts of God. aren't books authored by Harry atonement and the Incarnation. On He hated Him the more when he him Johnson, Karl Earth, T. F. Torrance, two continents the reaction was self was dethroned. He hated Him Nels Ferre, C. E. Cranfield, Harold immediate. Most, if not all, of these who pledged Himself to redeem a race Roberts, Lesslie Newbigin, Anders "dissidents" would not exist today if of sinners. Yet into the world where Nygren, C. K. Barrett, and Oscar QOD had not been published. Satan claimed dominion God permit Cullmann, referred to, for starters? Hovering over the theological fog ted His Son to come, a helpless babe, Such scholars clearly espoused the that QOD generated was the "official" subject to the weakness of humanity. New Testament position that Jesus imprimatur that the book was getting He permitted Him to meet life's peril who was "truly Man," became the in the Adventist world. Although the in common with every human soul, kind of person that He came to authors tried to say that QOD was not to fight the battle as every child of redeem, not only in His death but an "official" statement of Seventh-day humanity must fight it, at the risk of throughout His life, that He inherited Adventist beliefs, the description of failure and eternal loss." 18 fallen, sinful nature that makes sin their efforts could not be hidden." Throughout White's The Desire of very probable but that He did not In 1975, a representative group of Ages, many such statements only add yield to that tendency (John 5:17, 18; us gathered in Washington in to the clarity of the above. Mark 4:36, etc.) response to the Review and Herald 2. Hermeneutics. One of the main In other words, biblical writers and Publishing House's call for counsel principles of interpretation is to allow Ellen White viewed what is generally regarding the republication of QOD. the author to interpret himself or her called "original sin" as the universal The leadership of the General Con self. Further, the author can best state tendency in human nature to seek self ference was generally opposed to its his or her position in a book designed ish interests. Jesus shared this com reprinting. The more the book was to clarify all aspects of the author's monality with humanity—but He examined, the firmer their denial for a thinking. remained the unsullied Example for us reprinting became. When an author has written more all (Rev. 3:21)—He remained sinless. than seventy years on a subject, one 4. Distinguish between "propensities Theological concerns that should not be surprised to find state of sin" and "propensities to sin"; between need fresh discussion ments lifted from letters, diaries, and "inherited passions" and "evil, corrupted 1. Creating a straw man. Adventists general manuscripts that may seem to passions"; between "lower" and "higher have never argued that Jesus ever be contradictory. But when the stu nature." We should let Ellen White tell August 2004 MINISTRY 19 A season for everything and a time for every purpose. Our faith may be constant, but personal, family and financial challenges keep changing. Trust Services can help. A unique PL A N NING FOR THE mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, we provide useful financial, estate and gift plan ning information — with special sensitivity to our faith — so you can make sound decisions for the peo ple and causes depending on you. It's not just for the wealthy, and it's not just for seniors. Throughout the life cycle, Trust Services helps you build financial security, protect loved ones and support the Lord's work. And because our services usually are free, Trust Services provides a unique opportunity for all Adventists to achieve their personal, financial and spiritu al objectives. Plan today for your cycle of life—for yourself, your family and God's kingdom. To meet with Trust Services at Camp Meeting, call 1-877©WILLPLAN SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH Trust Services General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists 12501 Old Columbia Pike Silver Spring, Maryland 20904-6600 USA www.willplan.org us what is meant by her usage. Jesus not occur to those who spend a few damaged. Everything is connected to had all the natural passions of a child, moments noting how White herself everything else on the genuine gospel or a teenager, or an adult—for self- used the words propensities, passions, tree; when one aspect of gospel truth preservation, for reasonable physical infirmities, etc. is compromised, many other doc comforts, for an appreciation of the The suggestion that since the 1890s trines become tainted! opposite sex, to be appreciated by His there have been "two quite distinct 7. Part of the fallout since 1957 is the friends. But He never allowed these Adventist understandings on the cavalier treatment of Ellen White's min natural, God-given passions to human nature of Christ in Adven- istry. Such a view of Mrs. White's become "evil, corrupted passions." tism" (pre-Fall Adam versus post-Fall ministry became the modus operand! He never permitted His will to yield Adam) needs substantiation. To sug for many pastors and teachers who to any of these natural passions so gest that all other writers except Ellen seemed to get the impression that she that they would have contradicted White were in both camps and Ellen has a "wax nose." In recent years, the will of His heavenly Father (Luke White was in a third, the "invisible" Ellen White has been viewed by some 22:42).19 camp, seems to be a strange observa as a devotional writer but not a theo Jesus took our inherited tendencies tion. The immediate examples of that logical guide. to evil but not our cultivated tenden "position" follow exactly the pattern cies of evil—He did not choose to sin, of the 1957 QOD's mistreatment of A deeper lesson to be learned to be corrupted. Ellen White's writings. What seems to be an unspoken, Christ's higher nature, as ours, The "last-generation" (the one that deeper problem with QOD is what included choice and will and thus waits expectantly for Christ's return, was left unsaid. character. His lower nature embraced cooperating with Him to be entrusted Martin and Barnhouse were recog normal human passions that seek with His sealing—Revelation 7) con nized scholars though listening to a selfish, indulgent ends. The differ cept seems to be the distinctive different drummer. But they could ence between Jesus and us is that He feature of Ellen White's eschatology. think theologically. What a perfect always chose not to be defiled. He 6. The second topic that has severely opportunity it would have been for was uncorrupted. divided the Adventist Church since the Adventists to use equally trained 5. Areas of concern that may still late 1950s was the issue of righteousness minds to show why Adventists have a require open discussion are found in the hy faith. Evangelical media observed distinctive understanding of soteriol- extended notes on pages 516-529 of the that by the 1970s the church was ogy, Christology, and eschatology. H new republished edition of QOD. The divided between "Traditional author of the notes framed in gray is Adventists"—those who defended 1 Questions on Doctrine (Andrew U. edition), xiii. correct: "The logic that flowed from positions that were "accepted facts" 2 Ibid., xiv. that belief was that if Christ was just before QOD, and "Evangelical 3 Ibid., xiv. 4 Ibid., xviii. like us, yet had lived a sinless life, Adventists" who emphasized the 5 Ibid., xv. then so must other human beings— Reformation understanding of right 6 QOD (Andrews), xv. especially those of the last eousness by faith.21 7 Ibid. In 1953, Branson changed slightly his "sinful flesh" statement to keep the peace, still knowing that generation. . . . [This teaching] Implied in this "evangelical" Ellen White used this phrase many times. became the belief of the majority of understanding was (1) a rejection of 8 Ibid. Seventh-day Adventists in the first Adventism's distinctive view of a pre- 9 G. C. Berkouwer, The Person of Christ (Grand Rapids, Mictv. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1954), 259. half of the twentieth century. That Advent judgment and (2) the 10 QOD, 383 (1957). teaching was so widely accepted that connection between the cleansing of 11 Ibid., 61, 62, 59. 12 Ibid., xvi (Andrews University edition). it no longer needed to be argued in the heavenly sanctuary and the 13 Ibid., xxx. Adventist literature. It was accepted cleansing of habits and choices cul 14 Ibid., xvi. as a fact. It was upon that teaching minating in the close of probation. 15 QOD, 60 (1957). 16 QOD (1957), 650; Youth's Instructor, September 8, 1898. that M. L. Andreasen would build his In minimizing the "essential" 17 QOD (1957), 8. final generation theology."20 aspects of the atonement that are 18 The Desire of Ag«, 49. The suggestion that Ellen White's embedded in the heavenly sanctuary 19 See Manuscript Vol. 16, 182, 183 for a clear distinction between "corrupted propensities" and "fallen but not understanding of Christ's humanity doctrine, the spotlight attention corrupted." was derived from her reading of focused on the Cross. When this dou 20 QOD (Andrews edition), 518, 519. 21 Kenneth R. Samples, "From Controversy to Crisis: An Henry Melville is interesting but far ble focus is lost, the biblical concept Updated Assessment of Seventh-day Adventism," off the mark. This connection does of righteousness by faith is greatly Christian Research journal, Summer, 1988, 9. WWW.MlNISTRYMAGAZINE.ORG August 2004 MINISTRY 21 Jose Rojas - "Motivating the Laity for Ministry" as well as Messages for all General Sessions Peter Ahn - Planting a Young Adult Church within a Church Dave Gemmell - Reinventing Adventist Worship for Today's Generation Don James - Implementing Dynamic Small Groups in Your Church Norma Osborn - Family & Children's Ministry 101 Ron Pickell - Communicating the Adventist Message to Postmoderns Ranko Stefanovic - Understanding the Book of Revelation and much more! I Register today @ www.empowerministry.coni For inquiries call us ©707.965.9952 Letters continued from page 3 1892). Ellen White counsels against being too cautious in trying new marginalized and for our message to approaches. "There has been much lost become virtually unintelligible to the through following the mistaken ideas of masses of unchurched Americans. our good brethren whose plans were Shame on us! Our Lord cannot be narrow and they lowered the work to happy with such developments. their peculiar ways and ideas" (Letter The genius of the Adventist denomi 12, 1887). She advocates trying new, national structure has always been its creative methods even in eras of risk. ability to achieve an efficient and effec "In these perilous times we should leave tive balance between centralized untried no means of warning the peo institutions and local ministries. Today ple. We should be interested in there is widespread concern among everything that will stay the tide of iniq pastors and lay leaders that this has uity" (Letter 49, 1902). slipped into an "out of balance" situa Are we, in general, at present being tion where effectiveness is seriously too reckless or too cautious in pursuing degraded. Church administrators need the mission that Christ has given us? to take this concern seriously. Are we overly progressive or overly con Out of nearly 5,000 congregations in servative? What is God most likely to be the North American Division, we have concerned about at the moment? lost fewer than ten in the last decade —Monte Sahlin, vice president, Columbia BOOKS through Congregationalism. There is a Union Conference, Columbia, Maryland. much greater challenge from creeping demographic death. In the same Jay Gallimore©s response: / agree. decade, hundreds of our local churches We must be faithful to our mission. But can died because there was no younger we be faithful to our mission without being Seminaries and Colleges generation to take on its future. In the faithful to our teachings? Without our around the world are in 1990s we planted fewer new churches beliefs, do we have a mission? In reality, if great need of quality than in any decade in the post-WWII Satan could get us to sell out our theology religious reading materials era, and almost all of those were simply by corrupting our methodology doesn't he for training and educating a response to immigration. still win? It is not a new temptation. future leaders. The majority of young people raised History is littered with the wrecks of cor in [North American] Adventist homes rupted churches that attempted to convert You can help meet this are slipping out the back door, and the world on its terms. While surveys serve challenge by donating new almost all of them will tell you that a many useful purposes, people's discontent or used religious books lack of relevance is at least part of the or applause must not be allowed to drive (avoid story or devotional reason. Almost none of them indicate our theology or mission. We must hold to books), or by helping us that they disagree with or disbelieve the the superior authority—Scripture. purchase the most urgently 27 Fundamentals. I have interviewed Interestingly, persecution comes when the needed books through your hundreds of Adventists who are urban church is not considered "mainstream." financial contribution. professionals over the past decade, and Yet, often under persecution, when it is the they unanimously tell me that they find most "irrelevant" in the world's view, it Please send donations to: it difficult to find a way to make con thrives. Sounds odd! Both articles are a ventional Adventist faith relevant to the plea that is best summed up by Donald C. Seminary Books professional colleagues with whom they Bloesch in Christianity Today (Feb. 5, GC Ministerial Association seek to share a witness. 2001). "The Spirit of Cod is indeed mov In care of GC Transportation The Spirit of Prophecy recognizes ing in some of the new ventures in 6620 Amberton Drive our need to get new ideas from outside evangelism and disdpleship, but evil spirits Elkridge, Maryland 21075 of Adventist circles. "I have been shown are also at work. It is incumbent on us to that our labor for the enlightenment of pray for the gift of discerning spirits so that or, if you would like to meet the people in the large cities the work we can separate what is true and abiding a specific need, please call has not been well organized or the from what is false and ephemeral." And I methods of labor as efficient as in other might add, a faithful church should take 301 680 6511 or 301 680 6499 churches that have not the great light huge risks to win souls, but it should never to find out how you can help. we regard as so essential" (Letter 34, take any risks with worldliness. HI August 2004 MINISTRY 23 •4- Effectiveness of placement. •f Restrictiveness of living environment. •f Consumer satisfaction. Against these prerequisites, a treatment plan known as Project PATCH (Planned Assistance for Troubled Children) is attempt ing to serve teens in trouble. As a Christian Professional faith-based facility, it had its origin 20 years ago in a vision that Tom and Bonnie Sanford had to establish a ministry to help at-risk kids. Originally a referral and foster care place counseling ment service, it grew into a residential treatment program in 1990 in Garden Valley, Idaho. Between 1984 and 1993, 1,796 chil agencies: dren were referred and 397 were placed in foster care. Since 1993, over 300 children how does a pastor know have been at the ranch in the residential treat ment program. The average length of stay is where to turn? 18 months. How have the children fared? Project PATCH wanted to know what the parents felt about the success of the program and where it astor, what can I do? My teenage could be improved. Shirley Alien son is out of control. He may take PATCH'S treatment coordinator Colleen his own life. I am too scared to Donald comments: "Our alumni have given sleep." Faced with such a cry, us a pretty good idea that we are making a dif where do you turn for help? What ference. Yet a past resident's view can differ Preferral do you give? As a minister how do significantly from that of their parents when you know if you can comfortably refer your it comes to defining 'doing well.'" The only church members to a particular facility? Over way to find out is to seek the help of profes the years a variety of Christian ministries sional and qualified researchers. have emerged that help at-risk young people. So the staff and administration of Project Making a choice can be confusing. One way PATCH approached Dr. Tedd McDonald of the is to look at the outcomes achieved by the Psychology Department at Boise State ministry. University (BSU) to research the functioning Outcome has become an overriding con and the results of the project. cern with Christian residential treatment In an attempt to identify areas that needed programs as they have with other nonprofit further development, Dr. McDonald set out to organizations. Each ministry has to prove its evaluate the program and obtain an idea of worth to an often skeptical church and pub the parents' perspectives. He and two of his lic. More and more people are demanding students first visited Project PATCH in order measurable and measured results, and rightly to familiarize themselves with the program. so. Pastors, client's families, counselors, Subsequently a team of researchers com donors, watchdogs, and even academics all prised of faculty and students developed a want to know about the successes and failures 56-item survey. The survey measured, from the of a treatment program. guardian's perspective, client behaviors before An article by Monique Busch 1 looks at and after treatment at Project PATCH. The sur accountability and effectiveness in residential veys were mailed out and returned by the Shirley Alien is programs and services. Busch's research shows guardians to the researchers at BSU in order to development director that the effectiveness of residential treatment assure confidentiality. Results were then ana for Project PATCH in Clackamas, Oregon. programs is mixed. When evaluating treat lyzed by the BSU Psychology Department ment effectiveness, Busch states that there are under the direction of Dr. McDonald. The proj five key areas that need to be examined: ect was completed in June 2003. -4- Clinical outcomes. Clinical outcomes were measured by asking > Functional outcomes. questions about specific areas including: feel- 24 MINISTRY August 2004 ings of depression, hopelessness, This result shows an area where despair; willingness to listen to others, improvement can be made in dimin showing responsibility; and dealing ishing the gap between expectations with issues of anger. All areas were and outcomes. measured before the PATCH experi Administration and staff are inves ence. The results were compared with tigating ways of being more explicit the experiences of the young people to parents about the outcomes of the after they returned home. program as this would help parents In all areas examined, improve with unrealistic expectations as well ment over client's past behavior was as concerns raised by parents in addi noted across the board. With issues of tional comments. concern such as arguing and hitting When asked how many of the others, parents indicated a decrease in responders to the survey would rec these behaviors after the child was at ommend Project PATCH to other PATCH. Conversely, for areas such as families with children who are expe willingness to discuss problems and riencing difficulties, 88.4 percent said working individually on projects, they would do so. This is significant: acknowledgement* communion «training* service guardians indicated a significant Even though only 66.7 percent increase or improvement after the thought the program successful, 88.4 client's experience at PATCH. percent said they would recommend Prayer Garden Two questions were asked regard the program to others. Gardening is a good stress ing consumer satisfaction outcomes. This study was understandably reducer. It really is. And flowers Parents were asked to rate their satis encouraging for Project PATCH staff. are so responsive to our care. faction on a 7-point Likert-type scale, Colleen Donald commented on When I was frustrated with my when it came to the program lead behalf of the staff, "We are a group of children—because children ers/staff and the facilities. The mean people who are not 'in the business' aren't always responsive—I rating for the program leaders was 5.6 for profit but for the kids. God has could go and work in my garden and know that if I watered and and for the facilities 5.87, which is placed each of us at the ranch. We weeded, and just took care of clearly above 4, the midpoint of the know that there have been, and will my flowers, they would do what scale. continue to be, those teens who are they were told. These results suggest that the par not open to the help we offer. We also ents in the sample, as a whole, felt know that there are those kids who Working in the garden in the positive about the quality of the staff don't appear open, but who are posi early evening seems a natural that interacted with their children, tively influenced regardless." Like time to talk to God. I often combine my gardening and my and the quality of the facilities at the their counterparts in the public sec praying. I've given up my PATCH ranch. tor, managers of nonprofit agencies original garden. Now I use my Two "yes" or "no" questions were are aggressively measuring the out shade garden for prayer. It has a put to parents. Answers to these ques comes of their efforts. Next time you nice little terrace and benches. I tions indicated that two out of three receive that telephone call from a des think it would be great if every parents felt the program had been perate parent and you are not quite church provided a prayer garden successful. In spite of meeting its pro sure about a treatment program cen for members and friends. Several people in the church could gram goals there was a discrepancy ter, check to see what their outcomes plant it and keep it up. I read of between the expectations of some have been and what accountability a church that does this and parents and the goals of the program. they have in place. thought, "What a ministry that As far as Project PATCH is con would be!" People who enjoy cerned, it is making a difference to gardening, would love it, and If you receive MINISTRY this generation and the next. To learn the community could be invited through your conference and more about Project PATCH, visit their to use it. you transfer to another —June Strong conference, make sure your Web site at August 2004 MINISTRY 25 and trust Him." PKs are more inclined to fol low Jesus when they understand why their parents follow Him. Be faithful to your spouse PKs definitely prosper when parents make their marriage relationship a top priority. That means that both husband and wife must promptly and constructively address con flicts. If necessary, they get help. In an interview with Billy Graham's wife, Ruth, she was asked, "Did you ever, at any time, seriously consider divorce?" Ruth answered with a smile, "No. Murder, maybe. But not divorce." Bringing up Although trials in marriage can test us severely, kids need to see that we choose faith fulness, no matter what. Marriage and family great PKs counselors wisely observe, "You can do noth ing more beneficial for your children than to remain committed to one another for a life time." As Jesus said, "What God has joined ^^ A •^Pplhen friends affectionately together, let man not separate" (Matt. 19:6). Becky Donaldson ^ y% / identified our three chil- ^ / ^ / dren as PKs (pastor's kids), Be faithful to your children •/ M/ my husband and I won- PKs need discipline, and God assigned that W w dered, "What does it take responsibility to parents. We should not rely to bring up great PKs?" on others to train our kids. Understandably, at Together on our knees, we asked the Lord times, a parent can feel stretched to the limits. for help. Thankfully, we soon realized that A young mother picked up her toddler in raising great PKs did not require that we be the middle of the street one day and with perfect parents or saints. Neither did our kids exasperation said, "I am having a hard time have to be perfect. Great PKs are simply kids with this. It seems that overnight my adorable learning to love and serve their Lord. But, baby has turned into a devil!" Even when a PK how do we help them learn to love the Lord? seems to "turn into a devil," parents must love Here are four simple steps. and do what is best for the child. Terrible twos, teens, and every age in Be faithful to the Lord between, need parents who discipline them We found encouragement in Deuteronomy selves to discipline their children. The apostle 6:5-7.* "Love the LORD your God with all your Paul tells parents: "Bring them up in the train heart and with all your soul and with all your ing and instruction of the Lord" (Eph. 6:4). strength. These commandments that I give Along with firm and loving discipline, our you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress children thrive on regular doses of vitamin them on your children. Talk about them when "H": hearty laughter, happy holidays, home- you sit at home and when you walk along the cooked meals, hospitality (especially inviting road, when you lie down and when you get evangelists and missionaries into our homes up." All parents can follow this down-to-earth and people from the service professions), instruction in normal, daily living. helping around the house and yard, having Becky Donaldson is a Of course, holding our kids to God's stan family fun, and healthy interaction. homemaker and dard requires that we consistently follow that We found family devotions a fun way to freelance writer in Moberly, Missouri. standard ourselves. PKs need to see in their administer vitamin "H." Our kids were espe parents an authentic devotion to the Lord. cially receptive when we encouraged We told our kids, "If your dad were a plumber participation. Often, we invited each child to and not a preacher, our choices would be the describe the meaning of a verse in his or her same. We serve the Lord because we love Him own words. We recited memory verses togeth- 26 MINISTRY August 2004 "More about Jesus [would know.., "is the desire of every Christian. Father and son team, Morris and Lee Venden, discuss the fundamental beliefs f i of one's faith by placing Jesus at the very center. Be drawn into a deeper relationship with Jesus through this unique approach to your belief system. A Word for Jesus Interviews with Christians who have experienced what it • means to believe Venden2Venden Dialogue between father and son More Words for Jesus Sermons presented by Morris and Lee Venden -Can We Be Friends? ; . ~ What Is a Christian? : -Born Twice - Blessed Assurance -'• • •'- - The Answer Is Prayer Order for just $24.95 +sh/h Morris and ieefemfei? Call 8QO-ACN-1119 or visit www.acn.info er in an improvised chant. We sang bringing up PKs requires teaching— understood the powerful influence of choruses and hymns, watched interactive, aggressive, persistent good teaching. Parents must under Christian videos while munching teaching—at home, by parents. After stand that as well. popcorn, discussed audio recordings, a visit to Eastern Europe, our friend We are called to teach our PKs as and prayed together. And when the Barb told us of a huge cemetery in we walk, sit, lie down, or get up. kids were old enough, we invited Warsaw, Poland, that reminded her of Parental teaching is God's plan to them to take turns leading devotions. Arlington National Cemetery here in save souls for generations to come. One of the best things we ever did the United States, where thousands of No need to be perfect. Be faithful: was to teach our PKs at a young age to gravestones honor American soldiers faithful to God, to your spouse, to take time for personal devotions. We who died in combat. your children, and to the task. gave each child his own Bible. The crosses in Warsaw's cemetery, Jesus' promise is "teaching them to Occasionally I asked each one, however, did not represent soldiers, obey everything I have commanded "Which book in the Bible are you but teachers. During World War II, you. And surely, I am with you reading in your daily devotions soldiers gathered all teachers in that always, to the very end of the age" now?" Then, we talked briefly about region and ordered them to dig a deep (Matt. 28:20). H that section of Scripture. ditch. Then, a firing squad murdered If he had let the habit of daily Bible and buried them in one huge grave. * All scriptures in this article are from the New reading slip, I would suggest an inter Why teachers? Because the Nazis International Version. esting passage to help him get started again. I would check again in a few ARCHIVED MINISTRY ARTICLES AVAILABLE ONLINE days, just in case he needed another January 1928 - June 2003 boost. This, more than anything else, 4 Visit www.ministrymagazine.org helped our children to establish their 4- Click on "Online Archives" own faith in God. 4 Click on the link to the "Online Archive Resources Area" 4 Download the free DJVU browser plugin (accessible by clicking on any MINISTRY issue) Be faithful to the task 4 Search by author, subject, keyword, phrase, etc. Increasingly, we perceived that MINISTRY 27 PASTOR's PASTOR Preparing to preach very pastor must preach; usually shun hell while you call them to every week. Some preach well; embrace heaven. You deliver a message Eothers so horridly that congregants from the throne room of the universe conclude their minister must have slept which delivers souls from Satan's grasp. through homiletics class and they now JAMES A. CRESS Always remember this lofty responsibili hope also to snooze through that which ty which has placed you to proclaim for they must endure. The difference Almighty God. between dull, lackluster presentation Preach with priority. If you utilize and pulpit brilliance will be fashioned this planbook system, you need not through the diligent effort of a detailed scratch around for something to say. preparation process. Instead, you will have more ideas than Preach with a plan. Failing to plan you can develop—so many that you is planning to fail. Rarely does God can prioritize the most important. answer your prayers for a "Friday-night your planbook everywhere. Jot a note Select major topics, eliminate minor miracle" with a top-quality sermon. If when ideas strike you. Even interrupt a curiosities, emphasize essentials, and you wait until just before your message conversation to capture the thought establish the choicest of great themes. to search for something to say, your before it escapes. Enlist others to assist Preach with passion. Reject hum procrastination will be clearly evident. by sharing their ideas, then publicly rec- drum, lifeless, willy-nilly meanderings. Determine to plan at least a year in ogm'ze their contribution in your Express your convictions in such a way advance. If you begin immediately, this sermons. More will join your process. that people will know that you believe. process will begin to bear rich fruit Engage parishioners through interactive Preach "as if" you have faith and you within six months and will refresh your dialogue. Poll for topics or texts which will gain it! Ask your questions in the preaching the longer you proceed. they hope you will preach. study and refuse to parade doubts in Devise a preaching planbook with Preach with power. By relying on the pulpit. dated pages for each sermon of the your relationship with Jesus, born out of William Willimon describes his future coming year. Establish now a balanced quality time invested in reading, pray father-in-law's endurance of one minis diet of spiritual food which you intend ing, fellowshipping, witnessing, and ter's tentative tapdance. "That particular to present. Select major doctrines, prac seeking Cod's will, your proclamation Sunday, the preacher was a master of tical topics, serial passages from each will exude more power than you can ambiguity and equivocation. Mr. Parker chapter of an epistle, narratives of great imagine. Your messages will come with squirmed in his pew as the preacher Bible stories, gospel parables, issues heaven-sent authority that clever plat carefully qualified just about every state confronting society, calendar holidays form histrionics could never equal. ment . . . The poor preacher continued and special events, or even a lectionary Preach with purpose. When prepar to flail away, poking here and there at cycle. The most important concept: ing each sermon, ask yourself, "What his biblical text, rather than delivering it. write it down right now! do I want my listeners to do next 'We need to be more committed to If you design a sermon schedule, the Tuesday as a result of what they hear Christ... but not to the point of fanati Holy Spirit will begin to drop ideas into me say?" Once you determine your cism, nor to the point of neglect of our your mind which you can place in the objective, make that intent the goal of other important responsibilities. We appropriate pages of your book. While your sermon and conclude with specif must have a greater dedication to the Cod's omniscience may foretell what ic, "how to" recommendations for work of the church. Now I don't mean you will eventually preach, if you have following God's will. Always make an that the church is the only significant no plan, you cannot recognize that with appeal. If you expect nothing from your organization of which you are a mem which the Spirit will happily enrich your audience, why waste time? ber. Most of us have obligations to sermons. Of course, circumstances Preach with place. Recognize that various community groups. . .' On and might occasionally necessitate realign you enter the pulpit as representative of on and on!" After the service Pastor ment, but overall, your plan will pay the King of kings. Your words have holy Parker shook his finger at Willimon, him rich dividends. purpose as you stand between the liv self about to enter seminary, and Preach with participation. Jake ing and the dead. You warn people to thundered, "Young man, if Cod should be 28 MINISTRY August 2004 calling you into the pastoral ministry, and Integrated family if ever you should be given a church by the bishop, and if ever Cod gives you a word life evangelism to say, for Cod's sake would you say /t.'" 1 continued from page T4 Preach with a person. Lift up Jesus in every presentation. Exalt Him as the Seminar. It would be advantageous if SEEDS answer to every need. He promises to these monthly events were hosted at the accompany your efforts with conse proposed campaign venue. quential success. IKI The reaping is unique. We are not PLUS! preaching sermons; we are conducting 1 William H. Willimon, "Rev. Parker's Last Stand," in professional seminars! We use the 24 Christian Century, May 4, 2004; 10. Happy Family Bible Seminar study guides with the multi-purpose CD. However, professional seminars need Marriage professional dynamics: attractive venue, Three-in-one professional ambiance, interactive International Conference continued from page 7 0 teaching methodology, appropriate on Ministry Families desperately need reconcilia materials (folder, pen, and study guide tion between the generations, within for each participant), and prior registra ® Church Planting and Ministry each generation and between the gen tion. Moreover, since it is a professional —SEEDS ders. The world desperately needs the seminar, we recommend that there be a @ Biblical and Ministry Topics witness that such reconciliation bears. modest registration fee. —Adventist Theological Seminary So significant is this coming together in After the reaping is the conserving as unity that Jesus made it the focal point the attendees return to their enlarged AND of His prayer for His followers. care cells for study, prayer, and fellow (D Compassion in Ministry Through our relationships in ship; for again, fellowship is the key to —H1V/AIDS Conference Christian marriage and family life, we conservation. * » » may honor Jesus' prayer: "May they be Family Life Evangelism brings many brought to complete unity to let the blessings. First, heightened community June 22 - 27, 2005 world know that you sent me and have interest resulting in larger baptisms; (General Confemno? Session starts JUIIP 29} loved them even as you have loved me" second, reaching persons in the upper (John 17:23, NIV). Bl levels of society; third, baptisms of more families than individuals; fourth, Ron and Karen Flowers direct the worldwide revival of the church while evangelizing Begin a time of spiritua! Family Ministries of the General Conference of the world; fifth, enrichment of the refreshment and development Seventh-day Adventists. preacher's own family life; sixth, effec on the campus of tive consolidation of new believers. This Andrews University. \ See Ellen G. White, Thoughts Prom the Mount of innovative, internationally tested model Blessing (Nampa, Idaho: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., Take advantage of 1955), 63. is a highly successful method of reaping an opportunity to visit the 2 "An Affirmation of Marriage," General Conference Cod's harvest. Bi Adventist Historical Village of Seventh-day Adventists Administrative in Battle Creek. Committee, April 23, 1996. Gordon Martinborough is co-director of family 3 Ibid. Following SEEDS Plus! we'll ministries and associate ministerial secretary 4 Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual, Revised 2000, proceed to St. Louis for the 2005 193. for the Inter-American Division, Miami, Florida. 5 Ibid., 194. General Conference Session. 6 Ibid., 196. Waveney Martinborough is co-director of 7 Ibid., 195. » * * 8 Fundamental Beliefs, Article 22. family ministries and director of women's 9 Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual, Revised 2000, ministries for the Inter-American Division, 196. Miami, Florida. 10 Ibid., 116. 11 See Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ (Nampa, Idaho: :.?(vfeitoftgrYfcir updates) Pacific Press® Pub. Assn., 1892), 72. * Al! Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, 12 ————, The Adventist Home (Hagerstown, Md.: are taken from the New King James Version. Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1952), 35. 13 ————, The Ministry of Healing (Nampa, Idaho: All cited materials are available from the Family 80 :'25$-756a '(US. only) Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1942), 3SZ. Ministries Department of the Inter-American Division of 14 See Ellen G. White, Thoughts From the Mount of the General Conference. Samples can be viewed at Blessing, 64. August 2004 MINISTRY 29 RESOURCES of the soul, the investigative judgment, Bible teachers, editors, and church and the prophetic gift in the life and administrators before submitting their work of Ellen G. White, the Adventist written responses. The introduction in Church, since its origin, was often the original volume states that "the writ viewed as a "cult" by other Christians. ers, counselors, and editors who pro Questions on Doctrine. Annotated The series of meetings between duced the answers to these questions Edition. Berrien Springs: Andrews Adventist Church leaders (primarily have labored conscientiously to state University Press, 2003. 597 pages. LeRoy E. Froom, W. E. Read, and R. A. accurately the beliefs of Seventh-day $29.99. Anderson) and Walter Martin, George Adventists." However, because the text The original edition of the book Cannon (professor of theology at Nyack of the book was never voted by a Questions on Doctrine, published in Missionary College), and Donald G. General Conference in session it has 1957, became the most divisive book in Barnhouse (editor of Eternity) led to a never been considered as an official Adventist history. A number of inde growing acceptance of Adventists as fel statement of Seventh-day Adventist pendent ministries in the church today low Christians by many evangelicals. beliefs. consider it the beginning of the Walter Martin submitted a list of The annotated edition of Questions Adventist Church's theological apostasy. questions to which the Adventist lead on Doctrine with a lengthy historical and The book was the result of a series of ers provided answers. The result of theological introduction by George R. meetings in 1955-1956 between those discussions was published in two Knight, professor of church history at Seventh-day Adventist Church leaders books. The church in 1957 brought out Andrews University, is one of the first and Walter R. Martin, a staff member of the book Questions on Doctrine, and in two volumes in the Adventist Classic the evangelical magazine Eternity, who 1960 Walter Martin published his book Library series. The layout of the book is was writing a book about Seventh-day The Truth about Seventh-day Adventism. very well done, the page numbers of Adventists. He later gained fame as Questions on Doctrine contained the the 1957 edition are found in the text in author of The Kingdom of the Cults. questions Martin asked and the answers bold enclosed by paragraph signs, e.g., Because of its adherence to such teach provided by the church's representatives §123§, and all page references are to ings as the Sabbath, the nonimmortality at the meetings who counseled with the original 1957 edition. All additional material, as well as all new footnotes in the annotated edition WESTPOINT OF EVANGELISM have been shaded in gray. In contrast to the original edition that used stars and Transforming crosses, the new footnotes are num bered with Arabic numerals. This helps World for Christ the reader to quickly recognize the material that has been added in the annotated edition. Simi Valley, California Most of the shorter footnotes provide references to more recent literature such as the 2000 edition of the Church Manual or the seven volumes of the Daniel and Revelation Committee Series. Longer footnotes (1-4 pages) that contain a sizeable amount of new Keynote Robert Folkenberg material can be found in the sections on the Trinity (pages 44-46), the Sabbath Find more information online at http://www.pucon[ine.org/article.php?id=B4 (pages 145,146), the atonement (pages 277-280), and on the topic of condi , Sponsored by The Voice of Prophecy and Pacific Union Conference, in association ' • • , with Amazing facts, Faith ForTodayrIt Is Written, The QttietHoiK, and the North Pacific Union Conference tional immortality (pages 469-473). The bibliographic list of Adventist 30 MINISTRY August 2004 doctrinal literature has been almost doubled and appendix B on "Christ's Nature During the Incarnation" has an /rT~ •/\/\ // ''/ extensive footnote covering several / / •. / V. :*-y • £ t- pages that explains why the book has probably done more to create theolog ical division within the Adventist Church than any other document in its history. According to the Adventist News Service, three years before his death in 1986, Walter Martin, in an interview, &.**v cautioned Adventist leaders that Questions on Doctrine should return to the shelves: "If the Seventh-day Adventist [Church] will not back up its $25 for your ideas! Send us your suggestions on how pastors can make daily ministry more effective. If we publish it, we'll pay you AMAZJM3ROS U.S.$25.00. If your idea promotes a product or service, we'll be glad to consider it but won't pay $25.00. Mail ideas to Ministry, 12501 Old Support literature available online. Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, Maryland 20904. All authors must include their mailing address, and U.S. citizens must To register, call (916) 434-3880 include their Social Security number if they wish to receive payment. or visit www.04revival.com MINISTRY 31 re you weary of unsuccessful evangelism attempts? § to diminished strength and ;;*! '^Sl/^^^^^^^^^ff^^^^MM-planning • .^SftKKv ;;;-,:•-:.'-.:. r'-:i-. :.. :.••:. ^"r .•>:£:>>;>,.,outreach -:•,- ;. •'•'.,'-: •-;••- -•;-;-.>.-,. ;••;,. ^-&.s >^i&.'i:,,events? -•>-;«;;-,•„..^f^;'.,...-. :,::;&&* i'^eelilfSltreach said, team at Wheeling SDA Church West Virginia - putting together "The handbill for the Wheeling Prophecy Seminar advertising materials which took them from cooking schools, Bible study correspondance school using "In His Word" lessons, and a was one of the most professional pieces I©ve seen. This was a standout piece and it worked! It was a good tes Health Fair. 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Not "Our handbills were highly effective and Bambini©s only were we able to leave an enor customer service department guided me step-by-step, mous impact with these products, from our initial year-in-advance planning, through the but we gained respect throughout final phases of a very successful Evangelistic Series the Community." Health Team: Dr. Andres Saenz. Dr. Carol Richardson, Dr. Bonnie Head (120 non SDA©s in attendance the first night). Amy L. Garack, "Thanks, Hamblin team, for educating me, guiding Communications Director, me and having the staff and technology to back me up." Wheeling Seventh-day Adventist Church. Hamblin - Custom Hamblin©s Outreach Publishing Enterprises service for you! Providing Handbills & Supplies for How can we help? Evangelism/Bible Prophecy Seminars . Call toll free 1.800.274.0016 517.423.7491 Fax: 517.423.2074 ask for Daphne or Ray. 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