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Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Chaplains Association. Seventh-day Adventist institutions, Julia Vernon's "Is There Any Word Along with theological education, offering an opportunity to be a From the Lord?" (May 1993) brought internship, and self-directed spiritual corrective to the possible but not back memories of my first quarter of renewal, CPE forms a vital aspect of generalizable threats the author Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). pastoral formation. What I have perceives.—Andreas Bochmann, When three supervisors asked me what gained through CPE has helped me Elkridge, Maryland. I thought of the program, I suggested better share the biblical truth of a that they need to change the name to loving Saviour, and has better • Julia Vernon's article pictured clinical education and drop the word equipped me to fulfill the Saviour's those who take CPE as a group of "pastoral." Whenever I shared a "law" through bearing one another's people who have had either to stand Bible verse with a patient my supervi burdens. I feel very indebted to CPE, like Daniel in face of skepticism sor said, "Preach, preach, preach." He both professionally and personally. regarding Scripture or to give up their was joined by the other students. —Forrest Kinzli, associate director, respect for Scripture and go along with Several years ago I spent a week pastoral care, Florida Hospital, secular philosophy. end with three priests in the diocese of Orlando, Florida. I wonder what Don Young would Lake Charles, Louisiana. I asked them say about that. Don Young was my if their colleagues were exposed to • While I share the author's concern CPE supervisor during my nine CPE training. The reply was "Yes. It for a biblically oriented pastorate in months' internship at Abington takes about three years to heal them chaplaincy and any form of ministry, I Memorial Hospital in Pennsylvania. when they return." do not think the experience she Under Don's guidance, Scripture After taking two quarters I vowed described is typical of CPE. I have had played a key role in our training. It never to take another. One of my CPE training both in the United States provided rich images for us to contem supervisors objected to the de- and Germany, and I have found among plate in counseling our patients and emphasis on the Word. He became a supervisors and participants not only staff. It was the basis of the sermons close friend of mine and we worked great respect for, but even deep we preached every weekend. Don together to establish two of the first interest in, my biblical positions. I helped us become sensitive to how hospices in our state. His attempts to have also been richly blessed by the some scriptures are better to use than change the organization were met with Bible studies that were an integral part others in an ecumenical setting, but indifference, and he ultimately left the of the CPE program. Admittedly, the Scripture—all of the Scripture—was a organization. methodology of dealing with the Bible welcome part of the work we did. More than a decade ago I wrote to was more person-oriented and experi Now, make no mistake; if Scripture church leaders that the Seventh-day ential, broadening my horizons was used to avoid knowing ourselves, Adventist Theological Seminary considerably. But I tend to believe that to avoid vulnerability, to avoid should offer a chaplaincy training this is growth, not regression. coming close to those we served, this program. I still think it's a good idea, The author's contention that was challenged. But the role of and I'd like to cast my vote for it. chaplaincy is "diakonia" oriented is Scripture in my CPE unit was much I thank Vernon for a thoughtful also questionable. Nurses perform different from that depicted in the analysis of a sacred cow in some diakonia (loving acts). And chaplains article. chaplaincy circles.—Larry Yeagley, serve with kerygma (proclamation), I invite you to learn more about the Muskegon, Michigan. both in their listening presence as positive contribution of the CPE representatives of the church and of process. I think you would see why • The author implies that a general God and in their spoken word. The many denominations require their discounting, even rejection, of the real issue is not whether kerygma is ministers to take at least one unit Bible, exists in CPE programs. I have present or not, but how it is present; (usually three months) of CPE. The not found that to be the case in the i.e., is it present in a way sensitive personal insight and spiritual growth five units of CPE I have taken involv enough to be heard by the person in that come from the process often ing four different CPE supervisors. need of wholeness, whether in the dispel lack of self-awareness and Nor have I gotten such a message hospital or in the church? tragic insensitivity.—Penny Shell, during the past nine years of associa Thus I am a strong advocate of Ed.D., chaplain, Shady Grove Adventist tion with my colleagues in the Sev CPE and am grateful that there are Hospital, Rockville, Maryland; presi enth-day Adventist Healthcare very fine CPE programs even within dent-elect, SDA Healthcare Chaplains.
2 MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER/1993 First Glance
Working with volunteers, what joy, what pain! Every Letters church seems to struggle with finding too few people for too many jobs. Ron Gladden tackles this perennial issue in "Match Happiness is a choice ing Gifts and Ministry." He suggests a totally new approach J. David Newman from the traditional forms, yet one that is thoroughly biblical. J Surrendering all Death eventually comes to everyone is a reality that is Nancy Cranwell uncontestable. Yet strangely enough churches seem to find birthing new members extremely difficult and often expensive. O Friendship evangelism Monte Sahlin discusses in "Friendship Evangelism" a simple Monte Sahlin and effective way to introduce new people into the body of Christ. In contrast to the high financial cost of public evangelism 11 Matching gifts and ministry this method is relatively inexpensive. In addition the "staying" Ron Gladden power of new members brought in by this method is much higher It) The funeral — obligation or than some other forms of evangelism. opportunity? Douglas L. Janssen Death is one event we are often unprepared for. It comes at the most awkward times. Pastors often find little time to prepare Understanding Adventism the funeral sermon. You will want to read "The Funeral— Russell L. Staples Obligation or Opportunity?" to find a warm and relevant proce dure for turning this time of sorrow into one of reflection and Pastors' wives lead a great life . . . even joy. Wilma Kirk-Lee
This issue also brings a number of other fascinating mate Busier than Jesus rial. As always we solicit your ideas and your prayers. While James A. Cress volume of mail prevents us from personally answering every letter we do read every letter. Read in peace. L I Team leadership Walton Whaley with J. H. Zachary 28 Biblio File 31 Shop Talk
Ministry is the international jqwrnal of the Sev EDITORIAL SECRETARY: Berne 32, Switzerland SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: enth-day Adventist Ministerial Association. Dorothea Tone Mikhail P. Kulakov, Euro-Asia Larry Burtnett Isakovskogo St. #4, Korpus 1, Stroghino ASSOCIATION SECRETARY: CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: 123181 Moscow, Russia Ministry, (ISSN 0026-5314), the international James A. Cress Carlos Aeschlimann Genge Johnson, Far Eastern journal of the Seventh-day Adventist Ministe Galen Bosley 800 Thomson Road rial Association © 1993, is published monthly EDITOR: Sharon Cress Singapore 1129, Rep. of Singapore by the General Conference of Seventh-day J. David Newman James Zachary Jaime Castrejon, Inter-America Adventists and printed by the Review and P.O. Box 140760 Herald® Publishing Association, 55 West Oak ASSOCIATE EDITORS: CONSULTING EDITORS: Miami, FL 33114-0760 Gerard Damsteegt Ridge Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740, U.S.A. John M. Fowler, Martin Weber William C. Scales, Jr., North America Subscriptions: US$22.00 for 12 issues world Raoul Dederen 12501 Old Columbia Pike Robert Folkenberg wide, air mail US$39.85. Single copy US$2.25. SPECIAL ASSISTANT EDITORS: Siiver Spring, MD 20904 Member Associated Church Press. Second- Nancy Canwell Roland R. Hegstad Alejandro Bullon, South America Karen Holford class postage paid at Hagerstown, MD. This Miguel Angel Cerna Caixa Postal 12-2600 publication is available in microfilm from Eric C. Ward Herbert Kiesler 70279 Brasilia, DF, Brazil Alfred C. McClure University Microfilms International. Call toll- John H. Gate, South Pacific free 1-800-521-3044. Or mail inquiry to: EDITOR EMERITUS: Leo Ranzolin 148 Fox Valley Road George W. Reid University Microfilms International, 300 North J. Robert Spangler Angel Rodriguez Wahroonga, N.S.W. 2076, Australia Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Ariel Roth P. V. Jesudas, Southern Asia SEMINAR DIRECTOR: William H. Shea SDA Complex, Post Box 2, HCF Editorial Office: 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Rex D. Edwards Russell L. Staples Hosur, Tamil Nadu, India 635110 Silver Spring, MD 20904. Stamped, self-ad Sally Streib A. David C. Currie, Trans-European dressed envelope should accompany PASTORAL ADVISORY: Richard Tibbits 119 St. Peter's Street unsolicited manuscripts. Office telephone: Charles Ferguson St. Albans, Herts, AL1 3EY, U.K. 301-680-6510. Dennis Fortin INTERN ATIONAL EDITORS: Desmond Francis Walton Whaley, Africa-Indian Ocean COVER DESIGN: Trent Truman Postmaster: Send address changes to Robert Lloyd 22 Boite Postale 1764 Ministry, 55 West Oak Ridge Drive, Dwight Nelson Abidjan 22, Cote d'lvoire, West Africa LAYOUT: Ann Taylor Hagerstown, MD 21740. E. C. Ward Joel Musvosvi, Eastern Africa Walton Williams P.O. Box H.G. 100, Highlands, Harare MARKETING: Mark Thomas Zimbabwe, Africa EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Johannes Mager, Euro-Africa ADVERTISINGSALES: Ella Rydzewski P.O. Box 219, CH 3000 Melynie Tooley Volume 66 Number 9
MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER/1993 3 Editorials Happiness is a choice
J. David Newman
ost people are about to keep " a jealous eye on David" (verse sang: "I will sacrifice a freewill offering as happy as they 9) wondering if David was after his to you; I will praise your name, O LORD, choose to be. Be throne. for it is good" (Ps. 54:6). fore you contest this His unhappiness grew so great that Saul let the words of the women statement too vig he tried to eliminate the perceived source determine how he would feel. David M orously, consider of his unhappiness by killing David (verse determined that his choices, and his the alternative. If 10), but David eluded the spear and choices alone, would determine how he happiness is not something we choose, escaped into hiding. While Saul was would feel. We are not at the mercy of but rests on the activities of other people, fuming away what mental choices did those around us. However, even if we we then have little control over our David make? Did he choose to wallow in agree that happiness is a choice, that peace of mind, for we are at the mercy of self-pity, bemoaning his fate? He knew does not make it happen automatically. other people's actions. that he was to be the next king of Israel. We too often allow our feelings to be If happiness is a choice we make, Would he seek revenge? wounded. We need to remember the why would anyone choose unhappiness Saul pursued David into the desert of words of Peter: "But how is it to your and depression over peace and happi En Gedi. When Saul entered a cave to credit if you receive a beating for doing ness? Many people, including pastors, rest, he was unaware that David and his wrong and endure it? But if you suffer choose unhappiness for a number of men were hiding in that cave. David's for doing good and you endure it, this reasons of which they are unaware. "Some men wanted David to kill Saul, and is commendable before God" (1 Peter choose unhappiness to punish themselves David did indeed cut off part of his 2:20). for guilt feelings. Others choose unhap clothing, but immediately his conscience The ultimate answer to life's prob piness to manipulate their mates and struck him, and he said: "The Lord for lems is Jesus. When we look at Jesus friends by enlisting their sympathies."' bid that I should do such a thing to my "the author and perfecter of our faith, The case for happiness being a choice master, the Lord's anointed, or lift my who for the joy set before him endured can be made most strongly when we hand against him; for he is the anointed the cross, scorning its shame, and sat contrast the way Saul and David related of the Lord" (1 Sam. 24:6). down at the right hand of the throne of to each other. One day Saul heard the Sometime later David found another God" (Heb. 12:2), how can we ever women of Israel singing the respective opportunity to kill Saul when he and complain about what others might say or exploits of himself and David: "As they Abishai crept into the middle of Saul's do to us? Since we live in a sinful world danced, they sang: 'Saul has slain his camp in the dead of night, David said to ,it is impossible, in our own strength, to thousands, and David his tens of thou Abishai: "Don't destroy him! Who can always choose happiness, but we "can sands' " (1 Sam. 18:7).* How would lay a hand on the LORD'S anointed and do everything through him who gives Saul respond to this evaluation of his be guiltless?" (1 Sam. 26:9). [us] strength" (Phil. 4:13). fighting ability? David's attitude regarding his expe This is why the gospel is such re Saul could have commended himself rience with Saul can be seen most clearly freshing and invigorating good news. for picking such a wise general. He in the Psalms. David wrote Psalm 57 God does not bless me when I am good; could have recognized that while David after his experience in the cave with He also blesses me when I am bad. God was a more skillful general he was a Saul. He chose happiness rather than does not accept me based on my perfor wiser ruler. He could have chosen con self-pity: "My heart is steadfast, O God, mance, but He does accept me based on tentment over the fact he was less likely my heart is steadfast; I will sing and Christ's performance. "When you were to be killed sitting on the throne rather make music" (Ps. 57:9). When the dead in your sins and in the than engaging in battle. Instead he chose Ziphites betrayed David to Saul, David uncircumcision of your sinful nature,
4 MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER/1993 God made you alive with Christ. He not accept us based on our performance. forgave us all our sins" (Col. 2:13) and This frees us from worrying about our * All Scripture passages in this article are from "made us alive with Christ even when self-image and what others think. If the New International Version. we were dead in transgressions—it is by God thinks well of us, that is all that ' Frank B. Minirth and Paul D. Meier, Happi grace you have been saved" (Eph. 2:5). counts, and we are free to choose happi ness Js a Choice (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker How marvelous it is that God does ness. • Book House, 1978), p. 13. Surrendering all
Nancy Cranwell
urrender. As pastors, in war one side surrenders, that side has RS V). For Mary to call herself a handmaid we preach it to our failed—failed to win, failed to be strong was quite an act of surrender. For in her members. We lead enough. But surrendering to God is some time, a handmaid was the lowest of all them in singing, "All thing quite different. Surrender to Him servants. A handmaid gave up her will to to Jesus, I surren brings freedom! do the will of another. der." We invite Perhaps one reason it's hard to sur Jesus also knew what true surrender s people to come to render all is fear that we might lose was all about. He yielded to the Father's the altar and surrender their lives to God. something we think we need—or want. plan to the point of death when He said, Surrender. It's one of my favorite But when all is said and done, what "Yet not as I will but as you will" (Matt. topics to preach on, and yet at times, one really matters most? That our lives go 26:39). of the hardest things for me to do. How the way we've planned, or that God's Often teenagers tell their parents: about you? Perhaps you often pray, will is accomplished in us? "It's my life! Let me run my own life!" "Lord, take my life." But what do you In surrendering to God, we're giving Without saying these exact words, do we mean when you pray those words? Do ourselves into the hands of Someone ever send God the same message? Even you really mean your -whole life? Every who cares for us more than we care for we pastors need to remember that choos aspect—your health? family? posses ourselves. He is our Father, not some ing God in our ministry means denying sions? Or are you easily tempted to give uninterested person. Both His provision self. An unsurrendered pastor is an un Him only certain areas of your life while of Calvary and His promise of the new happy and resentful you hold on to the rest? earth demonstrate His unfailing love for pastor. We want Jesus as Saviour, but that's us. So we need not fear when we surren Today, why not not the same as wanting Him as Lord. A der to Him. Notice Jeremiah 29:11, '"For take a look at your Saviour gives, but a Lord sometimes I know the plans I have for you,' declares life, and through the takes away. Do we really want Him as the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to eyes of the Holy Spirit our Lord? Lord of our lives, to work out harm you, plans to give you a hope and see if there might be His will and not ours? Are we willing to a future'" (Jer. 29:11).* something you are surrender all, to be totally God's at any In thinking of someone who surren holding on to—some cost? This involves more than having dered all, Mary, the mother of Jesus, thing God is calling you to surrender? daily devotions and spending a few comes to mind. She had her life with Perhaps it's something you're anxious moments in prayer each morning. It Joseph planned. Then one day an angel about, maybe it's another person, or means more than doing the acts of min appeared and announced that her plans finances, health, or a bad habit unfor- istry that we pastors perform day after were not God's plans. Mary might have saken. Whatever the case, let today be day. It requires giving up our own plans— said, "But Lord, I've planned my life the day to place it at the feet of Jesus, even our hopes and dreams—to follow another way!" "But Lord, what will Jo under His care. Let our prayer be: "Fa His will for our lives. seph say?" "But Lord, what will my ther, today's the day. Empty me of all of Does that much of a commitment parents think?" "But Lord . .." But no, me. I surrender all." • make you feel a bit uncomfortable? Per instead she replied: "Behold, I am a haps it's because when we think of the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me * Unless noted otherwise, all Scriptures are word "surrender," we think of failure. If according to your word" (Luke 1:37, from the New International Version.
MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER/1993 5 Evangelism—9 Friendship evangelism
embers of the cerned with organizational matters—in Monte Sahlin Sunnyvale Seventh- stitutional processes, fund-raising, and day Adventist programs. They also see the churches as Church in suburban neglecting humanitarian issues like hun San Jose, California, ger, the homeless, unemployment, and M report that one of civil rights. 1 their most effective This means that most of the outreach activities is the Sunday ball game. unchurched are not likely to participate in It may not seem evangelistic—there is no any religious activity. They can be reached A sure way to preaching, no call for decisions, no Bible only at a personal level through a rela study or literature distribution—yet many tionship with someone whom they trust witnessing— new members of this growing church and respect. testify that their decision to join started Friendship evangelism recognizes the unrehearsed, with friendships developed during ball fact that most converts to Christ and the nonprogrammed, games. church are won through the ministry of Pastor Tim Mitchell is one of an ex friends or relatives. For example, Gottfried and personal. panding network of Adventist preachers Oosterwal says that 57 percent of adults who have discovered that the develop who join the Adventist Church list friends ment of friendships between members and relatives as the most important influ and nonmembers is a powerful tool for ence in their decision, and 67 percent say evangelism. In secularized, urban socie this was the avenue through which they ties, friendship evangelism may be the first became acquainted with the Advent only avenue to reach large numbers of ist message.2 Recent global surveys indi people who are resistant to religion. cate that the percentage may now be as Clay Peck is another Adventist pastor high as 80. who promotes friendship evangelism. Research reveals that most converts Two years ago in the Davenport, Iowa, think seriously about spirituality and the church he held meetings that yielded 30 possibility of church membership during baptisms. "More than half were from small a time of trauma or transition. In most groups," he reports. "The rest were from cases, during the six to 12 months before friendship evangelism— every one." The first attending church or public evange congregation had worked at a relational lism, they have experienced one or more strategy for evangelism for three years of the following: a move, divorce, mar prior to the meetings and had 80 or more riage, death or birth in the family, job Monte Sahlin is adult people participating in a dozen small loss, or a serious stressful event.3 ministries coordina groups each week. tor for the Church The unchurched are not necessarily Building trustful relationships Ministries Depart unbelievers; they just know little about Readiness to hear the gospel conies ment of the North American Division of the Bible and are distrustful of organized with awakening feelings of need. And the Seventh-day religion. Often they are not often against most effective channel for communicat Adventists. He is the religion; they just feel that it is somebody ing the gospel is a friend. Friendship evan author of Friendship else's hobby and not for them. gelism is learning to build trustful rela Evangelism and Public opinion surveys in the United tionships with unchurched persons in the Sharing Our Faith With Friends Without States indicate that most unchurched context of secular life, and then listening Losing Either. people feel that churches are overly con and watching with patience and caring
6 MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER/1993 for situations in which they show an open always wanted to be baptized," she said. ness for God. "I thought maybe you could only be bap Friendship This process can take a long time. It is tized when you were young." She had highly individualized and defies the typi already bonded with church members, Evangelism cal organizational processes of church and felt a part of the fellowship. "It's so Resources programs and statistical reporting. Dr. nice to go to a church and feel like you Mark Walker's story illustrates this real know half the people there. At both the ity. church and the hospital, I really feel like Friend Day Packet. A complete kit Walker was baptized after more than I'm home." 5 from which a local church can build a 12 years of friendly contacts. An Advent- Sabbath event to which all members ist pastor helped him in his teen years to Three elements of friendship are encouraged to bring unchurched enroll in a respiratory therapy program. Friendship evangelism consists of friends, relatives, neighbors, and work He began the program at Kettering Col three elements. Each can be seen as a associates. Includes sermon outlines, lege, an Adventist institution operated in "layer" of solid foundation in Christ, and planning checklist, sample letters of Dayton, Ohio. He was accepted into an each builds upon the other. invitation, bulletin announcements, internship at Porter Memorial Hospital, First, the Christian demonstrates car advance presentations, and clip art in Denver, Colorado. The quality of care ing and compassion through a genuine from which to create bulletin, mailer, at these Adventist institutions impressed friendship that is unconditional not al handout packet, promotional materi him. One of the many Adventist friends lied with any expectation of the nonbe- als, posters, etc. Available for $3 from he made was Linda, a nurse, who became liever. I do not expect my friends to ac NAD Distribution Ctr, 5040Prescoft, his wife. Finally, as a second-year medi cept Christ or join the church, because Lincoln, NE 68506; 402-486-251 9. : cal student, in spite of the pressure and they may never do it, no matter how much demands of medical studies, Walker found I would like it. I do not expect my friends Friendship Tracts. ,'CotorMv brief,}: time to study the Bible with an Adventist to do anything for my ego, my pocket- .and need-oriented; these pixdfiet-sizedi '•Jjfaets come/in twp.kjncjg-. ,Qfe is'-de-- pastor.4 book, or my career. I accept them as they * Brenda Criss has another typical story. are. When she and her fiance moved to the Second, the Christian seeks to under " sotf who Ms n,& interest in/religiojis.: state of Washington in the summer of stand the needs of unchurched friends. I ©. rejading material 1984, one place she went job-hunting do not make a theological judgment or a ::gersQn iaterefe'tfjet in was Walla Walla General Hospital. "You Christian analysis of their need, but ac can't work there," warned her husband- cept their feelings as they understand ., rjarriagi|; to-be. "They employ only Adventists." them. I am aware that their needs will 4;gri MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER/1993 7 other. These are basic life skills that can those who receive it "never thirst." And tion on the coming event. improve family communication as well the specific benefit of becoming in the On Friend Day, greeters in the park as help in relating to unbelievers in the woman "a spring of water" (NIV), or ing lot and at all the doors welcomed secular context of work, neighborhood, source of eternal love. members and guests, creating an immedi and community service. Many church members are learning to ate impression of warmth and acceptance. apply this model in their everyday con The young adult Sabbath school staffed Focusing on real-life cases tacts with unchurched friends, relatives, an information table, distributing name Consider a beautiful example of these neighbors, and work associates. It not tags and "maps" of the church building to skills modeled by Christ in John 4. He only brings in prospective members but help newcomers find an appropriate class encounters a Samaritan woman at a well transforms attitudes of church members for their age. about a mile outside of town. The conver toward everyday living. They see the re A small "orchestra" had been as sation begins with the problem of thirst, lationships they cultivate with others as sembled to help with the music that Sab which Christ quickly identifies with a precious in the eyes of their Lord. Secular bath, and early on Giller introduced as his deep, inner thirst for love and affection life becomes a true "vocation" under the guest the vice mayor of Tucson. The Par desired by a woman who has experienced direction of the Lord. able Players, a drama group from the five failed marriages. He uses "living One man told me that for 20 years he church, performed a sketch depicting how water" as a metaphorical expression. It repeatedly attempted to circulate hand easily rumors spread in daily life, along carries the deep meaning of the gospel to bills for evangelistic meetings in the of with a second presentation entitled "The this lonely woman, who accepts Christ as fice where he worked, and finally gave up Heart of the Matter." her Messiah and becomes an active wit after others became offended. Within three "The real reason for going to church," ness in her town. months after attending a Friendship Evan Giller told the worshipers in his sermon, Through discussion and sharing of gelism Seminar, two of his professional "is to learn to know God as a true friend, real-life "case studies," church members colleagues had visited Sabbath worship . . . and to straighten out distorted con can sharpen their ability to identify needs and begun to study the Bible with him. cepts of God." He provided opportuni and discern opportunities for sharing gos ties for children to interact with him, and pel answers. Opportunities for appropri Friend Day concept the response of many who attended was ate verbal witnessing, even among the Where pastors and lay leaders teach positive. "Time just flew," one guest re most antireligious, come through the skill- friendship evangelism to members, and membered. "When you first invited me, I ful use of a simple question. After listen set up special Sabbaths for them to bring thought sitting in church from 9:30 to ing to the needs and feelings of a friend, their friends, church attendance greatly noon would be long and boring." ask: "Do you have any spiritual resources increases. In 1987 we began an experi Giller found that opportunities such to help you with this?" ment with the Friend Day concept through as Friend Day create a flow of interested Careful attention to the response— the North American Division Church individuals for him and his church to both verbal and body language—will Ministries Department. To date I have minister to. It was a vital element in the quickly reveal if there is readiness for received reports from more than 40 growth of his previous church in Buffalo, hearing about Christ. This sets the stage churches, large and small. They all report New York, where attendance soared in for another basic skill that I call "option attendance by nonmembers equal to 25 to two years from 75 to 175. Other pastors introduction": introducing faith in Christ 35 percent of the church membership. have used variations of the concept. The as one alternative that might be consid These become an immediate pool of pros Monterey Peninsula church in California ered in meeting personal needs. To make pects to be visited by lay Bible ministers. is located in an area with many military a more conclusive statement at this point Eoin Giller has used the Friend Day installations, so it planned an observance would simply cause the unbeliever to back concept with excellent results in more of Armed Forces Day. The Redondo off. than one pastorate. Last year at the Desert Beach church and several others in south For example, if an unchurched friend Valley church in Tucson, Arizona, more ern California have invited the police of has just confided discouragement about than 120 work associates, neighbors and ficers from their community, with their his or her career, and answered my readi acquaintances of members attended the families, for a special "thank you" Sab ness question in a way that indicates open annual event. Planning had begun with bath for their role in maintaining peace ness, I might respond by simply saying, associate pastor Sali Jo Hand and the and safety. "Have you thought about the possibility church board four months in advance. The gospel commission of Matthew of establishing a serious faith in Jesus? If The pastoral staff and elders set the pace 28:16-20 is a command to all believers in you were to do so, that relationship would by each inviting a friend to write a letter Christ. But parallel passages always condi provide you with a different standard accepting an invitation to be present on tion it. When He first sends out the twelve against which to measure success in your Friend Day. These letters were posted on they are told: "Do not go among the Gen career. You would have the feeling that a the church bulletin board. tiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. life of service is more rewarding than Three weeks prior to the event, Desert Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel," their winning a promotion in the corporation." Valley members began studying a special own kin and neighbors (Matt. 10:5, 6, Jesus uses this type of verbal witness series of Sabbath school lessons focusing NIV) Later, even when many of His in John 4:13,14. He tells the woman that on friendship: "Being a Friend," "What a disciples have begun to reach those out the solution to her deep, inner thirst is the Friend Is," "What a Friend Does," and side their own community, He states that "water that I shall give." It has the advan culminating on Friend Day with "God Is their witnessing should be first to "Jerusa tage of quenching thirst forever, so that a Friend." Sermons also focused atten lem" and then to "Judea," and only then to MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER/1993 Friendship evangelism: two examples Friendship '87 is perhaps the largest experiment and nature lectures, organize campfire programs, teach ever in friendship evangelism. In 1986 William McNeil, classes on subjects as diverse as crafts and stress control, then a minister in the Northeastern Conference of Sev supervise volleyball games, and conduct nondenomi- enth-day Adventists, initiated the project that encour national worships on both Saturday and Sunday morn aged church members to invite friends, relatives, work ings. And they generally make themselves available to associates, neighbors, and acquaintances to small group chat, listen, and be friendly to families on vacation. Last meetings, midweek meetings, Sabbath school, or wor summer this brought them into contact with more than ship. 40,000 people; occasionally in programs attended by "Many members are amazed when they discover several hundred people, but usually in small groups and that the most winnable people are their friends and one-on-one conversations. relatives," says McNeil. "We wanted them to get in Because RU volunteers work under government aus volved in making friends without feeling that they must pices, their witness must be nonverbal or entirely private give a Bible study." The objective was to prepare people and at the behest of the other person. RU's policy book for later invitation to soul- winning activities by "making says that "it does not use public facilities as forum to urge 10 phone calls . . . making 10 friendly visits . . .. giving or captivate an audience for any religious purposes or to 10 tracts in the Friendship Series . . ." and encouraging announce dogma as though endorsed by that government attendance at 10 churbh-sponsOredptOgrarns. Ndnmember agency," and "specifically disclaims that the agency it is acquaintances who had experienced about 40 Such con volunteer ing for in that location sponsors" the worships tacts were dubbed "Golden Friends" in ordeiito highlight conducted by RU. "The affluent middle class is often the fact that these were people who should be especially nonresponsive :to Christianity," says Fred Ramsey, ah receptive to hearing the Adventist message and an imi ordained Adventist minister who founded and direets RU. tation to join the church. The strategic goal was to "I searched for a common experience shared by Christians mobilize the 28,000 Northeastern members to make and and non-Christians, where Christians could demonstrate mature 1 million such contacts over an 18-month period, what it could be like to/associate with others, perhaps in Congregations were asked to appoint a number of the very way that Jesus Christ would if He were here on team leaders and these were invited to conference train earth." Leisure time, especially summer vacations, pro ing events. They were supplied with goal charts, training vides that opportunity, but the Christian volunteer is packages, and other consciousness-raising materials; clearly on the "turf of the non-Christian and must Pastors and church boards were encouraged to schedule minister within those secular terms. special Sabbaths called Friend Days, and other events An intensive training lab equips RU volunteers with suitable for church members to invite their nonmember listening and conversational skills that help them to friends to. In Sabbath school classes, members wrote "incarnate the lifestyle of Jesus in today's generation down lists of names they would contact, and then each ... so that their vocation becomes a vehicle to share week they would share their contact experiences. their personal faith." Much of their ministry is very Results ? Statistical reports show that for 1 986 through personal—just extending hospitality and neighborliness 1988, the Northeastern Conference averaged 1,715 bap in the campgrounds. "But some of the campers get so tisms per year as compared to 1,086 in 1985. Friendship close to us," says RU volunteer David Goymer, "they shed evangelism does not replace public meetings, Revelation tears when they have to leave to go home." seminars, and small groups, but it certainly enhances But does real sharing of the gospel occur? Paul and their impact. Marguerite Flemming tell of a typical contact. A woman in one of their group hikes became quite talkative, and Re-Creation Unlimited (RU), an independe discovered a mutual interest in natural foods. They shared istry based in the U.S. Northwest, is engaged in friend a copy of a book on the preventive health practices of ship evangelism of a different model. Each summer Adventists entitled Six More Years, and when the woman about 300 volunteers staff projects in a dozen or more returned it, she asked, "What church do you folk attend?" state parks and federal forests. They serve the govern The Flemmings answered briefly. The hiker then volun ment agencies that manage the parks as unpaid "activi teered, "When I get back to Seattle, I am looking for your ties coordinators" — posts that were held by full-time church. I want to attend there." government employees prior to budget cutting in the Vacationers and park employees have joined the church early 1980s. RU volunteers lead hikes, present history as a result of this ministry of friendship evangelism. MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER/1993 9 "Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" ignored element of the church's outreach. to listen to their perceived needs, and (3) (Acts 1:8, NIV). This concept of going how to share faith in a way that it makes first to those that the believer already People in evangelism sense. knows and rubs shoulders with in every Does your local church have a sys Such training can come through semi day life is central to friendship evange tematic strategy to encourage and support nars and classes, but the bulk of your lism. Other terms also have been used members in "working their networks" members may not attend. A less formal recently to denote the concept: "lifestyle through casual, everyday opportunities setting to educate church members in witnessing," "relational evangelism," or for witness? In experimenting with this friendship evangelism is PIE: People In "networking." approach you must educate church mem Evangelism. PIE consists of a monthly Thus friendship evangelism is the bed bers in some basic concepts beyond skills meeting. (Sometimes it is helpful to ask rock of all evangelism. It is "where the in Bible study and verbal witnessing. each Sabbath school class, committee, rubber meets the road" for all church These include (1) how to relate to secular choir and other member groups to send growth strategies. Yet it is often the most people in love and compassion, (2) how one or two representatives.) The meeting begins with going around the circle and asking individuals to describe some op portunity they have had to share their faith in the context of their work, commu our congregation can nity activities, etc. As stories are related, spread the gospel in terms the pastor interjects questions and obser Vmeaningful for the 90's. vations that provide guidance in improv ing the effectiveness of each witness. The pastor may also suggest appropriate lit erature or resource materials. This is a "tutorial" or "coaching" approach to train EVANGELISM ing. In order to make the meetings more attractive, fresh-baked pie is served. Each THROUGH THE meeting closes with a significant time of prayer. LOCAL CHURCH Please note: friendship evangelism does not replace Bible studies, home Bible fellowship, or Revelation seminars. A compelling symposium of 12 Ministry Friendship evangelism leads to B ible stud ies. If, in each local congregation, the articles by pastors who are doing it! majority of members practice friendship The series includes: evangelism while 10 or 20 percent be • Getting an Audience come active in lay Bible ministry or other • Relating Doctrine to Human Need witnessing programs, a real evangelism explosion would ensue! In fact, if a church • Small Group Evangelism begins to use friendship evangelism but • Preventing Dropouts does not have one or more lay evangelism • Seminar Evangelism "action groups" functioning, it will not • Evangelism through Worship realize the harvest and may even con In addition to the 12-part Ministry series this self-study course includes two clude that friendship evangelism is inef texts: Evangelism Through the Local Church by Michael Green scad finding fective. • Them Keeping Them by Gary Mclntosh and Glen Martin, all integrated with a study guide. Also, continuing education credit is available upon request. 1 The Unchurched American 10 Years Later (Princeton Religion Research Center, 1989), p. 5. All for only 2 Patterns of SDA Church Growth in North America (Berrien Springs, Mich.: Andrews Uni $29.95 versity Press, 1976), p. 40. This is corroborated in Includes a more recent research by Kermit Netteburg et al., surface The North American Division Marketing Program, shipping Volume 1 (Berrien Springs, Mich.: Institute of Church Ministry, Andrews University, 1986), p. Order from: 54. Ministerial 3 Netteburg, pp. 49, 59, 60. See also Michael J. Coyner, "Why People Join: Research Into the Continuing Education Motivations and Events Which Lead Persons to 12501 Old Columbia Pike Join Local Churches" (D.Min. diss., Andrews Uni Silver Spring, MD 20904 versity, 1980), pp. 51-54. 4 Jan Mathews, Mid-America Outlook, April 1992, p. 17. PRACTICAL CONTEMPORARY POWERFUL 5 Stephen Payne,North Pacific Union Gleaner, June 3, 1991, p. 11. 10 MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER/1993 Matching gifts and ministry Iways dreaded. Of "Do you think Sister V will take Ron Gladden ten feared. Pastors 'clerk' again this year?" tolerate it. Lay lead "She probably would, but the past ers wish it would few years she's had trouble keeping the A care for itself, but it records straight. Maybe it's time for a never does. And change." now it comes again "I agree someone else could do a —nominating committee time! The an better job, but I wouldn't make a change nual recruitment saga! now. She might not understand, and the Spirit-gifted people Here's the scenario (not a pretty last thing we need is to offend Sister V." sight): Pastor Goodpastor has just re "Yeah, you're right. Put her down for may feel stifled and ceived his annual stack of resignation clerk again." unfulfilled, like notes. The personal ministries leader, "Hey! How about that lady who just Pathfinder leader, several Sabbath school moved here from Reno? She looks like square pegs teachers, elders, deaconesses, and as she'd make a decent kindergarten sorted other volunteers have called it teacher!" expected to fit into quits. He's not surprised. It happened "Give her a call!" round holes. last year, and the year before that. Some Ring (pause), ring (pause) . . . people offer detailed explanations (al "Cross your fingers, folks. If we can't most confessions), perhaps attempting get her, I'm afraid we'll never be able to to quiet their nagging consciences while replace Joan." also placating the pastor. Others state "Hello! Is this Karen? . . . This is simply, "I've done my time." Greg. I'm calling from the nominating Pastor Goodpastor knows that the committee at church. I'm glad we caught church can't function unless people are you! We're wondering if we can twist found to fill all those empty positions. your arm and get you to be the kindergar And so rekindling his resolve and bold ten leader this year . . . determination, he begins psyching up "You've been a Christian for only a for this year's recruitment campaign. few months? I guess we didn't realize The big night arrives. Armed with a that, but that's OK. You know what they fistful of church directories and photo say about a kindergarten class—some copied lists of slots to be filled, Pastor G times the teacher learns more than the Ron Gladden is the calls to order the first meeting of the students. . ." ministerial secretary in nominating committee. Several wonder Click. Oregon for the silently if four midnight vigils will be "Glad that's out of the way! Now, Seventh-day required again this year. And who was what about personal ministries secre Adventist Church. that exasperated soul who made last tary? That position's usually easy to year's speech about "pulling hen's fill." teeth"? "How about asking someone who's Following a brief devotional, pencils not doing anything? Like Shawn. He's are poised and sleeves are rolled up. The 17 now. It's about time to start breaking drama of slot-filling begins again. him in, don't you agree?" MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER/1993 11 to look good to other people. want to do this for the rest of my life!" They also end up serving in the wrong In order to help the members achieve Transform places. If the nominating committee's truly authentic service, the church needs nominating chief concern is filling slots, they won't two major breakthroughs. The first is a care who ends up doing what, as long as philosophical shift. The second is a struc committee someone agrees to try. Spirit-gifted tural adjustment in the local church. people may feel stifled and unfulfilled, nightmares into the like square pegs expected to fit into The philosophical shift round holes. "Joy in serving Jesus" be When a church abandons the practice fulfillnient of your comes a cliche at best. of slot-filling and moves instead toward members' dreams developing people, it is poised for a A better way major step forward. An organization's for service. All that frustration can be solved by greatest asset is its people. Leadership at authentic service. First, it flows natu the local level should view every mem rally out of appreciation for who God is ber as a potentially effective server within and what He has done. Second, it takes the specific parameters of his or her Ring (pause), ring (pause) . . . into account the unique talents of the giftedness. Leaders must become ob "Hello, Shawn! Greg from church. member. sessed with the ultimate objective of We feel impressed to call and see if you'd People whose lives God has changed developing and bringing out the best in like to be personal ministries secretary..." can't help responding with praise and the people whom God has brought to Greg covers the phone and whispers, gratitude. They are eager to go the extra gether to form the body of the church. "He wants to know what it involves." mile for God, to show their thanks for Adult Sabbath school teachers and "Oh, it's nothing! Just some record- His favor. Like the psalmist, they ask, youth ministry leaders should be chosen keeping and placing an order or two "How can I repay the Lord for all his and affirmed the same way we decide once in a while. You can handle it. . ." goodness to me?" (Ps. 116:12, NIV). who will be organist, by simply asking, "Oh, thanks, Shawn! We'll put you Paul said that if a person wants to say "Whose talents are best suited to do this down!" thank You to God, that individual needs job with excellence?" But this is not Click. to pour out his or her life as a living merely a call for more attention to put "He said as long as it doesn't take sacrifice (see Rom. 12:1). Offering one's ting the right people in the right posi much time and he doesn't have to be up entire being in worship to the Lord hap tions. We must shift away from slot- front, he'd take it!" pens in various ways, not the least of filling altogether to the development of This year the process goes pretty which is through authentic service. Spirit-gifted people and the maximizing well. As Pastor G opens the third meet New Testament principles discour of their unique and unlimited potential. ing with prayer, only six positions re age running out and signing up for the main unfilled. The committee's mood first job that comes along. People The structural adjustment reflects their optimism that "tonight we'll shouldn't just fill a position for a year, Let's assume that you have decided be home early." then bail out. Nor should they let the to move your church toward a gifts- But somehow, finding people who nominating committee coerce them into based ministry. You may conduct a semi will allow their names to appear beside service that seems more like a millstone nar that includes biblical foundations those last few jobs is easier said than than a response of love. Members must and a written test. Maybe you simply done. An hour passes, then two. Frus serve according to their God-endowed administer the test. Or perhaps you visit trated committee members shuffle tat spiritual gifts. parishioners in their homes and ask, tered membership lists. Someone sug Three primary biblical passages teach "What would you really like to do for the gests dialing the same phone numbers about spiritual gifts: Romans 12; 1 Lord?" again. Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4. "Now con Each of these is certainly a move in "This sure is fun," Pastor G observes cerning spiritual gifts, brothers and sis the right direction. Yet when all is said sarcastically. "Maybe we'll get to sched ters, I do not want you to be uninformed" and done, more is usually said than done ule a fourth meeting after all." (1 Cor. 12:1, NRSV). Peter instructs, because several problems remain: Silence reigns around the table as "Like good stewards of the manifold 1. Many members still view ministry pencils are chewed, corners of the room grace of God, serve one another with as a one-year-at-a-time commitment. are stared into, and necks are scratched. whatever gift each of you has received" 2. Nominating committees still meet Eventually good sense prevails, and Greg (1 Peter 4:10, NRSV). Ellen White adds, with the mission of choosing people who makes the motion to adjourn and meet "God has different ways of working, and will accept predetermined positions for again. He has different workmen to whom He the coming 12 months. Sooner or later the nominating com entrusts varied gifts."* 3. Sometimes a new family moves in mittee will fill the last six positions. When members know the fulfillment from out of town, eager to serve the Unfortunately, when people serve be that inevitably accompanies authentic Lord. If the nominating committee has cause they feel forced or guilty, they do service, ministry is a joy. Instead of just finished its work, talented, ener it for the wrong reasons. They want to exhausting, it is energizing. Instead of getic people may have to wait for an ease their conscience. Or get the pastor bringing burnout, it leads to blessing. other year before getting plugged into off their back. Or maybe they just want The member says, "I really love this. I the system. 12 MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER/1993 4. When a few dozen people get my vision a little at a time. As the trial excited about authentic service in accor balloons went up, the elders responded. dance with their spiritual gifts, each of Sometimes they were ready to go for it; Once the people began them may end up functioning as a lone other times they shot the balloons down. ranger. In the absence of consistent and When the latter happened, I knew either to trust my leadership organized support, accountability, and that the ideas weren't workable or that guidance, the vision eventually vanishes. the timing wasn't right. In either case I and understand the Here is a revolutionary plan to solve backed off. Once the people began to concepts, they became those problems: Restructure opportuni trust my leadership and understand the ties for service by creating ongoing min concepts, they became eager to get eager to get started. istry teams around qualified lay leaders. started. Each leader would accept the task of organizing and focusing the energies, What was your first step? passions, and gifts of the persons within In keeping with our new philosophy that particular ministry. Each ministry of abandoning pre-chosen positions, we would be unique not only by virtue of the tried something a bit radical. We in blend of people who comprise it but also vented a little game called "erase the to blanket the entire city of Madison because of its specific, self-chosen mis slots." I tried to make it fun. I asked, with literature. Another person stays sion and direction. "What jobs or positions are not abso awake at night dreaming of ideas to The pastor's job then shifts from lutely essential in order to be a Seventh- make the worship service creative and trying to prop up the weakest link in the day Adventist congregation?" We looked meaningful. One of our elders feels com chain of slot-fillers to seeing that each at the list, discussed each slot individu pelled to release a team of people who leader is successful. When that happens, ally (sometimes with vigor!), then can touch the lives of those facing rela the success of the leader naturally trans crossed most of them off. When the dust tional, emotional, or spiritual challenges. lates into the success of each individual settled, we had retained four essentials: server within the ministry team. The head elder, head deacon, treasurer, and And the third quality of a leader? usual tasks of a local church are thus clerk. (Head deaconess would normally Leadership potential. Is there reason accomplished with joy, while dreams of be included, but our church uses the term to believe that God has gifted this person ministry for God come true. deacon to refer to both men and women.) in the area of leadership? Does he or she Having introduced the concept of a No health and temperance leader? work well with people? Is this person a restructuring plan, I need to answer ques No personal ministries leader? team player? With training and support, tions you may have about it. I'm sharing Not on our "essential" list. Most of could he or she maximize the gifts of from my own previous leadership expe the usual tasks end up getting done under others? Can he or she be taught to orga rience in the Madison Community SDA the umbrella of a ministry that eventu nize and focus the resources at hand? Church of the Wisconsin Conference. ally emerges. But remember, we can't impose what we think ought to be. We How many leaders did you begin Questions answered must strive to release the gifts that God with? How should a church get started in has brought together. Four. Later we expanded to seven, the restructuring plan ? And then? where we are today. First, you must get the green light We started the search for ministry from the appropriate lay leaders. They leaders, people around whom we could So you identified your leaders. Ex must be willing to make the shift from build ministry teams. plain the mechanics of actually getting filling slots to developing people. What did you look for? Who would the ministries off the ground. be eligible to lead a ministry team? The church board agreed that these How long does that take? We insisted on three qualifications in people met the qualifications. Each It takes as long as it takes! Maybe a the following order of importance: leader was then asked to prepare a writ few months, maybe two years, or even First, character. Before leadership ten proposal explaining the specific longer. Some church leaders are all ears skills, number of years in the church, or thrust, or direction, of his or her particu as soon as they realize the potential. But personal charisma comes character. Is lar ministry. When the proposals were if you're working with people who pre this man or woman experiencing an au presented to the church board, the lead fer traditional ministry methods and tend thentic daily walk with Jesus Christ? Do ers were affirmed and commissioned to to view the status quo as sacred, it will the church members look up to and begin their ministry. take a lot of time and education. respect him or her as one who loves the What about recruiting? How did you Lord wholeheartedly? get members to join ministry teams? How long did you educate your Second, passion. Does this person First, we gave each ministry leader a people? possess a deep, unquenchable desire to "fishing license." When the leaders are About 18 months. The elders and I accomplish something specific for God? excited about their ministry, they are met nearly every month in what we their own best salespersons. Next, we called a planning council. The meetings Give us an example of a specific conducted a seminar to identify the mem consisted entirely of dreaming, plan passion. bers' spiritual gifts. ning, praying, and evaluating. I shared We have a man who is highly driven Tell us about that. MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER/1993 13 The consultant then shares a written vation than through a spiritual gifts test. copy of each ministry's purpose state Committees rarely, ment and explains the various ministry How many ministries shoulda church options. Together they decide where he try to organize? if ever, lead people. or she will most likely serve meaning Eventually a church should offer a fully. They then make arrangements to ministry for every 10 or 12 active mem People lead people. contact the appropriate ministry leader bers. The genius of this whole philoso to volunteer for duty. phy is that each church can be "custom It seems that you use the spiritual ized" according to the two factors of gifts seminar as a sort of employment church size and potential leaders. agency. That's a good description of the semi How long do ministry leaders serve? The spiritual gifts discovery seminar nar. And the spiritual gifts consultant One year? Two years? has become an annual event in our church. serves as an employment counselor who As long as they are fulfilled and We take between four and four and a half helps members find their niche of mean effective. If a person is an enthusiastic, hours on Sabbath, from 10:00 until noon ingful service for God. gifted, and successful leader, the longer and then from one in the afternoon until he or she serves, the better. It would be 3:00 or 3:30. You keep using the word "meaning counterproductive to set time limits. In the morning we include the ele ful. " ments of a worship service such as sing Intentionally. Our goal goes beyond Are there times when you might want ing, prayer, special music, and offering. getting each church member to serve; to start a ministry with a team of people Added is an exciting report from each of we want members to serve authentically or maybe co-leaders? the ministry leaders. They tell what their and meaningfully. In my opinion, no. You can start it, ministry has done so far. They also share but it won't prosper. When God needed their vision for the future and explain How long do the spiritual gifts con a boat, He raised up Noah. When He ho w a person can become involved. Then sultants serve? wanted to lead the people out of Egypt, I review our church's strategy for spiri All year. When someone is baptized He called Moses. Committees rarely, if tual and numerical growth, followed by or joins the church through transfer, or ever, lead people. People lead people. a short message. even after visiting three or four times, Someone has to feel the passion for the After lunch we have more music, one of the consultants will invite that success of the ministry. Someone has to maybe a "parable in action" that focuses person to write the test and then move be willing to pay the price so that the on spiritual gifts or faith-sharing, and a into ministry. That way, the talented ministry prospers in spite of inevitable group quiz. Then the people take the individual or family who arrives just obstacles. written spiritual gifts test. after a nominating committee would As soon as four people are finished ordinarily have finished its work doesn't What if something needs to be done in writing and they score themselves, they have to wait for a year before being a church but no leader emerges for that form an affirmation group. This is when useful in the local church. The new ministry? each person finds out what gifts others person is off and running whenever he or The temptation is pretty strong some perceive them to have. Almost always, she is ready. times to go back to slot-filling, but when the perceptions of friends and acquain we really believe that God "gave gifts to tances match the test scores. This part of What test do you use? men" (Eph. 4:8, NIV), we have to as the seminar is a lot of fun. People like the We looked at five or six different sume that what God wants done, He has interaction and they get excited about ones and custom-wrote our own. brought people together to do. their gifts. In the Madison Community church, Sounds great, but what process takes So you choose the leaders and launch we have faced a leadership problem them from just learning about their gifts the ministries before the spiritual gifts more than once. Three times we selected to actually using them? discovery seminar. Wouldn©t it make someone to fill the slot of youth leader. A month or so before the seminar, we sense to reverse the order? Three times it flopped. Today we don't choose several spiritual gifts consult Either way could work. Be aware, have a youth ministry per se. We have ants. The last activity of the discovery though, that once the discovery seminar other ministries, however, that are thriv seminar is having each person set an is over, you need to have ministry op ing and include several youth. appointment to meet with a consultant. tions in place before too much time The appointment can be from between 2 passes or the test and all the hoopla that Suppose you have invested a lot of and 14 days away. surrounds it will be in vain. Remember time and effort in training ministry lead When they meet, they discuss several too that the key to successful ministries ers, and their ministries are thriving, but things. First, the person's spiritual gifts, is the right leaders, also that character then they move out of town or even based on the results of the test and the and passion come before the spiritual resign. What do you do ? affirmation group. Also, the person's gift of leadership as far as leadership You cry a lot! Actually, each minis specific passion for ministry. Finally, qualifications are concerned. Those try leader is urged to find and work how much time he or she can commit to qualities are more likely to make them closely with an assistant leader. The service. selves evident through long-term obser assistant then steps in and away you go. 14 MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER/1993 If no assistant is available to move into based on spiritual gifts? and reignite their vision. leadership, the pastor and planning coun The most important, far and away, is cil have to determine which option is selecting the right leaders. Don't bestow Do you recommend this new philoso better: (1) find an interim leader and the mantle of leadership too quickly. phy to every church? keep the ministry limping along until a Pray. Be patient. Do your best to find Enthusiastically! If you are a pastor, new leader emerges, or (2) disband the leaders of character. find your potential leaders. Build teams ministry and shift the team members The most difficult challenge is equip of people around them according to spiri into other areas. ping them to succeed and helping them tual gifts. Then pour gasoline on their keep the vision. Experience has taught fires. Become a leader of leaders and So you really don't have a nominat me that the average leader loses his or watch what God will do! • ing committee? her vision every 30 days. The pastor's No, we really don't. We think of the ongoing task is to cheerlead, encourage, * Ellen G. White, Gospel Workers, p. 483. roles of service in the church in three categories: (1) spiritual guidance and vision-casting; (2) record-keeping and maintenance; (3) ministry teams. The first category is the pastor and elders; second is the deacons, treasurer, Ministries and clerk; and third is everyone else, "c'ustom-organized" according to avail able leaders and spiritual gifts. group1 What do you do about head elder, head deacon, clerk, and treasurer—the slots you said earlier that every church has to fill? That can be handled several ways. Here's what we do: If our present head ifj|l^§trjf:pj^ deacon is doing a good job and finds it T)©%©^«l^ci^©iif^;ri©©iV.©fv£»-rvv;/S!l">i©^»fin©Cil !:J©© MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER/1993 15 The funeral- obligation or opportunity? hen your phone resurrection, then left to visit the family Douglas L. Janssen rings at 2:00 a.m., of baby Ned. you know the news The previous Thursday night Ned had will not be good. gone to bed a little fussy. Maybe cutting a And sometimes tooth, his mother thought. The next morn when a call comes at ing he had a high fever and was breathing w 4:00 on Friday af with difficulty. His body was covered ternoon, the news isn' t good either. That's with red and purple splotches. Doctors when I got the dreaded summons to con diagnosed spinal meningitis. Despite their A carefully duct my first funeral. The infant son of a valiant efforts, Ned died Friday after church member had died unexpectedly. noon. personalized funeral Little Ned' s funeral would be a large one, The parents, Frank and Dorothy, were sermon can comfort since the family was prominent in the suffering shock when I came to visit. church and popular in the community. 1 Even so, they wanted to talk about their the bereaved and Just as I was contemplating Ned's good times with Ned. During the next memorial service, my phone rang again. couple hours, tears mingled with smiles win them for God. Another funeral for me to conduct! The as they told me his nicknames and de circumstances surrounding the death of scribed his cute antics. For example, Ned 87-year-old Gladys were less traumatic, still hadn't learned to leave the dog's food but the grief of her family was no less for the dog. All of what they shared helped severe. me understand what their child meant to So there I was with both funerals them. looming before me, and I knew of noth Now it was Monday evening, and ing to say. Out of that desperation the both funerals were on Tuesday. Late that Lord led me to develop a type of funeral night I was still trying to prepare my two sermon that has transformed my view of sermons. I was thinking about one family ministering to the bereaved. I now see having a lifetime of memories behind funerals as unique opportunities for spiri them, while the other had a lifetime of tual service. memories ahead. Suddenly the inspira Douglas L. Janssen is a Seventh-day tion came to me (I mean that seriously). I Adventist pastor in The personal approach should combine what I learned about the Sutler Creek, I learned my new approach after vis person and family with what I know about California. iting with the bereaved families. For more the Bible. than an hour I listened as Gladys's chil The sermon for Gladys came together dren and grandchildren reminisced about easily. From what her family told me she her life. Although I had never met Gladys, seemed to be the personification of Prov I came to know her through the eyes of erbs 31, so it was logical to use that her loved ones. I shared some thoughts passage. The story of Dorcas in Acts on the love of God and the hope of the 9:36-41 also represented her devotion to 16 MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER/1993 both family and community. I drew a to the name and life experiences of the and resurrecting power. They need to parallel between God's eager willingness deceased. I can only report that the reac know that you are talking to them, not to to grant Dorcas life and His willingness to tion of grieving families to this personal your notes or to some vast assembly in exercise His resurrection power for Gladys approach—connected with a parallel Bible which they don't count. some day. I followed that with various story—has been overwhelming in every 5. Talk to the general audience as texts referring to the resurrection and eter instance. Months, even years, later, well. Drawing the friends of the bereaved nal life. family and church members express ap into the service helps them cope with their In addition to those Bible passages, I preciation for what they heard in my own loss. It also opens opportunities for ministered to the family by sharing events sermon. personal ministry. and insights from the life of Gladys. One day while riding the "coach" to 6. If you knew the one that died, Friends and distant relatives saw her as the cemetery, the funeral director men draw from your own relationship with the children had portrayed her to me. tioned that he had listened to three of my that person—but keep the family' s recol Along with her good qualities, I men sermons and in his opinion they were lections and feelings paramount. tioned afew of her struggles. Thisbrought among the best he had ever heard. He 7. Give a "talk," not a discourse. smiles to the family and made her seem explained that many pastors seldom men People will not be impressed with flow real. I wasn't describing an angel but a tion the deceased after the obituary por ery words nearly as much as with your real person. The reaction of the family to tion of the service is finished. Often they compassion and realism. this type of sermon was overwhelmingly conduct the service without even speak 8. Try to understand and reflect the positive. ing directly to the family about their grief. mood of the mourners. The type of grief At Ned's funeral I followed the same He observed that I do not use a separate is different following a lingering and pain pattern. Obviously, I didn't have a life obituary. Instead, I weave significant ful illness than when a baby's life is time of events to talk about, but I did share events of the person's life into the sermon snatched away between daylight and dark with the audience of more than 500 friends itself. Each event falls naturally into place, ness. Both families have grief, but the and relatives what the little boy meant to mentioned along with personality traits first family' s grief is tempered by expec his parents. I mentioned his nicknames that the family spoke of in my visits with tation and relief. and the continuing struggle over the dog them. 9. Place the person's life into some dish. Again, this personal information type of perspective. Someone who grew brought smiles to the faces of family Some recommendations up during the Depression may?have a members. I share the above compliment only philosophy of life that their baby-boom Throughout the sermon I spoke to because it has made me bold to offer the children don't understand. The funeral Ned's parents by name. I shared the story following recommendations to fellow sermon is an opportunity to bring into in Luke 8 of the parents whose daughter pastors: focus the various influences that made the died after a delay in healing—before 1. See the funeral service as an op life what it was. If the final years were Christ resurrected her. I drew the parallel: portunity to serve, not as an unpleasant clouded by disease or deterioration of the "You also, Frank and Dorothy, sought for obligation. mind, help the family focus on the hap Jesus last Friday to save your child. As 2. In visiting with the family be pier times in the past. Acknowledge the with the parents in the biblical story, heal forehand, take note of what they say about changes of recent years, but focus on ing was delayed. Imagine the anxiety of their loved one's character and personal more pleasant areas of character and per those parents as they waited and waited ity. An hour or two of careful listening sonality. and waited. Finally, suddenly, Jesus ap can reap rich dividends for the funeral 10. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you peared. Life was restored. Hope found service. Let the family know you may insight into the person's life that you can fulfillment. include in the sermon some of what they share to help the family in their grief. "Frank and Dorothy, like those par tell you, if it is appropriate. Remember that the Spirit is the "Com ents long ago, you are waiting today. You 3. The person who died has a name— forter," and He wants to use you in ac called upon Jesus, but it was not time for use it frequently, along with any suitable complishing His work. Him to grant your request. So you are nicknames. Don't be afraid to mention waiting—waiting for the day when Jesus character shortcomings, if the family is Suicide situation will suddenly appear. When He comes willing and you can do so with sensitivity. Arthur was the father of one of my He will resurrect little Ned and give him It's a real person you are talking about, members who had an untreated infection back to you. He invites you to make an not an angel. Just keep in mind that "he in his leg. Rather than face an amputation, appointment today to be ready when He who handles souls must have sensitive he shot himself. I wondered what I could comes in clouds of glory." fingers." 2 say at his funeral. Arthur had shown no Grieving people are hungry for the 4. Talk to the family during the ser interest in Christianity. Family and friends love of a pastor and the God we represent. mon. If you are careful, you need not hurt couldn't remember any time in the previ The families of both Ned and Gladys told feelings. Acknowledging the loss, the pain, ous 40 years when he wasn't, to some me they found meaning, comfort, and and the confusion helps the family know degree, under the influence of alcohol. hope in my personal biblical messages. that at least somebody understands what After I talked with the family, a couple What a unique opportunity for ministry they are suffering. Your first obligation is factors emerged. Arthur was reclusive— that we have at funerals! to help the family cope with the reality of except when he bundled a gang of Sometimes fellow pastors question their loss and, where appropriate, to sense grandkids into the back of his pickup to the wisdom of my referring so frequently the equally strong reality of God's saving head for some fun. He drank heaviest MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER/1993 17 when other people demanded Ms energies. Modern Abraham story that might parallel Charles's life. Suddenly a door opened in my mind. Charles died while engaged in his During the funeral I told the story of I remembered hearing or reading that favorite activity, training horses. In talk Abraham. Always on the move that man alcoholism is sometimes a mask for an ing with the family the evening before the was often called by God, sometimes per abnormal condition called agoraphobia funeral, I felt the love and loyalty they all haps for no apparent reason. Hebrews 11 (the fear of crowds). I discussed the idea had for him—except the oldest son. He tells us that Abraham was always search with the family during my pre-funeral couldn't bring himself to express affec ing for something better, a city whose visits. Instantly they were filled with in tion for his father. What bothered him builder and maker is God. I pointed out sight and understanding. One daughter was that his father never seemed content the parallel between the experiences of confided that she had been treated for to settle down in one place. He had many Abraham and Charles and encouraged both agoraphobia and alcoholism. She talents and managed to make a living the family and friends to likewise persist also told me that Arthur's mother had the everywhere he went. But just when pros in their own quest for God's perfect city. same combination of illnesses for many perity appeared imminent, Charles would They could find its fulfillment together years. quit his job and move on with his family. with Charles when Jesus comes. During the funeral service, when I When they related this to me, the oldest When the service was over and we shared the possibility that Arthur had suf son would protest, "This won't help the were getting into cars to head for the fered from these problems, heads nodded pastor; let's not get into it." I assured cemetery, the oldest son walked over and in agreement. At dinner afterward, many them that I wanted to hear whatever they hugged me. "Thank you for that sermon," friends and relatives came over to thank wished to tell me. he said. "I now understand my dad better me for my insight into Arthur's life. As I Later that night I began to pull into than I ever have before." was leaving, Arthur's son-in-law (hus perspective what the family had told me. That type of response happens fre band of my member) approached me for One extremely positive quality stood out. quently when I follow the steps recom prayer on behalf of his son, also an alco Charles may have moved around fre mended above, investing time and energy holic. This man had never before been quently, but he remained consistent in his in personalizing the funeral sermon. • willing to discuss religion with me. And relationship with God and the church. we've talked several times since. Cer Even the oldest son acknowledged, "Dad ' Names have been changed. tainly the funeral was a moment of oppor was as straight as an arrow in his love and 2 Roland Hegstad, editor of Liberty magazine, tunity for reaching him. service to God." I searched for a Bible at a ministers' meeting in January 1991. 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Box 66 Keene, TX 76059 Inquiries 817-641-3643 Orders 800-982-3344 Please include U.S. $4 for Shipping & Handling Canada and Overseas additional charges may apply please call for exact charges 18 MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER/1993 Understanding Adventism he Seventh-day Ad- that the Millerites are better understood Russell L. Staples ventist movement as comprising a normal cross section of cannot be under society, rather than a group of fanatics stood apart from its and eccentrics, and their leaders as being history. This fact those of reason, driven by what was to T may apply more to them inexorable logic, rather than fa the Adventist natical prophets appealing to the emo Church than to some others, on two tions of the unstable and the disinher counts. First, it grew out of the Millerite ited. movement, and the events and meaning The process of change accompany Is the Seventh-day of that experience have been indelibly ing the restructuring of social and politi Adventist Church engraved on its corporate memory and cal life in the early years of the United serve as one of the beacons lighting its States was seemingly without historical evangelical? course. Second, the function of the inner precedent, and persons who believed in Adventist conviction that this church the divine ordering of history were mo was accorded supernatural guidance in tivated to study the prophecies to dis the ministry of Ellen White must be seen cover the meaning of what was happen in historical perspective in order to be ing. Thus, when William Miller began to understood. Therefore, it seems neces preach about the soon coming of Christ, sary to lay some historical groundwork it was not an altogether strange message. before embarking upon the more explic He used familiar language and appealed itly theological concerns of this essay. to the accepted authority of Scripture. True, the predominant doctrine at that The Millerite experience time was a postmillennial reign of peace, Millennialism almost always has been which was to be brought about, in part at a characteristic feature of American least, by human agency, but it was be evangelicalism, and millennial ideol coming increasingly difficult to argue ogy has given shape to numerous ideas the case for the inauguration of a perfect and movements, including an under society. Manifestations of evil seemed standing of history that accords the to be on the increase, and the times American nation a special place in the Russell L. Staples, seemed to be growing less auspicious for Ph.D., before retiring, divine purpose; experiments in perfec the ushering in of the reign of peace. was chairman of the tionism, such as Oneida, the Shakers, Miller therefore could undergird his case Department of World and the Mormons; the Christianization for premillennialism by appealing to the Mission at Andrews of society; ideals of liberty and health; state of society. University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. and the relationships between church Miller's epistemology accorded high This article is adapted and state. priority to reason, and this was in keep from an essay in The Recent studies have served to locate ing with the spirit of the age. It was on Variety of American the Millerite movement in closer prox the basis of reason that he had become a Evangelicalism imity to the religious outlook of Ameri (Knoxville: University deist, and it was as a rationalist that he of Tennessee Press, can evangelicalism than was previously returned to traditional Christianity. Af 1991). thought to be the case. 1 It now appears ter two years' intensive study of Scrip- MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER/1993 19 ion was tolerated. One critic reported: refusing to prepare for the coming of the "Here we find annihilationists who unite Lord. Several of the leaders took Mil with universalists...; Arians, Socinians lerite condemnation of the churches to We appeal only to . . . , and yet united on this one point its logical conclusion. Denominations the Bible, and give [Millerism], they are all brethren, hale were the antichrist, were prophetic fellows well met." 8 Babylon, and all saints must now "come you our rules of The prophetic basis of the movement out of Babylon" lest they partake of the was Daniel 8:14 and 9:23-27. Simply destruction to fall on the wicked. "If you interpretation. put, Miller calculated the 2,300 years are a Christian, come out of Babylon. If (on the day-for-a-year principle) until you intend to be found a Christian when the cleansing of the sanctuary (Dan. Christ appears, come out of Babylon, 8:14) to begin at the decree of 457 B.C. and come out now" 9 (italics in original). "to restore and rebuild Jerusalem" (Dan. There thus arose, among some Mil tare, he wrote: "The Bible was now to 9:25, NIV). By simple arithmetic, this lerites, a rather sharp sense of particular me a new book. It was indeed a feast of period was calculated to terminate about ism. reason." 2 Even more revealingly: "I felt 1843-1844. This basic formula was bol that to believe in ... a Savior without stered by a network of parallel prophetic Beginning of the Seventh-day Advent- evidence would be visionary in the ex calculations. The sanctuary to be ist Church treme." 3 Hatch describes Miller's use of cleansed was understood to represent The Millerite movement was shat reason in the study of prophecy: "Miller the earth; the cleansing event, the sec tered by the delay of the Parousia—the was confident that by his inductive in ond coming of Christ. This was so, it was unfulfilled hope subsequently being vestigation a clear and simple system of reasoned, because only Christ has the called the Great Disappointment. Some truth was evident in the Bible.... Miller power to cleanse the world of sin and rejected the movement altogether. Per became a stickler for literal interpreta bring the millennium. Almost all the haps the majority response of those who tion. . . . Upon applying mathematical events of the last days were understood still affirmed the movement was to con science to the scriptural prophecy, thus to occur at this time: separation of the tinue expectantly awaiting the Advent, eliminating theory and speculation, a righteous from the wicked, resurrection on the grounds that there quite easily precise formula emerged that pointed of the righteous dead, destruction of the could have been an error of a few years with awesome moment to the year earth, creation of the new heavens and in calculations. They experienced a dif 1843." 4 new earth, and the commencement of ficulty, however, in that, because of Miller painstakingly demonstrated the millennium. prevailing anti-Millerite sentiment, there how all people could understand the The second stage of the movement seemed to be no church home to which prophecies for themselves. Just as he commenced in 1844. By then it was they could comfortably turn. The Ad sought to avoid speculation, so also he realized that the 2,300 years commenc vent Christian Church eventually arose eschewed any form of inner enlighten ing in 457 B.C. would end in A.D. 1844, out of this stranded group. Other Mil ment or appeal to subjective mysticism. not 1843. The cleansing of the sanctuary lerites argued that Christ's second com Accused of fanaticism and religious ex was now coupled with the Day of Atone ing actually had occurred in a spiritual cesses, the Millerites responded: "We ment—the day of the annual cleansing sense, and some such joined the Shakers. have sought to spread the truth, not by of the Temple in the ancient Hebrew The Seventh-day Adventist Church fanatical prophecies arising out of our cultic year (Lev. 16). The Day of Atone arose out of one of the smaller segments own hearts, but by the light of the Scrip ment thus was seen to be a prototype of of the Millerites; however, it was com tures, history, and by sober argument. the cleansing of the earth at the second prised of a broad spectrum of evangeli We appeal only to the Bible, and give coming of Christ. This day, it was calcu cal Protestants, among whom Method you our rules of interpretation." 5 lated, would fall on October 22 in the ists and Christianites seem to have ex Millerism was a mass movement dis year 1844. erted a dominant influence. Reaffirma- tributed across the Northeast and Mid Excitement ran high as this message tion of the validity of the Millerite mes west of the United States from Maine to was preached and rose higher as the day sage provided positive incentive to re Michigan. Its preachers came from many drew nearer. As enthusiasm rose, the main separate from the churches. of the churches. Of the 174 preachers movement became more volatile and Several developments contributed to with identifiable religious affiliation, 44 overran many of its more moderate lead the coalescence of this cohort of dis percent were Methodist, 27 percent Bap ers. Some of the churches became heartened Millerites into a committed tist, 9 percent Congregational, 8 percent alarmed at the excitement generated by core group. Perhaps the first develop Christianite,6 and 7 percent Presbyte Millerites within their communities and ment was a reaffirmation of the divine rian, with smaller numbers of Dutch responded by disfellowshipping some of origin of the Millerite movement,10 ac Reformed, Episcopalians, Lutherans, their members; some churches expelled companied by an elongation of the time and Quakers.7 The movement in its ministers who were active in the move table of the awaited Parousia. The in early stage was anti-separatist. Millerite ment. In place of the earlier antiseparatist strumentality of these affirmations was prayer circles and study fellowship meet stance, there now arose in some quarters a vision received by Ellen Harmon in ings were promoted, but followers were of the movement a vigorous cry, in the late 1844 and subsequently communi encouraged to remain in their churches. name of the angel of Revelation 18:1-4, cated to the group.11 This message gave And a wide variety of theological opin to "come out" of the churches that were the members both the incentive and the 20 MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER/1993 sense of time necessary for the forma selves together "as a church, taking the tion of an organization. name Seventh-day Adventists, covenant The second key factor was the ing to keep the commandments of God, There lies in this reinterpretation of the meaning of the and the faith of Jesus Christ." 14 cleansing of the sanctuary. Continued tendency an invitation study of the Israelite sanctuary services Themes in Adventist theology to legalism—not in and comparison of the earthly type with Having briefly traced some aspects the heavenly antitype led to the convic of the historical origin and doctrinal formal doctrine, tion that instead of leaving heaven to orientation of the coalescing Adventist come to earth, Christ had entered the Church, we are now in a position to give but hi Christian Most Holy Place of the heavenly sanctu consideration to the theological issues ary to commence a new phase of His relevant to this study. What follows is experience. priestly ministry. not an exhaustive survey of the Advent The third facilitating event was ac ist doctrinal system, nor an apologetic and the compassionate Saviour of the ceptance of prophetic guidance in the defense. The concern is more to place soul in need. In this, too, Adventism is ministry of Ellen Harmon (later White). Adventist thought in perspective and akin more to American Arminianism The idea of prophetic guidance was not describe some of its functions. than to the Wesleyan doctrine. There necessarily strange to the Millerites. The Adventist corpus of belief, lies in this tendency an invitation to They lived close to the Scriptures, de broadly speaking, is a set of biblically legalism—not in formal doctrine, for rived their models from the early church, endorsed doctrines and is perhaps better there salvation by grace alone is clearly believed they had seen the hand of God thought of as a coordinated system of defined, but in Christian experience. in recent events in human history, and fundamental beliefs than as a theologi In addition to broad-based were open to a progressive unfolding of cal system formulated about a central Arminianism, there are those doctrines revelation. Besides, these early organizing principle. 15 In this it is con that, from a general perspective, might Adventists identified themselves with sistent with its Millerite origins and the be designated as distinctly Adventist. the "remnant" of Revelation 12:17, who anticreedal stance of the Christianite These form a mutually supportive clus "have the testimony of Jesus Christ"; members of the founding group. ter, and it is the complex of ideas/beliefs and they understood this phrase to mean In the early days of Adventism, sev that emerge from this cluster that mark the "spirit of prophecy," on the basis of eral of its leaders, who formerly had Adventism off from the wider evangeli Revelation 19:10. been Christianites, held mildly anti- cal movement and inform its raison d' etre. Two other doctrines that came to be trinitarian and semi-Arian views, which These doctrines are: conditional immor distinctive of the Seventh-day Adventist derived from an earlier Socinian influ tality, seventh-day Sabbatarianism, a Church had surfaced in the Millerite ence. Apart from these early deviant premillennial historicist eschatology that movement: the seventh-day Sabbath12 views, Adventists have held orthodox emphasizes the imminence of the Sec and "soul sleep." I3 A logical concomi views regarding the Godhead and what ond Coming, acceptance of the gift of tant of the latter is the rejection of an are generally considered to be the cardi prophecy in the ministry of Ellen White, ever-burning hell. Interest in the doc nal doctrines of the Christian faith. The and teachings about the priestly work of trine appears to have arisen from imme cluster of doctrines relating to the Fall Christ in the heavenly sanctuary. These diate existential concern regarding the and sin and salvation constitute a thor doctrines coalesce into a distinctive fate of the wicked at the Second Com oughgoing evangelical Arminianism. eschatological theme that lies at the ing, and revolved about the theodicy Universal atonement is affirmed, while heart of Adventism. problem rather than from a rethinking of determinism is rejected. A degree of free Scholars have come to regard the Platonic dualism. will is endorsed, but without the subtlety concept of an immortal soul as an impo The process by which the scattered of the Wesleyan doctrine of prevenient sition of Platonic dualism upon the more Millerites were drawn together and con grace. The balance maintained between monistic Hebrew concept of personhood. sensus was achieved centered on a series divine sovereignty and human effort is The doctrine of conditional immortality of conferences conducted in New En Wesleyan. And it is a balance that en is listed here because it was characteris gland and New York for "friends of the deavors to safeguard the divine initia tically distinctive in an earlier age and Sabbath," which commenced in 1848 tive in salvation without undercutting because it has served to support other and ran for several years. The sense of human responsibility. strands in Adventist thought that affirm distinctiveness inherited from the Mil As for Christology, both sides are the significance of life in the body. lerites was reified in the process of es well-developed in Adventist thought and Adventist understandings of the Sab tablishing corporate and doctrinal iden experience. Theologically, emphasis is bath as a day of holiness and worship tity. It was further reinforced as the placed on the divine Christ, in whom owe much to Puritan Sabbatarianism. members came to identify in their stud was life underived, and who thus could The temporal identity of the Sabbath as ies with the remnant of Revelation 12:17 make atonement for human sin. In prac the seventh day and as the literal memo and felt called to proclaim the messages tical piety, however, there has been a rial of Creation was learned from the of the three angels of Revelation 14. A tendency to emphasize the human Christ, Seventh Day Baptists. What was thus denomination was officially established who suffered, was tempted, and over learned was submitted to the test of in 1861, when the members in Michigan came in the stream of human time and Scripture and refined and enlarged upon. signed an agreement associating them who is therefore both a perfect example The keeping of the Sabbath entered the MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER/1993 21 Adventist movement as a practical ex system of belief—a way of life that is dealings with human beings. In spite of pression of obedience to God and a per informed by an Arminian piety in which many affinities, however, there are broad sonal experience of fellowship with God the gospel has relevance for every di theological differences that derive from in holy time. It is both a celebration of mension of life. The seriousness with the central traditions informing each. Creation and a proleptic experience of which life in the body is regarded—the The major theological differences be the age to come. The Sabbath has an health-maintenance and educational tween evangelicalism and Adventism additional significance for Adventists, enterprises relate to this realm of lie in the distinctiveness that is grounded in that the "remnant" of Revelation 12:17 thought—is supported by the doctrine of in the cluster of doctrines outlined ear are portrayed as keeping the command conditional immortality. On this view, lier in this article. The question about the ments of God. For Adventists, therefore, there can be no dualism between salva relationship between Adventism and the seventh-day Sabbath is one of the tion of the soul and life in the body. evangelicalism on this score cannot be marks of the remnant, a badge signifying Relevant also to this way of life is a sense given a unilateral answer. Much de fidelity to God. of continuity between life on this earth pends on the attitude of both parties, the Ellen Harmon White (1827-1915) and the next. Faithful discipleship is degree of latitude and distinctiveness occupied a unique position among the regarded not as earning a place in that with which each is comfortable, and the founders of the Adventist Church, inas realm, but as developing a fitness for it. constraints that make for a united front. much as she was accepted as a special The most distinctive item in the Ad The message here surely is one of hope messenger of the Lord. 16 She lived to a ventist doctrinal storehouse is its teach that differences will always be weighed venerable age, wrote much, and exerted ing about the work of Christ in the heav in the light of much that is held in a powerful influence in the developing enly sanctuary. The priestly work of common and of a mutual commitment to church, although she eschewed direct Christ is conceived of as involving two the gospel. • leadership offices. She and her parental distinct ministries commencing at dif 1 Edwin S. Gaustad, ed., The Rise of Advent family had been active members in the ferent times. Upon His ascension, Christ ism: Religion and Society in Mid-Nineteenth-Cen Methodist Church before they became took upon Himself the office of priest to tury America (New York: Harper and Row, 1975); convinced Millerites. Her subsequent mediate the benefits of His atoning sac Gary Land, ed., Adventism in America: A History experience and lifework were thoroughly rifice, to forgive sins, to provide direct (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1986); RonaldL. Num bers and Jonathan M. Butler, eds., The Disap grounded in an underlying Arminian access to God, and to guide the church. pointed: Millerism andMillenarianism in the Nine evangelicalism, 17 and she did much In 1844, it is believed, a second phase teenth Century (Bloomington: Indiana Univ. Press, through her writing and personal influ began, one that added to these functions; 1987); Ernest R. Sandeen, The Roots of Funda ence to stabilize the movement in that and there commenced an examination of mentalism: British and American Millenarianism, tradition. 1800-1930 (Chicago: Univ. of Chicago Press, the records of all those who have been 1970); and David L. Rowe, Thunder and Trum Adventist doctrine does not derive servants of God. By the close of this pets: Millerites and Dissenting Religion in Up from the Ellen White writings,18 al though investigation, or "judgment," the com state New York, 1800-1850 (Chico, Calif.: Schol she did much to confirm Adventists in pany of the justified of all ages will be ars Press, 1985). the doctrinal way worked out by the made up. Thus has opened up the way for 2 Sylvester Bliss, Memoirs of William Miller: Generally Known as a Lecturer on the Prophe pioneers; but much that is distinctively the return of Christ and the gathering of cies, and the Second Coming of Christ (Boston: Adventist derives directly from her writ the saints into the presence of God. 19 Joshua V. Himes, 1853), pp. 76,77; quoted in part ings and influence. Included are: the This doctrine couples an understand in Rowe, p. 13. Adventist life of Bible study and piety; ing of the priesthood of Christ in the 3 William Miller, William Miller's Apology the Christian values that have engen heavenly sanctuary with concepts of the and Defense (Boston: J. V. Himes, 1845), p. 5. 4 Nathan O. Hatch, "Millennialism and Popu dered a distinctive lifestyle; ideas re judgment and final justification of be lar Religion in the Early Republic," in The Evan garding the relationship between physi lievers. On the one hand, this may be gelical Tradition in America, ed. Leonardl. Sweet cal health and spirituality, which have regarded as an extension of the tradi (Macon, Ga.: Mercer Univ. Press, 1984), p. 119. resulted in a healthful way of living and tional teaching regarding the threefold 5 Quoted in Francis D. Nichol, The Midnight Cry (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. eventually in a worldwide network of office of Christ (prophet, priest, and Assn., 1944), p. 120. medical institutions; and ideas regard king), and, on the other, as one possible 6 A loosely embodied federation of churches ing Christian education, which have led exposition of the biblical doctrine of the who had splintered from the Baptists in New York to the establishment of thousands of judgment of believers.20 and New Hampshire in the early nineteenth cen schools. These institutions, both medi Teachings about soul and body, Sab tury over the issue of clerical authority, forming the Christian Connexion in 1836. They tended to cal and educational, have served to trans bath, sanctuary, eschatology, and divine be antiformalist, anti-Calvinistic, anticreedal, anti- mit and foster the belief, value, and guidance have meshed with classical trinitarian, and revivalist. Several Christianites lifestyle complex that informs what it Christian thought to form the nexus of became prominent Millerite leaders, and several means to be Adventist—and these insti belief and hope in which Adventist iden became Seventh-day Adventists. 7 Everett N. Dick, "William Miller and the tutions in turn have exerted a reciprocal tity and mission coincide. Advent Crisis, 1831-1844" (unpublished type influence on the church. In addition to script volume, 1932), p. 268; quoted in Land, p. 34. all of this, Ellen White constantly en Adventism and evangelicalism * Baptist Advocate, Sept. 14,1843, and July 4, couraged the church to break out of its Theologically, Adventists and 1843. Quoted in Rowe, p. 119. narrow circuit and establish institutions 9 CharlesFitch, "ComeOutofHer My People," evangelicals have much in common, and The Second Advent of Christ, July 26, 1843, p. 2. and outreach programs of many kinds. also some differences. Both stress the Quoted in Francis D. Nichol, The Midnight Cry As is evident from the above, Ad- importance of doctrine and are con (Washington, D.C.: Review andHeraldPub. Assn., ventism is as much a way of life as a cerned with the truth about God and His 1944), p. 160. 22 MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER/1993 10 Ellen White described this conviction and its books grew out of conversations between (New York: Revell, 1892). The latter, as the title consequences thus: "We were firm in the belief evangelicals and Adventists: Seventh-day suggests, is thoroughly Arminian and borders on that the preaching of definite time was of God. It Adventists Answer Questions on Doctrine (Wash the literature of the holiness movement. was this that led men to search the Bible dili ington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 18 For a fuller exposition of the relationship of gently, discovering truths they had not before 1957); Walter R. Martin, The Truth About Sev the E. G. White writings and Scripture, see Froom, perceived" (Ellen G. White, Life Sketches of Ellen enth-day Adventism (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, Movement of Destiny, pages 91-96 and 101-106, G. White [Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press 1960); and Doctrinal Discussions (Washington, and Seventh-day Adventists Answer Questions on Pub. Assn., 1915], p. 62). D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., c. 1962). Doctrine, pages 89-104. 11 Ellen G. White, Early Writings of Ellen G. The first is a quasi-official statement of Adventist 19 This teaching has evoked much attention, White (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. beliefs. So Much in Common (Geneva: World both within and outside the church. No attempt Assn., 1954), pp. 13-20; and LeRoy E. Froom, The Council of Churches, 1973 [documents of interest can be made here to give an exposition of the Prophetic Fai th of Our Fathers (Washington, D.C.: in the conversations between the World Council doctrine or review the arguments raised against it Review andHeraldPub. Assn., 1954), Vol. IV, pp. of Churches and the Seventh-day Adventist or in its defense. It is mentioned here because it is 981, 982. Church]) grew out of conversations with the WCC, basic to the Adventist identity. Froom, Prophetic 12 For further details, see C. Mervyn Maxwell, 1965-1971. An overview of many of the distinc Faith, Vol. IX, pages 881, 877, describes the "Joseph Bates and Seventh-day Adventist Sab tive themes in Adventist thought can be gained genesis of the teaching. For further details, see bath Theology," in The Sabbath in Scripture and from the papers read at a Bible conference in Edward Heppenstall, Our High Priest (Washing History, ed. Kenneth A. Strand (Washington, D.C.: 1942: Our Firm Foundation (Washington, D.C.: ton, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1972) Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1982), pp. 352-363. Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1953). LeRoy E. and Seventh-day Adventists Answer Questions on 13 For further details, see Froom, pp. 805-808. Froom, Movement of Destiny (Washington, D.C.: Doctrine, pp. 341-445. 14 Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Oct. 8, Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1971) is an apolo 20 For instance, Berkhof writes: "The concept 1861; quoted in Richard Schwarz, Light Bearers getic history of the development of doctrine in of judgment is used [here] in one specific sense, to the Remnant (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Adventism. Richard Rice's The Reign of God: An namely as the judgment of the works done by Press Pub. Assn., 1979), p. 96. At the time of the Introduction to Christian Theology From a Sev believers in their earthly life; see Romans 14:10- organization of the General Conference of Sev enth-day Adventist Perspective (Berrien Springs, 12; 1 Corinthians 3:10-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10; enth-day Adventists in 1863, there were 3,500 Mich.: Andrews Univ. Press, 1985) is the most Galatians 6:8f. ... In Protestant theology, this members. Today there are about 770,000 mem systematic overview of Adventist thought to date. viewpoint is almost completely pushed aside by bers in North America and 6 million worldwide. 16 For details of the life and work of Ellen G. the accent on grace" (Hendrikus Berkhof, Chris Inasmuch as the "believers' church, believers' White, see Arthur L. White, Ellen G. White (Wash tian Faith [Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1979], p. baptism" tradition is adhered to, the number of ington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1981- 489). There appear to be positive adumbrations adherents would be considerably higher than this. 1986). regarding the judgment of believers and final There is an Adventist presence in 183 of the 215 17 Almost all of Ellen White's writings betray justification in Wesley's theology. See Harold nations recognized by the United States. this Arminian orientation; it is overtly evident in Linstrom, Wesley and Sanctification (Wilmore, 15 There are several studies that may be re The Desire of Ages (Mountain View, Calif.: Pa Ky.: Francis Asbury Publishing, c. 1980), pp. ferred to for a survey of Adventist doctrine. Three cific Press Pub. Assn., 1898) and Steps to Christ 205-218. The phone call you don't want! The horror of self murder—a challenge confronting today's pastor— requires understanding, sensitivity, and thoroughly biblical advice. Suicide Discover— • why people commit suicide. • the common myths about suicide. • who are high risks. • the signs of suicide intention. • the role of the pastor in prevention, inter vention and postventioh. • how to care for a family when one of its members has committed suicide. VCM-7243 includes textbook, facilitator's guide, and 60 minute VHS cassette. Earns 1 CEU. Only $39.95 plus $5 shipping A Ministerial Continuing Education Video Program MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER/1993 23 Pastors' wives lead a great life t's hard to believe until the youngest began school. Today, Wilma Kirk-Lee that more than a a young woman marrying a pastor real quarter century has izes that a second income may be a passed since I be necessity. Two paychecks are necessary I came a pastor's to maintain solvency and provide the wife. It's really been children with a Christian education. a great life, despite Besides that, many a pastor's wife a few difficulties along the way. has completed an education and feels The role of a pastor's wife has expe called to develop the career she trained ... if they can rienced quite a metamorphosis in my for. This is actually a matter of Christian establish their time. Today' s economic, social, and edu stewardship. It would be inappropriate cational environment challenges her and wasteful not to use the education personal identity every day. The commitment required is acquired through the investment of time not just to her husband, but to a confer and money. while serving the ence and a congregation whose expecta Maintaining dual careers in a pasto tions are so high and sometimes so unre ral family is challenging yet possible. It Lord. alistic that seeking to cope is difficult— requires attention to the needs of both in fact, seemingly impossible. The re spouses. As pastor and wife work out sponsibility for developing one's unique how they will effectively minister, out talents is often stretched to the limit when side parties may not be happy with their each element of life clamors for its due. decision. The congregation and the con Back when I was a new pastor's wife, ference usually have traditional expec I was uncertain about what my role tations that they are not of a mind-set to should be. Everyone had suggestions. renegotiate for the individual needs and The conference said to do whatever my differences of pastoral couples. For ex husband needed to be successful. Church ample, the conference may expect the members said do whatever we tell you to wife of a pastor to move at a moment's do. Family and friends had their input as notice. Some administrators presuppose well. I really wasn't certain who and that she is a silent partner who can be what I was. Without a clear concept of ordered about without benefit of hearing my gifts, I didn't know what my ministry her input. Her needs tend to go unrecog was. One thing I did know—I didn't fit nized and unfulfilled. Her personal iden the stereotype of the quiet, plainly tity is ignored. dressed, subservient wife. The situation today can be even more Need for a personal identity Wilma Kirk-Lee, of Little Rock, Arkansas, confusing and demanding for a pastor's I believe a pastor's wife has a basic is chairwoman of the wife than it was 25 years ago. For one spiritual responsibility to establish a per Behavioral Sciences thing, a pastor's salary used to cover the sonal identity. I find no exemption in Department of basic cost of living. With prayerful plan Scripture given to the pastor's wife for Shorter College and ning I could remain home and be the not developing the gifts God entrusted to cohost of the weekly telecast Table Talk. consummate hostess, housewife, and par her. Rather, the admonishment is "What ent, even though we did not always drive soever thy handfindeth to do, do it with the latest car, have the newest clothes, or thy might" (Eccl. 9:10). The apostle take glamorous vacations. And it was a Paul states: "We possess this precious privilege to remain with my children treasure [the divine Light of the Gospel] 24 MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER/1993 in [frail, human] vessels of earth, that the When I was a full-time homemaker, claimed this text as my personal prom grandeur and exceeding greatness of the I used my hobby, crocheting, as a per ise: "Now to Him Who, by (in conse power may be shown to be of God and sonal identity developer. I was fortunate quence of) the [action of His] power that not from ourselves" (2 Cor. 4:7, Ampli to have a mother-in-law who, during a is at work within us, is able to [carry out fied).* Mining this treasure that God summer evangelistic crusade, taught me His purpose and] do superabundantly, entrusted to us involves becoming all we to crochet, in the evenings after the far over and above all that we [dare] ask can possibly be. meetings. It was calming, even thera or think—infinitely beyond our highest Ellen White states: "You should also peutic, to see something develop right prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or have an aim, a purpose, in life. . . . before my eyes. I learned to create dreams—to Him be glory" (Eph. 3:20, Talents are entrusted to your care, to be afghans and shawls that were unique in 21, Amplified). I have appropriated this doubled. You are responsible for their their color coordinations and patterns. promise in strengthening my relation proper use or their abuse. . . . Improve Friends still tell me how much they ship with the Lord as well as in establish your talents, even though they are few, appreciate and treasure my personal cre ing my personal identity. I shudder to and let a sense of your responsibility to ation for them. think what I would have missed other God for their right use rest upon you."' Beyond pursuing my hobby, I devel wise. Evidently, a pastor's wife is fulfill oped my personal identity in advancing ing an obligation to God in knowing who my faculties through education. I felt A wonderful life! she is and what He wants to accomplish propelled to acquire both an undergradu Some of what I've shared could pos through her life. For her own sake she ate and graduate degree in social work. sibly make the experience of being a also needs to establish a personal iden This involved work and sacrifice, yet I pastor's wife appear tedious. This is not tity—and her husband will benefit as found joy in both the journey and the my perception of how my life has been well. The pastoral marriage is strength arrival at my destination. for the past quarter of a century. The ened and enhanced when the pastor lives years have brought incredible growth not with his clone, but with an interest Blessings of a personal identity and privileges. For example, moving ing, dynamic person who has a life and In broadening my personal identity around hasn't been easy, but when I purpose of her own. through education, I've had opportuni consider the advantages gained, I am Children of a pastoral family are also ties for interaction with individuals that amazed. I've lived in the northeast, south, blessed when their mother has found her I never dreamed would be possible—for west, and southwest sections of the personal identity. She models by her example, the semester I spent working United States. I have traversed the coun example that life is not defined by the as an intern in the district office of a try by land and air, even traveling over parsonage fishbowl. Children also real California state senator. Beyond every seas. When hearing of certain places ize that their own lives are not summed thing else, I feel F ve been a "good and through the media or in conversation, I up in who their father is or what he does. faithful servant" in developing the tal remember my experiences and relation Their mother helps establish this through ents that the Lord gave me. ships with people there who are now my her joy in who she is and what she does. My sense of contentment derived friends. Her children develop as individuals even from reaching personal goals is immea Regarding my experience with the as she is growing as an individual in the surable. I realize there are some areas congregations my husband has led, an Lord. where complete accomplishment is not important element of my life has been Problems arise when others mandate possible because of being a pastor's my own ministry to those churches. Yet what the gifts of the pastor's wife should wife. Thus it is important that those I believe a pastor's wife should do what be. The depth of her relationship with goals that can be accomplished are at ever she does, not because someone the Lord determines how secure she is in tained, to smooth the way when other requires it, but because she loves the safeguarding her identity. It also deter goals are thwarted. Lord and loves her husband. In this mines how she chooses to share her The comfort of having a personal context, I have received great delight in unique gifts, leaving her free to say no identity has helped me see the rainbow sharing with the churches my God-given when something is not within her area of in the mundane experiences of parson talents. ministry. age life. The constant tension of "being There were times through the years on call" has been relieved in having a when I was weak emotionally, physi Finding a personal identity relationship with the Lord and an iden cally, and spiritually. But my overall How does a pastor's wife establish tity that isn't wrapped up in being a experience has brought me contentment, her own identity? The simplest way is to clone of my husband. joy, and even delight. God has given me develop at least one facet of life unique A unique, intimate relationship with His love and a personal identity, a hus and special to her. It might be an educa the Lord has been the most wonderful band and children, plus friends and a tional pursuit, perhaps that degree, cer benefit of establishing my own identity. church family. Yes, mine has truly been tification, or advanced training she has I have seen Him work in so many ways a great life. • always longed for. Perhaps it's voca in my life. He has performed so many * Texts credited to Amplified are from The tional—a promotion or a project that miracles for me that I often stop and Amplified Bible. Copyright © 1965 by The she's been longing to tackle. And then praise Him for His goodness, and simply Lochman Foundation. Used by permission of there's always a hobby, what people because I am His child. He has com Zondervan Pub. House, Grand Rapids, MI. 49506. 1 Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church think of when they say, "When I get the forted me, strengthened me, chastened (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., time, I'm going to . . ." me, exhorted me; He is my Friend. I have 1948), vol. 2, p. 429. MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER/1993 25 Pastor's Pastor Busier than Jesus James A. Cress 11 pastors are busy. "doing" good more than "being." "In a Furthermore, if I want to effect spiri Some are too busy. I life wholly devoted to the good of oth tual change in my members, the place to was busier than ers, the Saviour found it necessary to start is in myself. The old adage still Jesus. withdraw from the thoroughfares of holds true—spirituality of members will Now, don't cas travel and from the throng that followed not grow beyond that of their leaders. In A our congregation we tried an inten tigate me for blas Him day after day. He must turn aside phemous presump from a life of ceaseless activity and tional yearlong experiment to increase tion: how could I could be busier than contact with human needs, to seek re our corporate spirituality. We did this the Creator of the universe? Well, I am tirement and unbroken communion with by looking at the roots of spiritual not the only one who has found himself His Father." * growth—Bible study, prayer, fellow or herself overextended—busier than ship, witnessing, and obedience. Each Jesus. And before you finish reading Pastoral overextension one of us looked at the issues in a this article you too may find yourself Pastoral overextension is first noted personal way. My own prayer and study busier than Jesus. and its negative impact first felt in the life improved as I admonished my mem One thing I have discovered is how pastor's marriage and home. It comes bers to progress in these areas. My easy it is to confuse the urgent with the well before most church members per motive of modeling for them challenged important. For example, in my pastor ceive its presence. This is because we my own spiritual growth. ate I found that my time was more easily can mask our lives easier before those For 12 months we continued our consumed putting out fires than light with whom we meet and worship for study and prayer. We encouraged in ing them in the hearts of my people or only a few hours weekly than before creased fellowship and witness. We even in my own heart. Unless intention those with whom we live daily. If I reflected on personal obedience to Jesus. ally protected, my agenda became so don't pray this week, few of my mem We added five more minutes to what filled with doing good that I failed to do bers may immediately know. But if I ever time we were spending in our right. don't pray today, my spouse, children, spiritual growth activities. At the end of If you couple this reality with a and even my dog will probably feel it the year we measured our progress by a work-ethic model that values activity tomorrow! congregational survey. Eighty-six per as a measure of productivity, one thing cent indicated that they were now more becomes predestined: "doing" will re obedient to God's will for their per ceive more emphasis than "being." sonal lives than they were a year earlier. Which, of course, is the crux of the In my pastorate I The methods were simple; the results issue. To the extent that my time for momentous. personal devotions and spiritual growth found that my time If you find yourself busier than Jesus, gave way to the demands of the urgent, was more easily I encourage you to investigate experi I became busier than Jesus. mentally yourpriorities. Do a self-analy Not that Jesus wasn't busy. In fact, consumed putting out sis on the urgent and the important, the when my life is most crowded with doing and the being. Find for yourself crisis and urgent demands, I am just fires than lighting that personal spirituality increases as beginning to sense what it must have them in the hearts of you focus on being about your Saviour' s been to have the people of Palestine business. constantly crowding Jesus for what they my people or even in * Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages (Moun knew He could give them. How easy it my own heart. tain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1940), would have been for Him to rely on pp. 362, 363. 26 MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER/1993 Local Church Elders Team leadership Walton Whaley with J. H. Zachary ost Adventistpastors lay leaders attending this meeting. These times together should not be domi around the world Locally, the pastor should plan a nated by the pastor. Lay elders in large lead multichurch monthly or bimonthly meeting with all districts are used to being involved in districts that vary in the local elders of the district. Along leadership, and the quarterly meetings size from 5 to 30 with providing training, the pastor can should recognize their capabilities. M congregations. lay plans with the elders for the district What challenges as a whole as well as for each congrega The advantages of lay leadership these leaders have in providing adequate tion. These plans include evangelism, While there are serious disadvan pastoral care! The district leader must visitation, sermon topics, and district tages to the pastor who must serve a develop skills in delegation, training, and local congregation goals. large number of congregations, there are and administration to maximize lay lead also some decided advantages in the ership, particularly that of local church Quarterly district meetings need to depend on the ministry of local elders. The quarterly district meeting is very lay elders. Evidence for this is the fact The training of local elders can be successful in parts of Asia and Africa. that in some world divisions there is a accomplished through a number of Where convenient, the entire district striking correlation between the growth means. Most important is the modeling membership meets in one of the churches. of the church and number of churches of the pastors themselves. With God's This provides opportunities for worship the average pastor serves. help they must be what the elders should and fellowship, forming a spiritual bond Without a pastor living in town, el become, manifesting a burden for preach between pastor and members. ders and other lay members must take ing, nurturing, evangelism, Christian ed At these quarterly meetings the lay the initiative in local soul winning. When ucation, and the care of church property. leaders of the district can also meet with pastors are able to visit, they often find the pastor to formulate plans for coordi candidates thoroughly prepared for bap Specialized instruction needed nated evangelism, including entering tism. Such is the fruit of active lay Local elders also need specialized unreached villages in their territory. leadership. instruction in every aspect of ministry skills, including: 1. How to conduct a committee meet Would you accept this candidate as your pastor? ing, 2. Sermon preparation and preaching, "Gentlemen: Understanding your pulpit is vacant, I should like to; apply lor 3. Personal and public evangelism, the position. I have many qualifications. I've been a preacher with much 4. How to make visiting more success arid also have some success as a writer. Some say I'm a good organizer. ; effective, I've been a leader most places I've been. i 5. How to strengthen the departments "I'm over 50 years of age. I have never preached in one place for more than of the church, three years. In some places, I left town after my work because it caused riots 6. Care of church property, and disturbances. I must admit I have been in jail three or four times, but not 7. Deeper understanding of the because of any real wrong doing. Adventist message, "My health is not too good, though I still get a great deal done. The churches 8. Nurture of new converts. I have preached in have been small, though located in several large cities. "I've not gotten along well with religious leaders in towns where I have Training seminars preached. In fact, some have threatened me and even attacked me physically. The 1991 General Conference An I am not too good at keeping records. I have been known to forget whom I nual Council recommended that local baptized. conferences/missions conduct a mini "However, if you can use me, I shall do my best for you." mum of one training seminar each year Signed, "The Apostle Paul." for pastors and local lay elders. Churches should cover the travel expense of their As seen in Dear Abby. Reprinted with permission, of Universal Press Syndicate. AH rights reserved. MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER/1993 27 Biblio File Classic Sermons on the Cross of Christ Do you think contentment means to search our reasons for going else Warren W. Wiersbe, compiler, Kregel having a bureaucratic job? Do you find where. "It is necessary from time to time Publications, Grand Rapids, 1990, 160 the most attractive part of pastoring is a that someone stand up and attempt to get pages, $8.95, paper. Reviewed by Derek possible move up the denominational the attention of the pastors lined up at the Morris, professor ofpreaching and pas ladder? Then forget Eugene Peterson's travel agency in Joppa to purchase a toral theology, Southern College, book. But if you are open to a redefini ticket to Tarshish." Collegedale, Tennessee. tion of pastoring and want to renew your Peterson gets at the heart of our Chris The apostle Paul wrote to the passion for your work, Peterson will tian dilemma when he describes pastoral Corinthians that "the message of the challenge and delight you. work as geographical as well as cross is foolishness to those who are The third in a series (Smooth Stones eschatological. We must make the mes perishing, but to us who are being saved for Pastoral Work, 1980, and Working sage of God's plans (eschatology) rel it is the power of God" (1 Cor. 1:19, the Angles, 1987), Under the Unpredict evant in present circumstances (geogra NIV). In the same letter he also affirmed able Plant sharpens the spiri phy). "Pastoral work devoid the Christocentric focus of his preach tual definition of pastoral of eschatology declines into ing: "We preach Christ crucified ... the work. a court chaplaincy—sprin power of God and the wisdom of God" Determined to resist mod kling holy water on consum- (verses 23, 24). ern business values and mar erist complacency and reli Down through the Christian Era, keting ploys (which consume gious gratification. Geogra many sermons have been preached on pastors' time with manage phy without eschatology be the cross of Christ. Warren Wiersbe has ment instead of spiritual comes mere religious land compiled 12 great sermons on this cen leadership), Peterson rallies scaping." tral theme, and this compilation makes a a cry for "pastoral vocation" But, he says, "Eschatology valuable addition to the pastoral library rather than "religious careerism." In the without geography degenerates into re for three reasons. First, reading these process he fans the flame of pastoral ligious science fiction." We must state sermons from such giants as Spurgeon, passion, painting a picture of what might God's message so it makes sense in a Sangster, MacLaren, G. Campbell Mor be if we give more attention to contem certain place and time. Geography and gan, and others enhances the pastor's plative prayer than idolized careers. eschatology go together and link our spiritual formation. He or she can find no From his fundamentalist church up contemplative insights with real life. greater theme for personal study and bringing in rural Montana to seminary We are of neither this world nor the next, contemplation. My own favorite is teacher, Peterson could not identify with but of both at the same time. Spurgeon's "Death of Christ for His pastors. But need for a part-time job led Worth more than a quick glance, this People." Second, pastors can find in him to a church assignment and a pastor story/sermon/appeal can stimulate us to these sermons useful models to strengthen he wanted to emulate. Later he pastored a new vision of who we are, where we their preaching on the cross of Christ. a Presbyterian church in Maryland for are, and why we are here. Third, in an age when many preachers 29 years. seek to empty the cross of its power, this Long assignments fit Peterson's theo Circles of Influence book points to the relevancy of the cross. retical model. With the book of Jonah as Robert C. Anderson, Moody Press, Chi Wiersbe introduces each sermon a backdrop, he uses metaphors, stories, cago, 1991, 364 pages, $14.99, paper. with a brief history of the preacher's and concepts that depreciate quick moves Reviewed by Greg Asimakoupoulos, ministry, but the introduction lacks analy to escape church storms. For example, pastor, Crossroads Covenant Church, sis and critique of the sermon: Why has he says, "A successful pastor will dis Concord, California. this sermon made its mark on the history cover a workable program and repeat it As with his first book, The Effective of preaching? What methodology does in congregation after congregation to Pastor, Robert Anderson marshals his the preacher employ? How does one the immense satisfaction of parishio experience and research to address is discover the exegetical idea in the text ners. The church members can be reli sues of leadership in the local church. and then fashion the homiletical idea? gious without praying or dealing with Writing to clergy and lay leaders, the As a result the volume remains inspira God. Prostitute pastor." Instead, he val author's concern is "how to bring about tional but falls short as a source of homi ues long-term commitment with all its change in the church without causing letical instruction. boredom and constraints for the joy of harm to the body and its members." seeing familiar people hearing God speak Anderson sees the church as a living Under the Unpredictable Plant: An to them. organism that demands change. Exploration in Vocational Holiness Peterson's preference for long pas According to the author, adaptability Eugene H. Peterson, William B. torates is unfamiliar to many of us. But does not come about easily. The church Eerdmans Publishing Co., Grand Rap the principles are applicable. He ac must identify the mission God has for it ids, 1992, 208 pages, US$18.95, knowledges that all pastors won't be and create structures that effectively and Cdn$24.65, hardcover. Reviewed by able to stay forever with their first as efficiently accomplish that mission. Darold F. Bigger, associate professor signment. He has now returned to teach Those structures are the "circles of influ religion and social work, Walla Walla ing at Regent College, Vancouver, in ence." Reading Circles of Influence is College, Walla Walla, Washington. British Columbia. But he challenges us like sitting in one of Anderson's classes 28 MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER/1993 at the Western Conservative Baptist stop begging and develop a quality part spiritual role and you recognize the value Seminary, where he is professor of pas nership between clergy and member- of a positive attitude toward giving, then toral theology. His writing flows logi leaders. They must speak to people's this book is for you. Hale writes in a cally and orderly, resembling a lecture interests and concerns, not to the church's concise, well-organized style for church without the squeal of blackboard chalk. needs. By emphasizing the positive, leaders who want to carry their congre Anderson does a masterful job trac members come to understand that giving gations to new levels of service. ing traits of leadership through the Scrip within the church is both spiritual and The final chapter lists "The 11 Cardi tures. Throughout the book he presses financial. Hale talks about "happy" nal Points," the eleventh being to "teach for making biblical leadership models money and "sad" money. He reviews the the gospel of good giving." Hale urges relevant for the 90s. Anderson reiterates wonderful world of big gifts. The book's us to make giving a part of the good the underlying servant-heart of an effec 47 chapters include illustrations that news; the giver really is the principal tive leader. He writes: "If there is no capture the attention. beneficiary. The last chapter alone is other point you get from this book, re If your church needs to reaffirm its worth the investment. member the higher a person is placed on most charts, the greater his degree of servanthood and the greater his degree of responsibility to all those he serves." Perhaps the most valuable contribu tion of the book is a section on the pastor's Practical code of ethics located in the appendix. How To The Lost Art of Church Fund Raising: Getting the Details Right, Ashley Hale, Guide Precept Press, Inc., Chicago, 1993, 149 for pages, hardcover, $49.95 plus $4 ship ping and handling. Reviewed by Milton Beginning Murray, recently retired director, Phil anthropic Service for Institutions, Silver Ministers Spring, Maryland. Ashley Hale, one of America's fore most authorities on philanthropy, speaks to church members, leaders, and clergy on the subject of giving. Hale reminds us The intern must not begin that, although giving emerges from our ministry alone so we have spiritual sense, the church has lost ground to secular causes. Why? Because Two manuals in one! churches depend entirely on those spiri tual origins to carry out their giving programs. In the meantime other causes have capitalized on the latent spirit- The first is to train the inspired desire to give, added some up- to-date techniques, and surpassed the intern supervisor. The church. second is for the intern. Hale says that American churches are "spinning around wanting to go for ward but actually going nowhere." The historic role of churches—to give for the 50 Ministerial functions for benefit of others is no longer the case. He says churches preach generosity but do a stronger ministry. not model it. "The financial needs of the church take first place," while they preach the opposite. Churches need to be MSC1100 examples of giving. "To achieve this Only U.S.$12.95 they need radically improved attitudes toward and methods of fund raising." Please add $4.00 shipping and handling The author outlines the steps required for success. He tells us that the spiritual Seminars Unlimited - Ministerial Supply Center base for giving has unlimited possibili P.O. Box 66, Keene, XX 76O59 ties when aided by proven methods and Information (81?) 641-354} Orders (800) 982-3344 competent volunteers. Canada and overseas additional shipping charges win apply According to Hale, churches need to call for exact charges MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER/1993 29 Evolution's End: Claiming the Poten Broken Promises fool you (plain cover, ing methodology and advice on difficult tial of Our Intelligence copious footnotes, and appendixes). This questions such as whether or not to re Joseph C. Pearce, HarperCollins, San book provides a highly readable treat veal that adultery has been committed, Francisco, 1992, 266 pages, $20, hard ment of adultery in Christian marriage. whether or not unconditional love can cover. Reviewed by Ronaele Whittington, The author's anecdotes, illustrations, win back a straying mate, and when D.S.W., social worker, Kailua, Hawaii. and organization make the solid infor tough love should be exercised. Virkler Hawaii has the most diverse popula mation on this subject move along. offers the faithful mate excellent advice tion in the United States, and this volume Virkler shows convincingly that about what and what not to do. He gives begins with Chilton Pearce's lectures in there is more to healing affairs than the church program ideas on affair pre that state. He writes about acceptance of confronting them as a sin problem— vention usable for couples and groups. diversity through unity and unity through though that certainly is in order! He He offers the unfaithful mate help (and diversity. His is a comprehensive does an excellent job of tracing the suggested reading) in understanding why worldview. Pearce draws on art, reli deceitfulness of sin that can lure even he or she could have done such a thing. gion, and science to explain the state of the most devout Christian into adultery. Was the affair an attempt to supplement Western society. Because some Christians deliberately something missing in the marriage or Alienated from traditional Christian repress their feelings as unspiritual, they was it an expression of anger—a way of practices and beliefs, Pearce finds many actually may be more vulnerable than punishing his or her mate? What is it religions perpetuating themselves rather unbelievers who see it coming. about the personality of the adulterer than unfolding the immense possibilities This book holds something for ev that opened the door to unfaithfulness? for relationships with creation. eryone. Those who counsel marriages This book makes an important addition Pearce describes the corruption and rocked by infidelity find good counsel to the pastoral library. • dysfunction of society in terms of dimin ished brain function. He cites hospital childbirth, day care, television, prema ture attempts at formal education, and synthetic growth hormones as society's Lay training in Quebec route to becoming a mass of incapaci tated humanity. Weaving in neurologi Ministries at the Val D'Espoir camp cal science, Pearce offers a convincing ground in Quebec. Each month 100 thesis that today's children are ruined for French-speaking lay members will re maximizing their full potential. He dem ceive a diploma certifying their increased onstrates society's stifling of explora proficiency in outreach and nurture. tion and creativity as well as analytic and critical thought. Pearce writes, however, from an evo lutionist' s secular viewpoint. He neglects Christ as essential to the pursuit of hu man potential. He also speaks of specifi Canadian pastors Claude Richli cations of brain function as if they were all (above) and Denis Fortin (right) con scientifically tested which is not the case. duct the Training Institute for Gospel At the same time, one cannot help being inspired by the thought of enhanc ing intelligence that leads us closer to Swedish field school God's creation. Otherwise, growth ceases and relationship with God deteriorates as Field school participants celebrate the completion of four weeks of intense society falls apart. study with seminar leaders David Currie, Trans-European Division Ministerial An increasingly diverse population MinisterialAssociation, and Rex"' D. ~~Edwards, director of continuing education for the GC demands a state of constant alertness in order to cope. Pastors will find in Pearce's Association. treatise ideas on how to survive in today' s Convened in society and a storehouse of quotable Gothenburg, material, documented and cross refer Sweden, the enced. school offered graduate Broken Promises courses in Henry Virkler, general ed., Gary Collins, "Church Wordlnc., Irving, Texas, 1992,306pages, Growth and $10.99, paper, $14.99, hardcover. Re- Motivation" viewed by Andre Bustanoby, Christian and "The counselor and author, Bowie, Maryland. Church and Don't let the textbook appearance of Secularism." 30 MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER/1993 Shop Talk Words of wisdom bath; collected with the offer head deacon in need. One of trained and designated per Consider how often you' ve ing; and mailed by the church our elders suggested that the son in the congregation. They needed just the right quote for as a ministry. (If the members church board select a benevo may be asked to read material a sermon or article. Perhaps take them home, they often lent committee, comprised of on Christian financial prin you searched through generic forget to mail them.) five individuals who displayed ciples, such as books by Mel books of quotes, only to learn Many churches in the different strengths (hospital Rees or Larry Burkett, and let that it isn't always easy to northwest United States are ity, generosity, fiscal respon the adviser help them formu find something that reflects using encouragement cards. sibility, caution, wisdom) to late a budget. This provides Christian values. But now For a sample, send a stamped, give the committee balance. accountability, which is ap Words of Wisdom is avail addressed envelope to: En These individuals serve from preciated by donors to the able, with 224 pages packed couragement Cards, Medford year to year, unaffected by fund. Most recipients eagerly with 2,700 indexed quotes to SDA Church, 1900 Green the nominating committee, cooperate with the program's give creativity, distinction, wood, Medford, OR 97504.— and they may not hold any conditions.—Mark A. and credibility to all your com Chad McComas, Medford, other church office. Heisey, Tryon, North Caro munications. Oregon. Here's how it works: if a lina. Available for US$12.95 request comes for monetary (postpaid in the United States) Vacation idea help—or if the pastoral staff Ministry relics from Philanthropic Service The Worldwide Guide to becomes aware of a need Old issues of Ministry for Institutions, 12501 Old Retreat Center Guest Houses within the congregation—the from the late 1930s onward Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, lists Christian-affiliated ac information goes to the chair are available to complete MD 20904. Or call 301/680- commodations for vacations person of the benevolent com one's Ministry files or just to 6135. and retreats. Beautiful and mittee. This frees the pastor own for historical value. Most serene surroundings offer es of the immediate responsibil are not in complete sets. Ma Encouragement cards cape from smog, noise, and ity of the decision. However, terials are free—we ask only One of the most practical traffic. For an average of the pastor may be asked to that you pay something for ideas I've ran across is en US$25 to $35 per person per join the committee in the dis postage. (Leftovers will be couragement cards. These are night, including three meals cussion of the matter, or to discarded in sixmonths.) Send postal cards perfect for writ daily, one can find accommo share pertinent information. dates desired and postage to ing a short message of sup dations in 10 countries, in All moneys go out as a gift Ministry, 12501 Old Colum port to a fellow member. They cluding 47 U.S. states. Many from the church, since the bia Pike, Silver Spring, MD can be used for uplifting some guest houses simply ask for a church doesn't lend money. 20904. one going through a crisis. freewill donation or gift "as We have found, however, that They can let someone miss the spirit moves." members who have been $25 for your ideas ing know that someone cares. Listed are more than 425 helped remember the favor, Please send us a sugges They can also affirm leader centers, along with detailed and moneys flow back into tion about how pastors can ship and say a well-timed descriptions, prices, ad the fund. Of course, transac make their ministry more ef thank you. The uses are end dresses, telephone numbers, tions are in complete confi fective or less stressful. If we less. Perhaps the best part and map locations. The Guest dence, even from the church publish it, we will send you about encouragement cards is Houses range from elegant treasurer who must make g. $25. If your idea promotes a the ministry of caring that is manor houses in England and check payable to a utility com product or service you are fostered. seaside apartments in Massa pany, for example, which is selling, we'll be glad to con For example, Brian, in his chusetts to forest cabins in delivered by a committee sider it for publication but early 20s, left the drug culture Colorado.—John Jensen, CTS member. If the need resulted won'tpayyou$25! Send ideas and began attending church. Publications, P.O. Box 8355, from poor management or is to Ministry, Shop Talk Edi Our members opened their Newport Beach, CA 92660. significant or prolonged, re tor, 12502 Old Columbia Pike, arms and loved him; some cipients receive help on con Silver Spring, MD 20904. U.S. times they would send him an dition that they consult a fi citizens, please include So encouragement card. I re Helping the poor nancial adviser, preferably a cial Security number. member visiting Brian in his Occasionally someone in home and seeing all the en our congregation needs assis couragement cards pinned on tance, but the "deacon's fund" his wall. He was so proud of often doesn't have enough them. They had done their money to meet the need, is Bible credits: Texts credited to NEB are from The New English Bible. © The Delegates of the Oxford University Press and the Syndics of the Cambridge University Press i 96 i. 1970. Reprinted by permission. job! dependent on the level of con Texts credited to NIV are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright ©1973,1978,1984. To ensure their use, the cern of the head deacon, or is International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Texts credited to NKJV are from The New King James Version. Copyright © 1979.1980,1982, Thomas Nelson, Inc., Publishers. encouragement cards should not equipped to maintain con Bible texts credited to NRSV are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989 be: available in the pews at fidentiality. Sometimes it by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by permission. Verses marked TLB are taken from The Living Bible, copyright © 1 971 by Tyndale church; mentioned each Sab could be a deacon or even the House Publishers, Wheaton, 111, Used by permission. MINISTRY/SEPTEMBER/1993 31 25MHz 486SX ISA On-§ite «0pgradabte to 66Mhz' service! 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