BY RICK KNOTH ONE THING that should really grab our weapon carrying. from the world's value system, or do attention is the horrendous pace of soci- The maniacal character of American they see Jesus' principles lived and etal change over the past 30 years. As a culture over the past three decades has talked in ministerial and parental lead- kid growing up in the sixties, I vividly done nothing to ennoble the human ership? recall the days of 5-cent candy bars (five condition. Instead, there has been a On this sobering note, consider these for a quarter), lO-cent Cokes@, IS-cent gradual dismantling of the traditional words of admonition from Hebrews McDonald's hamburgers, and $10 mem- institutions of church, home, and fami- 10:24,25*: "Letus consider how we may berships at the local Y. The popular TV ly. It has become increasingly clear that spur one another on toward love and programs of the day were Lassie, Mr. Ed, lives of multiple generations are being good deeds. Let us not give up meeting My Three Sons, and Mighty Mouse. Kids impacted by an amoral culture where together, as some are in the habit of played kick-the-can, hide-and-seek, and only opinions matter. The right and doing, but let us encourage one another, tag unmolested under neighboring wrong choices of the day are guided by and all the more as you see the Day streetlights. Traditional family roles cultural precepts rather than moral approaching. " were dramatized by June and Ward absolutes. Consider Josiah's leadership: The Cleaver in the popular family sitcom, What does all this have to do with the Scripture says, '1\s long as he lived, they Leave It to Beaver. Public schools pro- issue's theme on the minister's private [Israel] did not fail to follow the Lord" (2 moted love of God and country and con- life? Everything. With the erosion of Chronicles 34:33). Jesus' strong rebuke of sidered talking, chewing gum, running Christian values in our culture comes the Pharisees for "neglecting the more in the halls, and getting out of turn in the greater responsibility of ministers important matters" should remind us line to be the most serious student and Christian laypeople to model scrip- that we who are called "will be judged offenses. tural values and offset the mind-set of more strictly." The high calling of the This dimension of my past will be for- permissiveness which is prevalent in the ministry demands our best efforts. We ever snagged on the branches of my world. must give unparalleled attention in our memory. Inasmuch as I [we] would like Teens in our churches today were chil- private lives to the disciplines of prayer, to turn back time, I know it's impossi- dren yesterday when human frailty and fasting, and devotion to the Word of God. ble. What I wouldn't give for my two flaws in high-profile ministers shocked The success of your personal life and young boys to experience the innocence both the church and secular worlds. ministry depends on it. of growing up in a culture where loss of Comedians continue to bandy those *Scripture quotations are from the New virginity, out-of-wedlock pregnancy, names in television entertainment. International Version. abortion, drug abuse, and homosexuali- Christians blush with shame. Teens look ty were all matters of national shame. at local ministers with questioning eyes Instead, they will be subjugated to a per- and try to make sense out of human verse culture that has abandoned its failure. "Why is it wrong for me but spiritual. God-centered heritage. They right for you?" they ask. will have no choice but to be raised in a At heart young people want role mod- society where they're told it's unconsti- els to emulate. With a steady diet of tutional to engage in public religious television, which often portrays anti- expression; where perversion and bla- Christian values, teens want their min- tant sin are glorified in the media isters and parents to set boundaries and through such programs as Roseanne, live up to prescribed behavior. How close The Simpsons, NYPD Blue, and M7V; they live to the edge of all-out commit- and where the mild-mannered student ments to Jesus Christ depends on what offenses of the past have been replaced they see at home and in the church. Do by rape, robbery, assault, arson, and they see those who do not differ greatly ENRICHMENT

Fulton Buntain David Bryant Dick Eastman

and wonders, and all the rest God wants to do to bring our churches alive and to see our cities reached for Christ. When prayer is presented in that respect, pas- tors are strongly responding. For example, several months ago over 80,000 pastors gathered in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta for the express purpose of spending 21/z days praying together for the nation, one another, and how to give churchwide and citywide leader- ship in movements of united prayer-all under the sponsorship of the Promise Keepers but endorsed by a coalition of churches and denominations. I believe it As YOU TALK WITH PASTORS AROUND was and is a watershed because, in a THE COUNTRY, WHAT'S THEIR HEART- sense, it's giving and has given pastors BEAT CONCERNING PRAYER? the permission to do what they've want- DAVID BRYANT: Having worked with ed to do all along: to take up the call of pastors and having been one myself a Acts 6:4 and to make prayer and the number of years, I sense that prayer is Word top priority once again in all they probably one of the hottest topics do in ministry. among pastors everywhere I go. Prayer really is the fountainhead of God's DICK EASTMAN: I certainly echo what renewing work-new dreams, visions, David is saying. We travel in many of labors, energy, empowerment of signs the same circles and see an awesome 4 . SPRING 1996 interest. In the fall of 1976 we began to small prayer groups in every city and critical areas He has led me to pray change the world's focus to prayer, and town, which is a miracle in itself. about. Thus I know where to start look- we're still going; however, while we ing for the answers. He will answer the were thrilled at the response in the MOST MINISTERSAGREE ON THE SIG- prayers He's stirred up in my heart. beginning, it seemed rather isolated. NIFICANCE OF PRAYER AND WOULD Furthermore, I will be able to look back Now the difference is pronounced as far LIKETO PRAYMORE OFTEN. IN REALI- on that 30 days and discover the ways as the interest and the spread of the TY,HOWEVER,MANY THINGS KEEP US God has spoken in the place of prayer. If movement. For example, pastors prayer FROMTHE PLACEOF PRAYER.WHAT anything would make me want to have summits are drawing 30 to 40 commu- WOULD YOU SAY TO MINISTERS WHO an appointment with God, it is to know nity pastors of practically every denom- ARE STRUGGLING TO MANAGE PRAYER I am not going to do all the talking- ination; they come together for 3 or 4 IN THEIR LIVES? that He is going to share himself with days solely to seek the Lord in prayer. EASTMAN: Educators say if you do me. This was unheard of 20 years ago. anything exactly the same way for 21 3. At least one of those appointments There is also a denominational prayer days in a row, it becomes a habit. Then each week will be with a couple of other leaders network and a prayer network if you don't do it after that, you'll miss it people. Thus we hold each other for youth. Leaders from many different in such a way that it'll leave an impres- accountable. Unified prayer lends power streams are meeting on a regular basis. sion on you. to being together in prayer. My personal These indicate a phenomenal interest in One of the things that radically revo- private prayer life has risen and fallen to prayer. lutionized my own life was when I the degree that I have had a significant, began to make prayer an appointment meaningful, corporate prayer life going FULTON, OVER A THOUSAND OF every day just like I would with virtual- on at the same time. For example, even YOUR LAYPEOPLE HAVE SIGNED A ly anyone else. Of course, my prayer once a week praying with two other pas- COMMITMENT TO PRAY WITH YOU AN time and appointment with the Lord, tors for an hour and a half in the early HOUR A DAY.IS THAT INTEREST STILL begun some 20 years ago, became the morning affords a kind of in-depth pray- GROWING? DO YOU FEEL IT IS MORE most important. ing that builds accountability and wash- ALIVE TODAY? es back into my own personal prayer FULTON BUNTAIN: It is in place and BRYANT:Along with these thoughts, life. It brings a vitality that I could get growing-doser to 2,000 now. three practical things help to buttress no other way. Through our ministry in the church this formation and sustain the habit of and television, people send their prayer prayer in a spiritual leader's life: PASTORS STRUGGLE WITH HOW requests in-hundreds of them every 1. Pray through the Scriptures. TO TEACH THEIR PEOPLE TO PRAY week. Not only do we publish the prayer Working through a book of the Bible- EFFECTIVELY. DAVID, YOU ENCOURAGE requests weekly but answers to prayer actually praying verse by verse all the PASTORS TO INCORPORATE IN THEIR as well. This encourages people to keep implications of each verse for my life, SERVICES AN 8-WEEK PRAYER EXPERI- on praying. for my family, my church, my city, my MENT. HOW DOES THIS WORK? Prayer rooms have always been full nation, my world-in daily prayer can BRYANT: What I suggest is to commit to during our country's crises. The motiva- keep me on target when my mind might 8 weeks-a short time-so that there tion now is a tremendous groundswell not otherwise be able to do that for me. can be a beginning, ending, and a time of Americans, not necessarily pastors, 2. Keepa journal. I write down what I of evaluation. You don't feel like you are saying, "Things are out of hand. We sense God is saying to me in the time of trapped in it forever if it doesn't seem to have to get control of our society and do prayer with the idea that at the end of be the right approach. But give it 8 something about the free fall, the moral 30 days I'm going to go back and read weeks. This is how it works: collapse of our country." That is driving through it so God can alert me to the Cut back your preaching 10 minutes ENRICHMENT. 5 every Sunday for 8 weeks. Take those 10 application. They may even take notes. minutes to help people pray your mes- 3. It's going to change your church. If sage back to God. If you have a four- this happens during those 8 weeks, the point outline in your message, that's congregation is going to be praying about 2 minutes for each point plus a together as never before. The Bible minute of opening praise and a minute specifically states that if we pray of concluding prayer of commitment. according to God's will, He will hear and Thus the 10 minutes are filled. You can answer us. Within 8 weeks it will be do it in groups of four or six in the con- obvious that God is working in new gregation. If they're not ready for that, ways in the church's life because you have prearranged elders or others lead- prayed in new ways. ing in prayer from the microphone. There are many creative, nonthreaten- THAT'S A BEAUTIFUL ILLUSTRATION ing ways to do this. It will change three OF CORPORATE PRAYER AND HOW TO things about your church, and in 8 LEAD AND TEACH PEOPLE TO PRAY. weeks that change will be obvious: BRYANT:It also illustrates that prayer 1. It will change the way you preach. isn't just a specific activity set off at a If you know the congregation is going to particular time. Prayer can be integrated take your message back to God and ask into every facet of our lives, and in this Him to bring it to pass in the life of your case we're bringing it into Sunday church, you're going to be very careful morning worship and not just leaving it. and selective about your topic. I often say to pastors, "If you can't get 2. It's going to change the way they your people to the prayer meeting, take listen. If they know they're going to your prayer meeting to the people. have to pray about your sermon 10 min- Integrate it where they are right now, utes, they'll actually sit up and listen and God will take it from there." because there's going to be immediate BUNTAIN: We've been praying sermons back to God a long time in the Assemblies of God. It's called our altar services where the Holy Spirit takes the Word from the preacher, and people bring it to the altar and get saved and filled with the Holy Spirit.

DICK, WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO ADVISE PASTORS AROUND THE WORLD TO INVOLVE MORE OF THEIR PEOPLE IN PRAYER? EASTMAN: The Scriptures give power- ful instruction, and when people under- stand it they can be greatly motivated to pray. Once when I was going to a college to teach for a week I asked the Lord what He wanted to accomplish there through my ministry. He gave me five words that are foundational to effective training as it relates to prayer: Instruct. The Lord was saying, "Give them biblical meat to strengthen and improve a prayer life." Inspire. We cannot share inspirational 6 . SPRING 1996 examples of prayer unless we are pray- ing ourselves and having things hap- pen. l1Jform. Let people know what's hap- pening in the world, such as missions and revival. It also helps them pray intelligently. Involve. Not only does He want us to teach about prayer but be involved in the prayer meeting. Impress. The Lord strongly put this on my heart: "I'm not sending you there to impress them about your prayer life or how you might teach and communicate on these subjects. But by My Holy Spirit and anointing, leave a mark on their lives." They will be impressed that if they do not pray each day, something has gone undone-God's kingdom plans for each life and the lives of those who might have been touched through prayer are unfulfilled.

IN CLOSING LET'S TALK MORE IN TERMS OF PRAYER AS IT RELATES TO THE MINISTER'S LIFE. THERE SEEMS TO BE A LACK OF HOPE IN and have been disappointed. We don't PASTORS THAT THEIR PRAYERS ARE know what to do with those disappoint- EFFECTIVE AND ARE GOING TO BE ments. We can't acknowledge them to ANSWERED. MINISTERS HAVE PRAYED our people. What would they think of SO OFTEN FOR PEOPLE TO BE HEALED their pastor? Who can we share them WITHOUT SEEING ANSWERS. WHAT with? If we even acknowledge them to CAN THEY DO TO REGAIN HOPE IN ourselves, are we impugning the very GOD FOR ANSWERED PRAYER? character of God? We can't deal with it BRYANT: That's one of the most critical because we're afraid. questions one can ask on this subject. Those disappointments then begin to As Fulton said earlier, crises drive peo- undermine our faith and confidence in ple to pray, but that's only one side of God. We know we need to do something the coin which I call a "holy despera- in prayer so we keep up the form of tion." The other side of the coin, howev- prayer but deny the power of it. It er, is what motivates us to pray: "holy becomes rote and ritual. If it's like that anticipation." Our hearts must be filled in our lives, it's likely going to become with hope toward God. Not only are we that way for our people. in desperate need of His intervention, The other side of a disappointed spirit but we must believe that He's willing, is what I call a "tentative spirit." We're able, and absolutely ready to intervene rather tentative with God: "Lord, I'll for those who will diligently seek Him believe You if You'll show me. I'm not (Hebrews 11:6). sure I can trust You for survival and Pastors wrestle with what I call "dis- genuine revival." appointment with God." God has not What I would call a conversion taking come through the way we thought He place in the life of spiritual leaders in would. That doesn't mean He hasn't this nation is that God, by the Holy come through-we just haven't seen it Spirit, is birthing a new spirit of hope in ENRICHMENT 7 the leadership of the church-hope for faith will automatically translate into a large things-nothing less than a wide- new life of prayer. scale outpouring of the Holy Spirit. EASTMAN: The thing that totally revo- I believe God, by His Spirit, is empow- lutionized my prayer life was when I ering leaders in this land to a new level stopped seeking answers to prayer and of hope and faith in God that is not of started seeking God. In fact, if I were to their own making. It is a gift of God, not sum up everything, it would be in six of our own works lest we should ever words: "Stop seeking answers. Start boast. It is transforming our understand- seeking God." ing of prayer, the ministry, where God A single verse of Scripture has one of wants us to lead our people, and how the greatest lessons on prayer in all the God wants us to preach to our people. Word: "You will seek me and find me Eventually that spirit of hope will when you seek me with all your heart" transform the whole prayer life of the (Jeremiah 29:13, NIY). church because faith is the evidence of The essence of prayer is seeking God. things hoped for. Prayer is simply the Much is being talked about spiritual day-in, day-out living and breathing of warfare, warfare prayer, strategic-level that faith toward God. When God gives prayer. The great victories of the Bible, if new hope to His church, a new level of not all of them, weren't because the spir- itual leaders were able to name and identify the controlling demonic forces over the battlefield. Victories came when they brought God into the battle. To pastors and leaders I would say, "Don't be concerned about whether or not you get a lot of answers. Be con- cerned about touching God on a daily basis."

BUNTAIN: Jesus taught us to pray, "Our Father " He wanted us to understand that God is like a father. When we're young and immature, we tell our earth- ly father, "I want this, that, or some- thing else." If the relationship with dad is good, a maturing child will switch to fellowship with him. That's the level of prayer-asking, learning, and then fel- lowship. The devil doesn't mind how much you talk about prayer if you don't do it. You can go through all the books, manuals, and seminars, but if you walk away and don't pray, it amounts to nothing. I preach a lot on prayer because I feel that is the key. The revival I am seeing in my church and area is the revival of hurting people. Our churches are willing to let people in that we wouldn't let in before. [;I

8 . SPRING1996

10 . SPR.ING 1996 BY DAVID RAVEN HILL theirs is the kingdom of God." A beggar lives through the means of another's f prayer is essential for believers, it is resources. Jesus did not promise the beg- more so for those in leadership. gars some future reward but immediate Failure to pray guarantees failure access to His kingdom resources. both for yourself and for your flock. The sooner we recognize our inability, The disciples never asked Jesus to the better. Jesus put it on the line when He teach them how to preach, to prepare ser- said, '/\part from me, you can do nothing." mons, or to cast out demons. They did ask Prayer is bringing our empty cups to God Jesus to teach them to pray after they and asking for food-food both for us and repeatedly observed Him praying. those allotted to our charge. Jesus' authority and power, both in His The more effective our prayer life, the teaching and His miracles, were derived more effective our ministry. The devil is from His daily communion with the fully aware of it and will do whatever he Father. The disciples undoubtedly conclud- can to keep us from the place of prayer. ed the key to His effectiveness in ministry How well he knows that if we ever learn to lay solely in His ability to touch the Father touch the throne of God, his kingdom will through prayer. suffer the consequences. Therefore, he In His response Jesus told the story of opposes us and seeks to undermine any the man who had no bread to serve his attempt for consistent prayer. unexpected guest. Custom made it neces- A clear example of this is an incident in sary for the host to go to his friend's house the life of Israel during Saul's reign (1 at midnight to ask for bread (Luke Samuel 13: 19). The Philistines' strategy 11:5-9). was to eliminate the fighting power of The minister's primary calling is to feed Israel. Their plan worked, and Israel was the flock. That responsibility alone is caught defenseless (verse 22). enough to drain one's time and energy, not The enemy's plan today is no less inge- to mention the numerous other demands nious: eliminate prayer from the people of of the ministry. Only as we learn to pres- God. Take away their (spiritual) weapons. ent our needs to God in prayer can we ade- Then attack. This scenario is being played quately satisfy the hunger around us. out every day in ministers' lives through- The first principle of Kingdom living is out the nation. that Jesus dealt with our need to beg: My father, the late Leonard Ravenhill, "Blessed are the poor [beggar] in spirit for used to say, "Show me any Bible school or ILLUSTRA TIQN'. THE ART SOURCE

ENRlCHMENT 11 seminary in America with courses on prayer. (that involves the pastoral side) and plowing We stress theology, music, counseling, preach- the fields (that represents the evangelistic ele- ing, Christian education, etc., but little if any ment). Both are vital ministries and essential time is given on how to pray. No wonder most to the advancement of God's kingdom. ministers feel powerless with little or no However, after the slave returns at the end of anointing. the day, no doubt weary and exhausted from " I'm deeply grateful for my father's godly serving his master's purpose, his master says example in prayer. He spent from 4 to 6 hours to him, "Prepare something for me to eat, and a day seeking God. His life was governed by properly clothe yourself and serve me until I eternity. His time was spent in the light of eter- have eaten and drunk" (verse 8). nity. Like Mary, he had found the importance This is worship. All of us know the impor- of being in God's presence. His ministry was tance of taking care of the flock. How few of us powerfully anointed and backed by a rare com- fully understand the importance of minister- modity these days-true Holy Ghost convic- ing to the Lord himself? It's one thing to serve tion of sin. the purpose of God and quite another to serve The average minister is well aware of his the person of God. lack of authority in the pulpit. His office may be lined with books, his computer crammed 1. THE WORD with the latest Bible software, and despite all Ministers have the wonderful privilege and his studying and learning his words lack the awesome responsibility to proclaim God's authority and conviction that bring change Word. The Word alone can kill. Only with the into the lives of his congregation. anointing of the Spirit can it produce life. A survey some years ago revealed that the Like the disciples following Pentecost, we average minister spends less than 15 minutes need to be crying out daily that we may speak in prayer each day. How can we expect to see the Word of God with boldness. Not only are men and women pursuing intimacy with God we dependent upon the Spirit's anointing but if we as leaders don't practice what we preach? His illumination. We need to have the eyes of When Jesus appointed the Twelve, He chose our understanding enlightened. Truth quick- them, first of all, to be with Him. Secondly, He ened by the Spirit will be anointed by the sent them forth to preach. No man has the Spirit. right to preach unless he has first spent time My father had a number of messages he in God's presence. preached hundreds of times. He could have "How do I establish a meaningful prayer preached them in his sleep, but he spent hours life?" I often asked in the beginning of my in prayer before preaching them. He often ministry. While growing up I'd observed my quoted Spurgeon, "You don't throwaway the father's daily prayer, but I still didn't know ax after cutting down the tree; you just sharp- how to pray or for what to pray. It wasn't until en its edge again." My father knew the value years later that my prayer life was revolution- of allowing the Spirit of God to put the edge on ized by an experience I had during a worship the Word. time. I was attending a ministers' conference and suddenly found myself directed by the J. WORKS Spirit to write down a list of words that per- Works refer to the whole supernatural tained to prayer. This is no guaranteed formu- realm. Someone once said we have too many la for success, but I believe it will help aid preachers defending the faith and not enough those who earnestly desire to establish a demonstrating the faith. Jesus said, "Greater meaningful time of prayer daily. works than these shall you do because I go to the Father." Most of us pride ourselves in not 1. WORSHIP believing the cessationist view of the miracu- Worship is our ultimate calling. I'm repeat- lous, and yet we fail miserably when it comes edly challenged by Jesus' words (Luke to demonstrating our beliefs. It's time we 17:7-10*) concerning the master whose slave became honest and joined with Gideon in his was out tending his flock or plowing his land. searching cry for reality, "If the Lord is with Ministry has two aspects: tending the flock us... where are all His miracles which our 12 . SPRING 1996 fathers told us about?" (Judges 6: 13). Only as and from the office, cry out to God on behalf of we begin to touch God's throne in prayer will your city. Seek Him for discernment as to what we see the supernatural activity of the Holy particular spirits are opposing the advance- Ghost released in our churches. One of my ment of His kingdom. Paul realized while in Bible college professors used to say it's as Ephesus that the city was governed by the much of a command to earnestly desire spiri- worship of Diana. No wonder he wrote in his tual gifts as it is not to steal. letter to the Ephesians, "We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principal- 4. WARFARE ities, against powers..." (Ephesians 6: 12, Every spiritual leader will be the target of KJV). the enemy-"smite the shepherd and scatter the flock." We need to bear in mind Paul's 7. WEEPIN

6. THE WORLD SO often our vision is limited to our own congregation and its needs; yet our God is the God of nations. Allow Him to burden you for the needs of the world. Learn to lift up your eyes to the fields and claim His promise of the nations as your inheritance. Why not begin with your own community? As you drive to ENRlCHMENT 13

ENRlCHMENT. 17 With a rich background of nearly 40 years in pastoral ministry, Dr. Lloyd John Ogilvie, chaplain of the United States Senate, in Washington, D.C., talks with Richard B. Foth concerning the

personal, private life of the minister. Of particular importance are his thoughts on the minister’s United States Senate, family and the minister’s devotional life. In March 1995 Lloyd John Ogilvie, D.D., succeeded Richard C. Halverson, who served as Chaplain of the Senate from 1981-95. 18 . SPRING 1996 THE POTENTIAL CONFLICT BETWEEN FAMILY pedestaled perfectionist but one who is allow- LIFE AND PASTORAL RESPONSIBILITIES IS A ing Christ to use him in the daily, ongoing GRAVE ISSUE TO MANY OF OUR READERS, struggles of family life. DR. OGILVIE. WOULD YOU REFLECT ON THAT THEME? THE CONCEPT OF BEING A FELLOW LLOYDOGILVIE: There must be wholeness in PILGRIM? a leader's life-a congruity between what one OGILVIE: Yes. That's so important because as speaks and lives. Therefore, one's own person- challenges and difficulties come along, the allife, devotional life, fellowship life, and fam- pastor is tempted to pretend those things are ily life all impact what one is and what one not there simply to keep up the image of per- has to say. fection or superhuman strength. This eventu- These areas are the laboratory in which we ally cuts one off from the spiritual power live out that which we are seeking to preach. which Christ gives. That perfectionism I've found that everything I've ever preached becomes an idol in itself. has had to be experienced either before or immediately after I've preached it. God has WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO held me accountable to live out the implica- MINISTERS TO HELP THEM ORDER THEIR tions of the truth He has given me to speak. PRIVATE WORLDS? Nothing can happen through us until it hap- OGILVIE: I feel very strongly about this: pens to us. The best way for revival to begin in Nothing is more important than a pastor's one's own life or church is for that person to time alone with the Savior. So whatever else discover afresh a relationship with Christ and happens in a day or week, the pastor's own experience the implications of that journey. personal devotional life for his or her own Then he or she has something to share with growth in the Lord is absolutely essential. other people. I've found that it's important in my devo- tional time to study and pray through the WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST IMPORTANT Scriptures that I'm preaching on or writing CHALLENGE AS YOU HAVE SOUGHT TO books about at any particular time. Those are LEAD BOTH YOUR FAMILY AND THE the moments the Savior uses to get at me and CONGREGATION? my needs, rather than my devotional time's OGILVIE: I have had to deal with the false becoming just one more vehicle for getting image of perfectionism, the idea that as a pas- ready to preach on Sunday. tor I had to know more, be more, and achieve The time spent alone with the Savior is the more than the person in the pew. That perfec- key to being open to the continuous flow of tionism kept me from the vulnerability with power, and it needs to be at a time of day that Christ that would enable me to grow. So to best fits a person's schedule. I like early morn- admit that I had needs as a pastor, husband, ing-as the old Scot saying expresses, "You've or father was a wonderful freedom for me. I got to meet the Lord in the morning if you could then experience what my people were want Him through the day, for the early hours going through. are the rudder of the day." I believe that. Also, when we try to pedestal the pastor's family an undue pressure is placed on them. ELABORATE, IF YOU WOULD, ON PRAYING As a result a kind of brittle pretension begins THROUGH SCRIPTURE. to take place. OGILVIE: I like to read the portion of Scripture as it is, then reread it, personalizing the pro- HOW CAN THE CONGREGATION BE nouns. For example, 1 Corinthians 13 is mar- ENCOURAGED NOT TO PUT THE PASTOR'S velous. First, pray the chapter in its original form FAMILY ON A PEDESTAL? using love. Then substitute Christ, who is the OGILVIE: We need to talk about it in the pul- perfect example of that love. Think of yourself as pit and affirm that we all have a common call- filled with Christ as an example of what the ing to live out our faith in our homes. We do Scriptures mean. Reflect on yourself as "I am this with degrees of effectiveness, and we need patient, kind...," and so on. Using the Scriptures each other. The pastor then becomes not a in that way makes them personal and powerful. ENRlCHMENT 19 In addition, the steps of prayer are very claim the Word. I can't imagine that anyone important. I've done a lot of work gathering can preach with anything less than a full hour verses of Scripture under categories which are of study for every minute spent in the pulpit. meaningful to my personal spiritual growth It's important to set aside some time each day through prayer. You might know that the sec- to study. Or, the way I did it was to take ond half of my book, Conversation with God, is Monday and Tuesday entirely just for study. 30 days of biblical devotions under each of That kind of concentrated study prepares one those categories. I show the reader actually to preach the Word with boldness. how to pray the Scriptures. I believe that the Pastors often tell me that as soon as they get Holy Spirit inspires and then uses the to a large church they will set aside the time Scriptures as the actual wording of our adora- necessary to preach great sermons. When you tion, confession, thanksgiving, supplication, have a congregation of 100 and take the time and intercession. I find that practice to be very to prepare diligently for them, it won't be long helpful. before you will have something to say that will demand a greater audience. SOME YEARS AGO, WHEN YOU CAME TO BETHANY COLLEGE, YOU DETAILED WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE MOST THE WAY YOU STUDIED. TOUCH ON THAT, SIGNIFICANT HINDRANCE TO A PASTOR'S PLEASE. DEVOTIONAL LIFE? OGILVIE: Certainly. Next to the pastor's devo- OGILVIE: We get busy with a multiplicity of tional life, it's absolutely essential to have things, and the work of the ministry becomes time set aside in each week to study to pro- more important than the ministry. The most important ministry is the ministry of the Spirit in our own hearts out of which comes the cre- ativity and dynamic of our lives as a whole. LLOYD JOHN OGILVIE was born September 2, 1930, in The life we have is the life we allow, and Kenosha, Wisconsin. His education included attending New unless we ask the Lord to help us take charge College, University of Edinburgh, Scotland; he has earned the fol- of our schedules, it will never happen. If we lowing degrees: bachelor of arts, Lake Forest College, Illinois; are overloaded and allow our schedules to master of theology, Garrett Theological Seminary, Northwestern edge out time alone with the Savior, it is University, Evanston, Illinois;doctor of divinity,Whitworth College, because that's exactly what we want. We do Spokane, Washington; doctor of humane letters, University of what we want to do. To blame the schedule or Redlands, California; doctor of humanities, Moravian College and demands upon us is just an easy equivocation. Seminary, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; doctor of laws, Eastern We are called to take the time and set it College, St. Davids, Pennsylvania. aside, making it known to our congregations Dr. Ogilvie has pastored the following churches: Community that we are doing it. We love them so much Church, Gurnee, Illinois (student pastor); Winnetka Presbyterian that we want to be alone with our Lord in order Church, Winnetka, Illinois (1956-62); First Presbyterian Church, to have something fresh to give them. I;t Bethlehem, Pennsylvania (1962-72); First Presbyterian Church, Hollywood, California (1972-95). Author of approximately 50 books, Dr. Ogilvie is a contributing author to many religious magazines and periodicals and the gen- eral editor of the 32-volume Communicator's Commentary being published by Word Books, Inc. When he left his pastorate in Hollywood, he also left his nationally syndicated weekly television program, Let God Love You, as well as his daily radio program. The consistent focus of Dr. Ogilvie's ministry through the years has been on the care, encouragement, and support of business, political, and community leaders. He believes that listening is the key to effective communication of the gospel. His contemporary expositions of the Bible are in direct response to the most urgent questions and deepest needs.

20 . S PR IN G 1 9 9 6

As a pastor, I cannot help but make all kinds of the Spirit to pray and obeying that call to of comparisons to a Christian's growth and pray, because He knows the events that lie development. How extensive those roots must ahead each day. have developed through the years to reach for As the years passed, His presence became consistent nourishment that enabled them to constant, and I learned to talk with Him every grow like that! I am reminded of the Psalmist's day. My roots were going down deep into the words, "Blessed is the man that walketh not in Word, and nourishment of the Word enriched the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the my preaching. The preaching enriched my peo- way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the ple, and soon they were spending more time in scornful. But his delight is in the law of the prayer. Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and The Holy Spirit is still drawing pastors to night. And he shall be like a tree planted by come apart to pray and be refreshed. Listen the rivers of water, that bringeth forth fruit in and obey! We can be busy every day with his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and many things and tell ourselves we don't have whatsoever he doeth shall prosper" (Psalm 1 hour to spend because our schedules are 1:1-3). full; but we will find time and make time for Christians can grow like the redwood ever- those things we deem most important. Prayer greens, rising above the difficulties of life until is the most important discipline in a pastor's problems are just problems, but God is greater life. We tell on ourselves by how much we than the problems and more than sufficient for pray. You cannot help someone if you have not every need. received a specific word of wisdom for his The first prerequisite is to be planted by the needs. People cannot be led into a deeper life rivers of water. This is where roots can go with God if the pastor has not experienced it. down deep in the river of life and bring forth And 5 minutes of prayer will not produce the fruit in due season-where one can live with- overflowing presence of God for a daily min- out withering in trials, and where one delights istry or a deeper life, especially in today's to be in God's presence. But for believers to world full of needs, decisions, and turmoil. delight in God and walk in His fullness daily A second prerequisite for a pastor is to lead they must have a pastor who leads them to the the church in becoming a praying church-I water and lives with them at the river of life. don't mean praying 1 or 2 minutes during the This involves a pastor's personal prayer life. worship service only but developing church To delight in God is, first, to know Him members who pray fervently. When we seek through prayer. And to know Him in prayer God in great earnestness, the Lord will meet involves specific and consistent times of fel- us. When we gather together for worship, lowship with the Holy Spirit. God's presence must be there with us. When I have heard some leaders comment that His presence comes among us, our struggles they don't have time to be alone with the Lord will simply be released. There will be great joy an hour a day. They say they pray as they drive in our hearts. When there is no joy, why their cars from one appointment to another or should people come to your church? But it is during their sermon preparations. However, when we pray that the Spirit of God comes, every pastor needs time alone and away from and joy comes with His Spirit. When people work to be still before God and to experience a experience God's presence-a release in their fresh touch of God's Spirit in the inner person spirits followed by great joy-your church will daily. attract sinners, the hurting, and those who have great needs. Powerful prayer will cast out the devil and break bondages. Many backsliders are coming In the early days of my Christian experience back to the church, but only after their lives I felt a need to read God's Word and pray every have been broken and messed up. They are day. It was not difficult to pray an hour or searching for a church that will welcome them longer before I began my day because the Holy and pray a deliverance prayer to break the Spirit drew me apart to pray. Since then I have bondages of the past. While beautiful pro- learned the value of recognizing the drawing grams are attractive to all, it is the praying 22 . SPR IN G 1 9 9 6 church that will draw these back to God. you. Take courage. It can happen in your city. The church you and I pastor will be that kind He will do it if you seek Him until you receive of church if the pastor's prayer life is filled His touch again. The choice is yours. I;t with the power of God.Our churches should be places where the sick people can be healed, the sin-broken lives can be changed, and people can get solutions from the Lord for their prob- lems. Think of the mighty redwood trees that reach far into the heavens. Ask God to give you a renewed prayer life with a renewed power of the Holy Spirit that will make a dif- ference in the ministry He has entrusted to

ENRlCHMENT 23 S E R M O N B U I L D E R S E R I E S

PEOPLE LIKE PEOPLE. We all find a Effective preaching will never ignore the connection-people with whom we can laugh, narrative and biographical, for God speaks make sport, cry, and share in the commonality through the stories of His people. Tell the story of human experience. Delight and reassurance of Jericho, and you will paint a picture that merge as we find a point of vicarious identity. people cannot miss. Recount the happenings We look into God's heart as we read the peo- of Pentecost, and those who listen will feel ple stories contained in the Bible. They are fas- they too were there. Describe John's Patmos cinating, irresistible, grip our hearts, prick our experience, and people will long for Jesus to consciences, challenge our faith, and call us to appear in the clouds. a higher level of devotion and service to God. What about doctrine? Of course, God's Word They link God's eternal will with the daily is full of it as well, but doctrine is also exhib- lives of His people. Thus He makes sure these ited in His people's lives. Consider this: God's stories are preserved in His Word and recounted will was not an abstraction to Moses. by His servants to each successive generation. Perseverance was not theoretical to Joseph.

SCRIPTURAL CONTEXT: ACTS 13:13-43 PUBLIC READING: ACTS 13:16-25 REFERENCES AND SUMMARY

ACTS 13:16-20* The people of God in transition:

"God. . .made the peopte prosper during their stay in Egypt. " "He... endured their conduct forty years in the desert. " "He overthrew seven nations in Canaan and gave their land to his people. " ACTS 13:20-22 The people of God under leadership:

"God gave them judges until the time of Samuel. " "He gave them Saul son of Kish. " "He made David their king. " "David. . .served God's purpose in his own generation" (Acts 13:36).

ACTS 13:23-25 The people of God in preparation: 'John preached repentance and baptism. [Jesus] is coming after me. 'He '" ACTS 13:26-41 The people of God and their Savior: "The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus." Pilate had Jesus executed. "God raised him from the dead. " "Through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you." "'I [God] am going to do something in your days..

24 . S r R.I N G 1 9 9 6 And grace was not academic to the apostle ate for us. Nothing is common or ordinary Paul. No, for Bible doctrine is actualized and about any of us. God has placed His hand of materialized in the experiences of God's peo- special blessing upon each of us as well. We ple. These are the stories we must hear again are a people of destiny and entitled to all the and again. special provision and care consistently given Paul's sermon in Pisidian Antioch, for exam- to His people. ple, is strikingly rich in story. A nation was Sadly, many have ignored this sense of spe- emancipated from bondage only to languish cial destiny, and their lives are filled with self- 40 years in the wilderness. God chose prophets depreciation and despair. They simply miss the to lead a nation of new immigrants. A king story, have turned a deaf ear, disregarded the was crowned to lead God's people. A shepherd privileged position God has assigned to them, boy of sterling character was anointed to rule ignored the high status decreed for them, and Israel. Then came Jesus-rejected and finally are destitute in spirit and attitude by their own executed. It is a sermon that tells the fascinat- choices-a tragic waste of God's beneficence ing story of God's people. and grace. How should you focus a message like this? It depends upon your audience. If you are A PEOPLE OF INFLUENCE speaking to other pastors, you may wish to Look at the persons of influence identified challenge them to enrich their preaching by here: Saul, David, John the Baptist, and including the inspiring stories of God's people. Pilate-an interesting mix. Saul was impres- If you are speaking to a local congregation, sive in physical stature but weak in character. you may wish to describe those events in the David was insignificant in physique but strik- story where each of them can find a point of ing in spirit. John the Baptist was self-effacing identity. The preaching outline included here in temperament but courageous in the pres- will help you do just that. ence of threats. Pilate was appointed as an authority but lacked the inner conviction to A PEOPLE OF DESTINY speak the truth. God always has a people for himself. Whether What do we learn here about influence? in captivity, wandering about in a desert, or in Simply this: Authentic influence is measured the conquest of a promised land, God will still by obedience to God. As you recite the story of have a people-ones whom He preserves and God's people, you will see it again and again- nurtures by His special love-a people of des- those who walked with God were powerful in tiny. influence. Let them tell their own story, and you will I am persuaded that God has destined each see the intimacy of their relationship with God: of us to be persons of profound influence. For . Special protection from the plagues of example, more people are watching us than we Egypt. could ever imagine. In part we hold their eter- . Fed, clothed, and protected 40 years in a nal destiny in our hands and help to set the desert place. direction for people's lives for good or for evil. . Supernaturally brought into the Promised None of us walks through life alone. Many Land as inheritors. followers join us for the journey. The example These are the people of destiny. From them we set influences the destiny of their lives. Here we learn profound lessons which are appropri- is a task worthy of our greatest dedication. ENRlCHMENT 25 A PEOPLE OF INSIGHT Antichrist is loose in the world. Truth is tram- I have always been impressed with John the pled in the streets. The cause of righteousness Baptist's insightfulness. He knew who he was, suffers unprecedented neglect. This is the hour the dimensions of his task, and on whom his for the people of God to rise and confront the devotion should center. His life was a combi- works of darkness. Spiritual perception is the nation of marvelous asceticism and bold crying need of the hour. exhortation. He could move from the tranquil- lity of the desert to the irreverent courts of A PEOPLE OF DECISION Herod with equal confidence. He could be a Paul concluded this powerful sermon with man of solitude and then be ablaze with both a summary and a call-a summary of anointed rhetoric that blistered the ears of the those events that led to Jesus' death and then outwardly pious. a call for each listener to embrace the new Behind the sheer force of John's personality thing that God had planned for His people. The was a single-hearted obedience. He pointed invitation called for a decision: "What will you always to Jesus Christ. From his lips flowed do with Jesus?" The story climaxes here. this pointed statement of priority: "He must Follow this progression: From Egypt's captivi- become greater; I must become less" (John ty, through the desert wanderings, continuing 3:30). John's perceptiveness cut through the during the times of the kings, and finally incidental and embraced the essential. reaching its pinnacle at Calvary. This is the We need this same quality of character glorious story of God's redemptive plan for His today. Deception abounds. The very spirit of people. '/\ sermon is not a sermon without a summons," someone has said. This is indeed the trademark of apostolic preach- ing. Sermon extracts from the Book of Acts demonstrate it over and over. The gospel calls for action. The listener must decide. Neutrality is never an option. The Holy Spirit waits for a response. Finally, does the story of God's people include you? Is your name to be found there? Are you a play- er in the great unfolding drama of God's incredible acts through His people? Be sure you are. Great preaching finds its power in the proclamation of the great stories of God's people. It follows then that your preaching will have its greatest impact when you are faithful to the task of being a good storyteller-telling the incredible stories of God and His people. I;t

26 . S PR IN G 1 9 9 6 O R D S T U D Y

In an issue devoted to the pastor's personal power separate from conversion, which was life, it is appropriate to consider the usage of a the source of unction in preaching. So crucial group of Greek cognates used in the New was this anointing to his own pulpit ministry Testament for that he offered the following advice to his fel- low preachers: annointing. . A brief review of principles for word study is "You can have a highly educated, cultured helpful: ministry, but it will be useless without this First, in each context of usage a word carries power. You can have men who can speak and BY DOUGLAS A. OSS only one sense of meaning (with rare excep- expound learnedly and do many other things, tion, e.g., the pun, which is humorous precise- but if this power is not present, it will end in ly because it does not follow normal usage). nothing better than entertainment. Seek this Every word has a range of senses, only one of power, expect this power, yearn for this power, which is activated in a given usage. and when this power comes, yield to Him. Do Second, to study a word is not to study a not resist. Let him loose you, let Him manifest concept; and a concept may be communicated His power in you and through you."! without the presence of a particular word. In this exhortation Dr. Lloyd-Jones captured Thus, while a word may be associated with a well the significance of anointing in the pulpit. particular concept, it does not necessarily com- Something more than mere information pass- municate that concept in every instance. es between preacher and congregation when Third, a word cannot possibly communicate the Holy Spirit descends to anoint both the all of its senses in one usage. So it is improp- preacher and the listener, and the preacher is er to say of a word, "This word means.. .," and commonly the vessel God uses to start the then proceed to give a systematic-theological process. lecture. This is the anointing that has characterized For this study, then, it is necessary to nar- the Assemblies of God pulpit for decades, but row the focus of examination. It would be it has characterized God's servants much impossible to communicate every nuance in longer. This anointing did not first appear at the semantic range of chriõ and its cognates in Azusa Street nor on the Day of Pentecost. It is so brief an essay. Also, our purpose includes much more ancient than that. In the Old examining the concept of two certain types of Testament these anointings with the Spirit anointing which are described at times with- and power were restricted primarily to out the use of chriõ or its cognates, although prophets, priests, and kings.2 these words are used in some key passages. The royal anointing of the king is the most Guided by these rules for interpretation, this common reference to anointing in the Old essay examines two uses of anointing: (1) its Testament; and of the kings, David is preemi- use to describe a particular anointing for nent. The initial anointing of David is telling power in preaching, often called "unction"; for our purposes and exemplary of anointings and (2) its use relative to "truth" in ministry. with the Spirit elsewhere in the Old Both uses are pivotal in the personal life of the Testament. 3 minister. When Samuel anointed (mashach) David Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, the revered Welsh with oil, "from that day on the Spirit of the Presbyterian preacher, believed there was a Lord came upon David in power" (1 Samuel baptism in the Holy Spirit, an enduement with 16:13*). Similarly, the prophets of the Old ENRlCHMENT 27 Testament received special enduements with and spoke the word of God boldly" (Acts 4:31). the Spirit and power to proclaim God's Word We do not have space to discuss Stephen (Acts (e.g., 1 Samuel 10: 1,5-7,10; 19:20,23,24; 2 6:8), Philip (Acts 8:6), Barnabas (Acts Samuel 23:2; 1 Kings 19: 16; 1 Chronicles 11:22-26), or Agabus (Acts 11:27-30; 12:18; 2 Chronicles 20:14-17; 24:20; Isaiah 21:10,11). 61:1, cited in Luke 4:18,19). Then, of course, there is Paul who, filled The first canonical indication that this with the Holy Spirit, prophesied and taught anointing would someday be given to all of (e.g., Acts 13:8-12) and preached boldly with God's people is found in Numbers 11: 16-30. signs following throughout his lifetime as we God anointed (the word here is put upon) 70 know it from both Acts (e.g., Acts 19:8-12) elders with the Spirit to prophesy and to assist and Paul's letters (e.g., Romans 15:18,19; 2 Moses with his duties. When Eldad and Corinthians 12: 11-13). Indeed, Paul laid this Medad, who were elders but not numbered unction as a governing principle in his min- among the 70, began to prophesy in the camp, istry. He was dedicated to the premise that his Joshua complained. Moses' reply (verse 29) preaching should never be characterized by expressed his wish that "all the Lord's people the adoption of worldly ways and worldly wis- were prophets and that the Lord would put his dom but, rather, by the "demonstration of the Spirit on them." Spirit's power," so that the faith of his hearers Thus begins the biblical hope that in the age would not rest on men's wisdom but on God's to come God would anoint all His people with power (1 Corinthians 2:1-5). This is the the Spirit, a hope that is further expressed in anointing with the Spirit and power, the unc- Joel 2:28-32 and fulfilled on the Day of tion, without which one dare not enter the Pentecost (Acts 2). Our focus is on this anoint- sacred desk. ing as it relates to proclamation. As with most other aspects of spirituality, Jesus, David's seed, received the there is a satanic counterpart to this anoint- royal/prophetic anointing at His baptism (cf., ing. Satan gives demonic anointings to false Luke 3:21,22). According to Peter, "God apostles, false teachers, whose powerful signs anointed [a form of chri6] Jesus of Nazareth are so deceptive that they might even deceive with the Holy Spirit and power" (Acts 10:38). the elect if that were possible (cf., Mark 13:22; In this same verse Peter also summarized the 2 Corinthians 11: 13-15; 2 Thessalonians results of Jesus' anointing, to wit, "He went 2:9-11; Revelation 13:3,4). These false teach- around doing good and healing all who were ers masquerade as ministers of Christ when, in under the power of the devil" (cf., Luke fact, they are deceitful workmen who preach a 4:1,14-37). Another feature of Jesus' anoint- false gospel and lead people to receive a spirit ing was that He preached with a commanding other than the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 11:4). authority that amazed the crowds (e.g., Luke Thus power in and of itself, the ability to per- 4:32). form astounding miracles in and of itself, is In His capacity as the reigning Davidic king not conclusive proof that the minister is (Acts 2:25-36), Jesus has poured out upon the anointed of God. There is a litmus test of legit- Church this anointing with the Spirit and imacy' however, and it involves another use of power which He himself received from the the word anointing. Father (verse 33). The purpose of this outpour- John's polemic against antichrists is found ing in the last days, well known to those of us in 1 John 2:18-27 (cf., verses 18,19 and the in Pentecost, is to give the Church power for use of the cognate of chri6, antichristos). witness. These antichrists had a counterfeit anointing One characteristic of this dynamic work of (verse 27) that led them to reject the truth and the Spirit is what we observed in Jesus' own embrace false teaching (verse 22), ultimately ministry: preaching with unction. Consider the leading to their separation from the Johannine preaching of the New Testament apostles and community (verses 18,19). evangelists. Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, In contrast to the satanic counterpart, the preached boldly (Acts 4:8).4 Those in the true believers have a real anointing (verse 27, crowd that gathered to pray after Peter's arrest chrisma, another cognate), the primary mani- and release were all "filled with the Holy Spirit festation of which is truth. The real anointing 28 . SPRING 1996 leads them to both embrace and teach the ENDNOTES: truth (e.g., verse 20, chrisma, and throughout 1 This is a merger if two statementsJrom the in substantival form). This use of chrisma is writings if Martyn Lloyd-Jones, but it is aJair representation if his perspective. Cited in TollY parallel to the work of the Holy Spirit in John Sargent's The Sacred Anointing: The Preaching 14: 15-31; 16:5-16. This has led some schol- of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (Wheaton: Crossway, ars to suggest that chrisma in 1 John 1 is a 1994), 57,72-73. synonym for the Holy Spirit.5 In any event, the 2 Hebrew verbJor anointing is mashach. LXX use of the term in this context is a reference to uses chri6 to translate mashach. the anointing of the Holy Spirit that leads to 3 See Walter Grundman, chri6 (transliterated affirmation of and obedience to the truth and here) in TDNT, vol. IX, ed. G. Kittel and G. not just to lip service. Friedrich, trans. G. Bromilry (Grand Rapids: This, then, is the litmus test for real anoint- Eerdmans, 1974) 498.. 4 ing. If someone's anointing is truly from God, This illustrates the pn'nciple laid down in the introduction. In this passage and others, the that individual will practice and preach the concept is present but the specffic term, anoint- truth of Scripture. It is the truth of Scripture ing. is not. As we have seen, the word chrio is that is applied as the measuring rod of the used in some kry texts to communicate this con- legitimacy of signs and wonders and of claims cept but not in all. Other terms include fill, to have the anointing, not vice versa. God's come upon, put upon, and fall upon. Word is still sufficient apart from signs and sq., R.E. Brown, The Epistles of John: A New wonders and needs no external validation. Translation with Introduction and Commentary (London: GeQ/frry Chapman, 1982),341-9; 359- Merely the presence of some supernatural 61. manifestation is not a conclusive sign of the Holy Spirit's presence and may very well be a sign of some other spirit's presence. The true anointing will always result in the proclama- tion of biblical truth, never in false doctrine. Only thereby can we know that the anointing is from the Holy Spirit. These two aspects of the use of chri6 and its cognates in the New Testament are both essen- tial to the personal life of the minister. This essay has highlighted the need for the anoint- ing with power in preaching as well as the necessity of a preacher's absolute ------commitment to biblical truth. This goes beyond the public life of the minister to his or her personal walk with the Lord. We must, all of us, be committed to seeking the fullness of the Spirit's anointing in power and truth. I;t

ENRlCHMENT 29

BY T. RAY RACHELS

he story is told of a clock maker/repairer wh 0 dl'ed and left no children and no apprentice. Thus the village had nobody to fix watches and clocks. One day a renowned clock maker/repairer came through the village, and the people begged him to fix their.. .broken timepieces. T After examining them he announced that he would repair qnly those whose owners had kept them wound-only they would be able to remember how to keep time. The work of the ministry has a built-in clock of its own. Sometimes it gent- ly nudges us with its hands; other times the alarm sounds. Whatever the movement, however, it impacts our personal lives significantly. God intends for us to have order and stability, not scurrying about in disarray. It may not be possible to make our clock run correctly, but at least we can keep it wound so that it will not forget.

BUIlD BOOD FRIEnDSHIPS. Paul wrote to Philemon and called him "my beloved friend and coworker" (Montgomery) and mentioned being often refreshed by him. A good friend on a bad day is like a cool drink of water. For example, one Thursday morning was filled with the most difficult issues and conversations I can remember having since coming into the dis- trict office. Everything was upside down, and the words of a good man were ringing in my ears: "I'm the one sheep that's lost of the 99. Who cares? What will you do to find me? The system chews up people "

ENRlCHMENT . 31 About 11 a.m. my friend, Wayne Tesch, made the mistake of not directly facing the fin- called and invited me to lunch. ish line but saw it from an angle; therefore, he "Sounds good," I replied, "but I may not be saw it wrong. such good company for the first 10 or 15 min- "I also learned that many things in life utes. It has been a rough morning." depend on the observer's point of view.. .noth- "That's OK," he said and quoted Robert ing seems quite the same from my viewpoint Schuller: "When the going gets tough, the as it may from someone else's." He concluded tough get going!" by quoting a veteran who was in the press box He brought two large packages of bubble with him at the time: "'You have to be square gum, the kind with 15 pictures of major league with the finish to call it right.' I never forgot baseball players included. "Remember when we that phrase," Reston said. were kids," he said, "we had bubble gum base- I learned much later in ministry the value of ball cards and could chew our troubles away?" keeping extensive records of my messages. I Tesch tossed a pack of gum over to my side have old sermon notes, briefly written out, of the car. "Let's chew some gum for a while that if my life depended on it, I'd be unable to and look at baseball cards!" Which we did, resurrect the stories and illustrations. quietly, and then went on. Keeping a journal empowers your mind, Sometimes we need friends who just give stretches it to see fresh and wonderful things, old-fashioned TLC and will chew gum with us and lets you view life from within your spirit. while we recover our balance and get life in Someone has said, "The faintest ink is clearer perspective. than the strongest memory." I could not pull up the specifics and events BUilD AT THE EDGES OF YOUR PERSOnAL LIFE. of my life and observations if they were not Build by reading good books, keeping notes or written down, but good memories are forever a journal, and widening your circle of friends. locked into place in that journal. Reading good books not only will keep your Most of us in ministry move among such a intellectual juices flowing in the right direction limited circle of friends that should we come but will also turn up good treasure from time across a nonbeliever, we'd short-circuit. It's to time. easy to leave them to our church members. A couple of years ago I read James "Scotty" When I first went to Long Beach as pastor, a Reston's last book, Deadline, A Memoir, in Christian friend drove us past the Athletic which he told stories of his early days as a Club, pointed it out, and said, "You really reporter for the New York Times. ought to join there, if only to make friends and Reston was covering England's grand get to know the community. People who are national steeplechase in the 1930s. He was members of that club may never come to your told to flash the winner at urgent cable rates. church, but you can have a real influence if The Times wanted to be first with news of the you get to know some of them." winner, so he made elaborate preparations to I joined, and it indeed became one of the beat the competition. The very moment the most significant places for ministry and horse crossed the finish line Reston would friendship during my tenure as pastor. When have the message wired across the Atlantic. you meet people on the racquetball court, it's It was a close race with two horses, amazing what open doors follow. Battleship and Royal Danielli, leading the pack. Finish. He didn't wait for the steward's BUILD A HEALTHY SPIRIT AnD ATTITUDE. decision but sent the cable: "Flash: Royal Lucy said, "Life is kind of like being on a Danielli wins grand national." cruise ship. Some people put their deck chairs The official winner was announced after a in the front of the ship to see where they are long delay: "Winner is Battleship." going. Others put their chairs in the back to Back he went to the wire: "Kill flash. see where they have been. Which are you?" Battleship wins grand national; repeat Charlie Brown replied, "I don't know. I can Battleship, not Royal Danielli." never seem to get my deck chair open." Reston said he learned two lessons: (1) Get This Peanuts plight has a counterpart for it first if you can, but get it right. (2) He had people in ministry. Not that we are incapable 32 . 5 PR I N G 1 9 9 6 of doing a thing right, but our roles are more talking before going to sleep. She began say- like a dad who brings home a boxed-up, easy- ing things that she believed about an issue to-assemble backyard swing set for his kids. with which I disagreed. My first impulse was Getting from the concept of a swing set to the to object to her point of view (which I always finished product leaves behind a trail of tears had before, sometimes strenuously) but and frustration before the triumph. caught myself. Instead I looked at her, smiled, "Wisdom," said Solomon, "...if you find it, and said, "Honey, I'm not sure about all that, there is hope for you" (Proverbs 24: 14, NIV). but whatever you say, think, or feel about it- I recently heard Stephen R. Covey, author of I'll love you anyway." Principle-Centered Leadership, give eight signs I don't believe it was what I said as much as found in good leaders. You'll also find these it was the way the Lord helped me to say it traits in healthy ministers. that caused her to nuzzle into my arms and 1. Look for ways to improve yourself say with a sigh: "Don't you wish we could live through reading, asking questions, or getting our lives backward-start our marriage with additional training. "Most people have a ten- the years of experience? We spent so many dency to rest on yesterday's learning," said years defending our opposing views and cor- Covey, "rather than to get into the spirit of con- recting each other because we didn't under- tinuous improvement." When you aren't work- stand the importance of giving each other the ing on improving yourself, it's hard to urge space we needed to be happy." others to do so. That may be one of the most widely felt ten- 2. You are service-oriented. In other words, sions among married people; that is, smother- first ask yourself what other people need, not ing each other with a tyranny of oughts, what you need. musts, and shoulds-not giving one another 3. Radiate positive energy and sidestep neg- the benefit of growing strong as a person with- ative energy. out beating him/her down with our own expec- 4. Believe in other people-affirm and see tations. Trees and flowers grow best when the worth, goodness, and potential in others. given space and sunshine and water. People, 5. Work on balancing life between work, too. home, and community. The other sides of a minister's private life 6. See life as an adventure, you are inward- contribute untold riches, when done well, ly secure, and look at each day in a fresh, new toward making our lives whole. way. God has called us into His field of work and 7. Value differences-realize your methods guarantees a holy network of His grace: "You are not synonymous with the right methods belong now to the household of God. Firmly and see new alternatives as exciting, not beneath you is the foundation, God's messen- threatening. gers and prophets, the actual cornerstone 8. Take care of yourself physically through being Christ Jesus himself. In him each sepa- exercise so that you're healthy; intellectually, rate piece of building, properly fitting into its through reading (turn off the television); and neighbor, grows together into a temple conse- spiritually, through prayer and focusing on crated to the Lord. You are all part of this what's inspiring. building in which God himself lives by his These qualities reflect a deeply practical side Spirit" (Ephesians 2: 19-22, Phillips). I;t to the personal development of any spirit and attitude.

BUILD A WARM. PLEASAnT HOME FOR YOUR FAMILY. If any place on earth should be a model of Christ's love for the Church, it's my home. It is, in miniature, the most significant arena where the kingdom of God grows, and it starts between my wife and me. One night a few years ago, Judy and I were ENRlCHMENT 33 F O R W O M E N I N M I N I S T R Y

Times are changing, though. Many pastors' wives are beginning to speak up and cry, "Stop! I can't continue like this anymore. I must have help." Before the dropout rate of our colleagues becomes an epidemic, a reeval- uation must be done. Expecting the church congregation to redefine their expectations is unrealistic and will delay, obstruct, or halt any progress toward living more fulfilling, less- stressed lives. We need to set the parameters that we are emotionally, physically, and spiri- tually able to afford. To do so we need to know who we are in Christ, which will provide a foundation we can stand on to grasp God's vision-not others' or even our own-for our lives.

WHO ARE YOU? Seek to understand who God created you to be. Service springs from God's heart in us. If His WOULD YOU ACCEPT A JOB with no job heart is not in us and we are trying to do the description and no pay? Every year thousands job without Him, it's exactly that-a job. of women do just that. We're called pastors' Ministry begins within. It is motivated by what BY JANICE HILDRETH wives. However, we soon discover that the lack God is doing in our souls. Unfortunately, the of a job description doesn't mean there aren't expectations of the pastorate often put us in a expectations. Our performance is scrutinized, position that demands we give from without commented upon, and graded-all without and denies us the opportunity and time to our seeing a script. focus on the inner life. This scenario can create an identity crisis. Romans 12:6-8 lists ministry gifts (prophe- Frustration, resentment, anger, and bitterness cy, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, are commonly expressed emotions at pastors' leading, and mercy) and says that God gives to conferences and retreats. Asking for a job each of us particular ministry gifts. Jean description from your parishioners will give you Meppelink in her book, Peace in the Parsonage one like the elephant in "Six Blind Men from (pages 8,9), lists some good questions we can India." If you'll remember, when theyencoun- ask ourselves to find our ministry gifts: tered a pachyderm they described him accord- 1. "Is there a deep desire in your heart to ing to which part of the body each was touch- keep God's people on the straight and narrow? ing. Likewise, your parishioners' job description Do you weep over sin and long to speak out for will reflect what's important to them. the right? Do you feel compelled to confront wrong situations in a straightforward man- ner? [prophecy] 2. "Do you like to see that everyone is cared for in practical ways? Do you notice and take 34 . SPRI N G 1 996 care of the empty dishes or full trash barrel or your weaknesses) can be used for His glory as the person who is struggling to juggle a cup of a pastor's wife and for your own personal coffee? Do you see helping people with their growth and spiritual maturity. physical need of clothes, food, and shelter as If we accept that life is God-ordained and basic to the ministry? [serving] not a random set of circumstances, we can 3. "Do you love to read and study and dig for have the confidence to look at ourselves more truths? Is there a longing in your heart to analytically. We all have weaknesses. I'm not share what the Lord is teaching you? Do you a good teacher, but when a teaching position is see the Word and its principles as the answer thrust upon me, I use it as a learning experi- to people's problems? [teaching] ence. I try to find one thing to do better next 4. "Do you like being with people? Would time. Just understanding that you don't have you rather mix freely with newcomers and to excel at everything can reduce the pressure show yourself friendly than to retire in your you put on yourself. own little circle of friends and family? Do you I love to entertain. I grew up in a very hos- like practical application of Scripture that pitable home, and it's a joy to have guests in gives steps to spiritual growth and develop- my home. I have used hospitality as a strength ment? [encouraging] in my ministry. I set up a chart and invite all 5. "Do you have a knack for saving money, our parishioners, on a rotating basis, into our earning extra dollars, and turning trash into home for food and fellowship. Spur-of-the- treasures? Do you respond sacrificially to the moment, planned, theme partieS-I've tried financial needs of some person or ministry? them all. A key ingredient in finding your gift Are you willing to live frugally in order to give is doing what you love-it won't feel like to a desperate need somewhere? [giving] drudgery, and you will be exhilarated by it. 6. "Do you enjoy planning ahead, laying out a schedule or a program, putting people in DEALING WITH THE appropriate slots? Is it easy for you to see the STRUGGLES overview of what needs to be done and who Are you struggling with the pastor's wife fits where in doing the task? [leading] role? Here are some concrete steps to help 7. "Do you experience great compassion and reduce the stress: hurt when others hurt? Do you feel the spirit 1. Ask God to confirm His call to the min- of a group of people, especially if someone istry in your heart. there is discouraged or depressed? [mercy]" 2. Enlist your husband to help define what you feel you can do in the church. If you're YOU'RE UNIQUE struggling, it's probably because you either It's not trite to say, "You're unique," because want to do nothing or feel pressured to do you are. Before you were fully formed in your everything. mother's womb, God knew what path your life 3. Decidebeforehand how you'll respond to was going to take. You may have never planned comments that could be construed as criti- to marry a minister. You may have married a cism. Phyllis Hicks, the gracious pastor's wife man who hadn't planned to be a minister (and under whom I trained, handled negative com- now is), but the God who knows the beginning ments with great diplomacy. When she from the end is not surprised. It's not a mis- received a comment such as, "Sister So-and- take. God knows how your strengths (and yes, So always stood at the door and greeted us," ENRlCHMENT 35 she would smile and reply, "Isn't it won- derful that God created us all different- ly? It's OK that I just be myself, isn't it?" and the gruff, disgruntled saint had to agree and retire. 4. find ways to delay committing yourself. We sometimes give in to pres- sure when we're put on the spot. You might say, "I would love to do that, but I need to check my schedule." 5. find a mentor. Ask God to point out a godly woman you could ask to come alongside to help you find balance. This woman could come from your own con- gregation, but you might find it less stressful if she didn't. for safety, make sure there are ground rules (such as confidences being kept totally confiden- tial) before you start. 6. Actively pursue practical resources that can offer advice on defining your role. Take advantage of whatever your budget allows for retreats, seminars, and publications. They will offer much- needed encouragement and practical help. 7. Join a Bible study in another town for spiritual feeding. STEP BACK: 8. Help those in your congregation Evaluate everyone's expectations; discover their spiritual gifts. This will then ask, "What can I realistically spread the ministry around and keep accomplish?" you from feeling you must do every- thing. STEP FORWARD: 9. Start a pastor's wife support group. Talk with your husband and chil- Send out letters to the wives of minis- dren. Find out how they feel about ters in your area. State your purpose of your involvement. a support group to encourage and uplift women married to ministers and invite STEP UNDER: them to come. God's plan for your life. Determine 10. Keep a list of your priorities on your most important gifts. Are you your refrigerator as a visible reminder. making use of them, or have you been distracted by others' IT'S FOR THE BEST demands? Maybe not having a job description is a blessing. Sometimes it's easier to blaze STEP DOWN: a new trail than it is to drive in someone Slowly work out of the current posi- else's ruts. Think of the pastor's wife's tions that don't fit your schedule. role as a lump of clay. It's a smooth, Startpraying that God will showyou unformed hope that is waiting for you to a replacement who can be trained. take and mold into something that fits you. You are precisely who God chose for this church at this time. The qualities you develop as you seek God's plan for 36 . S P R I N G 1 9 9 6

M I N I S T E R I A L E N R I C H M E N T

Every day keep your eyes on{y on Christ, and so long as your eye is single, your whole body must and shall be full of light. But if you once look cross-eyed first to yourself and then to " Christ, your whole body shall be full of darkness. —Charles Spurgeon ,

~--. "Finally, brethren, whatever things are involved"'-" "",., in inappropriate sexual behavior with true...noble...just...pure...lovely...of someone in the church."4 good report, if there is any virtue and if I recall speaking to a brother who had at one there is anything praiseworthy-meditate time been addicted to pornography. His on these things" (Philippians 4:8, NKJV). description of this problem was: "It'S like tar on the brain; no matter how hard I tried to wash myself of it, I could not get it all off." BY WAYDE I. GOODALL This brother finally received the deliverance he so desperately wanted. Through the prayer of some caring brothers and God's help, he was able to discipline himself from looking at or meditating on this demoralizing material. Dr. Archibald Hart, of Fuller Theological Seminary, surveyed approximately 160 men about the subject of pornography. The survey found that 94 percent had been exposed to One night while on a speaking mission, the pornography; 91 percent of the men raised in young married pastor checked into a hotel a Christian home reported having been room far from home where he surprised him- exposed to pornography; 98 percent of those self by making his first willful commitment to not raised in a religious home reported expo- lust. As he paged through the city's entertain- sure.5 ment guide, he kept flipping back to pho- He found that the less religious the home, tographs of an exotic dancer, a nightclub fea- the more likely one will be exposed. Most of ture in a hotel not far away.2 the men had been exposed to pornography There followed in this man's life an odyssey between the ages of 15 and 20. Exposure to of unleashed passion that he felt powerless to erotica in males before age 14 has one signifi- control. Back home he built a secret stash of cant effect: They are more active sexually and pornographic magazines. After a morning of engage in more varied sexual behaviors as sermon preparation, he often "rewarded" him- adults than males not so exposed.6 self with a look at photographs of nude The American Psychological Association women featured in the latest copy of Oui or states that men subject to long-term exposure Playboy.3 He became locked into his secret to pornography or to the sexual violence, passion and rationalized his thinking and which is often linked to porn in the popular behavior more and more. He was trapped. media, become desensitized to violence and Fuller Institute of Church Growth surveyed are less sympathetic to rape victims. They also pastors and found that "37 percent have been become more accepting of rape myths and atti-

38 . SPI\. IN G 1 9 9 6 tudes of violence toward women.7 Every sexual addict will admit that multiple Exposure can come from a variety of exposures to pornography will influence the sources: It can happen at a young person's development of sexual interest, form sexual school, workplace, locker room, newsstand, a attitudes, and model unusual sexual practices. cable television channel, or VCR.In a survey of However, the porn industry would never admit pastors published by Leadership, 20 percent this. said they look at sexually oriented media As believers, and especially Christian lead- (print, video, or movies) at least once a month. ers, we have a responsibility to keep ourselves Thirty-eight percent said they find themselves clean from the hideous sin of pornography. fantasizing about sex with someone other "For this is the will of God, your sanctification; than their spouses at least once a month.8 that is, that you abstain from sexual immoral- Research shows that of Christian house- ity; that each of you know how to possess his holds which have cable television, 23 percent own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in subscribe to pornography channels-the same the \ustful passion,like the Gentiles who do percentage as the nation as a whole.9 The not know God" (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, world we live in uses pornography to sell cars, NASB). The damaging effects of this sin on food, clothing, education, vacations, etc. One God's kingdom, our personal lives, our fami- must continually be alert today to avoid lies, and our Christian witness are without pornography. measure. God has given the believer the power In Dr. Hart's survey the respondents were to break this bondage. '/\nd having been set overwhelming in the opinion that nothing free from sin, you became slaves of righteous- good came from their exposure to pornography ness" (Romans 6: 18, NKJV).Christian leaders when they were young. 10 must live exemplary lives that can withstand full scrutiny.

BREAKING THE BONDAGE OF PORNOGRAPHY 1. Destroy all your pornography. Nothing should be left. Anything written, photographs, videos, movies, drawings, MTv, Show Time, and other movie channels. Avoid places where pornography is displayed in any way. 2. Stop associating with people or going to places that promote pornography in any way. 3. Begin to saturate your mind with God's Word and pray the Scripture. Begin a consis- tent, lengthy Bible reading and meditation time. In feeding your spirit person, you will quiet your flesh person. 4. Become part of an accountability group with other ministers. Being accountable to one's peers in ministry is extremely helpful in the prayer support we desire and in becoming more disciplined in our private lives. ENDNOTES: 5. If necessary, seek competent, profession- JHarry W. Schaumburg, False Intimacy (Colorado al, Christian counseling help. The Ministerial Spn'ngs: NavPress, 1972), 179. Enrichment office (417) 862-2781, ext. 3014, 2Ted W. Engstrom and Norman B. Rohrer, Making or the (800) 867-4011 crisis line for ministers, the Right Choices (Nashville: Nelson, 1993), 18. can assist you with a referral. 3lbid. Ministers should be aware that when they 4Reported by Archibald D. Hart, Fuller Theological fail to meet biblical standards, they disqualify Seminary, at the Caregivers Forum, Colorado themselves from serving. Spiritual restoration Springs, Colorado, 1991. is required. "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in 5Archibald D. Hart, The Sexual Man (Dallas: a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a Word, 1994), 89-90. one in the spirit of meekness; considering thy- 6Neil M. Malamuth and Edward Donnerstein, self, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one Pornography and Sexual Aggression (New York: another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Academic Press, 1984), 7. Christ" (Galatians 6: 1,2, KJV). Requalification John Bales, APA Monitor, November 1993, 7. through restoration can take place when the 8Anonymous, "The War Within Continues," minister's character can be proved once Leadership, Winter 1988,24. again. I;t 9Ibid., 28.

40 . SPRING 1996

Bible study may be a part of one's daily BY CHARLES B. NESTOR devotional time. However, this calls us to study Scripture vigorously for personal and REQUIREMENTS of preaching and teaching professional enrichment and spiritual growth demand that the minister study the Scriptures. that goes beyond the devotional. Sermon and lesson preparations can easily Personal retreats and vacations that set involve hours of study each week. After spend- aside the mornings for study will refresh and ing so much time in the Bible the minister may stimulate future ministry, filling reservoirs feel that sufficient commitment to study has from which applications in ministry can come. been made. However, preaching and teaching The concert musician's practice offstage and become shallow and spiritually anemic if the the athlete's personal training when there is private life of the minister is not supported by no concert or game are vital for excellence in consistent personal Bible study.44 42 • SPRING 1996 music and sports. Just so, the private study life fit of being able to compare alternate render- -. .., of the minister is the backbone of his success ings of the text immediately. in public ministry. Sometime ago I discovered the Tanakh, a Here are some ideas and methods that can Jewish translation of the Old Testament. make personal Bible study effective and exciting. Reading it in study is enjoyable. The poetry sections tend to capture the nuances of Hebrew HAVE A READING SCHEDULE poetry in ways that other versions miss. Names Study starts with reading the Bible itself. for God are transliterated from the Hebrew, Follow a planned reading schedule. Plans that which helps the English reader to appreciate ~.outlinereading through the Bible in a year can the power and the variety contained in these be'good road maps but can become numbing revelations concerning the person of God. like interstate driving where progress is noted The DiscovelY Bible is another helpful tool. only by the passing of mileage markers. Side The translation is the New American Standard roads provide the more scenic vistas. Make up Bible, and it introduces various easy-to-use your own itinerary. Stop and look in depth at symbols that alert the reader to grammatical the things that catch your attention. issues such as tense, mood, and voice of verbs. Families of words are identified by numbers PLAN YOUR FOCUS that point to the root, and words that are Plan specific sections or books of the Bible that stressed in the original are italicized. 'you have not studied in a while. Vary your Those who read the Greek and Hebrew can focus to get the full impact of the total revela- keep those tools honed by reading and study- tion. It is easy to get into ruts. Over the years ing in the original texts, which serves several I have spent considerable time in the Epistles, purposes at once. It helps to expand vocabu- especially those written by the apostle Paul. I lary in the languages and to observe the have recently seen the need to focus on the nuances of meaning which are lost in transla- ~c~-"-~Gospels and to spend time reviewing Jesus' tion. As a part of study some time might be 0;;::::;... words and works. Balance that includes the devoted to the translation of individual books. whole of Scripture is important. Over time one could assemble his own trans- On a recent family trip I took the mornings lation of several books if not an entire to read the Book of Revelation. I did not focus Testament. on eschatology or prophecy alone. I sought to One discipline suggested to me by the late hear as the seven Asian churches heard it read Arthur Graves, then president of Southeastern for the first time. I wanted to discover the College, was his habit of studying from encouragement this book would have brought unmarked Bibles. He saw the value of coming to early believers who were under severe to the text fresh each time. This helps one dis- stress. Later I developed a series, "Living as a cover new understanding of things not seen Christian in a Troubled World," from the notes before instead of being drawn to the emphasis I made. Preparing sermons was not the goal of that captured attention previously. my personal study, but my study became a resource from which to draw. STUDY BIBLES Even when preparing for Sunday is not the Some ministers find the use of study Bibles goal, it is important to maintain personal helpful. Many types are on the market, and study. Personal Bible study becomes the water- new ones appear regularly. The tendency is to shed for ideas that will fill the pipeline for look immediately to the writer's annotations, future preaching and teaching. Dryness in which may contain theological biases-inter- preparation can be avoided when there is a pretations that can affect one's study. Be reservoir from personal study. aware of the predilections of the author. A case in point is the history of the Scofield Reference EXPLORE DIFFERENT Bible. Scofield's views on certain doctrinal TRANSLATIONS issues became the accepted truth among some Personal study is a time for exploring different readers so that when the publisher changed translations. Each provides its own dynamic. the typeface in the second edition people com- Using parallel versions offers the added bene- plained that the Bible itself had been changed. ENRICHMENT 43 A good study Bible provides information way to build a good study library. This also that is not readily available in the text itself encourages diversity in study habits. (e.g., geographical data, definitions of difficult I attempt to stay away from homiletical or culturally bound words, historical clarifica- commentaries and expositions that are not tion, and alternate views of meaning). The exegetical. The best books for study are those New International Version Study Bible gives the writers of the expositions used. The pur- alternate views of meaning without argumen- pose of study is not to rehash others' results tation. It is the product of a team of commen- but to discover the wonder and excitement tators and is not limited to one individual's through one's own digging out the message of viewpoint. Scripture. If this is done as a regular disci- pline, the student will have a product available COMMENTARIES as a personal resource that will later enrich What is said about the use of study Bibles can the sermons and expositions the minister will also be said of commentaries. These works present. should be brought to the text but not used as substitutes for interpretation while depending CONCLUSION exclusively on others' works. The best are When the minister hears the text with convic- those which are exegetical in nature. tion in his heart it will live later in the hearts Look for certain essentials in a good com- of the hearers. The message of the pulpit mentary for study. It should point out the grows from the seedbed of personal study important issues of the text and offer the var- where the Word of God has been plowed by the ious meanings suggested, the author's own preacher consistently and regularly. Personal view being distinguished from others with the Bible study will fill the silos with ample grain. reasoning that produced his conclusion. There When the pulpit calls, the minister will have should be good notes on historical, linguistic, an overflow from which to produce the indi- and textual matters, with an ample bibliogra- vidual sermons and lessons. Instead of the phy that points the reader toward other tyranny of the Saturday night syndrome, the sources of information. preacher will wonder how all he has available The real value in a commentary is often will ever be delivered. Such is the unsearch- found in the footnotes rather than in the body able and infinite resources of the Word of God. of the text. A good example of this is The In Lectures to My Students Charles Spurgeon Anchor Bible. The conservative student may commented that one can evaluate a minister's find the comments of little use, while the notes private prayer by his public prayer. He con- are a gold mine of useful information. Some cludes that effectiveness in public is a direct volumes are worth the investment for the result of what is practiced in private. The same notes alone. Raymond Brown's two-volume may be said of the minister's personal Bible commentary on the Gospel of John is an excel- study. Public ministry which is supported only lent example. by study that produces sermons and lessons Sets of commentaries look good on the shelf, for presentation will be deficient and shallow but it is more beneficial and economical to if it is not supported by diligent and disci- choose commentaries on individual books that plined personal Bible study. I;t are recognized to be outstanding. Before buy- ing, study reviews in professional journals and peruse theological libraries and book- stores. Good guides are available such as How To Read the BibleJor aI/Its Worth by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart and A Basic Bibliographic Guide to New Testament Exegesis by David Scholer. A practice of purchasing a new commentary on a book of the Bible each time that book is approached anew can keep the study stimulat- ing, offer new material, and be an effective 44 . SPRING 1996 ENRlCHMENT . 45 c L E R G c H u R c L A

BY RICHARD R.HAMMAR with inadequate information to decide commissioned, or licensed; (2) conducts consistently and correctly whether minis- religious services; (3) administers the IN 1995 the IRS released audit guide- ters are employees or self-employed. sacraments or ordinances of the church; lines that its agents are instructed to Unfortunately, by informing agents that (4) has management responsibility; and follow when auditing ministers' tax ministers "are generally considered (5) is considered a spiritual leader by the returns. Ministers now know the posi- employees under the common law rules," congregation. Unfortunately, this defini- tion the IRS will take on several tax there is little doubt that IRS agents will tion was too narrow and excluded a issues and the questions that will be assume that most ministers are employ- number of associate ministers as well as raised in an audit. The guidelines pro- ees Jor income tax reporting purposes. ministers serving in parachurch min- vide ministers with invaluable informa- Ministers who report their income taxes istries and seminaries. tion for use in evaluating various tax as self-employed must recognize that if Fortunately, the new audit guidelines decisions. It is of utmost importance audited, the IRS probably will attempt to reject this narrow definition and adopt a that ministers be familiar with these reclassify them as employees. This can more reasonable balancing approach. guidelines. This article will summarize result in the loss or reduction of busi- The five factors are still relevant and some of the key provisions in the audit ness-expense deductions. should be considered, but not all five are guidelines and provide readers with tips Surprisingly, the guidelines do not required for one to be deemed a minister on audit-proofing their tax returns. refer to the 20-factor test announced by for tax purposes. At a minimum, a min- the IRS in 1987 or to a 1994 TaxCourt ister must be "ordained, commissioned, REPORT INCOME TAXES decision finding that a Methodist minis- or licensed." AS AN EMPLOYEE. ter was an employee rather than self- IRS agents are informed, by the guide- employed for income tax reporting pur- REPORT ALL ITEMS OF lines, that the very first issue to be poses (Weber v. Commissioner). TAXABLE INCOME. resolved in auditing a minister's tax The guidelines recognize that some The guidelines provide agents with the return is whether the minister is an ministers are self-employed for income following list of items that represent employee or self-employed for income tax reporting purposes (such as some reportable income. Ministers who receive tax reporting purposes. The guidelines traveling evangelists) and that some any of these items must recognize that state that a minister's correct reporting employee-ministers have self-employ- they will be addressed in an audit: status "is a factual question that will ment income from performing weddings . compensation from an employing depend on the circumstances of each and other services directly for members. church or church agency case." However, they note that ministers .bonuses "are generally considered employees DEFINE MINISTERIAL . special gifts under the common law rules." The STATUS. . fees received by a minister directly guidelines further clarify that in deter- A number of special tax provisions from parishioners for performing wed- mining whether a worker is an employ- apply to ministers, so a definition of this dings and funerals (The guidelines clar- ee, "employer control over the manner term is important. One of these special ify, however, that "fees for weddings, in which the work is performed, either provisions is the housing allowance. No funerals, etc., which are given directly to actual or the right to it, is the basic one should claim a housing allowance the church rather than to the minister test." Actual control "need not be exer- who does not meet the IRS definition of are not considered compensation to the cised by the employer, provided the minister. minister. ") employer has the right to control the In a series of recent rulings the IRS . expense allowances for travel, employee when it is appropriate and has defined a minister for federal tax transportation, or other business necessary. " purposes as someone who meets all five expenses received under a nonaccount- The guidelines provide IRS agents of the following conditions: (1) ordained, able reimbursement arrangement 46 . SPR IN G 1 9 9 6 . amounts paid to ministers in addi- $10,000 as tax-free. reductions, even if the business expens- tion to salary to cover self-employment 4. Not reporting a housing allowance es that are reimbursed are properly sub- tax or income tax designated for a retired minister by a stantiated. . distributions made to or for the sup- pension board as taxable income in The audit guidelines instruct IRS port of individual missionaries to fur- computing self-employment taxes. The agents to be alert to salary reduction ther the objectives of their missions guidelines inform agents that retired arrangements used to fund reimburse- ministers must report housing ments under an accountable plan. The CORRECTLY REPORT allowances designated by pension IRS instructs its agents that accountable YOUR HOUSING boards as taxable when computing self- plans cannot reimburse employee busi- ALLOWANCE. employment taxes. This was one of the ness expenses out of salary reductions. In the past, many ministers have incor- more disappointing provisions in the The guidelines clarify that "to have an rectly reported their housing audit guidelines. A bill (S.881) intro- accountable plan... the reimbursement allowances. Some of the common errors duced in the United States Senate by or other expense allowance arrange- have included: Senator Pryor would make housing ment provided by an employer should be 1. Claiming a housing allowance allowances designated by church pen- amounts paid to an employee in addi- exclusion in computing self-employ- sion boards nontaxable in computing tion to salary." The important point is ment (Social Security) taxes. The guide- self-employment taxes. this: The guidelines are educating IRS lines point out that the housing Ministers must be careful to avoid agents as to this issue, and so it is now allowance is an exclusion only in com- these errors in computing their housing far more likely that salary reduction puting income taxes. allowance exclusions. The new IRSaudit arrangements will be discovered and 2. Having a church designate a hous- guidelines make it far more likely that questioned in an audit. ing allowance retroactively. The guide- agents will be looking for these errors lines inform agents that the housing when auditing ministers' tax returns. BE CAUTIOUS WHEN allowance must be designated in CLAIMING HOME OFFICE advance. DO NOT PAY FOR DEDUCTIONS. 3. Treating the full church-designated BUSINESS EXPENSES The guidelines instruct agents to "ques- housing allowance as tax-exempt. The THROUGH SALARY tion closely" the necessity of a home guidelines inform agents that the actual REDUCTIONS. office. This is a business expense that exclusion allowed by law for ministers The IRShas cracked down on the use of invites scrutiny. It should not be claimed who own their homes is the lowest of salary reduction arrangements the past unless there is a reasonable basis for it. the following amounts-(l) the church- few years to pay for a minister's busi- To qualify for this deduction, you must designated housing allowance, (2) actu- ness expenses. For example, many not have an office available to you in al housing expenses, or (3) the annual churches reimburse a minister's busi- your church, and your home office must fair rental value of the home (furnished, ness expenses by reducing the minis- be regularly and exclusively used as your including utilities). To illustrate, if a ter's compensation by the amount of the principal place of business. Few minis- church designates a housing allowance reimbursements. Such an arrangement ters will satisfy these requirements. of $10,000 for its pastor, but the pastor is not unlawful, but it cannot be has actual housing expenses of $9,000 accountable. This means that the full BE SURE TO REPORT THE and the fair rental value of the home is amount of the church's reimbursements PERSONAL USE OF ANY $8,000, only $8,000 can be claimed as a must be reported as taxable income to BUSINESS EQUIPMENT. tax-free housing allowance. Under these the minister. It is not permissible to Ministers often use equipment, such as circumstances, many ministers incor- reduce the minister's W-2 or 1099 computers, for both personal and busi- rectly claim the full allowance of income by the amount of these salary ness use and do not realize that the ENRlCHMENT . 47 value of the personal use may represent agents that "ministers often pay a small instruct agents to apply it. It is now taxable income. The guidelines instruct annual renewal fee to maintain their almost certain that this rule will be agents to calculate the value of the per- credentials, which constitutes a applied in the audit of ministers' tax sonal use of computers and other equip- deductible expense." On the other hand, returns. The impact of this rule can be ment, since this value represents an the guidelines point out that "ministers' avoided completely if a church reimburs- often overlooked source of taxable contributions to the church are not es a minister's business expenses by income. It is advisable to keep records deductible as business expenses." using an accountable arrangement. I;t documenting all business use so that you can establish this important infor- APPLY THE DEASON Richard R. Hammar, J.D., LL.M., CPA, mation if requested. RULE. Springfield, Missouri, has served as legal Several years ago the Tax Court ruled counsel to The General Council if the REPORT PROFESSIONAL that a minister's business expense Assemblies if God since 1978. He is editor DUES. deduction must be reduced by the per- if Church Law & Tax Report, a bimonthly Should ministers report mandatory dues centage of the minister's total income newsletter addressing legal and tax devel- they pay to a denominational office as a that represents a tax-free housing opments that Wect churches and clergy. business expense or as a charitable con- allowance. The enforcement of this rule tribution? The guidelines instruct has been sporadic. The audit guidelines

48 . SPRING 1996

WHAT DO YOUSEE IN THE FUTURE FOR YOUNG WOMEN IN MINISTRY? WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ANYWHO FEEL A FULL-TIMECALL? HICKEY: I didn't feel called for a long time. I was a pastor's wife. I liked that. I was not dis- content. As I became active in reaching people, I was concerned that I was getting so busy doing a lot of good things and might miss God's best. Then I went to speak at an Assemblies of God women's meeting in Alexandria, Minnesota-17 years ago. They had two back-to-back meetings with a day between. I fasted and prayed that day. "God," I prayed, "if You don't show me what You want me to do, I'm going to flounder out here and maybe do a lot of things and miss You." That's when He called me to cover the earth with the Word. So I think women have to hear from God- what He wants-not what people think you .want to do. You have to know. People say, "It's I hard on women." It has not been hard on me. If you're called, God is going to open the door-you don't have to knock it down. Some say, "Because I'm a woman, they're going to be against me, so I have to push the door down." That's the biggest mistake you could make. nrichment editors talked with Marilyn Hickey during the Signs and Wonders WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR WOMEN IN MINISTRY? Co'lference in Springfield, Missouri, last spring. She shares experiences and insights HICKEY: It'S not whether you're a woman or a concerning her ministry that will help other man that your future's good but whether you women who may be asking, "CanGod use me believe in the Word of God and the power of in ministry?" the Holy Spirit. Gender has nothing to do with it. It has to do with your call and your follow- ing the Holy Spirit. When women get into the mind-set, "I'm a woman; I've been persecut- ed," that's a setup of the devil. 52 . SPR IN G 1 9 9 6 HOW DOES GOD SPEAK HIS WILL TO YOU? HICKEY:Two things: (1) I try to keep my heart prepared and open. My prayer life is essential, priority. I cannot live without it. (2) The Word-I read so much of the Word every day that I usually memorize at least one or tw books a year. As I meditate in that enviro ment, I feel His impression. Then I write thti things down.

EARLY IN YOUR MINISTRY DID YOU FEEL THERE WERE BARRIERS YOU HAD TO OVER- things. In my life there is no qu'e COME BECAUSE YOU WERE A WOMAN? If I have to drop something else to giv~ iire: HICKEY: Not really. It was all a full advantage, priority, I will. If I have to stay up late to fin- though at one time a whole group of men ish up the amount of time that I intended to came out against women preachers and told pray, I'll do it. You won't cut these, for you'll their people, "Don't go to anything or listen to crash without them. her on the radio or television because she's a false prophetess-God didn't call women to SO YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD IS YOUR preach." I heard that, but it didn't ever seem to PRIORITY-PRAYER LIFE AND PERSONAL hurt or stop anything. I'm sure there will STUDY-YOUR FAMILY SECOND, AND THEN always be something like that. If you're called, YOUR MINISTRY? some people are going to be negative, but HICKEY: That's right. I never traveled more that's not a problem for God. than 3 days in a month when I started. My two children went with me at times. As they got HAS YOUR PARALLEL MINISTRY WITH older I might be gone 6 days a month but YOURHUSBAND'S BEEN A BLENDINGOF never 6 days at a time, then 10 days a month MINISTRIES? during college years. Even now, I'm not gone HICKEY: Yes, for he is probably the most sup- more than a third of the month, except for an portive of anybody-almost to the point of occasional overseas trip. My family is really embarrassment. Because I was so shy and good and has had a lot of input; we do well held back, he was always pushing and pray- with each other. ing. When things broke, he never felt it was ministry but ours. He's never felt competi- 11V' IN BRINGING THIS INTERVIEW TO A CLOSE, tive, which is so important. DO YOU HAVE A CONCLUDING THOUGHT FOR OUR WOMEN READERS? HOW CAN WOMEN IN MINISTRY PRIORITIZE HICKEY:Women need to be very cautious not THEIR LIVES? to get on a pity and rejection party but keep HICKEY: In pastoring, your time is gone before their eyes on the Word and stick with what the you know it. You have to set priorities: (1) Word says about us, not what people or even prayer time and (2) the Word-those two our church sometimes think. ENRlCHMENT 53 When I first got involved in radio and tele- vision, we lost 100 people in our church because it was not the standard thing for an Assemblies of God [Pentecostal] pastor's wife to do at that time. When you lose 100 out of 400, that's a big segment. I told my husband, I I didn't want to hurt the church. I thought my ministry would bless the church and volunteered to stop. He said, "God's called you to do this, and we're not going to let the enemy steal from this. You stay true; we'll stay true to God.'! Of course, the ministry was blessed an God blessed the church. You cannot look at your circumstances and be defeated by them. You have to keep your eyes on that inner witness of !j

what God has called you to do. I want to' encourage women not to get hung up on being a woman-get hung up on the] Lord and being the woman He wan you to be. Don't say, "Men are agains me." Men are not against us. The dev.1 is against us. Women need to keep focused and keep the focus.

54 . SPRING 1996

lives-to Him, He will direct us. I don't mean just talking about it-I mean committing it where we come to the place we pray, "Lord, it really doesn't matter what I want; it's what You want." That's committing. Then trust the Lord. He is trustworthy. We can trust our future, our ministry, and our lives to God, not the Assemblies of God. So so MANYOF OUR MINISTERS many have put their confidence, future, and ASK HOW TO KNOW THE trust in the Assemblies of God; then when the WILL OF GOD FOR THEIR district superintendent, the general superin- , LIVES; FOR EXAMPLE, tendent, or a church doesn't come through as ! WHETHERTO MOVEFROM they think they should, they are suddenly I. THEIR CHURCHES OR STAY, dashed upon the rocks, their trust devastated. BUILD A NEW BUILDING OR Trust the Lord. We are really in God's employ- . GO TO MULTIPLESERVICES. ment. WOULD YOUADDRESSTHESE The Lord has given me the privilege of car- ISSUES AND SHARE HOW rying out ministry by the vehicle known as the YOU HAVE DETERMINED Assemblies of God, but the Assemblies of God GOD'S WILL IN YOURLIFE? is not my source. God is my Source. TRASK: Every Christian "Lean not unto thine own understanding."

~ should know God's will for That brings us into the frame: "Lord, I will do his/her life. I'm not persuaded relative to the Your will and be obedient to Your will even permissive will, but I'm really interested in though I don't understand it." We can trust knowing the perfect will of God. I've described Him, and His Spirit registers with ours that it like this: 3 plus 3 plus 3 equals knowing "this is the will of God; walk ye in it." God's will. The first set of three: He said if we do those first three, He'll do 1. God has a will for our lives. We have to the fourth one: '/\nd [I will] direct thy paths." believe that. We are not here by chance. Our The third set of 3s is what I call "The lives are not ordered by luck but in God's Witnesses of Three WS." The witness, first of design and purposes. all, of the Word. God always operates in the 2. God desires to show or reveal His will to framework of His Word. People have gotten us. No question about it. themselves into trouble today by listening to 3. We must want His will and to do His will. others: "The Lord told me to tell you to do Jesus was consumed with the passion to do this." That is outside the framework of His the Father's will. Word. The Word of God is a lamp unto our feet The second set of three is taken from Psalm and a light unto our pathway. We must always 37:5 and Proverbs 3:5,6: "Commit thy way check with the Word-does it square with the unto the Lord"-that's the first one. "Trust in Word? Is it balanced with the Word? If we'll the Lord with all thine heart"-the second always keep that as a reference point, we'll be one. "Lean not unto thine own understand- in safe territory. That's the witness ofthe Word. ing"-the third one. If we will commit our The second witness is the witness of the future-plans, ambitions, desires, goals, and Spirit. In ministerial circles we use what we 58 . SPRING 1 9 9 6 call a check-"I felt a check in my spirit." That that confidence comes the confidence of lead- is the way the Spirit indicates to us the timing ership, a confidence of faith and trust. You isn't right, not necessarily that God is saying have the assurance you're going to make it: "No." Therefore, if I witness in my spirit that "Lord, You ordained my path. It isn't some- something is not God's direction, His leading, thing I've chosen. It wasn't because it was His will for my life, and I don't feel comfortable attractive or had good fringe benefits or the in it, that's God telling me either "Stop," "Slow size of the congregation." Those factors are down," or "Go." I've noticed that we usually incidental. The most important factor is to live miss God, not because we get behind or are out the perfect will of God. slow but because we move too quickly. We assume God is directing us, and we jump PASTORS ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR before it is time. The more sensitized we CHURCHES' GROWTH OR UNCOOPERATIVE become to the witness of the Spirit and know BOARDS. HOW CAN A PERSON REST IN God's leading in the little things, the better we GOD'S WILL IN THE MIDST OF GREAT will recognize His voice in the big decisions. CONCERN? The key is to know the voice of the Spirit daily TRASK: When a person is in God's will, He and then live in obedience to Him. gives favor with God, not to be a man-pleaser The third is the witness of circumstances. but, first, to please God. In turn He gives the joy When God is in something, we don't have to of favor with man. At times we are out of step. force an issue. When God puts the circum- If we want to be used of the Lord to win some- stances together, we don't have to force one, God will give us an avenue. To every per- things-they drop into place like a jigsaw puz- son's heart is an avenue, and if we seek it, we zle. We call this the witness of circumstances. can win that person to the Lord. If he's a We have signposts along the way: Are things Christian, fine, but he will witness our spirit if fitting together? Can we see God's hand lead- we react to him negatively. The enemy would ing in the whole matter? Or have we tried to like us to react, but we can't do that. We must force things? respond in a Christlike way. One of two things If, after seeking the Lord, a pastor feels a will happen: either the man will come along change in ministry is coming, he/she is not and be of our same spirit and we will win him, wrong to say to the district superintendent, "It or God will remove him from that place so that may be my time is up here, and God is releas- He doesn't stand in the way of God's direction. ing me. If there's a place you feel I might fit But it won't be our removing ----G will remove in " That's OK. But when ministers become him. anxious, that's not the will of God. He said, "Be anxious for nothing." Living in the center YOU ARE REMINDING US THAT OUR OBLIGA- of God's will is fulfilling, comforting, and won- TION IS TO BE CHRISTLIKE, SEEK THE LORD derful. You don't have to worry. God's person IN ALL THAT WE DO, PUT THE WORRYING in God's place at God's time is the combination ASIDE, AND TRUST GOD? that God works with, and His blessing rests TRASK: Jesus never reacted to the opposi- upon it. That doesn't mean, though, that there tion-He was proactive. Sometimes we spend won't be struggles or times of testing. so much time dealing with the negative that "God put me here-not to fail but to succeed, we never have time to deal with the positive. not for the church to go under but over." With God meant for the church to be on the offen- ENRlCHMENT 59 sive. Scripture says that He will cause bless keep me from the pitfalls, but I do one's own thing. He/she does God's even your enemies to be at peace with have to want that. thing and is a God-pleaser, not a man- you. pleaser. When the sheep sense that, they HAVE YOU ALWAYS FELT LED BY THE rest, and the church rests. There's power DOES THE LORD SPEAK TO YOUR LORD IN EVERYTHING? there. SPIRIT MAN ABOUT THE WILL OF TRASK: I wish that were true. Everyone My prayer is that every Assemblies of GOD IN YOUR TIMES OF PRAYER makes trials and errors-that's how we God minister knows the will of God and AND DEVOTION? learn. Like children, we're still growing lives it out in his/her life whether it is on - -TRASK: I've never made a change of and maturing. I have not arrived. I've some island, in a foreign country, an ministry until I've known for sure it was never made a move in the ministry that inner city, a small church in rural the will of God. As I study, pray, wait I haven't known for sure it was the will America, or a thriving, large congrega- upon the Lord, and allow Him to direct of God. And with that, as I said, there tion-it doesn't matter as long as you my path, my spirit man becomes sensi- comes great confidence. live out His will. CJ tized to the voice of the Holy Spirit in It must be terrible to be in a place of the little things. Some people would find responsibility and wondering, Is this , it strange to consider asking the Lord where I'm supposed to be? Yet I see it -what kind of car to drive or buying a often in the ministry. Or somebody's in home. The Lord is interested in all those a particular place and is looking for factors. That is the way to sensitize your something else. The better plan, God's spirit person to know the voice of the best plan, is this: If God has put you Spirit. Every day is a matter of living out there, He wants to make that place bet- His will. It isn't having to stop and say, ter than any other. So there's no need to ':-\m I doing the will of God today? Is be looking elsewhere. this what God's will is for my life?" No. First of all, I'm where He wants THERE IS A REST WALKING IN THE me to be, doing what He wants me to WILL OF GOD. do, in His time. So I can expect "the TRASK: And there's joy. Other people- steps of a righteous man are ordered of your sheep-can witness that from you the Lord" daily. It isn't a matter of hav- and have a sense of security with the ing to pray about it but a matter of liv- shepherd when they see you walking in - ing that relationship out. He's going to the command of the Lord Jesus Christ. direct my steps. And I expect Him to The shepherd does not promote self nor

60 SPRING 1996

Benny Ferguson (LFTL national coordinator), Sam from heaven to earth. Multiplied millions of Cochran (founder of Light-for-Lost), and people of every color, nationality, and race sur- Don Jacques (LFTL president) talk with rounded me. They began to yell, "Give me the Enrichment executive editor Wayde Goodall Book. Give me the Book. Give me the Book." A concerning Light-for-the-Lost. trapdoor opened suddenly, and they went Sam Cochran is an Assemblies of God lay- screaming into hell. I'll never forget it. man and attends Orange County Christian As I lay there I prayed, "Oh, God, what do Center (formerly First Assembly of God), Santa you want of my life? What does this mean?" Ana, Caljfornia. Don Jacques is a realtor in Then I recognized that it meant millions were Springfield, Missouri, and attends Central going to be lost unless someone did something Assembly of God. Benny Ferguson, before about it. becoming national coordinator of Light-for- I sat down next to my pastor, Ben Hardin, the-Lost and working out of the Assemblies of and told him about the vision. He said, "Sam, God Headquarters, served as pastor of Praise a vision might seem greater than just an idea, Assembly of God, Columbia, Missouri. but it'll amount to nothing more unless some- thing is done about it. In a year come back and SAM, HOW DID THE VISION FOR LIGHT-FOR- tell me what you've done about it, and I'll tell THE-LOST COMETO YOURHEART? you what that vision meant." What wisdom! COCHRAN: One night at the First Assembly of The next week I asked a number of men from God, Santa Ana, California, I went to the altar the church to come to our house, and I told to pray. Suddenly the power of God came upon them about the vision. We were all close me, and I fell over backward. Nobody touched friends. None of us was wealthy. After listen- me or came near me. As I lay there I had a ing, they asked if they could help. All decided vision of God's hand holding a Bible coming to give $15 a month-a lot of money in 1953. ENRlCHMENT 65 (I was an insurance broker at the time.) cover the ministry's administration cost, and Dr. I.J. Harrison, who was just back from close to $400,000 a year is spent back in the Guatemala, was asked to handle the money districts doing the fund-raising, actually carry- and send it to the field. That was the begin- ing on this ministry, and promoting LFTL. It ning of Light-for-the-Lost (LFTL)-at first has become a district fund-raising operation. called Missionary Gospel Society. With more districts involved, we've estab- We received $16.88 in the first service, lished the goal of $10 million per year by the which was in Anaheim, California. We formed year 2000. a quartet and held services to raise funds. That first year we had only $392, but we BENNYFERGUSON,TELL US ABOUTYOUR sent it to the field and kept going. I wanted to DREAM AS NATIONAL COORDINATOR OF quit a million times, but I couldn't. God helped LFTL AND HOW YOUPLANTO IMPLEMENT us-from $392 to where LFTL is today-one IT. year at a time, one church at a time, one meet- FERGUSON: Don said it well-that vision has ing at a time. I look back and wonder, Why in been transferred to so many. It burns as a pas- the world did God choose us? God was good. sion in our spirits. I am the newcomer of the From that board, two became missionaries, three. Men who become involved with LFTL and three did very well in business. and stay in it do so because of their burning passion to reach the lost. DON JACQUES,FROMYOURVIEW AS PRESI- Don just shared that we in LFTL have a goal DENT OF LIGHT-FOR-THE-LOST,WHERE IS for $10 million per year. That will not just hap- LFTL NOW,AND WHATARE SOME OF THE pen. We're putting a number of things in place GOALSFOR THIS YEAR? to implement that goal. One thing is working JACQUES: Let me first tag onto Sam's com- in conjunction with Royal Rangers, a program ments. I know one of those men who was at that we call Light-for-the-Lost Junior the initial meeting. He and Sam are the only Councilmen. This enrolls boys into a missions two I know of who have paid that $15 a month program through Royal Rangers and intro- since 1953. That man, who is my father-in- duces them to LFTL. It will help many of our law, Thomas Lawson, has often said, boys, as they reach adulthood, to remain in "Without Sam Cochran, Light-for-the-Lost the church and become involved in LFTL. would have never existed to become what it is We're also working closely with the today. It took someone who didn't take a 'No' Assemblies of God colleges. When the students but had the audacity to keep going." leave college they become pastors, missionar- That's made it possible for us who have ies, and laymen in local churches. come into the LFTL ministry. I became a coun- These things help us prepare for the future. cilman 21 or 22 years ago and started to work In the next few years we are going to see a in a district that had no fund-raising for LFTL great harvest reaped in the area of missions, and no knowledge of what LFTL was. I recent- specifically LFTL. ly finished a tour that topped $300,000, so we've seen growth in our district through the I CANSENSE THATYOUCARRYA BURDEN inspiration of the men who set it up and put it FOR THIS. in motion. BF: Yes, and the hardest thing for me to deal Today our vision for LFTL is exactly the with is not having the dollars to meet the vision that Sam had. That vision became my needs our missionaries bring to us for LFTLlit- vision. As Sam has shared it with us through erature. Knowing that souls will die and go to the years, he's transferred his burden and hell because we have not raised enough vision to other men. money to reach them with the Word is hard. Our goal is simply to continue to move for- ward. Around $3.5 million went to our mis- WHAT CAN PASTORS DO IN THEIR CHURCH- sionaries in 1995. Every penny we raise has ES TO HELP LFTL? always gone to the missionaries. Not a cent BF: Thank you for asking. One of LFT~s has ever gone for administration. We now Decade of Harvest goals is to have councilmen have almost 6,000 men paying $15 a month to in every Assemblies of God church in America. 66 . SPRING 1996 We are encouraging pastors to have a LFTL for preaching time but simply an opportunity emphasis in a Sunday service once a year: to share LFTL and later talk with those who Bring in a missions speaker or, better yet, are interested. Thus the morning worship ser- preach missions right out of their hearts to vice is not interrupted. their own congregations; put up the LFTL posters on the sanctuary walls; distribute HOW CAN PASTORS CONTACT YOUR OFFICE LFTL brochures; preach missions; allow the CONCERNINGTHE 7-MINUTE SEGMENT? church body to go to the walls and pray for our BF: The national office, each district office missionaries and LFTL projects; and then chal- (Men's Ministries or LFTL director), and many lenge those members to make individual of the sectional representatives have this pro- pledges by taking posters and during the next gram and could arrange to have the Prime 12 months paying the pledges represented on Time presentation made in a church request- those posters. ing it. Therefore, the pastor can do most for LFTL by having an emphasis service. A TREMENDOUS MINISTRY AND GOAL-$l 0 Another thing we're doing for pastors is MILLION. WITH GOD'S HELP WE'LL BE ABLE Prime Time, a 7-minute presentation for pas- TO REACH IT. tors who are not yet ready to have a full-blown SC: That's actually a goal of 70 million souls, missions service and call it LFTL. Two laymen not just $10 million-that's what $10 million will come in. One uses visual aids while the will reach. CJ other shares the prepared script. We don't ask

ENRlCHMENT 67 ONE OF THE MOST POPUlAR TOPICS in ship and having "all things in common" Christian circles today is church unity. Many (2:43,44). The result was that "many wonders leaders are saying, "We must get together and and signs were done," and "the Lord added to bring the answer to Jesus' prayer in John 17." the church daily" (verses 43,47). This is God's Let us consider the kind of unity for which pattern for church unity. Jesus prayed, the fact His prayer was All verses of Scripture that refer to church answered, and His prayer continues to be unity make clear that the true Church, the answered according to His will as revealed in body of Christ, is one. The only way to be in the Word. the true Church is to be placed in the body of BY OPAL L. REDDIN Jesus prayed for His disciples "that they may Christ by the Holy Spirit in regeneration: "The be one, even as We are one" (John 17:22"). He body is one...all the members...are one...for said, "I do not pray for these alone, but also by one Spirit we were all baptized into one for those who will believe in Me through their body" (1 Corinthians 12:12,13). "He who is word" (verse 20). We are awed as we contem- joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him" (1 plate God the Son praying to God the Father Corinthians 6:17). "You are all one in Christ that we might have the same kind of unity as Jesus" (Galatians 3:28). that existing between them. Consider this kind Nowhere are we admonished to implement of unity. this unity, but Ephesians 4 tells us we are "to First, this unity is spiritual. The Father and keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of the Son are one in essence from eternity to peace" (verse 3) and that Jesus gave the five- eternity (John 17:5; 10:30). We know God is fold ministry for the perfecting of the Body Spirit (John 4:24), and God the Son in His "till we all come to the unity of the faith... to a incarnation became man with a physical body perfect man, to the measure of the stature of (John 1:14). Their essential unity was never the fullness of Christ" (verses 11-13). The broken because it is spiritual and immutable. faith is the body of orthodox Christian doc- Second, this unity is in truth. Jesus said, "I trine, well-known to the Early Church and pre- am...the truth" (John 14:6), and He prayed, served for us in the New Testament. "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is David Wells said, "There is no Christian faith truth" (John 17: 17). in the absence of 'sound doctrine' (1 Timothy Third, we see that this unity is in love. He 1:10; Titus 1:9)." Without it, we have neither prayed "that they may be made perfect in one, the Father nor the Son (2 John 9). We are told and that the world may know that You have to "contend earnestly for the faith which was sent Me, and have loved them as You have once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3). loved Me...that the love with which You loved We must guard this faith (2 Timothy 1:13,14; Me may be in them, and I in them" (17:23,26). 4:3). We know that this faith was stated in Jesus' prayer for unity was answered initial- propositional truths, for Paul wrote to the ly on the Day of Pentecost, and the Spirit-given Corinthians: "I plead with you.. .that you all unity was manifested in the Early Church. Acts speak the same thing, and that there be no records what we often refer to as the birth of divisions among you, but that you be perfect- the Church. The 120 plus 3,000 were brought ly joined together in the same mind and in the into spiritual unity as all were filled with the same judgment" (1 Corinthians 1:10). On this Holy Spirit (2:4,38,41). They were in unity in basis churches have statements of fundamen- the truth, continuing "steadfastly in the apos- tal truths. Belief and practice are inextricably tles' doctrine" (2:42) and in love with fellow- linked (1 John 2:3-3:18). 68 . SPRING 1996 There are two kinds of division-one of God stitutionary atonement, and other cardinal and the other of Satan. When Paul warned teachings which we understand to be essential against division, he was referring to false doc- to biblical Christianity." trine. Some "depart from the faith, giving heed The protection provided by this bylaw is to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons" needed now more than ever before. The WCC, (1 Timothy 4:1). John warned, "Many in its statement of ecumenical faith, accepts antichrists have come They went out from not only all Christian churches but also any us, but they were not of us" (1 John 2: 18, 19). who believe in the "cosmic Christ," including Regarding fellowship, he wrote, "If anyone Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, and Animists. comes to you and does not bring doctrine, do The Roman Catholic ecumenical movement not receive him.. .for he who greets him shares works in various ways. The New Catechism in his evil deeds" (2 John to, 11). Paul told the has not changed the insistence that there is no Romans to "note those who cause divi- salvation outside the church, referring to the sions...and avoid them" (16:17). church in Rome. All the objectionable doc- There is also good, necessary division-the trines are still there, including baptismal result of being separated from error by the regeneration, grace inherent in the mass truth (John 17: 17). Jesus said He came to bring through transubstantiation, prayer to Mary, division (Luke 12:51). He separated His indulgences, and purgatory. Their salvation is church from the Judaism that rejected Him a "faith plus works," the same Judaizing (John 1:11). Paul maintained this separation heresy anathematized by Paul (Galatians by exposing the Judaizing heresy as "another 1:6-9). The goal of Catholic dialogue with [accursed] gospel" (Galatians 1:6-9). Without other faiths is to bring all Christians together this division Christianity would have gradual- in the one church. They also make the umbrel- ly become merely a sect of Judaism. las of the church big enough to cover people in Current ecumenical movements attempt to Islam and other false religions if they claim to bring all churches of all denominations into a be seeking truth. visible unity. The Protestant branch of ecu- Recently a group of Catholic and evangelical menism is the World Council of Churches leaders drafted a document known as ECT, (WCC). Roman Catholics also have unity as short for "Evangelicals and Catholics Together their agenda as described in Vatican II and in Mission." I find the document to be a plea their New Catechism. A study of these two for visible unity at the expense of scriptural movements reveals the wisdom of our truth. For example, the one absolute essential Assemblies of God bylaws. Article IX, section for being in the true church, i.e., "justification 11 states in part: by faith," is barely mentioned, though it is one "The General Council of the Assemblies of of the major doctrines that irrevocably divide God disapproves of ministers or churches par- Protestants and Catholics. ticipating in any of the modern ecumenical Two misunderstandings are widespread: (1) organizations on a local, national, or interna- If we love people of all faiths, will we not tional level in such a manner as to promote desire visible unity with them? We must define the Ecumenical Movement, because: We love. Humanistic love will cause us to compro- believe the basis of doctrinal fellowship of said mise the gospel to please people (Galatians movement to be so broad that it includes peo- 1:to). God's love refuses to compromise "the ple who reject the inspiration of Scripture, the truth of the gospel" (Galatians 2:14). (2) If deity of Christ, the universality of sin, the sub- people speak in tongues, should we not desire ENRlCHMENT 69 visible unity with them, regardless of border on blasphemy to suggest that their doctrine? God desires that all peo- any prayer of our Lord would go unan- ple be filled with the Spirit, but experi- swered or that the answer depends on ence alone is not an adequate basis for human works? To work for visible unity unity. The oneness for which Jesus builds human ego, but it is a work of the prayed demands truth; the Holy Spirit is flesh. "Having begun in the Spirit, are the Spirit of truth, guiding the Spirit- you now being made perfect by the filled "into all truth" (John 16:13). flesh?" (Galatians 3:3). Church history We have all seen that Jesus' prayer for shows us that such unions have never the unity of His church was indeed produced revival; rather, to the contrary. answered and continues to be manifest- Ecumenical pressures will continue to ed. When we think clearly, does it not mount, and various winds of doctrine

70 . SPRI N G 1 996 will blow fiercely against the church. tern of church unity. The same message things in common...praising God, and Should we succumb to a fortress men- preached with the anointing of the Holy having favor with all the people. And the tality, hiding behind our orthodox doc- Spirit and lived in the same voluntary Lord added to the church 9aily those trines and waiting for the Rapture to set exactitude of holiness will bring the who were being saved." This is God's us free from conflict? By no means! same kind of results as in the first cen- will until Jesus comes. CJ Jesus is building His church, and He tury. Let the Church again be known as invites us to march with Him as we in Acts 2:42-47: "They continued stead- "All Scripture riferences are from the New storm the gates of hell, setting captives fastly in the apostles' doctrine and fel- King james Version. free, and establishing churches where lowship, in breaking of bread, and in Opal L. Reddin, D.Min., is profrssor emeri- the true gospel is preached in power and prayers. Then fear came upon every tus in Bible and theology. Central Bible glory. soul, and many wonders and signs were College.Springfield, Missouri. "Pentecost Now" is a clarion call to done through the apostles. Now all who renew our commitment to the Acts pat- believed were together, and had all

ENRlCHMENT 71 Keeping Pentecost Alive Year-Round

BY JOSEPH B.. FUITEN from bondage. Atonement reminded of for- giveness by the shedding of blood. Each feast As a pastor, I want to see people filled with the had a spiritual truth that reminded them of Spirit and kept on fire year-round. I thank God what God had done and what He would do. when I see sovereign moves of the Holy Spirit. Using the feast system, each truth was visited However, I also have a part to play in keeping every year. the fires of Pentecost alive. Consider the significance of a yearly cycle. A pastor must pray for the outpouring of the God separated day from night, separated the Spirit. Even though there is a sovereign ele- days of work with a Sabbath Day of rest, and ment to the moving of God's Spirit, we are told divided the months according to the phases of to seek the Lord, and He rewards those who the moon. Every year we complete a trip diligently seek Him. Time and again, when we around the sun and visit the same truths felt the fires diminishing, we called the leaders again-God's unchanging truth. We change, and the church to prayer, and God heard our but God does not. Through each stage of life, cries and answered with fresh fire from the we must faithfully stay with God's truths year altar. Let us not forget that Pentecost in the after year. beginning and Pentecost in this century were both born in prayer meetings. THE FEAST OF PENTECOST A pastor must plan for the outpouring of the We are known as Pentecostals because what Spirit. If we are haphazard about seeing the we experience as the baptism in the Holy Spirit moving of the Spirit-acting like it required no is what happened to the 120 on the Day of preparation-we will not experience the fresh- Pentecost. Why did God pour out the Holy ness as we should. But the question is, what Spirit on the Feast of Pentecost rather than sort of a plan would help? How does one another day? approach this kind of planning? Has God In Jesus' day the Feast of Pentecost had given any clues? become a celebration of the creation of the world and of the giving of the Law on Mount THE BIBLICAL FEASTS TEACH Sinai. When God poured out His Spirit on the SPIRITUAL TRUTHS. Day of Pentecost, He was saying this was When God established the seven biblical feasts something new-like the creation of the to be celebrated every year, He communicated world-and revealing that the baptism in the an element of His plan. As each feast was cel- Holy Spirit had some connection with the Law. ebrated in the yearly cycle, a fresh emphasis of God was fulfilling His promise to Israel. He that theme was brought before the people of had promised He would make a new covenant God. Passover reminded of God's deliverance with them. Instead of writing His law on

72 . SPRI N G 1 9 9 6 Figure 1 tablets of stone, as He had on Mount Sinai, the day would come when He would write it on their hearts. '''This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time,' declares the Lord. 'I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people'" (Jeremiah 31 :33). By choosing Pentecost, the day celebrating the giving of the Law, God telegraphed His intentions. He was making good on a promise, for at Pentecost 120 Jewish believers had God's law written on their hearts and put into their minds through the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

THE ANNUAL CYCLE FOR MINISTRY EMPHASIS That God was following a calendar can be seen in how Jesus fulfilled the various feasts in His death and resurrection on the Feasts of Passover, Unleavened Bread, and Firstfruits. The Creator of the year uses the year to reveal His plans. Pastors can follow these special days and bring out their truths in Christ and be entirely within the ways of God. Of course, this is exactly what the Church has done. The church year has been built around events in the life of Christ, s:.:ch as His birth, triumphal entry, death, resurrection, and sending the Holy Spirit-events commonly called Christmas, Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Easter, and Day of Pentecost. We want to see these days filled with the substance of their spiritual reality for today rather than just the form of what happened in the past. Holy Spirit on the shore while praying, A painting of the Law's being given on we illustrate that although water bap- Mount Sinai placed directly below the tism and Holy Spirit baptism may occur painting of Pentecost shows the rela- closely in time or place, they are not the tionship between the two events. Old same. Testament Pentecost was writing the Thus the large painting (8 by 18 feet) Law on stone. (See Figure 4.) on a prominent wall in the church is an New Testament Pentecost was writing ongoing reminder of the difference. the Law on the tables of minds and Two other paintings tell the same hearts. The messages of these large story. On Resurrection night Jesus paintings cannot be ignored. breathed on His disciples, and they God adds His blessing as we pray, received the Holy Spirit (John 20:22), the plan, prepare, and preach, and the expe- in-breathed Spirit of salvation. (See rience of Pentecost is passed on to the Acts 20: 16 indicates that some 20 Figure 2.) upcoming generation. CJ years after the Resurrection, Paul was The painting next to it shows the still anxious to be in Jerusalem for the same disciples receiving the outpoured annual celebration of Pentecost. Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. (See In pastoral ministry the calendar can Figure 3.) motivate us toward spiritual goals. For The paintings side by side illustrate example, we celebrate Pentecost every that salvation and the baptism in the year and pray that people will be filled Holy Spirit are not the same experi- with the Holy Spirit. God honors our ence-there is a functional difference prayers, and people receive the baptism between the in-breathed Holy Spirit in in the Spirit. salvation and the outpoured Spirit in the We do the same with Epiphany Baptism. (January 6), the day Jesus was baptized in water and received the anointing for ministry from the Holy Spirit. Of course, water baptism is also available on other days. In addition to special days, we can also emphasize Pentecostal themes dur- ing the celebration of Pentecost from Easter through Pentecost Sunday. This 6-week series on Pentecost every year helps build the theological and biblical base for our Pentecostal practices.

PICTORIAL REINFORCEMENT OF THE PENTECOSTAL MESSAGE The Pentecostal story can also be pre- sented in picture form. For example, the painting of Jesus' being anointed by the Holy Spirit shows this occurred not as a by-product of water baptism but after He came up out of the water (Matthew 3) and while He was praying (Luke 3). (See Figure 1.) We receive the Holy Spirit in salva- tion, but the baptism in the Holy Spirit occurs after salvation. By showing Jesus receiving the anointing of the 74 . SPRING 1996 z a z '"I a wff" ID rn WITH THE INCREASING WEIGHT of min- me, you have experienced some of the damage istry our churches need a bigger bridge to that can be done within the body of Christ carry the weight, which requires more staff to when poor staffing decisions are made. My help carry the load. How do we decide which prayer is that you may be spared some of the area to cover first, and, even more important- headaches that typically come as a result of ly, with whom do we fill such positions? The these mistakes. move from one or two people to multiple mem- - bers on the church staff is one of the more DETERMINING THE NEED BY M. WAYNE BENSON rewarding, yet difficult, hurdles that pastors The first question to ask is, "When have we ever face in their walk of faith. reached the place where additional staff is Most of us have been trained and burdened required?" Is the answer simply a matter of by the Lord to preach, teach, and disciple, but business principle, or is it a matter of knowing the administrative challenges we experience the subjective will of God? From my experi- when moving from an embryonic ministry into ence, both are practical and spiritual applica- one with multiple disciplines and outreaches tions to the answer. is a big step for which many of us are not pre- "Stay as small as you can as long as you pared and poorly equipped. can!" is the best advice. While people are the At first Assembly of God in Grand Rapids, our answer, they are generally the problem, also. staff numbers over 90 people with 14 minis- In other words, discipleship is a painstakingly ters-a far cry from the little church 20 years long and difficult process in which the rewards ago when my associate and I shared a small are sometimes few and the disappointments office space and ministered to a flock, calling many. Though it is right to hire to cover each member by name, including their children. your weaknesses and to work on Thus I'm sharing what I wish I had known maximizing your strengths, a per- before I faced the need to add staff son who is strong in your area of members to our church man- weakness may not always see agement team. Perhaps, like things the same way you do. Tension among the staff can lead to many description be standardized into categories long, soul-searching nights following staff including: meetings that bordered on outright argu- . Introductory statement by the senior pas- ments. Staff problems are perhaps the most tor, along with the philosophy of ministry. (In painful ones that pastors endure. our case, this includes defining four cardinal With these warnings in mind, the following standards for all employees: loyalty, faithful- checklist will serve you well as it has helped ness, communication, and flexibility.) me through the years: . Relationships with peers and superiors 1. Is there a need for ministry which is vital (including lines of authority and accountability). to each mission of the church (evangelism, . Minimum qualifications (including spiri- worship, and building up the saints) and is tual qualifications and church membership). presently not being addressed? .Workhours. 2. Have we attempted to meet the need with . Specific responsibilities. volunteer help? .Workingconditions. 3. Can we restructure our present staff to .Stewardship of time and church resources. meet the need without having to add another The supervisor who requested help should position? write the job description, and it should be dis- 4. Are there other ministries that perhaps cussed with those who are involved in the need to take a backseat to make room in the ministry team. In our case, the final draft is staff schedule .for this new opportunity? approved by the team leaders and presented to 5. Have we discussed it together as staff the senior pastor along with the completed members (if there are others) and/or board "Employee Requisition Form" (which contains members to get every possible point of view? a brief summary of titles, job description, date 6. Have we earnestly sought the Lord required, qualifications, and signature lines). together as a staff for His insight and discern- Finally, new positions are required to fit ment in the decision? within the budget as approved by the deacon 7. What are the penalties for delaying this board. If the positions have not been preap- decision? Why do we need to make the deci- proved, a resolution may be required. sion now? 8. What kind of salary and benefit package THE SEARCH will the position require? Consider posting the position on an employees 9. How will the budget be impacted by the bulletin board to allow present employees to decision? (Consider such things as benefits, consider applying for it. The best pool of talent office supplies and equipment, office space, is the one with which you are already working. new ministry start-up expenses, support staff If it is clear that the position will not be filled promotion/advertising, telephone, etc.) with a current employee, then search through the applications received for prior staff open- THE JOB DESCRIPTION ings and then advertise the position in the bul- The next step in the hiring process is some- letin. We require that all employees be mem- times given the most thought but the least ink: bers of the congregation and attend all weekly Write a detailed job description for the posi- church services-requirements that ensure tion. This will eliminate confusion and misun- loyalty. derstandings. I recommend that each job To apply for the position, an individual must ENRlCHMENT 77 pick up application and leadership or do to support you?" (gross and net)? forms from the personnel department . Give the applicant opportunity to .What benefits am I eligible for? and complete and return them with a ask questions about the church staff . Who will be my immediate supervi- resume at the earliest opportunity. With position. Some of the best information sor? our large staff, we need the personnel about an applicant will come from the . What are my primary responsibili- office to do the preliminary screening of questions he/she raises. ties? qualifications and any required testing . In a larger staff it may be appropri- We give this letter and a manual in (typing, name recognition, general intel- ate to ask another department head to person and discuss them line by line ligence, etc.) and then pass along the interview the candidate and give an with the new employee. Quite a few qualified applicant's file to the request- opinion. questions are asked at this time, and if ing department head. In addition to the After each interview, send a note of the letter is simply mailed, it can leave forms and test results, blank interview appreciation to the applicant. Include room for confusion. and reference check forms are included information concerning the time frame in the package. for the final decision. SUMMARY Before considering an applicant fur- The Lord, through Jethro, gave us the ther, the names are listed and consid- principle of staffing that is the best ered by all the ministers in a weekly guide today: men who fear God, men of ministers meeting. It is important to truth, those who hate dishonest gain, gain the ministers' consensus concern- and "If you do this thing and God so ing the applicants. There is wisdom in a commands you..." (Exodus 18:21,23, multitude of counselors. NASB). It is important for the personnel office The two keys are quite simple: (1) to send each applicant an acknowledg- finding good people and (2) knowing ment letter expressing thanks and giv- THE OFFER OF the choice of the Lord. ing a description of the application. EMPLOYMENT May this article assist you in finding a After the decision has been made to fill staff that supports and helps you avoid INTERVIEWS the position, prepare a formal offer of the dangerous and sometimes deadly The preliminary work leading up to the employment that answers the following staff infections. CJ interview is extremely important questions: because it is designed to bring the best . When is my first day of work? M. Wqyne Benson is senior pastor if First applicants to the interview, the most . How much will I receive in salary Assemb{y if God, Grand Rapids, Michigan. important part of the decision-making process. Some guidelines to consider for a good interview with a job applicant are: . Begin and end the session in prayer. . Be prepared. Go through the appli- cation, resume, and test scores in great detail. Conduct your reference checks personally and check each reference given as well as past employers. The greatest problems can come from not checking out the prospective employee's past performance thoroughly. .Prepare a list of questions; ask them all. It's easy to get diverted. .Ask open-ended questions such as, "Tell me about the best manager you've worked for-why was he/she a good manager? What is your ideal boss like? If I became your boss, what would be the most important thing for me to say

78 . SPR IN G 1 996

BY GORDON ANDERSON

he history is this: Jesus was cru- cified, buried, and rose from the dead at the time of the Jewish Passover feast. After the Resurrection He was seen for some 40 days and then was taken back into heaven (Acts 1:2-9). When the Day of Pentecost had come, some 50 days after the Passover, the Spirit of God fell upon the company of believers which had gathered, as Jesus had instructed them, to wait for the promise of the Father. Luke described it this way: ':-\nd when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rush- ing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave model and have developed a Bible-based them utterance" (Acts 2:1-4). theology to explain our understanding. Ifwe take the Bible seriously, we must There are four reasons why the Day of believe these are reports of actual his- Pentecost has special significance for torical events. Traditional Pentecostals, Pentecostals: (1) our view of history, (2) a including the Assemblies of God, pro- model, (3) a message, and (4) a mission. claim their belief in the historical authenticity of these reports. We believe OUR VIEW OF GOD IN HISTORY all this really happened, but there is God did something on the Day of more to it. Many groups accept the his- Pentecost, and this comes as no sur- toricity of the accounts but, for one rea- prise. We believe in a God who acts in son or another, do not believe things like the world, who intervenes in the affairs this ever happened again. They find in of men, who enters the lives of His fol- these reports no model or guidance for lowers, who performs supernatural mir- faith and practice today. Such is not the acles, who is present and active. This is case with the Assemblies of God. We in contrast to those whose God is a doc- believe these events are a repeatable trine held in the head but who rarely, if

80 . SPR I N G 1 9 9 6 ever, acts in the world. Therefore, in waited, the Father sent the Spirit and Him. We should not downplay the value response to the reports of Pentecost, we baptized them all. of study and learning, but neither respond, "of course! That's the God we The disciples knew very little about should we forget that the disciples and know. He did it then, and He still does that for which they waited. They only the early Pentecostals knew very little it." We find in the Day of Pentecost an knew they were to receive power from about the things of the Spirit; however, example of a God who is actively the Spirit. Todaywe have extended sem- they were endued with power as they engaged in human history. inars on the baptism in the Holy Spirit, waited on God. Pentecost gives us a conferences on the gifts of the Spirit, model to follow, to wait on the Lord. THE MODEL textbooks on tongues, but very little Pentecostals are known for their doc- waiting. Couldit be that periods of igno- THE MESSAGE trine of tarrying. This older word simply rant waiting are more productive than Pentecost is not just an event or a means waiting. Jesus told the disciples enlightened seminars without any wait- repeated experience. It is a doctrine to go back to Jerusalem and wait for the ing? Pentecostals think so and find in based on the narrative and teaching promise of the Father, to wait for the the early disciples a model for finding passages of the Bible. Pentecostals have power that would enable them to carry God. They waited. This is biblical. How a biblical message that God, by the work the gospel to the ends of the earth. So often are we admonished to seek the of the Spirit, empowers His disciples to they did. And after they had prayed and Lord, to wait on Him, to draw near to reach the world.

ENRlCHMENT 81 Not all so-called revival groups have a issues are pushed to the side, and the can share with others, and a mission message. In fact, an important distinc- Movement has had a continual, built-in that carries us to the ends of the tion must be drawn between those who means of adjustment. world. CJ have experience based on a biblical the- Movements without a mission and ology and those who have an experience Pentecostals without a purpose are Gordon Anderson, only. We hear much these days about headed for trouble. Ph.D., is president if North Central various renewals and the activities that Thus the Day of Pentecost is so impor- Bible College. occur in the meetings; but in many tant for Pentecostals, the Assemblies of Minneapolis, cases the participants attend the meet- God in particular. We find in it an his- Minnesota. ings, have an experience, and then go torical event reported in the Bible on home with nothing more than a descrip- which we build our doctrine. It gives us tion of what happened, along with an a method for finding God, a message we urgency to repeat it and criticism of those who are wary of experience with- out exegesis and sound theology. One way to measure the soundness and potential longevity of such renewals is to listen for the message, the doctrine that emerges. All great and lasting revivals have a doctrinal base to support the experiences. Short-term fads do not. People streamed to Azusa, not only for the experience of Spirit- filled services but to hear and learn the message of Pentecost. They carried home the doctrine of Pentecost and found that the preaching of the doctrine resulted in a repetition of the experi- ence. Pentecostals have a doctrine that emerges on the Day of Pentecost.

THE MISSION Pentecostals see the power of the Spirit as flowing through us for the good of the world, not flowing to us for our own enjoyment. It's through us for them, not to us for us. Jesus commanded the disci- ples to go but to wait first for the power to go, then to go into all the world to preach the gospel. Pentecost has a pur- pose-to reach the world for Christ. The mission of Pentecostals has proved to have a corrective influence on a movement ripe for schism and heresy. After all, there was very little in the way of systematic teaching, no Bible schools, almost no organization, along with an independent and autonomous spirit. But they were unified on one thing: to reach this world for Christ. Missions, at home and abroad, is the mandate of Pentecost. With the goal of world evan- gelization in focus, other peripheral 82 . SPRING 1996 A MAN'S RELATIONSHIP with his DIFFERENT GENDERS wife is second in importance only to his rela- Marriage joins people of different genders. tionship with God, and this is especially true Your marriage is the one place where the for the minister. In our Fellowship the minis- Golden Rule will never work. If you treat your ter's marriage is his passport to the pulpit. If spouse the way you want to be treated, you he loses his marriage, he has lost his ministry are in for trouble. A man who wants except in rare circumstances. Unlike almost to meet his wife's needs must try to BY RICHARD D. DOBBINS any other profession, his marriage is central to imagine how the world looks from his livelihood and must, therefore, be tended her point of view to know what her with extra care. needs are. Likewise, the wife must try to see Because the minister and his wife are the world through her husband's eyes. This is human, they are in some ways like all other true for all marriages-including those lived couples. In other ways they are like some other out in the parsonage. couples. In still other ways they are like no Consider five things most women typically other couple. In this two-part look at the min- expect from their husbands: ister's marriage we consider, first, how the 1. Be kind and understanding. Men in minister and his wife are like all other couples. Western societies are not raised to be sensi- Paul reminds believers that we all share tive. As children they are taught to be tough common temptations (1 Corinthians 10:13). and often called sissies if they are not. Many couples believe they need no prepara- However, a man's wife expects him to be ten- tion for marriage other than informal talks der-not an easy transition, but her response with their minister, primarily regarding the to his efforts should be very rewarding. wedding ceremony. Clergy couples often fall 2. Talk to your wjfe. A woman expects pleas- into this same trap. Thus they enter marriage ant conversation with her husband. She can with very little training for the complex tasks discuss theological, political, and athletic sub- of a parsonage marriage. They are better jects with him, but it is important to her that trained to drive a car than to be married or the conversation also include relational topics. attempt to raise children. Women tend to be more relational in their whole approach to life than men. She will DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS want to talk about the children's activities, Marriage joins people from different back- how her parents are doing, how his are doing, grounds. A couple raised in homes where their and the lives of brothers and sisters. parents modeled affectionate, secure relation- 3. Keep the romance in your relationship. ships have had the best possible training for Surprise her with phone calls, evenings marriage. Children who grow up in marriages together out alone, thoughtful expressions of which eventually fall apart are likely to have flowers, etc. These need not be expensive- internalized the destructive behavior patterns they just need to convey how much you love of their parents. Modeling is, after all, the her, which is invaluable in strengthening the most powerful form of teaching-positive or bond between you. negative. Marital happiness or misery seems 4. Be a good father to your children. A to run in families. Being a parsonage couple woman expects her husband to be involved does not exempt you. with her in the lives of their children. Take the ENRlCHMENT 83 time to get into your child's world- together for fun?" By the time they're in nutritious meals; teaching them to be starting with the cradle days. It will pay my office, all the fun is usually gone out mannerly; and overseeing their friend- big dividends not only with your wife of their marriage. This is tragic and ships should endear you to your hus- but also with your child as he or she compromises much of the power of their band. grows and matures. example to others. Why would anybody 4. Respect your husband's leadership 5. Be the spiritual leader in your want to model their marriage after that in the home. If he has modeled a consis- home. Your wife hears you tell other of an obviously miserable couple? tent Christian life for your family, your people how important it is to have a per- 2. Be an interesting and exciting sex obvious respect encourages your chil- sonal devotional life. It is especially dif- partner. The Song of Solomon plainly dren to follow your example. When chil- ficult for her to respect you when she shows it is God's will for a couple to be dren show little or no respect for their sees too great a distance between what passionately in love with each other. By father, it indicates his inconsistency in you preach in public and practice in the passionately loving God and each other, the home or his wife's lack of apprecia- privacy of your home. you take two vital steps toward preserv- tion for his example. Now consider five things most men ing the good health of your marriage.2 5. Compliment your husband more expect from their wives: Read these two books together: The Gjft than you criticize him. Your husband is 1. Be a good recreational companion. if Sex3 and Restoring the Pleasure.4 The also being praised by many of the Having fun together energizes your rela- authors are evangelical believers and women in your church. Although a part tionship. The healthy couple can love, have done an excellent job of placing their of a wife's role is to reinforce her hus- work, and play in balance. Many par- plain, yet discreet, teaching in this deli- band's conscience, if you criticize him sonage couples struggle with guilt over cate area on a strong biblical base. Their more than you compliment him, you taking some necessary time out of the books offer help for problem areas and will drive him from you. ministry for recreation. improvement for almost any marriage. Part 2 will focus on how the minister Early in my work with a couple I ask 3. Be a good mother Jor his children. and his wife are like some other couples them, "What do the two of you do Providing your children with good, and like no other couples. CJ

Richard D. Dobbins, Ph.D., is theJounder/director if Emerge Ministn'es, Inc., Akron, Ohio, and the assistant supen'nten- dent if the Ohio Distn'ct.

ENDNOTES J Although this article rifers to the minister in the male gender, the pn'nciples arejust as validJor the marriages if Jemale ministers. 21 Con'nthians 7:5

J CljIford L. Penner and Joyce J. Penner, The Gift of Sex (Dallas: Word, Inc., 1981) 4Cljlford L. Penner and Joyce J. Penner, Restoring the Pleasure (Dallas: Word,Inc., 1993)

84 . SPRING 1996

BY JOHN C. LARUE, JR.

Church hopping is a term that describes 7 not on{y many churchgoers but also many pastors. How long do pastors usual{y stay at a church? How many churches has the typical pastor served? Wiry do pastors move around so much? Toflnd some answers, Your Church surwyed 2,2 J8 . A sense of resolution (ministry was pastors, and 758 responded. complete or could go no further)-26 percent. MINISTRY TENURE . Opportunity to do something more The typical pastor in our study is 46 elsewhere (advancement or promo- years old and has been in ministry for tion)-23 percent. 18 years. Research on pastoral tenure . Unresolved or ongoing tension or trou- shows that since the mid-1970s pas- ble in a church or ministry-18 percent. toral tenure has declined from an aver- When pastors left their last churches, age of 7 years per church to about 5 two-thirds were able to tell the church years (4 years, 11 months). This means board before the actual move that they the typical pastor has changed churches were considering a move. Eighty percent three times and is nearing the midterm of pastors felt God was unambiguously of his fourth pastorate. At the same leading them to leave their last places of time, not all pastors move this often. ministry, 17 percent felt God's partial One in 10 pastors has never moved. And leading, and the remaining 4 percent another tenth has moved only once. sensed no leading from God at all. Major factors in these statistics are age and length in ministry. Pastors SECULAR WORK under the age of 40 are twice as likely as Along with all these ministry changes, pastors 50 and over to have moved less one in five pastors needed to take a secu- than three times (52 percent v. 24 per- lar job between pastorates; this means at cent, respectively). On the other hand, a any given time approximately 3 percent surprisingly high 8 percent of pastors of pastors are in secular holdover jobs under 40 have moved 10 or more times. while they seek other pastoral positions. The average tenure for these highly Some will never return to pastoring. mobile pastors is between 1 and 2 years A third of pastors have wanted to per church. leave pastoral ministry at one point but Also, not all lengths of stay are around did not, feeling trapped in one way or 5 years. The longest typical length of another by their jobs. One-fifth admit stay for a pastor is 8 years. The longest they could be tempted to leave the pas- tenure reported in the study was 51 torate for secular work. For the most years. Just 8 percent have served in a part, however, pastors remain commit- church for 20 years or more. The short- ted to their calling. Only one in 10 prob- est typical pastoral tenure is 2'/3years. ably would take a well-paying secular job if offered one. TOP REASONS FOR MOVING @ The top four reasons pastors left their MaY/June J995 Your Church. Used by last places of ministry are: permission. . Acquired a newyision or sense of call\toaneWplace 37 percent. BY DONALD A. LICHI ties; and (c) the Extended Personal $30,000 and $39,999. Attributes Questionnaire (EPAQ). Assemblies of God pastors surveyed The personal demographics included have an average of 3 years of Bible ONE of the notable frustrations the age, income, training for the ministry, school or college training for the min- minister faces is the difference between total years in the ministry, years in the istry. Thirty-eight percent completed 4 his definition of the minister's role and present pastorate, training in subjects years of Bible school or college, and 34 parishioners' expectations. related to counseling and whether the percent completed seminary or graduate Arnold and Schick (1979) identified minister had been in counseling him- school. six primary roles of the clergyman self. The congregational demographics The total years of ministerial experi- including teacher, preacher, priest (one included church attendance, type of ence ranged from 1 to 49 years with an who leads in liturgy and presides at community in which the church is locat- average of 13.9 years. Fifty percent have rites), pastor (including counseling, vis- ed, congregation income, and congrega- 11 years or less, and 82 percent have 20 iting, and other forms of social care), tion educational level. The survey pack- years or less total ministerial experi- organizer, and administrator. To carry et was mailed to 363 Assemblies of God ence. out the varied responsibilities of the ministers from 237 churches in Ohio For years in their present pastorate, ministry, the pastor must be a general (Ohio District) with a total return rate of the survey reported a range of 1 to 31 practitioner, a scholar, an interpersonal over 53 percent. years with an average of 5.5 years. Fifty- relations specialist, community problem one percent have been in their present solver, educator, subculture specialist, RESULTS OF THE STUDY pastorates for 3 years or less. church politician, and mental health Sixty-one percent of the sample serve as The Sunday morning services of 75 specialist. What a tremendous under- senior pastors, 15 percent are assis- percent of the churches have an average taking! tant/associate pastors, and 9 percent attendance of 350 or less. Thirteen per- The general purpose of the present serve as youth pastors. Forty-one per- cent are located in rural communities, study was to examine selected personality cent report being the only pastor on the 57 percent are in suburban areas, 14 characteristics and demographic variables church staff, and an additional 25 per- percent are in urban areas, and 17 per- of Assemblies of God pastors in relation to cent have 2 pastors on staff. cent are in metropolitan areas. their counseling activities. A secondary Findings of the study reveal that the The mode income level for 38 percent focus of the study was to update informa- sampled pastors work an average of 50 of the church families is between tion on a variety of roles in which the pas- hours per week. Of this work week they $20,000 and $29,999 with an addition- tor is expected to perform. spend an average of 4.15 hours doing al 36 percent with incomes of between Sul?Jects: The subjects of the study, all direct counseling and an average of 9 $30,000 and $39,999. of whom were male clergy, included those percent of total available work hours in Thirty-five percent reported that most who were employed as senior, assistant! the role of counselor (e.g., counseling! of the adult members of their congrega- associate, or youth pastors of the Assem- consul tation/referral). tions have completed high school, 46 blies of God in Ohio. The average age was between 35 and percent have some college, and 16 per- Materials: Support for the study was 39. Fifty-four percent were age 39 or cent reported that most adults in their graciously provided by Robert Crabtree, younger with an additional 23 percent congregations are college graduates. superintendent of the Ohio District. The in the 40-44 age range. survey instrument was divided into The average 1991 family income of THE PASTOR AS three major sections: (a) demographic sampled pastors was between $20,000 COUNSELOR information on minister and church and $29,999. Fifty-two percent earned In our highly complex world people seek organizational variables; (b) a variety of under $30,000 in 1991, and an addi- mental health counseling in increasing questions on clergy counseling activi- tional 28 percent earned between numbers to cope with the rigors of daily 88 . S PR I N G 1 9 9 6 living. Mental health care services are social workers combined-page 424). their counseling responsibilities and provided from a variety of delivery Lau (1986) suggests that clergy are would welcome the opportunity for fur- sources including counselors, student more accessible to people than mental ther training in counseling. Abramczyk personnel workers, psychiatrists, pas- health professionals. They enjoy a pas- (1981) found that two-thirds of the pas- toral counselors, social workers, and psy- toral relationship with their congrega- tors surveyed rated their seminary chologists. Despite the increasing num- tions and thus have a natural entry into counseling training as somewhat or sig- ber of mental health delivery sources congregates' homes and lives through nificantly deficient. The present sample available, many people prefer counsel the regular transitions of life (Le., birth, responded to the question, "What is from their pastor to counsel from other marriage, death, crises). your opinion of how well your training mental health professionals (Bergin, To update and expand previous in counseling prepared you for your pre- 1991; Bergin and Jensen, 1990; Keating research, Assemblies of God pastors in sent counseling duties?" as follows: 5 and Fretz, 1990; Larson and Larson, the present study were asked a variety percent, very well-prepared; 31 percent, 1991; Lewis and Lewis, 1985; Posavac of questions related to their training in well-prepared; 43 percent, neutral; 18 and Hartung, 1977; Sell and Goldsmith, counseling. Collected data reveal that percent, unprepared; and 3 percent, very 1988; Stewart, 1977; Veroff, Kulka, and nearly all (99.6 percent) have read unprepared. Eighty-seven percent felt Douvan, 1981; Worthington, 1988). books on the subject of counseling. Of that formal training in counseling as The trend to seek out the pastor as a the group, 82 percent felt that the books part of the preparation for the ministry first source of help for mental health read on the subject of counseling were was very important or important. concerns has remained relatively con- either important or very important, and stant for over three decades (Gurin, only 1.6 percent felt the books were COUNSELING CASELOAD, Veroff, and Feld, 1960; Kulka, Veroff, unimportant. REFERRAL, AND and Douvan, 1979). Hartman (1980) The pastors were asked about their CONSULTATION has shown that a pastor's helping activ- formal training (Bible college and/or col- PRACTICES OF ities are comparable to those of tradi- lege) in subjects related to counseling ASSEMBLIES OF GOD tional mental health workers (e.g., 50- (e.g., psychology, church ministries, PASTORS minute counseling hours, similar pre- counseling, guidance, social casework, Abramczyk (1981) noted that many cler- senting concerns of clients, etc.). Several etc.). At the undergraduate level, 46 per- gymen counsel only those in their con- studies have demonstrated that clergy cent had 1 to 11 hours, and 25 percent gregations. However, in the present are confronted with a similar magnitude had 12 semester hours or more. study, 83 percent of the pastors stated and complexity of problems as those At the graduate/seminary level, 20 that their counseling case loads come seen generally by mental health profes- percent of the sample had between 1 both from their congregations and those sionals (Clemens, Corradi, and Wasman, and 11 semester hours, and 13 percent who do not attend their churches. 1978; Lowe, 1986; Wagner and had 12 semester hours or more. Seventeen percent stated they restricted Dobbins, 1967); however, their specific Eighteen percent of the sample reported their counseling solely to people in their training in counseling is typically far having no college-level training in sub- own congregations. Seventy-five percent less than mental health professionals jects related to counseling. A previous reported their counseling appointments (e.g., Linebaugh and Devivo, 1981). study by Linebaugh and Devivo (1981) were scheduled at least 1 hour in After reviewing published empirical reported that less than half of advance. research on religious counseling, Protestant seminaries in the United The average reported length of a sin- Worthington (1986) concluded that: States required at least one course in gle counseling session was 60 minutes, Pastors do much of the mental health counseling or pastoral care. which is consistent with earlier findings work in the United States (probably more Arnold and Schick (1979) reported by Hartman (1980). The sampled clergy- than psychologists, psychiatrists, and that most pastors felt underprepared for men's caseloads were broken down by ENRlCHMENT . 89 percentage as follows: families, 12 per- COUNSELING TECHNIQUES USED BY ASSEMBLIES OF cent; couples, 31 percent; adult men, 16 GOD PASTORS percent; adult women, 20 percent; ado- Assemblies of God pastors employ a variety of techniques in their counseling. The type of technique and lescents, 13 percent; children, 3 percent; frequency of use are as follows: and small groups, 3 percent.

TYPES OF PROBLEMS BROUGHT TO ASSEMBLIES OF GOD PASTORS Several studies have indicated that pas- tors see people for a full range of psy- chological problems (Clemens, Corradi, and Wasman, 1978; Lowe, 1986; Veroff, Kulka, and Douvan, 1981; Wagner and Dobbins, 1967). It was concluded from the gathered data that the present find- ings are consistent with previous stud- ies. The following types of problems were seen by Assemblies of God pastors: mon preparation/study, 12 hours (24 per- scales in which the pastor sees himself cent) per week in administration, 6 hours as independent, active, competitive, (12 percent) in visitation, 6 hours (12 per- decisive, never giving up, self-confident, cent) in other church/social activities, and feeling superior, standing up under pres- 4 hours (8 percent) in preaching/teaching. sure, emotional, devoted, gentle, help- Permission is granted by the author to ful, kind, aware of feelings, understand- reproduce the Clergy Work Week charts ing, and warm. Further, Assemblies of for the congregation (see Figures 1 and 2). God pastors scored low in socially unde- sirable traits such as the following: arro- PERSONALITY TRAITS OF gant, boastful, egotistical, greedy, dicta- ASSEMBLIES OF GOD torial, cynical, unprincipled, and hostile. PASTORS It can be reasonably assumed that dif- In addition to gathering the descriptive ferent roles in the ministry demand the data on counseling activities, each of expression of different aspects of one's time spent in the role of counselor, and the surveyed pastors was administered personality. Indeed it appears that some most pastors would welcome additional the Extended Personal Attributes personality traits are more appropriate training in counseling. Questionnaire (EPAQ, Spence and for administration whereas other per- Most of the pastors (67 percent) do Helmreich, 1979). This personality sonality traits might be more facilitative not use tests as part of their counseling, instrument has scales which rate the for other pastoral roles such as visita- and most chose a biblical/psychological presence or absence of various socially tion and counseling. The high scores on integration or eclectic approach to coun- desirable personality traits. a number of different personality traits seling. Thirty-nine percent report having The present sample scored high on suggest that Assemblies of God pastors been in counseling themselves for a per- sonal, emotional, family, or spiritual problem. Consistent with previously reported literature (e.g., Worthington, 1986), Assemblies of God pastors are selective in their referral and consultation prac- tices. For example, the vast majority (97 percent) felt it was necessary to know the religious orientation of those to whom they referred parishioners. Accordingly, it is wise for the pastor to have an updated referral list of Christian mental health workers in their areas. (Pastors may contact Ministerial Enrichment office for assistance in mak- ing referrals to Christian mental health workers in their areas: 1-800-867-4011 Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. CST or 1- 800-621-5207 weekends and holidays.)

WHAT ELSE DO ASSEMBLIES OF GOD PASTORS DO EACH WEEK? As noted above, Assemblies of God pas- tors work an average of 50 hours per week. In addition to the hours spent in counseling activities, the present findings show that the pastor spends an average of 12 hours (24 percent) per week in ser- exhibit an overall flexibility for the many roles demanded of them. Tocarry out the varied responsibilities of the ministry, the pastor must be SUMMARY The present exploratory and descriptive a general practitioner, a scholar, an interpersonal study found that despite the variety of relations specialist, community problem solver, delivery sources for mental health ser- vices, most people prefer counsel from educator, subculture specialist, church politician, their pastors as a first source of help. and mental health specialist. The Assemblies of God pastor's helping activities are comparable to those of tra- ditional mental health workers with the distinctive benefit of the power of the Holy Spirit and use of God's Word. Predictors of the amount of counsel- ing a pastor does include: the size of the congregation; the pastor's training in counseling/psychology; acquaintance with other (Christian) mental health professionals; and the perception that counseling is an important part of the ministry. The roles in which Assemblies of God pastors are called upon to function are varied and require a continual recom- mitment to our call and utter depen- dence on the renewing power of the Holy Spirit. Additionally, our pastors require flexible personalities, skill in time management, and prioritization of tasks. It is necessary to maintain suffi- cient spiritual discipline and balance to avoid burnout in the ministry. We must not confuse our workJor God with our walk with God. Future articles will address practical how-tos on staying healthy in the ministry in more detail. CJ

Donald A. Lichi, Ph.D., is vice president/director if educationJor Emerge Ministries. Inc., Akron. Ohio.

92 . S PR IN G 1 9 9 6

I T & W I S D O M

A FEW YEARS AGO a sampling of 20 must have punched one into one of my fingers columns by pastors revealed that 16 of them during my early childhood years. All I know is: started with the same two words, What a.... I refuse to read copy that is sealed with a sta- The verbiage following those two words were ple. rambling reflections regarding recent services Do I use staples myself'? Of course. I use a and ambitious announcements of anticipated staple to attach receipts to my expense activities. account and hold together other paperwork Before those two words were the names that is part of my job. I even use staples to - of 20 different pastors and almost that mend my pants cuffs when the thread breaks BY STEPHEN REXROAT many differing titles of their columns. I down. So why don't I appreciate that lowly won't mention the names, to protect the piece of bent steel? All I know: I don't open sta- guilty, but some of the headers were clever. pled newsletters. Stick a staple in a piece, and One column was titled, "The Rev. Sez." I will stick it in my round file. Another, a bit more dignified, began with the banner, "The Pastor's Perspective." The one I HABIT NO.2: IRREGULARITY liked best was called, "From the Office of the Another secret of highly ineffective church

Pastor." publications is a hit-and-miss schedule. The Why did I give the first-place prize to the last monthly mailers I receive on a quarterly basis title? Because it was honest. It is a painful and the weekly newsletters which arrive every admission to make, but no pastor I know so often make me think the publishers are would dare claim, with a solemn oath, that chasing yesterday, and their published pieces his or her column in the church newsletter was are a casualty in the conflict between the a solo performance. important and the demanding. The range of reality stretches from the wife Imagining myself a member of such a con- who ghostwrites for her pastor/husband to the gregation, I think I would bet on 911 and the publications secretary who demands 6 inches possibility the paramedic might be a Christian. of copy within 30 minutes "or else we'll have to go with another Vance Havner piece." HABIT NO.3: PLAGIARISM Confessing neither experience, I understand Pastors who think they are the only readers in the pressure to publish and, therefore, claim their congregation are wrong. I know good with confidence the right to comment concern- writers are good readers, but good readers are ing the pastoral column. Because space does good readers and recognize good writing. not permit an evaluation of the best columns I When they see it under the pen name of some- have studied, I've chosen to focus on the worst one they know doesn't have that gift they ones. Perhaps it is a sick way to study, but we question the credibility of the column writer. have much to learn from our failures. So with- Ineffective pastoral columns are made even out apology, I offer the seven habits of highly more ineffective by using borrowed words ineffective church publishers. without credit.

HABIT NO.1: STAPLES HABIT NO.4: OUTDATED The only thing that turns me off more than a MAILING LIST mass-mailed appeal letter envelope which Today I received several copies of the same promises "a miracle inside" is the simple sta- church newsletter. I don't know why unless it ple. I don't know why I hate staples so much. I is because I visited the church three times. I 94 . SPRING 1996 can't stop the proliferation of mailings, but I The bottom line is, highly ineffective church can protect my mailbox by not going back to publications are the product of pastoral that church. neglect. Too busy with parish committee meet- Computers are great, but they are dangerous ings and preparation for the Sunday pulpit tools in the hands of inattentive and insensi- presentation, they have turned the responsi- tive church employees. bility for church publications over to others. They just seem to be so time-impoverished HABIT NO.5: CLIP ART they can't afford to pay attention. Most of the church newsletters I have received The down side of that strategy is, their read- are heavy on clip art and light on copy. I wish ers think they do and wonder why a preacher I could enjoy the snowflakes, happy ice so eloquent in public comes across so klutzy in skaters, hearts and flowers, Celtic crosses, and print. CJ wiener dogs delivered by mail. I can't. I don't mind an occasional graphic accent, but I don't Stephen Rexroat, D.Min., lives in Irvine, read a piece that is 60 percent clip art and 40 California, and is director if spiritual careJor American Home Health and HospiceJor Southern percent content. California. HABIT NO.6: PROOF READERS RESISTANCE Church newsletters which announce sweat- heart banquets and suck lunches should not have been published until someone picked up the spelling errors. And the one which announced the Sunday morning service ser- mon entitled "The State of the Church," fol- lowed by the evening title, "Leave Me Alone," should have been given a second look. Knowing what we want to say and reading what the audience reads are two different things. Therefore, a second and third reading should be given before we mail the piece.

HABIT NO.7: SENIOR PASTOR AVOIDANCE It would be nice to think the mailer has a mind of its own and intentionally attempts to avoid pastoral perusal. If you believe that, give me a call, for I would like to sell you the Brooklyn Bridge.

The fact is, highly ineffective church publi- cr cations are mostly ignored by the senior pas- i tors. About the only time they get involved is ~ .J when some senior citizen complains about the ~ "obnoxious art" slipped in by the youth pastor. ~'" ENRlCHMENT 95 o R L N

AFTER A YOUTH CAMP SERVICE the Division of Foreign Missions. director's young daughter sang her version of • Each summer the Division of Foreign "Get all excited, go tell everybody that Jesus Missions develops a new missions theme to be Christ is King!" Her rendition, sung with great used by either small or large churches. fervor, was "Dit all excited, don't tell any- Banners, posters, a missions musical video, body " She was too little to know what she choir and orchestra arrangements, lapel pin, a was saying, but the excitement was there. children's activity book, stationery, bulletin Remembering her misstatement through the cover, and much more are available to add years has often brought a smile. To say we excitement and eliminate routine programs. must be excited and tell everybody about • To keep the excitement level high, sched- _ Christ the King is an understatement. ule several missionaries during the year. Have BY H.H. "SPUD" DEMENT Excitement eliminates boredom, ele- them teach children in Sunday school or use vates our Lord's mandate to priority sta- them in Women's Ministries meetings, men's tus, encourages participation by congre- breakfasts, or home meetings. gations, and enables us to send harvesters to • Be sure Mountain Movers magazine is the fields of the world. available to all families in your church. Show Excitement about missions endeavors can periodic missions video reports. The Mandate be sparked in numerous ways. video series provides ongoing reports about • An annual missions emphasis blesses missionaries and missions activities around global missions and missionaries, increases the world and is available by subscription the local church's interest in evangelism and through the Division of Foreign Missions. growth, and gives believers the opportunity to • Missions excitement can be enhanced by prove God's promises by making prayer and periodically displaying flags from various financial commitments. nations. Intercede for these nations and the Twenty years ago Callaway Assembly of God missionaries preaching and teaching there. in Panama City, Florida, was struggling to sur- Arrange a telephone linkup with a missionary vive. Since then the church has grown spiritu- and have the phone conversation amplified for ally, numerically, and financially. Pastor Bobby the congregation, or ask the missionaries you Thompson attributes this growth to God's support for video- or audiocassettes to play on faithfulness and an increase in missions special occasions. awareness among the congregation. "Missions includes putting people in touch Eagle Mills Assembly of God in with the Savior," said Task Force Ministries Hamptonville, North Carolina, conducted its Representative Gary Gibson. "Efforts to intro- first missions convention in April 1995. As a duce men and women to Christ can provide result, missions giving increased 800 percent, many spin-offs that greatly affect every church and the church is growing. body here in America." • To lead your church in an exciting mis- • The Division of Foreign Missions Task sions celebration, appoint a missions-minded Force Ministries team has produced a book, committee to do the planning. One church Proven Missions Convention Ideas, to help add restructured the annual missions convention excitement to your missions emphasis. as a banquet, followed by a talk show featur- If you want assistance from the Divisionof ing several missionaries. The missions com- Foreign Missions, call us. We stand ready to mittee is excited about planning conferences, help. Wewant you toget all excited! and the congregation has responded well to the new format. For help in planning missions conventions, the guide, "How To Prepare for a Missions Convention," is available from the 96 . SPRING 1996 • Os Guinness was recently quote • Immigrant clustering is no longer just asso- Christianity Today: "The two main areas ciated with city neighborhoods. Immigrants where Christians are significantly underrepre- are now beginning to tilt entire states and sented are the universities and media. We suf- regions. In some Texas border counties, fer from a nearly 200-year tradition of anti- Hispanics make up 99 percent of the popula- intellectualism, and now we're paying for our tion. Arabs make up 70 percent of East irrelevance. We will be ineffective in the infor- Dearborn, Michigan. mation age unless we think Christianly. We • The most effective and economical need to enter the universities, the press and way to reach the world is to reach their BY CHARLES E. HACKETT media, and to win the right to influence these future leaders now studying at institutions from the inside." American colleges and universities. It is • The U.S. Census Bureau recently reported expected during the next 25 years that one- that 6 million native-born Americans speak third to one-half of the world's top positions in practically no English-a first-time phenome- politics, business, education, and the military non. will be filled by international students who • Mike Ferguson, nationally appointed home were educated in the United States. missionary to Lower Manhattan, New York • The 1994 ACMR reports 29 percent of City, has shown the 72-minute Jesus video 11 Assemblies of God churches had no new con- times. Using a Speed-the-Light outdoor video verts, 37 percent had no water baptisms, 38 projector system, he has gathered crowds of percent had no first-time Holy Spirit baptisms, over 200 on the streets. Through the video pre- and 62 percent had no follow-up program for sentations, 12 people have come to Christ, and new converts. two families have become a part of his church. • There is a renewed hope for the spiritual "This is one of the most effective means of recovery of our Fellowship. A strong emphasis evangelism I have used in New York City," is being placed on prayer, and we are no longer Ferguson said. "We disciple every new convert looking for the shortcut or quick fix. Let us who comes our way and have begun to see take ownership of the problem. When each these new disciples win the lost to Christ." pastor and leader has revival, the Assemblies • Charles Malik, former U.N. General of God will have revival. Assembly president, recently commented on • The Black Inner-City Workers Conference, the taking the gospel to colleges and universities: recognized black fellowship group of the "Wake up, my friends, wake up; the great uni- Assemblies of God, has a goal of planting one versities control the mind of the world. How or more training centers in each of the five can evangelism consider its task accomplished regions of our nation. One is already in opera- if it leaves the university unevangelized? This tion in Kansas City, Missouri. With these five is the most needed task, the task required loud sites, it will be possible to train 200 students by and clear by the Holy Ghost himself: Save the 1998, producing 50 new inner-city churches by university, and you save the world." the year 2000. • America is the most culturally diverse • According to the Justice Department, the nation the world has ever known. Some 15 number of Americans behind bars, on parole, million people have legally entered the United or on probation topped 5 million in 1994 for States since 1965. This means that 1 in 17 of the first time. This is nearly 2.7 percent of the all Americans alive today are products of post- adult population and a 3.9 percent increase 1965 immigration. over 1993. iii • According to the Annual Church Ministries Report (ACMR), ethnic congregations com- prised 22 percent of all Assemblies of God con- gregations in 1994. ENRlCHMENT 97 AUTHOR'S NOTE: Any preacher worth 2. Why should you praise God? (verse him sons, even in her sorrow she did his salt knows that sermon outlines are 2). not allow her heart to become hard- not sermons. Like Ezekiel's valley of dry a. Praise God for His kindness ened. She remained tender, sweet, and bones that were scattered, the bones ("mighty acts"). vulnerable even toward her rival in first came together andformed a skele- b. Praise God for His greatness the marriage. ton. That's a sermon outline or a ser- ("excellent greatness"). 3. She was a woman who spent time in mon skeleton. 3. How should you praise God? (verses the temple and in prayer. But a skeleton, no matter how neatly 3-5). Hannah shared the hurt with Eli, the put together, is still dead. For a sermon These verses stress varietY. priest. She was open to receive his to occur, life must be poured into it. 4. Who should praise God? (verse 6). counsel and encouragement and set Please take these brief sermon skele- a.Everything (Psalm 147:7-9). the example of prayer for her child tons and let the Holy Spirit breathe His b. Everyone (Psalm 150:6). even before he was born. life and your personality into them. 4. Hannah gave her child back to the Only then will they stand up, live, and CONCLUSION: Lord from the beginning to the end of touch the people to whom you are called When a camel is really thirsty, it can their lives. to preach. Preach the Word. drink 25 gallons of water in 10 minutes. God help mothers to remember to As a camel longs for water, you ought to take their troubles to the Lord. Keep long to praise the Lord. sweet and tender before God, even PALM SUNDAY Thomas H. Lindberg, Memphis, Tennessee when life becomes difficult, and it seems as though God is not hearing GOD'S HALLELUJAH CHORUS your prayers. Don't neglect your Psalm 150 A MODEL FOR MOTHERS FROM church. Give your children to God and INTRODUCTION: HANNAH'S LIFE trust Him to take care of them. The culmination of George F. Handel's Jim Swanson, Costa Mesa, Califomia life came in 1742 when he conducted 1 Samuel 1:27,28 the first performance of his Messiah. INTRODUCTION: Handel composed the piece in 25 days Hannah was a model for present-day THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY during 1741. The most famous section mothers. The lessons we learn from her SPIRIT-AN EXPERIENCE of the music is the "Hallelujah Chorus." life are found in 1 Samuel 1 and 2. Palm Sunday is a day of praise. Jesus INTRODUCTION: rode into Jerusalem, and the gathered MESSAGE: The baptism in the Holy Spirit is a gen- crowds praised the King of kings. Psalm 1. She was a woman who learned to take uine, bona fide experience. 150 is God's hallelujah chorus. It tells her troubles to the Lord. Experience is important. you all about praising God. Hannah was one of Elkanah's two Roger Brown, 16th-century philoso- wives and was childless. The other pher, said, "Without experience nothing MESSAGE: wife, Peninnah, taunted her. Hannah can be known satisfactorily." 1.Where should you praise God? (verse took it to the Lord in earnest prayer. Someone said, "Experience is not only 1). 2. She remained lovable in spite of her the best teacher, it is the only teacher." a. In church-"in his sanctuary." difficulties. Experiencing God is of utmost value. b. Out of church-"in his mighty fir- Hannah refused to become bitter. mament. " Notice her attitude toward her hus- MESSAGE: (In other words, praise God every- band. Even though he paid more 1. The baptism in the HolySpirit-what is it? where.) attention to Peninnah, who had given a. A genuine physical and spiritual 98 . SPRING 1996 experience-both the physical and the God will not give what we do not are too sinful to be forgiven). spiritual are involved. desire. b. Do not fear death. (1) Experience, as it relates to the b. By faith. 2. There is a wonderful pronouncement: physical, is that which is perceived by (1) Believe what God's Word says "He is not here; for He is risen" (verse 6). the senses. about the experience. a. Pronouncement to the confused (a) "Ye now see and hear" (2) Believe that God keeps His (Proverbs 3:5,6). (Acts 2:33). Word. b. Pronouncement to the worried (b) "Simon saw" (Acts 8: 18 ). c. By obedience (Acts 5:32). (Philippians 4:6). (c) "For they heard them d. By asking (Luke 11:13). c. Pronouncement to the hungry speak" (Acts 10:45,46). e. By laying on of hands (Acts 8: 17; (Matthew 5:6). (2) Experience related to the spiri- 9: 17; 19:6). 3. There is a joyful statement: "Come, tual is more difficult to define. see" (verse 6). (a) It is out of reach for natur- CONCLUSION: a. Resurrection outlives time ("come, al man (1 Corinthians 2:9-14). The baptism in the Holy Spirit is an see"). (b) It is a spiritual experience. experience God wants all believers to b. Resurrection outlasts critics (c) It is not unlike new birth have. ("come, see"). (John 3:8). Robert L. Brandt, Billings, Montana 4. There is a needful requirement: "Go b. A fulfillment of promise and quickly and tell" (verse 7). prophecy (Isaiah 28: 11,12; Luke a. Tell because of brevity of life (James 24:49; Acts 2:16-18; Galatians 3:14). EASTER 4:14). c. An enduement (Luke 24:49; Acts b. Tell because of urgency of the Lord 1:8). THE DAY DEATH DIED (2 Corinthians 6:2). d. An initiation and introduction Matthew 28:1-10, NKJV into a new lifestyle. INTRODUCTION: CONCLUSION: (1) The experience is not the Lenin's embalmed remains lie in a mau- When you arrive at heaven one day God lifestyle. soleum in Moscow's Red Square. will ask, "Did you come alone?" If your (2) The experience not an end but Millions have viewed his solid crystal answer is "Yes," He will reply with one a beginning. casket on which are inscribed these word: "Why?" If you are without Christ, 2. The baptism in the Holy Spirit-why words: "Lenin was the greatest leader of trust Him. If you know Jesus, "go quick- have it? all people. He was the lord of the new ly and tell." Don't go to heaven alone. a. God's plan is for you to have it humanity. He was the savior of the Thomas H. Lindberg, Memphis. Tennessee (Acts 2:39). world. " b. We need the experience to be most The tribute to Lenin is all in the past effective for God. tense-was. What a startling contrast to WHAT YOUR CHILDREN ARE (1) Through it we gain edification. the triumphant words of Jesus: "I am SAYING ABOUT YOU (2) We are enabled to worship the resurrection and the life." more effectively (John 4:23,24). Matthew's resurrection account pro- 2 Timothy 1:1-5 c. The experience increases our vides four life-changing certainties. PREMISE: prayer ability (Ephesians 6: 18; Jude Everyparent dreads the day when Junior 20). MESSAGE: will open a hidden closet and make 3. The baptism in the Holy Spirit-how 1.There is a powerful encouragement: some remark that embarrasses the may I receive it? "Do not be afraid" (verse 5). whole family. Many mothers can tell sto- a. By desire. a. Do not fear sin (Le., don't fear you ries about their children revealing fami- ENRlCHMENT. 99 Iy secrets to outsiders. us make sure their actions will tell oth- God's Son All of us have heard about the moth- ers about a solid Christian home. (1) Through his witnessing (Acts er who wanted to impress the visiting Jim Swanson, Costa Mesa, California 1:8) pastor and asked her little 6-year-old to (2) Through his works "go get the book that Mother loves so Elmer T.Kipe much." The little girl brought out the GOD'S ADVICE TO MAN Hanover, Pennsylvania mail-order catalog. These childhood situations are noth- Jeremiah 9:23,24 ing compared to the frightening way our INTRODUCTION: FIRST LOVE children tell on us when they reach their God advises man not to boast of tempo- teen years or go away to college. ral abilities but to speak of spiritual Revelation 2:4 matters. INTRODUCTION: MESSAGE: Tounderstand and know Godand what The Ephesian church, 30 years after 1.They will tell how much real love Goddelights in is man's great privilege. Paul's preaching/founding, was cool in there is in the home. its ardor and love for God. Christ warned The loving attitude of parents to MESSAGE: them of immediate removalJdestruction each other and to their children will 1.Things man should not boast about if they did not repent and return to for- be reflected in the attitude the chil- (Jeremiah 9:23) mer passions and fervent love for God. dren manifest to others when they a. His wisdom (intellect) What about this first love? Is it more leave home. b. His might (influence) than just the emotion felt at salvation? 2. They will tell by their actions about c. His riches (interest in wealth) What about the moment of commit- the spiritual foundation of the home. 2. Things man should boast about ment? The Ephesian church had all the When faith in God is only a Sunday- (Jeremiah 9:24) head knowledge and outward expres- go-to-church attitude and not reflected That he understands and knows God sion, but they lacked the heartfelt in the home all week long, chances are (1) Through His kindness-unde- inward quality. the children will turn their backs on served This first love is: Christ and the church when they have a (2) Through His justice-deserved chance. When parents act like the (3) Through His righteousness- MESSAGE: Christian life is something to endure desired 1. A commanding love (Mark 12:30; 1 rather than enjoy, we can expect the 3. Three things the Lord delights in Thessalonians 4:9) children to adopt that attitude as well. (Jeremiah 9:24) a. The heart: center of all What can a mother or father do to a. That man should understand and emotion/expression make sure their children's actions will accept b. The soul: willing to sell out reflect a strong Christian home? (1) God's goodness (1) Where new birth forms a. The best parents are Christian by (2) God's greatness (2) Able to bear likeness of Christ their actions in the home and teach (3) God's grace (Romans 6:5,22) by example as well as word. b. That man should humble himself c. The mind: every thought captive (2 b. The best parents realize there is no before a holy God Corinthians 10:5) substitute for loving discipline. (1) The humble spirit-God loves d. The strength: sparing no effort c. The best parents take every oppor- (2) The proud spirit-God resists 2. A separating love tunity to show unconditional (3) The Holy Spirit-anoints man a. Unto God (Romans 12:1; 1 John Christian love to their children. for ministry and worship 3:1-3) Yes, our children are telling on us. Let c. That man responds in exalting b.From sin (2 Corinthians 6:14-18) 100 . SPR.INC 1996 (1) In flesh MESSAGE: (2) "[All, inferred] began to speak (2) In spirit (2 Corinthians 7:1) 1. God's calendar. with other tongues." 3. A stable love (James 1:8) a. ':-\nd when the day of Pentecost Here, at the roots of Pentecostalism, a a.In object (1 Timothy 6:10; James was fully come" (Acts 2:1). precedent was set for all who receive the 4:4, 1 John 2: 15) (1) More than an historical state- Holy Spirit in His fullness. All speak b.In purpose (Matthew 10:37; ment. with tongues. Romans 12:2) (2) Indicates the precision of 4. A fruitful love (Galatians 5: 16-26) God's timing (John 2:4; 7:30; CONCLUSION: a. The inward character: love, joy Galatians 4:4). From our roots we learn that when man peace" b. Two prerequisites to Pentecost. meets the conditions, God is ready to b. Character expressed to man: long- (l)Jesus had to be glorified (John pour out His Spirit, and when His Spirit suffering, gentleness, goodness" 7:37-39)-only God could do that. is poured out the supernatural happens. c. Character expressed to God: faith, (2) Man had to be ready to Robert L. Brandt, Billings, Montana meekness, temperance" receive-only man could do that. "ScQ/ield Riference Bible 2. Man's condition. a. "They were all with one accord in CONCLUSION: one place" (Acts 2:1). May we return to the first love that b. The 120, like a great symphony Christ longed to see restored in the orchestra, had become fine-tuned to Ephesian church. God and to each other. They were in Greg Persons, perfect harmony.

LaPlata, Missouri c. The days of tarrying may have ".,..1. Cao4.n,S_ been necessary to that end. 3. God's manifestation. ROOTS a. Acts 2:2,3. b. When man gets ready, God is Acts 2:1-4 ready. INTRODUCTION: c. God is a God of sudden action In his book, Roots, Alex Haley traced his (Mark 13:36; 1 Corinthians 15:52). family back through many generations. d. Suddenly, the sound as of a rush- Later, while tracing his mother's roots in ing mighty wind and the appearance a book called Alexander Haley's Queen, of tongues like as of fire-both were he died suddenly. After his death it was signs that the Holy Ghost, who had reported that he had been adopted. not been given, was now given. What he thought were his roots may not 4. Man's experience. have been his roots after all. a. Acts 2:4. We Pentecostals have roots, and there b. Two things of great significance. is no question about their accuracy. (1) "They were all filled." They are plainly recorded in Scripture, (a) Related to, "They were all indicate where we came from, reveal with one accord." how we got started, show why the world (b) God intends for all to be is full of Pentecostals today, and should filled (Acts 2:39; 4:31; 8:17: 10:44; be our greatest challenge in the future. 19:6,7). fNRJCHMENT 101 -

To address the specific need of calling social service agencies, hospitals; CHRISTMAS ANGEL TREE on those in hospitals and nursing health professionals; funeral home pro- To provide gifts for many families and homes, our church recently offered a fessionals, etc. children in our church who would other- class called "Visitation Ministry in Several smaller churches in a commu- wise go without at Christmastime, we Action." Our visitation/calling pastor nity or several churches from neighbor- set up an angel tree in the church foyer. and a local retired hospital chaplain ing communities might cosponsor Small cards sealed in envelopes were served as cofacilitators. Material for the "Ministry in Action" workshops. attached to the tree for members to take. course included two Ministry in Action Pastor Ray Henderson at First Cards carried such messages as "a bas- manuals available from the Gospel Assembly of God can provide additional ketball for a 9-year-old boy," "coloring Publishing House, 1445 Boonville, information; phone, (515) 279-9766. books for a 5-year-old girl," and "a pair Springfield, Missouri 65802: Ministry in John M.Palmer of slippers (size 6) for a single mother." Action Hospital Basic Training Guide, Des Moines, Iowa Various anonymous needs were listed. order #722-331; Ministry in Action Some church members took only one Nursing Home Basic Training Guide, card; others took several. After buying #722-332; cost: $5.95 each. CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS and wrapping the gifts, members Participants also received printed copies To help kids go to camp, our Men's attached the cards and brought the gifts of sermons dealing with how to reach Ministries came up with this project for back to the church and placed them out to persons in crises. The local hos- camp scholarships. under the angel tree. pice is also an excellent resource for At a weekly men's breakfast we gave Each card had a number with a corre- materials and training for pastors and each man a dollar with the challenge to sponding name on a list in the office. laypersons alike. invest it with their time and talent and Shortly before Christmas we either con- Our "Visitation Ministry in Action" multiply it for camp scholarships. Some tacted those with gifts under the angel weekend began Friday evening with a bought a gallon of gasoline and mowed tree or delivered them to their homes. banquet honoring all who had been yards, taking the proceeds to buy more This provided a way for many to give involved in visitation. It continued gas and mow more yards. Some put and receive, and we all learned a little Saturday with training from 8:30 a.m. their dollars together to buy ingredients bit more about the true spirit of to noon, starting with a continental for cookies or brownies which were sold Christmas. breakfast. The Saturday workshop was at a bake sale. Others pooled their dol- Todd Weston, Manhattan, Kansas open to pastors and laypersons-those lars to buy supplies for a car wash. The currently involved in visitation as well ideas were limitless. Within a short peri- as those interested in becoming od of time the original $30 grew to VISITATION MINISTRY IN involved with this ministry. $200. Then we approached the congre- ACTION Because we have different gifts, other gation during a Sunday morning service As pastors charged with comforting related topics could be offered in work- with the same challenge. Seventy-five those who are hurting, we often find shop format such as how to minister to people responded, each receiving a dol- ourselves searching for the right words, those who are facing health crises or lar. Within 2 weeks the $75 grew to wishing we knew something specific death itself; the loss of a loved one nearly $1,500 as people invested their that would ease the hurt, longing to through death, divorce, separation, dollars along with their time and talent. know exactly how to "bear one anoth- leaving home, etc.; loss of a job, finan- Consequently, several children and er's burdens." Ifwe experience difficulty, cial losses, the empty-nest syndrome, young people, who otherwise could not certainly our church members who feelings of disconnection with the have gone to camp, were able to go on desire to be supportive of one another church, etc. Draw upon your local full or partial scholarships. The church also feel unequal to these tasks. resources-counselors from schools, was blessed, the kids were blessed, and 102 . SPR IN G 1 9 9 6 young people were changed as they met into the church and provides more poten- Be sure to schedule one Sunday each God at camp. tial teachers and helpers for Missionettes month to honor your Missionettes/Royal Todd Weston and Royal Rangers. Here is how these Rangers during the worship service. Manhattan, Kansas programs can work in your church: Give awards and advancements, Begin with inspiring leadership announce the girl and boy of the month, among the disciples God has entrusted and acknowledge all the children who MISSIONETTES AND ROYAL to you. Teach them about being involved are present. RANGERS AS A MINISTRY in outreach ministries, prepare people to Invite the parents to the awards pre- As home missions pastors of a small work with children, ask them for a com- sentation. Send them personal invita- church in a rural area of central mitment, and plan an outreach ministry tions that explain the awards presenta- Washington, we soon realized that to using the Missionettes and Royal tion. Preach an evangelistic message reach our community for the Lord we Rangers programs. and make an altar call. needed programs that would minister to Next, train reliable, faithful volun- Last year we enrolled over 120 girls families. After talking with several pas- teers how to minister to children. Teach and boys in the Missionettes and Royal tors in the community, we noticed that the leaders how to love the children, Rangers programs, which averaged the only activity being offered was how to plan an interesting club or out- about 100 each week, with 10 dedicated Sunday school. post meeting, and how to prepare for Missionettes sponsors and 9 Royal We decided to implement the each meeting. Rangers commanders. Most sponsors Missionettes and Royal Rangers pro- Then invite girls and boys to your and commanders also have an adult grams to bring the gospel to our neigh- scheduled Missionettes and Royal helper with other adults volunteering borhood. Parents attend special services Rangers meetings. Send a mailer to their services. About 50 children and 7 to witness their children's receiving each home in your community, offer a parents were saved during the year. Now advancements and awards. The gospel is free gift to every child who comes to the we have 15 families attending the preached, and the parents respond to the first meeting with a parent, and enroll church who have come because of altar call. Their salvation brings them club/outpost members. Missionettes and Royal Rangers. ENRICHMENT 103 -

Reaching girls and boys is an excel- A prime case in point is our building now is trying to keep up with the laity! lent way to bring families to the Lord. and grounds committee. You will never They are moving ahead full steam! The Assemblies of God has the best pro- see a weed on our 26 acres, an unpaint- Dan Betzer grams in the nation to reach families. ed wall, an unswept sidewalk, or a Fort Myers, Florida Use them as an outreach ministry in strewn carpet. Scores of people who your community. serve on the committee will not let it Jim Foster happen. Even new buildings and facili- HONOR AMERICA Quinry. Washington ties are masterminded by these faithful Independence Sunday (July 4 or the servants. They do the work efficiently Sunday immediately preceding it) has and creatively, thus leaving me time to become a great day of celebration in our THE HIDDEN RESERVOIR IN spend in my study with God and my church. Sunday evening service is EVERY CHURCH Bible. "Honor America" time with red, white, As an evangelist, Revivaltime and con- Another example is the finance com- and blue bunting and flags decorating vention speaker, and pastor, over the mittee. By virtue of office, I am the the sanctuary. Our choir and orchestra years I have ministered in nearly 1,500 chairman but have not been to a meet- perform patriotic music, and the congre- Assemblies of God churches and ing in 6 years. Instead, I prayed in godly gation joins in singing well-known observed that many pastors have never men and women who are trained and patriotic songs. tapped into the greatest reservoir of gifted in finance. They consult me on Each service begins with the presenta- resources and creativity they have-the the finalized budget, and I have input tion of the United States flag and the laity. Indeed, many pastors appear to into any and all money matters if I so national anthem. fear strong members. Some have had desire. These gifted people have led us Each year's service contains something unfortunate encounters that have left in the tripling of our income. new. One year it was the children coming them wary and defensive. It is tragic Still another example is our missions down the aisles handing out flags to that such incidents can so discolor the committee. When I first arrived at First everyone. Another year it was giant red, pulpit-pew relationship. Assembly, the congregation was 6 white, and blue balloons (3 by 5 feet in Ephesians 4: 12 makes it clear that the months from bankruptcy. Missions giv- diameter) tossed from the balcony. And pastor has the responsibility to train ing the previous year was $16,000. I still another year a local radio personali- people for the work of ministry. It can- duplicated my missions vision in the ty read the dramatic story of how "The not be done if there is distrust. hearts of a dozen people (the missions Star-Spangled Banner" was written. In I have made it a rule in these past 9 committee) before even attempting to 1995, the congregation enjoyed a dra- years pas toring First Assembly never to duplicate it to the whole congregation. matic presentation of Abraham Lincoln's do anything myself that can be done by That committee now numbers nearly 30. "Gettysburg Address." laity. My responsibility is to train men They meet every month and pray every This service also features a guest and women so they may have the privi- day. Our missions budget this year is speaker who loves America. (Senator lege of such ministries. Have I been $800,000. John Ashcroft, Dave Roever, David burned? Occasionally. But consistently Other examples are abundant. My role Crabtree, Cal Thomas, Iowa Senator the work of God here is upgraded by the as the pastor is to connect men and Charles Grassley, and Elizabeth Dole dedication, skills, and fervency of the women to the divine Source of every- have spoken in past years at our church.) laity. As a result, these marvelous men thing, Jesus Christ, who indeed is the Perhaps the most moving part of each and women do not think of the church Head of the church. Yes, there will be service is when we honor military men as "the pastor's project"; rather, it is occasional setbacks. But the end result and women. We invite them to gather in their own God-ordained calling and is well worth the effort of trusting and the front of the auditorium around one work. training the people. My only problem of four flags (Army, Air Force, Marines, 104 . S P R I N G 1 9 9 6 and Navy) while we play and sing the anthem of each military branch. We rec- ognize and honor those from each war, those serving during peacetime, and those currently serving. It is overwhelm- ing to consider how much they risked for us, the horror of battle they faced in our behalf, the tremendous debt of pro- found gratitude we owe them, and our thankful response to God for His bless- ings on our nation. Regardless of the church's size, every- one loves to sing patriotic songs. Every community has people who served our country well and would love to share their experiences and insights. This includes local officials who are proud of the community and state. Perhaps someone from a church family, who is currently serving, would either in per- son or through that family member (via letter, audio- or videocassette, long-dis- dren's church teachers, nursery workers, tance call via a speaker phone, etc.) banquet coordinators, prayer warriors, share what it means to be serving our and so on. Therefore, the men of the country now. church organized a recognition banquet This is also the time to have fun in their honor in conjunction with Is there a program idea, outreach together building a church float for the Mother's Day weekend. activity, or creative approach to community parade, the youth group Men decorated the fellowship hall, ministry you have used that has raising money through an ice-cream coordinated the program, cooked the worked? Tell us about it. We would social, having an all-church picnic with meal, and served the ladies. It was a like to know, and other church old-fashioned games, etc. moving time as different men gave leaders will want to know, too. For a copy of the order of the service words of thanks. Our ladies were Enrichment will pay up to $50, depending on the length, for each or other information, contact Jim blessed when the men of the church published account of a ministry Hobson at First Assembly of God, 2725 renewed their commitments to fulfill the idea. Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, Iowa ministries and duties God has given Send your ideas, along with a 50310. them and to lead by serving. We closed detailed description, to: John M. Palmer with a slide presentation of our ladies Des Moines, Iowa involved in ministry and the song, Ministry Ideas That Work "Thank You."Our church will remember Enrichment that evening for a long time. 1445 Boonville Ave. Springfield, MO 65802-1894 MOTHER'S DAY Todd Weston Women have worked hard for many Manhattan, Kansas years as Sunday school teachers, chil- ENRICHMENT 105 man whose face was filled with terror. still one more move left on the board. THE CHRISTIAN BENCHWARMER He sat biting his fingernails, his knees After the devil makes his move, you will While coaching football in the public were knocking, and sweat was pouring get the final move." school system, we had our players wear down his face. ExcerptJrom America's Only Hope: their jerseys to school on the day of the The chess champion understood the Impacting Society in the 90s by TonyEvans game-a proud moment for them. Many scenario when he saw the title of the (Chicago:Moo& Press, 1993), 161-162. of the boys came out for the team for painting, Checkmate. The devil was that reason-so they could wear their about to make the final move to claim jerseys to school and be seen by all the this young man's soul. WHAT IS A MOTHER WORTH? other kids. The chess champion was awestruck Sylvia Porter, a noted financial analyst, The problem was: Many of those boys by the painting and studied it for hours. states that 25 million full-time home- never played in the games because they Gradually a smile came across his face. makers contribute billions to the econo- were afraid of being hurt; therefore, A gleam twinkled in his eye as he asked my every year, although their labor is not they could not perform in practice to be for a chessboard. Upon receiving it, he counted in the gross national product. good enough to play. They were content set the board up precisely as it was in Porter says only the wealthiest fami- to go through the motions-avoiding as the painting. lies could afford to pay for the services a much contact as possible, not getting After studying it for a while he turned mother provides for love. She calculated hurt, and running the wind sprints just to the young man, as though he were how much the mother at home added to to be a part of the team. During the alive, and said excitedly, "Young man, I her family's economic well-being by games they were always on the side- have some good news for you. Things assigning an hourly fee for nursemaid, lines, but that was OK with them are not as bad as they seem. Even housekeeper, cook, dishwasher, laun- because of the uniform. though it looks like you've lost, there's dress, food buyer, chauffeur, gardener, Many Christians want to wear the label but are not willing to pay the price to be a leader, teacher, prayer partner, or other worker in the church. Too many are content to wear the jersey, go to practice, avoid contact, and sit on the sidelines during the games. Ron Canada, Springfield. Missouri

CHECKMATE The true story is told of a world champi- on chess player who visited art galleries during his vacation in Europe. While touring one of the galleries, he came across a painting that stopped him in his tracks. It was a picture of a chess game. On one side of the painting was the devil-laughing, excited, and joyful. He was about to make his move. On the other side of the painting sat a young 106 . SPRING 1996 maintenance person, seamstress, dieti- tian, and practical nurse. She found that the labor performed by a mother at home would cost a family $23,580 in Greensboro, South Carolina; $26,962 in Los Angeles; and $28,735 in Chicago. In a sense even this analysis is demeaning to the mother at home because Porter only looked at the rela- tively menial duties. She did not consid- er the higher-status jobs every mother at home performs: coach, teacher, interior decorator, religious education instructor, and child psychologist, to name a few. "Your government should give you a medal for productivity," says Porter to the at-home mother. "Your family should appreciate and cherish you." Indeed, the mother who stays at home is an unsung heroine. Not only is she providing pricey, irreplaceable services for her family while she nurtures her children, but she is important to society at large. Think of the billions of dollars which are part of our economy because the stay-at-home mother did her job well. Solid, stable homes produce solid, sta- ble, productive citizens who make a dif- ference in this world. -AbridgedJrom Moments for Mothers by Robert Strand (copyright @ 1993 by New Leqf Press). Used by permission.

HIS LIFE IS HELD TOGETHER BY JOY "I have everything I need for joy!" Robert Reed said. His hands are twisted, and his feet are useless. He can't bathe himself, feed him- self, brush his teeth, comb his hair, or put on his underwear. His shirts are held ENRICHMENT 107 together by strips of [email protected] speech their wrecked car, upside down in a cold drags like a worn-out audiocassette. A POSITION OF LOVE mountain stream. His 2-year-old son Robert has cerebral palsy. About 6 o'clock on a Wednesday morn- was barely alive in the 48-degree water. The disease keeps him from driving a ing, James Lawson of Running Springs, As James scrambled down the cliff to car, riding a bike, and going for a walk. California, left home to apply for a job. what he was sure were the cries of his But it didn't keep him from graduating About an hour later his 36-year-old wife dying wife, he found something else: from high school or attending Abilene Patsy with their two children (ages 2 She was dead, but she was holding her Christian University, from which he and 5) left for the baby-sitter's and her little boy's head just above the water in graduated with a degree in Latin. fifth-grade teaching job down the moun- the submerged car. Having cerebral palsy didn't keep him tain in Riverside. What had happened could be pieced from teaching at a St. Louis junior col- Unfortunately, they never got that far. together from the scene. Susan, the lege or from venturing overseas on five The alarm was spread that they had daughter, had evidently been killed in missions trips. not arrived at the baby-sitter's nor at her the accident. Patsy had attempted to get And Robert's disease didn't prevent school. James Lawson found his wife out, but the car's position had her him from becoming a missionary in and daughter dead 8112 hours later in trapped. Little Gerald had survived the Portugal. He moved to Lisbon alone in 1972, where he rented a hotel room and began studying Portuguese. He found a restau- rant owner who would feed him after the rush hour and a tutor who would instruct him in the language. Then he stationed himself daily in a park, where he distributed brochures about Christ. Within 6 years he led 70 people to the Lord, one of whom became his wife, Rosa. [Max Lucado recalls a time when he heard Robert speak.] "I watched other men carry him in his wheelchair onto the platform. I watched them lay a Bible in his lap. I watched his stiff fingers force open the pages. And I watched people in the audience wipe away tears of admiration. Robert could have asked for sympathy or pity, but he did just the opposite. He held his bent hand up in the air and boasted, "I have everything I need for joy." His shirts are held together by Velcro@, but his life is held together by joy. -Max Lucado. The Applause of Heaven (@ WordPublishing, 1990). 108. SPR.ING 1 9 9 6 crash along with his mother. There was nothing else for Patsy to do but hold his head above the water in the little pocket of air that remained in the car. For8112hours she had held that painful position until her body had almost frozen in the pose of self-giving love. She had succumbed to hypothermia. Patsy Lawson, though dead, still held her baby up so he could breathe. That's the essence of a mother's sacrificial love. This tragic story reminds us of anoth- er kind of love. God sent His only beloved Son into the hostile environ- ment of this world so that He could take up a position of love with outstretched arms and die so that we might live. Such love! Have you ever considered what it cost God to give His Son so you could have eternal life? -Abn'dgedJrom Moments for Mothers The father said, "How?" (@ by Robert Strand 1993 New Leqf "I prayed again." Press). Used by permission. So they put the line back into the river and went to the cabin. Before bedtime, they returned to the river. This time no Are you looking for another place PREPARATION FOR PRAYER fish were on the line. to use that great sermon illustra- I have a friend who took his little 6- The child said, "I knew there wouldn't tion you used in last week's mes- year-old boy fishing with him. They put be." The father asked, "How did you sage? Enrichment will pay up to out the line and then went up to the know?" $25 for each sermon illustration cabin. After an hour they returned to the The boy said, "Because I didn't pray it uses. If the material has previ- river to see if they had caught anything. this time." ously been published, please indi- Surely enough, several fish were on The father asked, ':o\ndwhy didn't you cate the original source. Send the line. The boy said, "I knew there pray?" your contributions to: would be, Daddy." "Because I remembered that we forgot Illustrate It The father asked, "How did you know?" to bait the hooks," the boy said. Enrichment He replied, "Because I prayed about it." -Robert Goodrich 1445 Boonville Ave. So they baited the hooks again, put What's It All About. Springfield, MO 65802-1894 out the line, and went to the cabin for supper. Afterward, they went back to the river; again, fish were on the line. The boy said, "I knew it." ENRICHMENT 109 Growing the World's while reading the narrative, the reader is Largest Church introduced to a series of excellent church growth principles and administrative helps Karen Hurston (GPH/Chrism, 223 pp., paper- that can be put to work almost anywhere. back, $8.95) The second chapter begins a sequential Growing the World's Largest Church is a dif- introduction to the philosophy and mechan- ferent approach to church growth material ics of each step that has led the church in compared with most books on the subject. It growth. The information is reinforced by is written from the personal perspective of interesting accounts of miracles in the lives the author, who virtually grew up with the of people along the way. church and served on the church staff. A chapter devoted to the importance of Karen Hurston's father, Missionary John prayer provides a quick and informative Hurston, was one of the early influences in glimpse of the origin and administration of the life of Yonggi Cho, who served as the the now famous Prayer Mountain. missionary's interpreter during a 6-week Other chapters describe the emphasis on preaching tour of South Korea's major lay leadership in the church, home cell cities. Based on her personal ties and first- groups, staffing and levels of ministry, hand knowledge, the author presents the evangelism, a schedule of worship services, success story of Yonggi Cho and the world's and a description of Cho's method of largest church. preaching. The reader will also find infor- The book is clearly the story of Cho and mation on the church's emphasis on giving, the remarkable growth of the church in small-group ministry, and the overall mis- Seoul, South Korea. It closely resembles a sion of the church. historical biography that begins with Cho's Along with these topics is a succinct early life and continues until now. However, description of the church's administration, which provides groundwork for the reader to apply the methods to his/her own church. The author addresses and generally dispels What Hollywood Won't Tell You About Sex, the theory that Cho's methods work only Love, and Dating because of the church's cultural setting. She does this in the text to some degree, but the Greg Johnson and Susie Shellenberger (Regal, 250 pp" paperback, $9,99) major arguments are included in the appen- What Hollywood Won't Tell You can help fill a vacuum of wholesome teaching on dix. Through historical records and refer- sex, love, and dating. The authors tackle the tough combination of teen years and ences to growing churches in the States, relationships with a good mix of humor, informal style, and common sense. Hurston demonstrates that a principle is a Personal examples along with quotes and testimonies from teens immediately draw principle, no matter where you find it. It the reader and make it easy to be open to godly instruction. An early chapter ends by leading the reader in prayer and inviting God to lead and guide in future relation- may require some modification, but it will ships. work to build churches to the glory of God This book, by no means a comprehensive manual, can best be used as a launch- with enough spiritual power to make a dif- ing pad for further discussion between parents and their children or youth leaders ference in our world. and teens. It helps adults remember the tremendous frustrations and pitfalls of the -Reviewed by Larry Thomas, training teen years. network coordinator and administrative consultant in Sunday School Promotion and Training Department, Spn'ngfield, Missouri,

110 . SPR.ING 1996 Jesus Under Fire— Teaching for Spiritual Modern Scholarship Growth Reinvents the Historical Jesus Perry G, Downs (Zondervan, 224 pp., hard- back, $21.99) MichaelJ. Wilkins and J.P.Moreland, gel1. eds., I wish every evangelical and Spirit-filled (Zondervan, 256 pp., hardback, $16.99) pastor, staff pastor, Bible college professor, Since 1985 a group calling itself "The Jesus and Sunday school superintendent could Seminar" has discussed and voted on what read this book. Indeed, Christian education parts of the words and deeds of Jesus (called Sunday school in a broader sense a recorded in the Gospels Jesus actually said few years ago) has gone exploring a wide and did. They have persuaded the liberal terrain. The side trips have been interesting, media that they represent a consensus of but a clear central focus has become blurred modern scholarship-which is definitely at times. not true. They are antisupernaturalists who While such topics as specialized age- deny that Jesus claimed to be the Son of group ministries, singles ministry, ministry God, performed miracles, or was raised to dysfunctional families, or time manage- from the dead. The Seminar members have ment have real value, broadened our hori- come out of the closet to try to persuade the zons, and resulted in new ministries estab- Christian world that the Jesus they love and lished with good results, the broader focus trust, the Jesus revealed in the Gospels, was has not been without cost. just an ordinary man whose body was laid The author observes, "Responding to the in a shallow criminal's grave and eaten by felt needs of people is sometimes perceived wild dogs. as more important than responding to the To combat the claims of "The Jesus real need of being reconciled to God. Seminar," eight outstanding Bible scholars Helping people feel good has taken over write chapters showing the inconsistencies helping people be good and do good." and falsity of those claims. With careful rea- The strategy of the book begins in soning they present the evidence that "Teaching in Biblical Perspective" (a treat- shows Jesus actually said and did what the ment of the nature of spiritual maturity), Bible records. One chapter upholds the truth progresses to a consideration of develop- that Jesus is the only way of salvation, the mental psychology and how learning takes only way to God. Another gives evidence for place, and concludes with how we should the reality of Jesus from outside the New teach for spiritual growth. As such, the Testament. author provides a progression from theolo- As the editors point out, the book gives gy to psychology to learning. sufficient answers and provides a positive As our need for and interest in effective case for the integrity of the New Testament discipling increases, TeachingJor Spiritual witness to Jesus. He "provides the only truly Growth becomes required reading. satisfying solution to the dilemma of the -Reviewed by David Torgerson, modern person." Springfield, Missouri. -Reviewed by Stanlry M. Horton, Th.D,, dis- tinguished prifessor emeritus if Bible and the- ology, Assemblies if God Theological Seminary, Springfield, Missouri.

ENRICHMENT 111 Men With a Message: An John Stott needs no introduction to stu- Introduction to the New dents of Scripture. The conservative Testament and Its Anglican clergyman has distinguished him- Wrriters self by an ability to write clearly and con- cisely on both broad and concentrated sub- John Stott, revised by Stephen Motyer, jects. Within the compass of 156 pages, he (Eerdmans, 156 pp., hardback, $19.99) and the reviser have distilled a wealth of This book, in plain language, is a gem. It is New Testament data. an update and revision of Stott's original As the title suggests, the book has a dou- work which was published in 1951. ble focus. Each chapter begins with a bio- graphical sketch of a New Testament author, which is followed by an overview of The Protestant Wedding Sourcebook: that writer's contribution to the New A Complete Guide for Developing Your Testament. In a generous number of insets, Own Service the reader is given ministudies on more Sidney F.Baits (Westminster/John Knox Press, 192 pp" $21,99) than 25 topics; for example, Luke on riches To address the weakness of traditional weddings' archaic wording, Batts devel- and poverty, events in Paul's life, Peter's use oped The Protestant Wedding Sourcebook, one of the most comprehensive avail- of Isaiah 53, the Old Testament in Hebrews, able. and the death of James according to He divides the traditional Protestant wedding service into 11 categories, Within Josephus. Also interspersed with the text each category, he provides from 10 to 30 selections of wordings which may be are first-class, full-color photographs of used or modified. The book will be a great resource to any pastor who wants to develop wedding scenery and archaeological finds, as well as words which carry substance and relevance to those who are present. some maps and drawings. -Reviewed by Chris Rainey,pastor, GatewayCommunity Church, Fort Lee,New Jersey Each chapter ends with bibliographical suggestions for further reading; the list includes works that are less demanding and those that are more demanding, scholarly Solution-Focused Marriage: works. Practical Solutions for Marital Dilemmas This book is an excellent source for a Raymond E. and Carol A. Meadors (Life Focus Publications [PO,Box 46382, Cincinnati, Ohio Bible study series. In addition to the mater- 45246J, 209 pp" paperback, $8,95) ial itself, its attractive format and layout Written by credentialed ministers in the Assemblies of God Ohio District, this make it an outstanding gift. book is the first of a proposed five-part series. The focus is on helping couples find -Reviewed by Anthony D. Palma, Th.D., "how to implement what they know they ought to be doing to improve the quality of their marriage" (page 11). a longtime Assemblies if God educator. The Scripture sections demonstrate an attempt to bring the Bible into counseling, Phoenix, Arizona. My main concern is that pastors take sufficient time to understand more in depth the counselee's situation to avoid prematurely focusing on a solution that might not be precisely applicable, -Reviewed by John C, Kalter,D.Min" professor of pastoral counseling, Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, Springfield, Missouri,

112 . SPR.ING 1996 Between Two Worlds: Chapter 6 on preparing a sermon is basic The Art of Preaching in to all texts on preaching. Stott has a few the 20th Century unique points and some clear words; how- ever, the student of preaching will be better John R. W Stott (Eerdmans, 352 pp., paper- served by devouring books such as Haddon back, $14,99) Robinson's Biblical Preaching or Jerry Vines' "Preaching is indispensable to Christianity." A Practical Guide to Sermon Preparation. With those words John Stott opens Between The last two chapters should be required Two Worlds and goes on to enforce the annual reading for every preacher. Dr. Stott power, the need, and the plan for good presses home the need for sincerity, preaching today. He is a great student of earnestness, courage, and humility. May preaching and includes a wide range of God enable the preacher! quotes and footnotes. He is a great preacher A wise preacher will keep Between Two himself. (I have personally heard Dr. Stott, Worlds within arm's reach and refer to it and he is a compellingcommunicator.) frequently. His congregation will be glad he The author sees preaching as bridge did. building and rightly pictures two distinct -Reviewed by Thomas Lindberg, D.Min., worlds: God's world and man's world. The pastor of First Assembly of God, preacher stands in the middle. Through his Memphis, Tennessee. knowledge of the biblical world and his understanding of the modern world, he acts Listening for Heaven's Sake: Building as a bridge connecting the two. Through Healthy Relationships With God, Self, and preaching, man is able to understand God Others and cometo him. Dr.Stott argues that a real sermon occurs when it has heaven as its GarySweeten with DavePing andAnne Clippard (TeleiosPublications, 192pp" paperback, $12,95) father and earth as its mother. When the Sweeten and colleagues from his ministry believe that sin is the root of dys- biblical world and the modern world meet, functional personalities and relationships. The four major categories of sin, as they and God's voice is clearly heard by modern see them, include rebellion, guilt, shame, and bondage. man, real preaching has occurred. The author gives a biblical view of personality, with emphasis on the importance Between Two Worlds is both informative of grace in becoming reconciled to God, and emphasizes developing good listen- and inspiring. Every preacher will be ing skills. inspired to do his best pulpit work as he The book is easy to read and is documented with footnotes and other study reads chapter one. In those pages Stott helps-excellent for the Christian counselor who wants to focus on the spiritual allows the reader to walk with the giants of dynamics of effective counseling. preaching throughout church history. -Reviewed by Raymond T.Brock, Ed,D" an Assemblies of Godminister Few books on preaching tackle the con- and a licensed counselor, Tulsa, Oklahoma, temporary objections modern man has to preaching as this one. Dr. Stott gives insightful material every pastor should think through concerning 20th-century man's aversion to preaching. (I believe the antiauthority mood of the Western world is the chief culprit.)

ENRICHMENT 113 101 Effective Ideas ic companies and specialized software Using Your Church which can help carry out the ideas present- Computer ed. In the back of the notebook the author and provides samples of the many desktop pub- Sources of Church lishing ideas presented. Technology You Can Other ideas showcase the power of com- Afford puter technology, such as developing a church member database for birthday recog- Steve Scott (Church Resources Corporation, nition; mailing labels; ZIP Code sorting; bar 1-800-455-2585; 125 pp. each; loose-leqf coding; and tracking audio, video, and book notebook; $29.45 each, postage-paid) library resources. In 1011ffJective Ideas Steve Scott, who chal- Some of the more innovative and comput- lenges the church to combine technology er-dependent ideas include outbound and with a commitment to the call of Christ, inbound voice mail, fax and modem capa- gives "creative, technology-driven ideas for bilities, Bible study software, scanning pic- increasing membership, improving ministry tures and text, electronic street maps, using communications, and developing visibility spreadsheet and graphing programs to and awareness for your church within the monitor budgets and statistics, multimedia community." He writes from an MS-DOS and Bible atlas CD-ROMs, project manage- and Windows orientation, but Macintosh@ ment and scheduling, wedding manage- users will also find the ideas usable since ment software, electronic encyclopedias, equivalent hardware and software are digital photography, and idea-generation available on the Macintosh@ platform. software. Scott offers, literally, 101 ideas for using In Sources if Church Technology You Can computers in church ministry. Most focus Afford, Scott provides a more thorough list- on rather obvious but, nevertheless, effec- ing of software companies and products cat- tive uses of word processing, desktop pub- egorized by many of the applications pre- lishing, and database software. In fact, sented in J011ffJective Ideas, such as Bible most of the ideas are not even computer illustrations, calendars, contact manage- dependent; many are simply promotion and ment, mail management, maps, sermon advertising ideas that have been done for resources, and weddings. years the old-fashioned way. These include The rapid pace of computer hardware and newsletters, press releases, brochures, sta- software advancement makes it hard for tionery, calendars of events, certificates, books like these to stay current and innov- visitor and absentee follow-up, business ative. Yet for those who are considering or cards, clip art, meeting reminders, flyers, just beginning to incorporate computers in membership directory, speaker notes and the church and seek a concise, comprehen- handouts, flowcharts, and name tags. sive list of ideas and uses, these books are Still, the book helps stimulate thinking worth a look. with numerous suggestions on how to take -Reviewed by William P. Campbell, advantage of computer technology to do adult ministries consultant, Sunday School these things more quickly and efficiently. Promotion and Training Department, However, don't expect thorough how-to Springfield, Missouri. chapters; instead you will find a concise 200- to 300-word overview for each idea. In many cases the author alerts you to specif-

114 . SPRING 1996

PERSONNEL conducted 14 crusades throughout the graduate-level training conference for Doug Clay, former Ohio District youth country," said Paul Gracza, missionary new campus ministers. director, was appointed secretary of the to Eastern/Europe Central Countries. Advanced ICM will run concurrently national Youth Department, effective "Since beginning crusade efforts in with ICM each summer--equipping for Nov. 6, 1995. 1994, hundreds of people have come to ministry unique to campus missions. Christ. Over the next 3 years believers The subject matter will change from FREE CARING MAGAZINE SUB- hope to begin 30 more churches." year to year. SCRIPTION AVAILABLE Half a world away in the Philippines, Students of today have greater diffi- A free subscription to Caring magazine Good News Crusades are producing sim- culty making initial commitments and is available in single or bulk orders for ilar results. building trust-filled relationships. churches or groups. published nine "In 3 months over 1,300 people Advanced ICM seeks to instruct campus times a year, Caring is the voice of the prayed the sinner's prayer or expressed ministers in the skills of ministering to Benevolences Department that oversees an interest in following Jesus," said these students. Aged Ministers Assistance, Highlands Dave Johnson, missionary to the More information about Advanced Child Placement Services and Maternity Philippines. "Workers invite new believ- ICM and ICM is available from the Chi Home, Hillcrest Children's Home, and ers to church or a home Bible study Alpha Campus Ministries Department. Disaster Relief. group for discipling." Check rsc #11 for your free subscrip- In the last 5 years the Philippines REGIONAL CONVENTIONS tion. Those who order single subscrip- Assemblies of God has planted 1,000 BUILD MINISTRY tions will receive an attractive 11- by churches, and membership has doubled. Regional conventions are building the 16-inch corduroy portfolio. Good News Crusades has played a vital Division of Home Missions MAPS RV part in sparking the growth. Volunteers ministry. Conventions for the PEOPLE REACHED, CHURCHES For 37 years offerings to the Good following regions are scheduled: PLANTED THROUGH GOOD News Crusades program have been used Southwest: March 16, Ahwatukee NEWS CRUSADES to finance sound systems, tents, and NG, Phoenix, Ariz. Sunday, March 31, is Good News materials needed to conduct meetings. Southwest: March 1,2, Southern Crusades Day in the Assemblies of God. By having funds on hand, missionaries California College, Costa Mesa, Calif. Churches are requested to assist mis- can make arrangements for crusades South Central: April 11-13, NG, sionaries in winning the lost and plant- while open doors exist. Otherwise they Jones, Okla. ing churches by receiving an offering must raise funds from their supporters, South Central: May 3,4, Wheat State and praying for Good News Crusades, a a process requiring additional time and Camp, Augusta, Kans. program established through the expense. South Central: May 31-June 1, Rio Division of Foreign Missions. Rancho, N. Mex. Since 1989 when the Iron Curtain ADVANCED CAMPUS MINISTRY Northwest: May 3,4, Eastern Wash- opened to allow more religious freedoms TRAINING NOW AVAILABLE ington Bible Camp, Silver Lake, Wash. in Eastern Europe, Good News Crusades The Chi Alpha Campus Ministries North Central: May 17,18, Lake have been an increasingly effective soul- Department has developed an advanced Geneva Bible Camp, Alexandria, Minn. winning tool in that part of the world. training program called Advanced Gulf: May 17,18, Rose of Sharon Significant results have been reported in Institute for Campus Missions Campground, Munford, Tenn. Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and (Advanced ICM).The program is tailored Great Lakes: May 17,18, Kentucky Poland. for the veteran campus minister and Campground, Crestwood, Ky. "Between May and September 1995, especially for those who have previous- Great Lakes: June 7,8, Fa Ho Lo Park, the Hungarian Pentecostal Fellowship ly attended ICM, Chi Alpha's 18-day Grass Lake, Mich. 116 . SPR.ING 1996 The conventions are ideal for new vol- CHI ALPHA IS ANCHOR AWAY at Division of Home Missions, 1445 unteers to sign up. Contact the DHM FROM HOME Boonville Avenue, Springfield, Mo. MAPS Department for more information. Chi Alpha, the Assemblies of God out- 65802-1894. reach to secular campuses, is one of the FIRST ASSEMBLIES OF GOD more significant ministries to young DEADLINE SET FOR NATIONAL KMHMU CHURCH PLANTED people. When students leave home for HOME MISSIONS New Generation Assembly of God in the university, their values and ideas are APPOINTMENT Santa Ana, Calif., is the first Kmhmu tested. Chi Alpha helps students hold The Division of Home Missions has set Assembly of God ever to be pioneered in the line of their value systems. June 18, 1996, as the deadline for either foreign or domestic locations. Pastors can help by forwarding the accepting applications for national Linda Gross, a nationally appointed names and addresses of students who home missions appointment. Candidate home missionary, is the director of attend secular universities to the DHM interviews will be held Sept. 10-13, Southeast Asian ministry in Santa Ana Chi Alpha Campus Ministries Depart- 1996, in Springfield, Mo. and is working with the Kmhmu people, ment, which is dedicated to bringing the More information is available from who are political refugees from Laos. good news to the university, market- the Division of Home Missions. Around 3,000 Kmhmu are in the U.S., place, and world. with the largest number in California. MEN'S MINISTRIES CHI ALPHA TAKES PRAYER ON- RESURRECTION BREAKFASTS: RV VOLUNTEERS PERSONNEL LINE A TIME TO WIN MEN TO JESUS IMPACT INNER-CITY ST. LOUIS In February 1995, Chi Alpha established April 6, 1996, the Saturday morning During the 1995 General Council in St. a prayer network via E-mail. When cam- before Easter, men across the Fellowship Louis, DHM MAPS RV Volunteers per- pus missionaries have prayer requests, will be inviting their unsaved, un- sonnel made an impact on the city's they leave messages at the Chi Alpha churched friends and relatives to a spe- Hyde Park neighborhood by construct- Campus Ministries Department's E-mail cial Resurrection Breakfast. ing a playground for inner-city children. address, which sends messages to those Urge each man of your congregation Mayor Freeman Bosley, Jr., said: "I am on the on-line network. Requests are to buy at least two tickets to the break- honored as the mayor of St. Louis to sent to people across the country. fast: one for himself and one for an un- thank the Assemblies of God on behalf This prayer network is essential, for saved guest he invites. The breakfast is of Clay School and the Hyde Park com- campus missionaries frequently strug- an opportunity to introduce unsaved munity for their most generous gift of a gle in spiritual warfare. Last year some men of your community to the resur- playground/pocket park. We are blessed 48 people had joined the Chi Alpha rected, living Christ. that your church has committed to shar- prayer network during the first 8 The guest speaker should be a well- ing time and resources to bring a signif- months. Through the prayer network, known Christian man-a businessman, icant improvement to a St. Louis neigh- they not only hear about the needs but athlete, or professional-who gives his borhood struggling for change. Efforts receive updates and praise reports. testimony of how he came to know such as this, by the Assemblies of God, If you would like to be a part of Chi Christ. Invite the unsaved to accept inspire us to become reenergized and Alpha's E-mail prayer network, send Christ as Savior. Follow up those who gain new hope for the future of all God's your name and E-mail address electron- accept Christ. Also invite the un- .. people. ically to Chi Alpha Campus Ministries churched to attend Easter activities at On Aug. 5 Cougar Park, as it was Department via America Online (XA your church. named, was dedicated and presented to [email protected]). If you aren't on- For more information on Resurrection the city by Thomas Trask, Assemblies of line but would like to pray for Chi Alpha Breakfasts check rsc #12 or contact the God general superintendent. campus missionaries, write to Chi Alpha Men's Ministries Department, 1445 ENRICHMENT. 117 Boonville Ave., Springfield, Mo. 65802- attends Evangel College. pital and outpatient services from a 1894, or phone (417) 862-2781, ext. 4170. The NYSP is sponsored annually by Christ-centered perspective. Churches in the Assemblies of God Christian Higher Southwestern's region have also com- LIGHT.FOR-THE.LOST DAY Education and Youth Departments. mitted substantial support for the new MATERIALS AVAILABLE Applications are available from venture. Light-for-the-Lost (LFTL)Day is Sunday, Assemblies of God district youth direc- May 5, 1996. Materials are available to. tors after Nov. 1 and are accepted from POSTSECONDARY SCHOOLS help churches conduct a special-empha- Jan. 1 to March 31 each year. High ANNOUNCE SPRING 1996 COM. sis service for this Assemblies of God school seniors who attend an MENCEMENT DATES evangelism literature ministry. They Assemblies of God church or are depen- The following Assemblies of God post- include a bulletin insert, a brochure, a dents of Assemblies of God missionaries secondary schools have announced LFTLlogo poster, and literature posters. and who plan to attend an endorsed spring 1996 commencement dates: Two items are available for a nominal Assemblies of God postsecondary school American Indian College, Phoenix, cost: (1) a multicolor banner and (2) a upon graduation are eligible to apply. Ariz.-April 26. video with a variety of segments. The Assemblies of God Theological video is designed to complement the SOUTHWESTERN. UNIVERSITY Seminary, Springfield, Mo.-June 7. direction of your LFTL service. IMPLEMENTS COUNSELING Berean University, Springfield, Mo.- Founded in 1953, LFTLhas raised and PROGRAM Rolling enrollment (correspondence distributed over $46 million for evange- A new counseling/psychology program courses and degrees). lism literature for both foreign and was implemented at Southwestern Bethany College, Scotts Valley, Calif.- home missionaries' use. Assemblies of God University May 4. To order any of these materials call (Waxahachie, Tex.) in the fall 1995. Central Bible College, Springfield, the LFTL office at (417) 862-2781. For Internship opportunities are provided Mo.-May 2. more information about the Light-for- through the newly established Central Indian Bible College, the-Lost evangelism literature ministry Southwestern Counseling Center, an off- Mobridge, S. Dak.-May 10. check rsc #13. campus facility which offers counseling Evangel College, Springfield, Mo.- services to Southwestern students and May 3. 1995 NATIONAL YOUTH Assemblies of God ministers and their Latin American Bible Institute, San SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM WIN. families in the area. Antonio, Tex.-April 26. NERS ANNOUNCED The counseling/psychology under- Latin American Bible Institute of The Christian Higher Education graduate program is the initial step in California, La Puente, Calif.-May 4. Department of the Assemblies of God developing a graduate program leading North Central Bible College, has announced winners of the 1995 to a master's degree and Texas state Minneapolis, Minn.-May 3. National Youth Scholarship Program licensure as a counselor. Dr. Calvin Northwest College, Kirkland, Wash.- (NYSP) as follows: First-place scholar- Carmen, specialist in Christian counsel- May 4. ship ($2,500), Andrea Burcham of ing and psychiatric care, is joining the Southeastern college, Lakeland, Caldwell, Kans., who chose to attend faculty to develop the program and over- Fla.-April 26. Southwestern University (Waxahachie, see the counseling center. Southern California College, Costa Tex.). Second place ($1,500), Stacey Rapha Mental Health Services is pro- Mesa, Calif.-May 4. Carnes of Hudson, Ohio, who is attend- viding a significant part of the start-up Southwestern University, Waxahach- ing Evangel College (Springfield, Mo.). costs for the program. Rapha is a ie, Tex.-April 26. Third place ($1,000), Elisabeth nationally recognized mental health Trinity Bible College, Ellendale, N. Zimmerman of Paynesville, Minn., also care organization that provides in-hos- Dak.-May 3. 118 . SPRING 1996 Valley Forge Christian College, ics, church history, and philosophy for to understand the nature of the Holy Phoenixville, Pa.-May 4. 12 years. Spirit, His ministry, the biblical basis for Western Bible Institute, Phoenix, the baptism in the Holy Spirit, the initial Ariz.-May 6. RADIANT LIFE INTRODUCES evidence, how to receive, means of stay- SUMMER 1996 RELEASES ing filled, and the various gifts of the SCC PRESIDENT HONORED FOR Radiant Life announces two new titles Spirit and their proper usage. 20 YEARS' SERVICE in the Spiritual Discovery Series begin- The Spiritual Discovery Series offers A resolution was passed at the Southern ning in the summer 1996 quarter. individual and group study curriculum California District Council for the mem- Sanctity if Life by Michael Clarensau for contemporary adults. Study guides bership to honor Wayne Kraiss for 20 explores the biblical response to many are in a workbook format. Leaders years' service as president of Southern of the issues involving human life- guides include the study guide material California College. including the value of life, the power of as well as resources and methodology The student population during Kraiss' death, abortion, birth control, genetic designed to facilitate a group learning tenure has grown from 619 to 1,083. engineering, suicide, murder, capital experience. Funding for the college has increased punishment, genocide, and euthanasia. When completed, the Spiritual from $1.6 million in 1974 to $14.7 mil- Baptized in the Spirit by Frank M. Discovery Series will contain 40 new lion in 1995, and several new buildings Boyd is an updated version of a classic titles divided into four tracks of study. have been added. originally released in GPH's Christian Those who successfully complete cours- Following the reading of the resolu- Faith Series. Interactive questions have es in the Foundations track will be tion, a standing vote of appreciation and been added to this important work to grounded in their faith. Titles in the Life confidence was expressed by the council help the learner discover the why behind Issues track will explore issues faced in in session. this vital experience. Students will come the various stages of life. The Book

NCBC PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION HELD FOR DR. GORDON ANDERSON Dr. Gordon I. Anderson was inaugurated as the sixth president of North Central Bible College, Minneapolis, on Friday, Oct. 27, 1995, in the College Life Center. Representatives from the Board of Regents, administration, faculty, alum- ni, and student body addressed those gathered in honor of Anderson. Anderson succeeds Dr. Don Argue who was named president of the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) effec- tive April 1, 1995. Anderson previously served as the director of the Eurasia Education Office for the Assemblies of God Division of Foreign Missions and was a professor at NCBC, teaching hermeneutics, homilet-

ENRICHMENT 119 Study track will offer resources to help promotion, development, and finance. Springfield, Mo. 65803. individuals and groups understand the Basketball, cheerleading, Teen and AGLF provides low-cost first-mortgage text of God's Word. The Critical Concerns Junior Bible Quiz, student congress, loans for Assemblies of God churches track will address societal issues from a spelling, speech, academics, and drama and affiliated ministries. Loans are biblical perspective. are a few of the events to be offered. available for refinancing, purchasing Sanctity if Ljfe and Baptized in the The conference provides opportunity new facilities, remodeling, and acquisi- Spirit join six titles already released in for administrators to interview prospec- tioning parsonages. the Spiritual Discovery Series: A New tive administrators, teachers, and Low-cost loans are made possible by Way if Ljfe by Robert L. Brandt, Bible Christian education ministers. The ACTS individuals who invest funds with AGLF Prophecy by Stanley M. Horton, annual business meeting and accredita- for the purpose of expanding the Parenting: The Early Years by Kay E. tion hearings are also conducted. Assemblies of God outreach. Potential Marchand, How To Study the Bible by G. Southwest Conference: April 26,27, investors are invited to contact AGLF.Use Raymond Carlson, Spiritual Devotion by 1996, Las Vegas, Nev. Host: Steve the tollfreenumber,1-800-449-5626. Nathan H. Nelson, and Parenting the Sharp, Mountain View Christian School Elementary Child by Raymond T. Brock. and Day Care. SOUTHEASTERN COLLEGE CEL. Radiant Life projects the following A summer institute for Spirit-filled EBRATES 60TH ANNIVERSARY release schedule for the Spiritual Christian teachers and Christian school Southeastern College of the Assemblies Discovery Series over the next 6 months: administrators is in preliminary study. of God, Lakeland, Fla., celebrated its Fall 1996-Parenting the Teen and It will allow Christian educators to 60th anniversary during the fall 1995 Spiritual Warfare invest a week to focus on critical issues semester. The school began in New Winter 1996-97-The Book if Acts facing Christians in private and public Brockton, Ala., in 1935, then moved to and MidljfeIssues schools. Preschool, elementary, and sec- Atlanta, Ga., before making its perma- ondary topics will be offered. nent home in Lakeland in 1952. ACTS SETS REGIONAL More details are available from Glen During its 60-year history, the college CONFERENCES Percifield, ACTS executive director, 1445 has had approximately 17,000 students The Assemblies of God-affiliated Boonville Avenue, Springfield, Mo. study in its classrooms in preparation for Association of Christian Teachers and 65802. ministry in churches and communities. Schools (ACTS) has scheduled confer- ences in the Midwest and Southwest for CHURCH LOAN DEPARTMENT ASSEMBLIES OF GOD the 1995-96 school year: RENAMED CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS ARE (The Southeast Conference was held The 46th General Council in session last GROWING in October.) August officially ratified the Assemblies In 1994 enrollment in Assemblies of Midwest Conference: March 14-16, of God Loan Fund (AGLF)as a new cor- God-sponsored Christian schools in- 1996, Springfield, Mo. (Please note that poration replacing the Church Loan creased by 6,307-from 121,682 the the dates, March 21-23, listed in winter/96 Department. previous year to 127,989, as reported in Enrichment, have been changed to The new corporation was approved by the 1994 Annual Church Ministries March 14-16.) the Executive and General Presbyteries Report (ACMR).The report also showed Seminars will be offered to meet the before being submitted to the Council in that 1,062 churches now sponsor continuing education needs of teachers session. Christianschoolsas comparedto 1,048 from preschool through high school. Kert G. Parsley was named president in 1993, producingan increase of 14 Pastors and administrators will want to and Phil W. IlIum vice president of the sponsoring churches. enroll in Gerald Twombly's special-focus newly formed corporation located at Nearly 9 percent of the Assemblies of track for Christian school marketing, 1600 Boonville Ave., Suite C, God churches sponsor this vital ministry 120 . S PR IN G 1 9 9 6 to children and youth in their communi- Council in the August 1995 meetings of advances will be accomplished through ties. The Assemblies of God ACTS and both bodies. cooperative efforts with Evangel College, the Florida League of Christian Schools As a university, Berean will continue Central Bible College, the Assemblies of (FLOCS) have a combined membership to serve the distance education needs of God Theological Seminary, and eventual- of nearly 200 schools. Accredited the constituency in matters of minister- ly regional schools that may wish to schools number 27. ial credentials study and degree pro- cooperate. The stateside operation of ICI grams offered through independent University will also participate in the WANTED: PRICE AND WIG- study. Additionally, a graduate program cooperative efforts. Berean University GLESWORTH RECORDINGS! is now available allowing distance edu- encompasses the distance education pro- Have you ever heard recordings of cation students to complete master's grams of these cooperating institutions. Charles S. Price or Smith Wigglesworth? degrees in biblical studies, ministerial Three levels of study and over 100 These two prominent Pentecostal evan- studies, and Christian counseling. course offerings make Berean gelists ministered in many parts of the Berean University will move into University a complete smorgasbord for world during the first half of the 20th advanced technology by offering courses theological students who desire and century, but we have no knowledge of by satellite, computer, and various mul- need distance learning. Berean is cur- available recordings of their powerful timedia formats. These technological rently accredited by the accrediting com- ministries. The Assemblies of God Archives, how- ever, is not ready to give up the search for any kind of recording with the voices of these men of God. Both were still preaching in 1947, the year they died. Even though this predates the use of tape, various forms of recordings were being used before that time, giving the possibility that their voices were record- ed. And if they preached on the radio, it is possible that stations made records or "transcriptions," as they were called. If you know of recordings of these and other early Pentecostal preachers, you are urged to contact Wayne Warner at the Assemblies of God Archives, 1445 Boonville, Springfield, Mo. 65802- 1894, or call (417) 862-1447, ext. 4400.

BEREAN COLLEGE GETS NEW NAME Berean College of the Assemblies of God has now become Berean University of the Assemblies of God. The name change was approved by the General Presbytery and ratified by the General ENRICHMENT 121 mission of the Distance Education and together. Pentecostal heritage with a focus on the Training Council, the only CORPA-recog- In Stars, fourth- through eighth-grade urgency of the hour to provide a much- nized accrediting association dealing girls study the cardinal doctrines of the needed directive for believers in the exclusivelywith distance learning insti- Assemblies of God. Their achievement 1990s. tutions. As quickly as the various program, Stairway of the Stars, includes The study guide (#743-816), devel- requirements can be met, Berean memorization of Scripture verses that oped by Efraim Espinoza, is $4.95, and University will be seeking regional support salvation, divine healing, the the textbook (#743-813) is $3.95. When accreditation to lend additional credibil- baptism in the Holy Spirit, and the purchased in quantities of 10 or more ity to the programs offered. Second Coming. the textbook is available at $3 each Ys (Young Women in Action) helps from Customer Services, 1445 NATIONAL MISSIONETTES high school-age girls find their places of Boonville, Springfield, Mo. 65802; tele- WEEK ANNOUNCED ministry in the local church. phone, 1-800-641-4310. May 12-18, 1996, is National For more information on Missionettes Missionettes Week. The theme, and a sample copy of Memos, check rsc MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT "Walking with Jesus," encourages #16. SEMINAR FOR PASTORS Christian growth and maturity, based on AND SPOUSES SCHEDULED 2 John 6 (NKJV),"This is love, that we STUDY GUIDE AVAILABLE FOR IN BRANSON walk according to His commandments." THE PENTECOSTAL PRIORITY Today's Family Ministry and its presi- Over 180,000 girls will take part in The U.S. Decade of Harvest has dent, Dr. Gary Smalley, will present National Missionettes Week in the announced the completion of the com- "Pastors at the Palace," a marriage United States. Activities and accom- panion study guide for The Pentecostal enrichment seminar for pastors and plishments of local Missionettes clubs Priority by Charles 1. Crabtree. This their spouses, Feb. 22-24, 1996, at the will be featured in special events such manual facilitates an in-depth study Grand Palace theater in Branson, Mo. as banquets, teas, luncheons, awards that is relevant to our times yet adheres Other seminar leaders are Dr. Gary presentations, and Honor Star crowning to the biblical perspective on Pentecost. Oliver, president of Southwest Christian ceremonies. The study guide contains 13 lessons Counseling (Denver, Colo.) and Dr. H.B. Local Missionettes coordinators and with reproducible lesson outlines and London, Jr., assistant to Dr. James club sponsors plan extra activities for suggested lesson plans, which are Dobson at Focus on the Family. the girls. The theme lends itself to hikes, adaptable for small-group Bible study or The seminar is specifically designed to walkathons, and prayer walks. Memos, congregational study on Pentecost. Each encourage and aid any married couple a quarterly publication for Missionettes outline also provides key memory vers- involved in full-time ministry. leaders, features creative ideas and es, Scripture bases, and specific objec- Registration cost: $99 per couple helps for planning and organizing an tives. (before Jan. 26, 1996); $120 per couple unforgettable National Missionettes The textbook contains a clarion call Oan. 26-Feb. 22, 1996). Hotel reserva- Week. for believers to rediscover, reaffirm, and tions, meals, and transportation are the Missionettes range in age from 3 restore the fundamental purpose for responsibility of the seminar attendees. through high school. Rainbows provides their spiritual existence-the only hope Make checks payable to Today's Family basic biblical truths for preschoolers. for a powerful Pentecostal church in the and mail to 1483 Lakeshore Dr.,Branson, Daisies helps kindergarten and first- 21 st century. Mo. 65616; phone, 417-335-4321. grade girls understand their relation- The Holy Spirit empowers believers to ship to God, family, and friends. prims be effective witnesses to a lost world. BIRTHRATES give second- and third-grade girls Thus Pentecost is the identity and pur- Data from the National Center for opportunities to pray, play, and grow pose of the church. The author couples a Health Statistics reveals that half the 122 . SPRING 1996 children born to teens ages 15 to 17 were fathered by adult men. Pro-family consultant Chuck Donavan says that cracking down on statutory rape laws would result in a decrease in the num- ber of these teen births. In addition, out-of-wedlock births (including adults) have tripled in the past 30 years. Seventy-two percent of births in Detroit are to unmarried women, 67 percent in Washington, and 46 percent in New York. -The Pastor's Weekly Briefing, August 25, 1995, @ 1995, Focus on the FamilY.

DO YOU HAVE MINISTRY OUT- REACH TO SENIOR CITIZENS?

LEADERSHIP Leaders exercise influence, and change occurs as people are persuaded by that influence. In the population at large, 7 percent of people are die-hard tradition- ENRICHMENT 123 alists, virtually impossible to convince. The rest are open to change-to some degree, at least. In the church, however, traditionalists number about 16 percent, according to Howard Hendricks. Thus, when change is asked for, a creative tension is pro- duced that can escalate into outright The chairman of the Resolutions all...that are in authority; that conflict. Committee presented Resolu- we may lead a quiet and peace- Another power struggle involves the tion 30 as follows and moved able life in all godliness and fact that churches are made up of vol- its adoption: honesty"; and unteers who vastly out-number paid Whereas the 1971 General Whereas it has not become a firm- staff. Council in session passed a res- ly established custom among Effective leadership is the outgrowth of olution on "Prayer for Civil our assemblies to carry out this relationships brought about by mutual Leaders"; and clear biblical injunction regu- love and service, not of merely announc- Whereas a reaffirmation of that larly; therefore, be it ing that the pastor is in charge and the prayer commitment by our Resolved, As an essential resolu- congregation is obliged to follow. Fellowship is timely for our tion that the General Council in -Faith Today,March/April 1995, nation; therefore, be it session encourage all our pas- as cited in The Pastor's Weekly Briefing, Resolved, That Resolution 10 from tors and assemblies to pray fre- @ August 25, 1995, Focus on the Famity the 1971 General Council be quently in public service for all reaffirmed as follows: leaders of the executive, leg- HILLCREST CHILDREN'S HOME Whereas we live in times that are islative, and judicial branches HAS OPEN POSITIONS. especially perilous; and of the government and all The Benevolences Department has Whereas all our officials of gov- those in authority that we may announced several positions open at ernment, of whatever party, live quiet and peaceable lives; Hillcrest Children's Home, Hot Springs, need godly wisdom to do that and be it further Ark.: houseparents, relief houseparents, which is just, honest, and in Resolved, That provision be made caseworkers, maintenance men, and the best interests of a peace- periodically, through various cooks. able and orderly society; and publications, to remind our For more information, call the admin- Whereas Holy Scripture requests constituency of this scriptural istrator, Joseph E. Jackson; telephone, that "supplications, prayers, injunction. (501) 262-1660. intercessions...be made for

124 . SPRING 1996

BY CHARLES T. CRABTREE I AM CONVINCED the ingredients The minister who thinks he or she can Let us take to heart the theme of this that go into the making of a good min- live a lie and preach the truth is in for a issue of Enrichment journal. Our per- ister are 80 to 90 percent the same as rude awakening. Even the young-espe- sonallives will ultimately determine the those needed to make a good Christian. cially the young-can see through the effectiveness of our public lives. The This issue of Enrichment has strength- facade of a public performance. Canit be importance of our ministry in the pulpit ened that conviction. Prayer, integrity, the average child who has watched is overshadowed by the importance of personal Bible study, and Pentecost are thousands of hours of acting on televi- our personal relationship with God. all needed in both clergy and laity. sion can spot an actor in any forum? Jacob discerned a powerful truth: He These are the fundamentals, and we The minister's personal life, while learned who he really was and what his neglect them at our own peril. vital to the church and general public, is real name was when he found himself Many years ago I dreamed of becom- even more important to his/her family. alone in God's presence. ing a concert pianist. I envisioned In this forum the proof of what is Let us begin again alone with God and throngs gathering to hear my perfor- preached from the pulpit is tested in the allow the Holy Spirit, our Teacher, to mance, the hush of the crowd as they crucible of everyday living. God help all take us through the basics of the anticipated the opening bars of a of us to pass this test. Christian life. When He is pleased, we Rachmaninoff concerto by the symphony Myown life was blessed and enriched have learned and practiced well. Then orchestra, and my brilliant interpreta- by my preacher father. He was a product and only then will we be ready for the tion with crashing arpeggios and subtle of the Holiness movement, and did he platform and the pulpit. coloring to end with a flourish and the ever preach it straight! However, I am thunder of applause. It never happened not in the ministry today because he because 80 to 90 percent of being a great preached it straight but because he lived pianist is the discipline in fundamentals it straight. His walk with God and his and long hours of private practice. You spiritual disciplines were beyond cannot be effective in public if you will reproach. His conversation around the not pay the price in private. table was as pure as his public declara- This culture, both inside and outside tions. His greatest sermon on prayer the church, is demanding a greater was his praying. His greatest sermon on accountability of the minister's integrity evangelism was his witnessing. His and character than at any other time. greatest sermon on truth was his con- From the youngest to the oldest, people sistency under pressure. My family are reluctant to listen to a preacher who deserves that kind of personal ministry. has a question upon his character. As important as the personal life of Recently I was stunned to hear of an the minister is in affecting the lives of 8-year-old, a preacher's daughter, who the family and others, it cannot be com- was asked about her favorite preachers. pared to the impact upon the minister Of course, her daddy was first, and she personally. How tragic it must be to named two or three others. Then she have the ability to face a congregation was asked about a preacher who had and not be able to look in the mirror. ministered in her church and was well How devastating to be a proclaimer of connected to the family-certain he salvation and lose out with God. We would be at the very top of the list. must keep the apostle Paul's concern Charles T. Crabtree is the When they asked her why this powerful ever before us-that in helping others Assemblies if God assistant preacher was not one of her favorites, we ourselves not become castaways or general superintendent, she said with brutal finality, "He lies!" throwaways. Springfield, Missouri. 128 . SPRING1996