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Developing Jewish Awareness Seminars: a Model Implemented in Adventist Churches in Michigan

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Developing Jewish Awareness Seminars: a Model Implemented in Adventist Churches in Michigan Andrews University Digital Commons @ Andrews University Dissertation Projects DMin Graduate Research 2007 Developing Jewish Awareness Seminars: A Model Implemented in Adventist Churches in Michigan Robert Clyde Quillin Andrews University Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/dmin Part of the Practical Theology Commons Recommended Citation Quillin, Robert Clyde, "Developing Jewish Awareness Seminars: A Model Implemented in Adventist Churches in Michigan" (2007). Dissertation Projects DMin. 666. https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/dmin/666 This Project Report is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate Research at Digital Commons @ Andrews University. It has been accepted for inclusion in Dissertation Projects DMin by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Andrews University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. ABSTRACT DEVELOPING JEWISH AWARENESS SEMINARS: A MODEL IMPLEMENTED IN ADVENTIST CHURCHES IN MICHIGAN by Robert C. Quillin Adviser: Bruce Campbell Moyer ABSTRACT OF GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH Project Andrews University Theological Seminary Title: DEVELOPING JEWISH AWARENESS SEMINARS: A MODEL IMPLEMENTED IN ADVENTIST CHURCHES IN MICHIGAN Name of researcher: Robert C. Quillin Name and degree of faculty chair: Bruce Campbell Moyer, S.T.D. Date completed: May 2007 Problem Many Jewish people are finding Jesus as their Messiah, but few are uniting with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. In its Global Missions emphasis, the Adventist Church has not prepared church members to effectively witness to the Jewish people. Michigan Conference has about 0.29 percent (16,000) of the nation’s Jewish population, but no organized plan is in place to train members for Jewish soul-winning. Approximately 22 of Michigan’s 83 counties have one or more synagogues, which is sufficient Jewish presence to warrant an interfaith outreach. A lay-training program is needed. Method After researching literature, a questionnaire was devised, and a sociological survey was conducted on a sample group of Seventh-day Adventists in Michigan. Results were compared with data from three Adventist focus groups. From the information, a tentative guide-manual was constructed for conducting Jewish Awareness Seminars. Two pilot lay-training seminars were held to sensitize, educate, equip, and empower Adventists for sharing their faith with Jewish neighbors. Results were used to refine a final guide-manual. Related historical and theological issues were addressed in the completed document. Results The analysis of the surveys indicated that Adventists had stereotypical perceptions of Jewish people, but that they were willing to be taught and equipped for an intelligent and effective ministry to Jews. The information from the seminar assessments and evaluations indicated that all participants greatly increased their knowledge of and sensitivity toward Jewish neighbors. Attitudes were changed in support of Jewish outreach. Approximately 85 people were educated and equipped for ministry. Follow-up suggestions were recommended. Shabbat Shalom subscriptions were funded and sent to many Jewish homes in each community. Michigan now has a written guide-manual to help local congregations reproduce the training seminars. Conclusions Attitudes of Michigan Adventists toward Jewish people are generally influenced by lack of familiarity, ignorance, or stereotypes. Due to theological and professional concerns, the clergy seems less open to Jewish outreach than is the laity. Consequently, pastoral and lay training seminars are needed to assure the perpetuation of a viable ministry. This study has been successful in showing that the laity is willing to reach Jewish souls, when adequately prepared. Andrews University Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary DEVELOPING JEWISH AWARENESS SEMINARS: A MODEL IMPLEMENTED IN ADVENTIST CHURCHES IN MICHIGAN A Project Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Ministry by Robert Clyde Quillin May 2007 Copyright by Robert C. Quillin 2007 All Rights Reserved DEVELOPING JEWISH AWARENESS SEMINARS: A MODEL IMPLEMENTED IN ADVENTIST CHURCHES IN MICHIGAN A project presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Ministry by Robert Clyde Quillin APPROVAL BY THE COMMITTEE: Bruce Campbell Moyer l /]/[ ^ Richard Davidson Dean, SDA Theological Seminary Denis Fortin To Fred and Helen Quillin, my honored parents TABLE OF CONTENTS PREFACE ...................................................................................................................... ix ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.............................. .............................................................. x Chapter I. A JEWISH-ADVENTIST MINISTRY................................. 1 Introduction ................................................................................................1 Statement of the Problem............................................................................2 Some of the Problems ....................................... 3 Some of the Challenges........................................................................4 Statement of the Task..................................................................................5 Justification forthe Dissertation ................................................................5 A Biblical Rationale..............................................................................5 A Spirit of Prophecy Rationale ............................................................7 Jewish Awareness ................................................................................8 Objectives of the Study ..............................................................................8 Definition of Term s....................................................................................9 Limitations and Delimitations of the Dissertation....................................10 Initiating a Cross-Cultural Ministry..........................................................11 Methodology ............................................................................................ 12 Developing a Focus and Survey..........................................................13 Sociological Survey and Focus Groups..............................................14 Pilot (Trial) Seminars..........................................................................15 Writing the Manual ............................................................................16 Historical and Theological Reflection................................................16 Conclusion................................................................................................16 II. REVIEW OF LITERATURE RELEVANT TO JEWISH MINISTRY ..........18 Introduction ..............................................................................................18 A Review of Literature ............................................................................18 General Information about Judaism and Christianity ........................19 Understanding Judaism ..................................................................... 20 Jewish Life and Culture .............................................................20 American Judaism ......................................................................21 IV Jewish Issues of Concern........................................................... 23 Theological, Prophetic, and Historical Issues ............................24 Evangelical Eschatology and Judaism ........................................27 Anti-Semitism and Anti-Judaism ............................................... 29 Empowerment for Jewish M inistry....................................................31 Equipping and Empowering for Jewish Ministry........................31 General Guidebooks and M anuals..............................................32 Specialized Guidebooks and M anuals........................................33 Common Features of the Literature ........................................... 35 Unique Features of the Literature................................................36 Conclusion................................................................................................36 III. A SOCIOLOGICAL STUDY OF MICHIGAN ADVENTISTS IN RELATION TO JEWISH PEOPLE ............................................................... 39 Introduction ..............................................................................................39 The Situation ........................................................................................... 39 The Problems and Challenges ................................................................. 40 Methodology ............................................................................................41 Preparing the Questionnaires............................................................. 41 Administering the Questionnaires ..................................................... 42 Anecdotal Analysis of Questionnaires..................................................... 42 Participant Information ..................................................................... 42 Jewish Awareness among Adventists ............................................... 43 Religious Beliefs Regarding Je w s ..................................................... 46 Social Beliefs Regarding Jewish People ............................................50 Summary ..................................................................................................54
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