International Journal for Clergy June 1986

The Gift of Prophecy and "Thought Voices" BY I. R. SPANGLER/4 How to Write a Bible BY GEORGE E. RICE/8

Harvest 90 Administrative Slogan? BY MARK A. FINLEY/11______Christ©s Human Nature: An Alternate View BY THOMAS A. DAVIS/14______A Quick Response Says We Care BY EUGENE HAMLIN/17______Making Sabbath Special BY EDNA MAYE LOVELESS/19 Letters/2 Democracy by Design Editorial/28 BY JOHN PFEIFFER/22 ______Shop Talk/31 Burnout in Clergy Families Biblio File/32 BY MADELINE S. JOHNSTON/24______Letters

Inspiration and originality ter is not necessarily negated by their borrowing). The New Testament uses The thesis articulated in Crosby©s use of sources. In writing my book The the Old Testament in just this way. Thus article "Does Inspired Mean Original?" Advent Hope for Human Hopelessness, I Bacchiocchi©s argument pointing out (February 1986), namely that "original have used over a period of five years some that despite their verbal similarities, ity is not one of the tests of a prophet" 100 books. Yet I like to believe that my there are differences between the teach because Bible writers made "extensive book is original because I do not know of ings of Christ and those of Ahikar is use of uninspired sources," is destructive any other author who has conceived and irrelevant because such differences are to to the authority of the Bible and based on executed a study of the Second Advent be expected; they are no greater than the fictitious reasoning. in the way I have done it. differences between many an Old Testa First, the assumption that literary To be "original" does not necessarily ment source and its New Testament resemblance implies literary dependency require orginating new words, sen allusions. Using arguments like the ones is gratuitous and unfounded. Anyone tences, imageries, or illustrations. On Bacchiocchi uses, for example, I could who has done some writing can testify to the contrary, it often means using "prove" that Revelation 14:11 does not this point. Some readers of my books familiar knowledge to express new con borrow from Isaiah 34:10; and this is only have suggested that I have drawn some of cepts. This is the sense in which Bible one of a hundred similar examples that the ideas from sources that I did not even writers were "original." Unfortunately, could be drawn from Revelation alone. know existed. A colleague related a Crosby©s article fails to make this clarifi similar experience. Christ and many cation, choosing instead to conclude Finally, I used the word original in its New Testament writers would be equally with the misleading statement: "In popular sense. I agree that the New surprised to learn that they were being conclusion, we see that originality is not Testament and Ellen White©s writings accused of drawing "extensively from one of the tests of a prophet." Samuele are "original" in Bacchiocchi©s sense in nonbiblical works." Bacchiocchi, Ph.D., Berrien Springs, spite of borrowing. Tim Crosby, Ellijay, Second, writers like Crosby fail to Michigan. Georgia. recognize that Christ and most Bible writers had limited access to literary Crosby replies sources. Scrolls were very expensive, and If my thesis that inspired writers made Nature of Christ very few private individuals or "public" extensive use of uninspired sources is In considering the recent presenta libraries could afford to own a significant "destructive to the authority of the tions in MINISTRY on the nature of Christ, collection of literary works. Religious Bible," as Bacchiocchi states, then the one is again impressed by the fact that knowledge was transmitted mostly fact that Ellen White made extensive use there are no simple answers or solutions. through oral tradition. Thus if any of sources in some of her books (which In some respects, Jesus Christ was far "borrowing" of sentences, imageries, has been demonstrated beyond reason superior to Adam before the Fall; in and concepts did occur, it could have able doubt) is destructive of her author other aspects, He was similar to Adam come from oral religious knowledge, not ity. It is this error that I was trying to prior to his fall; and in yet other respects, from "nonbiblical works." Support for refute in my article. He was like Adam after the Fall. this view is provided by the fact that As to the possibility of oral transmis If we are looking for easy and quick none of the biblical examples given by sion, the mode of transmission is irrele answers to this problem, we might be Crosby represent an exact quotation vant to the thesis of the article. It does searching a long time. If Jesus Christ is from the alleged nonbiblical sources. not make any significant difference truly God and truly man, then we must Third, what at first appears as a literary whether the writer acquired the idea expect certain profound mysteries about resemblance is more apparent than real. through his eyes or his ears; he is still His person that will keep the brightest One example given by Crosby is the using sources. Moreover, while a certain intellects on the stretch. alleged literary resemblance between amount of coincidental similarities It was P. T. Forsyth who made a Christ©s parable of the sheep and goats between two works may be allowed, this succinct remark in this connection and the Testament of the Twelve Patri does not explain the lengthy parallels concerning our Lord. He wrote: "Beware archs. In this case any literary depen between Enoch and Revelation or Enoch of clearness, consistency, and simplicity, dency is negated by the fact that in the and Jude (which does contain an exact especially about Christ. The higher we Testament of the Twelve Patriarchs it is quote from Enoch). go, the more polygonal the truth is. not the Lord who commends His "sheep" The fact that there are theological Thesis and antithesis are both true" (The for having helped the needy, but it is the differences between source and borrower Person and Place of Jesus Christ, p. 71). needy who thanks God for having does not negate the possibility of bor Let me endeavor to give a brief supplied his basic need. Such a concep rowing. Of course, the borrower modifies compound statement on the nature of tual contrast hardly allows for literary his source and uses it in an original way Christ taken from different sources in borrowing. (see Robert Johnston, "Twisting Their Ellen White to illustrate the fact that Fourth, the originality of a Bible Tales," MINISTRY, October 1985, for thesis and antithesis can both be true: writer or of any writer, for that mat additional examples of Christ©s creative (Continued on page 29)

MINISTRY/JUNE/1986 EDITOR: First Glance J. Robert Spangler

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: J. David Newman

ASSISTANT EDITORS: David C. Jarnes Kenneth R. Wade

EDITORIAL ASSOCIATE AND About 11 months after Ellen G. White died, a Mrs. Margaret W. SEMINAR DIRECTOR: Rowen, an Adventist living in Los Angeles, began having visions. Rex D. Edwards Witnesses described her physical state in vision in terms similar to CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Robert H. Brown those used to describe Mrs. White: Her eyes were wide open and P. Gerard Damsteegt unblinking, they could detect no breathing, and her body was rigid. Raoul Dederen Lawrence T. Geraty When the church did not accept her claims as authentic, she started Roland R. Hegstad her own movement the "Los Angeles, California, Seventh-day Marie Spangler Adventist Reform Church." Later she forged a statement that Leo R. Van Dolson authorized herself as Mrs. White©s legitimate successor. After signing CONSULTING EDITORS: C. E. Bradford Mrs. White©s name to the manuscript, she had one of her followers Stoy Proctor slip it into the White manuscript files.- The poorly done forgery was Richard Lesher Kenneth]. Mittleider 0 exposed soon after. N. C. Wilson Within a few years Mrs. Rowen began predicting that probation SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS: would close February 6, 1924, and Christ would come exactly one Floyd Bresee year later. Many of her followers sold their homes and furniture to Carlos Aeschlimann support the work of carrying that message to as many people as EDITORIAL SECRETARIES: Ella Rydzewski possible. The failure of her prophecy opened the eyes of the editor of Mary Louise McDowell the journal advocating her teachings. When he published an issue ART DIRECTOR: repudiating Mrs. Rowen, she made an attempt on his life. That Byron Steele resulted in a prison term and effectively ended her influence. (A. L. DESIGN AND LAYOUT: White tells the story in "When Mrs. White Was Gone," Review and Mark O©Connor Herald, June 15, 1967, pp. 6-8.) G. W. Busch Our church has had more than its share of people claiming the gift MARKETING: of prophecy. Many have been sincere, not intending to deceive, as Tom Kapusta ADVERTISING SALES: Mrs. Rowen apparently did. But they have been sincerely wrong. We Jeff Blumenberg are now experiencing a burst of claims to this gift. In the lead article, SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: beginning on the next page, our senior editor shares the conclusions Larry Burtnett at which he arrived after carefully investigating several of the current INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENTS: "messengers." Africa-Indian Ocean, John W. Fowler Coincidentally, another article in this issue adds confirmation to Eastern Africa, Harry A. Cartwright Euro-Africa, Johannes Mager J. R. Spangler©s conclusions. Dr. George Rice develops a picture of Far East, James H. Zachary the kind of inspiration that produced most of the books of the Bible. Inter-America, Salim Japas North America, William C. Scales, Jr. On another note, the shuffling of personnel and responsibilities Trans-Europe, Mark Finley within the Ministerial Association since the last General Confer South America, Amasias Justiniano South Pacific, A.D.C. Currie ence session has led to some switching in offices. Perhaps this, among Southern Asia, Saudagar Chand other things, led to our interest in the rather radical article MINISTRY, (ISSN 0026-5314), the "Democracy by Design," which we©re reprinting from Science 86. We international journal of the Seventh- day Adventist Ministerial Association hope it will stimulate thinking and discussion within church entities 1986, is published bimonthly by the contemplating office building or remodeling. (Equal space for equal General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and printed by the Review work? What will they think of next!) and Herald Publishing Association, 55 And one year after the issue in which we published "pre" and West Oak Ridge Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740, U.S.A. Subscriptions: "post" articles on the nature of Christ, we have a third US$19.95 for 12 issues in U.S., alternative and several letters from overseas responding to our US$22.95 for 12 issues elsewhere. Sin gle copy: US$2.00. Member Associated original articles. Church Press. Second-class postage This issue of MINISTRY has no particular theme just, I think, a lot paid at Hagerstown, Maryland. Postmaster: Send address changes to of good reading. I hope that you enjoy it, and that you find at least MINISTRY, 55 West Oak Ridge one article that strengthens your ministry. Drive, Hagerstown, Maryland 21740. Editorial Office: 6840 Eastern Avenue NW., Washington, D.C. 20012. Stamped, self-addressed envelope should accompany unsolicited manu scripts. VOLUME 59 NUMBER 6

MINISTRY/JUNE/1986 3 J. R. Spangler The gift of prophecy and "thought voices" Has God changed His

ur church is facing a mode of inspiration? human race like a heavy fog. This is not rather interesting surprising. Christ named deception as a but potentially con Is He dictating major sign of His coming (Matt. 24). He fusing situation: letters to His church said that even the very elect are in Many people are danger of being deceived. Whom, then, claiming that they today? Is it too late can we trust? Whom can we believe? have the prophetic Because of Christ©s warning I felt com gift. Through our history quite a few for normal prophecy? pelled to investigate the prophetic have made this claim. In fact, in 1915, claims arising within our church. I have W. C. White reported that a dozen or It©s time to take a read numerous "messages" and con more persons were doing so. Today©s ducted in-depth interviews with several situation, then, is not unique except careful look at different parties, attempting, while for the number of individuals involved. "thought voices." doing so, to maintain a neutral posi Today a score or more state that they are tion who wants to be found fighting receiving some type of supernatural the Lord or supporting Satan? Now I revelations from the Lord. want to share with our readers my own Number 17 of our Fundamental findings and state my position on this Beliefs claims that the gift of prophecy subject. "is an identifying mark of the remnant church and was manifested in the The phenomenon confronting the ministry of Ellen G. White." Note the church past tense "was." The rest of the The current spate of messages seems to statement says that "her writings are a be characterized by the following: continuing and authoritative source of 1. The individuals I am acquainted truth which provide for the church with who have been connected with this comfort, guidance, instruction, and cor phenomenon are not wild-eyed fanatics. rection." This may not be true of all who claim to Ellen G. White died more than 70 be messengers, but those whom I know years ago. Some ask if another prophet or are sincere, dedicated Christians. messenger will arise in God©s church 2. The purported messages come via today. I myself have asked the same three major methods of communication: question, especially in light of Joel 2:28, dreams, visions, and "thought voices." 1 Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 4- To (Some claim to have received a message many, these passages suggest that along on only one occasion; others claim with the other promised gifts, the gift of J. Robert Spangler is the. editor of MINISTRY, multiple communications.) prophecy is to be found among God©s an associate secretary of the General 3. The main theme of the people now. Conference Ministerial Association, and a dream/vision communications is that a In both the secular and the religious member of the board of trustees of the Ellen catastrophic earthquake will wreak world, rampant deception envelops the G. White Estate. havoc on the entire state of California,

4 MINISTRY/JUNE/1986 including the Loma Linda area. repeated appeals for God©s people to According to one report, elements in study the Bible and the Spirit of Proph Some ask if another this dream/vision are not to be revealed ecy. at this time. Supposedly the economic I found three major unique features of prophet will arise in effect this earthquake will have upon the these messages: 1) Predicting a Califor United States will precipitate action on nia earthquake. There is no date set when God©s church today. the part of national political figures. this will take place, although one Other messages have come by dreams unsigned letter sent to the General I myself have asked or visions suggesting that individuals Conference leaders predicted a major relocate in a particular part of the earthquake in California at 4:00 p.m. on the same question nation. And one person humbly con December 29, 1985. Obviously this was fesses that he is not seeking "honor or a a false alarm. Others predicting the in light of position of leadership" but is merely earthquake simply say that it is on its way 1 Corinthians 12 and sharing with others his vision of Christ in and is very near. 2) Declaring that the the heavenly sanctuary and the appear judgment of the dead is now passed to the Ephesians 4. ance of an angel who communicated living. 3) Informing the General Con with him. (This particular person has ference president that "all conferences appealed to leadership for counsel must set up seminars to teach and regarding his experience.) prepare the ministers and laypeople how 4. The majority of the messages of to [sic] cast out demons." (This particular which I am aware did not involve message castigated leadership for not dreams/visions but rather came by what preaching "the whole gospel all these is termed a thought voice. The thought years.") voice is not audible either to the Discrepancies between the messages daughter, know this, My time for coming messenger or to anyone else. The mes of different messengers have arisen, with to earth is so very short I do not have sengers say the impression might begin some messengers not desiring to be time to allow each messenger to prepare with the words "My child, I want you to connected or identified with other mes his or her own words. The messages must write," and then, when the individual sengers. To support their divine authen move forward at a rapid pace. There is begins to write, God dictates the rest of ticity, the messengers strongly empha also too much danger of a messenger the message. One interviewee spoke of size that nothing in the messages putting his own thoughts in a message, if receiving messages from God through conflicts with the Bible or the Spirit of I allowed him the liberty of writing My thought voices under varying circum Prophecy. words his own way. stances. In view of the prevalence of the "The angel of the Lord guided My thought voice method of communica Questionable methods of revelation Ellen, step by step, in the writing of My tion, I shall limit this article to this Many are asking whether these indi words. But in her day there was time phenomenon. viduals are inspired messengers of the ahead to compile many books, so there Lord. This is one of those situations fore, I allowed her a little more liberty, Thought voices where friendships with, and apprecia BUT I gave My angel instructions to The thought voice is definitely con tion for, the individuals cause me to treat guide what she wrote." (The capital sidered supernatural. The messengers this subject as sensitively as I possibly letters are in the message, the messenger believe that what they write constitutes can. And yet I must avoid gullibility. I claiming that they were dictated in this the very words that God has dictated. It cannot speak for the church, but I will fashion by the Lord.) is claimed that most, if not all, of the share with you my own concerns. These paragraphs make two points: individuals experiencing this phenome I am most seriously concerned with We can©t "box" God in as to His method non have been directly or indirectly the method of communication. I have not of communication. And since there is no involved with the exorcism of evil spirits been able to find anything in Scripture time to rewrite the message in more or demons. that would support God©s using thought sophisticated or appealing language, With the exception of two or three voices in communicating His will to "divine dictation" is now necessary. points, the messages contain nothing mankind. When I discussed this concern Both of these arguments disturb me. unique. The vast majority of the mes with one of the leading messengers, she As to the first, God has used verbal sages I have read could be classified as answered, "But how can we judge God as inspiration (divine dictation) only rarely general exhortations. They give strong to the way He wants to communicate His in the thousands of years He has been emphasis to the soon coming of Jesus, will to us?" Shortly after this interview inspiring men and women to write. repetitiously and zealously urging prepa the individual involved claimed to have Would He change now, knowing it ration for the end, since the final events received a message from the Lord. It read would cause doubt and confusion among "will unfold like wildfire." Many of them in part: " has done some good, His people? also give descriptions of the Lord weep but he has put Me in a box just so many The second simply does not make ing for "My church." They contain inches one way and so many inches sense. With word processors and strong rebukes to the church for being in another. ... If he were really and truly advanced techniques in communica a Laodicean state, and set forth vivid looking for the Lord to come soon he tion, any message, secular or religious, portrayals of the condition of God©s would not be boxing Me in, saying I can be edited quickly and efficiently. people. And they make strong and should not dictate messages. But, My Furthermore, the messages I have read

MINISTRY/JUNE/1986 5 Look at the different writers. phrases these messages imply that God "It is not the words of the Bible that uses. According to them, God terms Some Adventists claim are inspired, but the men that were California "schizophrenic" and "totally that God is dictating inspired. Inspiration acts not on the possessed," and speaks of the "boob man©s words or his expressions but on the tube," "soap operas," etc. Are these messages through man himself, who, under the influence really God©s words, or do they reflect the of the Holy Ghost, is imbued with messengers© way of expressing them them to the church. thoughts. But the words receive the selves? impress of the individual mind. The From what roots does divine mind is diffused. The divine mind Of questionable origin and will is combined with the human Second, I am concerned because those this movement arise, mind and will; thus the utterances of the experiencing the thought voice phe what are thought man are the word of God" (Selected nomenon are directly or indirectly con Messages, book 1, p. 21). nected with the deliverance from voices, what messages Again she emphasizes the freedom a demons© ministry. (In future issues MIN prophet©s mind has in using his own ISTRY will publish articles on this sub do they bring, and words to describe inspired concepts. ject.) None can deny the existence of "Through the inspiration of His Spirit demons and their present-day harass what validity do the Lord gave His apostles truth, to be ment and possession of individuals, but expressed according to the development there is serious question over some of the they have? of their minds by the Holy Spirit. But the methods used and claims made by those mind is not cramped, as if forced into a involved in deliverance ministry. Every certain mold" (ibid., p. 22). Adventist minister ought to read care Those now claiming to receive fully the 35-page report titled "Spiritual inspired communications from the Lord Warfare and Deliverance Ministry and do not constitute the type of material through thought voices are certainly Seventh-day Adventists." (For $2 you that would be put in a book. When Ellen fettered with a "cramped" mind. They can get a copy from the General Confer White wrote the Conflict of the Ages are mere automatons transcribing God©s ence Biblical Research Committee.) Series, much research and editing were dictation. Even if this were the only I believe the deliverance ministry and required. But her testimonies, which objection, I would be forced to reject the these claims of having the prophetic gift were letters containing general admoni writings of these messengers as being correlate. In fact, the deliverance min tion written to various individuals, did inspired. istry seems to be the springboard from not demand the refinement of a book But I see other problems as well. The which the supposedly supernatural reve manuscript. The content of the messages messages from the different messengers lations are launched. What safeguards under discussion, although quite inferior vary as to the quality of writing and the against self-delusion does a person have in quality, is similar in type to the language used. One is written more if he believes that a thought voice is testimonies. So the time factor argument sophisticatedly than another. In view of God©s method of communication? This does not stand up. this, I asked the question to which I question is even more significant when Of greater significance is the fact that received no satisfactory answer: If God the person is either present at, or because of the evidence of the Scriptures dictates the actual words and the indi participates in, exorcism sessions. Could themselves, our observation of how vidual messenger has no freedom to sincere individuals whose psyches are Inspiration worked through Ellen express the inspired thoughts in his own extremely sensitive to what they con White, and her direct and clear state language, then why are the messages not sider to be of supernatural origin be ments, our church has never believed of the same sophistication and quality? deluded into believing that God is that the Scriptures were given through During my lifetime, secretaries have speaking to them in a supernatural way? verbal inspiration. We do not deny that faithfully transcribed my dictation. The content of the messages also leads God communicated with His prophets in Regardless of the speed, abilities, or IQ me to doubt their authenticity. The various ways, such as through "thoughts, of the secretaries, the letters transcribed messengers claim that the fact that the dreams, and visions, and through angels have my stamp of ownership because the messages do not conflict with the Bible who sometimes delivered explicit, vocabulary and phraseology they con or the Spirit of Prophecy adequately word-by-word directions" ("Study Docu tain are uniquely mine. If God dictates corroborates the claim that they are of ments on Inspiration and Creation," the messages, their quality should be God. I agree that messages from true Adventist Review, Jan. 17, 1980, p. 9). consistent and far superior to those I prophets will be in full harmony with But we do believe that word-by-word have read. (Would God dictate gram Scripture and the Spirit of Prophecy; counsel was used occasionally, not gen matical errors? Ellen White says that as a but, of itself, that is insufficient proof of erally. consequence of receiving the gift of inspiration. In dealing with the visions tongues, the disciples© language, of Anna Phillips, Ellen White forcefully Inspired people, not words whether they spoke in their native made this point. "The great wonder to Ellen White describes in transparent tongue or in a foreign language, was me is that our brethren should accept language how Inspiration worked on the "pure, simple, and accurate" [The Acts of these writings because they could see prophetic writers: "The writers of the the Apostks, p. 40]). In addition, I am nothing objectionable in them. Why did Bible were God©s penmen, not His pen. surprised at some of the words and they not consider what there is in them

MINISTRY/] UNE/1986 that is of a charactei to be endorsed and Consider one example. As already men sent forth with the power of influence tioned, one of the messengers wrote the which gives them their force?" (Selected General Conference president that he "Is it necessary that Messages, book 2, p. 94). Notice Ellen "must set up seminars to teach and you should discern White©s question in the last sentence: prepare the ministers and laypeople how What content did Anna Phillips© mes to cast out demons." According to something that would sages have that would cause some breth reports, the methods used by many today ren to endorse them? in the deliverance ministry has brought produce harm to The same question must be answered confusion and division in a number of relative to today©s messages. There may churches. It would not be difficult to make be little or nothing that conflicts with envision what would happen to our the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy; how church if this counsel were actually you cautious?" ever, the repetition is actually boring, heeded. If all of the pastors and laypeople and the content is largely a stream of of our worldwide movement were to start verbose warnings of the end with vir concentrating on exorcism, it would lead tually no concrete suggestions as to how us into fanaticism of a most dangerous to prepare for the Lord©s coming other and destructive type! Ellen White has than by reading the Bible and the Spirit given us balanced counsel that is most of Prophecy, smashing our TV sets with applicable to the point under considera repudiated her experience, testifying hammers, and moving out of California. tion: "If we work to create an excitement that prior to receiving the messages she The warnings relative to the end-time in of feeling, we shall have all we want, and had a joyful daily walk with the Lord, but the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy are more than we can possibly know how to that when she became involved with the far more commanding and have a much manage. Calmly and clearly ©preach the thought voice she lost that experience. more authentic ring. word.©. . . We must not regard it as our This led her to believe that this phenom work to create an excitement. The Holy enon was not from the Lord. Harmless doesn©t mean inspired Spirit of God alone can create a healthy After reading a number of pages of Ellen White tenderly pointed out that enthusiasm" (ibid., p. 95). messages from one of the messengers, she in no way wanted to hurt Anna The above quotations dealt with the Arthur White, who has had years of Phillips, but she did not "dare to keep Anna Phillips problem. Anna Phillips experience investigating cases of this silent." Then she wrote: "You seem to was sincerely misguided into believing nature, succinctly stated, "I do not think I should be able to point out just she was having visions from God. question ©s sincerity, but I must where the particularly objectionable Fortunately, when she received Ellen say after giving two days of study to the sentiments lie. There is nothing so very White©s counsel, she accepted it, and her writings and defense, I am convinced apparent in that which has been written; supposed visions immediately stopped. that her work does not meet the test of a you have been able to discover nothing She became a faithful Bible worker and genuine prophet and I have written in objectionable; but this is no reason for served the church well for many years. red [across the pack of messages] ©No using these writings as you have done. clear evidence. This is a cheap counter Your course in this matter is decidedly Truth from wrong source feit. Beware.©A. L.W." objectionable. Is it necessary that you Paul©s experience (Acts 16) provides May I urge our ministry to be cautious should discern at once something that another example. A slave girl with a in dealing with those who claim to be would produce harm to the people of spirit of divination followed Paul and his messengers for the Lord. The fact that so God, to make you cautious? If nothing of companions, crying, "These men are many are claiming to have such super this kind appears, is this a sufficient servants of the Most High God, who natural experiences may be an indication reason for you to set your endorsement to proclaim to you the way of salvation" that God is about to do something these writings?. . . (verse 17, RSV). She did this for many special for His people. I have no doubt "Do not spread abroad writings of this days, annoying Paul, and finally he that in these final hours the Lord will character without more consideration turned and delivered her from the work in a marked manner. And I believe and deep insight as to the after conse control of the evil spirit. that Joel 2:28 will be fulfilled, God©s quences of your course of action. . . . Paul and his companions were God©s Spirit will be poured out in latter-rain "Fanaticism will appear in the very servants proclaiming the way of salva power, and signs and wonders will midst of us. Deceptions will come, and of tion. But although the message this poor accompany the second Pentecost. such a character that if it were possible girl was proclaiming was true, she was Undoubtedly, the nearness of our they would mislead the very elect. If being used by the evil one. "Satan knew Lord©s return should be uppermost in our marked inconsistencies and untruthful that his kingdom was being invaded, and minds. We should focus on developing a utterances were apparent in these mani he resorted to this means of opposing the deep and abiding relationship with our festations, the words from the lips of the work of God, hoping to mingle his Lord and Saviour. We should be plead Great Teacher would not be needed. It is sophistry with the truths taught by those ing for an infilling of His Holy Spirit so because of the many and varied dangers who were proclaiming the gospel mes that when a true manifestation of His that would arise, that this warning is sage" (The Acts of the Apostks, p. 212). presence and communication takes given" (ibid., pp. 94, 95). An additional caution comes from one place we will be able to apply the tests This counsel is most applicable to individual originally involved in the carefully and thoughtfully, and know these messengers and messages today. thought voice phenomenon. She has that it is truly of God.

MINISTRY/JUNE/1986 7 George E. Rice How to write a Bible Was all Scripture inspired by means of t is generally recog Many Seventh-day Adventists think nized that the Bible dreams and visions? all inspiration follows the prophetic says very little about model. They believe that dreams and revelation and inspi Can tbe writers of the visions were involved in some way as a ration. We can read source for all the books of the Bible. I a great deal about the biblical books be Some use 2 Timothy 3:16, 17 and 2 Peter power of God©s 1:21 as proof texts in an attempt to Written Word how it can enlighten considered authors support this concept, but a careful look and convert the soul, how it can keep at these passages does not bear out their those who adhere to it from the paths of and theologians in being used in this way. sin. But the passages that make defini their own right? Did The Greek word theopneustos, used in tive statements about inspiration are few Scripture only in 2 Timothy 3:16, is a and far between. So it is not difficult to some of their material compound word made up of theo (from see why people differ as to how God©s theos, "God") and pneustos (verb pneo, Word was committed to written form. come from their own "to breathe"). The supporters of a mechanical inspiration seize upon this The prophetic model research? term as evidence that every word in Often we think of inspiration as an Scripture comes directly from God experience in which the inspired person ("God-breathed"). However, the intent received dreams and visions. The theo- of this passage is to differentiate between phanies (visible manifestations of God) the Scriptures that are ordained by God Daniel and John the revelator experi and those other so-called sacred writings enced exemplify this prophetic model of that God has not ordained. 3 inspiration. Paul J. Achtemeier has For a Seventh-day Adventist to use written: "Of all the prophets, Jeremiah is theopnuestos as a defense for verbal perhaps the clearest example of the inspiration or to suggest by innuendo usefulness of the prophetic model for that Scripture resulted from some kind of inspiration. The words that Jeremiah has mechanical procedure is to contradict spoken to Israel were put into his mouth Ellen G. White©s clear statement on by God himself (Jer. 1:9; 2:1); but even inspiration.4 more, Jeremiah at one point is com So, although 2 Timothy 3 does not manded to write down the words that exclude dreams and visions, it does not God had dictated to him (chap. 36:1-4, suggest that inspiration followed only 32). Here, clearly, is a model that meets the prophetic model. the test of inspiration: words written by On the other hand, in its context human hand whose ultimate source is 2 Peter 1:21 asserts that the Holy Spirit God himself." © moved men to write out the prophetic Achtemeier explains that the Jews word. This passage is not dealing with applied this understanding of inspiration the nonprophetic portions of Scripture. to all other biblical books even those Consequently it must not be used as a not directly prophetic. And they passed blanket statement that covers the origin this concept on to the Christian church, George E. Rice, Ph.D., is an associate of all Scripture. which has continued to preserve this secretary of the Ellen G. White Estate and Second Timothy 3 assures us that all expanded view. 2 author of the book Luke, a Plagiarist? Scripture is inspired. And 2 Peter 1

8 MINISTRY/JUNE/1986 informs us as to how the prophetic 2. Luke©s second primary source was sections of Scripture came into exis the huplretai ("ministers of the word"). tence. Where, then, do we find an Willard M. Swartley has suggested that Luke does not claim explanation for the origin of the non- these huplretai were chosen by a religious prophetic books? community to memorize the cultic dreams or visions as beliefs for the purpose of indoctrinating sources of his The Lucan model new converts. Among Christians, these In his prologue (Luke 1:1-4), Luke huperetai were selected to commit to information about the explains how he constructed his Gospel. memory the sermons, parables, and He suggests here a model that explains miracles of Jesus. They then repeated life and ministry of the origin of the biblical books that did segments of what they had memorized on not have dreams and visions as their occasions of worship and instruction. Jesus. source. 5 Therefore, this passage deserves Swartley points out that Acts 13:5 careful consideration. It reads: "Inas identifies John Mark as a hupereten. 6 much as many have undertaken to 3. From Luke©s prologue we infer that compile a narrative of the things which the authors of the other Gospels received have been accomplished among us, just their information about Jesus in the same leave out. as they were delivered to us by those who way he did from accounts given by However, this activity of the Spirit did from the beginning were eyewitnesses eyewitnesses and huperetai. not interfere with Luke as an author. He and ministers of the word, it seemed 4. Luke told Theophilus that he had had something to say about Jesus for the good to me also, having followed all prepared an orderly account of Jesus© life. benefit of Theophilus, and the Spirit things closely for some time past, to write However, when we compare Luke with helped him say it. Some feel uneasy an orderly account for you, most excel Matthew and Mark, it becomes clear when we speak of a Bible writer, like lent Theophilus, that you may know the that Luke is not speaking of a chronolog Luke or Matthew, as an author. Their truth concerning the things of which you ical account. Rather, the sequence of fears rest in the mistaken idea that if we have been informed" (RSV). miracles and sermons suggests a thematic say these men were authors, we are Luke explains the procedure by which order that conveys insights into Jesus© saying that what they penned came from his Gospel was put together. But what he ministry that Luke wished to share with their own imaginations. However, this does not say is of significance too. As one Theophilus. fear is as groundless as the fear that the examines Luke©s prologue, his silence on What Luke is saying about the way his changing of the chronological order of two points that many assume are present Gospel was put together is clear. He events rendered these events nonhis- becomes obvious. learned all he could about Jesus© life and torical. 1. Luke does not claim dreams or ministry from the eyewitnesses and It is clear that Ellen G. White looked visions as sources of his information huperetai his primary sources. Then he upon all Bible writers as authors. Con about the life and ministry of Jesus. This composed a thematic account of Jesus© sider what she says about these men: omission is extremely important in view life on the basis of this research. There 1. Their books present "the charac of the fact that Luke does speak of other fore, we can safely say that as Luke teristics of the several writers." 8 sources. Surely, if he had had dreams or wrote, he was working as an author and a 2. Coming from "men who differed visions in connection with the writing of theologian. widely in rank and occupation, and in his Gospel, he would have mentioned The model of inspiration that Luke mental and spiritual endowments, the them to Theophilus. The church outlines here complements the pro books of the Bible present a wide believed that dreams and visions sig phetic model that we all know so well. contrast in style, as well as a diversity in naled the divine origin of a message, and The two can be found side by side in the nature of the subjects unfolded." 9 such a claim would have added authority many of the biblical books. I have 3. "Different forms and expressions to his Gospel. chosen to call it the Lucan model of are employed by different writers." 10 2. While Luke identifies a group who inspiration. 4. "One writer is more strongly were eyewitnesses of Jesus© ministry, he impressed with one phase of the subject; does not include himself among them. Inspiration in the research model he grasps those points that harmonize If Luke was not an eyewitness and if he But how does inspiration work in a with his experience or with his power of did not receive information on the life of research model, and is it safe to look perception and appreciation; another Jesus from dreams and visions, one is upon such writers as Luke as authors in seizes upon a different phase; and each, justified in asking from where he derived their own right? under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, his information and what he has to say Ellen G. White has clearly answered presents what is most forcibly impressed about the formation of his Gospel. Four our first question. The Holy Spirit upon his own mind a different aspect of points from verses 1-4 attract our atten "guided the mind in the selection of... the truth in each, but a perfect harmony tion. what to write." " If we accept at face through all." " 1. Luke identifies the eyewitnesses as value Luke©s statement that he had 5. "Inspiration acts not on the man©s being one of his primary sources. In this "followed all things closely," we are words or his expressions but on the man group we can include apostles, disciples, forced to conclude that he was in himself, who, under the influence of the people who heard Jesus speak, people possession of much more information Holy Ghost, is imbued with thoughts. who were healed and those who saw than he recorded. He was guided by the But the words receive the impress of the others healed, as well as Jesus© family. Spirit as to what to report and what to individual mind." lz

MINISTRY/JUNE/1986 9 Gospels], which called for this divine Jesus, the kingdom, discipleship, the We see Luke sitting at revealing of the power of Christ [in order eschaton, or some other theme. to establish or illustrate a point that they Even a cursory survey of the Synoptic his desk, sifting were developing]." I hope no one will parallels is enough to convince a person take offense at my bracketed explana that the prophetic model cannot explain through piles of 4 x 6 tions. I believe that the latter part of her what we see in these three Gospels. And sentence supports her statement about a detailed examination of the parallel cards upon which he the order of the miracles, and portrays passages, which uncovers the fact that the Gospel writers as authors and theolo each Synoptic writer added, changed, or has collected gians in their own right. deleted material, makes inescapable the information about conclusion that these men were writing Luke the researcher under a model of inspiration other than Jesus. Taking Luke at his word and under the prophetic model. (Alden Thompson standing what the Spirit of Prophecy says has shown, in a recent series on inspira about these men as authors, we can now tion appearing in the Adventist Review, build a scenario as to how Luke wrote his that the phenomenon witnessed in the 6. "He [God] gave it through differ Gospel. We see him sitting at his desk, Synoptic Gospels can be seen in Old ent writers, each having his own individ sifting through piles of 4 x 6 cards upon Testament books, as well.) 15 uality, though going over the same which he has collected information Luke 1:1-4 rounds out our under history. Their testimonies are brought about Jesus. As he thinks of the various standing of inspiration. This passage together in one Book, and are like the aspects of Jesus© ministry, the Holy Spirit helps us to see that Bible writers who did testimonies in a social meeting. They do guides his mind in the selection of what not receive dreams and visions, who did not represent things in just the same to write. not write under the prophetic model, style. Each has an experience of his own, He sees that the appearance of the prepared their books under a second and this diversity broadens and deepens angels to the shepherds will better model of inspiration, a model in which the knowledge that is brought out to illustrate the theme of salvation he the Holy Spirit operated just as certainly meet the necessities of varied minds." 13 wishes to develop in his Nativity narra and which just as surely rendered these 7. "The miracles of Christ are not tive than will the visit of the Wise Men books a part of the authoritative Word of given in exact order, but are given just as from the East. The Wise Men fit better God. the circumstances occurred, which into the theme of kingshin, a theme A detailed look at some examples of called for this divine revealing of the Luke was not interested in at the how the Synoptic writers worked as power of Christ." M beginning of his Gospel. So Luke sets the authors and theologians under the Lucan As a student of the Synoptic Gospels, card with the story of the Wise Men to model of inspiration will be presented in I have found the latter quotation most one side. the concluding article in this two-part helpful in understanding how they were Throughout his narration of the series. (MINISTRY will publish the second composed. I had read this statement ministry of John the Baptist, Luke adds article in the August, 1986, issue.) many times over the years but never fully information and details that cannot be comprehended what it was saying. It was found in Matthew and Mark. A careful not until I began to wrestle with the examination of this unique material 1 Paul J. Achtemeier, The Inspiration of Scrip ture: Problems and Proposals (Philadelphia: West theologically motivated variant readings shows that it highlights the theme that minster Press, 1980), p. 30. that appear in Luke©s Gospel in the salvation is not only for the Jews but for 2 Ibid., pp. 30-32. 3 Eduard Schweizer, "Theopneustos," in Theo Western manuscript Codex Bezae that I all mankind (chap. 3:6). logical Dictionary of the New Testament, ed. by began to understand this statement and Luke reverses the order of the last two Oerhard Kittel and Gerhard Friedrich, trans. by to get a feel for what the original writers of Jesus© wilderness temptations and Geoffrey W. Bromiley, Vol. VI, (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., 1968),pp. 453- of the Synoptic Gospels had done. shows that it was in Jerusalem the very 455. Ellen G. White tells us two things heart of resistance to Jesus© ministry in 1 See especially Ellen G. White, Selected about our Gospels that clearly indicate Luke©s Gospel that He, at the begin Messages (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1958), book 1, p. 21. she saw their writers in the role of ning of His ministry, defeated His 5 See my book Luke, a Plagiarist? (Mountain authors. First, she says that they did not greatest antagonist. View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1983) for a Early in his Gospel, Luke introduces further development of this model. record the miracles of Jesus in chrono 6 Willard M. Swartley, Mark: The Way for All logical sequence. That does not mean the theme of rejection by.using the words Nations (Scottdale, Pa.: Herald Press, 1979), p. that the bare bones of chronology are not of Simeon to Mary, "And a sword will 28. 7 White, Sekcted Messages, book 1, p. 26. present. There must be a birth before a pierce through your own soul also" 8 , The Great Controversy (Mountain death, a childhood before an adult life, (chap. 2:35, RSV). He then brings this View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1950), p. v. 9 Ibid., p. vi. et cetera. But when it came to putting theme out boldly in his narration of 10 Ibid. the flesh upon the bare bones, each Jesus© first visit to Nazareth after His 11 Ibid. Gospel writer did it in a different way, baptism, which only he records. 12 , Selected Messages, book 1, p. 21. 13 IW., pp. 21,22. often following a different order. The evidence of Luke©s work as an ^ Ibid., p. 20. Second, she states the reason for this author goes on from event to event. But 15 "Adventists and Inspiration," Sept. 5, 1985; phenomenon: "But [the miracles] are he is not only an author; he is a "Improving the Testimonies Through Revisions," Sept. 12, 1985; "Questions and Perplexities given just as the [literary] circumstances theologian, as well. For each event he Without End, "Sept. 19, 1985; "Letting the Bible occurred [in the process of writing their records is a theological statement about Speak for Itself, "Sept. 26, 1985. 10 MINISTRY/JUNE/1986 Mark A. Finley Harvest 90 administrative slogan?? Is Harvest 90 just another slogan, motto, he fifty-fourth Ses arise and reap. He emphatically declares, sion of the General or current catchword? "Lift up your eyes and look on the fields; Conference of for they are white already to harvest" Seventh-day Find out how it is a (John 4:35). Adventists, meeting God©s central desire for this world is in the New Orleans process and not a that lost men and women be saved. Superdome from (1 Tim. 2:3,4; Luke 19:10). The church June 27 to July 6, 1985, adopted as its program. is unfaithful to its Lord unless it is an major theme for the coming quinquen active participant in reaping earth©s final nium Harvest 90. What is the signifi harvest. cance of this theme? Will Harvest 90 The outstanding book In Search of make a difference in the growth of the Excellence (a study of leading corpora world church? Is it just another program? tions in America) opens with a chapter Is Harvest 90 just a slogan or is it a entitled "A Bias for Action." The concept rooted in Scripture with com authors observe that those corporations pelling power to motivate the entire that are action oriented are significantly church membership to accomplish great more successful than those that focus too exploits for God? heavily on planning. They state, "There Five key words suggest themselves as is no more important trait among the we study the biblical concept of harvest. excellent companies than an action They are commission, process, unity, orientation." © A bias for action, a diversity, and urgency. preference for doing something any thing rather than sending a question Commission through repeated cycles of analyses and It is the Lord of harvest who has sent committee reports, is a vital principle of laborers into His vineyard (Matt. 20:1- success. 10). He has assigned the task. It is the Although plans, concepts, and ideas Lord of harvest who says, "Why stand ye are extremely important, the biblical here all the day idle?" The Lord of concept of harvest is one of aggressive harvest calls the church to action. The action. Thus, Harvest 90 is not so much harvest motif is a biblical concept that a philosophy to contemplate as it is an speaks of a commission given, a work to earnest appeal to action. It beckons accomplish, and a goal to achieve. people to distribute literature, give Bible Harvest speaks of activity. In a secular studies, to hold evangelistic seminars, to society that is becoming increasingly preach sermons, contact the lost, and to materialistic, affluent, and pleasure- harvest men and women for Christ now! seeking the church has received a The Lord of harvest compels the reapers mandate from the Lord of harvest. This Mark Finley is the Ministerial Association by shouting the command "Go ye." mandate is a clarion call from the Lord to Secretary of the TranS©European Division. The second key concept in the harvest

MINISTRY/JUNE/1986 11 theme is process. A harvest does not ongoing process of evangelism on Sab occur automatically at the end of the bath morning, in midweek services, and In recent years some growing season. There is a process or during regularly scheduled evangelistic cycle that must be followed to ensure an services. It is a continual process in the have been more abundant crop. Farmlands must be growing church. plowed, soil fertilized, seeds planted, interested in kicking crops cultivated, fields irrigated, and Unity growing plants weeded to reach the full The third word that harvest suggests is theological footballs potential of the harvest. A farmer must unity. Every successful harvest presup plant in the spring, cultivate in the poses a measure of united labor among between opposing summer, reap in the autumn, and sow a the harvesters. Jesus reminds His disci cover crop for winter. It©s a cyclic ples of this unity among workers with sides than in process. Harvest 90 involves a process of these words: "And he that reapeth winning souls sowing and reaping. It calls for church receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit members to develop relationships with unto life eternal: that both he that to Christ. friends, neighbors, and working associ soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice ates. It challenges Seventh-day Advent together" (John 4:36). Harvest 90 calls ist churches throughout the world to for an integrated team approach. It become centers of love and redemption appeals for unity between pastors and for their community. laity, between medical workers and In his excellent little book on ministerial workers, between adminis witnessing, Arthur McPhee is correct trators and field workers, between when he says, "The caring evangelist is teachers and students. The work is so concerned for persons, their back vast, the challenge so great that unless grounds, their hurts, their needs." z He all the resources of the church focus upon then astutely adds, "We have to earn a its accomplishment, the goal of world hearing, which necessitates building wide evangelism cannot be achieved. who is to perform what task in the relationships. And to build relationships Although the church in the Book of Acts reaping process, and whether or not the you must associate and identify." 3 As began small, it grew. In a secular, harvest is ripe. Only as all the workers the felt needs of men and women are materialistic Roman society, the Holy unite on the focused task of reaping will met, their walls of prejudice come Spirit working through the early disci the harvest be effectively gathered. tumbling down, and they are more ples touched thousands. Why? Scripture Harvest 90 is not a strait] acket willing to listen. Harvest 90 focuses on declares in Acts 1:14, "These all con approach to methods, with no room for the process of cultivating friendships. It tinued with one accord." In Acts 2:1 Dr. differences. It recognizes that there will invites members to make friends, to lead Luke adds, "And when the day of be different methods of labor among those friends to become Christian Pentecost was fully come, they were all workers. It also acknowledges that indi friends, and to lead those Christian with one accord in one place." The Acts of vidual workers may view things dif friends to become Seventh-day Advent the Apostles says: "The disciples prayed ferently at times, and it respects individ ist Christian friends. with intense earnestness for a fitness to uality of opinion among "varying groups There is a cycle in soul saving, a meet men and in their daily intercourse within the church. Yet it maintains an process. The move from secularism to to speak words that would lead sinners to inherent unity on our mission and the Christianity is sometimes gradual. A Christ. Putting away all differences, all uniqueness of the fundamental princi growing church uses a wholistic desire for the supremacy, they came close ples of Adventism. approach to reach its community. Men together in Christian fellowship." 4 A variety of gifts imparted by the and women throughout the community Harvest 90 is an earnest appeal for a Spirit, creatively channeled into who are at varying degrees of spiritual inter deep spiritual relationship which in listic ministries, meeting the needs of est. The growing church recognizes that Christ breaks down barriers. It is a call men and women in the community, will the process of harvest is cyclic some for unity. In recent years some have been enable the church to grow rapidly. fruit ripens earlier, some ripens later. more interested in kicking theological Harvest 90 is an earnest appeal for a The focus is both on sowing and reaping. footballs between opposing sides than in unified focus on the redemption of the From smiles and handshakes to invita winning souls to Christ. With a world lost. tions to dinner, to shared personal longing to know saving grace,many were testimonies, to loaned books, to Bible like spectators in the stands applauding Diversity studies, to invitations to evange when their side scored points. Harvest This leads naturally to the fourth listic meetings the process continues. 90 is a call for all of Adventism to concept of harvest revealed in Scrip Evangelism in the growing church is not participate in reaping earth©s final har ture diversity. Throughout Scripture, relegated to a series of public meetings, it vest. It is a call for the 4.5 million varying elements combine to produce is a way of life. Harvest 90 urges members Adventist men and women of all races the harvest. Sunshine, rain, planting, to develop the kind of relationships with and nationalities to unite in heralding cultivating, and harvesting all have their their neighbors that will allow them to earth©s final warning. No harvest can be part (Deut. 33:14; Joel 2:23-26; Isa. feel perfectly comfortable in inviting the reaped while the workers are debating 61:11; Luke 13:6-9; Ps. 126:5,6). An neighbors to church. It speaks of an about what methods of reaping to use, abundant harvest depends upon an 12 MINISTRY/JUNE/1986 amazingly diverse variety of factors! changed. She was a social outcast who Alone each may seem insignificant, but needed love, acceptance, and forgive combined they are a vital part of the ness. Jesus met her need by revealing Crops not reaped production process. God has placed a Himself as the water of life. The today variety of gifts within the church Samaritan woman discovered in Him the (Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephe- one able to satisfy the deepest longings of may be past reaping sians 4)- Directed into creative minis the soul. tries, these Spirit-imparted gifts enable On another occasion, as recorded in tomorrow. Thus, each church member to discover the John 5, a weary sufferer who had sought sphere of service where he or she can be deliverance for thirty-eight years pain there is an most effective in ministry for Christ. For fully requested help. When Jesus saw his a local church to grow, its members must physical need, He met it. He didn©t urgency about discover their gifts, be equipped to use begin with a Bible study! Nor did He the harvest them, and channel them into service. condemn the man for the sin that to a Unity must never lead to conformity. great degree had led to the disease. And Harvest 90 is not a one-method, single- finally, John 6 recounts how when the track approach. It does not superimpose multitudes had listened to Him all day plans or goals upon individuals or local and were hungry, Jesus met their need by congregations. It allows latitude. All the multiplying the loaves and fishes. The gifts, talents, and abilities that God has crowd became so enthusiastic about given are focused on the one task of Christ©s ministry that they wanted to reaching the lost for Christ. Some may make Him king. At that moment Jesus develop hospitality ministries sharing was on the verge of national greatness. bread, soup, and loving concern for their He had so met their needs that they neighbors. Others may give out litera sensed He was indeed the Messiah. It is ture; many may actively give Bible quite true that they considered Him to be studies. Still others might be involved in a national messiah; nevertheless, the of God and red grapes to be trod out in a variety of health ministries and others conclusion is striking. Jesus used a the winepress of His wrath. Men and in youth outreach programs but the variety of approaches to meet a variety of women are saved or lost. They go to goal of it all is souls for Christ. God has needs. Thus the multitudes praised Him heaven or hell, eternal salvation or placed a variety of gifts in the church to as king. eternal damnation. The far-reaching meet a variety of needs in the commu As the church today uses the methods consequences of their decisions indicate nity. These varying ministries reach of Christ it will grow rapidly. "Christ©s the urgency of the church©s task. more people than if there were only a method alone will give true success in So the church in this quinquennium single-track approach to the commu reaching the people. The Saviour min must give priority to reaping. Some men nity. As churches develop wholistic, gled with men as one who desired their and women will never accept Christ multi-faceted ministries to the commu good. He showed His sympathy for unless we confront them with the claims nity, the churches will grow. them, ministered to their needs, and of the everlasting gospel now. They are Jesus was a master at meeting the felt won their confidence. Then He bade ready to respond now! This is not the needs of men and women. He never lost them, ©Follow me.© " 5 time for a foggy focus. It is not the time sight of the individual. To Jesus, the for a vague vision. Now is the hour for person was more important than the Urgency laity and pastors, for evangelists and method. John 1:38 records that Jesus The fifth word that reveals an impor administrators, for educators and medi asked the two disciples who came to tant aspect of Harvest 90 is urgency. cal personnel to unite their efforts in Him, "What seek ye?" This reflects Jesus© There is an immediacy about reaping. reaping earth©s final harvest. Only one ministry well. He was constantly asking Jeremiah 8:20 declares, "The harvest is thing will matter in the kingdom of men and women, What do you seek? past, the summer is ended, and we are God souls won for Christ. Harvest 90 What are your needs? What do you not saved." In the natural world there is speaks of priority. It calls the church to desire? a temporal aspect to harvest. There is a focus its energies on the winning of the The first six chapters of John illustrate time to reap. If mature crops are not lost now, for if we do not do it now the Jesus© need-centered approach clearly. reaped, they rot on the vine. Reaping opportunity for many will be forever John 2 tells how Jesus met a social need. time is soon over and when it is over, it gone. The wine had run out at the wedding is over. Crops not reaped today may be feast in Cana of Galilee, and Jesus past reaping tomorrow. Thus, there is an 1 Thomas J. Peters and Robert H. Waterman, miraculously produced the pure juice of urgency about harvest. When harvest- Jr., In Search of Excellence (New York: Harper & Row, 1982), p. 154. the grape. John 3 tells of Nicodemus© time comes, reaping must have priority. 2 Friendship Evangelism (Grand Rapids; Zonder- meeting with Jesus. His need was The Book of Revelation reveals this vanPub. House, 1978), p. 51. obviously spiritual. Jesus emphatically 3 Ibid., p. 85. same urgency about the harvest. Revela 4 Ellen O. White, The Acts of the Apostks declared, "Except a man be born again, tion 14:14-20 describes Jesus© return on a (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn. , he cannot see the kingdom of God" cloud with a sickle in His hand to reap 1911), p. 37. (verse 3). In John 4 we find the story of a 5 , The Ministry of Healing (Mountain earth©s final harvest. That harvest View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1942), p. lonely, fearful woman whose life Jesus includes both golden grain for the gamer 143. MINISTRY/JUNE/1986 13 Thomas A. Davis Christ©s human nature: an alternate view The science of salvation will be the here is an alternate to call His brethren and no others. "It understanding to the study of the redeemed is not the children of the flesh who are two viewpoints of the children of God, but the children of the human, incar through all eternity. the promise are reckoned as descen nate nature of Christ dants" (Rom. 9:8, R.S.V.; cf. chap. T championed by Drs. Here is a glimpse of 8:29; Thoughts From the Mount of Bless Douglass and Gul- ing, pp. 77, 78). The unregenerate are ley. This view could provide a bridge what that study will be not "sons of God" but are "children of between those positions and resolve a like. wrath" (Eph. 2:3; cf. John 8:44). And number of problems that arise in each of there is no third category. them. I can only outline the third But we read in Hebrews 2:17 that Jesus viewpoint here. was "made like his brethren [the born- We may use as a point of departure a again, sanctified ones] in every respect." quotation from The Great Controversy, I suggest it is not doing harm to syntax to page 477: "Through Jesus the fallen sons make this connection, and furthermore, of Adam become ©sons of God. © ©Both he we are simply applying the rule of first that sanctifieth and they who are sancti mention. This is merely the common- fied are all of one: for which cause he is sense assumption that a stated or implied not ashamed to call them brethren© meaning given a word the first time it is (Heb. 2:11)." used in a passage is the meaning to be Here Ellen White equates the "sons of maintained throughout the passage, God" with those who "are sanctified," unless otherwise indicated. and who, additionally, are called the In light of the foregoing we may brethren of Him "that sanctifieth" conclude that there was something Jesus. Paul refers to "those sanctified in important about the incarnate nature of Christ Jesus" (1 Cor. 1:2, RSV). Christ that was like born-again people It is a particular group those who are but unlike unregenerate people. I suggest being "sanctified" who are referred to that in this idea is a concept that could as Christ©s brethren. Who are these bring together the two viewpoints dis people? cussed in MINISTRY. Romans 6:22 tells us: "But now that Only the framework can be presented you have been set free from sin and have here; thus misunderstandings are possi become slaves of God, the return you get ble. I have discussed the concept at some is sanctification and its end, eternal life" length in my book Was Jesus Really Like (RSV). No proof is required to state that Us? © those "set free from sin" are those who Thomas A. Davis, former book editor at the In discussing how Jesus would be "like have been regenerated, born again. It is, Review and Herald Publishing Association, his brethren in every respect," we must then, those born-again ones, those being though in retirement, gives seminars entitled add "except for sin." For the regenerate sanctified, whom Christ is not ashamed "How to Be a Victorious Christian." are linked with the unregenerate in that 14 MINISTRY/JUNE/1986 "all have sinned" (Rom. 3:23). the regenerated individual and the Great perspective by rewording it thus: There is The likeness between Christ and His Exemplar, Jesus. The following quota something about born-again people that "brethren" can be understood only as we tion describes the truly born-again per is like the incarnate Christ. This, I realize the radical change experienced by son: "The new birth is an experience believe, is the better viewpoint, rather the person who has been bom again which brings a total renunciation of self than the more common one one that is (2 Cor. 5:17). With the new-birth and a willing abandonment to God, sometimes given short shrift that Jesus experience one becomes a "partaker of permitting the Holy Spirit to pervade was "bom born-again." (It might be the divine nature" (2 Peter 1:4). "In fully and direct completely the life. It observed that the difference here is in Christ divinity and humanity were brings an attitude of heart and mind in perspective.) 6 united, and the only way in which man which God©s way is happily sought and Jesus, then, became man with a fully may be an overcomer is through becom contentedly followed, of the individual©s human nature (while also being fully ing a partaker of the divine nature. . . . own volition as well as from a sense of God). Thus, of the flesh, He had the Divinity and humanity are blended in loving obligation. In it is experienced a weaknesses of humanity, torn by temp him who has the spirit of Christ." 2 This shunning and increasing abhorrence of tations as we are, with the possibility of commonness with Jesus "none but His sin in every known aspect. In the sinning. But in that condition He had an loved ones know." born-again person there is a recognition unfallen mind, heart, and will, and was "[The true Christian] is a living that full dependency on God is vital for totally and continually attuned to the representative of the truth which he sustained and complete victory. Father and directed by the Holy Spirit. professes. Of these true-hearted fol "It is an experience in which . . . In this way He was like the unfallen lowers, Jesus declares that He is not humanity and divinity have met in an Adam. And it is at this point that, I ashamed to call them brethren." 3 individual." 5 believe, the regenerate and Jesus meet Now, I suggest that this quotation be on common ground. Blending is a mystery reread, but that where a noun or "In Christ dwelt the fullness of the Regarding the blending of the human pronoun is used referring to the individ Godhead bodily. This is why, although and divine in Jesus, Ellen White com ual, one referring to Jesus be substituted. He was tempted in all points like as we ments, "It can never be explained. Man The comparability of the "mind" and are, He stood before the world, from His must wonder and be silent. And yet man heart of the regenerated person and Jesus first entrance into it, untainted by is privileged to be a partaker of the divine will become apparent. corruption, though surrounded by it. nature, and in this way he can to some This brings me to my main emphasis. Are we not also to become partakers of degree enter into the mystery." 4 I would To develop my thesis, I stated, some that fullness, and is it not thus, and thus suggest there is seed for some profound paragraphs back, that "there was some only, that we can overcome as He contemplation in this statement. thing important about the incarnate overcame?" 7 Let us press home the similarity nature of Christ that was like born-again The Saviour "came to the world to between the attitude and experience of people." Now I give it the proper display the glory of God, that man might More letters on tine nature of Christ What Adam didn©t give us quently Christ was the only child ever nature. .However; .these statements tell: It appears from the Genesis account born into this ..world with an already us only what kind of man©Jesus was, not that when Adam sinned, the Shekinah; established relationship with God; It was what kind of nature He took namely: of the Spirit, which covered him as a a relationship that matured as He grew "likeness of ^infill flesh" (Rom. 8,:3).: garment, departed, leaving him naked. up, but the bond was there from concep What we see here is a biblical paradox, of It was this nakedness that we inherited tion. He was always under divine control .which there are a number in the Bible, from our first father. That which Adam and consequently sin always repelled and also, a moral miracle that defies transmitted to us was not a plus (sin in Him, and -vice versa. ?-Pastor R. ,E., human logic. "It is a mystery, that is left the genes), but a minus (birth without Way, Avondale, New Zealand. unexplained,to mortals that Christ could the Spirit©s covering). It is not some be tempted in all points like as, we ate and thing Adam gave us that made us Christ not a sinner yet be without sin."--The SDA Bible sponges born into the sea of sin, as it "Christ had a sinful human nature." Commentary, Ellen G. White Com were; rather, it was something he didn©t See opening remarks under Benjamin ments,, on John 14:30, pp.. ,1128, give us that made us sinners. As his Rand©s article (June, 1985). I have never 1129. A. F. Jackson, Hokitika, New offspring, we are all born naked, without yet met a person who believed or taught Zealand. . . the protection and guidance of the Holy this. I feel there is an overstatement here Spirit. For us, then, sin .was unavoidable. that would impart to the other side Throughout his article (MINISTRY,. Jesus, however, while He inherited a something they do not belieye; what is June,, 1985) on the :nature of Christ, body in all respects the same as ours, with believed is that Jesus took, a fallen human which, he claims to be unfallen, the all the results of sin passed on to Him by nature but was nevertheless sinless in author emphasizes that those who- His mother, was born of the Holy Spirit, both His natures. Scriptures and quota believe that Christ took our fallen nature at His first birth. While He received a tions from Ellen G. .White on the are teaching that Christ was a sinner. post-Fall body, He was born with Adam©s sinlessness of Christ are often quoted to This charge is false. I feel certain that no,, pre-Fall relationship with God. Conse prove Jesus took an unfallen human Adventist has ever taught that,1 yet © MINISTRY/JUME/1986. '•:•'. 15.. be uplifted by its restoring power. God In that spiritual milieu the born-again ness." " was manifested in Him that He might be person has died with Christ (Col. 3:3), We must never, not by the slightest manifested in them [His disciples]. Jesus and the life he lives as a Christian is by hint, appear to detract from the total revealed no qualities, and exercised no virtue of the indwelling Christ (Gal. deity of Jesus Christ. He is always God, powers, that men may not have through 2:20); the Spirit that dwelt in Christ always divine. faith in Him. His perfect humanity is dwells in him (Rom. 8:9); he knows But and here we are involved in an that which all His followers may possess, himself to be not of this world, as Christ insoluble mystery we must also never if they will be in subjection to God as He was not of the world (John 17:16); like detract from the total humanity of was." 8 Christ, his desire is to do the will of the Christ. Our salvation depends on His The Christian, then, has "the mind of Father (chap. 4:34); like his Master, he divinity. That being fundamental, it also Christ" (1 Cor. 2:16). Being bom again recognizes that in his humanity he can depends on His humanity. And in that (1 Peter 1:23), he has the spiritual intent do nothing of himself (chap. 5:19). humanity He was a true human being, of Christ. Or, as the Expositor's Greek Other parallels could be drawn. living, wrestling, trusting, overcoming, Testament puts it, "Christ lives and It is highly significant that Ellen as, in His strength, His "brethren" may thinks" in the born-again person. 9 The White writes that at conversion "the overcome. regenerated individual sees things from heart is united with His heart, the will is Christ©s viewpoint, not the world©s. He merged in His will, the mind becomes 1 Thomas A. Davis, Was Jesus Really Like Us? "unites his weakness to Christ©s strength, one with His mind, the thoughts are (Hagerstown, Md: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., his emptiness to Christ©s fullness, his brought into captivity to Him; we live His 1985.) frailty to Christ©s enduring might. Then 2 Ellen G. White, Sons and Daughters of God life. This is what it means to be clothed (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. he has the mind of Christ." 10 with the garment of His righteous Assn., 1955), p. 24.

without any evidence whatsoever our "took on him the seed of Abraham, faultless before the presence of His glory" detractors constantly hurl this false Wherefore in all things it behoved him (Jude 24). Praise His wonderful name! charge against us. Since we have never to be made like unto his brethren" (Heb. Pastor Roscoe K. Nelson, Lakeview, taught that, to charge us with saying it is 2:16,17). Michigan. dishonest. If Christ had come in the nature of In 1905 this subject was raised. The Adam before the Fall, man would have Ellen White clear? Review and Herald answered a questioner fled from His presence . Sin robbed Adam Do we really have to bring Ellen G. by saying, "The flesh which Jesus took of his glory and he knew that he was White into this biblical controversy to and in which He was tempted, was the naked. support both sides? Are her writings not same as the flesh of the other members of Moses© face glowed with a tiny portion clear enough to show which side she took the human family, sinful flesh" (Nov. 9, of the purity and glory of God, and the as regards the fallen or unfallen nature? 1905). In further articles on December 7 people were afraid. He had to veil his To show which side she took is it fair to and 2,1, the editor, using Hebrews face. use Questions on Doctrine (1957), Move 2:14-17, pointed out that the flesh of When Jesus comes in His glory, which ment of Destiny, (1971), or any other man is sinful. In order to be "in alL was veiled in humanity when He walked book outside her own works? things" like unto man, it was necessary among men, many will call for the rocks Can we challenge the White Estate or that Jesus should take human flesh. . . . and mountains to hide them from Him. MINISTRY to furnish, a compilation of her Our Sabbath School quarterlies for That glory will destroy the wicked. views? I have a piece of research on her more than a quarter of a century before God dwelt in a nature like mine and views from 1858 to 1915 regarding the Ellen G. White died emphasized that withstood every temptation. He can do nature of Christ. The consensus is that Christ took our fallen nature, and the same for me by dwelling in my heart she believed that Christ took man©s although she studied them, as she by His Spirit. Bless His holy name. fallen nature. I would like to challenge advised others to do, she never spoke out Ethel Wildes, Simi Valley, California. all able-bodied Adventists to do this against their emphatic teaching on the piece of research first before reading the subject. Note the quarterly for the Both correct opinions of others. Ron Henderson, second quarter; 1909, page 8: "The I believe that both writers are correct! Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, West Indies. divine seed could manifest the glory of To put it more simply: To answer the God in sinful flesh, even to absolute and question Did Jesus take the nature of Confused perfect victory over any tendency in the Adarn before or after the Fall? I would I am a church employee who has flesh." Again, in the teaching notes, answer Yes! access to MINISTRY magazine through our October 29, 1893: "Although His nature Could not such a statement as this library. I noted with interest the recently was like ours, His character was different, Christ took upon His sinless nature our published articles on the nature of ; from©ours. ©He kept "it sinless:" R; ©R. i>.~ Christ. As I read, however, both articles Marks, Cooranbong, NSW, Australia. appeared to be, Bible-and Spirit .of I am thankful that Jesus is rrry Saviour Prophecy-based, both appeared to be of Pre-FaB nature impossible from sir! and that He is "able to keep you sound theology; but both couldn©t have The, Scriptures teach that Christ, [me] frbirl falling, and to present you line] been right; could they!

16: M1NISTRY/JUSIE/S86 Eugene Hamlin 3 Ellen G. White, Signs of the Times, March 9, 1882. 4 The SDA Bibk Commentary, Ellen G. White Comments, on Col. 1:26, 27, p. 904. (Italics supplied.) 5 Davis, op. cit. , pp. 89, 90. 6 There are respected theologians who have given credence to the "born bom-again" concept. For example, Nels Ferre takes up the idea in his book Christ and the Christian. This work is quoted in A quick Man©s Need and God's Gift (Baker Book House), p. 304. Although we would have problems with his particular application, the concept is there. And Donald Baillie uses Hebrews 2:11 as we have (page 285), and notes that "Christ can be thus regarded as in some sense the prototype of the Christian response says life." 1 The SDA Bibk Commentary, Ellen G. White Comments, on Col. 2:9, 10, p. 907. 8 White, The Desire of Ages (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1940), p. 664. 9 G. G. Findlay, Expositor©s Greek Testament, comments on 1 Cor. 2:16 (Grand Rapids, Mich.: we care Wm. B. Eerdmans Pub. Co.), vol. 2, p. 785. 10 White, The Desire of Ages, p. 675. 11 White, Christ©s Object Lessons (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1941), p. 312 (Italics supplied.) Adventist Information

Ministry helps you s you sort interest cards into follow-up " © ,©,.lfpne understanding of Christ©s natatg©© find high-grade '' © categories, it is hard interests in your area. to know which peo ple might become apei|:;tO:Je6lifi^© Some pastors report A members of your , ______church. Because ;.:c6n£usecL.©-- - .© _,./; :V" ;> ";.-.-" ©,"- ^V*r :ccr: :.v> '• .-,'.-_ an almost 50 percent your time is limited, you want to visit '•:• " : . What nature; did^h^rtsr/fiyaviS? OP f^n©t,- people who show the greatest potential rate of success in for baptism. And you want to reach them establishing Bible before their interest wanes. That©s why the goal of Adventist Information Min studies with people istry (AIM) is to call you within twenty- ,'.. What©bothers me .deeply are the "two four hours about home Bible study atticles you :,have been running .ori: the who sent in general requests that have come from your , nature: of Christ. This .is a fair-minded : community. After people watch Breath approach", -presenting both sides. It pla interest cards to AIM. of Life, Faith for Today, or It Is Written, cates the close followers of Elder FroOm they can phone AIM. When viewers and his arguments, in Movement of: want to study the Bible, an AIM Destiny. But I wonder if we know all the: chaplain will call you ASAP as soon as reasons why that was written. " possible. You could, and I hope you are not If any pastoral visit is urgent, chap planning to, present the reasons why we lains attempt to set up a three-way should keep Sunday instead of Sabbath. conference call so the person can make This too would be fair and open-minded. an appointment with you immediately. God forbid such a plan. But, I don©t see "With AIM I can get a referral faster, much difference in what you have done. ask questions, and get more details," says God has told .us by inspiration what is Don Miller, pastor of the Valdosta, truth on the above subjects, and it only Georgia, church. "Besides, it©s more shows how far we have come out of personal. " When you are able to contact papacy to quote what Waggoner says on people within a short time after they these topics. Ben.D. Wheeler, West have requested a visit, it lets them know minster, South Carolina. that you care. There is a difference. There is no John Goss wanted a pastor to visit controversy in the Seventh-day Adventist him, so he called AIM. After Goss hung church regarding which day is the Sabbath, up, his request was relayed to Henry but there is on the nature of Christ, Until Eugene Hamlin, who works with Adventist Zollbrecht, pastor of the Payette, Idaho, this is as settled as the Sabbath we need to Information Ministry, writes from Berrien church. Within ninety minutes of the publish the various views. —Eds. Springs, Michigan. time Goss had called AIM, Zollbrecht MINISTRY/JUNE/1986 17 information. Because Carroll wanted to cost of $5 per one hundred. The charge know more about Adventists she phoned covers some of the telephone evaluation AIM operators are AIM. After listening to her, an operator that each card receives from an AIM on duty twenty-four suggested that a representative from the chaplain before it is referred to you. You magazine could answer any questions she can place your order by calling AIM©s hours a day to might have. Because Carroll agreed to toll-free number, 1-800-253-3000. have someone visit her, an AIM chap People in your community may call refer requests lain referred her request to Linda AIM©s 800 number to register for Revela Walker, a Bible worker in Philadelphia. tion seminars. Before you place the to you as soon Walker studied the Bible with Carroll toll-free number in your brochures, as she continued to attend the seminar. however, you should call AIM to make as possible* When the meetings concluded, Carroll arrangements. You will be charged $1.20 was baptized just 19 days after her for each phone call that AIM answers for phone call to AIM. you. For that small fee, AIM will answer met with him to answer his questions There is another way you can find your phone calls twenty-four hours a day about why Adventists worship on Sab Bible study interests in your community. and then mail you interest cards for all bath. When the pastor invited Goss to AIM has a People Helping People (PHP) the people registered for your seminar. attend church the next day, he accepted. postcard that you can include with any You can use AIM©s number for other Three and a half months later, after a literature that your members distribute. evangelistic projects: You can reach Revelation Seminar, Zollbrecht bap If people want to study the Bible, they remote populations and establish new tized the six-foot-four ex-Marine. can mail the PHP postcard to AIM. churches. AIM will follow up the people AIM operators are on duty twenty- When the postcards arrive, AIM chap who respond to your radio program. You four hours a day to refer Bible study or lains confirm the interest of people who can use the 800 number in your newspa pastoral visit requests to you as soon as have requested Bible studies by calling per advertisements. possible. However, general interest them. They also ask about a convenient When a man could not reach a cards are sent by first-class mail to your time for you to begin the studies. Then a Kentucky pastor on a Friday afternoon conference office within several days chaplain calls you as soon as possible. because the pastor©s telephone was after they have come to AIM. Included Olivia Williams mailed a PHP post knocked out by a flood, AIM put him in on some of these cards are comments card to AIM from Staten Island, because touch with the first elder. The ex-coal that help you understand special needs or she wanted a pastor to study the Bible miner visited the church the next day problems that an interest is experienc with her. When a chaplain called and continued to attend regularly. Sev ing. Williams, he learned that she had eral months later Pastor Paul Hoover Robert Ammons, pastor of the Omaha completed the New Life Bible Guides baptized Tivis Lyon and his wife, Kay. Memorial church, is able to start Bible from the Voice of Prophecy. And he also After the Lyons© baptism, Mrs. Paul studies with nearly half of the people found that she watched the It Is Written Hoover concluded a letter to AIM by from his area who send in general telecast. He called Pastor Stephen saying, "Without your work this story interest cards. Because he files his Bauer, of the Staten Island church, who could have turned out very differently. interest cards, Ammons can see how started Bible studies with her and soon Today a young church in Appalachia has many times an It Is Written viewer has baptized her. a very active couple and two sweet called AIM for Pastor Vandeman©s PHP postcards are available to you at a children in its midst." books. After a viewer has received at least three books, Ammons or one of his laymen visits the viewer and suggests Bible studies. Coupons placed in the Signs of the Times, Adventist Review, Happiness Digest, and Cosmic Conflict stimulate readers to call or write AIM for Bible studies or a pastoral visit. Because the AIM chaplains want to make sure that people understand that you will come to their homes for studies or a visit, they call the persons who mailed coupons to evaluate their interest level before refer ring the requests to you.

Responses yield results A Signs of the Times magazine was given to Martha Carroll during a Revela tion Seminar. As she read the magazine Carroll found AIM©s 800 number in a AIM staffers answer phones 24 hours a day. When a caller expresses an interest, the coupon that invited her to call for more local conference office will receive a card within a week.

18 MINISTRY/JUNE/1986 Edna Maye Loveless Making Sabbath special

Sabbaths aren©t always

oup on Friday eve a perfect delight in picture of the placid Palestinian family, ning began for us in bathed in the warm glow of candlelight, the seventies when I fact, they can turn out welcoming God©s presence. Precious received a soup to be a hassle. But the little ritual, planning, or presence of tureen as a God may be evident on hectic weekends. S Christmas gift. Later right balance among Yet the blessings of the Sabbath have we added fresh- come to our family, almost serendipi- baked bread, salad, and cheese, and ritual, planning, and tously at times. created a family tradition. Daughter Marti©s call one Friday eve Friday night candlelight began much flexibility can help. ning from college reminded me of this. earlier, even before we became parents. "We just had supper and worship at a When children arrived we went through professor©s house candlelight through a period when they showed their bravery out the house; it made me so homesick," by putting their fingers through the she said. We both cried a little, but I flame, and vied (fought, really) for the rejoiced that the faculty members on her privilege of blowing it out. The candle campus are continuing a tradition that light tradition is centuries old. It goes has significance for my daughter. The back to our spiritual forefathers who ritual enriches the observance. prescribed that candles be lighted eigh teen minutes before sundown, and com Uninvited guests missioned the mother to do the lighting. Another Sabbath ritual that began Celebrations ordained by God can early in our children©s lives sprang from a often be enriched by ritual, and Sab- discussion with two other young bathkeeping is no exception. Two other mothers. We emerged from the mothers© ingredients that can help make the day a room after church, all of us clutching joy are planning and flexibility. babies and reaching for toddlers© hands. Nehemiah©s attitude toward the Sab Our eyes met after we watched guests bath remains instructive: " This day is drive off, uninvited to dinner. "Well, I holy unto the Lord your God; mourn didn©t have anything for a salad or not, nor weep.© For all the people wept, dessert," I offered meekly. when they heard the words of the "I have a casserole dish, but not law. . . . ©Go your way, eat the fat, and enough for four more people," Alice drink the sweet, and send portions unto said. them for whom nothing is prepared: for "We©re just having potato salad and this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be soup today," Irene admitted. ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your But we all felt guilty about the strength© " (Neh. 8:9, 10). uninvited guests. Over an impromptu In our less-than-perfect world, Friday meal in the park, Irene, though recently night for a minister©s family often baptized, was the one who came up with includes sermon polishing, preparation a plan: "What if we took turns making a for Sabbath school, and perhaps a public Edna Maye Loveless is an associate profes salad, entree, and dessert each weekend meeting or Bible study. Sabbath ushers sor of English at Columbia Union College in for the rest of the summer? Then the in a spate of duties that do not fit my Takoma Park, Maryland. three of us could be ready to invite

MINISTRY/JUNE/1986 19 with considerable self-control, and who had arrived in horse-drawn carriages The fireplace and a changed into his only alternative, a to view the battle. Other Sabbaths we light-gray summer suit. As I remember head for the zoo, the botanical gardens, a good book often it, the prayer was never finished. Flexible waterfall, a wooded trail. Dad initiates a response saved the joy of the Sabbath. rock-skipping contest at the creek. The beckon The fireplace and a good book often lovely thing about these outings is that beckon me on Sabbath afternoon, but they renew all of us in spirit and in me on Sabbath then what about the children? One health. We feel "like a watered garden, particular Sabbath stands out in my and like a spring of water, whose waters afternoon, but then mind. Father was off saving the world, fail not" (Isa. 58:11). and I was wondering how the priest was But what about winter? Trying to cope what about the supposed to fit into the family picture. with a restless child, I collapsed on the children? Then a beautiful thing happened. The carpet in the living room. "See how children brought in their neighbors, many times you can do this," I said with a lined up chairs in front of the fireplace, tiny burst of energy that produced a and brightly announced, "We©re going pseudo-push-up. Then I served as official to have Sabbath school." And "Mother counter while my daughter gyrated, will tell us a story." somersaulted, and did push-ups. After church guests for a picnic dinner in the "Give me some time to think," I said, my mini-rest and her exhilarating exer park," she suggested. I have a snapshot thankful that any Bible story would be cise, we pulled on our rubbers and coats record of some of those meals in the park: new to these neighbor kids. My children and made footprints in the snow. fathers pushing small people in the began teaching their friends the songs swings; little ones napping safely in a from Sabbath school, and by the time portable playpen while we enjoy fellow Dad arrived, they had a rehearsed choir Other ideas for Sabbath ship with church guests. ready for his approval. Since he likes to activities Beyond the Sabbath hospitality came direct, he insisted on getting into the act For additional ideas on activities you another blessing: Irene©s and Alice©s and waving his arms wildly while they can use to make Sabbaths happy days for families became a surrogate extended performed the songs. I was surprised your children, see: family and would inquire after the when the neighbor called for her chil progress and welfare of my family. dren to come home because it was Happy Sabbath Afternoons. The Come Sociologists studying prevention of getting dark. In the end my laid-aside Unto Me Library. Nashville: Southern delinquency have concluded that in plans seemed unimportant. Pub. Assn., 1980. Intended for children ages 4-7, this set (storybooks and work homes where the extended family Later I negotiated with the preacher: books for each quarter of the three-year (grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cou "These children need you on Sabbath. sequence) suggests activities for Sabbath sins) is absent, other families can per Did you see how they turned on when afternoons that supplement the Sabbath form the function of extended family you came in?" school lesson of the day. members. Their regular social inter "Aren©t they always turned on?" he action (celebrating holidays and birth asked warily. Gerita Carver Liebelt. From Dilemma to Delight: Creative Ideas for Happy days, attending graduations and wed "No," I insisted, "you have some Sabbaths. Hagerstown, Md.: Review and dings) provides a stabilizing influence special electricity with them." Herald Pub. Assn., 1986. This book that is especially helpful at times when A preacher is a professional planner. suggests ways to prepare for the Sabbath children feel alienated from their par When Dad does accept responsibility for and ideas for making the whole day, ents. Our regular Sabbath outings a Sabbath afternoon with the kids, we including meals, special. became an oasis for mothers needing find that he can rally the whole neigh borhood to his ideas, whether he is Glen Robinson. 52 Things to Do on adult talk, children needing relief from Sdbbatfi. Hagerstown, Md.: Review and mothers, and a minister©s family need inviting them to Vacation Bible School Herald Pub. Assn., 1983. This little ing, like Jesus, some friends of the or to a bird-watching outing. Bird- book suggests activities for tiny tots, Mary-Martha-Lazarus type. watching bouts are well attended older children, the whole family, and because Dad has a lot of bird stories that large groups. It includes indoor and Sabbath in the real world whip up interest. He admits that he outdoor activities, Christian service Preaching Sabbath observance is eas never expects to see any birds except activities, and suggestions of things to ier than practicing it. Just when you are pigeons on such ventures with the do Friday evenings. busiest, the children are often underfoot children their excited behavior Out of print, but worth looking for: and sometimes embarrassingly audible frightens away any timid birds. and visible. One of my husband©s most Dad plans afternoons the way he plans Miriam Hardinge. Happy Sabbaths. graceful Sabbath acts came as we knelt to sermons: he clips notices from the Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald pray before he left for church. A small newspaper and slips them into a file Pub. Assn., 1950. daughter discovered how to remove the folder. On a visit to a battlefield he tells Eileen E. Laritry. A Family Guide to top of her bottle at just the right moment us the story of the Civil War battle at Sabbath Nature Activities. Mountain and gave Dad©s preaching suit a thorough Bull Run as related by Ellen White, with View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., anointing with milk. As she wailed over unseen angels in action, along with all 1980. , her loss, he gave her a quick hug, rose the sightseers from Washington, D. C.,

20 MINISTRY/JUNE/1986 Neighbor children joined us as we When itinerary takes Dad and the sole progressed around the block. family car away on a rainy Sabbath, we Back at home the children we©ve stay-at-homes don©t know whether we Dad plans afternoons collected know from past experience miss him or the car more. Such a day the way he plans that we follow singing, stories, and calls for something special. Spreading a prayers at sundown with sandwiches, blanket on the living room floor and sermons: he clips popcorn, and hot chocolate. Across- eating sandwiches on paper plates pro the-street Peggy sings a solo, off-key but vides a picnic in the living room. "Look! notices from the gustily. Is anyone aware of the presence No dishes to wash!" the kids exult. A of God? I wonder. flexible response to circumstances makes newspaper and slips Years later it occurred to me that our Sabbath a delight. Sabbaths provided time for us to nurture them into a file neighbor children we never would have Sabbath ministry known otherwise. A chance meeting We also want to cut our children in on folder. with one of them or their parents now a piece of the action in the ministn © we may end, as earlier conversations never perform. Taking them on do-good visits, did, "Please pray for us." we find them apprehensive and shy, sometimes even sullen. Invariably, how Indoor Sabbaths ever, their very presence in a sickroom or families know about, we were responding On the quieter Sabbaths when we home where trouble prevails brings a to the texts that say, And the people did bypass walks on the beach, trips through spontaneous response that brightens what was "right in the sight of the Lord a museum, or picnics in the park with their own spirits, as when an aging all the days of the reign of . . ." "That friends, we all agree on the joys of grandmother reached into a cabinet and king obviously had a positive impact," reading. To keep a ready supply of good drew out china dolls that she had preacher Dad observed. "Like ..." and reading at hand, we jaunt to the library collected on trips abroad. Placing a doll he told of someone who made a positive twice a month. All of us leave with books in each child©s hands, she delighted impact on him. Each of us in turn named up to our chins. I retain the right to veto, them with stories of people she had someone who made a positive contribu with explanation, some of the children©s known. tion to our lives. Our 13-year-old choices. I also impose some of my I©ve learned to save calls on new recalled Jackie, her teenage Sabbath choices on them. Often I select biogra residents in the neighborhood for Sab school teacher in "the last church." She phies whose titles, illustrations, and bath hours. Taking a plate of cookies or warmed to the subject. As worship ended bindings offer no lure to the children, home-baked bread along, the children she ran up the stairs, homesick but but whose story lines powerfully portray find something to do with their hands coping. "I©m going to write Jackie a God©s created, creative beings. Books and feel less self-conscious. letter!" she called back. Plan (Dad©s about noble people, mission efforts, and Guests in our home bring enrichment worship design) had produced response, animals go on reserve at home for too. I finally came to the point where I and I perceived the presence of God. Sabbath reading. The special thing could comfortably say without apology to Another time we read about the storm about Sabbath is the absence of dead unexpected guests, "Hm! I really don©t on Galilee and talked about what we lines. For several years reading was an have anything to make a decent salad think we would have done, given a oral exercise involving Dad or Mom, and today." chance to ride in the boat with Jesus. We it often generated spirited discussion. I©m pursuing a policy of inviting, also talked about the way we handle Then the children began to read on their among others, people who can©t recipro storms in our lives: crying, seeking out own. cate. The children respond experimen friends, going for a walk alone after Supplementing reading in the early tally to a frequent visitor who is blind. slamming the door. After such sharing years, we also had a Sabbath box with Looking upon him as their property, they we have something to pray about. toys and crafts profitable for creative escort him on a walk. As they set out I We haven©t been in Eden, but when play. Noah©s ark and animals got a cringe at their shouted announcement to we©ve visited new baby kittens with one thorough workout, with the animals the neighbors, "We gots a blind man!" child, walked on an early Sabbath often graduating from the ark to a Then I hear his amused chuckle. This morning with another, listened to a modern farm. With other items (wig, plan gives the children a sense of worth record and talked about it afterward, shawl, cane, artificial fruits and flowers, in our world and also extends our circle we©ve captured something of what it construction paper, glue, scissors, clay, of friends. means to share God©s presence. When and felt figures) the children portrayed or Listening emerges as one of the few the children take turns going with Dad to acted out favorite Bible stories. Regular offices a parent of teenagers can fill churches on his circuit while Mother©s restocking with different items kept the without being reminded of ineptness. duties keep her at one, or when one child contents from becoming old hat. Some Long telephone conversations demon rides with Dad to a pastoral call on times the children and their friends strate that these kids are communicators. Sabbath afternoon, role-playing as they considered their dramatic creations so But they need a safe setting in which to drive along ("What©s a good thing to say spellbinding that they would get on the communicate with the family. when we see Mr. Riggins?"), we©ve cut phone and invite their parents, who I recall significant listening during them in on the action, riding "upon the made up the world©s most appreciative memorable Sabbath endings. After one high places of earth," experiencing the audience. of those wrenching moves that mobile blessings of the Sabbath.

MINISTRY/JUNE/1986 21 John Pfeiffer Democracy by design Can a man©s or

woman©s worth be eighteen acres of woodlands. Consisting ecause Jesus said, measured in square of a rectangular central area with fifteen "You are all brothers" outlying sections, it is designed to (Matt. 23:8, MV), feet of office space? provide all professional employees with the church has a sem equal-sized offices and, as far as possi blance of wage parity, Major corporations are ble, with equally pleasant and attractive and some leaders are views of the pastoral surroundings. urging full parity. turning from office Life on Park Avenue had become How about office space equality? Should the hopelessly complicated. It was impossi principles of equality inherent in His words sizes graded by status ble within the vertical dimensions of a be acknowledged in building General Con to equal-sized offices skyscraper to dole out the appropriate ference, union, and local conference/mis level of benefits to some two thousand sion administrative offices? Should the same for all professional professionals as they climbed the mana principles be practiced in designing offices in gerial ladder. Office size posed an espe worship edifices, educational institutions, employees with an cially tricky problem. The chief execu publishing houses, and hospitals? tive officer had a palatial 875 square feet If secular organizations strive to reduce upturn in morale. all to himself on the top floor, roughly "the intensity of the struggle for status," equivalent to a two-bedroom apartment. should the church's Christian perspective Depending on rank, lesser workers toiled lead it to make the same effort? The on lower floors within areas of 375, 300, following article, although not religiously 225, 150, or 100 square feet. oriented, contains principles that Christian The system had already begun to leaders and building committees would do crumble when a decision to break the well to consider and practice.—Editors. expanding seven-hundred-employee In this decade for the first time, Chemical and Plastic Division into eight white-collar workers comprise more product divisions produced a frenzy of than half of all adult employees. They status-seeking. The change immediately now make up 53 percent of the work created seven brand-new division presi force a figure expected to rise to 90 dents, all of whom expected appropri percent by the year 2000. The sheer ately larger and higher-story offices for numbers of new professionals have themselves and, of course, special forced planners to come up with new offices close by for their new vice designs especially for those big rooms presidents and so on down the line. No at the top. amount of space-shuffling could ever Four years ago Union Carbide joined have satisfied the forty-odd executives the effort to deal with the revolution in involved. the composition of the work force. The Puzzles like this one inspired Union company moved its headquarters from a Carbide©s top management to forge soaring fifty-two-story Manhattan tower ahead with plans to move into new on Park Avenue to a low-slung $100 quarters in Connecticut and to take a million structure in Danbury, Connecti Reprinted by permission from the March, hard look at offices from the standpoint cut, that looks like a mammoth space Science 86. Copyright by the American of function rather than prestige. The station ready for takeoff. A mere four Association for the Advancement of Sci architectural firm of Kevin Roche John stories high, the building spreads over ence. John Pfeiffer is a contributing editor. Dinkeloo and Associates held hour-long

22 MINISTRY/JUNE/1986 interviews with 184 employees at all studied employees© reactions. Froggatt sent what is becoming established prac levels to confront the key question: How conducted an extensive study based on a tice in Europe. Becker, who has visited much space does an individual really one hundred-item questionnaire given more than two hundred office buildings need? How much space does one person to 264 professionals. Her most signifi here and abroad during the course of his require for a desk and working surface, cant finding: The big-man-big-space research, points to Swedish designs as ample storage, and table and chairs for tradition, dating back to the pharaohs perhaps the most progressive. By law, all informal meetings? and beyond, could be scrapped without employees must have access to natural Karl Gruen, then Union Carbide©s arousing massive resistance. In fact, the daylight, which makes for long, narrow assistant director of the new headquar response is solidly positive. The overall Pullman-car buildings with offices on the ters project, worked closely with the satisfaction rate with individual work periphery and file cases and coffee architects to plan down to the last detail: space turns out to be 4-3 on a l-to-5 machines along internal corridors. "We made full-scale cardboard mock- scale, unusually high for such surveys. In Although upper management in Sweden ups of furniture arranged in various 1982, a similar survey of 1,500 employ gets extra space, all other employees, positions, chalked out areas on the floor, ees from companies with traditional including typists and file clerks, get equal and allowed room for circulation. A total work-space policies came up with a 3.38 space. Going one better, IBM recently area of 13.5 by 13.5 feet 182.25 square rating for managers. designed a new building just outside feet seemed to meet all requirements." Union Carbide is the largest but not Stockholm with identical-sized offices Environmental psychologist Franklin the only American company to go equal. for all. Becker of Cornell University speculates Austeel, a small steel mill in Auburn, According to Becker, Germany rates that this figure may represent some sort New York, has identical offices for all, several notches below Sweden on the of magic number. Many designers, he measuring about twelve by fifteen feet. office-democracy scale. A typical bank says, confirm that the 175- to 200- When Arnold and Porter, a 200-lawyer in Mannheim, for example, has an upper square-foot range nicely accommodates Washington, D.C., law firm, moved floor featuring posh offices for a dozen all the typical jobs that professionals into a new building several years ago, it senior managers. Department heads and perform. offered senior partners first choice of the supervisors have small offices, while larger offices. But all the associates© their subordinates sit outside in open Still some perks offices are about the same size. Accord "bullpen" areas. But Germany too has Utter equality at Union Carbide has ing to Gruen, Conoco©s recently com daylight-access laws, and union repre not been attained. Although the fifteen pleted Houston headquarters was sentatives are consulted about office highest-ranking officers no longer enjoy designed by the firm that did Union space and regularly sit in on top manage such Park Avenue superbennies as pri Carbide and with the same principles in ment meetings. Becker rates British vate bathrooms, they do have an extra mind. companies rather more status-conscious 13.5- by 13.5-foot module but for than their German counterparts, with a meetings, not for private work space. Europe leads the way series of office sizes expressing stronger Furthermore, for all the innovative These American companies, repre- hierarchical values. But Americans, he architecture, some locations are more says, are the most flagrantly status-rid desirable than others, offering pan den. Becker considers U. S. designs the oramic outlooks over the woodlands "most autocratic and elitist of all. " rather than internal courtyard views Japan represents an entirely different and top-floor offices are still most presti attitude toward work and work space. In gious. some ways it resembles the German But in Danbury the conspicuous trap pattern of open bullpen areas for most pings of status are absent. In Manhattan, workers and privacy for a select few. But top executives displayed their original as a rule, employees do not attach special art and marble-top desks. With the importance to their particular locations, move, every professional could choose at least not the way Western workers do. from thirty different sets of furniture Privileged executives regard the offices representing traditional, Scandinavian, they occupy as the company©s, not their and modern styles all equal in value own, and certainly not as symbols of and each featuring one show piece. personal prestige. This reflects a ten (Gruen, for example, has a mahogany dency in Japanese organizations to think desk with roll-top compartments at more in group than in individual terms. either end.) Artwork in eleven styles was "Equal office space looks to be the also available no originals, but two or next step," Becker says. But he hastens three fine prints for each office. The to add that these egalitarian notions result: variety, a wide range of tastes, and adopted from the Europeans are not no status markers. motivated by purely democratic To learn how Union Carbiders are instincts. Techniques that reduce the doing in their status-free building, intensity of the struggle for status can be Becker©s former graduate student expected to boost morale and, probably, Cynthia Froggatt, now associated with a productivity. "They work better," he New York architectural and design firm, says, "and make managing easier."

MINISTRY/JUNE/1986 23 Madeline S. Johnston Burnout in clergy families

Ministers are

e hear a lot about particularly subject to physicians (106th). 2 burnout these days. Roy Oswald, a behavioral scientist The term is bandied burnout. And there with the Alban Institute, estimates that about freely. We are some indications at least one clergyman in four is burned even joke about out.3 After administering both burnout being "burned out" that wives of ministers rating and life-changes rating tests at when we really mean seminars he conducted for clergy and only "tired" or even "bored." But bum- may be even more their spouses, he concluded that wives of out is no joke. Ask the husband whose clergy have higher stress levels than wife just left him and their three children susceptible. But you either clergymen or clergywomen. 4 because of it. Or ask the woman whose Most pastors and their wives do not pastor/husband is in a severe depression can prevent it or even bum out. But many who don©t may still as a result of it. reverse its early stages be functioning at a less-than-optimal What precisely is burnout? Does it level so let©s take a look at the symp really affect ministers© families? And if you are willing to toms of burnout. what can we do about it? Burnout is a complete exhaustion of work at it. Burnout symptoms one©s physical, mental, and spiritual The symptoms of burnout fall into resources. It is not mere stress, though three categories: physical, emotional, stress (particularly job-related) may pre and spiritual. cipitate it. Stress is the body©s response to Joan didn©t sleep well, had little the demands made on it. Any change, energy to cope with her children, and good or bad, takes its toll on our energy showed little interest in sex. These are resources. But stress alone, like rainfall, some of the physical symptoms. Others is not bad it is the intensity or quantity include frequent illness, excessive drug of it that becomes dangerous. A person use, or motor difficulties. merely under stress may exhibit some At the emotional level one might symptoms of burnout but will recover observe apathy, anger, guilt, negativ quickly if the stress is removed. ism, irritability, loss of creativity, worry, Burnout strikes primarily in the help increasing rigidity, withdrawal, self-pre ing professions medical personnel, occupation, paranoid obsessions, loss of psychologists, social workers, and clergy. humor, loss of playfulness or interest in A 1983 Gallup survey indicated that 29 hobbies, excessive crying, inability to percent of American clergy have "often" concentrate, feelings of failure and or "occasionally" considered quitting hopelessness, and marital and family the ministry because of frustrations or conflict. disappointments. 1 In 1977 the National Besides being a frequently published author, Emotions spill over into work-related Institute for Occupational Safety and Madeline Johnston works as a secretary in attitudes, which some authorities list as a Health published a study of nine thou the Department of World Mission at the separate category. Here burnout mani sand persons admitted to mental health Seventh-day Adventist Theological Semi fests itself as absenteeism, clock-watch centers in Tennessee. Clergy ranked nary, Andrews University, Berrien ing, resisting and postponing contact thirty-sixth among 130 professions Springs, Michigan. She has an M.A. in with clients or employers, loss of positive represented ahead of teachers (forty- developmental psychology and has done feelings toward these people (often seventh), policemen (seventieth), and further study in the area of counseling. replaced by cynicism and/or blame), and

24 MINISTRY/JUNE/1986 avoiding discussion of work with col boredom. People need intellectual stim leagues. Pastor Tom went to the church ulation and a feeling that their abilities office later and later each morning, are being fully used. After administering became annoyed at parishioners who 6. The structure of the organization. both burnout rating needed him, and sniped at the confer The more centralized and hierarchical ence leadership more than he ever had the decision-making process, the more a and life-changes before. His wife©s concern and perplexity staff person feels like a small, easily intensified until someone explained replaceable cog in a large machine. A rating tests, he burnout to her and led them to seek person needs some autonomy and con professional help. trol. Both bureaucratic structure and low concluded that wives Spiritual symptoms include signifi salary make one feel less autonomous. cant changes in moral behavior or This is one for church administrators to of clergy have higher theological positions, loss of interest in note. stress levels than personal devotional life, loss of faith in 7. Individual personality factors. God and the church, moral judgmen- One©s response to stress is more impor either clergymen or talism, perfunctory performance of tant than the stress itself. Clergy, partic church responsibilities, and loss of joy ularly, often possess traits that tend clergywomen. and celebration in spiritual matters. In a toward poor stress management. pastor, of course, even a few of these 8. Stresses of interrelationships. The symptoms can destroy a previously effec pastor suffers all the usual ones, some tive ministry. times with more intensity than other No one person exhibits all of these people do. Failure to maintain good symptoms, but two or more from each relationships with fellow staff members, category would usually indicate a congregation, community, and family bumed-out person. will jeopardize both personal life and job. Typically, burnout develops gradu At the same time, the nature of the job ally, progressing from mild stress and often subjects clergy to a unique loneli anxiety to more anxiety and fatigue to ness and lack of affirmation. complete exhaustion. People in the On the other hand, successfully cop pastor©s wife. earlier stages can recover without outside ing pastors usually have a strong sense of 2. The lack of pastoral care for help, but those in whom the problem has self and personal identity. Furthermore, herself. To whom can a pastor©s wife go become entrenched often need pro they view stressors as opportunities to with her personal problems? longed therapy. grow, rather than as unfair problems or 3. Lack of support. Clergy wives What causes burnout? Several factors circumstances. sometimes feel they can have no close may contribute: What about clergy wives? They are friends or confidants. 1. Stress resulting when the demands subject to all of the general factors listed 4. Frequent geographical relocation. of the job tax or exceed the resources of above. Granted, roles are changing, and Here the wife may provide emotional the person. These demands may be some clergy spouses today are husbands. support for the other family members either external, from the job itself or the But thinking of the traditional role many while stifling her own needs. supervisor(s), or internal, from pressure ministers© wives still fill, consider each of 5. Parsonage living. Although it may the individual puts on himself/herself. the above factors from their viewpoint: not be the problem in Adventist 2. A gap between expectations and stresses of their role expectations, their churches that it is in some others, the reality. Clergy with high expectations of anticipation of church/parson clergy wife still may have to deal with the church work may instead meet problems, age/members versus reality, their need to feeling that church members are scru perhaps even hostility from some of the feel effective, the coping mechanisms tinizing her housekeeping skills. members. they likely have learned, the challenge 6. Finances and having to work. 3. The need of people in the helping (or lack of challenge) to their skills, their Many men today are having to adjust professions to feel efficacious. If a minis position vis-a-vis the decision-making both their attitudes and their habits to ter comes into a church with great plans process at home and/or church, their accommodate wives who must and/or for change and growth in that church, personality traits, and the stresses of want to work outside the home, but for and then the church doesn©t respond as their interrelationships. Clearly, the clergymen and their congregations this expected, frustrations and feelings of pastor©s wife could qualify for the endan- can be especially difficult. And the wives inadequacy may result. Some clergy, gered-species list. themselves may suffer conflicts over instead of reexamining their goals, lose going out to work. the feeling that their work is meaningful. Stressors clergy wives face 7. Being surrogate clergy. Parishio 4- Methods used to cope with stress. Roy Oswald, of the Alban Institute, ners may at times expect the wife to take Sometimes people use more and more has delineated the following stressors, the pastor©s place. desperately their same ineffective coping briefly summarized here, that may con 8. Being a conduit for messages to the mechanisms, without objectively ana tribute particularly to burnout in clergy clergy. Parishioners may ask her to pass lyzing and gaining control over their wives:5 messages, especially unpleasant ones, on situation. 1. The role expectations (self- to her husband, often deliberately to 5. Sometimes lack of challenge, or imposed or imposed by others) for a avoid confronting him directly.

MINISTRY/JUNE/1986 25 9. Disfranchisement. Clergy wives of your job are too taxing, eliminate Build a solid support system. Make "exist in a sociopolitical system without some of them, either by delegating or by friends. You can develop a few special any form of direct power within that explaining your limits to the congrega friendships even within the congrega system." They are not to take positions tion. Or increase your resources to meet tion as long as you continue to be on controversial issues or run for office, the demands. If your internal demands friendly to everyone. Find other friends but are to sit quietly and dress properly. are too great, remind yourself that you within the larger community, perhaps 10. The strain on clergy marriages. can©t do everything. other pastors© wives. Keep your marriage While the husband may find little time Don©t take responsibility for everyone strong, keep communication open, be for his family, he pays a lot of attention else. Jesus didn©t. Give people choices. vulnerable. Explain your needs to your to other women (by the nature of his job) Avoid pushing your own programs in a mate. Work out a role for yourself that is and maintains an adoring public. church. acceptable to both of you. Take time, for 11. The ordination of women. In Learn to develop autonomy where you real intimacy requires time. Evaluate some churches this now adds certain can. Take control of your life. Plan, your relationship periodically. With a threats to the pastor©s wife. Her husband organize, respect your limitations and solid marriage you can face the rest of the may now be working closely© with a needs. Set clear, specific goals. world. woman on his staff and often this woman Learn to handle anger and conflict. Above all, stay close to God. Be replaces the wife as "the resident holy Learn to relax take frequent brief faithful in devotional time. Affirm to woman," who previously enjoyed the vacations; set aside times with your yourself God©s love for you. Live beyond respect and confidences of the congre spouse; develop hobbies. self-preoccupation; give glory and praise gation. This is no reason to withhold If you suffer from a lack of challenge, to Him. "O give thanks unto the Lord; ordination from qualified women, but find outlets, personal ministries, goals for he is good" (Ps. 118:29). clergy families need to adjust accord- involvement that will give you a sense of ingly. self-confidence and identity. 1 Religious News Service, "Experts Say Clergy How can burnout be prevented? Basi Nurture yourself physically, spiri Stress Doesn©t Have to Result in Burnout," Christianity Today, Nov. 9, 1984, p. 71. cally, by changing either the causes or tually, emotionally not out of selfish 2 Ibid. one©s response patterns. If you, for ness, but from a desire to enable yourself 3 Ibid. instance, fear burnout from pressures you to minister more effectively. 4 Roy M. Oswald, "Why Do Clergy Wives Bum Out?" in Alban Institute Action Information, Janu or your family experience, examine what Learn to view problems as exciting ary-February , 1984, p. 11. you can change. If the external demands challenges to grow on. 5 Ibid., pp. 11-15. First Time in One Book THE YOUTH©S INSTRUCTOR First there were the ARTICLES Here©s a needed addi Review and Herald arti tion on the youth cles by Ellen White. leader©s reading list. In Then came the Signs of BY: Adventist college and the Times articles. Now academy libraries. you©re sure to enjoy the ELLEN G. WHITE Among your collection facsimiles made of the of Spirit of Prophecy EGW Youth©s Instructor originals. In a teacher©s articles. resource library. You©ll find: articles of inspiration Best quality cloth cover surrounding materials with classic gold adding context and imprinting. 640 pages. perspective chronological arrange Regularly US$34.95. ment Special Introductory notations showing Offer: US$29.95. where passages are Offer good through found in other sources August 31,1986.

26 MINISTRY/JUNE/1986 General Conference President Endorses MINISTRY TAPE OF THE MONTH "Of the services of which I am aware, I know of no other professional growth information service that more completely touches every part of a minister's life and work than MINISTRY TAPE OF THE MONTH. Through sermons and lectures by an outstanding international forum of speakers (even renowned and "model" preachers of the past), MINISTRY TAPE OF THE MONTH helps you keep up-to-date in evangelism, preaching, counseling, ethical issues, theology, health, and church growth. It also addresses the minister's personal and family life. "I believe every Seventh-day Adventist worker, but especially JANUARY every minister of the gospel, should be a subscriber. Almost all of W. Floyd Bresee Layman©s Lib HARVEST 90 I us are eager to increaase the spirituality, fruitfuiness, and Ivan T. Blazen Home and Church: Centers of Love efficiency of our ministry. I fully understand that with so many Bill Loveless Nebuchadnezzar: Big Man Hard Lesson responsibilities and so much to read, you have a deep sense of the value and use of time. With MINISTRY TAPE OF THE Gerhard Hasel Scripture: Agent of Renewal MONTH you can do several things at the same time. While FEBRUARY driving, eating, exercising, shaving, preparing yourself for the day, or just relaxing, the words of counsel, truth, and inspiration Michael E. Green Methods and Strategy of Early Church can find their way into your heart. You can make every day count HARVEST 90 II for more by subscribing to this monthly informational resource." Ron Halvorsen Heaven and the World Tomorrow Morris Venden Zacchaeus: You©re Chit of Your Tree! Charles D. Brooks Perverting the Norm MARCH Louis H. Evans Prayer: The Heart of Evangelism HARVEST 90 III Dan, Matthews I Have Called You Friends Benjamin Reaves Baalam: Wishes Are Not Enough •.-. BARGAIN AND BLESSING! Jim Lohdis Abortion APRIL • John R. W. Srptt The JHature of Biblical Evangelism — • :. SERMONS ' BY •PULPIT , GIANTS • ' ' ; .HARVEST 90 IV . ChappeH , , ,Giye.< Thanks • • -»•' '•. . . • James S, Stewarc ' The, Rending of rhe Veil • . " ' ' Janjes S. Cbffift ' " " A Second' Chance." ...'.',. . . •." , H.M.S. Richards • ' Jesiis.' - :'" ' , , ' , ' % Bitty 'Graham'..; V „". - ' \Ffai' Rules for Successful, Ministry • William, Johnsson ThrFinal Freedom VE,' Stanley .]oae¥;':," >:, "-.'Jestis Was a Layman, ,',".".., • ' •. • Ron Halvorsen • . • : /Friday,© "© Sunday ls!'CGtning '" , .. , ,,_ •Half6jd'.KSccock . { -. -. Is ¥our«Keligiori a 'Power or 'a'" Toy? . ... 'George E. Sweazey . Barriers, to;:EvangeUsm.— HARVEST 90' V "' Charles Shedd"" "_" Is Your Family Turned .On? '' •'• . •', ,'J.. W'.'Lehrnto" " ' ©Solomon©,, , ,,',:,,-,:; ;',••. • '- • , •Louis"©© Venden • , ,' , ,The "Everyday Business, of Holiness" "G.-;'Rea3"' ',,", ^.On,"Seeiiig Stars • ••• .,.:••. ",.'",?' '„";,""" ;•••-. ",' JUNE '" ' ".'.•; •.•••' ' ' ;',;WiUiaia'-G/:Sarigstef_ 'What Is Ae Church "lot?:;; , : ,: , • " ; .-, -Samuel M. Shoemaker feith Can.'Oome to, Sfon;. . . . ,.-; - • ' • Louis H. Evans ; ' , 'Ways of Witnessing— HARVEST 90 VI ' , J. David -Newman ; • • Dealing With the Difficult •p. . Ralph .Soptmari,, ,The;,Efeventh:E6ramandiheiM • W. Floyd Bresee , Andrew,, the Ordinary James .S^Stevrart- , ; • -The Mysteiy'Of Conversion . . - • WfntonH. Beaven, Knowing God's • Will . . . "Jbhn'R.yW. Stott- ; ;\The Harks of the Spirit-filled Church G^ Ralph' "Sockrrtan © •.© , Life's, © '©Growing JULY'"' Edge • ©.Sermons ©by Your Favorite Preachers John R. C. Claypool The Minister as Enabler We Would See Jesus , " . .. HARVEST 90 VII • Charles Bradford Fred D,,Craddock Surrounded Floyd >Bresee. -' Love Takes Time., Morris L. Venden Martha and Mary Charles D, Brooks'" , . An Empty Throne Jack Provonsha , Values Transvalued James Londis • • • Adventurus -or Futurum Charles Scriven God's Grief William Loye.less Is There life. After Work? A. Graham Maxwell The Trustworthiness of God (3 parts) George Vandeman Your Photo, in. God's Album Morris Venden The Grasshopper Complex Kembleton Wiggins • A Powerful Secret for Overcoming Habits Ron Graybilt Questions About Ellen G. White Hans K. LaRondelle Israel of God in Prophecy (4 parts) Lynn, Mallery Time-setting in the 1980s! • Bob Spangler/ YES! Send my first 1986 cassettes Arthur White The Mysterious "Z" File Gerald Winslow WheaEnough is Enough! (Euthanasia) Name .

And many more . . . one complete year©s recordings Street - (1984 subscription year) . State. 24/C-90 Cassettes Enclosed is my annual subscription of $44.95 made payable to all for only MINISTRY TAPE OF THE MONTH. (Overseas airmail add $20.) $32.95 ($20 savings) Please send the complete 1984 SPECIAL! (My check for A ONE-TIME OFFER TO CLEAR OUR $32.95 (U.S.) is enclosed.) INVENTORY Note: Only prepaid orders will enable us to process your order and maintain (While supply lasts) minimum prices. MINISTRY TAPE OF THE MONTH P.O. Box 217, Burtonsville, MD 20866 From the Editors

The Second Coming- two concerns

believe the coming to increase. substitute sign-centered preaching for of Christ is near, How true the song: "Heavings of earth Christ-centered preaching. very near. The rea tell the vast, wondering throng: Jesus is The New Testament focuses on sons for my belief in coming again! Tempests and whirlwinds Christ's return from the angle of the joy I His soon return the anthem prolong; Jesus is coming and delight it will be to see Him and to be should be obvious. again!.. . Knowledge increases; men run with Him. Signs are mentioned, but the Leaders of govern to and fro; Jesus is coming again." major emphasis is not on signs but on the ment, industry, and science, many of However, I have a special concern contrast between the despair of those not whom are not religiously oriented, speak over two areas related to our preaching ready to meet Jesus and the joy and unanimously of global problems that defy on the coming of the Lord. According to delight of those who are ready to meet solution. The banking industry, aware of some reports, I understand that many of Him. The purpose of Christ's return is the insurmountable national debts of our members would welcome a good not to fulfill signs, but to receive His own numerous countries, seemingly lives by sermon on the second coming of Christ. that they may be with Him forever. To faith, hoping for the best while expect Several of my colleagues inform me that preach in a way that focuses the atten ing the worst. In the field of medicine, after they preach on the Second Advent tion of our people on the signs and not when one disease is conquered, a brand- at camp meetings, listeners always the Saviour is doing a disservice to the new one rears its ugly head. In the area of express deep appreciation for a sermon cause of God. ecology, the world's forests are being on this subject. Many add that their If I understand the Spirit of Prophecy depleted to meet industrial demands. It pastor is a good man, but that he is correctly, the reason for the delay is not is estimated that a single Sunday edition virtually silent about the return of Jesus. because the signs have not been fulfilled, of the New York Times consumes 150 The blessed hope gave birth to this but rather "if the Master should come, so acres of forest land. The cost of the arms Advent movement and nurtured it! It is many would be found unready. God's race now exceeds the entire annual even in our name. We should be unwillingness to have His people perish income of the poorer half of the human thinking, dreaming, eating, sleeping, has been the reason of so long delay" race. and talking the "blessed hope." How can (ibid., p. 694). Again, "I know that if the Never has Daniel 12:4 been more we be silent on the subject of Christ's people of God had preserved a living applicable than now! The equating of second coming, an understanding of the connection with Him, if they had obeyed the end of time with an increase of hope of which "is the key that unlocks all His Word, they would today be in the knowledge is being fulfilled in every field the history that follows, and explains all heavenly Canaan" (ibid.; italics sup of endeavor. The past several decades the future lessons" (Evangelism, p. 220)1 plied). The question is Will preaching have seen a phenomenal explosion of This brings me to the second area of mainly on the signs truly develop a knowledge. The globe is being flooded concern. It relates to an opposite long-lasting motivation for loving and with an irresistible flow of scientific extreme in a sense. There are those, serving the Lord? Do scare tactics developments. especially some who are independent of produce relationships? Books could be filled with important the church structure, who seemingly are I appeal to our ministers to preach on signs supporting the predictive words of thinking, dreaming, eating, sleeping, the blessed hope but to do it from a deep Jesus in Matthew 24 and Luke 21. No and talking about the signs of the times, longing for Jesus to return in order to end thinking person will challenge the con but who say very little about the the physical separation between Him cept that the state of world affairs is development of a relationship with the and His people. We need zeal that is perilously close to moral, physical, eco Saviour. They send magazines and Christ-centered. "Zeal for the glory of nomic, and political disaster. When I newsletters to our members, soliciting God moved the disciples to bear witness was a young preacher searching the funds on the basis of alarming signs of the to the truth with mighty power. Should newspaper for events classified as signs of end with the world collapsing. not this zeal fire our hearts with a longing the times, it took months to dig up the This manipulation by fear omits to a to tell the story of redeeming love, of material that I can now find in a single great extent the thrilling experience of Christ and Him crucified? Should not issue of an average city newspaper. To salvation and having a daily, joyful walk the power of God be even more mightily put it mildly, the signs of Christ's return with Christ. The focus of the end-time revealed today than in the time of the are literally shouting at us in deafening should not be on coming events but on apostles?" (ibid., p. 698). A zeal that is decibels. And we can expect this trend the coming Redeemer. We dare not born merely of the signs of the time is

28 MINISTRY/JUNE/1986 based on a fear motivation and not a love Make certain you have a personal monthly amounts. Each month each motivation. relationship with Him and preach with account gets a certain amount. We can't It may seem easier, for the time, to such warmth and appeal that hearts will spend more than that which is in the grip the attention of the people by be softened and made submissive to His account. Some accounts grow from reciting the latest crime statistics, or will. I like the following statement: "The month to month, to be ready when big predicting the collapse of the financial second coming of the Son of man is to be bills such as car insurance come along. world, or listing the wars and rumors of the wonderful theme kept before the We don't charge if we don't have the wars—these problems have ever been people. Here is a subject that should not money, and we don't run up bills on with the human race, as Jesus said in be left out of our discourses. Eternal credit cards. Matthew 24. In fact, He clearly stated realities must be kept before the mind's I'm not saying that we never have that they were not to be alarmed over eye, and the attractions of the world will money problems, but we have done 100 wars, etc. (Matt. 24:6). His main appear as they are, altogether profitless as percent better since we started our concern was that we not be deceived by vanity. . .. We are pilgrims and strangers budget.—Pastor Chad McComas, Cor- false christs and false prophets. Not be who are waiting, hoping, and praying for vallis, Oregon. deceived over the performance of great that blessed hope, the glorious appearing signs and miracles that will almost of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. If deceive the very elect. Matthew 24 we believe this and bring it into our I need help centers more on warnings against practical life, what vigorous action I really appreciate your magazine and deception than signs in the social, would this faith and hope inspire; what all the many articles, features, and news economic, and political world. He talks fervent love one for another; what items about the church. But I need more about the surprise element in His return. careful holy living for the glory of God; help. As a young pastor in a small district Whether we are alive or dead when He and in our respect for the recompense of of two churches, I find myself thrown returns, it still will be a great surprise. the reward, what distinct lines of demar into the Adventist pastoral greenhouse Remember that the last heartbeat is in cation would be evidenced between us at the lowest level (not pejorative!): the effect the Second Coming for those who and the world" (ibid., p. 220). level of the grass roots—where the die in Christ. Let the preaching of the second people are, and I'm faced with a situation My fellow ministers, lift up Christ. Let coming of Christ be a focal point in our not uncommon to many pastors. I'm in a Him be the focus of our worship services. Harvest 90 program.—N.C. W. church needing revival, reformation, and leadership. And I'd like to ask that you publish a series of articles on 1 Review and Herald, Dec. 15, 1896. discipling your members as well as Letters 2 Letter 97, 1898, in The SDA Bible Commen discipling (or disciplining) yourself. From page 2 tary, vol. 7, p. 925. Kind of pithy, down-to-earth advice on 3 Review and Herald, Jan. 7, 1904. Christ "took upon Him our sinful 4 Manuscript 16, 1890, in The SDA Bible how to do it. How others have done it nature,"' and yet "He was born without a Commentary, vol. 7, p. 907. and how to begin! taint of sin."2 "On all points except sin, 5 Review and Herald, Jan. 26, 1911. Also, if you could present what it 6 The Desire of Ages, p. 266. divinity was to touch humanity. "3 From 7 Signs of the Times, June 9, 1898, in The SDA means in terms of commitment, evan His first entrance into the world Christ Bible Commentary, vol. 5, p. 1131. gelism, and time spent with members, to letter 8, 1895, in The SDA Bible Commentary, was "untainted by corruption";4 He was vol. 5, pp. 1128, 1129. disciple them as one develops an evan "incorruptible and undefiled";5 He came gelistic but also a nurturing church, it to dwell in humanity but received no would be a fantastic boon to me. I hear of pollution. 6 We therefore should have Focus on evangelism developing the evangelistic church, but "no misgivings in regard to the perfect I just received my February issue of nurturing and discipling are stuck in on sinlessness of the human nature of MINISTRY magazine, and found it very the side, as if throwing a bone to the ones Christ."7 enjoyable. I believe that this is the best advocating this ministry. "Be careful, exceedingly careful, as to issue of MINISTRY I have seen in months. You see, I grope daily with my how you dwell upon the human nature of It's good to see MINISTRY beginning to education and background of theological Christ. Do not set Him before the people focus on evangelism, leadership, and the studies in a real world. The Bible says all as a man with the propensities of sin. . . . priorities of the church. I believe that are ministers. Yet somehow we cater to Never, in any way, leave the slightest these are essential as we seek to inspire the concept and to authors of books on impression upon human minds that a our membership to rally to meet the the subject, but hesitate to develop taint of, or inclination to, corruption Great Commission that Jesus has given programs, initiate dialogue, and teach rested upon Christ, or that He in any way us.—James L. Stevens, Trenton, New pastors how to do this outside of tradi yielded to corruption. . . . That which is Jersey. tional means of evangelism! revealed is for us and for our children, Anarchy and chaos are not my goals or but let every human being be warned desires! The reality of truly equipping our from the ground of making Christ Living on one salary members and trusting them in ministry is altogether human, such an one as My wife and I make it on one salary. the growing edge of God's ministry ourselves; for it cannot be."8—E.G. About four years ago we developed and today. And I need help, MINISTRY!— Webster, Director, Bible Correspon began to follow a budget. Since then we Pastor Dave. dence School, Cape Town, South have done much better financially. We Eds. Are you listening, church adminis Africa. broke down our annual costs into trators? We can't do this by ourselves. MINISTRY/JUNE/1986 29 FOR THE PASTORS TWO NEW CONTINUING EDUCATION COURSES

QUESTIONS CElfER QUESTIONS ABOUT (CONTINUING^ ABOUT SALVATION EDUCTION CONFLICT

*Is there unconditional security? *Can you recognize the warning ("once saved always saved") signs of conflict? *Can the believer have the assurance *Is your method in handling of salvation presently? conflict working? *Why did Christ have to die? *What are the pitfalls that always Questions about the MORAL appear in conflict? ATONEMENT THEORY examined. *Can you determine God's wiH in the * Can the believer live a sinless life? decisions you make? These and many more questions will be plainly answered in this course on THE

BIBLICAL PROBLEM SOLVING MEANING AND OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION SALVATION by DONALD G. REYNOLDS by This course wiH. help you DR.HANS K. LARONDELLE manage conflict creatively.

__ Course Components . ___ Course Components __ 8 audio CASSETTES of actual A "walk-through" working syllabus lectures by the author 4 audio cassettes TEXTBOOK 2 textbooks, case studies STUDY GUIDE and supplemental material an for only all for only $17.95 $39.95

Each course awards 2 continuing education unit credits.

To order these courses for your pastors please write to Dr. Rex D. Edwards, Coordinator, Continuing Education General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, 6840 Eastern Avenue, N. W., Washington, D. C. 20012 Shop Talk

Real Truth Bible lessons Courses available in directors are among the fea based on volume 1 of The Real Truth is an French and Spanish are the tures. Workshop directors Arthur White's six-volume inexpensive, professionally health course, the regular include Harold Swan, Mari biography of Ellen G. produced series of Bible les Bible lessons, and the lyn Keiser, Ardis Freeman, White. sons that is especially suit Advanced I lessons. They Morris Taylor, and Marvin Pastor's kits with sample able for mass distribution or should be ordered from the Robertson. materials and complete house-to-house use. Origi Health and Temperance Special features include instructions are still avail nally produced by the North Director, Inter-American daily creative worship ser able free! Write to Shirley American Division Ministe Division, P.O. Box 140760, vices led by C. Mervyn Welch, Review and Herald rial Association, some of Miami, Florida 33114- Maxwell, of the Theologi Publishing Association, 55 the lessons are now avail 0760. cal Seminary, an organ con West Oak Ridge Drive, able in French and Spanish. cert by C. Warren Becker, Hagerstown, Maryland The series includes a and a choral concert by the 21740. course on health, one on Who©s new in town? John T. Hamilton Chorale. the family, and three on If you've ever wished you For more information, basic Bible doctrines. Each could contact all the people call Douglas Macomber, Ministry to Jews course has eight lessons. in your community who convention chairman, at Two new books by The first Bible course is have recently purchased a Robert L. Odom, who was designed to create an inter home, Reaching the New for many years editor of The est in the Bible through comer may be able to supply Israelite magazine, are now study of several important you with a valuable service. available from Israel Heri topics. The Advanced I Their service is not cheap tage Institute. Israel's Pre- course begins presentation ($495 per year plus a one- existent Messiah deals with of distinctive Seventh-day time setup fee of $25), but the Hebrew understanding Adventist doctrines, and they can supply you with a of the preexistence of the the Advanced II course monthly computer printout Messiah as it is revealed in leads through more truths to of all the people in your both biblical and extrabibli- a definite appeal for deci county who purchased a cal sources, and concludes sions. home that month, plus an with an appeal to be loyal to Another part of the indication of the cost of the the Messiah who has been course is a complete plan for home. They also offer a free revealed to Israel. follow-up through a gradua one-month trial subscrip Israel's Angel Extraordi tion ceremony for those tion. Write to Reaching the nary is a study of the Old who complete all the les Newcomer, P.O. Box 640, (303) 744-8389. The regis Testament concept of sons. Diplomas are also Grapevine, Texas 76051. tration fee of US$70 should Michael. It leads into a available. be sent to "Dimensions in study of the heavenly sanc A descriptive brochure is Music and Worship," c/o tuary and our heavenly available from the General Church musicians© work Marge Rasmussen, 36634 High Priest. The books are Conference of Seventh-day shop Angeline Circle, Livonia, available for $3 each, or Adventists, North Ameri Michigan 48150. The Seventh-day $100 for a box of 50 from can Division Ministerial Adventist Church Musi Israel Heritage Institute, Association, 6840 Eastern cians' Guild invites you to P.O. Box 1368, New York, Avenue NW., Washing attend "Dimensions in Adventist Roots New York 10475. ton, D.C. 20012. Music and Worship" June The Adventist Roots Courses and diplomas in 17-21 on the La Sierra cam Countdown program, a 10- Bible credits: Texts credited to English may be ordered pus of Loma Linda Univer part series originally adver N.I.V. are from The Holy Bibk: from the same address with a sity. The program has been tised in MINISTRY in August New International Version. Copy conference purchase order planned with a strong of last year, has been a great right © 1973, 1978, International Bible Society. Used by permission only. Price for the lessons is emphasis on the needs of blessing to many congrega of Zondervan Bible Publishers. 35 cents per eight-lesson both the professional and tions. It is designed for use Texts credited to N.K.J.V. are set. Diplomas are $10 for the local-church musician. in the midweek service. from The New King James Ver sion. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 100. All orders will be Workshops for choral Similar in many respects 1982, Thomas Nelson, Inc., Pub billed an additional 10 per directors, organists, hand to the Testimony Count lishers. Texts credited to R.S.V. cent for shipping and han are from the Revised Standard bell choir directors, pia down programs of several Version of the Bible, copyrighted dling. nists, and children's choir years ago, this program is 1946, 1952 © 1971, 1973.

MINISTRY/JUNE/1986 31 Biblio File

Slavery, Sabbath, War, and Women This book is refreshing because it This is one in a series of books Willard M. Swartley, Herald Press, applies the insights of behavioral science discussing current issues facing the evan Scottsdale, Pennsylvania, 1983, 366 and business techniques to church gelical Christian. The author gives an pages, $15.95, paper. Reviewed by Wayne growth, but not on a secular basis. These overview of the controversy, approach Willey, pastor, Amesbury, Massachusetts. techniques must be submitted to and ing the subject from the perspective of This book provides an excellent intn> tested by the biblical standards. The "scientific creationism." Readers should duction to the principles of biblical author plainly underlines the fact that keep in mind that evangelical Christians interpretation. But the author's effec' the mission and responsibility of the have other interpretations of the same tiveness at applying these principles to church is the salvation of the lost. He data, and should supplement this book four specific issues is not uniformly perceives church growth as Christians with writers who approach Creation strong. working to win those outside of Christ from a more theological slant. When dealing with slavery, which and to engage them in extending and most consider a settled issue, Swartley repeating the process. Well-intentioned Dragons. Marshall provides a clear application of the Shelky, Word, Waco, Texas, 1985, 153 biblical principles. But his handling of pages, $8.95. the Sabbath issue is disappointing, and The Christian Legal Advisor Dragons are alive and well in the his treatment of war is even worse, John Eidsmoe, Mott Media, Milford, Mich twentieth century. They show up as considering the rich tradition of Men- igan, 1984, 578 pages, $21.95. Reviewed church members who are deeply loyal to nonite exposition on that issue. His by Pastor Wayne WiUey, Amesbury, Mas the church, well meaning, and con treatment of the place of women in the sachusetts. vinced that they are serving God. But church is the least adequate of all. This volume should be in every they question the pastor's sincerity, In spite of these inadequacies, Swart- pastor's library. Eidsmoe, professor of law loyalty, and vision. It is not pleasant ley's work does provide a good overview at Oral Roberts University, deals with ministering under attack, but using a of the principles of biblical interpreta important issues such as the priest-peni variety of case histories, the author gives tion. It raises the issues, and then calls us tent privilege, clergy malpractice, and strategies for working with dragons to deal with those issues from a biblical areas of potential church-state conflict without becoming one. perspective. such as private schools and home schools. If ever you are called into court Overcoming Barriers to Witnessing to testify or stand trial on any of these Delos Miles, Broadman Press, Nashville, issues, you or your attorney will find Tennessee, 1984, 131 pages, $4.95, Eidsmoe's volume of inestimable value. paper. Reviewed by Dennis Smith. This is a practical book that could be of help to a pastor conducting a witness Recently Published _.:rs O 2 ing class or preparing a sermon on Church, Ministry, and Sacraments in J^TC" C - S- ^ ^ "^ ^ witnessing. It is written primarily for lay the New Testament. C. K. Barrett, o"2.2™Sf= » S Christians who want to overcome the William B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., Grand barriers that keep them from witnessing. Rapids, Michigan, 1985, 112 pages,

The barriers dealt with are fear, lack of $6.95, paper. C. perfection (I'm not good enough to The author, a noted New Testament Cu §9 = 3 witness), lack of gifts (I don't have the scholar, deals with these three themes in - ^"^_ right gifts), professional (that's the min a nontechnical manner. Writing to set ister's job), model (I'm no Billy Gra the stage for contemporary issues of ham), time, knowledge, lack of power, ecumenism, he sets forth the New Q > Z i ?3 S theological (I don't believe . . .), age, Testament understanding of these con 5S friendship (I'm too close to . . .). The cepts clearly and forcefully. He shows book gives practical suggestions for that each of these has central and dealing wth each barrier. peripheral aspects, and that each has temporal, provisional, and ordinary fea tures. He points out that what is essential Balanced Church Growth is not things—the church, the ministry, Ebbie C. Smith, Broadman Press, Nash' the sacraments—but Jesus Christ. vilk, Tennessee, 1984, 178pages, $5.95, paper. Reviewed by Patrick Boyle, Steward The Controversy: Roots of the Cre ship and Sabbath School director, South ation/Evolution Conflict. Donald E. England Conference of Seventh-day Chittick, Mwltnomah Press, Portland, Ore Adventists. gon, 1984, 280pages, $12.95.

32 MINISTRY/JUNE/1986