FIRS T; INISTRY Ministry Is the international journal of the© Seventh-day Adventist Ministerial Association and has been published since 1928.

Association Secretary James A. Cress Editor Willmore D. Eva Managing Editor Julia W. Norcott Editorial Assistant Sheila Draper A study indicating specific leadership qualities and Professional Growth and Inter-church Relations practices that make good leaders Ntkpiaus Satelmajer Contributing Editors: Sharon Cress, Peter Prime, Joel Skip Bell and Roger Dudley Sarli, Kit Watts Internationa! Editors: Inter-American Division Felix Cortes South Arriertcan Division Zinaldo A. Santos in Consulting Editors: The eighth part ofMinistry©s extended series on the Ben Clausen, Raoul Dederen, Teofilo Ferreira, Ron Flowers, John ty|. Fowler, Michael Hasel, Roland Seventh-day Adventist faith Hegstad, Kathleen Kuntaraf, Ekkehardt Mueller, |an Paulsen, Robert Peach, Angel Manuel Rodriguez, Penny Ivan T. Blazen .Shell, William Shea, Russell Staples, Richard Tibbits, Ted Wilson, Edward© Zlnke Pastoral Assistant Editors: |ohn C. Cress, Fredrick Russell, Maylan Schurch, Loren Seibold Oft International Advisors: Alejandro Bullon, John Duroe, Andrews Laurence Ewoo, Paulraj Isaiah, Anthony A significant report and commentary on the release Kent, jairyong Lee, Ivan Manilich, Zacchaeus Mathema, Gabriel Maurer, Ivan Omana, David Osborne, Peter of a new edition of an important and controversial .Roennfeldt, Raymond Zeeman

book Pastoral Advisors: Leslie Baumgartner, S. Peter Campbell, Miguel A. Cerna, Jeanne Hartwell, Mitchell Woodrow W. Whidden Henson, Norma Osborn, Leslie Pollard, Dan Smith, Steve WIHsey Advertising Editorial Office Resources Cathy Payne Cover Art From the original painting by Nathan in Creene, "The Lamb of God." Copyright 2000. All rights reserved. Used by permission. To learn more about the Helpful insights into the question of relating to artist and his paintings, visit www.hartclassics.com difficult people and viewpoints Cover Design Harry Knox John E. Tumpkin Subscriptions: 12 issues: United States US$29.99; Canada and overseas US$31.99; airmail US$41.75; single copy US$3.00. To order, send name, address, and payment to Ministry Subscriptions, 12501 Old as Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904 U.S.A. Circulation queries, subscription renewals, address changes (use either Email address): Ema©ii: [email protected] Do some worship practices sanctioned in biblical [email protected] fax: 301-680-6502 antiquity have anything to say to us today? Phone: 301-680-6510 Kai Arasola To Writers: We welcome unsolicited manuscripts. Editorial preference is to receive manuscripts on diskette with name, address, telephone and fax numbers; and Social Security number (if U.S. citizen or possessing a U.S. Social Security number). Send editorial correspondence to 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD. 20904-6600. to Phone: 301-680-6510; fax: 301-680-6502; Email: [email protected] or A challenging way of relating to homosexual people [email protected] (editorial offices). in your church Writer©s Guidelines available on request. Ministry (ISSN 0026-5314), the international journal Carrol Crady of the Seventh-day Adventist Ministerial Association 2003, is published monthly by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and printed by Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1350 N. Kings Road, Nampa, ID 83687- 3193. Member Associated Church Press. Standard mail A to postage paid at Nampa, Idaho, PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. A unique way for North American ministers to use Vol. 75 Number 8

Bible credits: Texts credited to NIV are from the Holy Bible, New International the Internet Version. Copyright 1973,1978,1984 by the International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers Bible texts credited to NRSVare from the New SeviserJ standard Version of the Bible Copyright 1989 by tile Division of Sean Carney and Tamara Shetler Christian Education of-the National Counol of the Churches of Christ in the USA Used by permission. AS rights reserved. Bible texts credited to RSV are from the Revised Standard Version ol the fiible. Copyright 1946,1952,1971 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, Used-by permission.

MINISTRY August 2003 T T R

THE WRITER ACCUSED OF HE TO AUTHORS

n the April 2003 edition of Ministry, a rent scholarship and practical material. It for God, I did not act like that" (Neh. I letter to the editor appeared objecting would seem to me that along with this 5:15, NIV). That©s what Peter and to Rex Edwards©s article "Spiritual very negative letter to the editor Rex Edwards did. Leadership or Baptized Secularism," Edwards should have the opportunity to Isn©t it true that the autocratic, dem which appeared in the September 2002 reply. [See below.] This practice is very ocratic, and laisszez-faire styles of issue. noticeable in Adventist journals such as leadership [still] exist today in the The writer accused Edwards of poor Adventist Review and Signs. Such a reply church, no matter when the terms scholarship because he made references could very well clear the air for the letter were first used? Edwards expounds on to authors published too many years writer. the democratic, developmental style ago. I carefully looked at Edwards©s 17 lorry Yeagley, Charlotte, Michigan. that he espouses. He bridges the gap references [a number of other similar between the past and the present in references were excluded in the editing hanks for the great job you are understandable language that shapes process, to conserve space] and found Tdoing with Ministry*. his underlying thesis. Howson©s quote one from 1987, five from 1993, and one Having been in leadership training (2001 by Bartol) about "cooperation, from 1997. The writer quoted an author on six continents for a number of years, partnership, and consensus" is up-to- by the name of Bartol, but didn©t men I can©t help but respond to Rex date, but no more valid than the tion the title of the book or the publish Edwards©s article, "Spiritual Leadership comparable words of John Stott or my er, so I was unable to check the context or Baptized Secularism," and particular friend Ted Engstrom. So, let©s be careful from which the quotation was drawn. ly to Keith Howson©s response. about our judgment of others. I©m not sure that the three styles of "A rose by any other name smells as Right, "a rose by any other name leadership, autocratic, laissez-faire, and sweet." That famous line by Shake smells as sweet." democratic, are from the dinosaur age, speare can well apply to Rex©s article. Donald C. Reynolds, Mount Vernon, Ohio. even though they originated in 1938, Sure it©s always good to use current as the letter writer claimed. One has authors as Edwards does (Kouzes and Rex Edwards replies: As I read Mr. only to visit churches and speak to pas Posner, Shawchuck and Heuser and Howson©s critique of my article tors to discover that all three styles of Mullins), but to blast the whole article "Spiritual Leadership or Baptized leadership are still being practiced. on the basis of older quotes seems Secularism," I thought of a line that The letter writer©s quotation listed unfair, and I©ll tell you why. Incidentally, Shakespeare put into the mouth of cooperation, partnership, and consen I have even quoted Socrates and Plato Julius Caesar, to wit: "What you have sus as more contemporary views of on a couple of good points. said, I will consider; what you have to leadership. When I read Edwards©s arti The oldest quote of all was from say, I will with patience hear; and find a cle I noticed that he advocates all three Scripture. Yes, of course, inspired men time both meet to hear and answer." of these; besides, all three are included wrote those words, but the principles Let me preface my response by say in the democratic style. hold no matter the date of writing. ing that I was motivated to write I co-lectured with Rex Edwards in Take a look at Nehemiah, Peter, and "Spiritual Leadership or Baptized Professional Growth Seminars for many Edwards they all described the detri Secularism" because leadership mal years. Pastors from many faiths mental effects of leadership by lord practice is unfortunately still widespread expressed great appreciation for his cur ship. Nehemiah said, "Out of reverence continued on page 8

If you©re receiving Ministry bimonthly and haven©t paid for a subscription, it©s not a mistake. Since 1928 Ministry has been Free Subscription published for Seventh-day Adventist ministers. We believe, howeyerfthat- the time has come for clergy everywhere.to experience a resurgence of faith in the authority of Scripture and in the great truths that reveal the gaspel-ofout salvation by grace, through faith alone in Jesus Christ, We want to share our aspirations and faith in a way that will provide inspiration and h?ipMiyou as clergy. We hope you will accept this journal as our outstretched hand to you. Look over our shoulder, take what you want and find hejpfyl, awij/scanl what you can©t use,; Bimonthly gift subscriptions are available to all licensed and/or ordained clergy. Requests should be on church letterhead and .addressed to the editoria/ office.

August 2003 MINISTRY EDITORIAL

Old issues ongoing

long with Christians since the and living each day with our fallen first century, Seventh-day human nature upon Him, demonstrated A Adventists have had their strug that through faith in His Father, sin gles with the question of what kind of could by all means be overcome, and so nature |esus took when He, "the Word," WILL EVA verified that, through the inner work of became "flesh" (John 1:14). Our ques the Holy Spirit, every struggling tion has been, To what extent and in Christian may do as He did, in the way which ways did Jesus possess a sinful He did it. human nature versus a sinless divine Yet it is important to clarify that when nature, and how do these two natures all this has been done in the life of the meet in Him and relate to human salva Christian, the resulting goodness, hav tion? ing passed through a defective human The soul mate of the "nature-of- channel, can be acceptable only when Christ" issue (at least when it comes to hidden by faith in the absolute perfec the Adventist dialogue over these be both helpful and interesting to tion of Jesus Himself (see, for example, things) is the question, of course, of the republish an insert (found at the center Selected Messages, Book 1, p. 344). This role of Christ©s imparted sinless perfec of this issue) that Ministry first presented is and indeed must be, because His tion, worked out in the heart and 33 years ago in its October 1970 issue. nature is and was completely sinless. behavior of the Christian believer by While volumes of water have passed It seems to me that one of the great faith, versus the role of Jesus© own per under the theological bridge of our est challenges in all this is to embrace sonal perfection, "credited to the Church since 1970, we at Ministry find the fact that, regardless of where we account" of the Christian by faith ourselves in basic agreement with the stand in any dialogue, there is a defiant (imputed), through an outright gift of positions that were taken on the issues ly frustrating mystery to Jesus© nature. God©s grace. These particular issues and discussed by the three essayists in this This is especially so when we seek to the way they relate to one another, are insert. For instance, both the collection understand its finer implications. particularly potent in the Adventist and especially the correlation of Ellen For example, none of us has had, mind and heart when coupled with the White citations found on and around and therefore cannot know what it real close of "probation," the final judg page 12 of the insert are some of the ly means to have a divine side, as such, ment, and the second coming of Christ. most well-balanced and revealing that to our natures, whether quiescent or Seventh-day Adventists, many at could be presented. not. Further, it is clear that Jesus was least, are divided when it comes to these Even when these are carefully placed born and came to this earth under things. While there is a profound fatigue next to similar statements that empha entirely unique circumstances, different within the Adventist soul when it comes size other important aspects of these from ours, and therefore received a to such discussions and the tensions and matters, they stand as sentinels one-of-a-kind nature, the Holy Spirit divisions they tend to bring, there is also unabashedly affirming the absolute sin- being as literally His progenitor for His a compelling significance to aspects of lessness of the human nature of Jesus human incarnational sojourn as human the dialogue. The publication of two Christ, who as such is both qualified and words could ever describe such a reality articles in this journal have and will entitled to stand before God in our (Luke 1:35). inevitably raise questions about these behalf, so that in Him we may have a But when all is said and done, the things among some of our readers. well founded confidence before God evidence, experience, and also the qual First, there is Roy Naden©s doctrinal (1 John 2:28), even after the close of ity of the Seventh-day Adventists that study, "The Nature of Christ: Four "probation" and at the moment of final form the ecclesiastical fault lines com Measures of a Mystery." Then there is judgment. posing the sides in our struggle over Woodrow Whidden©s important article On the other hand, in this insert these questions, are such that it is cru in this issue, reporting and commenting there is much to substantiate the cial for us to cease considering someone on the republication of the book superb truth that Jesus, as a through- less than authentically Christian or Questions on Doctrine, and-through human being, facing all Adventist if they take a position differ Given these articles, we felt it would the temptations common to humans, ent from the one we take, m

MINISTRY August 2003 ministerial secretaries, a survey of 62 members of eight conference executive committees in various regions of the North American Division, and a review of church-growth liter ature. Thirty-four of the respondents to the aforementioned 62-person conference execu tive committee survey, were not church employees or ministry professionals, 11 were pastors, 17 were administrators. Linking leadership Analysis of the above-mentioned research steps1 led us to establish the following set of criteria for measuring pastoral success: and successful 1. The growth of the church. 2. The motivation and development of members in ministry. pastoring: 3. Effective communication of the Word of God. 4. Effective soul-winning ministry. 5. A compelling, well-communicated, An investigation inspiring vision for growth. 6. Inspiring worship services. 7. Spiritual strength in personal and fam o leadership practices correlate ily life. Roger Dudley and Skip Bell with successful pastoral min 8. A ministry that contributes to unity in istry? We ask this question the church. because we frequently notice 9. A ministry that builds trust among that, while programs and constituents. Dresources vary and change, progress seems to 10. A ministry that multiplies loving rela be a constant with certain pastors. tionships in the church. What empowers these church leaders to 11. Attendance increases. continue with unusual success, even when 12. Giving patterns that are improving. their ministry context or emphasis changes? 13. The ability of the church to sustain The question becomes more complex when healthy growth. we consider that people equally devoted to Roger Dudley, Ed.D., is Jesus, seem to experience differing levels of A framework of leadership practices director of the Institute success; thus suggesting that it is difficult to The opening questions, identified above, of Church Ministry, Andrews University, conclude that spiritual commitment alone is also require that a cluster, or "framework," of Berrien Springs, the factor that predicts pastoral success as we leadership practices be defined. A practice is a Michigan customarily define it. recurring pattern of behavior predictable Is leadership practice, rather than particu within a person in response to a certain envi lar programs or resources, the "constant" that ronment. In the case of pastoral leadership accompanies pastoral success? practices, it is the dominant way a person thinks, feels, or acts in an environment that Success criteria for pastoral ministry evokes pastoral leadership behaviors. Such questions require agreement regard Innumerable systems exist for the con ing the criteria composing pastoral success. struction of a leadership practice framework. Achieving such agreement is an ambitious We referenced a framework with five practices pursuit. The conversations and perspectives applicable to church leadership the research Skip Bell, D.Min., is of varied constituencies of the church must from TCP/Learning Systems founded by Jim associate professor of Kouzes and Tom Peters. church leadership and be assimilated, objective analysis provided, director of the Doctor of and a set of criteria put forward. Five key leadership practices make up the Ministry program, We have identified a set of criteria for qual Kouzes-Posner leadership framework: chal Andrews University, ifying success in pastoral ministry through lenging the process, inspiring a shared vision, Berrien Springs, interviews with pastors, members, and church enabling others to act, modeling the way, and Michigan. administrators, a focus group composed of encouraging the heart.2 This leadership frame-

August 2003 MINISTRY TABLE 1: Comparisons of "Average" and "Successful" Pastors on Five Leadership Practices

Leadership Practice Mean of "Average" Pastors Mean of "Successful Pastors Challenging the Process 35.4 (59%) 43.0 (72%) .001* Inspiring a Shared Vision 37.7 (63%) 45.1 (75%) .001* Enabling Others to Act 41.5 (69%) 47.5 (79%) .001* Modeling the Way 39.7 (66%) 45.5 (76%) .013* Encouraging the Heart 38.7 (65%) 45.7 (76%) .001* Combined Leadership Practices 190.3 228.0 .001* ©Probability that the differences in the two samples result from chance. All numbers have been rounded to the nearest tenth of a percentage point. work has been assessed in numerous these conferences. Each of them was Practices Inventory for "Observers," studies with an instrument known as asked to list five pastors in that con to each lay leader along with a letter the Leadership Practices Inventory, ference who significantly fitted the including these instructions: "Your which has been used in several stud success criteria, and randomly select pastor has been selected to be part of ies of church organizations.3 five pastors who would represent an a research project of leadership prac average performance under this stan tices among Seventh-day Adventist The research samples dard. pastors across North America. To investigate possible correlation Sixteen conferences responded, "As a leader in your local congrega between leadership practices and suc sending 66 names for those recom tion, your help is needed for this proj cessful pastoral ministry, we had to mended as meeting the success ect. Included in this envelope you will secure two sample groups of pastors criteria, and 56 as representing the find a Leadership Practices Inventory distinguished by this set of criteria, average. We then examined confer survey called ©Observer© with instruc one group representing distinctive ence directories and identified tions on the front cover ... as well as success and the other a more average congregational leadership lists for a self-addressed, postage-paid, return norm. To achieve this in our study, each congregation served by a pastor envelope. We are asking that you sim we selected a purposive sample of 23 named on either list. From these we ply fill out the survey according to the conferences in the NAD. We sent a selected three lay leaders from each instructions and return it in the enve list of the pastoral success criteria to congregation. We mailed the assess lope provided." the ministerial secretary of each of ment tool, the 30-item Leadership The lay member was also informed that "all responses are anonymous and highly confidential, so please do WESTPOINT OF EVANGELISM not discuss this survey with anyone." Thus, the pastors were not aware that "Share the Vision% lay leaders were rating them. i? Analysis Simi Valley, California ^ We received 199 usable surveys, A special Council for evangelists, evaluating 109 pastors.4 These data consist of 120 responses on 62 pastors pastor-evangelists, lav from the "success" group, and 79 ami people of all aees interested 4 * ^ ^S^^v. ;-©-: responses on 47 in the "average" In winning hearts for Christ group. Each pastor received a score on the five leadership practices, with a maximum score of 60. These data Keynote speaker: were analyzed using the Statistical Ron Halvorsen Packages for the Social Sciences (SPSS) program for the difference between two independent means. An average Find more information online at: http://www.puconline.Qrg/article.php7itt64 score for each group of pastors on Sponsored by The Voice of Prophecy and Pacific Union Conference, in association each of the five leadership practices is with Amazing Facts, Faith For Today, It Is Written, The Quiet Hour, and the North Pacific Union Conference shown in Table 1. The percentage

MINISTRY August 2003 next to the average score is that of the average score compared to the total possible score of 60. The average scores for the combined five practices Adventist are also shown. Health In every case the mean score of the "successful" pastors is significantly higher than the mean score of the "average" group. Statisticians general ly accept the .05 level or lower as indi cating a significant difference between two groups. This indicates that there are fewer than five chances in a hundred that these differences could be obtained if there were no real Don©t let your church miss out! differences in the population group Encourage your members to be among the 125,000 Adventists (all NAD pastors) from which these in USA who join the new Adventist Health Study. samples were drawn. In four of the five differences the This is a chance for all English level is .001. This indicates that only speaking Adventists in the U.S. one chance in a thousand exists that 35 years or older (30 or older if these groups are not really different. African American/Black) to be The one exception is in the part of one of the largest and most exciting studies of its kind "Modeling the Way" category. Even (Participation is iim/ted toAdventisls in the U-S) here the .013 level indicates that only about thirteen chances in a thousand If you have ever used previous could yield these results if no differ AHS research findings in your ence actually existed. ministry you©ll know the value of Furthermore, if we combine all the this new study. practices into one super-leadership Pastors in USA don©t miss scale, we find an average mean of out! Here©s your chance to be about 228 for the "success" group of personally involved in creating pastors and only about 190 for the a new ministry resource "average" group. Adventist pastors one that you and Pastors who meet the success criteria adopted worldwide will use in the are significantly more likely (.001 future to help people discover level) to be rated higher on leadership better health. skills than pastors whose perform ance is considered average. On each of the five leadership practices (Challenging the Process, Inspiring a Shared Vision, Enabling LOMA LINDA UNIVERSITY Others to Act, Modeling the Way, and SCHOOL OF PIIBLIC HEALTH Encouraging the Heart) the pastors IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OAKWOOD COLLEGE who qualified under the "success" cri AND THE teria were significantly higher than SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST^ the pastors who formed the "average" CHURCHES OF NORTH AMERICA group. This was also true when all five practices were combined into a "super-leadership-practice" scale. While this relationship does not prove that one causes the other, it seems that applying superior leader ship practices enables pastors to be more successful. This study has

August 2003 MINISTRY received eight that were discarded due to various Changing the the lilorld. problems, three that were returned with a refusal to participate, 14 that were returned as undeliverable, and two that arrived after the cut-off date. There were 122 congregations identified, with the survey being sent to three lay members per church or 366 total surveys. If we eliminate the 14 "undeliver- ables," 352 are presumed to have reached their des Seventh-day Rdventist Theological Seminary Rndreuus University tination. If we add the 199 usable surveys, the eight with problems, and the two that were late, the total of returned surveys equals 209. This represents 59 I (ko©hort) a gathering; a band of soldiers; percent of the 352 that were presumably delivered. associates, colleagues, or supporters; fellouu travelers; friends; a group of professionals In the Rndreujs Doctor of Ministry program.

Letters continued from page 3

today in our churches, far more than we Vouth Ministry are willing to admit. We might com Foil 2003 plain at times about church leadership and its shortcomings, but have we evangelism and Church Growth developed a theology of leadership for Spring 2004 ourselves? Can we as the people of God establish a common understanding of leadership in spite of our theological Call about these or other cohorts and philosophical differences? My specific response to Howson is threefold: First, integrity: In my article, 17 quo demonstrated a strong correlation Leadership development is an tations were cited, of which 9 are from between the two. ongoing, intentional, and enduring the pen of contemporary authors, of process. It is not communicated in whom Shawchuck, Kouzes, and Posner The priority of leadership seminars alone, nor in occasional are internationally recognized leader development inspirational messages. The encourag ship authorities. An honest critique One subjective observation seems ing reality is that leadership practices would not have been unfairly selective evident: Investment in leadership can be developed and can grow out of by ignoring the latest contemporary development must become a priority. significant personal and spiritual citations quoted. Howson©s approach is Leadership development itself is fre transformation. either willful misrepresentation or shab quently misunderstood. While it is Thus, it would not only be wise by scholarship. beyond the limitation of this report but imperative to devote considerable Second, objectivity: Admittedly, I was to prescribe a leadership develop attention in graduate ministerial edu using a dated construct, but that is not ment process, we must define the cation and in lifelong continuing a sound enough reason to dismiss it. terms of this observation. education to develop and inculcate The three models are still relevant. While there are by all means inde effective leadership practices within Howson©s preoccupation with citation finable, subjective elements that the members of our pastoral family at dates is to the neglect of evaluating the underlie the persona of successful large. ISI stated descriptors. We all might have leaders, professionals who devote benefited if he had set forth an alternate their careers to adult professional leadership model. 1 See Andrews University Seminary Studies, Volume education in the field of leadership 40, number 2, Fall 2002, for a technical report and Third, continuity: The threefold model describe the process on at least three complete data. I cited and which was categorized by levels: (1) personal identification and 2 The framework, published in The Leadership Howson as imprecise and dinosaurial, is Challenge, has been validated consistently in over formation, which certainly incorpo ten years of research (James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. expanded in a precise sixfold model by a rates spiritual formation; (2) under Posner [San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1995]). "contemporary" writer and professor at standing and developing leadership 3 One such notable work is the Ph.D. dissertation of Rutgers University, Dr. Daniel Goleman, T. D. Zook, "An Examination of Leadership practices, often cast as traits; and Practices in Large Protestant Congregations" in an article entitled "Leadership That (3) skill formation, including admin (Indiana University of Pennsylvania, 1993). Gets Results," in Harvard Business Review istrative competencies. 4 in addition to the 199 "usable" surveys, we also (March-April 2000). Summarily:

8 MINISTRY August 2003 (1) There are coercive leaders who carefully and with a sense of genuine dig more deeply into our traditions for demand immediate compliance. (2) concern to help others see change as an examples, and through a process of dia There is authoritative leadership, which opportunity for growth. log to shape new paradigms of tends to mobilize people toward a Goleman carefully elaborates the leadership to empower the people of vision, especially when confusion and strengths and shortcomings of each of God into a renewed partnership with insecurity prevail. If this style is too these styles. Has Goleman resurrected God. Clergy and laity need a shared defensive, it tends to become coercive in the "dinosaur" with this precise catego vision, a common apostolate that is to practice. (3) There is affiliative leader rization of leadership styles? say, a common calling and commission ship, which does not say, "Do what I If the Harvard Business Review article ing to go forth together as God©s say!" but rather "People come first." had been available at the time of my people who are interdependent. This leader places priority on the values submission, it would have been refer I regard feedback as a gift from and feelings of others rather than on enced along with an elaboration of the which I can learn. But I would remind tasks and goals. (4) There is the demo valuable lessons to be learned from Howson that articles are not submitted cratic style of leadership, which is an each style. Notwithstanding, it is clear to Ministry as class assignments or exer excellent approach when there is time that while we can learn from secular cises, and the magazine is not a for consensus building, and to discuss leadership models, as spiritual leaders refereed journal. I was offering only one the options before a decision needs to we need to switch flexibly among and perspective on spiritual leadership. be made. This type, however, can be practice those leadership styles that are However, his critique will serve a useful abused by endless meetings and leaders in keeping with our faith principles and purpose if it motivates Ministry readers who defer to crucial decision making. informed by the Holy Spirit. to re-read my article, judge its fairness (5) There is also the pacesetting style of Christian leadership is complex, and and objectivity or lack of it re-evalu leadership, whereby the head of the there is no single theological formula or ate their own leadership style, and organization expects excellence and infallible guru we can study and emu develop a viable theology of leadership self-direction that points to high stan late as we navigate through the themselves. IB) dards. (6) The coaching style, within leadership challenges. We should wres Rex Edwards, associate vice president and which one acts as a counselor more than tle honestly with the question of director of religious studies, Criggs University, a professor or administrator, listening effective and ineffective leadership, to Silver Spring, Maryland. Want to li within o

.Come to Clinton, Missouri, for a weekend and ose to be on lire instead of dormant, learn how a handf members in a declining church sought God©s vision and experienced a 270% increase in attendance in four years. For more information contact the Mid- America Union Church Revitalization Center toll-free at: (877) 488-2866 or visit: revitalize.maucsda.org. The cost is $45 pet person. All meals are included with your regisration fee.

September 5-7 & October Si-November 2

August 2003 MINISTRY J ELEMENTS OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST FAITH L

MINISTRY Salvation in Jesus

Seventh-day Adventist Statement of God. On the other side of Jesus© of Belief #9: The Life, Death, and earthly life is His resurrection from the Resurrection of Christ. "In Christ©s life of dead and ascent to the Father. perfect obedience to Cod©s will, His suffer It is clear that while Jesus was a real ing, death, and resurrection, Cod human being, He was no ordinary per provided the only means of atonement for son. The one who walked the hills of human sin, so that those who by faith Galilee and the streets of Jerusalem, accept this atonement may have eternal who healed the sick and challenged reli life, and the whole creation may better gious authority and imperial power by understand the infinite and holy love of giving new status to the oppressed, and the Creator. This perfect atonement vindi who was crucified by Pontius Pilate and cates the righteousness of Cod©s law and died as a criminal this was the Son of the graciousness of His character; for it history throughout the Old Testament. God who stood in a special relation to both condemns our sin and provides for It explained Israel©s past, gave meaning both God and humanity. our forgiveness. The death of Christ is sub- to its present, and inspired hope for its He was the eternal Word made flesh, stitutionary and expiatory, reconciling and future. the supreme revelation of the nature transforming. The resurrection of Christ What the Exodus was to the Old and purpose, love and grace of God. proclaims Cod©s triumph over the forces of Testament, the life, death, and resurrec When He spoke, He spoke with divine evil, and for those who accept the atone tion of )esus are to the New. These authority. When He acted, He brought ment assures their final victory over sin interrelated events cast their salvific divine intervention in behalf of a lost and death. It declares the Lordship of radiance over all time. In Jesus a new and struggling humanity. Jesus Christ, before whom every knee in exodus occurs. An exodus from sin and He died as a result of religious politics heaven and on earth will bow. (John 3:16; guilt, evil and suffering, the demonic, and Roman power, but it was no ordi /so. 53; 1 Peter 2:21, 22; 1 Cor. 15:3, 4, and even death itself. nary death. In the biblical witness, He 20-22; 2 Cor. 5:14, 15, 19-21; Rom. 1:4; The expression "God our Saviour," died for our sins as our Representative 3:25; 4:25; 8:3, 4; 1 John 2:2; 4:10, Col. found in the Pastoral Epistles (1 Tim. and Substitute and as an atoning 2:15; Phil. 2:6-11.) 1:1; 2:3; Titus 1:3; 2:10) is an appropri Sacrifice through which forgiveness of ate title for God since it sums up the sin and newness of life are granted. he good news of Scripture cen whole history of His saving activity in In His death and resurrection He was ters in the reality that "God is behalf of His people. Significantly, a par victor over the forces of evil and the Tlove" (1 John 4:16). Because of allel to this phrase in the Pastoral dominion of death. Through union with "the great love with which he loved us" Epistles is the expression "Jesus our Him as the resurrected Lord, this victory (Eph. 2:4, NRSV) He has become "the Saviour" (Titus 1:4). This juxtaposition is ours. Until the day He comes again, God of our salvation" (1 Chr. 16:35; Ps. reveals that what God does redemp- when every knee bows and confesses 79:9). As the Savior He calls all human tively, He does primarily in Jesus. Jesus Him as Lord to the glory of God the ity to turn to Him and be saved (Isa. embodies God©s saving purpose. Father, it is our privilege to already call 45:22). In response we can affirm: "But Him Savior and Lord, and to accept His as for me, I will look to the Lord, I will Jesus: the divine and the gift and receive His summons, "Come wait for the God of my salvation; my human and follow Me." God will hear me" (Mic. 7:7, RSV). Jesus© earthly life is framed on both When the budding Israelite nation sides by divine events and meanings. The invitation of Jesus was in slavery in Egypt, God heard their Mark begins the story of Jesus with His In a pithy summary of the essence of cry (Exod. 2:23, 24) and, with a mighty baptism, when He was empowered by Jesus© teaching ministry, Mark 1:14, 15 hand, brought them out to freedom God©s Spirit and identified as God©s Son. says that Jesus entered Galilee with a (Deut. 26:8). The Exodus was the great Matthew and Luke begin with Jesus© threefold announcement. est salvation event prior to the coming virgin birth by the action of the Spirit. First, "the time is fulfilled." This state of Christ as Messiah. Its themes are John traces Jesus© origin to His preexis- ment must have sent shivers up the woven into the description of salvation tence as the Word in the eternal realm spiritual spines of His hearers, for they

10 MINISTRY August 2003 had waited long for the fulfillment of their messianic, eschatological hope of redemption. )esus announces here that their wait is over. Something of greatest magnitude, to which the Old Testament gave witness, is about to be disclosed and revealed. Second, Jesus gives specific form to the time of fulfillment by declaring that "the kingdom of God is at hand." To speak of God©s kingdom is to refer to the reign, or rule, of God. In other words, God, as Creator, is about to assert His power to rule by intervening in human history to deliver His people. This kingdom is both present and future. In the Lord©s Prayer we are to pray, "Thy kingdom come" (Matt. 6:10), and when it does come at the return of the Son of man in glory, we are to enter it (Matt. 25:31-34). And yet, the kingdom is present, for Jesus declared that it had drawn near (Mark 1:15), could be entered now (Luke 16:16; Matt. 21:31), and was present to His contemporaries in His presence, words, and deeds (Luke 17:21) as witnessed, for example, by His exorcism of demons by the power of God (Luke 11:20). The third element of Jesus© procla mation was "Repent and believe the Six-part series-«i gospel." The right response to the good news of what God offers through Jesus is faith and repentance. God©s kingdom does not come upon us by force but as an appeal to make a decision for God, to say Yes to Him, receive what He has for us, and allow His rule to be mani fested in our lives. Repentance has various connota tions, depending on whether it is understood in terms of Greek or Hebrew thought patterns. The basic meaning of the Greek word metanoeo, which is used in Mark 1:15, is to change one©s mind. This fits well with the Greek emphasis on Build your personal DVD library of great Adventist Preaching intellect. Destiny, Randy Roberts, Vol 1 While this idea is a component of Majoring in the Minors, Dwight Nelson, Vol 2 repentance, it does not do justice to the Growing Stronger in Christ, Barry Black, Voi 3 dynamic Hebrew concept that lies behind the Greek form of the word. In Order today! $19,95 plus s/h Hebrew the concept of repentance Call 800-ACN-1119 www.acn.info comes from a term that means "to turn," and hence "to return." In this There is hope In the Word

August 2003 MINISTRY 11 arena, "to repent" means to do an Joel: "Yet even now, says the Lord, blind, and the year of the Lord©s favor. about face in the way one has been return to me with all your heart, with The two main themes involved in this walking through life and to come back fasting, with weeping, and with mourn mission are freedom and grace free to God and His will. It is a complete redi ing; rend your hearts and not your dom from whatever holds us in its thrall, rection of one©s life in which the will and clothing. Return to the Lord, your God, and the grace of God©s acceptance, for way of God become paramount and for he is gracious and merciful, slow to which the time is entirely open with the determinative. It is synonymous with anger, and abounding in steadfast love, present arrival of Jesus. It is significant conversion. and relents from punishing" (Joel 2:12, that Jesus did not continue the quota The idea is well represented in the 1 3, NRSV). tion from Isaiah with the words that story of the prodigal son in Luke 15. We When )esus summons people to turn immediately follow: "and the day of are told that when he had wasted his back to God and His rulership, the cer- vengeance of our God." Jesus throws all inheritance on immoral living and found tainty of God©s compassion and His emphasis onto grace. Vengeance is himself feeding pigs and hungering for forgiveness is inherent in the call. not the point for now. Acceptance alone their food, he came to his wits (verse 17) is in His mind. He wants every and said, "I will get up and go to my The character of Jesus© bondaged soul to know that he or she father" (verse 18). This is the same as ministry can be a part of God©s kingdom and saying, "I will go back to my father." The character of Jesus© ministry and have a new, grace-filled relationship Sorrow and confession are part of the practical significance of the kingdom with God. this movement back as illustrated by the of God are enhanced in His Nazareth There are seven "Jesus came" state prodigal©s words to his father, "Father, I sermon in Luke 4:16-21. Jesus takes on ments in the gospels, which indicate have sinned against heaven and before Himself the mantle of the Servant of what the purpose of Jesus© mission was. you; I am no longer worthy to be called God in Isaiah 61:1, 2. As the Servant, Nearly all these are in line with Jesus© your son" (verse 21). With such a repen and in fulfillment of the Isaiah passage, emphasis on God©s favor and accept tance, the outcome is certain. He says that the Spirit of God anointed ance in His Nazareth sermon. The Compassion and restoration by the Him to bring good news to the poor gospels declare that Jesus came to: father take place. So with the heavenly and to proclaim release to the captives 1. Expound God©s law more fully Father, who calls to us in the words of and oppressed, renewed sight to the (Matt. 5:17, a verse that is expounded more fully in 5:21-48); 2. Seek and save the lost (Luke Bible Commentary CD-ROM 19:10); 3. Call sinners rather than the right Version 2.1 now available eous (Matt. 9:13); The Seventh-day Adventist 4. Be a friend of tax collectors and Bible Commentary CD-ROM, sinners (Matt. 11:19); version 2.1, features the 5. Save rather than condemn the Published Ellen G, White world (John 3:17); Writings (unlock fee 6. Give life more abundantly (John required), new Libronix 10:10); Digital Library System, 7. Minister, rather than to be minis updated Seventh-day tered to, and to give His life a ransom Adventist Bible Dictionary for people (Mark 10:45). (vol. 8), Handbook of Seventh-day Adventist Jesus© death and resurrection Theology (vol. 12), and The last statement brings us to the Lee Gugliotto©s Handbook point of Jesus© death. It was a death for Bible Study, expressing self-giving love. Jesus© intent 0-8280-1718-2 was not to have others serve Him but to Bible Commentary CD-ROM, US$199.00, Can$319.99 serve them. Upgrade only (requires return of version.1.0), US$79.95, Can$127.95 In this, one is reminded of the mov ing statement of American President JJ » Visit your local Adventist Book Center John F. Kennedy 2,000 years later, "Ask not what your country can do for you; 1-800-785-6955 ask what you can do for your country." Review & Herald Publishing < www.AdventistBookCenter.com, The same principle is involved but, in Jesus© case, He was not talking about

12 MINISTRY August 2003 others giving themselves, but about mate identification (3:25), God "for our 1:9). Our confidence is that by the offering Himself. And it was not a gen sake, made [Christ] to be sin [the sin power of His resurrection He will carry us eral statement about a life of service, bearer] for us, who knew no sin, so that through. This is illustrated in 2 Corin but a focused statement about giving in him we might become the right thians 4:8-11, where the Cross stands Himself up to death for others. eousness of God" (2 Cor. 5:21, RSV). for the negative side of life, and the What His death would do for others This is the great exchange; He takes Resurrection represents the power of is indicated by the word ransom, which our sin and we receive His righteous God, which carries us through darkness. is a reference to giving that which frees ness. This righteousness involves our The Cross the Resurrection. We are others who cannot free themselves. In reconciliation to God, for, as the same afflicted in every way but not crushed. this case, by giving His life, Jesus liber context makes clear, "In Christ, God Perplexed but not driven to despair. ates others to live. This is not cheap was reconciling the world to himself, Persecuted but not forsaken. Struck grace, for "You were ransomed . . . not not counting their trespasses against down but not destroyed. Always car with perishable things like silver or gold, them" (2 Cor. 5:19, RSV). rying in the body the death of Jesus so but with the precious blood of Christ" The Christ who was put to death to that the life of Jesus may also be made (1 Peter 1:18, 19, RSV). deal with our sins was raised in order to visible in our bodies. For while we live, The same emphasis is found in the effect our justification (Rom. 4:25). A we are always being given up to death scene of the Last Supper where, in ref dead Savior cannot save. As His resur for Jesus© sake so that the life of Jesus erence to the bread and wine, |esus rection vindicated Him, so it justifies us. may be made visible in our mortal flesh. states: "This is my body which is given Without the Resurrection, the apostolic Thus the power of the Resurrection is for you ... my blood which is poured proclamation and our faith would be in operative not only at the end of time out for you" (Luke 22:19, 20; 1 Cor. vain, we would remain in our sins, and but in the midst of time. We can know 11:23-25). the dead would have forever perished that "he who rescued us from so dead Thinking of death as bringing life, I (1 Cor. 15:17, 18). ly a peril will continue to rescue us; on cannot forget the words of a now aged him we have set our hope that he will survivor of the Holocaust during World The significance of Christ©s rescue us again" (2 Cor 1:10, RSV). War II. He described how, as a young resurrection Furthermore, the resurrection of boy, he was fortuitously quartered in However, if Christ be risen, the results Jesus makes possible in the present the the same barracks as his father. The are of an altogether different kind. ethical renewal of the believer. For as ration of bread was pitifully meager Because Jesus lives, all who belong to those baptized into Christ, we were hardly enough for one to survive, but Him will be made alive (1 Cor. 15:20- baptized into His death, so that as day by day his father gave his bread to 23), and the universal dominion of God Christ was raised from the dead by the his son. As a result, the father grew will be realized (24-29). God©s people glory (power) of God, we too might weaker and weaker and finally died. In will be transformed into the image of walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:3, 4). his lecture the son tearfully explained, the resurrected Christ (42-50), and The same power that raised Christ is "My father gave his life for me." immortality will be granted (51-55). In operative in the moral life of those who The ransom theme of Mark 10:45 view of this, it can be readily seen why are in union with Him. and the body and blood motifs of the the resurrection of Christ, along with His In view of all that the death and res Last Supper are developed in other New death, is called a matter of "first impor urrection of Jesus means and brings, and Testament writings. In Romans 3:24, tance" (3). in view of so great a salvation, we can Paul declares that our justification takes But it is not alone for the future that exclaim with Peter, "Blessed be the God place through an act of redemption, a Jesus© resurrection has consummate sig and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By term in the same word family as ransom. nificance. It has profound ramifications his great mercy he has given us a new This means that we are put right with for the present as well. In contrast to the birth into a living hope through the res Cod through a divine act of liberation preaching and faith that become vain if urrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, from sin. This occurred when God set the Resurrection is not true (1 Cor. and into an inheritance that is imperish forth Christ as an atoning Sacrifice, 15:14), Paul asserts that the continuing able, undefiled, and unfading, kept in through which our sin was purged and life of Jesus guarantees that "in the Lord heaven for you, who are being protect God©s holy wrath and universal justice your labor is not in vain" (58). In other ed by the power of God through faith were obviated, it being initiated by God words, abounding in the work of Christ for a salvation ready to be revealed in Himself as an act of His own redemptive, will find fruition instead of futility. What the last time" (Peter 1:3-5, NRSV). HI merciful, and inexpressibly loving nature. we do for Him counts permanently. All this had as its purpose to exhibit Furthermore, when we not only work God©s saving righteousness, by which for Christ but suffer for Him, we learn Ivan T. Blazen, Ph.D., is professor of religion, He restores us to a right relationship that we are not to "rely on ourselves but Faculty of Religion, Loma Linda University, Loma with Himself. Indeed, in an act of ulti on God who raises the dead" (2 Cor. Linda, California.

August 2003 MINISTRY 13 countercharges the book generated between leading Adventist QOD contributors and those who took strong exception to their "answers" (especially on the atonement and the humanity of Christ). The traditional critics of QOD will be grat ified to know that Knight has pulled no punches, especially when it comes to expos ing the way L. E. Froom and his colleagues were "less than transparent" about the denomination©s long-held (since the 1890s) consensus on the "post-Fall" humanity of Questions on Christ. Furthermore, it is interesting to note that Knight also suggests that Froom and his colleagues gave a false impression as they Doctrine: developed the notorious "Appendix B," enti tled "Christ©s Nature During the Incarnation," which consists of Ellen White statements. Then and now Knight claims that the controversial head ing, which says Christ "Took Sinless Human Nature," was "problematic in that it implied that this was Ellen White©s idea when in fact ndrews University Press recently she was quite emphatic in repeatedly stating Woodrow W. Whidden released a new edition of the that Christ took ©our sinful nature© and that groundbreaking 1957 book, ©He took upon Himself fallen, suffering Seventh-day Adventists Answer human nature, degraded and defiled by sin.©"2 Questions on Doctrine. 1 While the Aoriginal turned out to be a watershed factor Key background issues and when it came to Seventh-day Adventist/ personalities Evangelical relations, it also proved to be one The publication of QOD in 1957 was the of the most controversial publishing events in culmination of a series of conversations held the history of Adventism. between conservative evangelicals and SDA Before we further describe the background leaders from March 1955 into 1956. The main events and controversies surrounding QOD©s evangelicals were Donald Grey Barnhouse, (Questions on Doctrine©s) original publication, radio preacher and editor of Eternity, and and assess the ongoing impact of the publica Walter Martin, a young researcher. The tion, prospective readers will be interested in Adventist conferees included noted historical a number of the helpful features included in theologian Leroy Edwin Froom, W. E. Read (a the new edition. General Conference Field Secretary), and Roy Allan Anderson, prominent evangelist and Features in the new edition editor of Ministry. First, the original text is retained. However, One of the positive results of the dialogue the book has been editorially supplemented was that Barnhouse and Martin declared with an introduction, annotated footnotes, Seventh-day Adventists to be bona fide and an updated bibliography by well-known Christians who should not be considered to Adventist historian and writer George R. be cultish. This affirmative reassessment of Knight. Adventism came after these leaders became Drawing on the latest QOD research, the satisfied with the Adventist answers given to Woodrow W. introduction and footnotes provide back questions that addressed four key perceptions Whidden, Ph.D., is ground on the central theological issues, key of Adventist teaching: professor of religion at Andrews University, conferees, and serious reactions provoked by 1. That Adventists did not believe that the Berrien Springs, the book from within both the evangelical atonement was completed at the cross; Michigan. and the Adventist communities. 2. That salvation is gained by faith through Second, Knight has sought to honestly and grace, plus works of the law; fairly review the controversial charges and 3. That Jesus was a created being and did

14 MINISTRY August 2003 not co-exist with the Father from all of God, His high priestly ministry, eternity past; and the final exhibition of His saints 4. And that Christ partook of in their last struggle with Satan, and humanity©s sinful, fallen nature at the their glorious victory." Incarnation. This third phase, Andreasen said, is The forthright answers given by now in progress in the sanctuary the Adventist conferees on the Trinity above and in the church below. and salvation were some of the most Christ broke the power of sin in His positive accomplishments of the dia lifework on earth. He destroyed sin logue. However, the QOD answers, and Satan by His death. He is now especially those regarding Christ©s eliminating and destroying sin in His human nature and atonement, saints on earth. This is a part of the proved to be seriously disturbing for cleansing of the true sanctuary.4 many Seventh-day Adventists. The key theological principle that undergirded this Most Holy Place the Adventist dissent and phase of the atonement was Andrea M. L. Andreasen sen©s Christology. He firmly held that The reasons for the heated reac Christ had taken a sinful human tions within the Seventh-day nature, just like Adam©s after the Fall Adventist Church are somewhat com (in other words, a sinful nature with plex, but one thing stands out clearly: tendencies to sin). Thus with the the main voice of dissent belonged to empowering Christ as an example to M. L, Andreasen, one of Adventism©s His last-generation followers, the final most respected theology professors atonement could be effected from the and writers of the 1930s and 1940s. heavenly sanctuary as it played out His distinctive views on the atone through the sinless perfected charac ment and the humanity of Christ did ters of the embattled saints on earth. seem to represent a certain consensus This final atonement, final generation within Adventist thinking, as the theology, was most clearly set forth in Ingathering: Hope For Humanity church moved into the dialogue with the chapter "The Last Generation" in supports projects that buildup " the evangelicals. While Andreasen©s Andreasen©s well-known book The communities-here in ouir own V teachings on both these issues (atone Sanctuary Service.3 neighborhdods, throiJghjM^uir >' i. - ment and the human nature of In this chapter Andreasen stated l flatiori/and areiiiM the - Christ) had never become official, that Satan was not definitively and many considered his views to be solid conclusively defeated at the Cross. Adventist orthodoxy. Satan©s ultimate defeat would be ify <& used locally fSffor; The core of Andreasen©s theology effected through the sinless, perfect erice humanitarian \ -.>• ; is that the atonement involved three histories of the final generation. > M<1 Eomrtflnity service projects, f - / essential phases. Andreasen was quick to claim that "Apouj.|6ijis !used for national, > •' j/ Jvogffflf titijetf out thrQtjgh .- ';. ^r The first consisted of Christ©s sin such a final victory would be achieved 'r^^^Bt.Cftimniuni%- Services. ','f : . less life of perfect obedience to God©s only through grace, which would be vf aftf othW«fganaat«3ns.:ift|l^it;; •; ;- law; the second was His death on the imparted to the saints from the Great t' o% js used If rtitfefttrtijbnat} f '••;•« ; cross where "Christ finished His work Exemplar in the Most Holy Place of as victim and sacrifice."-© the heavenly sanctuary. While these first two atonement In other words, this faithful rem phases were certainly foundational to nant would develop sinless characters Andreasen©s teaching on the atone that would replicate the sinless per ment, it was the third that contained fect life that Christ had wrought out the essential focus of his theology, in the very same fallen, sinful human and Andreasen had laid it out in clear nature. It is this nature that the final and unmistakable language: "In the generation would overcome. Thus third phase Christ demonstrates that Christ, through the remnant©s victo man can do what He did, with the ry, will defeat Satan, vindicate God©s same help He had. This phase demand for perfect obedience, and includes His session at the right hand this vindication of God will finally

August 2003 MINISTRY 15 Announciir The Year of W

A World-Wide Week of Prayer for Revival and the Empowerment of the Holy Spirit January }-io, 2004 YEAR OF WORLD EVANGELISM 2OO4 Leadership and Membership Touting Hands in Evangelism Contact your Division Year of World Evangelism *with Jesus Christ Coordinator for further information, enable Christ to come.6 1. The expressions "final atone What is to be made of this under ment," and standing of the atonement in 2. The "fallen, sinful human relationship to the answers given by nature of Christ." the Seventh-day Adventist respon While the purpose of this article is dents in QOD? not to enter into a debate over these contentious issues, I would like to Where are we now? close with some perspective and sug When all the dust has settled, we gestions for further study. can clearly affirm the following. Neither the authors of QOD nor Perspectives for further study Andreasen really disagreed about "Final Atonement." While there Phases One and Two. There were, are still those who advocate Andrea however, two disagreements over sen©s last-generation version of "final Phase Three: atonement" (through the sinless per The first disagreement had more to fection of the remnant), I would like do with terminology than substance: to raise the following questions: The term "completed atonement" Where in Scripture or in the writ that QOD used was fully consistent ings of Ellen White do we find this with Andreasen in the following theology explicitly laid out? sense: The atoning work of Christ on Do Scripture and Ellen White the cross was completed in that full clearly teach that God has made the provision had been made there to save ultimate success of Christ©s atoning all. But it was not complete in that the work dependent upon the perfecting "completed act of atonement on the experience of the "remnant"? cross is valueless to any soul unless, Is there not solid Bible and Ellen and until, it is applied by Christ our White evidence for the claim that High Priest to, and appropriated by, Christ has fully vindicated God©s the individual recipient."7 demand for perfect obedience by His It is clear that Froom and Roy own life and work? Allan Anderson were not doing away Would it not be more appropriate with a Most Holy Place phase of to suggest that Christ vindicates His atonement. They consistently used Father in the Most Holy Place phase the language of "atonement provided" of the "great controversy" by demon at the Cross and "atonement applied" strating that the Trinity has been in Christ©s heavenly ministry during completely consistent with its nature the day of atonement antitypes in of infinite love in the disposition of the Most Holy Place. the cases of every human being?8 However, the second disagreement Furthermore, could it be that we over Phase Three was much more are all wrestling with a more founda- substantive and significant: The QOD tional issue: respondents were not enthused about What is the role of human effort Andreasen©s vision of the people of and accomplishment in the great the "final generation" being the plan of salvation? How dependent is agents through which Christ would God on the successes of His professed effect the final atonement. While it followers for His own vindication? appears that they did not directly In the final analysis, the most con attack Andreasen©s final-generation troversial outcome of the QOD atonement, they did disagree with debates flows from the issues sur the Christology that undergirded it. rounding "The Humanity of Christ."9 Therefore, it is safe to say that the Without Andreasen©s undergirding two most controversial and ongoing "post-Fall" view of Christ©s human legacies of QOD are that it sparked nature, Andreasen©s version of the per new discussions of what Adventists fecting of the final generation and its mean by the following: role in God©s vindication is called into

August 2003 MINISTRY 17 serious question. Here too is the most important legacy of QOD. While there is hardly anyone today who would agree with the particular version of "pre-Fall" Christology that with great new books from your the QOD authors put forth (that Adventist Book Center and Pacific Press . Christ did not take a "fallen, sinful nature," but only had it "imputed" to Him), they did spark further reflec tion, which has spawned two clearly articulated interpretations of what is meant by the expression "sinful human nature of Christ." These positions are: 1. The classic "post-Fall" position of Andreasen, and 2. The "alternative Christology," which was pioneered by the late Edward Heppenstall and propounded by his successors at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary to this day. The "alternative Christology" acknowledges Ellen White©s "post- Fall" statements, but suggests that these refer not to any "infection" of sin in Christ©s humanity but only to the way that sin "affected" Him. Where do we go from here? Hopefully, the publication of this new edition of QOD will contribute to further clarification of these important questions. M

1 Seventh-day Advcntists Answei Questions on Doctihle (Review and Herald Pub Assn., 19571; henceforth referred to as QO13. 2 The expressions in quotations are Knight©s taken from his "Introduction" to the new edition of QOD. 3 M. L Andreasen, ©1©he Book of Hebrews (Washington. Review and Herald Pub. Assn.. 1948), 53. 4 Ibid., 59, 60. 5 Andreasen, The Samtimry Service (Washington: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1937, 1947). 6 Ibid., 299-301. 7 L E l-©room, "1 he Priestly Application of the Atoning Act," Ministry, February 1957, 10; compare QOD, 349-355. 8 The following publications lay out the "pros" and "cons." On the "pro" side, see Herbert Douglass, Tile En,l (Mountain View, Calif: Pacific Press Pub Assn , 1979) and Why Jews WaiK (Washington, D.C.. Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1976). On the "con" side, see Eric C. Webster, Crosscurrents m Adi©entist Christology (New York; Peter Lang, 1984; Republishcd, Bernen Springs, Mich Andrews University Press, 1992), 396-428; and Woodrow W. Wlndden, "The Vindication of God and the Harvest Principle," Ministry, October 1994, 44-47. 9 For an excellent review of the- Adventist debate over the humanity Available at your local ABC, 1-800-765-6955, of Christ and a classic defense of the traditional "post-Hall" view, sec or read a sample chapter and order pacific Press J. R. Zurcher, Touched With Our Feelings (Hageistown, Md.. Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1999). for a defense of the "alternative" or online: AdventistBookCenter.com Where the the "prc-l-all" position, see Seventh-day Ailvenlrsts Believe . A Biblical /^position of fum©fiuiedfdf Doctrines (Hagerstown, Md : i 2003 * PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANCE. 1 71 /35590 Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1988), 45-52; and Woodrow Whidden, Ellen While on the Humanity of Chnst (Hagerstown, Md.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn, 1997).

18 MINISTRY August 2003 taken to the extreme. When God used Martin Luther to spear head the Protestant Reformation, the movement was hindered and hounded by extreme elements: "A few men, deeply affect ed by the excitement in the religious world, imagined themselves to have received special revelations from Heaven, and claimed to have been divinely commissioned to carry forward Handling to its completion the Reformation which, they declared, had been but feebly begun by Luther. In truth, they were undoing the very extremism and work which he had accomplished."1 Then, as in our day, some felt that the mainstream reform had not gone far or fast enough. fanaticism in When such extremism afflicts a movement, many within and without have their faith shaken. Insiders tend to wonder whether their cause is correct, while onlookers may be dis the local church couraged from taking any interest at all in the cause. It is helpful to recognize that extremism does not imply that the cause is corrupt. xtremsim and fanaticism are not On a personal level, extremism may result John E. Tumpkin uncommon in the local church. from an imbalanced preoccupation with a par Left untreated, they can quickly ticular aspect of Christian belief or lifestyle. spread in the body of Christ and Surface or careless reading of spiritual writings destroy that body©s vision, mission, may result in the tendency to force texts or Eand unity. I suggest a threefold redemptive passages to strit a "pet" belief. Sometimes a approach: Recognize, Rectify, and Reclaim. clash with church authority and an unwilling ness to persuade patiently may lead to a Recognize the particular ingredients persecution, prophet, or martyr complex, and Dealing with spiritual imbalance in a con a spirit of independent assertiveness. gregation requires recognizing certain basic As important as recognizing the causes of ingredients that are at the core of such imbal extremism is identifying the groups at risk. It ance. These include the causes, the groups at is tempting for a frustrated pastor to think of risk, the signs, the methods, and the results of extremists as loony crackpots with as much the extremism. sense as a saltshaker. The opposite is often A major cause of extremism is a major true! Some of our most dedicated and earnest cause! That is to say, the most fertile breeding members are in danger of being deluded by ground for extremism is what is perceived as the counterfeit righteousness of extremism. a worthy and important cause. Extremism Many younger and older people with a sin implies the carrying to extremes of something cere desire to prepare others and themselves that in itself may be good, important, and for the coming of our Lord are disheartened exciting. Thus a cause that seeks to acquaint and distressed by worldliness and the lack of humankind with vital, unusual truths that are consecration within the church. When people largely unknown or neglected, offers a superb or documents come, deploring these condi setting for the development of extremism. tions and upholding the "faithful few," it is Consequently, it is not surprising when hard for them to discern the subtle denigra extremism afflicts wholesome and urgent tion of leadership, cohesiveness, and authen causes such as nuclear-disarmament, vegetar tic spirituality that accompany such pleas, ianism, and environmental preservation. In pushing them over the line into extremism. the religious sphere, a return to primitive god One of the signs of extremism may well be John E. Tumpkin is a liness, preparation for the soon coming of fervent study of "spiritual" material. pastor in Zimbabwe, Christ, and the need for holy living are some However, the extremist revival always con Africa. of the good causes that become hurtful when tains the double-edged sword of exhortation

August 2003 MINISTRY 19 to more serious Christianity on the the material that is, with much of it. The extremist has the ability to one hand, and negative, destructive Sometimes, the suspicions of mem move from the real to the quasi-real criticism of the church on the other. bers are allayed by the presentation of to the unreal through their powerful A related sign of extremism is the material by Ellen White. However, videos. The electronic and film media sudden "resurrection" of skillfully this material is all too often filled with are highly persuasive when presented and dishonestly selected Spirit of out-of-context quotations, and min in well-modulated tones by an Prophecy quotations, accompanied gled with supplemental writing con urbane and venerable presenter, in by the suggestion that there is a con taining more fanciful creations. the absence of an opposing view. spiracy of some kind in the church, A survey of some of these fanciful seeking to do away with the work and materials may well lead a pastor to How to rectify the problem the authority of Ellen G. White. underestimate the allure of particular A problem recognized is a problem This leads us to look at the methods extremist information. The pastor on the way to being solved. Again, extremists use as they seek to spread may see what appears to be unbridled extremism implies taking a good cause their teachings in our churches. absurdity that would influence no to excess, whereas fanaticism usually While these vary according to the one. This may not be the case. To dis merely implies "violent, unreasoning groups and individuals involved, they miss extremists as empty and enthusiasm." 2 While extremism all utilize the well-known psychologi "crackpot" could be a great mistake. includes fanaticism, it is the more cal principle of moving from the Extremists succeed in deluding pervasive and basic of the two prob familiar to the unfamiliar; from the people precisely because they move lems. Extremism unchecked breeds accepted to the new; from the estab from the real to the surreal. They gain fanaticism. Here are some ways we lished to the speculative. the confidence and allegiance of their can deal with extremism. Often, pastors who attempt to adherents by first convincing them of 1. When the writings of Ellen G. deprive their congregations of mate their loyalty to the Christian truths White are, for instance, used without rial emanating from independent we all believe in; and once this is properly considering the context, the movements fail in their quest achieved, they intermingle their best remedy is simply to put them because there is nothing wrong with more esoteric and peculiar beliefs. back into proper context. Nothing

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20 MINISTRY August 2003 will so clearly rebut the abusers of Mrs. White©s writings as a wholesome study of one or more of her works as a whole. If documents that abuse the Spirit of Prophecy begin to seep into a con gregation, perhaps it is time to initiate a prayer meeting series on Steps to Christ, The Desire of Ages, or some the other work by Mrs. White. Balance and perspective need no better II is a of defender than Mrs. White©s own pen. 2. Abuse of the Spirit of Prophecy by, often arises from unclear views of inspiration and canon. When we ask of the gospel. the average Seventh-day Adventist Hen©s an to which is greater, the Bible or the writ get to a ings of Ellen White, we are likely to encounter hesitation, Mrs. White would not have hesitated. She knew the value of her gift, but she very aptly and unequivocally pictured her role as that of a lesser light reflecting the greater light. balance in appreciating all honest reason for rectifying extremism is to Recognizing that the Bible is the attempts at translating the Scriptures reclaim, or to attempt to reclaim only rule of faith does not diminish may prove to be the best answer: those who have been deluded by it. the authority of Mrs. White©s writ "Wycliffe©s Bible had been translated Paul and Simon the Zealot were once ings, but enhances it by focusing on from the Latin text, which contained extremists, and the Holy Spirit the "great light" to which she point many errors.... In 1516, a year before reclaimed and transformed them to ed. To say that the Bible is greater the appearance of Luther©s theses, do a magnificent work for Christ. than Mrs. White©s writings does not Erasmus had published his Greek and Sometimes we seem to be strong imply grades of inspiration. What it Latin version of the New Testament. on rectifying, but weak on reclaim does mean is that the works of Mrs. Now for the first time many [not all!] ing. Without reclaiming, our effort to White are to be tested by the Bible. errors of former versions were correct rectify may indeed turn to be a means Even the most extreme adherent of ed, and the sense was more clearly of wreck-tifying. To reclaim requires a Ellen White would never overtly pro rendered."3 positive approach. Extend the hand pose the reverse. It is evident that Ellen White great of love to those caught in the trap of It is very important for a minister ly appreciated Wycliffe©s Bible and the extremism. Assure them of God©s love to understand and teach a sound doc incomparable good it did;4 but she and intense care for them. Appeal to trine of inspiration and biblical was balanced and honest enough to them to look at the issues with an canon so as to minimize the abuse of acknowledge errors and appreciate open mind, letting the Holy Spirit the Spirit of Prophecy. Extremists will better original manuscripts, even from provide the needed illumination. not welcome this approach because it the hands of none other than the When people sense our genuine defeats them most effectively. "timid and time-serving"5 Erasmus! interest in them and our sincere Emphasizing the primacy of the Bible While we may have our pet ver Christian love for them, reclaiming is, therefore, the best and most practi sions, it would appear prudent to them for Christ becomes altogether cal starting point for checking abuse appreciate God©s truths in the version possible. SB of the Spirit of Prophecy. Some may where "the sense [is] more clearly ren resent this suggestion, since it levels dered!"6 Again, this will be unwel 1 Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy (Nampa, Idaho: the playing field by shifting the focus come news to those who insist, again Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1950), 186. 2 J. P. Brasier-Creagh and B. A. Workman, eds., Pumell©^ of attention to the Bible. quite extremely, on the archaic Family Dictionary in Colour (Pauiton, Bristol: Purnell 3. Some may ask, for example, English of 1611. Books, 1982), 313. "Which Bible? The good old King 3 White, 245. 4 Ibid., 88, 89. James or one of the modern ver Reclaiming 5 Ibid., 216. sions?" Here again, Ellen White©s The best, and even the underlying, 6 Ibid., 245.

August 2003 MINISTRY 21 cal books and the pre-exilic prophets). Temple prostitution was common in many religions, and God warned Israel against it in the most unmistakable terms: "Be careful not to make a treaty with those who live in the land; for when they prostitute themselves to their gods and sacrifice to them, they will invite you and you will eat their sacrifices. And when you choose some of their daughters as Entertainment wives for your sons and those daughters pros titute themselves to their gods, they will lead your sons to do the same" (Exod. 34:15, 16).* as worship: "No Israelite man or woman is to become a shrine prostitute. You must not bring the earnings of a female prostitute or of a male Old Testament prostitute into the house of the Lord your God to pay any vow, because the Lord your God detests them both" (Deut. 23:17, 18). In spite of these divine warnings, Israel did trends not allow itself to go unscathed when it came to the despicable practice, and prostitution appeared in the so-called "high places" around rostitution is part of the sad side of the country. Shrine prostitution, often con Kai Arasola the Old Testament story. But what nected with the "Asherah" poles, is men is sadder is that it has often been tioned about 40 times in the Old Testament. 1 associated with the history of reli These poles were found in all parts of the gion and with its places of worship. country. "Judah did evil in the eyes of the PThe Bible speaks of prostitution even in Israel, Lord. They also set up for themselves high at times practiced in the surroundings of the places, sacred stones and Asherah poles on Jerusalem temple. One has to wonder how every high hill and under every spreading tree. prostitution could have been tolerated so There were even male shrine prostitutes in the close to a temple that, among other things, land; the people engaged in all the detestable contained in its holiest sanctum the divinely practices of the nations the Lord had driven inscribed code, "Do not commit adultery." out before the Israelites" (1 Kings 14:22-24). Of course, no one could claim that temple By the time of King Asa, shrine prostitution prostitution is a central theme in the Old went beyond the high places and, as already Testament. However, prostitution, as we mentioned, was well established in the encounter it in the Bible, is a disturbing com precincts of the Jerusalem temple itself. So the plexity. Close to one hundred biblical king fired and expelled the male prostitutes references speak about prostitutes or prostitu (1 Kings 15:11-13). The practice was so deeply tion. In many instances the word is used rooted that Asa©s son Jehoshaphat had to con metaphorically to refer to idol worship or the tinue the work of expulsion (1 Kings 22:45, 46). practice of false belief and worship. Some texts A few generations later the great reform of refer to prostitution without any link to reli Josiah may finally have put an end to temple gion. About a dozen biblical passages clearly prostitution, both male and female (see Ezek. refer to sexual prostitution connected to the 8:14). At that time the Asherah poles were temple what the New International Version also destroyed and their housing near the translates as "shrine prostitution." temple was demolished (2 Kings 23:6, 7). Hosea, from the Southern Kingdom, Shrine prostitution and Israel expresses horror at the prevalence of both KaiArasola, D.Min., All these references are in the earliest parts temple and common prostitution: "I will not teaches religious of Old Testament history in patriarchal nar punish your daughters when they turn to studies at Mission ratives, in the law formulated in the prostitution, nor your daughters-in-law when College, Saraburi Pentateuch, in the book of Job, and in texts they commit adultery, because the men them Province, Thailand. dealing with the first temple era (the histori selves consort with harlots and sacrifice with

22 MINISTRY August 2003 shrine prostitutes a people without (Exod. 32:17-26). understanding will come to ruin" Some years later pretty girls from (Hosea 4:14, NIV; cf. 4:10-13). Not Baal-worshiping Moab invited the that the prophet approves adultery Israelites to a semi-religious gathering and general prostitution, but he where "the people began to commit expresses God©s horror at the prospect whoredom with the daughters of of mixing worship with prostitution. Moab" and where they "called the According to Micah, the general people unto the sacrifices of their situation in Jerusalem itself was not gods" (Num. 25:1-9, KJV). that different. "All her idols will be These two almost random exam broken to pieces; all her temple gifts ples indicate that in those days some will be burned with fire; I will destroy forms of pagan worship included sex all her images. Since she gathered her ual features that easily escalated into gifts from the wages of prostitutes, as orgies. Such religion provided a way, the wages of prostitutes they will for the Israelite, at least to legitimize again be used" (Micah 1:7). illicit sexual practice, placing it under the guise of religious faith. Why did temple prostitution It is reasonable to conclude that prevail? religious centers, high places, and Why did this religiously sanctioned temples, were, in some Old Testament practice of lust prevail when both the times, the best places of entertain heart of the law and the messages of ment (in the "worldly" sense of the the prophets denounced it? word). The journey from forms of An answer seems to be contained entertainment with sexual overtones in the well-documented fact that to orgies was not a long one to take. Israel simply followed the practices common among the religion and fer The practice at Baalbek tility cults of her neighbors. Their The same point can be easily illus so-called hieros gamos or holy wedding trated by a tour around the temple of rituals mutated what was sexual into Baalbek. This is the largest temple flfM the supposedly sacred sexual and fer ruin in the Middle East and the best tility themes of fruitfulness that were, representation of what Canaanite ' for instance, related to Baal, Seth, or religion really was, and what Israel Tammuz. The worship of Moloch also was dealing with and influenced by. - included sexual myths and practices This is true, even though the present (Isa. 57:1-13).2 ruins stem from the Roman era.3 However, Israel©s emulation of its Baalbek was located in Lebanon©s neighbors© customs is not the under present southern Bekaa valley. Visitors lying reason for the popularity in would enter the temple through a Israel of combining such sexual prac massive staircase leading to the gate tices with its religious faith. The semi complex. As they approached the gate nal reason is less obvious and overt: they would see booths where priests the practice of using the temple as a or priestesses advised the "wor place of entertainment, albeit enter shipers" on what was being offered in Y; ^rtleieispd j^preetateii, tainment with "religious" overtones. the temple area. The first concern was Two biblical examples illustrate the choice of sacrifices that was avail how easy it was to turn religion into a able for the arriving worshiper. pursuit of amusement: After the order had been placed for At Mount Sinai, Israel eagerly a goat, lamb, chicken, or bull, the vis swore that all that the Lord had said itors stepped through the gate into they would do (Exod. 19:8; 24:3, 7), the main courtyard where the animal but a few days later a bawdy party was was brought up from huge stables thrown, with a golden bull at the cen below for their inspection. After ter, and "nakedness" as part of what appropriate rituals the animal was was in fact a religious celebration slaughtered on one of the two giant

August 2003 MINISTRY 23 altars that still dominate today©s ruins place to drink wine or to smoke of the main courtyard. opium, and to watch dancing girls As in the high places of Israel and performing on a high and wide stage. at the temple of Jerusalem major por It was all calculated to raise the pas tions of the meat were then given to sion levels of the visitors. the worshipers for their personal use The stage was now set for the final (Lev. 7:16-18; Deut. 12:27; cf. 1 Sam. part of the visit. On the way out the 2:13ff.). In Baalbek the visitors could visitors would pass the temple of have their meal prepared in the tem Venus with room for hundreds of tem ple kitchens and have an enjoyable ple prostitutes, who might have served lunch or dinner with their friends as escorts and companions through and/or priestesses or priests in one of out the worshipers© visit to the temple. the niches of the great courtyard of The temples of Baalbek were bigger the temple. A good meal was part of a and more comprehensive than any good worship experience. other temple in the area. In some This kind of arrangement is not ways every Canaanite high place or entirely absent in Old Testament shrine had parts of Baalbek in it. To descriptions. Saul is said to have complete the picture one needs to enjoyed a sumptuous meal when mention that this worship with enter Preaching That meeting Samuel at one of the high tainment was not free. Visitors had to Builds Bible Study places (1 Sam. 9:14-24). Also Ezekiel©s pay for their pleasure (see Deut. 23:17, vision of the temple included four 18; Hosea 2:5, 8; Micah 1:7). If in no If you want your members to kitchens for the preparation of sacri other way, this was done through becorne more serious about Bible fices (Ezek. 46:21-24). their purchase of the "sacrifices" they study, try preaching systematically In Baalbek the visitors moved on through the entire Bible in one chose as they entered. All this is only ..year. 7 © ".©.-©.""...... "- : -© to the second courtyard after the one aspect of what went on in the meal. Again impressive wide stairs led temples and the minds of the people.11 Genesis ahd©assign-: /! to the area of the main temple of Baal wjekly portions of Scripture. or Jupiter. This temple may have Worship or entertainment? Divide the Bible into 52 segments included holy or most holy places, as The relatively small number of bib of equal ©length; : ©;.. V Phoenician temples usually did. The lical passages that connect prostitution wide flat floor next to the stairs, and to the temple in Jerusalem do not war the colonnade, provided a good set rant a conclusion that this was a per ting for theatrical displays, choirs, manent part of worship there. and other performances. However, with Israel©s neighbors these Modern imagery may not do full kinds of practices were relatively per justice of the actual facts, but it makes manent. They practiced their "wor fo: ©©read ahead" -, " the experience easier to understand. ship" before the conquest of the land t&sliare insights The visitors move from the "restau by Israel and kept it up for centuries rant" to the "theater." After watching after the latest Old Testament refer 9 stifdy;to inforjh© your own serropn ; the show to their satisfaction, it was ence to it. time to move on. Some may have Within Judah and Israel shrine continued to smaller specialized prostitution may have been fixed structures for fortune-telling, healing, more at the high places or the temples or other purposes. of the Northern Kingdom at Bethel, The next large temple building was Dan, or Samaria. It may be that in particularly suited for a visit late in Jerusalem there were only short spells the day. It is the temple of Bacchus, of these kinds of practices. the god of wine and pleasure. One may still want to ask: But how Vines, grapes, and opium buds could Israel let any of this come into were carved into the portico to the temple of the Yahweh? Maybe, as express the intent of this establish we©ve suggested, they were enticed by your (luirdt©s spiritual lift© ment. Thus after the "restaurant" and the ways of the ancient Canaanites. the "theater," the "worshiper" entered Maybe they wanted their religion to be what could be called a "nightclub," a continued on page 31

24 MINISTRY August 2003 VIEWPOINT

Listen and love: How do you treat gay people? ntil 15 years ago, I had never told his replacement what he alone walked in the shoes of a homo knew—that the church's popular and U sexual. I never even gave the enthusiastic young music director was topic much attention because it never gay (but celibate). The new pastor concerned me. Then I learned that our decided it was his responsibility to exor youngest son is gay. That knowledge cise the "demon of homosexuality" gave me a new perspective. I was asked from the young man and told the to place my feet in my son's shoes and church board about his plans. As a walk with him. result, the church was split, and the How our family coped with the expe music director left the church. rience turned into a book.' Since writing If a pastor is unprepared to deal with that book, I have become involved in such situations, his or her tentative ministering to other families going wonder just what Paul had on his mind. ineptness can drive a wedge between through similar things. I have come to At last Paul drew a resolute breath and young homosexuals and the church. know and love many gay sons and looked up. "Pastor Wilcox," he blurted This, along with church members' prej daughters and to appreciate their sensi out, "I'm gay, and I don't know what to udices and ignorance about the reality tive and caring nature, their artistic do about it." of homosexuality, has driven many gay talents, their struggles, and the pene Few pastors really know how, or feel young people from the church and from trating depths of their spiritual longings. confident enough to handle a situation Christ. I have also learned in talking to pas such as this constructively and redemp- Sometimes parents, distressed by the tors that homosexuality is an issue in tively. How would you respond? alienating way the church has treated many congregations—an issue they are Some pastors might reach for their their children, follow them out of the all too often unprepared to deal with. Bibles and turn to Genesis 19, Leviticus church. Other parents, taking their cue 18, or Romans 1. Would you tell Paul from the harsh, condemning remarks How would you respond? that he just needed to find a nice girl, they have heard ministers make, feel Pastor Wilcox glanced at his watch. It get married, and his "problem" would they must reject and condemn their was almost time for his appointment go away? Or would you express sympa children too. with Paul, the talented college-age son thy for his "handicap" and tell him you Some pastors are so repulsed by the of the head elder. He had revitalized the would pray for God to give him the thought of homosexuality that they Sabbath School's junior department strength to remain celibate the rest of react with visceral antipathy. Others during the recent summer months. his life? Would you refer him to a change have heard so many different theories "Good to see you, Paul," the pastor ministry and assure him that if he just about homosexuality that they aren't said, smiling, as the slim, dark-haired had enough faith, God would help him sure what to believe, say, or do. Many young man sat down. "It's great when overcome? What should a pastor do? simply feel extremely uncomfortable you students come home for the sum with this sensitive issue. Their first mer and add your gifts and talents. The Damaging approaches instinct is to offer some platitude or a junior kids follow you around as if you When one young man came in con quick solution and move on to another were the Pied Piper! And it's so good to fidence to ask his pastor for help, the topic as soon as possible. have you playing the organ for church pastor announced his "problem" to the The problem is that when a gay per again. We've missed you and your whole congregation at the next week's son brings their concern to the pastor, musical talents around here." worship service and asked the assem they are like any other parishioner who Paul was silent as he stared down at bled church to pray for him. needs the same listening ear, the same his hands, and Pastor Wilcox began to In another case an outgoing pastor pastoral concern.

Viewpoint articles are designed to stimulate thought and do not necessarily reflect the position of our editorial staff or of Ministry.

August 2003 MINISTRY 25 Fears of homosexual people and unacceptable. The fear of "what others would think "Loneliness? It's my daily bread. if they knew" keeps many young peo Sometimes it feels like hell," writes ple in the "closet." But the burden of Jonathan, an Indonesian student. living a lie and pretending to be some "I honestly feel that the sexual temp thing they are not finally builds to tations are easy to bear compared to the unbearable pressure. consuming loneliness that so often "I'm terrified of what coming out will threatens to devour me. Some days I mean to my life, my future, my friends," ache inside for relationship," shares laments Jeff* from Canada. "I've always Peter from California. known that I could never really be Rogelio further expresses the confu myself lest others hate me. Most of my sion of many homosexuals as they try to friendships are based on a fundamental reconcile the reality of their feelings lie about myself, so I can't accept the with the expectations of church and affirmations and encouragement of my society. "I do not know where to put friends. Someone tells me they think myself. I am disturbed by my feelings I'm wise or a good Christian or a valued [about a] life that is a lie. I pretend to be friend, and a door slams shut inside of a man, but deep inside me is another me telling me that they would never say being crying for help." that if they really knew me. I'm starving for affection and acceptance, but can't Just be willing to listen seem to accept what I receive because I Immediately finding a way to "fix it" know it's based on a lie." is an almost automatic reaction when Rogelio writes from the Philippines, we are confronted with a problem. This "The sufferings of a homosexual person is especially true of the male in contem [are] immense and at times almost porary Western culture. Because of the beyond consolation. As [a] hidden or nature and values that are a part of the closet homosexual, I have so many image of today's pastor, this tendency times experienced the despairs of life. may be even more prominent in pas It's so painful to have no one to talk to." tors. Thus it is not strange that this is just "Every church member I knew was what the average pastor wants to do heterosexual and wouldn't understand when a young person shares his or her how I felt," remembers Dwight from devastation because of homosexuality— for, low England. "There was absolutely no one fix it! to befriend me or to talk to confiden But this is the very thing he cannot tially. Who could I turn to for genuine do. There is no good, easy answer that helpful support and understanding? I is simply going to fix things for this didn't know of anyone at all. I was young person. Besides, this is not really going through a kind of personal hell!" what the homosexual person is actually "'JnftoSf The first thing a pastor needs to rec looking for, anyway. Instead, his desper ognize is how enormously difficult it is ate need is for someone to listen, for a young man or woman to find the lovingly and non-judgmentally, as he courage to talk to him or her in the first finally pours out all the pent-up feelings. place—what an emotion-laden moment Homosexuals need someone to this is and what far-reaching results the come alongside to understand the fear pastor's reaction will have. The pastor and the pain. They need to feel permis needs to respond with utmost tact, sion to express their desires and warmth, and understanding. longings, even though they may not be approved of. Perhaps this is why most Hearing the loneliness and female pastors intuitively know better confusion how to handle this kind of situation. Loneliness, isolation, and confusion "I feel like all I've ever found in the are felt by young people as they come church is self-hatred, loneliness, pain to recognize that their feelings of emo and a sense of failure," says Jeff, ques- tional and sexual attraction are different continued on page 29

26 MINISTRY August 2003 very Sabbath morning your Report. Use stories, videos, and important offering in your program Sabbath School helps members other materials to give reports on each week. know about the worldwide Adventist Mission around the world. Thank you for your support of work of the Adventist Church. Your Adopt. If your church has a special Adventist Mission. In a globe congregation©s support of Adventist connection to a specific missionary, wracked by uncertainty, the message Mission makes possible the daily share letters and information work of Adventist missionaries at the from that missionary with the has never been more relevant. Your forefront of telling the story of Jesus. congregation. support is helping to preach the Here are some of the ways your congregation can support Adventist Give. Your congregation©s financial Mission: support makes possible the funding of the church©s mission work. Some Pray. Include missionaries and the of that comes through World Budget church©s worldwide mission work in giving, but much of it is given during Seventh dnv Adventist Chart the prayer ministry of your Sabbath the Sabbath School offering each Spring, MD 20904 School and its classes. week. Please remember this Making a world of difference. A ministry portal to the world

hree Angels Global Networking (wide web) had Web sites up and running with (TAGnet) was literally started on a more than 3,800 hits per week. Twing and a prayer. It began when Today, TAGnet has contributed to Sean Carney, a computer geek from helping thousands of churches, schools, Canada, asked God what he could do to ministries, and conference-based further the gospel. During a prayer at the organizations reach out using the 1993 ASI (Adventist-Laymen's Services Internet as their main tool. TAGnet cur and Industries) national convention in !!? rently gets over 130,000 unique visitors Toronto, Canada, God answered with an and 4.5 million hits per week. These idea that would help Seventh-day numbers are on the increase. Adventists tie worldwide ministries Last summer, the Central California together through a global network. is a prerequisite for innovation. With the Conference broadcast live every meet Upon his return to British Columbia, help of Gordon Harty, TACnet was born. ing from their Soquel Camp Meeting. Sean got involved in online conversa "Once I stepped out in faith, God Hundreds viewed the powerful testi tions with other Adventists, sharing his opened all the doors," explains Carney. monies and messages via the Internet, ideas to organize an Internet-based out thanks to TAGnet's services. reach ministry. Little did he realize that TACnet gets started and he was not alone in his thoughts. Gary moves on Helping congregations Regan, a computer network engineer in TAGnet was officially launched in July develop and maintain Web Silicon Valley, California, invited Sean to 1995. Their initial goal was to provide sites the Bay Area to discuss the idea further. an efficient and cost-effective way for Recently, TAGnet introduced "Web- Sean moved out to the heart of the Adventist ministry organizations to get Site Builder." This Web-based software technology industry—where inspiration online. Within six months, ten groups allows any church, school, organization, or conference the opportunity to use a standard framework to create a Web site. This plug-and-play environment means that you can design your own Your chur Web site with minimal computer knowl Become a member edge. Research tells us that successful Web to post news, eve sites refresh their content on a regular promotions at fffiaf basis. TAGnet just launched its new website provided service, "News and Events" (www.tag- net.org). Using this service, members Host a complete J can upload information regularly into a website, even with central database. News and calendar your own pages are dynamically created and organized by location and topic. For You can build your example, news and events from your website or we can help church will be shown within the local conference section. Maintaining a fresh Webcast your church and timely Web site will be a tremen service or special events dous resource for a church's members.

Developing a North American 1» TAGnet Division Web site directory Three Angels Global Networking, Inc. Empowering Infet Every North American Division

28 MINISTRY August 2003 church already has a Web site through a any gay affection is slowly but surely recently released NAD Church Directory. destroying me as a human being, who The NAD Church Directory was created has much to give another. I so very in partnership with the Adventist much need the understanding dia PROFESSIONAL Directory at the request of Kermit logue and gentle touch of a sympa CERTIFICATION Netteburg, assistant to the president for thetic, compatible friendship that only communication of the North American another homosexual Adventist in my Conference, Union, Division Division. Advanced Content Manage life can satisfy." Ministerial Secretary ment Services are also available to larger Could not at least some of this kind organizations such as unions, confer of innate longing be met by a pastor ences, departments, and publishers. who simply meets it with deep, genuine CERTIFICATION BENEFITS: TAGnet receives support through love and understanding? Surely this is 1. Provides specific training membership fees, generous donors, and how Jesus would meet such a yearning. for your job description. tireless volunteers. TACnet is also a member of ASI. As a service provider Don©t add to their feelings of 2. Prepares elected Ministerial and supporter of the many ministries of isolation leaders with systematized and the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Many homosexuals have deep spiri established job expectations TAGnet welcomes you to the digital age. tual longings. This is amazing when we and performance criteria. To learn more about TAGnet, please consider how difficult so many visit their Web site at http://www.tag- Christians have made it for them to feel 3. Enables administrators to net.org/. KB part of the church. easily reference measurable "At one stage," says Dwight, "I inves accomplishments. Sean Carney is president tigated the possibility of other Christian 4. Recognizes and affirms of TAGnet and lives in groups where homosexuals receive love Mountain View, California. and understanding fellowship. But deep outstanding accomplishment in down I knew that such a compromise professional development. would ultimately not satisfy." 5. Provides a resource pool of To meet a homosexual's tentative reaching out for help with a reminder of trained/certified individuals. biblical proscriptions and church stan 6. Encourages professional Tamara Shelter, a media/ dards is the approach most likely to public relations consultant, continuing education for those snuff out the flickering flame of a strug lives in Sherman Oaks, elected to serve pastors. California. gling faith. Instead, we need to draw him or her into the church's warm, sup CERTIFICATION PROCESS: porting embrace. 1. Open only to individuals who We need to change our focus from already are elected as a pointing out and condemning sin to sharing the unconditional love God has Ministerial Secretary. Listen and love lavished on us. We need to provide an 2. Complete a thorough study continued from page 26 atmosphere where the Holy Spirit can and written examination on the convict in the way and at the time He following texts; Church tioning religion's ability to meet him knows is most appropriate. where he is. "I keep hearing evangelists Most homosexuals eventually leave Manual, Minister's Handbook, talking about the emptiness inside that the church in despair because they find Ministerial Secretary's Christ can fill, but / follow Him and I'm no hope there. But we can change that Manual, Elder's Handbook. still painfully empty inside. So if I'm if we are willing to walk in their shoes; if going to have the pain and loneliness we can just listen—and love. 3. Participate in GC-approved and emptiness, doesn't it make sense classroom training. that I might as well go for the 'fun' part * Names have been changed. 4. Receive Certification and of the equation too? I mean, if you're Listing Registration from GC going to get the stomachache, you Carrol Grady, a freelance writer, lives in Ministerial Association. might as well have the pie that suppos Snohomish, Washington. edly causes it." More information at Dwight frankly admits his longings. I Kate McLaughlin, My Son, Beloved Stranger (Nampa, www.ministerialassociation.com "I know for sure that total absence of Idaho: Pacific Press® Pub. Assn,. 1995).

August 2003 MINISTRY 29 PASTOR's PASTOR

Honoring pastors

hen Pastor Tercio Sarli, presi What unions or conferences can dent of the mega-size Central do. Uplift the role of ministry, value pas W Brazil Union, writes me twice tors, and ask each local congregation to about the same issue, the matter is clear plan something special which will ly important. When this twice-scribed honor their pastor. Perhaps designate a topic is expressing appreciation for pas specific date for your territory and tors, the matter is clearly important to request that each church plan accord each of us, and its significance provokes ingly. Follow Pastor Sarli's example by us to publish this article simultaneously writing each minister to express your in Ministry, Elders Digest, and Shepherdess personal appreciation for the valuable Journal, along with my personal request contribution they bring to Cod's work. that every reader copy and distribute a Charles Heskey, Ministerial Secretary copy to all church officers. tor serves." Believe me, I answered that of the North Caribbean Conference, Why express appreciation to pas letter and sent a copy to the pastor and sent a bookmark to every church mem tors? Note the Bible command: "Now the conference president. ber in the conference. Titled, "Pray for we ask you, brothers, to respect those What the denomination can do. Your Pastor," it listed specific prayer who work hard among you, who are Pastor Sarli encourages the entire objectives for the minister's personal life over you in the Lord and who admonish church to adopt an annual Pastor's Day and family needs (you can view a sam you. Hold them in the highest regard in in which we affirm the role of ministry ple at www.ministerialassociation.com). love because of their work. Live in peace in general and express appreciation for What the local church can do. Host with each other" (1 Thess. 5:12, 13, our local pastors particularly. And he a special Sabbath that celebrates the NIV). "Remember your leaders who puts his energies and money alongside blessings your congregation receives spoke the word of Cod to you. Consider his opinion. Recently he sent every pas from the pastor. Even weak performers the outcome of their way of life and imi tor a letter of commendation with a might respond to you affirming higher tate their faith" (Heb. 13:7, NIV). special gift. Plus, pastoral families in his expectations. Plan a fellowship meal, Today's increased societal suspicion union are regularly affirmed in special provide flowers or a cake, and present of all leaders has combined with clergy conventions designed for their spiritual your pastor with a plaque, a new Bible, scandals, occasional mediocre perform growth and continuing education. or a useful book (better yet, a gift certifi ance by some pastors, and unrealistic cate so they can select their own). expectations from some members to General Conference Ministerial Volunteer for a specific task that will reduce the levels of high esteem with Association requests every lighten your pastor's work load; offer to which professional ministers have tradi reader to duplicate and visit or give Bible studies with your pas tionally been viewed. distribute this article to your tor; establish a pastoral resource fund Too often it seems easier to criticize local church board. from which your pastor can purchase than to affirm and express appreciation useful ministry tools. Invite your pastoral for the outstanding service that pastors Various denominations have empha family to lunch, or send them to dinner give. For example, one member recent sized one weekend in October. My own and babysit their youngsters. Rather ly wrote to complain that his pastor congregation commemorates the than criticizing, try "grandparenting" does not spend sufficient time preparing anniversary of the date when our pastor their teens. Express concerns quietly and sermons, while someone from a differ first came to serve our church. While it only to the pastor. Above all, express ent church, griped that all their pastor may be impossible to select the same your appreciation verbally and write a does is study to prepare sermons. One day throughout the world, surely every letter of praise to conference leadership. complains that pastors never visit, while field can schedule a Pastor's and What pastors can do. Serve your another opines that the pastor only goes Ministerial Vocations day upon which churches in a worthy manner. Give your from house to house. Why can't we get currently-serving pastors are honored best to ministry and your example lead more letters like the elder who recently and young people are invited to prayer ership of the power of God's Spirit in said, "I have no other reason to write fully consider whether Cod is calling your life will rally others to eagerly fol except to say how wonderfully our pas- them to ministry. low and honor your leadership. IX!

30 MINISTRY August 2003 ~1

Entertainment. . . wood, nightclubs, or rave parties make accommodations and maintain the converts much faster than the church life and nature given it by God. continued from page 24 of God, we cannot afford to compro Instead Christian worship must relevant and meaningful. Perhaps they mise the essential aspects of our heart truly and actually uplift God and Him wanted, or felt they needed, to have felt devotion to our Lord. We cannot alone. It has to be done not only in their temple and its services compete allow commercial entertainment to spirit but in truth, and not only in with the beauty and allure of the Baal dictate the agenda of Christian wor truth, but in spirit (John 4:23). This temples that surrounded them. ship. The church must not, indeed, by does not, of course, mean that gen A more fundamental reason, how the nature of things, it cannot com uine Christian worship should not, or ever, was their estrangement from pete with the world on its turf. cannot, be animated and enjoyable God and thus their lack of heartfelt This is not in fact an issue of cul and even "fun." Indeed, it can be in commitment to Him. This led to tural contextualization, as it may the best and purest sense of the meaninglessness and emptiness in seem to be. It is not about rhythms or word—in the sense of the abject joy their understanding of the true faith music or art forms or even particular that is found in loving commitment of Yahweh, and thus to neglect and forms of worship, per se. It is rather to Him who promised life, and that apparently urgently needed compro about blatantly crossing a line that "to the full" (John 10:10). m mises with all that surrounded them; God has drawn through Jesus Christ and thus finally to the adoption of in the very nature of what is of His * All passages, except as otherwise stated, practices diametrically opposed to the kingdom and what is of the kingdoms are from the New International Version. essence of the true faith, despite the of this present age. Ruth Hestnrr, "Undc-rstarrdirrg Asherah: Exploring Semitic Iconography," divine warnings presented in the law True worship has no room, that is, BrWicir/ Atcluimlagy Revu'ir, September/October 1991. it cannot by its very nature make Susan Ackerman, "Sacred Sex, Sacrifice and Death Understanding a Prophetic and by the prophets. I'oem," BiWc RewfW, tebrnary 1990, Roland deVan.x, Atumit fired, Iri life mul room for compromise with some ImMittnm (London: Dartoir, Longman & Todd, 1973, 1988), 3?4, James D. Laubion, "Hietos Gamo; Typology and the late of passron," Paiiiiwtfmr Culture, What of today? thing as foreign to the essence of 10 3 (http //muse ]hn edu/demo/pmc/mdex html) As part of the contemporary world, God's kingdom as is so much at the Baalbek was an old Phoenician temple site with buildings or structures that where the "religions" of increasingly heart of contemporary entertainment. these temples aie from the Seleucid and 1-tolenidic period See Beth Alpert Nacho, An iMevloxy ami the Hellions of Cnnrimr nun hrael promiscuous entertainment, Holly Christian worship cannot make these (American Schools of Oriental Research, 2001)

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