International Journal for Clergy April 1987
DEMONS AND DELIVERANCE LYNDON K. MC DOWELL/4______
SOME CALL IT HERESY MARTIN WEBER AND 1. R. SPANGLER/8
SUCCESSFUL COUNSELING ELLEN BRESEE/11
IS ADVENTIST HEALTH REFORM SCBENTMC? GALEN C. BOSLEY/26
Letters/2 • Editorial/17 • Health and Religion/26 • Biblio File/28 • ShopTalk/30 Letters
Kudos for Harvest 90 special men and women, would like administra accept people with differing ideas. Tra Congratulations for the fine Decem tion to hear. The pressure is coming from ditionalism will only accept progress in ber MINISTRY issue dedicated to evange the "women's libbers," who are in the the narrow path of its own definition. lism and Harvest 90; it is an extraordi minority. As the final witness to the Conversely, the gospel is open and nary issue that will help significantly in world, we cannot afford to ignore Scrip accepting, joyous and broad in its grasp contributing to the success of Harvest ture.—Leonard Klein, Publishing Direc of truth. The gospel is unthreatened by 90.—Carlos Aeschlimann, Ministerial tor, Zimbabwe. some difference of opinion on matters Association Associate Secretary for that are not wholly necessary for salva Evangelism and Harvest 90. • Rather than argue about the "social tion. The gospel reaches out in divine condition" of the canonical writers, Dr. love to all. The gospel recognizes that • After picking up your special Decem Bacchiocchi gives clear theological rea people .are much more important than ber issue on Harvest 90, I was hooked! It sons for opposing the ordination of theories and the status quo. was one of the most provocative and women. It is my prayer (and I believe the I recognize that there are dangers in engaging documents I have read on the desire of the vast silent majority of going from one extreme to the other, but subject. I read it from cover to cover in Adventists) that such biblically based we seem so fearful that we hold ourselves one sitting. wisdom may soon prevail and that this back from the joyousness of Romans 5:1, I come from a pastoral/evangelism controversy may soon be laid to rest, 2; 8:31-39; and many other scrip background, and after reading this issue, sparing our church a departure from the tures.—K. R. Miller, Taree, N.S.W:, I reaffirmed a personal commitment to faith once delivered to the saints.— Australia. remain involved in some type of evange Kenneth J. McNulty, Church Elder, lism. .... Haverhill, Massachusetts. Salvation comes from God I hope this special issue was as Robert Larsen is correct that man is meaningful to others as it was to me. Rejoicing in the gospel able to respond to God's offer of salva You, your staff, and the world leadership I thoroughly agree with every point tion (Letters, MINISTRY November are to be commended.—Delbert W. made by H. D. Schmidt (Letters, 1986.) But it is crucial to understand Baker, Editor, Message Magazine. MINISTRY, September 1986). We need that this ability is not ours by nature. It more articles on the same theme as that was supernaturally implanted in human • Enjoyed your December MINISTRY, as of Carlyle B. Haynes, to which Brother ity by the Redeemer at the time of I usually do, but was surprised to notice Schmidt refers. I love this church, but I Adam's fall (Gen. 3:15). Without this on page 26 that your designers left out sometimes fear for its future when I am endowment of enmity against Satan we Baja California and Sonora (part of made aware that so many do not would be joined with Satan in total Mexico and the 1AD) from the Inter- understand the true meaning of the hatred of God. American Division. It looks as if they gospel of Jesus Christ. How I long to see Every part of salvation comes to us included Baja California with the North our people grasp the concept that the from the Redeemer. By conveniently American Division. only effective and legitimate motivation forgetting that our capacity to respond to Then on pages 20 and 21 I noticed for good works is the joyous realization God was imparted as a free gift, we think that John Leenhouwers gave statistics on that our salvation is complete, total, and that "our faith" contributes to our SDA Church members in 1983 for 11 assured by our acceptance of what Jesus standing before God. Faith is not our countries that were not included in the has done by His amazing grace and love. savior; it, too, is a gift. Members per Thousand Inhabitants sec Brother Schmidt says that most of the God's agape love creates all the value tion. Then in the second chart he did sermons we hear from Sabbath to Sab we have. Natural man overrates himself calculations for nine countries that were bath are of the early Haynes type. Why is as a worm instead of what he really not included in his first chart.—E. T. this so? My assessment is that since is—an enemy bent on driving God from Burley, Stone Mountain, Georgia. Glacier View there has been an unwar His world (Rev. 19:19). But while we You have keen eyes. We simply repro ranted swing of the pendulum toward were His enemies, God, through the duced what the author had done. When we maintaining the status quo and tradi cross, made us of value (Rom. 5:10). tried to contact him, we discovered that he tionalism, which results in an overem Though I might be the only sinner, was working in a remote part of Africa and phasis of works. Traditionalism is satis Christ on the cross became the worm were unable to get his input in time to publish fied with preaching that explores a very that I am (Ps. 22:1-21). Why then it. Eds. narrow path. Traditionalism enjoys should I struggle to make my faith a bit of being told that we are right because wormy worth when "this sacrifice was of On women©s ordination someone else said so, not that we should such infinite value as to make a man who Thank you for "Women: Ministry intelligently explore the doctrines we should avail himself of it more precious Without Ordination" (October 1986). I believe. Traditionalism tends to reject than fine gold, even a man than the don't consider myself a male chauvinist, those who are thoughtful and open- golden wedge of Ophir" (The Story of but Dr. Bacchiocchi has said what I minded—those who are willing to be Redemption, p. 49).—Norman L. Mea wanted to say—and what many people, unthreatened by dissenting voices and to ger, Akron, Ohio.
MINISTRY/APRIL/1987 MINISTRY is the international jour First Glance nal of the Seventh-day Adventist Min isterial Association. ASSOCIATION SECRETARY: Floyd Bresee EDITOR: J, Robert Spangler EXECUTIVE EDITOR.- In this issue MINISTRY prints the full text of three significant J. David Newman documents: "Methods of Bible Study" and "Use of Tithe," voted by ASSISTANT EDITORS: the 1986 Annual Council; and "Jewelry: Clarification and an David C. Jarnes Appeal," voted by the North American Division year-end meeting. Kenneth R. Wade SEMINAR DIRECTOR: Some feel that the use of the historical-critical method is at the Rex D. Edwards root of much of the theological controversy in the church. The first CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: document seeks to introduce an alternative to this method. We'd Carlos Aeschlimann Raoul Dederen like to hear from you as to how well you think it has succeeded. Ariel Roth Marie Spangler Part of our church's foundation is the tithing system. The Gary Swanson theological, base for the paying of tithes has never been seriously N. C. Wilson . questioned. However, to whom it should be paid and for what it CONSULTING EDITORS: Galen Bosley should be used is coming under increasing attack. Thus the Annual C. E. Bradford Council made some modest revisions in the policy. One of the Ellen Bresee P. Gerard Damsteegt laymen on the subcommittee making recommendations to the Roland R. Hegstad Annual Council is Jerry Bartram. He makes some insightful Frank Holbrook Kenneth J. Mittleider comments on what he considers problems with the system. Richard Tibbits MINISTRY welcomes discussion on this topic. Leo R. Van Dolson EDITORIAL SECRETARIES: The third report, while by far the shortest, will probably bring the Ella Rydzewski greatest discussion. Though "How to Study the Bible" and "Use of Mary Louise McDowell Tithe" rank far higher on the scale of importance, there is nothing ART DIRECTOR: quite like the subject of jewelry, and in particular the wedding ring, Byron Steele DESIGNER: to keep discussion going till midnight. Our readers outside North G. W. Busch America will smile at the amount of heat and the little light that is MARKETING: often generated. Tom Kapusta ADVERTISING SALES: We trust that you will not become so engrossed, bored, or Orval Driskell infuriated with these actions that you will fail to notice some other SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: very significant articles. Read about the wonderful evangelism Larry Burtnett council held in North America. Be sure to order some of the taped INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENTS: Africa-Indian Ocean, John W. Fowler presentations. They will ignite or rekindle in you a fire for saving the Eastern Africa, Harry A. Cartwright lost. Euro-Africa, Johannes Mager Far East, James H. Zachary Demons have always been a problem, and still are. You will want Inter-America, Salim Japas North America, William C. Scales, Jr. to read what Lyndon McDowell, a pastor, has to say as he wrestles Trans-Europe, Mark Finley with this subject. "Some Call It Heresy" is the story of one young South America, Amasias Justiniano South Pacific, A.D.C. Currie minister's search for truth within the church. Our Health and Southern Asia, Saudagar Chand Religion article features scientific backing for our health message. MINISTRY, (ISSN 0026-5314), the interna And ShopTalk features a Home Study course for new Adventists. tional journal of the Seventh-day Adventist Ministerial Association © 1987, is published monthly by the General Conference of Next year, 1988, will be the centennial of the famous Minneapolis Seventh-day Adventists and printed by the Review and Herald Publishing Association, conference. We are looking for well-researched and well-reasoned 55 West Oak Ridge Drive, Hagerstown, MD articles on the subject of righteousness by faith and the future of the 21740, U.S.A. Subscriptions: US$19.95 for 12 issues in U.S., US$22.95 for 12 issues Adventist Church. They should be double spaced with one-inch elsewhere. Single copy: US$2.00. Member Associated Church Press. Second-class post margins and from 6 to 14 pages in length. We are interested more in age paid at Hagerstown, Maryland. the present and the future than the past, except as the past sheds light This publication is available in microfilm from University Microfilms International. on our present condition. Call toll-free 800-521-3044. Or mail inquiry to: University Microfilms International, 300 North Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Postmaster: Send address changes to MIN ISTRY, 55 West Oak Ridge Drive, Hagerstown, Maryland 21740. Editorial Office: 6840 Eastern Avenue NW., Washington, D.C. 20012. Stamped, self-addressed envelope should accompany unsolicited manuscripts. VOLUME 60 NUMBER 4
MINISTRY/APRIL/1987 Demons and deliverance
s devil possession a Just what do the Scriptures have to say Lyndon K. reality in the twenti about demon possession? The Old Tes eth century? Or has tament says surprisingly little but does McDowell our advanced under make it clear that demons were alive and standing of the brain well all through the Old Testament and psychological period. In Psalm 106 we read that Israel disorders explained "mingled with the Gentiles and learned away what was once blamed on supernat their works," which led them to "sacri ural manifestations? fice their sons and their daughters to Does the church need Do demons still exist? Do they still demons" (verses 35, 37, NKJV). It seems take possession of human lives? If so, incredible that God's people would fall a deliverance ministry what is the church's mission? Should we so low as to sacrifice their children to hire trained exorcists to lead every demons, but the demonic and social today? congregation in an active deliverance pressure must have been strong. Evi ministry? Is a yearly sermon decrying the dence from Carthage, a satellite city of evil of Ouija boards all that is needed? Or Israel's neighbor Tyre, shows how wide does the proper course lie somewhere spread child sacrifice was. Hundreds of between these two? urns containing the remains of children In this scientific age it is surprising to have been discovered. The horrible discover that there is still an active custom was practiced even in the city's debate in psychiatric circles about the heyday. 3 existence of demons. While some psy King Saul was controlled by an evil chiatrists would dismiss belief in demons spirit toward the close of his reign. The as a relic from the Dark Ages, others record speaks of "an evil spirit from the have continued to study the phenomena Lord" that came upon him. Ellen White that historically have been attributed to says that Saul "gave himself up to the the supernatural, and have refused to control of the wicked spirit that ruled write them off as mere fruits of disturbed over him," and she speaks of him minds. plunging "into a fury of passion" and In the nineteenth century, missionary then passing "into a state of despondency John L. Nevius described his encounters and self-contempt," when "remorse with the scientifically inexplicable in his would take possession of his soul." 4 book Demon Possession. "I brought with If he were alive today he would likely Lyndon K. McDowell me to China a strong conviction that a be labeled a manic-depressive personal pastors the Olney, Maryland, and the belief in demons, and communications ity. Manic-depressives display impa Pennsylvania Avenue, with spiritual beings, belongs exclusively tience and intolerance when their wishes Washington, D.C., to a barbarous and superstitious age, and are not immediately gratified, and they Seventh©day Adventist at present can consist only with mental indulge in impulsive and ill-considered churches. weakness and want of culture," 1 he actions. A patient can be "transformed wrote. But, like many other missionaries instantly to the most vicious anger if he is to China, he was confronted with crossed or ignored." 5 But the fact that evidence that forced him to recognize symptoms can be given a name does not that what the Bible says about demons mean that demons were not involved in and deliverance is still relevant today. 2 causing them. More will be said about
MINISTRY/APRIL/1987 the difficulties of differential diagnosis Was the boy suffering from epilepsy as later. the NIV suggests, or was he possessed by a demon? If one accepts the New Was the boy suffering Demons in the New Testament Testament evidence there can be no from epilepsy or In Jesus' time demon possession seems question that the boy suffered from to have been particularly prevalent. demon possession, but it is also clear that possessed by a Even the Pharisees had their exorcists. the demon had worked upon the nervous Jesus empowered His disciples to "heal system to produce what could be clini demon? the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the cally diagnosed as epilepsy. The Seventh- dead, cast out demons" (Matt. 10:8, day Adventist Bible Commentary puts the NKJV). He thus made a clear distinction matter clearly: "So far as Inspiration has between the sick, the lepers, and the indicated, the various manifestations of demon-possessed. But it is also evident physical and mental disorder that "declaring persons possessed of the devil, that Jesus saw the influence of Satan in marked the demon possessed, were, in and then praying with them and pre ordinary physical disease, and that in and of themselves, no different from tending to cast out the evil spirits." She healing diseases He was pushing back the similar manifestations attributable to called their actions "fanaticism which frontiers of Satan's kingdom. He "healed natural causes. Apparently the differ will bring into disrepute any church many that were sick of divers diseases, ence lay, not in the nervous and physical which sanctions such work." n and cast out many devils" (Mark 1:34). symptoms displayed, but in the agency In reality physicians and psychologists "And he preached in their synagogues that caused them." 8 who believe in demon possession find throughout all Galilee, and cast out that genuine cases are rare. William devils" (verse 39). "For he had healed Symptoms Wilson, professor of psychiatry at Duke many; insomuch that they pressed upon The fact that demon possession has University, states that he has seen only him for to touch him, as many as had very real psychological symptoms makes two cases that "meet the rigid criteria of plagues. And unclean spirits, when they it difficult for anyone interested in a Nevius for demon possession," and only saw him, fell down before him, and deliverance ministry to know whether a three patients whose symptoms suggested cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God" problem is caused by a demon or by demon possession. 12 John Newport, pro (Mark 3:10, 11). psychopathologic or physiopathologic fessor of philosophy of religion, South The most fully recorded example of difficulties. Dr. John White, associate western Baptist Theological Seminary, demon possession in the New Testament professor of psychiatry at the University believes that "demon possession is quite is found in Mark 9:14-29, the story of the of Manitoba, defines the dilemma thus: rare. It is most likely after considerable boy from whom the disciples were unable "I can conceive of no demonic state and persistent moral decay has taken to drive out a demon. which cannot be explained by a nonde- place." 13 This accords with a statement The father described his son as being monic hypothesis. / can likewise conceive in the Seventh-day Adventist Bible Com possessed by a spirit that had robbed him of no experiment to give conclusive support mentary: "Wherever Inspiration points of his speech. He had periodic seizures, to demonic rather than parapsychological out the cause, it declares that demon falling to the ground, foaming at the hypotheses.©© Then he adds this warning: possession comes about as the result of mouth and grinding his teeth, then "It also seems to me that Christians wrong living." H becoming rigid. Jesus gave the command should not be found floundering in the Ellen White says of the demon-pos "You deaf and dumb spirit, I command steps of J. B. Rine," 9 that is, delving sessed man in the synagogue: "The secret you, come out of him, and enter him no into parapsychology. cause of the affliction that had made this more" (verse 25, NKJV). The spirit then To add to the difficulty is the preva man a fearful spectacle to his friends and shrieked, convulsed the boy violently, lence of both willful and unintentional a burden to himself was in his own life. and came out of him. The boy was left deception. Not only is the devil a master He had been fascinated by the pleasures exhausted. Matthew says the father of both simulation and imitation, but of sin, and had thought to make life a described the boy as a lunatic (moon people themselves intentionally or grand carnival. He did not dream of struck), which the NIV translates as unintentionally resort to deception. becoming a terror to the world and the "epileptic" (Matt. 17:15). Nevius, who had considerable experi reproach of his family. He thought his Dr. John Wilkinson goes so far as to ence in China with demon-possessed time could be spent in innocent folly. make a diagnosis: "The boy suffered from people, remarks that "even if referable to But once in the downward path, his feet the major form of epilepsy. This, how or accompanied by well-known symp rapidly descended. Intemperance and ever, is not the final diagnosis, for toms of disease, simulated manifesta frivolity perverted the noble attributes of epilepsy is a symptom, not a disease. It is tions, as well as automatic, may naturally his nature, and Satan took absolute due to a sudden disturbance of the nerve be expected." 10 control of him." 15 cells in the brain and may have many Another problem must also be men Some Christians develop an excessive causes." 6 Dr. Frank Ervin describes tioned. There is a tendency on the part demonology interest that can be harmful epilepsy as "that state of impaired brain of anyone interested in demonology to both to them and to others. Such function characterized by a recurrent, see a demon behind every abnormal interest may also indicate a personal periodic, paroxysmal disturbance in condition. Ellen White repeatedly problem. Basil Jackson remarks: "I have mental function with concomitant encountered and denounced overuse of noted that there is an increased tendency alterations in behavior or thought pro exorcism. In 1908 she warned against for attraction to the occult in those cesses." 7 the work of those who went about Christians who have a basic paranoid
MINISTRY/APRIL/1987 ing or drawing. On one occasion a young Heinrich Kraemer, two Dominican man who had demonstrated abnormal monks, published a book called Malleus How can one distin behavior patterns showed me his scrap- Makficarum ("The Witches' Ham book. Incongruous pictures alerted me to mer"), which recognized demonology guish between the possible schizophrenia. After hours of and also linked it with mental disease. supernatural and the counseling at a medical clinic he finally The book has been called a handbook of agreed to hospitalizatioh. With medica sexual psychopathies because of its purely psychological? tion he was able to live a normal life. A detailed sexual descriptions. It became second case did not end so happily. The the standard reference work for both person having problems showed me a church and state in regard to indictment, painting that revealed some bizarre trial, and punishment of alleged witches. personality structure," and that "this concepts. He agreed to see a psychiatrist, The book is not recommended read type of Christian is often particularly but failed to keep his appointment. He ing, but it does give an insight into the attracted to involvement in the deliver was later forcibly hospitalized after a thinking of that era. Zilboorg comments ance ministry." 16 He goes on to warn fracas in a restaurant. on the social situation of that period: that "a frequently stated objection to "We must not forget . . . that the whole dabbling in the occult is that such an Social dynamics problem of witchcraft . . . was not the activity tends to make the individual Demon possession was especially exclusive result of a miscarried psycho- more susceptible to invasion by outside widespread when Christ was on earth. pathology or of a psychopathological agencies. ... I always encourage Chris The spiritual reasons for this are sug bent in theology. There was a restless tians to stay away from this kind of gested in The Desire of Ages, page 257, ness in the body social and politic of activity." " but there were also sociological factors Christian Europe; the Malleus was a For Adventists the tragic story of that seemed to predispose people to reaction against the disquieting signs of Moses Hull, the Civil War era evangelist involvement with the occult. The growing instability of the stablished who first debated with spiritualists and masses of people were poor, unschooled, order. . . . The sort of 'persecutory then joined them, should serve as an and superstitious. The bondage of Rome mania' which was displayed by the eloquent warning of the dangers. Early in aroused restiveness and a nostalgia for church and the state during the period my own ministry an interest in reading the days when prophets were among under consideration was undoubtedly spiritist papers and corresponding with them and God ruled in their midst. The due to the sense of insecurity and the spiritist people, purely for evangelistic upper classes longed for a political growing awareness that new social forces purposes, had to be terminated deci charismatic who would reinstate the and new spiritual ideals were about to sively. kingdom of Israel. Restlessness, fear, rise and to threaten the very heart of the superstition, expectation, and a longing regime which ruled medieval Europe." n Diagnosis for national vindication provided a Although the Malleus was designed to In the light of the diagnostic difficul fruitful ground for occult ascendancy. describe demon possession, Dr. John ties, how can one distinguish between At other times in history similar Nemiah describes it as "one of the great the supernatural and the purely psycho conditions prevailed. In those times textbooks of psychopathology of its time, logical? There are no easy answers, but interest in witchcraft and demonology and in its numerous case histories one there are several factors that must be blossomed, and along with the interest can read accurate descriptions of clinical considered. First of all, proper diagnosis there no doubt came an increase in syndromes that are familiar today." 23 may require the counsel of several actual demon possession. Dabbling in Interest in demons and the practice of individuals. Specialists in psychopath- spiritism often yields vile fruit. In Europe witchcraft disappeared when better reli ology, medicine, and pastoral care may from the eleventh through the thir gious instruction became available to each need to make an independent teenth centuries there was little growth peasants and when intellectual skepti evaluation of the patient. in witchcraft or interest in demonology. cism increased among the ruling classes. These specialists will need to have a The emotionally disturbed were cared for Robert Mandrou states that "the disap thorough medical, social, and personal as a community responsibility. 18 Edith pearance of Satan was also, and perhaps history of the patient. The background Wright maintains that, at least in most important, a disappearance of information should include facts about France, psychosis was looked upon as a fear." 24 alcohol and drug usage, accidents curable illness, caused primarily by an Once again we live in a world of fear. resulting in concussion or shock, any emotional upset. 19 The Canon Episcopi, The threat of war, the increase of crime, traumatic experiences, relationships incorporated as part of the decretals for the failure of science to provide an with family members, and most particu church law in the mid-twelfth century answer to our problems, and a realization larly whether there has been any and made required reading for inquisi of our own insignificance all provide a involvement with the occult. This latter tors, condemned witchcraft theory. 20 fertile field for renewed interest in the heading should include use of an Ouija Between 1320 and 1420 there were only supernatural. board, consultation with palm readers or 13 treatises on witchcraft and only 12 Within the Adventist Church, along faith healers, and possibly even overem witchcraft trials in France. But the next with recent theological crises has come, phasis on the importance of glossolalia in 50 years saw an increase in plagues and among some, a longing for new evidence religious experience. famines. During that half century there of supernatural intervention. A vague Sometimes insight may be gained by were 28 treatises and 120 trials. 21 myth persists that when Ellen White was an examination of the individual's writ In the 1480s johann Sprenger and alive there was constant evidence of MINISTRY/APRIL/1987 God's immediate and continuing inter If permitted, evil spirits can "distract 1 John L. Nevius, Demon Possession and Allied vention guiding the church through our minds." 2' They can "disorder and Themes (Chicago: Fleming and Revell, 1894), p. 290. every problem. This divine intervention torment our bodies." 30 "The senses, the 2 Kenneth McAll wrote, "I was afraid of the set the church apart from every other nerves, the passions, the organs of men" whole subject, dismissing it as 'primitive.'" But he denomination and gave evidence of its found himself "quite shaken by the transformation can be worked by "supernatural agencies of some of these people who were obviously in the mission. Even a cursory study of Advent- in the indulgence of the vilest lust." 31 grip of evil and by the fact that it was our prayers ist Church history would explode this This type of possession calls for recogni which had initiated the cure." "Taste and See," in John W. Montgomery, ed., Demon Possession: A myth, 25 but fear, uncertainty, and a tion and repentance, not exorcism, and Medical, Historical, Anthropological, and Theological nostalgic longing for a mythical past, who can doubt that this possession is Symposium (Minneapolis: Bethany Fellowship, mixed with a basically paranoid person happening on a worldwide scale today? 1976), p. 269. 3 Lawrence E. Stager and Samuel R. Wolff, ality, can easily develop pathological The merciless crimes that shock the "Child Sacrifice at Carthage—Religious Rite or interest in exorcism and pseudopro- world, pointless terrorism, and drug Population Control?" Biblical Archaeology Review, phetic gifts. January/February 1984, pp. 30-51 abuse are evidences of demonic control 4 Ellen C. White, Patriarchs and Prophets Historically Anna Rice Phillips no of men. Can we question that those who (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., doubt supplied a felt need when Ellen are led to revere so-called mystics who 1958) pp. 650, 651. 5 Robert Cohen, "Psychotic Disorders," in White was in Australia and the church preach self-indulgence and unbridled Alfred M. Freedman and Harold I. Kaplan, in Battle Creek was left without a lust are yielding to the control of evil Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry (Baltimore: prophet. She is one example of how a Williams and Wilkins Co., 1967), p. 682. spirits? In a more veiled form, demon 6 Gregory Zilboorg, A History of Medical Psy person can become self-deceived. 26 Were influence is seen in violent outbursts of chology (New York: W.W. Norton & Co., 1941), it not for correspondence and counsel temper, in obsessions, in perversions, in p. 163. arriving from Australia providentially on ' Frank Ervin, "Brain Disorders Associated heresies, and in compulsive criticism of With Convulsions," in Freedman and Kaplan, p. time, she would no doubt have received church leaders. Here is a fruitful field for 796. a good following. The Sanctuary Awak a deliverance ministry. "Intensity is 8 The SDA Bibk Commentary (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1980), vol. ening movement and the infamous Todd taking possession of every earthly ele 5, p. 577. tapes are more recent illustrations of how ment. With a subtlety gained through 9 John White, "Commentary on Psychological easily people can be misled. Paul Tour- centuries of conflict, the prince of evil Observations on Demonism," in Montgomery, p. 253. (Italicssupplied.) nier defines the motivating factors: works under a disguise. He appears 10 Nevius, p. 290. "Modern man, despite appearances, is clothed as an angel of light, and multi 11 Ellen G. White, Selected Messages (Washing less aware of his own nature and motives, ton, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1958), tudes are 'giving heed to seducing spirits, book 2, p. 46. and is lonelier as he faces them. We pity and doctrines of devils.'" 32 12 W. P. Wilson, "Hysteria and Demons, the savage amid his mysterious, menac Multitudes today need deliverance Depression and Oppression, Good and Evil," in Montgomery, p. 342. , ing spirits, but at least he shares his fears from racial and national animosities that 13 John Newport, "Satan and Demons: A with all his tribe, and does not have to so aptly illustrate Matthew 24:7 and that Theological Perspective," in Montgomery, p. 342. fear the awful spiritual solitude which is 14 The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 5, p. 575. will eventually lead to the conditions 15 Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages (Mountain so striking among civilized people. And that obtained when Jerusalem was View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1940), p. the primitive tribe does at least lay down reduced to ruin. And if Jerusalem is too 256. a certain magical interpretation, which, 16 Basil Jackson, "Reflections on the Demonic," distant, think of Hitler in his bunker in in Montgomery, p. 259. however mistaken, is satisfying because Berlin, surrounded by the ruin that his 17 Ibid., p. 260. it is unquestioned. In the same way, the madness had wrought. One commenta 18 Franz G. Alexander and Sheldon Selesnick, The History of Psychiatry: An Evaluation of Psychiat modern fanatic, who unquestioningly tor wrote that "the inability of America ric Thought and Practice From Prehistoric Times to the accepts all the dialectic and the slogans and the nations of Western Europe to Present (New York: Harper and Row, 1966), p. 53. of his party, is happier than the skeptic. recognize the demonic made it impossi 19 Ibid., p. 52. 20 E. William Monter, Witchcraft in France and And this explains the strange resurgence ble for us to assess the significance of Switzerland (Ithaca, N.Y.: Cornell University of the primitive mentality which we are Hitler and the Nazi movement -realisti Press, 1976), p. 17. witnessing today." 27 21 Ibid., p. 18. cally. " We could not "even see Hitler or 22 Zilboorg, p. 153. .Christ's warnings in Matthew 24 the destructively demonic reality he 23 Cited by Zilboorg. about false prophets appear to be quite represented." 33 What a tragedy if we 24 Cited by Monter, p. 62. 25 George Knight, Myths in Adventism (Wash pertinent to the Adventist ministry and should be just as blind to demonic ington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., laity in our day. political movements today. What a 1985). 26 For a brief account of Anna Rice Phillips, see challenging opportunity to reach across R. W. Schwarz, Light Bearers to the Remnant Wider aspects of deliverance the abyss of hatred and clasp hands to (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., Those interested in a deliverance bring healing and wholeness! 1979), p. 256. 27 Paul Tournier, A Doctor©s Casebook in the Light ministry should be aware that deliver What a challenge to the ministry to be of the Bibk (New York: Harper and Row, 1960), p. ance covers a very wide spectrum of free and to provide freedom to those 104. spiritual needs. Healing can come from caught up in the flood of hatred that is 28 See, for example, the experience of Richard Trates in Collegiate Quarterly, First Quarter, 1986, repentance and confession on the part of engulfing the world. Social or political p. 27. the individual, and genuine interest and change will never bring freedom until 29 Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy concern on the part of the minister. 28 the hearts of men and women are won to (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1950), p. 517. Exorcism may rarely, if ever, be neces the Lordship of Christ and the demons of 30 Ibid. sary. It is instructive to note the vocabu hate are exorcised by the love of God. 31 White, The Desire of Ages, p. 36. 32 Ibid., p. 257. lary that Ellen White uses in speaking of This is true twentieth-century deliver 33 Rollo May, Love and Will (New York: W. W. demon possession: ance ministry. Norton & Co., 1969), p. 130. MINISTRY/APRIL/1987 7 Some call it heresy
Editor's Note: Soon my mind was boiling over with From belief to doubt Martin Weber, assistant to George doubts. I couldn't understand what was and back again. Vandeman, director and speaker of the It Is happening. I had been happily baptizing Written telecast, is an ordained minister of people into the Adventist faith I loved. I MINISTRY editor J. R. the Seventh-day Adventist Church. During never imagined I would ever disbelieve his 12 years of service he has been a our teachings. Spangler interviews conference evangelist and pastor of several At first I tried to dismiss my questions, churches. He currently does research, but couldn't. I had to be honest with Martin Weber about writing, traveling, and speaking for the It Is myself—I had always told our audiences Written telecast. Martin©s struggle .with that there is only one reason to belong to how he found faith doubts over certain church doctrines led him a church: all its teachings must be found to a thorough reexamination of the scriptural in the Bible. So I had to get to the again in the church©s support for these doctrinal positions. Several bottom of this for my own peace of mind. understanding of the of his friends went through the same struggle and unfortunately left the ministry and the Spangler: Did the conference administra sanctuary and church. Martin's struggle and findings of his tion know what was going on? studies have been documented in his book judgment Some Call It Heresy. This faith-building Weber: Yes, I told them about our study volume needs to be placed in the hands of group and the questions we had. By this everyone who doubts the church©s doctrinal time we were meeting regularly in motel position on the sanctuary and related beliefs. rooms to study before workers' meetings. He also helped prepare the books What I Naturally the conference administration Like About. . . and The Rise and Fall of became alarmed. The president asked us Antichrist, by Vandeman. In the following to stop studying together, and admon interview Martin places in capsule form his ished me to stay in the mainstream. He journey from doubt to belief. told me not to chase the devil's doubts, but to keep preaching the message and Spangler: How did you come to question leave the questions for others. church teachings©! Spangler: How did you respond? Weber: It began during a summer workers' retreat. Several young pastors in Weber: I wanted to cooperate. I agreed our conference invited me to study the to stop our Bible studies, but explained Bible with them. And I was happy to join that 1 could not preach the Adventist them. Being conference evangelist, I message if I didn't believe it. As far as the Martin Weber wanted to get close to them so we could mainstream was concerned, I told him work well together in our meetings. that something could be wrong with the I soon discovered that they were into mainstream, since all these years had some pretty deep water. They had some passed and Christ had not come. fundamental doubts about church The president became really worried teachings. I saw where they were headed about me. He sent me to the White with their heresy and tried to help them. Estate to get straightened out. The But instead of helping them, I myself brethren there were very kind and eager became confused. to help me. But nobody seemed to MINISTRY/APRIL/1987 understand that I had to get my questions Weber: First, why would God jeopardize settled from the Bible, not the writings of the security of believers by subjecting Ellen White. them to a judgment? What is the purpose We asked him for Outside the White Estate building I of judgment, since God already knows advice about told my ministerial director that unless I those who are His? could defend my faith from the Bible, I I also had doubts about our time resigning from the would have to turn in my credentials. prophecies. The New Testament seemed That hurt both of us deeply. to teach that Christ was prepared to ministry. He come in the first century, not after Spangler: What happened next? waiting 18 centuries for 1844. And our encouraged us to proof of the day/year principle seemed Weber: I searched everywhere for pretty fragile. stay in our work answers. About this time there was a Also, the book of Hebrews puts Jesus unless we were made ministerial conference in Takoma Park. already at the throne of God within the Some of the ministers invited me to a veil. I saw nothing to indicate two to leave. secret meeting with Desmond Ford. He separate apartments in heaven. Besides, had an apartment on Carroll Avenue, if atonement took place at the cross, how right around the corner from the General could we say that the Day of Atonement Conference, where he was preparing his didn't find fulfillment until centuries Spangler: What did Mark show you? Glacier View manuscript. About a dozen later? crowded into Ford's living room, there in Weber: He explained that the meaning his basement apartment. Spangler: How did you get your answers? of judgment, to the Hebrews, was vindication. Judgment was not a threat, Spangler: What did he tell you? Weber: Well, I took my family to the but a favor, a way to deliver the accused Lake Union Soul-Winning Institute in from condemnation. I can't tell you how Weber: Dr. Ford declined to discuss our Hinsdale. I knew that if anyone could much this simple insight helped regain questions on the sanctuary. He said he help me, it would be Mark Finley, my confidence in our church teachings. had promised the brethren to keep quiet director of the institute. Further study showed me that in Old on the subject until after Glacier View. I asked Mark if he would come to our Testament times judges themselves He wanted to honor his word. He did apartment and go head-to-head against a served as defenders of the accused. There agree to talk about anything else on our doctoral student from the seminary who were no lawyers in the Hebrew legal minds. had already given up church teachings. system. Witnesses of the crime pressed We asked him for advice about resign Mark was not one for debating, but he charges, and judges defended the rights ing from the ministry. He encouraged us agreed to a series of private discussions in of the accused. Today our judges remain to stay in our work unless we were made order to help me. strictly neutral while the prosecuting and to leave. He said that at the same time I'll never forget those Saturday' night defending attorneys do battle. But back we should keep studying until these Bible conferences. I still have my notes then judges were required by law to be matters were clear to us. from their discussions. biased in favor of the accused. Mark was pretty impressive. He Of course, the judge still had to Spangler: Did you take Ford©s advice? proved from the book of Daniel that the maintain justice. If the evidence prophecies stretched till the "time of the required it, he would reluctantly aban end"—not the time of Antiochus Epi- don the defendant and execute punish Weber: Not entirely. I thought it made phanes. He also exposed Ford's teachings ment. But the whole Old Testament sense to stay in the ministry as long as I as a kind of preterism. system was predisposed toward vindica was searching for answers. But if I tion, not condemnation. became convinced that the church was You can see how this helped me accept wrong, I would leave without being Spangler: So that©s how you regained a pre-Advent judgment. For the first forced out. I didn't think I deserved to be confidence in the church? time I realized that God is not question supported by Adventist tithe dollars ing our salvation but defending His unless I believed Adventist doctrine. Weber: I was beginning once more to relationship with us against the accuser During our time in Takoma Park see light in Adventist teachings. But still of the brethren. The celestial judgment several of us visited you at the General I had some basic questions. I could not Conference, if you recall. We opened does not jeopardize our security in Jesus, comprehend the meaning of the pre- but rather, manifests and ratifies our our hearts about some of our questions. Advent judgment. You encouraged us to keep studying. You assurance. Right at this time Mark became ill for I discuss all this in chapter 4 of my told us that every Adventist doctrine several days. Now, he is quite a health- book. could be proved by the Bible and that if minded man, who doesn't often get sick. Another thing that Mark showed me we would be patient and keep studying But for several days he was flat on his was a list of exciting parallels between we would see it. That helped me quite a bit. ' back with the flu. He used the time to the judgment scenes of Daniel 7 and study the Bible. And when he came back Revelation 4 and 5.1 had never seen this Spangler: just what were the doctrinal to class, he had found the basic answers I before. I consider this parallel the questions bothering you? needed. strongest New Testament proof of the
MINISTRY/APRIL/1987 timing of our sanctuary message. You know, the sanctuary crisis came versus they" attitude, along with a Once I understood this connection and went, leaving most of our members persecution complex. I regret that very between the judgment scenes of Daniel scratching their heads, wondering what much. and Revelation, that was it. I had turned really happened. Many wonder just what Even so, during those six months of the corner. I was born again into the went on in those "gospel" study groups. I crisis I wasn't looking for conflict. I was Adventist faith. Other questions thought I owed it to them to share my looking for hooks to hang my faith on. I remained to be answered, but I knew firsthand perspective. was praying for answers, and 1 embraced then that everything would work out. them as soon as they came my way. Chapter 12 of my book explains all this Spangler: TeR us more about the book. in detail. Spangler: What do you wish the church You can imagine how happy I was to Weber: The first chapter is the story of had done differently? rejoice once more in the truth. I felt on my struggles. The next couple of chap fire, like a new convert. ters take another look at Adventist Weber: I'm glad there were those who history. Then comes the meaning of did not question my commitment Spangler: What about your friends in your judgment. After that I trace the judg because I had doubts, but instead helped home conference? ment unfolding in Daniel, Revelation, me find answers. and Hebrews. Back then, most of the material the Weber: While I was.away at Hinsdale In one of the later chapters I wrestle church published dealt with the crisis they were drifting away from the church. with the question of Ellen White. How from a historical, not from a theological, A couple of them began quietly scouting can we live by the Bible and the Bible perspective. All those warnings about around for other jobs. only, yet honor and benefit from her Ballenger and Kellogg frightened me, I did my best to share with them the ministry? but did not provide Bible answers for my good news I was learning from Mark. I questions. even bought a ticket for one of them to Spangler: Looking back at your experi Of course, since 1979 much excellent fly to Hinsdale and study with us. He ence, what would you have done differently? material dealing with the judgment from came, but he was unable or unwilling to a biblical perspective has been published see the light. I couldn't save him for the Weber: When conference leaders tried by our church. For example, I think of church, no matter how hard I tried. to dismiss our questions, my friends and I the October 1980 edition of MINISTRY. It Each of my friends resigned or was became frustrated. We developed a "we helped me much in preparing my book. removed from the ministry. And all of One book I bought way back in 1973 them left the church. One started his would have helped me in 1979 if only I own "gospel" church right there in his had read it—Dr. Heppenstall's Our High former district. The fellow I flew up to Priest, a marvelous book. Hinsdale, my best friend, left his wife and family and gave up religion entirely. As you might expect, my friendship Spangler: What has your life been like with the group came to an end. They since your crisis? accused me of compromising my com mitment to the gospel by staying with Weber: I've lost contact with my former the church. That hurt. friends who left the church. I've tried to write to them, but they haven't answered my letters. I exchanged a number of Spangler: When did you decide to write letters with Dr. Ford, but none lately. In your book? his last letter he said that Hebrews 9:23 does not involve the cleansing of heav Weber: After getting back on my feet in en's sanctuary. I say it does. And that's Hinsdale, I was called to pastor a church where it stands. in California. Soon after I arrived, a My understanding of the sanctuary has former associate pastor returned to town not changed in the past six years. It has to set up one of the so-called gospel deepened, but not changed. I marvel fellowships. again and again to see new dimensions in We had quite a struggle for the souls of this special truth that God gave our some of our members. I was thankful that church. because I myself had wrestled through I'm happy to say I enjoy good fellow these problems, I could help my people. ship again with my former conference So they could understand the issues, I officials. They invited me to give my wrote the things I had learned in a little testimony at camp meeting. It was a manuscript. Several church leaders read delight to work again with those dear it and encouraged me to develop it into a men. book. And eventually Some Call It At present I'm with It Is Written, Heresy was published by the Review and assisting in Elder Vandeman's exciting Herald. ministry. What a privilege! 10 MINISTRY/APRIL/1987 Successful counseling
f you are a caring surprises," says Norman Wright in Crisis Ellen Bresee person, you counsel. Counseling. Some of these crises send If you say, "I could people to their extended family for help. never counsel!" you Christian friends who will listen and still are really saying you love them provide reassurance and sup wouldn't listen to port. some heavyhearted Let me share five secrets to good person who comes to you for help. You counseling: Five secrets to good may be shy. You may feel inadequate. counseling. But Christians desire to be caring people, and caring people reach out to hurting i » Learn to listen. Many good people rather than hiding from them, things happen when you listen to the even if it means sharing their pain. "And counselee—especially at the beginning the Lord make you to increase and of your first session: abound in love one toward another, and • You show the counselee that you care. toward all men, even as we do toward Listening flatters. It says that what the you" (IThess. 3:12). counselee thinks and feels matters. It Caring persons counsel successfully. proves you care, and troubled people Researchers conducted an experiment desperately need to know someone cares. on a university campus comparing the • Talking clarifies the problem for the relative effectiveness of counseling done counselee. Talking is excellent therapy. by professional counselors and that of By putting their feelings into words, regular teachers. They found that the people move from the emotional to a professional counselors had no more more rational level. Clothes taken out of success in helping troubled students than a washer and placed in a basket are all the average teacher. The professional wadded up, shapeless, and intertwined. counselors knew more. Their techniques But hang them on the clothesline, and may have been better. But students who individual shapes and colors come clear. counseled with teachers chose them on Thoughts and feelings, problems and Ellen Bresee is associ the basis of an ongoing relationship. needs, can seem terribly complicated. ate coordinator o/ Shepherdess Interna They came to those they knew best, Putting them into words is like hanging tional trusted, and whom they felt cared most. them on the clothesline. Things start People who choose to counsel with a coming clear. pastor, and especially with a pastor's • Listening clarifies the problem for the wife, usually choose him or her on the counselor. While you're talking you're same basis. Such counseling tends to be not learning. When you concentrate too successful. much on coming up with answers, you "The journey through life is a series of may misunderstand part of the questions. crises some of which are predictable and Listen more to learn more. expected and some of which are total You encourage your counselee to talk
MINISTRY/APRIL/1987 11 sides against the other person. If at all for sympathy. Many times the session possible, talk to that other individual ends with a prayer imploring the Lord to Never assume that personally. change the spouse. That may not be what you hear from • Be as nonjudgmental as Jesus was Christian counseling at all! The Chris toward the woman caught in adultery. And tian way to change others is to change one side is accurate let your grace extend to the "offending" oneself. party as well as to the counselee. We don't want to send people out or that the person is I learned a valuable lesson early in my feeling guilty because of all the mistakes counseling experience. I thought I was they may have made in a relationship. deliberately lying. saving time by meeting with a husband On the other hand, sanctification is and wife together on their initial visit. growth in love toward both God and Later the wife called me and told me a man. We help people apply Christianity completely different story from the one to their problems when we help them see she shared in front of her husband. The how Christ can change their own atti whole picture changed. From that time tudes and behavior and how they can use on, I have made it a practice to counsel Christian love in motivating the spouse separately on the initial visit. Your to change. counselee may be intimidated in the Don't try to solve people's problems. presence of a dominating spouse. Help them to define what the problem really is and then work their way through * Concentrate on solutions. the process of solving it. Guide them in Spend most of your time on solutions, not deciding what change Christ wants to by smiling, nodding, leaning forward, problems! The first half hour of the first help them make as He works with them and looking interested. Most counselees session ought to be enough time listening in healing the relationship. do not feel free to go on talking unless to the problem. Some people go over and Don't do "band-aid" counseling that the counselor gives some positive rein over a problem and refuse to work on a discourages long-term treatment—espe forcement. As one professional coun solution. They want sympathy more cially if you tackle marriage counseling. selor said when recruiting beginners to than they want a solution. If they solved Heavy surgery may be required! One assist him in counseling people attending their problem, they wouldn't feel session does not usually solve marital a stop-smoking clinic: "All I want you to important any longer. They'd lose the' problems. The danger is that when you know is one word, I7h.-h.uh.." excuse for coming. Not only are you help the counselees alleviate the symp During the early stages of a counseling wasting your time with such people, you toms, they get to feeling better and think experience you should talk only to clarify are hurting them by oversympathizing. all is well. what the counselee is saying. Sometimes You will become their crutch and may I have known couples who felt the what you are hearing is not what he is prevent their ever walking. pressure ease dramatically after two or saying. Sometimes what he is saying is I like the little story about solutions I three sessions with a counselor. Then not what he is really feeling. Repeat in once heard Pastor Glenn Coon tell. He they said, "Thanks, we don't need any question form what you think he said. and his wife had moved into a new more help." But after several more "Do I hear you saying that when your home, and the landscaping wasn't fin months they were separated. They had husband works late at the office every ished. When Glenn tracked mud on been too embarrassed to come back and night you feel rejected?" The counselee their new carpet, his wife wasn't happy. say, "It wasn't enough." It usually takes a will correct you if you're not really Finally she said that they had a problem. long time for relationships to disinte hearing what he is trying to communi Glenn asked what it was. Her simple grate and a long time to rebuild them. cate. answer was "Mud." Immediately they If a couple insist on ending the • Be unshockable. If you show you're began looking for a solution. The answer counseling, at least leave them with a shocked by what a counselee reveals, he they came up with was to place a pair of good self-counseling book. An excellent may feel threatened and withhold fur overshoes by each door for Glenn to wear one is How to Have a Happy Marriage, by ther disclosures. Ask God to help you to while working outside. The overshoes David and Vera Mace. This outlines a be accepting of the person even though could then be slipped off at the door six-week program that helps a couple what he's done may be distasteful to you. before he came in. The point is that they learn skills in communication, confron On the other hand, you don't need to didn't spend much time on the problem. tation, and appreciation. encourage sordid details. All it took was a simple, quick explana • Hear both sides. Never assume that tion of it, and they immediately moved J « Help them choose a plan. what you hear from one side is com on to the solution! Counselees find it easier to concentrate pletely accurate or that the person is The Christian way to change others is on solutions if, together, you list various deliberately lying, but that he is right in to change oneself. You can discover options. Then help them decide which his own eyes. The implied flattery that whether or not you can really help a options seem best, and form a plan for comes with his -selecting you as his person by finding out whether he is putting them into operation. Now your counselor tends to bias your thinking in expecting to make changes in his own task is largely to encourage them to his favor. After all, anyone who had the behavior. Too often pastoral counseling implement their own decision. good sense to seek your counsel couldn't consists of a member coming with a black If you have a counselee who con be too far wrong! You will tend to take story about a nonmember spouse, fishing stantly phones you and brings up the
12 MINISTRY/APRIL/1987 severe conditions. Find out what resources are available in your area so you Many ministers and can refer cases you are not qualified to work with. You can usually find help by their spouses find inquiring at your county mental health themselves dominated department. The Narramore Christian Foundation, 1409 North Walnut Grove by the telephone. Avenue, Rosemead, CA 91770, (818) 288-7000, keeps a list of qualified counselors and will give referrals.
J Practice strictest confiden tiality. When someone opens to you the depths of his heart, you have a grave responsibility to practice the strictest confidentiality! If you cannot keep con fidences, don't counsel. It would be better for you to tell the person who comes to you that you have trouble keeping a secret, that it sort of bubbles Ministry out at the wrong time. I knew one Tape-of-the-Month same old problem, ask, "Did you try what minister's wife who said she asked her we decided on?" If he hedges, encourage husband and others not to tell her any him to try it before you discuss the secrets. That way she didn't accidentally problem again. Assure him of your give them away. New Emphasis: continuing concern, then pleasantly but Beware of the busybodies. They tend confidently close the conversation and to go fishing a lot. For instance, one Expository sermons, instructive semi hang up. If he won't help himself, you might say to you, "I understand Mary is nars, thought-provoking interviews, cannot help him. thinking about a divorce." This busy helpful reviews, and faith-building Many ministers and spouses find body saw Mary counseling with you in stories you can use. themselves dominated by the telephone, the church office, and she's noticed and valuable hours that could be used in Mary's husband hasn't been around soul winning are lost. If you find this a much lately. She doesn't really know New Easy Payment Plans problem, try a class on assertiveness that Mary is thinking about a divorce, training. In a paper entitled "Why Do she's only hoping to find out! If you Choose one: Clergy Wives Burn Out?" Roy Oswald, surmise she knows and answer yes, D Four easy installments of $11.50. of the Alban Institute, suggests that you've blown it. clergy spouses often believe the congre Don't be surprised if a person whom D Pay $45.00 upon receipt of first tapes. gation expects them to be passive and to you counseled avoids you later. Your D Pay $44.95 in advance—your mem ignore their own needs. Passive behavior relationship has changed. This is espe bership begins the month following eventually leads to losing control over cially true of a person who has seldom receipt of your check. one's life. Aggressive behavior means shared his feelings with another human exploiting or coercing another. Chris before. I remember one lady who would Satisfaction guaranteed. tian assertive behavior is feeling clear cross the street when she saw me coming. about who you are and what you can and I wondered whether I had offended her. Keep abreast of the best in Adventist cannot contribute. You can be pleasant Later she told me how much she had preaching, teaching, and professional semi- and receptive to the chronic phone appreciated my help. She was just caller and yet not let someone else's embarrassed because she knew that I agenda dominate you. knew. Offer to pray with the person you are NOW, MORE THAN EVER, T*# Know when to refer. While counseling. Prayer focuses his attention YOU CANNOT BE listening, watch for such inappropriate on the real Source of help—God. WITHOUT MINISTRY responses as illogical verbalizing, uncon If you care, develop good counseling TAPE-OF-THE-MONTH. trollable emotions, staring into space or skills, and have time for counseling, you inattentiveness, extreme depression, can be a great help to your husband. The inability to make simple decisions, belief counseling you do just might mean a that others are out to get them, and loss lighter load for him. Perhaps you can Subscribe Today of control in eating and other habits. bargain with him, getting him to agree to MINISTRY Tape-of-the-Month These can be psychotic symptoms, and spend with you and your family some of Box 217, Burtonsville, MD 20866 people who exhibit them should be the time you save him by counseling referred to a professional counselor or members. If counseling is a gift God has psychiatrist who is trained in treating given you, use it to glorify Him.
MINISTRY/APRIL/1987 13 NAD evangelism council
s public evange This was a time of the best of Mortenjuberg lism in the Adventist Adventist preaching, with a morning Church dead? prayer and praise session getting under One would not way in the early dawn (7:15 a.m.) and have gotten that with meetings continuing through the Evangelism is alive impression at the evening. North American Specialized seminars were held for and bursting with Division evangelism council that met wives, administrators, and the evange recently at Daytona Beach, Florida. lists, while some 30 exhibitors displayed energy on Planet Some 600 evangelists, administrators, wares as well as helpful information. The pastors, and departmental directors and planning for the council had its begin Earth. their spouses convened to discuss public nings at the 1985 General Conference evangelism, the first such far-reaching session in New Orleans. At that time session in a decade. They studied, Charles Bradford, North American prayed, sang, and listened to the cream Division president, met with evangelists of Adventist evangelists. in attendance to plan the meeting. Russell Burrill, a former Upper Good humor sparked many of the Columbia pastor, noted, "We would presentations. Frank Sherrill, president have few accessions to the church if it of the Arizona Conference, told how he weren't for the evangelist." Burrill now was called out of a church service by heads the North American Division police who needed his help. Evangelism Institute, based in La "We picked up a man walking naked Grange, Illinois, which provides addi on the turnpike, and he refuses to put his tional training in public evangelism for clothes on until he talks to an Adventist seminary graduates. preacher," they told him. Evangelist Ron Halvorsen told the Sherrill related how he visited with audience that no meeting is a failure in the man, who did don his clothes. He the sight of God. He recalled a large was sent to the state hospital for obser campaign held in New York City's vation and treatment. Later he was prestigious Carnegie Hall some years released and was baptized along with his ago. mother, sister, and her husband. "It was expensive and.the baptisms "Because of the shame of my nakedness," he told Sherrill, "they all joined the Marten Juberg is the were few," he said. But to those who communication director would criticize such meetings, he church." for the North Pacific pointed out that among the few baptisms Canadian evangelist Henry Feyera- Union Conference. were James Londis and Halvorsen him- bend said that as a youngster he prayed self. Both of the new members went on for a handsome face like George Vande- to become pastor-evangelists, and man's and a voice like that of H.M.S. between them they have brought 5,000 Richards, Sr. converts into the church. "Somehow the order got mixed up," "Why do we watch the dead, those he said. "A friend told me that he had a who have left the church after meet- burden for me to be on the radio." ings?" he said. "Why not rejoice over "But I don't have a voice for radio," those who were saved?" Feyerabend replied.
14 MINISTRY/APRIL/1987 Seating was at a premium in the evangelism council meeting hall. "You do have a face for radio," the doctrine of grace. "Have you ever held meetings in a friend responded. Pointing to the Adventist diet, he place where the people said, 'It is easy In a challenging presentation, those said, "If you have the moxie and guts to here'?" Jaecks asked. "We don't let the in attendance heard from Carl George, a eat the right way, why apologize for it?"' hardness of the territory influence the church-growth consultant from Fuller One of the more provocative presen program. It's hard anywhere. The devil Theological Seminary, who has made a tations—"Slogans and Myths That Are will make sure of that." study of Adventists. He called Advent- Killing Public Evangelism and What We North Pacific Union president Bruce ists the "silent kingdom," not generally Can Do About It"—was given by Lenard Johnston, who chaired one of the understood by other denominations, and Jaecks, president of the Washington sessions, told the audience that he chided those present for failure to take Conference. Among the myths he gained three impressions from attending full advantage of the blessings God has referred to is the one called "It Is Hard the meetings. given. Here." "I am impressed with how early "You have the same dangers of being evangelists like to get going in the institutionalized as other churches that morning [he was referring to the early have lost their first flush of enthusiasm," meeting time]. I'm glad to see the he said. "Your reward system causes number of young evangelists coming on people to look toward a higher level than the scene, and I'm impressed with the the local church, and you are siphoning number of wives in attendance." off key staff to local and union confer Though now in administrative work, ences." Johnston told the audience that he held He noted that the church has been his first public meeting 40 years ago and inconsistent in handling Ellen G. that he has held an average of two White, saying, "You have a prophetess, crusades each year since then. but you put her writings in the same Russell Burrill concluded his presenta status as Scripture." tion, "The Process of Public Evange Referring to the continuing contro lism," with a five-part challenge. versies about Mrs. White, he added, "We need to increase the number of "You need to stop arguing and look for people brought to meetings by members. Jesus' coming." Advertising isn't the main means of Dr. George commended the denomi attracting visitors," he said. "We must nation for five main points of belief, Music coordinator Raymond Saunders develop plans by which members make including the Sabbath, biblical diet, from the Northeastern Conference leads friends of those attending the meetings." tithing, Christian education, and the forth with gusto. Burrill said that the church needs to be
MINISTRY/APRIL/1987 15 constantly evangelizing in the commu nity and should not depend on the Get the inspiration and the information! evangelist to do all of the work. You can get iaiidiocassette recordings of the seminars conducted at the North "We must emphasize to members that .American Division evangelism council. The, cassettes are $3 each or $104. ,50 for the evangelism is a way of life and not a entire set (a discount or almost 10 percent). , special program," he added and, turning , Order.ftom: Ministerial Association, Mid-America Union Conference of Seventh- to the administrators present, con day Adkentists, P.Ce'Box 6127, Lincoln, NE 68506,, Include a check-or money order .with sufficient funds to cover the cost of shippirig and handling, as well as of the cluded, "You must be willing to fund cassettes, AH payments must be in U, Si funds; evangelism as a process and not a special , For shipping yia. UPS (the rfecornmended rflode within the, 48 states); add $2 per crusade." "ship "to" address for orders np to $25, add,$3;per address for, orders of $25'.01 ti> $50, $4 There were constant references to the , for prders-of'jSaOl to,$100,: $7 .for orders of $100.0! to $200, and $10for Prefers of blessings of public evangelism. Jack '$200.01; ;6r more? •', - '•„ ",'' _•] ' '' ;,-/."" * "; "" ,.• ..'.-' ' - 7, '" " • .. Bohannon, now secretary in the Chesa • .;V;E<)ir'^IiipfBB^,^fe;^^ |U.,S.A. only);, l-'cassette,' $.75; peake Conference, told of two cam ,,.2-9 'casseaes"/:'$f50',ifqt ' the-fet 'and $.25 for each additional; ,10 or more cassettes, no 'shipping: ehaige.'. i,/, ."•""•".';',' ; 1 •'• " : '.., '••''.'"'''.",',•.•>'"""";'.•..."'' , .. '."'•'..-•"'•"'-..-•„•'" ,' • paigns that could be regarded as failures. ,,,•' -PirSt 'Glass- W-S . Ai. and Canada) : ,1 cassette," $1:; "2-9 cassettes, $.75 ,'for trie fast- and As a 13-year-old boy in Titusville, '$..5Q"
16 MINISTRY/APRIL/1987 From the Editors
Are our tithe policies important?
ithe goes only for the troubled by the indebtedness that has first adopted by Sabbathkeepftig support of the gospel overtaken this denomination, especially Adventists (in 1859) consisted of the minister! This is in North America. We live in an age setting aside of a weekly offering of from what I -tho'ught and when debt has become a way of life for 5 to 25 cents for men and from 2 to 10 taught in the early individuals and companies. Borrowing is cents for women. 2 In 1864 this system years of my ministry. made easy and appears so attractive . . . expanded to include a weekly gift of Actually, I gave lit As we start this new year, as we think of 2 cents for each $100 worth of property tle thought to the source of operating the theme of renewal, I am calling for each member possessed. It was not until expenses for the local, union, and Seventh-day Adventists, both person the late 1870s that emphasis was placed General Conference offices. I was sur ally and corporately, to change their on giving the tithe as a percentage of prised when I found that the tithe was ways. I am calling for us to break off the income. used for virtually any and all conference shackles of debt that are holding us at Prior to 1880, the instruction we have expenses, including maintenance and risk, personally and as a denomina from the Spirit of Prophecy does not the truck drivers' salaries. tion." 1 delineate precisely how systematic Another surprise came when I learned As I read this appeal, questions benevolence was to be used—nor were about tithe exchange. In this process a haunted me. Could the way we as a restrictions imposed until later years. We conference with excess tithe funds church handle the sacred tithe be in any do know, however, that in the church's exchanges some of the tithe it receives way related to the financial problems we infancy, neither the medical, the pub for nontithe funds through the General face? Do not the guaranteed blessings lishing, nor the educational branches of Conference office. The conference and cursings involving tithing apply to the work were regular recipients of tithe would then be free to use these nontithe the corporate structure as well as to the funds. funds for building churches, paying individual? (However, Ellen White did write a school subsidies, and so forth. In the Our General Conference archivist testimony in 1879 in which, referring to seventies, lively discussion at an Annual says that research shows that in the late the erection of churches and the estab Council revealed that accurate figures nineteenth century, tithe reform seemed lishing of schools and publishing houses, were not being kept on tithe exchanges. to be related to financial crises in the she said: "These institutions are This revelation led to a monitoring world and/or in the church. If this is true, ordained of God and should be sustained system to ensure accuracy. as ministerial leaders we should become by tithes and liberal offerings." 3 This When we view carefully the church's acquainted with the policies that govern testimony gives an overall view of God's financial situation, we must admit it has the use of tithe. requirements in the area of stewardship. faced, is facing, and may in the future Giving was to far exceed the tithe. Ellen continue to face serious problems. The Early Adventist tithe-use practices White refers to a "conscientious few" in Davenport predicament, the Harris Pine What did our church in its early years Old Testament times who gave one third Mills bankruptcy, the Lake Region understand about how the tithe was to be of all their income.) Fiasco, the large and perhaps excessive used? Apparently their understanding of In the January 15, 1880, Review and indebtedness of some of our medical, the basis on which believers gave tithes Herald, James White wrote, "A tithe is publishing, and educational institu and offerings and of the precise use of the Lord's. Since the Fall of man it has tions, are a real concern to leadership. these funds underwent a gradual devel been necessary that there should be men In an article in the Adventist Review, opment. We can summarize by saying, devoted wholly to the service of God. It our General Conference president made though, that in our early years both appears that from the very beginning the an appeal (under the subhead "Lesson to tithes and offerings were channeled Lord taught His people to devote one Learn") that touched a responsive chord almost exclusively toward ministerial tenth to the support of His ministers." 4 in many hearts. He wrote, ''I have to support. An action taken at the General honestly confess to you that I am deeply The form of systematic benevolence Conference session that same year indi-
MINISTRY/APRIL/1987 17 cates that some local churches were portions of which were to form a part of using tithe funds for church expense. the counsels that eventually were pub The action reads: "Resolved, That no lished in Testimonies under the title church should devote any portion of its The White Estate lists four papers "Faithful Stewardship." One paragraph tithe to the erection or repairing of its that are available to those wishing reads: "One reasons that the tithe may be church, without the free consent of the to study this question more com applied to school purposes. Still others state conference committee." 5 pletely: , ." • " reason that canvassers and colporteurs should be supported from the tithe. But a Butler liberalizes tithe policy "Highlights of the Beginnings' of great mistake is made when the tithe is While the concept of the use of tithes the Tithing System," 28 pages, drawn from the object for which it is to was evolving, it was generally under $.80, ' ' -, •• .. : , ./-• be used—the support of the ministers. stood at this time that tithe funds were to "Mrs, Ellen G. White and the There should be today in the field 100 be reserved for the gospel ministry. Tithe," 20jpages,,$.80;- " , ,- " '- . well-qualified laborers where now there Shortly thereafter, this practice was "The Useof the Tithe," 18pages,: is but one." I6 liberalized. According to an undated '$.70:--:•-,:;• •"-.;. . ,..,.• .";'•.; Much more could be written on this pamphlet (possibly 1884), General Con "Ellen G. White Comments on important subject. Several documents ference president G. I. Butler believed the Use of the Tithe" (most recent, are available for study from the Ellen G. that the many demands facing the document), 14 pages, $.75. White Estate (see box). church legitimized using the tithe for As editors we felt it expedient to share auditors, tract and missionary state , You may obtain', these by ordering; -•* with our church leadership the latest secretaries, colporteurs, and so forth. them1 from: ^The Ellen Q- White Annual Council voted policy on the use Butler acknowledged that in some cases Estate1 ,' 6840 Eastern Ave.^ N%,'.. of tithe. Over the past several years, an the gospel ministry suffered because of a Washifigtettf fj;CC 20012. -(Brfees,' enormous amount of time on the part of lack of funds, but -concluded, "We include^, postage.'), ,» "•"'" '", "; -'^'. • ".. committees and individuals has been believe the tithing is designed of God for invested in a study and revision of our the support, as far as it will go, of all use-of-tithe practices. The most recent laborers who are called by the cause of committee, composed of 35 to 40 God to give their time to His work. We administrators, treasurers, departmental know of no other special system for this designs that it shall be held sacred to this personnel, pastors, and laypeople, purpose." 6 purpose." 10 refined the document that was passed at The extent to which Butler's opinions Six years later she reaffirmed this clear the 1985 Annual Council and appears affected the working policies of the position: "The tithe is to be used for one following this article. We trust our church is a matter of conjecture. How purpose—to sustain the ministers whom readers will carefully and prayerfully ever, some time thereafter in a special, the Lord has appointed to do His examine its contents. separately published pamphlet, Ellen work." 11 This counsel included both It is unfortunate that we did not White clarified the use of tithe: "The men and women. In 1899 she wrote: present this material several years ago, light which the Lord has given me on "The tithe should go to those who labor asking for readers' input. However, we this subject is that the means in the in word and doctrine, be they men or still solicit any helpful comments and treasury for the support of the ministers women." 12 concepts for future reference.—J. R. in the different fields is not to be used for In statements that appeared in late Spangler. any other purpose." 7 1900, she advocated using tithe for Bible She spoke against the practice of some teachers in our schools. She wrote: I Neal C. Wilson, "The Loss of Harris Pine church leaders in using the tithe for "Those who minister in our schools, Mills, " Adventist Review, Jan. 1, 1987, p. 8. other expenses: to keep up the meet teaching the Word of God, explaining I I have gleaned this and most of the following data from Arthur L. White's paper "Highlights of inghouse or for some charity. Instead, the Scriptures, educating the students in the Beginnings of the Tithing System." This paper she urged that "house-to-house labor be the things of God, should be supported is available from the White Estate—see box done in setting before the families in by the tithe money. This instruction was accompanying article. 3 Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 464. Battle Creek and Oakland their duty in given long ago, and more recently it has 4 "Tithes and Offerings," Review and Herald, acting a part in meeting these expenses, been repeated again and again." 13 Jan. 15, 1880, p. 35. 5 "General Conference of Seventh-day which may be called common or secular, Emphasizing the Bible teacher's role as Adventists, Nineteenth Annual Session, Oct. 6, and let not the treasury be robbed." 8 a minister, she said: "The best ministe 1880," Review and Herald, Oct. 14, 1880, p. 252. Yet she allowed for exceptions: rial talent should be employed in teach 6 G. I. Butler, An Examination of the Tithing System From a Bible Standpoint (Battle Creek, "There are exceptional cases, where ing the Bible in our schools. Those Mich.: Review and Herald, n.d. [c. 1884]), p. 72. poverty is so deep that in order to secure selected for this work need to be 7 Special Testimonies to Ministers and Workers, the humblest place of worship, it may be thorough Bible students and to have a Series A, No. 10 (n.p., n.d. [1897]), p. 18. 8 Ibid., p. 19. necessary to appropriate the tithes." 9 deep Christian experience, and their 9 Manuscript 24, 1897. The next year Ellen White unequivo salary should be paid from the tithe." 14 10 Manuscript 139, 1898. 11 Manuscript 82, 1904. cally restated the concept that tithe is to As to the maintenance of church 11 Evangelism, p. 492. be used for the gospel ministry. "God's schools, she advocated, with qualifica 13 Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 215. ministers are His shepherds, appointed tions, using a second tithe. 15 "Ibid., pp. 134, 135. 15 Manuscript 67, 1901; see also letter 167, by Him to feed His flock. The tithe is His Finally, she wrote a very significant 1904. provision for their maintenance, and He statement on the use of tithe in 1904, 16 Testimonies, vol. 9, pp. 248, 249.
18 MINISTRY/APRIL/1987 MINISTRY Reports
CPA expresses opinion on tithe policy
One member of the General Conference tithe is the Lord's, and those who meddle by the Lord"—specific things. It ad hoc committee dealing with the use of tithe with it will be punished with the loss of appeared to me that some committee was Jerry E. Bartram, an Adventist certified their heavenly treasure unless they members were saying, "We are going to public accountant who spent considerable repent. Let the work no longer be hedged have to qualify Ellen White's statements time studying the question of how the tithe up because the tithe has been diverted on the use of tithe." should be used. He recruited a retired into various channels other than the one In my opinion, Ellen White never minister to help him in his research. After to which the Lord has said it should go. varied from the position that tithe was to reading his personal testimony and studying Provision is to be made for these other go to support the ministers. That might our present policy, others may have convic lines of work. They are to be sustained, include the ministers' wives who were tions as to whether or not any further but not from the tithe. God has not involved in Bible work. It might include changes are needed. We invite you to send in changed; the tithe is still to be used for the publishing directors. You have to your succinct comments and we will publish the support of the ministry. The opening study her statements carefully. as many as we have space for.—Editors. of new fields requires more ministerial According to Ellen White, using tithe Although the invitation to be on the efficiency than we now have, and there for purposes other than supporting the Use of Tithe Committee came during a must be means in the treasury" (Testi gospel ministry would detract from the crucial time in my practice—the middle monies, vol. 9, pp. 249, 250). ministry. Because there was no chance of tax season—I took off a couple of Statements such as these led me to for employment, qualified men would weeks and dived into this thing head vote, along with some others on the leave the ministry . or not take up first. I searched the Loma Linda Univer committee, for revising the current tithe ministerial work in the first place. sity library for everything I could find on policy. I believe, for example, that Certainly that has happened. And that tithe. I read materials from the General neither literature evangelists nor makes you sit up and think! This little Conference archives. The more I got teachers who do not teach Bible full- lady was predicting something way down into it, the more convicted I became that time should be paid from tithe. How the street. this was an area of tremendous impor ever, the majority felt that making these As to tithe exchange, I believe Ellen tance. One historical study showed that changes would destroy the system. They White's concept was that tithe belongs in the late nineteenth century tithe repeatedly asked, "Where will you get to the ministers in the entire world field. reform seemed linked with financial funds?" It is not proprietary to a conference, for if crises in the world and/or within the But the more I studied, the more a conference was flush and had a lot of church. evident it was that the little lady who tithe, they could put in a lot more men My understanding is that the Ellen penned so many words on tithe either than they could use. Rather than a tithe White statements regarding the use of had an incredibly perceptive mind or she exchange, there was to be a tithe tithe and the diversion of tithe funds was inspired. Her concepts had the sharing—the tithe from a rich field was were intended to ensure that there would potential to bring a subtle balance and to be shared with a poor field [see letter always be ample funds in the treasury to control to the church. 81,1897—Eds.]. But it was to be used for pay the ministers adequately and to After the first committee meeting, I one purpose and one purpose alone: to support a strong evangelistic thrust put in a night of soul-searching. The provide financial support for ministers. throughout the world. For instance, she next day I didn't even show up until This would include anything that would wrote: "There should be an abundant noon. Basically I couldn't handle it. go under the support of the ministers. supply in the Lord's treasury, and there When you deal with tax controversies, No conference could use that money would be if selfish hearts and hands had you keep smiling and banging away; you for any other purpose than direct evan not' withheld the tithes or made use of don't get totally carried away. But this gelistic work and paying the ministers' them to support other lines of work. struck a nerve in me. I realized how salaries. And when they had as many "God's reserved resources are to be deeply I cared for my church. What ministers as they could handle, the used in no such haphazard way. The bothered me was that an action was excess tithe money was to be shared with about to be taken that I perceived to be whatever field needed it. Basically it Jerry E. Bartram is a Seventh-day Adventist contrary to inspired counsel. Ellen would be up to the General Conference certified public accountant who lives in Yucaipa, White made statements beginning with to allocate it to the world field. California. the words "I was shown" or "I was shown (I understand that tithe sharing on the
MINISTRY/APRIL/1987 19 part of the local conferences in North and departmental personnel on all levels into the storehouse, that there may be meat America used to be on a voluntary basis. would have to go around and hustle in mine house, and prove me now herewith, For several decades now, 20 percent of appropriations to pay their own secre saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the local conferences' tithe has been sent taries, to pay the utilities for the office, the windows of heaven, and pour you out a on to the General Conference for its use. and to cover the necessary operating blessing, that there shall not be room enough Undoubtedly, part of this is involved in expenses, just as the local church con to receive it" (Mal. 3:10). "The tithe is sacred, reserved by God for Himself. It is to the tithe sharing.) gregations have to do. be brought into His treasury to be used to This would mean that our presidents sustain the gospel laborers in their work" Incredible system of checks and would have to be out in the field; the (Gospel Workers, p. 226). balances church ministries director and everyone T 20 10 Use of Tithe—1. Philosophy- How should the church pay for its else in the office would have to justify to Through the Bible and the ministry of Ellen support system: secretaries, office build the people who are going to fund them G. White, God gives inspired counsel and ings, and so forth? From what Ellen for the next year's operating budget why valuable guidance on many matters. This White says about the Battle Creek they were needed. But never at any point enables the church to develop sound policies, church I infer that she believed these would their job be in jeopardy in terms of the application of which will be in harmony needs should be met out of nontithe their salary, because it would be paid for with our understanding of God's revealed funds (Special Testimonies to Ministers and out of the tithe. The subtlety of that will. Workers, Series A, No. 10, p. 19). check and balance hit me as one of the 2. World Mission of the Church—It is A council action taken in South most beautiful revelations that I have essential that the leadership of the church carefully study and apply the principles and Lancaster (found in the Atlantic Union ever heard. concepts involved in the use of the tithe so Gleaner, Aug. 2, 1905) says: "We On this point, no one else on the that the church can effectively meet the recommend that a general fund be committee agreed with me; I stood needs and challenges of carrying the gospel allocated to meet the general expenses of alone. I think one agreed that in theory and in proclaiming the three angels' messages the conferences." Clearly someone back that is what she said. They all agreed it to the whole world. In planning the use of then said that there is a difference would be a tremendous balance. these sacred funds, conferences must con between what funds pay a minister and I would like to make it clear that I feel tinue to regard the gospel outreach in what funds support a minister. there should be no cutting back on our soul-saving evangelism as a priority of the When that first hit me, I said to educational system. Rather, a greater greatest importance. In pursuance of this myself, "That will never fly. We can't do part of our schools' financial burden ideal, this policy for the use of tithe has been adopted. it!" And then it suddenly struck me— should be carried by our members. This T 20 15 Purposes for Which Tithe May Be this lady was under inspiration. It brings would have the positive effect of causing Used—1. Support of Pastors, Evangelists, in an incredible system of checks and our schools to be more responsive to the Ministers—The tithe shall be utilized to balances. needs of the members who are funding support salaried personnel directly engaged in Every year the church administrative the major portion of their budgets. pastoral and evangelistic soul-winning endeavors. "The tithe is to be used for one purpose—to sustain the ministers whom the Lord has appointed to do His work. It is to be used to support those who speak the words of Use of Tithe Policy life to the people, and carry the burden of the flock of God" (Manuscript 82, 1904). 2. World Missions—The Sharing of the Revision Tithe Policy (T 10) shall be followed. This policy is the church's response to the biblical Voted, To adopt a new policy NAD T 20, church at Corinth, Paul gave the believers principle of the strong helping the weak, and Use of Tithe, to read as follows: instruction regarding the general principles Ellen G." White's counsel on sharing tithe. T 20 Use of Tithe underlying the support of God's work on "More and more we must come to realize that T 20 05 Seventh-day Adventist Plan of earth (1 Cor. 9:7-14; Counsels on Stewardship, the means that come into the conference in Church Finance—1. Sources of Funding— pp. 65-79; The Acts of the Apostles, pp. the tithes and gifts of our people should be God's plan for the support of His work on this 335-337). Ellen G. White confirmed that the used for the support of the work not only in earth is through the tithe and freewill tithing plan is of divine origin, is for all time, the American cities, but also in foreign fields. offerings of His people. The tithe is the main and is anchored in the biblical plan of tithes Let the means so zealously collected be source of funding for the total proclamation and offerings. unselfishly distributed. Those who realize the of the gospel to all the world by the 3. Financial Support—The world task needs of mission fields will not be tempted to Seventh-day Adventist Church. This entrusted to the Advent movement calls for use the tithe for that which is not necessary" includes a balanced and comprehensive both sacrificial and systematic financial sup (Manuscript 11, 1908). The benefits to evangelistic outreach to the public and the port. In recognition of this fact, the church in worldwide missions under this plan have spiritual nurturing of church members. its formative years was divinely led to adopt been considerable. Because of the church's Because the tithe is reserved for a special the biblical plan of tithing as the financial worldwide operations, determination of the purpose, freewill offerings must provide the basis of its outreach "to every nation, and percentages of tithe contributed as tithe of funding for many functions of the gospel kindred, and tongue, and people." tithe and additional tithe percentages shall work. 4. Storehouse—Only conference organi continue to be set by the General Confer 2. Tithing Plan—Through benevolence zations are authorized to make allocations ence/division committees. It is not the and liberality the Lord sought to teach His from tithe funds. The tithe is the Lord's and prerogative of churches/missions/confer people that in everything He must be first. should be returned to the storehouse, the ences/unions to decide these percentages Building on this in his first letter to the conference treasury. "Bring ye all the tithes unilaterally. 20 MINISTRY/APRIL/1987 3. Soul-winning Support Personnel— of tithe support. to the divine precepts of the Scriptures. It has The tithe may be utilized- to sustain other d. In her practical counsel for the also been concluded from the Ellen G. White personnel who, in a supporting role, directly administration of the church, Ellen G. writings that she broadens the use of tithe to relate to the work of soul-winning agencies, White often reveals deep concern lest a permit the support of certain aspects of the whether directed by the General Confer variety of ways be found to divert the tithe educational program. ence, the division, the union, or the local from the special purpose for which it is f. By applying the lessons to be learned conference/mission. Included with such per designated, namely the support of the from the Bible and the statements of Ellen G. sonnel are departmental directors and their preaching, pastoral, evangelistic ministry; White, we believe that under properly staffs that are engaged in evangelistic and the priestly duties of the minister of the established guidelines, which would safe nurturing ministries. gospel; and the support of Bible teachers. guard the support of the work of the ministry, 4. Conference/Mission Operating Ex e. On the other hand, a careful consid tithe funds could be used to support certain pense—The tithe may be utilized for operat eration of the Scriptures and of the Ellen G. activities of selected individuals. These are ing expenses of conferences/missions and the White writings seems to indicate that as long individuals who serve in- a clearly identifiable facilities used by the personnel outlined as the sacred tithe, which God has reserved support role in educating in the things of God above (see paragraph 3). for Himself, is faithfully employed for the and who sustain a relationship to the work of 5. Literature Evangelists' Benefit Fund— support of His work, such use is not contrary the gospel minister. The tithe is considered to be an appropriate source of subsidy for the conference portion of the Literature Evangelists' Benefit Fund. 6. Subsidies for Specified Activities—The tithe may be utilized for conference/mission operating subsidies for such programs as LOVE UNLEASHED in youth camps and camp meetings, as part of - our homes the evangelistic thrust of the church. - our churches 7. Evangelistic and Conference/Mission Office Equipment—Tithe funds may be used - our world for the purchase of evangelistic equipment will be revolutionary evangelism and conference/misson office equipment. All other equipment shall be purchased with "If we would . . . be kind and courteous and tenderhearted and pitiful, there would be nontithe funds. 100 conversions to the truth where now there is only one."—Ellen G. White. 8. Bible/Religion Teaching and Support Personnel in Schools—(see T 20 20 below). 9. Retired Employees—The tithe may be used for the retirement benefits of denomi national employees (except those who are CHRISTIAN otherwise provided for, e.g., health-care employees). T 20 20 Use of Tithe for Education— HOSPITALITY 1. General Principles— a. In view of the Ellen .G. White Made Easy counsel restricting the use of tithe "for school by purposes," our system of education must be Patricia B. Mutch, Ph. D funded largely from other sources. Mrs. White does, however, make an exception in connection with Bible teaching in our Lessons Include schools. In the chapter entitled "School Management and Finance," in Testimonies * Biblical Models and Metaphors for the Church, volume 6, pages 206 to 218, * Nurturing the Gift there is a section about the opening and * Winning Conversations $16.95 operating of schools. It was written about the * Hospitality Management year 1899 and specifies certain individuals * Creative Church Parties who could be paid from the tithe: * Hospitality Evangelism ORDER FORM b. "Our conferences. . . should give the "I predict that before you finish the last chapter, you schools a most hearty and intelligent support. will dust off the welcome mat, invite some company, warm up the oven, and wait with anticipation for God JHCM-7174 Christian Hospitality Light has been plainly given that those who and your guests." Made Easy $16.95 _ minister in our schools, teaching the Word of *J. Allan Petersen, President Family Concern, Inc. Through the avenue of social interaction, the love of Total Enclosed (U.S. funds only) _____ God, explaining the Scriptures, educating Christ is made manifest and can renew and nurture your the students in the things of God, should be church community, and so witness through sharing with Name _ supported by the tithe money. This instruc those who are uncommitted. If you could make this course a Address _ tion was given long ago, and more recently it requirement for your church mem has been repeated again and again" (Testi bers, the family love, fellowship, and ministry of your church would be monies, vol. 6, p. 215). revolutionized. City/State/Zip ______(Make check payable to Continuing Education for Ministry.) c. Our total school system is religious in CHRISTIAN HOSPITALITY its motivation, but it is recognized that Bible MADE EASY includes a study guide, a textbook, and three cassettes, and Send to: Continuing Education teachers exercise a more specifically spiritual offers you 2 CEUs—all for only for Ministry, c/o CDS, $16.95. and ministerial role by instructing their 6840 Eastern Avenue NW., students in the Word of God and by leading Washington, DC 20012 them to the Saviour. Such service is worthy
MINISTRY/APRIL/1987 21 2. Use of Tithe in Schools—The tithe maybe used in support of the various levels of the church's schools, as follows: a. Elementary Schools—Subsidies of Methods .ip to 30 percent of the total salaries and allowances of principals and teachers may be granted by conferences from tithe funds. It is believed that this figure should be a maxi of Bible Study mum because it represents a reasonable basis on which to evaluate the time devoted by Action voted at the 1986 Annual Council.— 2. Presuppositions Arising From the Claims elementary teachers to Bible instruction and Editors. of Scripture spiritual nurture. To increase this percentage VOTED, To record the Methods of Bible a. Origin would detract from the use of tithe for its Study committee (GCC-A) report approved 1) The Bible is the Word of God and is the primary purpose, the evangelistic ministry. by the 1986 Annual Council, which reads as primary and authoritative means by which b. Secondary Schools—The equivalent follows: He reveals Himself to human beings. of the total salaries and allowances of Bible Bible Study: Presuppositions, Principles, and 2) The Holy Spirit inspired the Bible teachers, residence hall deans, and principals Methods writers with thoughts, ideas, and objective may be granted by conferences/mis information; in turn they expressed these in sions/unions from tithe funds. 1. Preamble their own words. Therefore the Scriptures are c. Colleges and Universities—An This statement is addressed to all members an indivisible union of human and divine amount equal to the total cost of Bible of the Seventh-day Adventist Church with elements, neither of which should be departments, residence hall deans, presi the purpose of providing guidelines on how to emphasized to the neglect of the other dents, and deans of students may be granted study the Bible, both the trained biblical (2 Peter 1:21; cf. The Great Controversy, pp. by unions/divisions/the General Conference scholar and others. v, vi). from tithe funds. Seventh-day Adventists recognize and 3) All Scripture is inspired by God and T 20 25 Purposes for Which Tithe Shall appreciate the contributions of those biblical came through the work of the Holy Spirit. Not Be Used—1. Capital Expenditures for scholars throughout history who have devel However, it did not come in a continuous Buildings and Facilities—Capital expendi oped useful and reliable methods of Bible chain of unbroken revelations. As the Holy tures for buildings and facilities shall be study consistent with the claims and teach Spirit communicated truth to the Bible drawn from nontithe funds. This includes ings of Scripture. Adventists are committed writer, each wrote as he was moved by the such items as conference/mission offices, to the acceptance of biblical truth and are Holy Spirit, emphasizing the aspect of the camp meeting facilities, youth camps, ele willing to follow it, using all methods of truth that he was led to stress. For this reason mentary schools, academies, church build interpretation consistent with what Scripture the student of the Bible will gain a rounded ings, welfare centers, and college and univer says of itself. These are outlined in the comprehension on any subject by recognizing sity facilities. presuppositions detailed below. that the Bible is its own best interpreter, and 2. Equipment—All equipment except In recent decades the most prominent when studied as a whole it depicts a evangelistic and conference office equipment method in biblical studies has been known as consistent, harmonious truth (2 Tim. 3:16; shall be purchased with nontithe funds. the historical-critical method. Scholars who Heb. 1:1, 2; cf. Selected Messages, book 1, pp. 3. Local Church Operating Expense— use this method, as classically formulated, 19, 20; The Great Controversy, pp. v, vi). Maintenance and other operating expenses, operate on the basis of presuppositions that, 4) Although it was given to those who including the local church employees, such prior to studying the biblical text, reject the lived in an ancient Near Eastern/Mediter as secretaries, maintenance personnel, bus reliability of accounts of miracles and other ranean context, the Bible transcends its drivers, and others whose remuneration is supernatural events narrated in the Bible. cultural backgrounds to serve as God's Word being funded by the church, are to be Even a modified use of this method that for all cultural, racial, and situational con provided from church expense funds. "The retains the principle of criticism, which texts in all ages. tithe is not to be consumed in incidental subordinates the Bible to human reason, is b. Authority expenses. That belongs to the work of the unacceptable to Adventists. 1) The 66 books of the Old and New church members. They are to support their The historical-critical method minimizes Testaments are the clear, infallible revela church by their gifts and offerings" (letter 81, the need for faith in God and obedience to tion of God's will and His salvation. The 1897). All tithe shall be paid into the His commandments. In addition, because Bible is the Word of God, and it alone is the conference/mission treasury, and under no such a method deemphasizes the divine standard by which all teaching and experi circumstances is it to be retained in the local element in the Bible as an inspired book ence must be tested (2 Tim. 3:15, 17; Ps. church for its use. (including its resultant unity) and depreci 119:105; Prov. 30:5, 6; Isa. 8:20; John 17:17; 4. School Operating Expenses—The ates or misunderstands apocalyptic prophecy 2Thess. 3:14; Heb. 4:12). maintenance and other operating expenses of and the eschatological portions of the Bible, 2) Scripture is an authentic, reliable elementary, secondary, and higher education we urge Adventist Bible students to avoid record of history and God's acts in history. It institutions shall be funded from nontithe relying on the use of the presuppositions and provides the normative theological interpre sources. the resultant deductions associated with the tation of those acts. The supernatural acts T 20 30 Continuous Monitoring of Tithe historical-critical method. revealed in Scripture are historically true. For Use—Administrators on General Confer By contrast to the historical-critical example, chapters 1 to 11 of Genesis are a ence," division, union, and local levels, method and presuppositions, we believe it to factual account of historical events. accountable as they are to God for their be helpful to set forth the principles of Bible 3) The Bible is not like other books. It is stewardship, shall give continued earnest study that are consistent with the teachings an indivisible blend of the divine and the study, in the light of the Bible and Spirit of of the Scriptures themselves, that preserve human. Its record of many details of secular Prophecy counsels, to the purposes and their unity, and are based upon the premise history is integral to its overall purpose to proportions in which tithe funds are being that the Bible is the Word of God. Such an convey salvation history. While at times used in the organizations for which they are approach will lead us into a satisfying and there may be parallel procedures employed by responsible. rewarding experience with God. Bible students to determine historical data,
22 MINISTRY/APRIL/1987 the usual techniques of historical research, Trained biblical scholars will use the Greek based as they are on human presuppositions and Hebrew texts, enabling them to examine and focused on the human element, are variant readings of ancient Bible manuscripts The revelation of God inadequate for interpreting the Scriptures, as well. which are a blend of the divine and the b. Choose a definite plan of study, avoid in all nature, when human. Only a method that fully recognizes ing haphazard and aimless approaches. Study the indivisible nature of the Scriptures can plans such as the following are suggested: properly understood, avoid a distortion of its message. 1) Book-by-book analysis of the message 4) Human reason is subject to the Bible, 2) Verse-by-verse method is in harmony with not equal to or above it. Presuppositions 3) Study that seeks a biblical solution to a regarding the Scriptures must be in harmony specific life problem, biblical satisfaction for a the written Word. with the claims of the Scriptures and subject specific need, or a biblical answer to a specific to correction by them (1 Cor. 2:1-6). God question intends that human reason be used to its 4) Topical study (faith, love, Second fullest extent, but within the context and Coming, and others) k. In connection with the study of the under the authority of His Word rather than 5) Word study biblical text, explore the historical and independent of it. 6) Biographical study cultural factors. Archaeology, anthropology, 5) The revelation of God in all nature, c. Seek to grasp the simple, most obvious and history may contribute to understanding when properly understood, is in harmony meaning of the biblical passage being studied. the meaning of the text. with the written Word, and is to be d. Seek to discover the underlying major 1. Seventh-day Adventists believe that interpreted in the light of Scripture. themes of Scripture as found in individual God inspired Ellen G. White. Therefore, her 3. Principles for Approaching the Interpreta texts, passages, and books. Two basic, related expositions on any given biblical passage tion of Scripture themes run throughout Scripture: (1) the offer an inspired guide to the meaning of texts a. The Spirit enables the believer to person and work of Jesus Christ; and (2) the without exhausting their meaning or pre accept, understand, and apply the Bible to great controversy perspective involving the empting the task of exegesis (for example, see one's own life as he seeks divine power to authority of God's Word, the Fall of man, Evangelism, p. 256; The Great Controversy, render obedience to all scriptural require the first and second advents of Christ, the pp. 193, 595; Testimonies, vol. 5, pp 665, ments and to appropriate personally all Bible exoneration of God and His law, and the 682, 707, 708; Counsels to Writers and Editors, promises. Only those following the light restoration of the divine plan for the uni pp. 33-35). already received can hope to receive further verse. These themes are to be drawn from the m. After studying as outlined above, turn illumination of the Spirit (John 16:13, 14; totality of Scripture and not imposed on it. to various commentaries and secondary helps 1 Cor. 2:10-14). e. Recognize that the Bible is its own such as scholarly works to see how others b. Scripture cannot be correctly inter interpreter and that the meaning of words, have dealt with the passage. Then carefully preted without the aid of the Holy Spirit, for texts, and passages is best determined by evaluate the different viewpoints expressed it is the Spirit who enables the believer to diligently comparing scripture with scripture. from the standpoint of Scripture as a whole. understand and apply Scripture. Therefore, f. Study the context of the passage under n. In interpreting prophecy, keep in mind any study of the Word should commence consideration by relating it to the sentences that: with a request for the Spirit's guidance and and paragraphs immediately preceding and 1) The Bible claims God's power to illumination. following it. Try to relate the ideas of the predict the future (Isa. 46:10). c. Those who come to the study of the passage to the line of thought of the entire 2) Prophecy has a moral purpose. It was Word must do so with faith, in the humble biblical book. not written merely to satisfy curiosity about spirit of a learner who seeks to hear what the g. As far as possible, ascertain the histori the future. Some of the purposes of prophecy Bible is saying. They must be willing to cal circumstances in which the passage was are to strengthen faith (John 14:29) and to submit all presuppositions, opinions, and the written by the biblical writers under the promote holy living and readiness for the conclusions of reason to the judgment and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Advent (Matt. 24:44; Rev. 22:7, 10, 11). correction of the Word itself. With this h. Determine the literary type the author 3) The focus of much prophecy is on attitude the Bible student may come directly is using. Some biblical material is composed Christ (both His first and second advents), to the Word, and with careful study may of parables, proverbs, allegories, psalms, and the church, and the end-time. come to an understanding of the essentials of apocalyptic prophecies. Since many biblical 4) The norms for interpreting prophecy salvation apart from any human explana writers presented much of their material as are found within the Bible itself: the Bible tions, however helpful. The biblical message poetry, it is helpful to use a version of the notes time prophecies and their historical becomes meaningful to such a person. Bible that presents this material in poetic fulfillments; the New Testament cites spe d. The investigation of Scripture must be style, for passages employing imagery are not cific fulfillments of Old Testament prophe characterized by a sincere desire to discover to be interpreted in the same manner as cies about the Messiah; and the Old Testa and obey God's will and word rather than to prose. ment itself presents individuals and events as seek support or evidence for preconceived i. Recognize that a given biblical text may types of the Messiah. ideas. not conform in every detail to present-day 5) In the New Testament application of 4. Methods of Bible Study literary categories. Be cautious not to force Old Testament prophecies, some literal a. Select a Bible version for study that is these categories in interpreting the meaning names become spiritual, e.g., Israel repre faithful to the meaning contained in lan of the biblical text. It is a human tendency to sents the church; Babylon, apostate religion, guages in which the Bible originally was find what one is looking for, even when the etc. written, giving preference to translations author did not intend such. 6) There are two general types of pro done by a broad group of scholars and j. Take note of grammar and sentence phetic writings: nonapocalyptic prophecy, as published by a general publisher above construction in order to discover the author's found in Isaiah and Jeremiah, and apocalyp translations sponsored by a particular denom meaning. Study the key words of the passage tic prophecy, as found in Daniel and the ination or narrowly focused group. by comparing their use in other parts of the Revelation. These differing types have differ Exercise care not to build major doctrinal Bible by means of a concordance and with the ent characteristics: points on one Bible translation or version. help of biblical lexicons and dictionaries. a) Nonapocalyptic prophecy addresses
MINISTRY/APRIL/1987 23 God's people; apocalyptic is more universal errors of copyists (Selected Messages, book 1, recorded in the Bible. in scope. p. 16), or may be the result of differing The Scriptures represent the unfolding of b) Nonapocalyptic prophecy often is con' emphases and choice of materials of various God's revelation to man. Jesus' sermon on ditional in nature, setting forth to God's authors, who wrote under the inspiration and the mount, for example, enlarges and people the alternatives of blessing for obedi guidance of the Holy Spirit for different expands certain Old Testament concepts. ence and curses for disobedience; apocalyptic audiences under different circumstances Christ Himself is the ultimate revelation of emphasizes the sovereignty of God and His (Selected Messages, book 1, pp. 21, 22; The God's character to humanity (Heb. 1:1-3). control over history. Great Controversy, p. vi). While there is an overarching unity in the c) Nonapocalyptic prophecy often leaps It may prove impossible to reconcile minor Bible from Genesis to Revelation, and while from the local crisis to the end-time day of the dissimilarities in detail that may be irrelevant all Scripture is equally inspired, God chose to Lord; apocalyptic prophecy presents the to the main and clear message of the passage. reveal Himself to and through human indi course of history from the time of the prophet In some cases judgment may have to be viduals and to meet them where they were in to the end of the world. suspended until more information and better terms of spiritual and intellectual endow d) Time prophecies in nonapocalyptic evidence are available to resolve .a seeming ments. God Himself does not change, but He prophecy generally are long, e.g., 400 years discrepancy. progressively unfolded His revelation to men of Israel's servitude (Gen. 15:13) and 70 years p. The "Scriptures were written for the as they were able to grasp it (John 16:12; The of Babylonian captivity (Jer. 25:12). Time practical purpose of revealing the will of God SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 945; prophecies in apocalyptic prophecy generally to the human family. However, in order not Selected Messages, book 1, p. 21). Every are phrased in short terms, e.g., 10 days to misconstrue certain kinds of statements, it experience or statement of Scripture is a (Rev. 2:10) or 42 months (Rev. 13:5). is important to recognize that they were divinely inspired record, but not every Apocalyptic time periods stand symbolically addressed to peoples of Eastern cultures and statement or experience is necessarily nor for longer periods of actual time. expressed in their thought patterns. mative for Christian behavior today. Both 7) Apocalyptic prophecy is highly sym Expressions such as "The Lord hardened the spirit and the letter of Scripture must be bolic and should be interpreted accordingly. the heart of Pharaoh" (Ex. 9:12), or "An evil understood (1 Cor. 10:6-13; The Desire of In interpreting symbols, the following spirit from God" (1 Sam. 16:15), or the Ages, p. 150; Testimonies, vol. 4, pp. 10-12). methods may be used: imprecatory psalms, or the three days and q. As the final goal, make application of a) Look for interpretations (explicit or three nights of Jonah as compared with the text. Ask such questions as "What is the implicit) within the passage itself (e.g., Dan. Christ's death (Matt. 12:40) commonly are message and purpose God intends to convey 8:20, 21; Rev. 1:20). misunderstood because they are interpreted through Scripture?" "What meaning does b) Look for interpretations elsewhere in today from a different viewpoint. this text have for me?" "How does it apply to the book or in other writings by the same A background knowledge of Near Eastern my situation and circumstances today?" In author. culture is indispensable for understanding doing so, recognize that although many c) Using a concordance, study the use of such expressions. For example, Hebrew biblical passages had local significance, none symbols in other parts of Scripture. culture attributed responsibility to an indi theless they contain timeless principles appli d) A study of ancient Near Eastern vidual for acts he did not commit but that he cable to every age and culture. documents may throw light on the meaning allowed to happen. Therefore the inspired 5. Conclusion of symbols, although scriptural use may alter writers of the Scriptures commonly credit In the introduction to The Great Contro those meanings. God with doing actively that which in versy, Ellen G. White wrote: 8) The literary structure of a book often is Western thought we would say He permits or "The Bible, with its God-given truths an aid to interpreting it. The parallel nature does not prevent from happening, e.g., the expressed in the language of men, presents a of Daniel's prophecies is an example. hardening of Pharaoh's heart. union of the divine and the human. Such a o. Parallel accounts in Scripture some Another aspect of Scripture that troubles union existed in the nature of Christ, who times present differences in detail and the modem mind is the divine command to was the Son of God and the Son of man. Thus emphasis (for example, compare Matt. Israel to engage in war and execute entire it is true of the Bible, as it was of Christ, that 21:33, 34; Mark 12:1-11; and Luke 20:9-18; nations. Israel originally was organized as a 'the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among or 2 Kings 18-20 and 2 Chron. 32). When theocracy, a civil government through which us.'Johnl:14"(p. vi). studying such passages, first examine them God ruled directly (Gen 18:25). Such a As it is impossible for those who do not carefully to be sure that the parallels actually theocratic state was unique. It no longer accept Christ's divinity to understand the are referring to the same historical event. For exists and cannot be regarded as a direct purpose of His incarnation, it is also impossi example, many of Jesus' parables may have model for Christian practice. ble for those who see the Bible merely as a been given on different occasions to different The Scriptures record experiences and human book to understand its message, audiences and with different wording. statements of persons whom God accepted however careful and rigorous their methods. In cases where there appear to be differ but were not in harmony with the spiritual Even Christian scholars who accept the ences in parallel accounts, one should principles of the Bible as a whole, for divine-human nature of Scripture, but whose recognize that the total message of the Bible example, incidents relating to the use of methodological approaches cause them to is the synthesis of all of its parts. Each book, alcohol, polygamy, divorce, and slavery. dwell largely on its human aspects, risk or writer, communicates that which the Although condemnation of such deeply emptying the biblical message of its power by Spirit has led him to write. Each makes his ingrained social customs is not explicit, God relegating it to the background while con own special contribution to the richness, did not necessarily endorse or approve all that centrating on the medium. They forget that diversity, and variety of Scripture (The Great He permitted and bore with in the lives of the medium and message are inseparable and that Controversy, pp. v, vi). The reader must patriarchs and in Israel. Jesus made this clear the medium without the message is as an allow each Bible writer to emerge and be in His statement with regard to divorce empty shell that cannot address the vital heard while at the same time recognizing the (Matt. 19:4-6, 8). spiritual needs of humankind. basic unity of the divine self-disclosure. The spirit of the Scriptures is one of A committed Christian will use only those When parallel passages seem to indicate restoration. God works patiently to elevate methods that are able to do full justice to the discrepancy or contradiction, look for the fallen humanity from the depths of sin to the dual, inseparable nature of Scripture, underlying harmony. Keep in mind that divine ideal. Consequently, we must not enhance his ability to understand and apply dissimilarities may be the result of minor accept as models the actions of sinful men as its message, and strengthen his faith.
24 MINISTRY/APRIL/1987 MINISTRY Reports Jewelry: A Clarification and Appeal
Action voted at the North American The Annual Council of the same year imperative, we have no burden to Division 1986 annual meeting.—Editors. also stated very clearly its position on condemn those who have their marriage personal adornment as follows: ring; let them wear it if they can do so At the 1972 Annual Council the "That in the area of personal adorn conscientiously" is now applicable in General Conference officers gave coun ment, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, North America. sel regarding the wedding band in North and rings (including engagement rings) Across the division the position con America. An examination of this state should not be worn. Articles such as cerning the wedding band has not been ment reveals the following salient watches, brooches, cufflinks, tie clasps, uniform, and possibly it never will be. points: etc., should be chosen in harmony with However, there has developed an the Christian, principles of simplicity, ambivalence on the part of many, and 1. Ministers were counseled not to modesty, and economy." the lack of consistency has caused perform ring ceremonies since the wear It seems, therefore, that in 1972 the embarrassment and even hardship and ing of the wedding band still "is not church had a strong desire to maintain a misunderstanding. It has also obscured regarded as obligatory" or an "impera high standard in the matter of personal the church's position on the wearing of tive" custom in North America. adornment. Yet it also recognized the jewelry. 2. Pastors, evangelists, and Bible simple wedding band as being in a In the light of these and other factors, instructors were urged to present to category distinct from that of jewelry it is candidates for baptism the biblical prin worn for ornamental purposes. VOTED, 1. To reaffirm the princi ciples regarding display and ornaments, The Church Manual likewise states the ples regarding personal adornment as encouraging careful self-examination principles involved in the matter of outlined in the Church Manual, the 1972 concerning the motives involved, in personal adornment (see pp. 145, Annual Council action, and the General deciding whether to wear the wedding 146—"Dress"). Included in this particu Conference officers' statement of Octo band. lar section is the following statement: ber 2, 1972. 3. Baptism was not to be denied to "In some countries the custom of 2. To affirm that the wearing of converts who conscientiously felt they wearing the marriage ring is considered jewelry is unacceptable and is a denial of should wear the wedding band. imperative, having become, in the the principles enunciated in the Bible 4. Church officers, ministers and minds of the people, a criterion of virtue, and the Spirit of Prophecy concerning their wives, teachers, and other SDA and hence is not regarded as an orna personal adornment. workers were urged to give strong support ment. Under such circumstances we 3. To recognize that, in harmony to the standards and principles that have have no disposition to condemn the with the position stated in the Church distinguished the remnant church. practice" (Church Manual, p. 146). Manual (pp. 145, 146), some church During the intervening years large members in the North American Divi numbers of members who have come sion, as in other parts of the world, feel from areas in the world where wearing a that wearing a simple marriage band is a wedding band is an accepted and neces symbol of faithfulness to the marriage sary symbol of marriage have joined the vow and to declare that such persons church in North America. A growing should be fully accepted in the fellowship Lack of consistency number of employees from such areas and service of the church. have also come to serve the church at all 4. To make an immediate appeal to has caused levels. In North America there are many our people for a commitment to simplic loyal, clear-thinking members who ity in lifestyle and by pen, voice, and embarrassment and believe that conditions have changed example to halt the rising tide of worldly greatly since 1892 when Ellen White's attitudes and practices that have made even hardship. counsel was given and that her statement their subtle appearance within the "In countries where the custom is church in recent years.
MINISTRY/APR1L/1987 25 Health and Religion
Is Adventist health reform scientific?
Galen C. Bosley
hrough hearing, see and affects the inmost life. Whatever The greater the intake of alcohol, the ing, reading, and hinders the circulation of the electric greater the decrease in decision-making touching, we grow in current in the nervous system, thus power. 6 Furthermore, as alcohol intake faith. As Scripture weakening the vital powers and lessen increases, the involvement in religious says, we are eyewit ing mental susceptibility, makes it more activities decreases, even at the lowest T nesses. John, the dis difficult to arouse the moral nature." l consumption levels. 7 ciple who was closest God gave the health message to Alcohol distorts perception of what is to Christ, says: "It was there from the prevent the physiological effect of a actually occurring. Studies for a number beginning; we have heard it; we have fleshly electrical communication system of years were unable to find any problem seen it with our own eyes; we looked being short-circuited, resulting in a atic effects from one or two drinks of upon it, and felt it with our own hands; weakened moral nature. Inspiration alcohol. Tests on individuals' abilities to and it is of this we tell. Our theme is the classifies such common indulgences as do certain tasks requiring the use of the word of life. . . . What we have seen and tea, coffee, tobacco, and alcohol (we senses showed no difference between heard we declare to you, so that you and would also include street drugs) as agents abstainers and moderate drinkers. we together may share in a common life, "that exert a pernicious influence upon Humans have the ability to concentrate that life which we share with the Father moral character. The earlier these hurt enough mental power on a given task to and his Son Jesus Christ" (1 John 1:1-3, ful habits are formed, the more firmly overcome the degrading effect alcohol NEB). will they hold their victim in slavery to has on their senses and coordination as After His resurrection Christ lust, and the more certainly will they long as they have only one task to cope appeared to the disciples in the upper lower the standard of spirituality." 2 with. chamber. They thought they were seeing For example, after five or six drinks, a spirit, but Christ's response to their Caffeine affects spirituality experienced airline pilots under simu astonishment and fear was "Look at my This counsel is echoed in present-day lated conditions can maintain their hands and feet. It is I myself. Touch me scientific studies. Researchers have aircraft on correct flight paths as long as and see; no ghost has flesh and bones as found, for example, that as coffee users this is their only task. When it comes to you can see that I have" (Luke 24:39, increase in age, their consumption also watching for other aircraft or .listening to NEB). Through their physical senses the increases. 3 On a spiritual plane, increas air traffic controller instructions in addi disciples were called upon to evaluate ing consumption of caffeine accom tion to maintaining a correct flight path, the holy as well as the unholy. panies a concomitant decrease in reli control begins to come apart. Major These .senses work by way of nerve gious involvement. This effect is shown errors occur, such as attempting a fibers that lead to and from the brain. in Table I.4 landing without the landing gear down "The brain nerves that connect with the In social drinkers the use of alcohol or turning the plane into the flight path whole system are the medium through seems to cause small amounts of brain of another plane after the controller has which heaven communicates with man shrinkage in the frontal lobes, the center just notified the pilot of the other of moral discernment. 5 When social aircraft. 8 See Figure I. 9 Galen C. Bosley, D. H. Sc., is research associate drinkers are given psychological tests, But it doesn't take five or six drinks to of the Department of Health and Temperance of researchers find that the drinkers' deci do this. As little as one drink can delay the General Conference of Seventh-day Advent- sion-making ability, the higher order of and distort the ability to handle and ists. thinking, is impaired even when sober. interpret information quickly and
26 MINISTRY/APRIL/1987 accurately. The precise mechanism isn't known, although there appears to be good evidence that the distortions are occurring at both the sensory level—the *_!|J^ ' eyes, ears, nose, etc.—and the cognitive PS:;; '^ ::$S^ "r'7;":' :- ''''*::';,/. level—:the brain. 10 Caffeine too causes a distorted per ception of the world. Once coffee is '"«v.Q ' JJiviided attention ',-.'"~^ '' ingested, for example, people perceive that they are rejuvenated and ready for action. In reality, the body and mind may still need rest. Anorexics sometimes drink large quantities of caffeine-con taining beverages. They use drinks such as coffee and diet colas to maintain a feeling of not being hungry and to pep themselves up when their bodies are actually starving and have little vigor."
Exercise and decision-making ^^»^|&S^^;v!'-0 Another example of health habits affecting the ability to think concerns getting proper exercise. In a group of 20 individuals who had exercised three Galatians 5:22, 23, "joy, peace, long- the children of Israel that which would times a week for six months, it was found suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, weaken them physically and therefore that not only were they 20 percent fitter meekness, temperance," one can see interfere with their perception and but they were also 70 percent better at that even meat consumption can posi understanding of spiritual truth. making decisions than before they tively affect one's Christian experience. started exercising. 12 Ellen White states, We are told that flesh was restricted in Results of intemperance "Physical inaction lessens not only the diet of the children of Israel for their One of the most fearful stories in mental but moral power." " This may be own good. "God brought the Israelites Scripture concerns the two Gadarene the reason the Lord said to Adam, from Egypt, that he might establish them demoniacs. These men were so perverted "Cursed is the ground for thy sake" in the land of Canaan, a pure, holy, and and wild that Satan had nearly oblit (Gen. 3:17). God gave exercise to be a happy people. In the accomplishment of erated in them all likeness of man. In blessing, not a curse, so Adam and Eve this object He subjected them to a course like manner Satan wants to debase the could enjoy better health in order to of discipline, both for their own good whole human race. His method of discern spiritual matters more clearly. and for the good of their posterity. Had accomplishing this is to prevent us from Even the ingestion of .flesh foods has they been willing to deny appetite, in listening to the Holy Spirit. The Holy an effect on spirituality. "A meat diet obedience to His wise restrictions, fee Spirit is God's means to lead us into changes the disposition and strengthens bleness and disease would have been truth. He is the agency through which animalism. We are composed of what we unknown among them. Their descen we are enabled to obey, able to live a eat, and eating much flesh will diminish dants would have possessed both physi sanctified life. intellectual activity. ... A religious life cal and mental strength. They would Yet man is not always receptive to the can be more successfully gained and have had clear perceptions of truth and Holy Spirit. Like the Gadarene demoni maintained if meat is discarded, for this duty, keen discrimination, and sound acs, we can lose the ability to discrimi diet stimulates into intense activity judgment." 16 In His effort to save every nate between truth and error. Satan uses lustful propensities, and enfeebles the possible soul, God refrained from giving unhealthful habits and practices to moral and spiritual nature." M
Meat eating promotes hostility Research bears this out. In tests of ^ vegetarians who were willing to consume meat for testing purposes, during the meat-consumption period anxiety, • . depression, hostility, confusion, and ;> ^'^l^iS'1!)!^ ' :'"*,.„ "; '",;-;; fatigue increased, whereas vigor • " */ 2:&£if, Sih,%sets> "••:• ,:' • 1- ' ~ "'• '•• 'actenn lellicjos 'acttvtt' ' ""•"- - ' <-" • : ""• ' decreased. And this effect was observ able after the consumption of only three ounces of beef—one hamburger patty— '-";.,,' of CaffeinSare minimally- Otinpt-active'> ;:'.;'.-. I per day. 15 Considering the inverse corre ;•; ,';-.,"-'-• inreligipus'activity., ••"•_•• '".'":, , :'_'"••'".• ",'.•,"."} lation of these negative moods or dispo sitions with the positive dispositions in
MINISTRY/APRIL/1987 27 Biblio File benumb the moral sense. The ability to separate truth from error is of utmost importance to spiritual safety. It is vital for the growth of moral discernment. Health reform is the avenue by which God preserves His communication lines through the Holy Spirit. The Lord Ludwig Richard Conradi, Missionar decisive turn. A gap began to develop designed that the restoring influences of de Siebenten-Tags Adventisten between his understanding of the sanctu health reform should be part of the last Daniel Heinz, Archives of International ary doctrine and the classical Adventist great effort to proclaim the gospel History, volume 2, Verlag Peter Lang, position. Other factors such as his message. Frankfurt am Main, Bern, New York, position on bearing arms in World War I The health message given to this 1986, 131 pages, $11.00. Reviewed by also seem to have contributed to his final church is to be a spiritual advantage. The Herbert Kiesler, Biblical Research Institute, break with the church. But in spite of the additional benefits of less sickness, less Washington, D.C. ambivalence that characterized him medical-care expense, better health, Ludwig Conradi, the illegitimate son throughout his life, he has gone down in and a more rewarding and longer life are of Ulrika Elizabetha Conradi, was born history as an epoch-making missionary of only part of the blessings of obedience. in Karlsruhe, Germany, on March 20, the Seventh-day Adventist Church. 1856. He apparently had a difficult And Daniel Heinz has captured 1 Ellen G. White, Education (Mountain View, childhood and was frightened by his Conradi's life well in this biography. Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1952), p. 209. mother's threats to send him away to 2 ————, The Sanctified Life (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1937), America if he didn't live up to her Helping Women in Crisis p. 28. expectations. Finally he became so Kay Marshall Strom, Zondervan, Grand 3 J. F. Greden, P. Fontaine, and M. Lubetsky, frightened that he ran away to America Rapids, Michigan, 1986, 170 pages, "Anxiety and Depression Associated with Caf- feinism Among Psychiatric Patients," American on his own. $7. 95, paper. Reviewed by jerry Lasting, Journal of Psychiatry 135, No. 8 (1978): 963-966. From these inauspicious origins he director of communication and trust ser 4 B. S. Victor, M. Lubetsky, andj. F. Greden, "Somatic Manifestations of Caffeinism," Journal of went on to become a preeminent vices, Indiana Conference of Seventh-day Clinical Psychiatry 42, No. 5 (1981): 185-188. Seventh-day Adventist evangelist in Adventists, 5 L. A. Gala, B. Jones, P. Burns, etal, "Results North America, Europe, Africa, and Counseling, especially in a time of of Computerized Tomography, Psychometric Testing, and Dietary Studies in Social Drinkers, South America before breaking with the crisis, is serious business. Strom says, With Emphasis on Reversibility After Absti church and becoming a Seventh Day "Good advice is essential in domestic nence," The Medical Journal of Australia 2, No. 6 Baptist at age 76. Daniel Heinz has violence. Bad advice can be deadly. Be (1983): 264-269. 6 D. A. Parker, E. S. Parker, ]. A. Brody, and written, in German, a well-researched careful. Out of ignorance or oversight, R. Schoenberg, "Alcohol Use and Cognitive Loss and gripping biography of this great man. we may do more harm than good." Among Employed Men and Women," American Journal of Public Health 73, No. 5 (1983): 521-526. It is refreshing to see that Heinz faces Strom deals with several prevalent 7 A. M. Eward, R. Wolfe, P. Moll, E. Harburg, the critical issues of Conradi's life, right crisis problems facing pastors today, "Psychosocial and Behavioral Factors Differen up to his tragic break with the church, sharing the causes and showing how to tiating Past Drinkers and Lifelong Abstainers," American Journal of Public Health 76, No. 1 (1986): squarely. He makes no attempt to cover handle them legally and emotionally. 68-70. up any shortcomings, but he also shares Chapter topics include incest, rape, 8 C. E. Billings, R. L. Wick, R. J. Gerke, and many of Conradi's triumphs. Conradi's child molestation, infidelity, suicide, R. C. Chase, "The Effects of Alcohol on Pilot Performance During Instrument Flight," Report monumental accomplishments make us and wife abuse. FAA-AM-82-4 (Washington, D.C.: Federal pause and marvel at the mighty work The well-chosen examples and lists of Aviation Admin., 1972). 9 H. Moskowitz, "A Behavioral Mechanism of that God wrought through this human materials for further reading, along with Alcohol-related Accidents," in M. E. Chafetz, instrumentality. lists of do's and don'ts, make this book a ed., Proceedings of the First Annual Alcoholism Conradi's connection with the church valuable ready reference. The author Conference of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcohol Alcoholism: Research on Alcoholism: began with a genuine conversion experi relies on biblical principles in presenting Clinical Problems and Special Populations (1973), pp. ence while he was boarding with an solutions to problems. This is indeed a 311-323. Adventist farmer in Iowa. Conradi helpful handbook for helpers. 10 H. Moskowitz and D. DePry, "The Effect of Alcohol Upon Auditory Vigilance and Divided developed strong devotional habits and Attention," Quarterly Journal of Studies on Alcohol wanted to share his faith with others, so Slaves, Citizens, Sons: Legal 29 (1968): 54-63. 11 J. A. Sours, "Case Reports of Anorexia he found his way to Battle Creek College Metaphors in the Epistles Nervosa and Caffeinism," American Journal of and took the ministerial course. After Francis Lyall, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Psychiatry 140, No. 2 (1983): 235, 236. graduation he began doing evangelistic Michigan, 1984, 288pages, $9.95, paper. 12 "Decision-making: A Boost for Thought," American Health, November/December 1983. work among the German-speaking peo Reviewed by Wayne Willey, pastor, Ames- 13 White, Education, p. 209. ple of the Midwest. From there he went bury, Massachusetts. 14 ————,Counsels on Diet and Foods (Washing on to successful work in many other parts This is not a book you will read ton, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1976), p. 389. of the world, most notably Europe. through at one sitting. In fact, even 15 F. M. Sacks, A. Donner, W. P. Castelli, et While Conradi had strong convic though I have a graduate degree in law al., "Effect of Ingestion of Meat on Plasma Cholesterol of Vegetarians," Journal of the Ameri tions on most doctrines of the church, and thus a more than passing interest in can Medical Association 246, No. 6 (Aug. 7, 1981): and above all, on the doctrine of the law and legalisms, I found the book so 640-644. second coming of Christ, he entertained tedious that I wondered whether I would 16 Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., doubts about Ellen White's prophetic ever finish it. After struggling all the way 1958), p. 378. mission. After 1898 his thinking took a through, I wondered whether my effort
28 MINISTRY/APRIL/1987 had been worthwhile. husband, and a father and has written his are excellent sources for further study on Lyall proposes that one cannot rightly book to help improve marriage in Chris the topic of aging. understand the legal metaphors used in tian homes. He presents a number of the Epistles without understanding the ideas in lists that if implemented could Christian Peacemaking and Interna distinctions between Greek, Jewish, and solve marriage problems. His lists tional Conflict, Duane K. Friesen, Herald Roman law. While Roman law is seen as include five steps to firmer marriage Press, Scottdale, Pennsylvania, 1986, 304 the source of most legal metaphors in the bonding, seven ways to be a winning pages, $19.95, paper. Epistles, Jewish law is seen as the source wife, and six ways to be a huggable With the issue of peace prominent of those metaphors dealing with redemp husband. today, this is a worthy book, but it is tion. The book demands careful reading in tedious reading of a scholarly quality. It The material in this book may be of the area of husband and wife roles. It can is thorough and persuasive, but only value to those who need to understand easily be seen as another emphasis on those who have exceptional interest in the finest distinctions in the cultural submitting for the wife and loving for the the issues it raises would put forth the background of the Epistles, but pastors husband. Unfortunately, the submitting effort to read it. who have grown up in Western cultures is easier to write rules for and to evaluate Sermons on Prayer, Ronald E. Wall, and are familiar with Old Testament than the loving. Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, Michi imagery should have an adequate under I wish that the chapter "The Plan for gan, 1986, 176pages, $6.95, paper. standing of legal terms and would find Man and Woman" could have pointed to This book's simple, nontechnical this book of limited value. the original Edenic equality of man and style has merit for the layperson as well as woman as God's ideal, and made an the minister who desires to study what When Religion Doesn't Work appeal to return to and grow into this Christ said about prayer, and also where, Marvin Moore, Review and Herald, ideal, rather than giving up and settling when, what, and why He prayed. Hagerstown, Maryland, 1986, 30 pages, down into the "second plan." $1.25, paper. ReviewedbyEllaRydzewski, Price makes a glaring error when he East Comes West, E. Alien Richardson, editorial secretary, MINISTRY. states that only 2 percent of sexual Pilgrim Press, New York, New York, 1985, We have all heard tales of disillu incompatibility cases stem from physical 212 pages, $8.95, paper. sioned church members whose unan causes, while 98 percent come from This book provides a good overview of swered prayers or unrealistic expecta mental attitude. This statement could four major Eastern religions that are tions of other Christians have led them cause some couples to give up on seeking growing in popularity in the United away from the church. Moore shares medical help. Some authorities suggest States: the Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, and several tales of woe, then suggests ways that at least 15 percent of problems may Muslim religions. The author's chief in which we can be sensitive in our be medically discoverable and treatable. interest is to give an account of how interactions with others, especially with these religions are being transplanted idealistic new Christians. Recently Published through immigration of adherents, In the last chapter the author points to Building Teen Excitement: A Youth rather than with the impact of Eastern church members' responsibility for the Worker's Guide, Shirley Pollock, Abing- religion on Americans. disillusioned. "The reason we share the don Press, Nashville, Tennessee, 1985, 80 responsibility for their failure is that pages, $8.95, paper. How Jesus Treated People, Morris L. without realizing it, in our casual talk This is a sequel to an earlier book on Venden, Pacific Press, Boise, Idaho, 1986, about religion, or in our teaching or successful youth work. For this volume 142 pages, $6.95, paper. preaching, we gave them the assump the author gleaned proven things from Morris Venden has the gift of building tions that caused their downfall." There youth groups all across the country. The picture windows and letting in the light. is truth in this, but Moore does not give activities, worship celebrations, sugges In this book, doctrines come to life in the adequate coverage to the influence of tions, and ideas in the book are unique, spotlighted arena of New Testament various personality factors that may interesting, and, best of all, have experience. For those seeking to do make it more difficult for some people to worked. For the youth worker who feels a evangelism in the Caring Church way, be understanding and accepting. bit stale and out of new ideas, this book Venden's book presents the ultimate The book makes valuable reading for may be just the tonic the doctor ordered. Model in action. new members to help them see and avoid certain pitfalls, but it ought also to be Ministry With Older Persons: A Guide His Healing Love, Dick Winn, Review read by pastors and other members of for Clergy and Congregations, Arthur H. and Herald, 1986, 374 pages, $7.95, long standing to help them prevent Becker, Augsburg Publishing, Minneapolis, hardbound. disillusionment. Minnesota, 1986, 221 pages, $12.95, This senior youth devotional book for paper. 1987 is filled with practical applications Tenderness and 24 Other Ways to The author gives extensive space to of Christian principles. Make a Marriage Work the dynamics of aging as they relate to Bible credits: Texts credited to NEB are from The New Nelson Price, Fleming H. Revell, Old the individual, family, church, and English Bible. © The Delegates of the Oxford University pastor. Two chapters give specific sug Press and the Syndics of the Cambridge University Press Tappan, New jersey, 1986, 158 pages, 1961, 1970. Reprinted by permission. Texts credited to $9.95, paper. Reviewed by Alberta Mazat, gestions as to how to minister to elderly NIV are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. professor of marriage and family therapy, members. Becker's insights are based on Copyright © 1973, 1978, International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Texts Loma Linda University. study and practical experience. His credited to RSV are from the Revised Standard Version of The author is a counseling pastor, a footnotes, bibliography, and appendix the Bible, copyrighted 1946, 1952 © 1971, 1973.
MINISTRY/APRIL/1987 29 ShopTalk
Adventist Ideals Department of Loma Linda Within the first three study guides, and sugges Joseph Espinosa has pre University, La Sierra cam minutes Barbara heard two tions for further reading, pared an Adventist maga pus. "This lack of belonging phrases that were com the course will be made zine similar to Ideals, the often leads new members to pletely foreign to her. One available to pastors to help proceeds of which will ben leave the church within had to do with the GC. The orient their prospective or efit evangelism directed to their first year of member other dealt with the Great newly baptized members. In the deaf, Jews, and Native ship." Disappointment. Had she individual Bible studies, Americans. Barbara Morgan's experi slept through something? prayer meetings, pastor's This issue, entitled "How ence is typical. Had she missed a meeting or Bible classes, or baptismal to Develop and Reflect the Barbara squeezed into the failed to read a chapter? classes, pastors will be able Character of Christ," second row from the front Barbara looked around at to lead these people into a focuses on the primary on the left-hand side of the the other members. They deepening appreciation of needs of the people waiting church. She was 10 minutes nodded their heads in com the Adventist Church. for His return. Its 64 pages early. This was the morning plete understanding. "I think it's a wonderful feature large print and beau she had been waiting for. Apparently she was the only concept," says Lynn Mal- tiful colored photos. An extra-big smile lit up her one who didn't know what lery, pastor of the La Sierra face. It was her first Sabbath the superintendent was church in southern Califor as a Seventh-day Adventist. talking about. nia. "Last year we baptized While the organ was The mission story intro 182 people, and I would quietly playing a few duced another new phrase. have used this new course hymns, Barbara had time to And the mission offering with every one of them. In think about the events of brought still another. By fact," Mallery continues, the past few months that the time the lesson study "we'll probably order 300 had brought her to this was over, Barbara had for our church as soon as place. Barbara's next-door begun taking notes, writing they're available." neighbor Marcia was an down every phrase that was Welcome to the Family! Adventist. Through the strange to her. By the end of is being written by members The magazines are yours years they'd become close church, her list numbered of the Church and Ministry for a tax-deductible dona friends, often comparing 12. Someone was going to Department of the La Sierra tion of $10 each. Order notes on raising the kids, have to help her understand campus of Loma Linda Uni from North American Mis staying healthy, and jug the unique language of this versity. Contributors sions, 6840 Eastern Avenue gling the responsibilities of newly adopted family. include Gillespie, Mallery, NW., Washington, D.C. family and career. Early this Home Study Interna Rick Rice, Charles Teel, 20012. year when Marcia's church tional is accepting the chal Reuben Hilde, and Steve held an evangelistic cam lenge of helping Barbara Daily. The course will be Establish your new paign, Barbara accepted and the thousands of other available from HSI this members Marcia's invitation to new members like her spring. As often as there's a bap attend. During the meetings become better acquainted "It's our prayer," reports tism, there's a new member she decided to join the with some of the unique George Babcock, president added to our church family. church. features of their new of HSI, "to assist local And more often than not Last Sabbath had been Adventist Church family. church pastors in this deli that new member spends a beautiful. It seemed every HSI will soon introduce a cate and essential work of great deal of time won single member stayed after new course entitled Wel welcoming new members dering what the rest of us church for the potluck. And come to the Family! The into the church family." are talking about. just about everyone told her course, currently under "New members fre how happy they were about preparation, is a friendly Strengthening our quently feel estranged," says her decision. Then the introduction to subjects schools V. Bailey Gillespie, "simply afternoon baptism. She'd such as Adventist lifestyle, In the past three years because they're not yet able never forget it! Adventist heritage, the spe- education in the United to communicate in the same Now her first Sabbath as cialness of the Sabbath, the States has received serious words and phrases used by a member. She'd even beat reward of Adventist educa scrutiny by a variety of pres people who have been Marcia to Sabbath school. tion, and the organizational tigious organizations. All of church members for a The superintendent stood structure of the church. the reports have triggered longer period of time." Gil to begin the program. Written in a "popular demands for reform. lespie is chairman of the That's when Barbara style," using stories, anec Like public education, Church and Ministry began to have questions. dotes and humor, creative many church-related educa-
30 MINISTRY/APRIL/1987 tional systems are examin icate to the effect that ho questions asked as to the rity offices since they may ing their vitality and viabil because of conscience or basis for their former deci not be able to get in enough ity. In many cases, religious reasons he is sion. quarters of active service confrontation with demo opposed to the acceptance A minister who wishes before retiring to qualify. graphic and economic of any public insurance that his Social Security work The Seventh-day changes appears to threaten makes payments in the credit to begin with the year Adventist Church holds no their very existence. event of death, disability, 1986 must file IR5 Form teaching that opposes plans With inspired counsel, old age, retirement, or for 4361 with the Internal Rev such as Social Security. We the educational program of health care (Medicare), a enue Service and pay the urge all those who pre the Seventh-day Adventist minister can opt out of the applicable self-employment viously opted out (for what Church has grown from its Social Security program. tax by April 15, 1987. Or if ever reason) to give serious first home school, estab- - Some ministers now real he wishes to delay getting consideration to obtaining lished in 1853, to a system ize that exercising that into the program until this valuable protection for that now includes 4,450 pri option was a mistake. The 1987. he has until April 15, themselves and their fami mary and elementary Tax Reform Act of 1986 has 1988. to complete this. lies.—Robert E. Osborn, schools, 901 secondary opened a window that Ministers in their mid- Associate Treasurer, Gen schools, and 94 colleges and enables such individuals to 50s and older should con eral Conference of Seventh- universities. get into the program with tact their local Social Secu day Adventists. Ari ancient philosopher said that "the fate of empires depends on the education of youth." Cer tainly most of us would Join the SUMMER SEMINAR agree that our schools are the most important mission field in the world. We must ever keep in mind that the Adventist '" Jerusalem educational system is facing most of the serious chal with lenges that confront church-related systems at William H. Shea, M.D., large. To meet these we Ph.D. must pursue all means that will enable our schools to Director & Lecturer remain vigorous. Sabbath, April 25, 1987, Internationally recognized the denomination brings author & authority in the the special needs of its edu cational programs to the Bible & the ancient world church at large and solicits a special offering on behalf of these needs. On that day let's remember the rich her AUGUST 12 - SEPTEMBER 10, 1987 itage of Adventist educa • Enjoy the home-like comfort and good food of the tion and the sacrificial com newly-remodeled Jerusalem Center mitments that have made it strong.—Gordon Madg- • Join the extensive tour program of important biblical sites wick, General Conference Department of Education. • Update yourself on latest discoveries in biblical archaeology • Earn continuing education units Social Security opening for those who opted out For details & applications write or call Ministers in the United US$ 1,695 States who opted out of Including round-trip Biblical Research Institute Social Security can get into airfare from New York General Conference of S.D.A. that program if they inform 6840 Eastern Ave., N.W. the Internal Revenue Ser Washington, D.C. 20012 vice of their change of mind US$ 1,020 by April 15, 1988. Without airfare Phone (202) 722-6790 At the beginning of his ministry, by signing a certif
MINISTRY/APRIL/1987 31 WELCOME! Have you ever watched a new Adventist try to understand what we're talking about? Or helped a new convert struggle with the practical aspects of being a Sabbath keeper? Have you ever had to explain why the roots of our "Great Advent Hope" are found in "The Great Disappointment"? Have you ever assisted a new member meet the financial challenges of an Adventist education? Or searched for the most helpful answer about Adventist lifestyle? Well, search no more. Home Study International is pleased to announce the creation of "Welcome to the Family," a course designed especially for newly baptized Adventists. In seven friendly lessons, pastors can now guide new members through topics that often cause confusion and questions. Here's the reaction of people who have already seen the course: "It's about time!" Conference Church Ministries Director "We'll order 300 of them!" Pastor "Best new idea of the year!" Conference President "I could use eight of them this week." Pastor "It's a breakthrough!" Conference Evangelist Prepared by the Department of Church and Ministry, Loma Linda University, "Welcome to the Family" is available this spring from Home Study International, 6940 Carroll Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912-4481. to the, famih) See the article in this issue of Ministry for more information. **