Ministry Ministry is the international journal of the Seventh-day Adventist Ministerial Association and has been published since 1928.

Association Secretary International Advisors Salvation pilgrimage James A. Cress A. Abdulmajid, Eradio Alonso, The Adventist journey into justification by faith and Trinitarianism Editor Roberto Badenas, Alejandro Willmore D. Eva Bullon, Jaime Castrejon, Woodrow W. Whidden Eugene Hsu, Gabriel Maurer, Assistant Editor Leslie McMilian, Joel Julia W. Norcott Musvosvi, David Parks, Jose 8 Editorial Assistant Viana, Walton Whaley, John Sheila Draper Willmott, Eric Winter, R. A, Zeeman Small groups in evangelism Professional Growth and Small group ministries along with evangelism can create Inter-church Relations Pastoral Advisors Nikolaus Satelmajer Leslie Baumgartner, S. Peter more lasting results and more mature disciples Campbell, Michael Cerna, Contributing Editors Jeanne Hartwell, Mitchell John W. Fowler Sharon Cress Henson, Greg Nelson, Norma Rex D. Edwards Osborn, Leslie Pollard, Dan Joel Sarli Smith, Steve Willsey Kit Watts 10 Advertising Pastoral Assistant Editors Ministry Editorial Office When children are grieving John C. Cress Subscriptions and Circulation Ministry to children in grief Fredrick Russell Maylan Schurch Jeannette Calbi Norma Osborn Loren Seioold Resources Consulting Editors Catherine Payne Matthew Bediako, Ben Tape of the Month 14 Clausen, Raoul Dederen, Donald Driver Teofilo Ferreira, Ron Cover Design Growing churches is like growing trees Flowers, Robert Harry Knox Principles of church growth drawn from the natural world Folkenberg, John M. Fowler, Roland Hegstad, Cover Art Ricardo Norton Kathleen Kuntaraf, Robert Detail from "Christ of the Peach, George Reid, Angel Narrow Way," by Elfred Lee. Rodriguez, Penny Shell, Courtesy of the E. G. White William Shea, Russell Estate 16 Staples, Richard Tibbits, Waiting for the right moment Edward Zmke Wisely presenting the controversial aspects ofAdventism To Writers: We welcome unsolicited manuscripts. Editorial preference is to receive manuscripts on diskette Darryl Comstock with name, address, telephone number, fax, and Social Security number (if US citizen). Send all editorial correspondence to 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver 18 Spring, MD 20904-6600. Telephone: 301-680-6510; Fax: Proclaiming the message fearlessly 301-680-6502; E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected] (editorial offices). Faithfully presenting the controversial aspects ofAdventism Writer©s Guidelines available on request. Jac Colon Subscriptions: For 12 issues: United States us$29.95; Canada and overseas us$30.95; airmail us$39.95; single copy us$3.00. To order, send name, address, and payment 22 to Jeannette Calbi, Ministry Subscriptions, 12501 Old Preach Christ! Columbia Pike, Silver Spring. MD 20904 U.S.A. Subscription queries and address changes: E-mail: If there was only one sermon to preach... [email protected].; fax 301-680-6502; phone 301- James C. Otore 680-6503. Ministry (ISSN 0026-5314), the international journal of the Seventh-day Adventist Ministerial Association 24 1998, is published monthly by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and printed by the Pacific Is your church senior-sensitive? Press Pub. Assn., 1350 N. Kings Road, Nampa, ID Age sensitiveness and responsive care of mature age groups in the church 83687-3193. Member Associated Church Press. Standard mail postage paid at Nampa, Idaho. Ministry is W. Charles Arn and Win Arn available on microfilm from University Microfilms International. Call 1-800-521-3044 or mail inquiry to: University Microfilms International, 300 North Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, Ml 48106. IN EVERY ISSUE PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.

Vol. 71 Number 4 3 Letters 28 Pastor©s Pastor Bible credits: Texts credited to NiV are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright 1973,1978, 4 Editorial 31 Resources 1984, International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.

2 Ministry/April 1998 The pastor after a moral crisis If a small group of persons want and ever will have till the close of time" Commendation to Roger Nixon power and control and are persons of (Ellen White, The Acts of the Apostles, 196, (August 1997) for the courage to confront high income, they can collectively lever 197). C. B. Harris, Yuma, Arizona. head-on a complex and challenging issue. administrative silence or generate a How tragic indeed when a pastor flaunts mentality to just move the pastor. For Receiving the Word clearly established ethical norms, gives in example: Tithe flow from seven high George R. Knight and George W. Reid to Satan©s allurements, and in a fleeting incomes being halted (either temporarily have reviewed Samuel Koranteng-Pipim©s moment of madness, forgets his wife, while the money is left in their checking book Receiving the Word (December children, and his congregation for a few accounts; or worse, permanently while the 1997). Knight sounds like someone who scraps of forbidden pleasure. tithe is diverted elsewhere, or just just got caught with his hand in the Equally tragic is the uncaring and stopped) can cause a conference budget to cookie jar and now decides to lash out black-and-white, legalistic way such be impacted. An $85,000 to $100,000 against the one who caught him in the pastors are frequently dealt with by shortage could easily cancel a large city- act. Reid©s review, on the other hand, church administration. To be bold wide evangelist series or cause two pastors comes across in a far more objective, enough to proclaim that "there is life after to be dropped. kind, and Christian manner with a desire adultery" through an appropriate The recent Annual Council reports to understand both sides of the ministry of restoration is highly carry a fresh breeze of transparency. question. Harold Bohr, Amarillo, Texas. commendable. Monthly progress reports generated by It would certainly be minimizing local conference presidents and/or Anyone who has carefully read the God©s grace to assert that: "Once an ministerial secretaries along with progress book, and then the two reviews, must adulterer, always an adulterer," and let©s reports from the persecuted pastors to pause to realize that something tragic has get rid of the fallen pastor for good. If conference committee members might happened among our theologians and God could use fallen leaders until their start practical resolutions. Is it possible for Bible teachers. When it is concluded that dying day although their whole life was a that fresh breeze also to blow through the one view on a subject of such critical series of broken moral promises (e.g., ministerial associations at each level of importance to the church is "responsible" Samson), then why can©t the church do administration and Ministry magazine to and the other "irresponsible," the door to the same? Do we have the audacity to be generate some other practical solutions? dialogue has been effectively closed. What holier than God in this respect? Doesn©t Adventism should be transparent as can be done about the situation now? To Scripture condemn polygamy as much as sunlight and generate more cures than ignore it in the desperate hope that it will it does adultery? How come God allowed names for disease symptoms. J. Fred simply go away would be counter Solomon, with 1,000 women, to even Hughes, Lincoln City, Oregon. productive. Having witnessed a similar write a few books in the Bible? situation earlier in my ministry in C. Lobart, D.Min., via e -mail. The apostolic church had a question another denomination, I never thought that engendered much debate. We, also, such a thing could or would occur in the Pastor persecutors have problems, except the subject is Seventh-day Adventist Church. Rediger (August 1997) covered many different. They solved their problem by Raymond C. Holmes, Berrien Springs, aspects of Christian persecution of referring it to a General Assembly (the Michigan. pastors. Contributing factors to this first General Conference). "Its decision phenomenon are time and money. was to put an end to all controversy: for it The risk of Christmas While conference presidents or other was the voice of the highest authority on Fowler (December 1997) argues that administrative specialists may decline the the earth." The decision was "generally the meaning of Christmas is to be found distasteful task of dealing with this issue accepted by the Christian churches. Not in the "incarnational ministry" whereby a for the variety of reasons listed in all, however, were pleased with the Christian takes the risk of identifying Rediger©s article, they are so loaded down decision; there was a faction who with the suffering, and he cites the with time demands that this complicated disagreed with it. These men assumed to example of Mother Teresa who took this problem just doesn©t get fitted in. The engage in the work on their own challenge wholeheartedly by fully problem gets buried among others for responsibility.... From the first the identifying herself with the poor. which time doesn©t allow. church has had such obstacles to meet, Continued on p. 29

If you©re receivingUlmstry bimonthly and havent paid for a subscription, it©s not a mistake. Since 1928tKn\&cy has been published for Seventh-day Adventist ministers. We believe. Free Subscription however, that the time has come for clergy even/where to experience a resurgence of faith in the authority ot Scripture and in the great truths that reveal the gospel of our salvation by grace, through faith alone in Jesus Christ. We want to share our aspirations and faith in a way that will provide inspiration and help to you as clergy. We hope you will accept this journal as our outstretched hand to you. Look over our shoulder, take what you want and find helpful, and discard what you can©t use. Bimonthly gift subscriptions are available to all licensed and/or ordained clergy. Requests should be on church letterhead anil addressed to the editorial office.

Ministry/April 1998 3 E D I T 0 R I A

F o be Obviously having a vision and an ideal for disillusioned Take a dose of Christian fellowship is vital, but it cannot T is a positive function effectively without regular doses experience. It is! of "disillusionment." Without it a pastor is Although the disillusionment only a step from becoming a "living experience is usually reproach" to the church community, an seen as a negative WILL EVA angry, ineffective leader who is literally a one, nobody would pain to parishioners and probably claim that living disillusioned with our people we may be particularly to himself or herself. under an illusion is beneficial. True, ever disgruntled, wondering consciously Eugene Peterson deals with this issue in illusions may be temporarily helpful to our or unconsciously why "the saints" are so his excellent book, Under the Unpredictable peace of mind, but in the end they are not. obtuse, so unspiritual, unresponsive, Plant. He says, "I had to revise my To be disillusioned, that is, to be released cruel, and just plain ungodly! We will imagination: these were the people to from the deception of one©s actual tend to be in a perpetual state of whom I was pastor. They were not the ones illusions, may be quite serendipitous, let dissatisfaction and will probably be I would have chosen, but they were what I alone downright helpful. Looking at it this continually struggling to swallow the had been given. What was I to do? ©Master, way, I think most of us would rather be reflex to scuttle ministry altogether. someone sowed tares in the night.© I wanted "disillusioned" than be victims of some "The man who fashions [an to weed the field." "Parish glamorization is muddled illusion. exaggerated] visionary ideal of ecclesiastical pornography taking But with what are we to be disillu community demands that it be realized by photographs (skillfully airbrushed) or sioned? With the churches and the people God, by others, and by himself.... He drawing pictures of congregations that are we pastor and with the church in general! stands adamant, a living reproach to all [faultless]." "They [some pastors] abhor With penetrating truthfulness and others in the circle of brethren.... When the scandal of both the cross and the wisdom, one of the great Christian sages his ideal picture is destroyed, he sees the church.... But it is the very nature of of this century has observed: "Just as community going to smash. So he pastoral work to embrace this scandal, surely as God desires to lead us to a accept this humiliation, and daily work in knowledge of genuine Christian it. Not despising the shame, and not fellowship, so surely must we be denying it either."3 overwhelmed by a great disillusionment There is a great relief that arrives as with others, with Christians in general, one exercises this kind of forthcoming and, if we are fortunate with ourselves."1 Buut with what honesty, and thus embraces the kind of Here no bones are made about the disillusionment we are talking about. A necessity of experiencing constructive are we to be disillusioned? weight is lifted from pastoral shoulders as disillusionment with Christian people we come to consciously acknowledge to and Christian fellowship. That is, With the churches and the ourselves the ever present foibles of the recognizing and accepting the fact that people we pastor and with the saints. Thus we cease to be surprised or Christian people are flawed and foolish. alarmed by them and instead accept them We are challenged to be "overwhelmed" Church in general! as a fact of life in the church. No longer by this disillusionment, to embrace it as does a pastor need to explain or criticize pivotal, providential, and imperative to but simply deal forthrightly with the achieving "genuine Christian fellowship." numerous challenges that arise out of If this thinking is legitimate, and I becomes first an accuser of his brethren, these deficiencies. believe it is, the disillusionment we are then an accuser of God, and finally the It is when ministry has subtly become calling for is something God initiates in despairing accuser of himself."2 more of a career for us than a divine order to bring us to mature togetherness It is not uncommon for pastors to calling that we begin combing the field for in Him. Without this quality of "adamantly" insist (sometimes only the perfect congregation. Like some of our disillusionment we cannot achieve the within themselves) on their ideal of what congregations searching for the perfect authentic fellowship we long for. Nor can constitutes genuine Christian fellowship pastor, we begin ceaselessly scanning the we be effective ministers or find any and then reel under the constant violation horizon, hoping for a "good call." After not meaningful degree of contentment in the of their ideal picture, as the foolishness of finding it, over time we become work of pastoring. Without being the flock again and again manifests itself. increasingly discontented and cynical Continued on p. 29

4 Ministry/April 1998 nil DI t The Iflventist Justilicatii bjj Faith

Woodrow W. Whidden n the history of the Seventh-day the quality and remarkable clarity of the is a professor in the Adventist church, the Minneapolis Gen material.1 This period is distinctive because Religion Department I eral Conference and 1888 have become of Mrs. White©s emphasis on Paul©s and at Andrews University, synonymous with the primacy of justifica Luther©s expressions of justification by Berrien Springs, tion by faith. In the doctrinal teaching of the faith. Michigan. church, this event marks a revival of genu ine interest in the question of "righteousness Corresponding Christological and by faith." The key advocates of this remark Trinitarian developments able revival were Ellen G. White and two Prior to this time, Arianism had been young Adventist editors based in California: quite pervasive in the writings of early Sev E. }. Waggoner (1855-1916) and A. T. Jones enth-day Adventism. Interestingly, Arianism (1850-1923). (which owes its origin to Arius [d. 336], who Opposing them was an established "old denied the divinity of Christ and held that guard" at the church headquarters in Battle Christ was a created being), has had a natu Creek, Michigan: Uriah Smith (1832- ral attraction for religious movements that 1903), the editor of the church©s official concentrate on personal obedience while magazine, the Advent Review and Sabbath neglecting the importance of justification by Herald, and George I. Butler (1834-1918), faith in the Christian salvation experience. the president of the General Conference. By the time of the Minneapolis revivals, Though no action was taken at Minneapo Jones was forthrightly Trinitarian, empha lis, the opposition to Waggoner and Jones sizing the full deity of Christ. However, E. J. was so severe that Ellen White teamed up Waggoner, like many Adventists of his day, with Jones and Waggoner, mounting an had moved from a predominant Arianism intense campaign of revivals across North to a semi-Arian position.2 By the late 1880s America. During the next three years they Ellen White was unequivocally Trinitarian toured widely, emphasizing the primacy of in the expression of her convictions regard justification by faith alone as the bedrock ing the full deity of Christ. This is truly of any vibrant Christian experience. remarkable, given the strongly Arian and One indicator of such an emphasis is semi-Arian views that were so dominant in that roughly 40 percent of all that Ellen the Adventism of that time, and given the White ever said about justification by faith fact that even her strong-minded, forthright and the imputation of the righteousness of husband, James White, held such views un Christ, she said and wrote during the four til relatively late in his life. years that followed Minneapolis. What is Furthermore, Uriah Smith, the main significant is not just the amount of ma opposer of the soteriological initiatives of terial that flowed from her lips and pen but Waggoner, Jones, and Ellen White, had been

WOODROW W. WHIDDEN

Ministry/April 1998 5 decidedly Arian. He then developed a semi- astical order, such as formal organization, from the creedal churches of "Babylon" in the Arian view which he maintained until a statement of belief, ministerial credentials, heated last stages of Millerism, many early death. Smith never fully embraced a clear and a hymnal. Even though Arianism was Adventists developed an intense "live and let doctrine of objective justification by faith widespread, when the early Adventists be live" attitude on a number of doctrinal is alone. Thus, the main opponent of the gan to plan for worship, they included sues. In other words, there was strong soteriological healing within Adventism Trinitarian hymns in their early hymnals. resistance to any creed. Thus any new con was clearly semi-Arian and never gave evi The first hymnal of 1849, compiled by vert could be a Seventh-day Adventist and dence of being fully convinced of the new James White, contains the doxology and its Trinitarian. Perhaps this growing number of soteriology. closing words, "Praise Father, Son, and Holy Trinitarians were simply making their pres Ghost." ence felt. Early emergence from legalism and 4. The intercessory ministry of Jesus. An Arianism other factor was the continuing emphasis What then is to be made of Adventism©s by Ellen White on Christ as the believer©s simultaneous emergence from both unwit constantly interceding mediator. This em ting legalism and a rather strongly held hat then is phasis in her unfolding soteriology was Arian stance? What, if any, causal relation accompanied by careful reflections on the ships existed between emerging Trinitarian to be made ofAdventism©s substitutionary meaning of Christ©s death impulses and the healing of legalistic and its implications for justification by faith soteriological trends in the church? Clear- simultaneous emergence alone. The more she reflected on Christ©s cut answers aren©t easy, but the following death as a sacrificial atonement and His factors seem to have affected this shift in from both unwitting legalism closely related office of High Priest, the early Adventism: and a rather strongly held more Mrs. White sensed the necessity of a 1. The obvious spiritual needs of the mem sacrifice and intercession given by One fully bership. Here both James and Ellen White, Arian stance? What, if any, divine ministries a semi- or demi-god later supported by Jones and Waggoner, could not do. took the lead. We have no evidence of a sud causal relationships existed This appreciation of Christ©s full deity den discovery by them that Arianism was in early Adventism seems to replicate the destroying the Seventh-day Adventist between emerging Trinitarian Christological developments that had oc people with legalistic attitudes that were curred in the early Christian church. It was leading to a destructive spiritual condition impulses and the healing of no mere historical happenstance that in the churches. Instead, it seems that they, Athanasius (d. 373) opposed Arius. "In his sensing the severe dangers inherent in the legalistic soteriological trends anti-Arian treatises," wrote J. N. D. Kelley, obviously legalistic trends within the move in the church? "Athanasius was to deploy a triple onslaught ment, began to study the causes of the based on the Church©s living faith and ex condition and then saw the need for a more perience. First, he argued that Arianism Trinitarian soteriology. undermined the Christian doctrine of God This basic phenomenon is especially 3. A reaching out. When early Advent by presupposing that the divine Triad is not evident in Ellen White. There do not seem ism emerged from its "shut door" phase, the eternal and by virtually reintroducing poly to be any instances where she consciously movement began to reach out to other theism. Secondly it made nonsense of the set out to reflect on the soteriological im Christians. This audience, at first, was established liturgical customs of baptizing plications of the full deity of Christ and mainly defined as North American church in the Son©s name as well as the Father©s, the personhood of the Holy Spirit. She was, goers. This new outreach, which began in and of addressing prayers to the Son. however, able to draw not only from Scrip the early 1850s, resulted in a growing in Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, it ture but also from her Methodist roots, flux of Trinitarians from other evangelical undermined the Christian idea of redemp which were clearly the baseline of her min bodies into Adventism. These converts were tion in Christ, since only if the Mediator istry from the start. This is especially true attracted to the prophetic teachings and was Himself divine could humanity hope of her attempts to keep a balance between other strongly biblical doctrines and prac to re-establish fellowship with God."3 Simi justification by faith and holiness of heart tices of Adventism; they, however, were not lar understandings began to influence early and life. The same might be said for the prepared to give up their Trinitarian beliefs. Adventism. Trinitarian consciousness-raising power of However widespread, Arianism was never her Wesleyan/Methodist background. formally or officially adopted by the church, Dynamics of theology, evangelism, and 2. The church©s worship, especially its something that can be best understood as one worship hymns. As the "Advent movement" began remembers the early movement©s strong anti- While it is difficult to be dogmatic about to take on the trappings of a denomination, creedal stance. Because of their vivid the cause/effect relationships between the it had to develop the resources for ecclesi memories of the ill-treatment they received Adventist shift from Arian and anti-

6 Ministry/April 1998 Trinitarian expressions and the accompa orthodoxy in the theological integration of the need for a fully divine Christ. "Christ nying soteriological emphasis, there are a these great verities of the faith. Whatever was with God. He was one with God, equal number of factors that seem to come into the ultimate causes, this revival, spear with Him.... He alone, the Creator of man, play. headed by the Whites, Waggoner, and Jones could be his Saviour. No angel of heaven First, it doesn©t seem that a lot of con after the 1888 Minneapolis conference, could reveal the Father to the sinner, and scious theological reflection transpired in changed the face of Adventism, a change win him back to allegiance to God. But any systematic way but rather that these whose impact is definitely felt today. Christ could manifest the Father©s love."5 If developments were ad hoc and definitely love was to be effectively manifest, it could "providential." The Whites took the lead Divinity of Christ and salvation only be manifest by One who was, by di and drew their theological cues from con experience vine nature, infinite in love. Only divine cern over the low spiritual experience of the While we have briefly hinted at some of love could creatively beget a loving re members. Seeing that legalism had ob the implications for the experience of sal sponse, as opposed to a work response that scured the primacy of Christ as atoning vation that seem to inhere in a Trinitarian seeks to purchase love. When the infinite sacrifice and justifying Saviour, they sought recovery from Arian influences, I would like love of God is freely given to us through to bring the movement back into a greater to close this article with some further re Christ, it becomes apparent that there is emphasis on the centrality of Christ and His flections on how grasping the full deity of only one response surrender and accep sacrifice. In other words, it was practical/ Christ can aid the healing of our under tance. There can be no purchase bargain theological concern, primarily regarding an standing and experiencing of salvation. through which we contribute either a piti out-of-balance theology, that seemed to First, I would suggest that it was no ac ful two cents or all that we have. draw them to a more critical reflection of cident that Ellen White, as the chief the full deity of Christ. theological influence for the full deity of This trend became especially evident in Christ, seems to have put the emphasis on 1 These somewhat startling (at least to the Adventist ears of that period) and marked expres the thought of Ellen White, who gave more the full deity of Christ as she reflected di sions of objective justification can be most readily sustained attention to justification by faith rectly on the theme of Christ as the sinners© found in the books faith and Works (Nashville: alone and the office of Christ as High constantly available and effectually justify Southern Pub. Assoc, 1979) and Selected Messages, Priest. Such a priestly Intercessor not only ing intercessor. As Athanasius argued Book One (Washington, D. C.: Review and Her reckons the faithful as forgiven for the sins against Arius, Ellen White held out that an ald Pub. Assoc., 1958), 300-400. Probably the most forceful expression of this more Pauline/ of the past but ministers that reckoning Arian Jesus would prove to be a weak and Lutheran understanding of justification by faith moment by moment before a righteous ineffectual intercessor. alone came in her Manuscript 36,1890 (here cited and holy God. Again, such a justifying ac Second, there can be no power failure from Faith and Works, 19, 20): "Let the subject complishment could be made effectual in One who is fully divine. Indeed, such a be made distinct and plain that it is not possible only by One who was fully divine. Here, power deficiency is only possible in a Christ to effect anything in our standing before God or in the gift of God to us through creature merit. Mrs. White definitely paralleled the clas with a derived deity, not in the fully divine Should faith and works purchase the gift of sal sic opposition of Athanasius to Arius: Not Christ of the Trinity who is the justifying vation for anyone, then the Creator is under only was the theology similar, but so was Saviour and the transforming Lord. When obligation to the creature. Here is an opportu the method of arriving at it. Both were we come to Christ in any time of need, only nity for falsehood to be accepted as truth. If any dealing with the practical impact of her a fully divine Christ has the power to make man can merit salvation by anything he may do, then he is in the same position as the Catholic to esy in the setting of worship and the us more than conquerors. If, however, we do penance for his sins. Salvation, then, is partly personal experience of salvation. perceive some deficiency in Him, we are of debt, that maybe earned as wages. If man can Finally, the acts of worship, especially in tempted to think that He needs assistance not, by any of his good works, merit salvation, the hymnody mentioned above, seemed to from us via some good works on our part! then it must be wholly of grace, received by man provide an interesting theological tutorial Third, only One who is wholly divine as a sinner because he receives and believes in Jesus. It is wholly a free gift. Justification by faith for a somewhat unwitting company of wor in nature could make a complete atonement is placed beyond controversy." shipers. to meet the claims of the broken law. Only 2 Waggoner came to the very borders of a From the perspective of more than a the Creator who gave the law could offer a more Trinitarian Christology. There is, however, hundred years later, this period feels very sacrifice of sufficient value to satisfy the no compelling evidence that he ever fully aban much like the unfolding of theology ham justice of divinity.4 doned his semi-Arian position. He came close enough that he should be called a semi-Arian, mered out in the ebb and flow of a Fourth, only One who has life original, with a small "s". burgeoning evangelistic movement that unborrowed, and underived could impart 3 J. N. D. Kelly, Early Christian Doctrines, rev. badly needed both its soteriological and life to the believing, trusting soul. Some ed. (New York: HarperCollins, 1978), 233. Trinitarian perspectives brought into a one who had life in some derived sense 4 Ellen G. White, The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 2 more classic and evangelical balance. It is would only be able to impart some kind of (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn.,1877), 9, 10. in the setting of revival, outreach, sustained spiritual "half-life"! 5 Ellen G. White, That I May Know Him study of biblical themes and worship that Last, I would suggest that the theme of (Hagerstown, Md: Review and Herald Pub. the movement was drawn toward a Nicean divine love provides a powerful evidence for Assn.), 18.

Ministry/April 1998 7 SMALL GROUPS IN EVANGELISM or the first time I have found real meaning and purpose in life. I now have a new life. I©ve discovered something more. A group of people who genuinely care about me.

John W. Fowler, D.Min., From the acceptance and support I experi groups each night. While the small groups is an associate for enced, I have learned what it means to be endeavored to meet the requested needs of evangelism with It Is loved and valued as a person. I know God the participants, our strategy was to make Written, Thousand has led me to the Adventist Church." the groups an integral part of the evange Oaks, California. That was the testimony of Brian listic meeting proper. At 7:50 the small Effington. Brian was one of the 60 baptized groups moved from the dressing rooms to at the end of a 1993 evangelistic series. The the main auditorium for the musical pro meetings were coordinated by Frank gram and the presentation of the evening Cordona, a chaplain at Tennessee Christian message. Medical Center in Nashville. But Frank had Of the total baptisms we had at the end a different burden, a new strategy. The of the crusade, 80 percent had attended the meetings began as usual. But on the sec small-group ministries. Brian Effington was ond night, Frank©s strategy came into play. one of those. For some time I had felt the need of small- group ministry in public evangelism, and Small groups: John Wesley©s success that was Frank©s strategy too. To those at Small group ministry is not new. It has tending, we offered the opportunity of been part of the church from the beginning. studying in small groups. In relatively recent history John Wesley One hundred fifty indicated in writing used the small-group approach successfully their need and desire to participate in the in his evangelistic work. After Wesley small-group program. We asked them to join preached and an interest was awakened, he in one of six need-oriented groups: depres placed the respondents in small groups sion, addiction, family differences, youth where lay pastors could deal with the indi conflicts, health problems, and spiritual vidual questions and problems of those needs. The response was poor. After a "camp attending. council" we concluded that fear was the rea Wesley©s small-group meeting or "class son. Consequently, we decided to have meeting" is "the keystone of the entire general group ministries without labels. That Methodist edifice."1 worked! For Wesley, these small groups became The groups met each evening at 7:15 the place where an individual could find the in the dressing rooms of the building in key ingredients to a successful Christian life. which the meetings were being conducted. Wesley trained each group as a means of Thirty minutes were allocated for the ministering to the individual members of

JOHN W. FOWLER

8 Ministry/April 1998 that group. The groups formed the center this labor of love, they concluded with Fellowship. Small-group discussions for devotional life, Bible study, and prayer. prayer and thanksgiving."3 may also address a wide variety of problems They were also the basis of pastoral care. found among those who attend the evan The group members shared with each other Small groups: areas of ministry gelistic meetings. The problems may vary: their bereavement and grief; failure and Learning from Wesley, we seek to make addiction, discouragement, family stresses, success; sickness and health; problems of our evangelistic series a genuine ministry to anxiety, and loneliness. However, the over sex, marriage, and parenting; the agony of the attendees and their special needs. Small- riding purpose of a small group should be poverty and economic injustice, and even group ministries is an important means of to provide fellowship, encouragement, and in some places, political oppression. En accomplishing that goal. How many areas of support for the individuals. A genuine couragement and help was given as needed. ministry can small groups address during a friendship and fellowship can be a source Wesley©s groups even helped members find public evangelistic crusade? The answer de of strength to group members. jobs. Thus the groups became the centers pends on the available talents in the church Depression. Depression is a major prob of Bible study, prayer, Christian service, or churches associated with the evangelistic lem in today©s society. In the United States moral and social reform.2 meeting and the needs of the people. But at least 25 percent or more of the popula The class meetings formed the corner there are some key needs that can be met in tion suffer from some form of depression. stone of Methodist discipline a prime small groups, such as the following. Also, many are dependent on some form secret of the success of the Methodist re Spiritual problems. We believe that most of chemical to cope with their circum vival movement. The classes normally met problems have a spiritual source. Hence the stances. Usually however, a better treatment once every week for an hour or so. Each best remedy is the teaching and application for depression is cognitive therapy, since person reported on their spiritual experi of the principles of the Bible. Bringing most depression is caused by negative hab ence and any particular needs or problems people into a relationship with Jesus and its of thought. Research shows that the they had. Help was given as needed, with other Christians is our goal. We work to cognitive approach that seeks to heal by prayers for all. Wesley writes that "advice help people claim Christ©s victory, Christ©s building positive thought patterns in the or reproof was given as need required, quar wisdom, Christ©s peace and Christ©s joy as mind is helpful in dealing with depression.4 rels were made up, misunderstandings their own. This is the best help the small Small-group support systems can be a po- removed; and after an hour or two spent in groups can provide. Continued on p. 30

QIMUTY Welcome Home Homecoming Kit RESOURCES fOR Mother©s Day and Christmas are just two of the days that people who don©t regularly attend church are likely to visit your church. CHURCH LEADERS Why not send a special invitation? This kit Do you want your church to be a place includes a 24-page Pastor©s Guide Book to that former members and unchurched help you set up a reclaming ministry in your people are welcome? Did you know there church. CD ROM with artwork customized for are specific times of the year and specific letters, response cards, bulletin inserts, etc., individual skills your members can learn makes your task easy and look professional. to make your church inviting? CALL NOW Catalog #420375 549.95 1-800-328-0525 to order your AdventSowree resources! Or write: Creating Authentic 81 Itifclusiye AdventSowrce ©©© " 5040 Prescott Avenue Lincoln, NE 68506 members becomg sate pgcsple whotflreate©. safe places: fottebiBldMg.frientlsMpB wtth© ©fqnttar Aiifenfists^ Especially: for"pastors ; AdventSource reclaiming fliimstry teams, ctafci boards,;, anfl "visitations teams; Mdtfdes©-yidgq ,,;" i,- - training vignettes, seminar leadej aoteS,,., overhead masters and more! - , , Catalog #420422 599.00

Ministry/April 1998 9 WHEN CHILDREN ARE GRIEVING m erry©s* mom was sick in serious condition and hospitalized. Jerry prayed. ^J Jerry©s third-grade classmates prayed. They believed God would answer their prayers and heal Jerry©s mom.

Norma Osborn is Their faith was strong. Their prayers were that care. But that©s not necessarily so. Chil associate pastor for earnest. But Jerry©s mom died, leaving a dren need special attention and support children©s ministries husband and three young children devas based on their age and the circumstances and Christian tated. The third-grade children wanted to surrounding their situation, so that they, education, Sligo know why. Why did God allow Jerry©s too, can begin the healing process. Church, Takoma Park, mother to die? Maryland. That happened ten years ago. I had just Myths about children©s grief begun my ministry. I had so much to learn. I Most of us know little about children felt inadequate and unprepared to help the and grief. A recent seminar by the Grief Re children through their grief. There were no source Foundation presented three myths reasonable explanations. Even if someone about grief, children, and the reality. could come up with one, it would not have Myth 1: Children don©t grieve. been understood, because the pain and loss Reality: Children grieve all losses in were so great. Perhaps adults can talk about spurts, several times a day; they re-grieve their feelings, express their anger and frus throughout all developmental stages; they tration, share their loss and grief. But what don©t know they©re grieving, and they don©t about children? How do the four-year-old, the understand their feelings. seven-year-old, and the ten-year-old mourn Myth 2: Children experience few losses. their loss? I look back on that experience and Reality: Children experience losses on a wish I had known then what I know now. daily basis: at school (sports, grades, com Children are often the forgotten mourn petitions, self-esteem, relationships) and at ers. In the aftermath of death or divorce, home (control, understanding, dysfunc adults are so caught up in their own grief tional family losses one of seven loses a that they are unable to care for their chil parent to death before age ten). dren. Perhaps they are even unaware of Myth 3: Childhood is the happiest time signals to look for in order to understand of life. the suffering their children are experiencing. Reality: "A child goes through six de As pastors we tend to care for adults and velopmental stages between birth and age assume that children are an extension of 21. Each stage is marked by a period of

NORMA OSBORN

10 Ministry/April 1998 continuous change in cognition, feelings, will help not only the bereaved but also dren have learned that they can show their and physical development. Almost every those who want to help the bereaved. feelings openly and freely. The comments area of life through each developmental 2. Sponsor programs to help the healing we receive most often indicate parents© hap stage is totally controlled by circumstances process in children. Rainbows 2 is an example piness that their children talk with them outside of the influence of the child." 1 of such programs. It is used worldwide to and express themselves more openly than help children go through the grieving pro before. Parents also meet in a discussion Pastoring children in grief cess in times of death, divorce, separation, group while their children are in a small As pastors we have the opportunity to or abandonment in the family. The 14-week group. They discuss the same issues as their minister to bereaved children as we do as program provides materials that include sto children and find it a major source of en adults. We must take seriously the calling ries, games, drawings, and crafts that help couragement and support. to do so. Here are some suggestions. children discuss with, and learn from, one Too often we are shortsighted. We visit I. Begin with the Sabbath School. Sabbath another. Trained facilitators meet with chil before the funeral and during the time of School is a good place for both teachers and dren in small groups to understand their the funeral and then the family©s grief is for children to learn about loss and coping with feelings, help them express themselves, give gotten. The fact is that it takes time to get it. Sabbath School teachers have a wonder peer support, and learn that a crisis doesn©t over a loss. Both adults and children need ful opportunity to share with children have to hurt forever. time and encouragement to do their grief matters relating to loss and grief as they Rainbows is intended to help children work.3 Unless we have a long-term plan for study the Bible. The stories of Isaac, Daniel, experience normal childhood responses to help such as Rainbows we lose the oppor Esther, Joseph, and others tell of traumatic death and divorce. There may be instances tunity to help children when they are most events that young people experience. God when a child is not coping well and needs in need and their families most vulnerable. helped His suffering children in the past, more than a peer support group. Facilita The advantage of having such a program and He can do so today. tors are trained to listen for danger signals in your church is obvious. But you may say It is important to talk about loss before that might indicate the need for a child to that you are already stretched to the limit it comes, before the person is too emotion have professional help. and that you can©t personally find time to ally involved in grief. The church should Parents of children who have gone become an expert in this area. Then delegate have an ongoing educational process that through the program have found that chil responsibility. Support your children©s min-

They called it being true©td©Bod,:"1"Y,;© The Navy called it mutiny. "1-©©?K"©{" . A biography of this beloved pioneer radio evangelist written by Bob Edwards, long- A Matter of Conscience*; ,,"time member of Richards© own King©s Court-martialed for © Heralds. 0-8280-1332-2. Hardcover. Reg. his faith . US$24.99, Cdn$35.99. The gripping story of Harold Pervis and Special introductory price, five other sailors who defied wartime .-,; US$14.99, Cdn$21.49 orders regarding Sabbath observance - © : . and changed Naval history. By P, Harold v;;;, Jack: An Incredible Life Pervis.Sr., with NormaJean Lutz., © ' ©forced into a Nazi labor camp at 14, Jack 0-8280-1087-0. Paperback, US$9.99, .. -. Blanco faced one tumultuous experience Cdn$l4.49. , •' • after another. Only God could develop this ©, disillusioned, religion-hating man into a respected theologian and author of the These Review and Herald books are best-selling Bible paraphrase The Clear available at your local Adventist Book Word. By Jolena lay lor King. Center. Call 1- 800-765-6955. Prices and availability subject to change. Add 6ST in Canada. 0-8280-1324-1. Paperback, US$10.99, Visit us at wmv.rhpa.org Cdr4l5.99.

Ministry/April 1998 11 istries director with a budget and with your caused by an accident, suicide, or murder, Does your church library have books backing to start this ministry. Empower a and so on. The book also provides advice and videos that parents can use with their group of church members to start this min on how to help children be involved with children? Sources for information include istry, and you will find them eager to begin. the funeral planning and the funeral ser the Internet, your local library, a person Encourage them to contact Rainbows to vices, an important part of the grief process. who works for a hospice, a funeral home, find out how to become an official site. Or It helps the parent understand how impor and centers around the country that help explore other programs that you or your tant it is to be open and honest with children people recover from loss. children©s ministries director has discovered. when a crisis has occurred in the family. 4. Affirm Christian faith and assurance. 3. Build a library of resource materials. I met with Sara as her pastor, and we spent The faith that we hold and the assurances Published materials are available to help time together reading and discussing the we have as Christians can comfort and nur members learn how to minister to children book It Must Hurt A Lot: A Child's Book About ture children. As Sara and I were talking, she going through a crisis. Recently a mother Death.4 The author tells a story about Joshua s looked at me and said, "I©m going to see my asked me to help her seven-year-old daugh puppy that died. Joshua feels very lonely; it Grandma again." I wondered if perhaps she ter, Sara. The grandmother who had lived seems like no one understands. Over time was not accepting the finality of death. So I with them for many years was about to die, Joshua learns some "secrets" such as: When I asked her when she would see her again. Her and the mother wanted to know what to do. love lots I hurt lots; my friends want to help reply? "I©m going to see her in heaven!" We She felt it would be hard to let Sara witness but they just don©t know how; everybody can share the faith that reminds us of our death. Fortunately, there was time for her handles feelings in their own way; I can help relationship with God, a relationship that to read a section of a book called How Do my friends when they hurt. When Joshua©s is not broken by death or any crisis that en We Tell the Children? The book explains friend©s grandmother died, Joshua was able ters our lives. "It is important to offer the what children aged two and up already know to sit on the bed and cry with him because resources of faith not as a definition or ex about death and their capacity to under he understood what it meant to lose some planation but as reassurance and nurturing stand the issues involved. It suggests what one you love. As we read, Sara interjected her to sustain us in our sorrow. It is important words to use when explaining death and own feelings. Sometimes she felt the same that we help bereaved children understand how to help a child deal with grief in vari way Joshua did, and sometimes she didn©t. the promises of relationship (which children ous situations such as the death of a But the experience of reading the story was can understand), even when it is impossible grandparent, a parent or sibling, and deaths good for her, and I was glad to be of help. to understand the reason some things hap pen the way they do."5 Children and adults begin to heal when Not Everyone Plays Follow the Leader they move beyond blame or explanation and begin to claim memories and stories of their loved one. Yet they need to express Would you like to know .". . J, "f How you can be a strong leader without losing themselves, and we must not crush that your spiritual influence? © . spirit. Mourners need us simply to listen. «- How to be yourself while strengthening your f spiritual leadership? They don©t want us to give answers. Chil « How to balance the drive for "results" with the need dren need empathy the ability to for caring about people? «- How to lead people and manage things? recognize the child©s inner feelings from the » How to lead meetings that become caring child©s point of view, which is the key to a spiritual communities? - How to bring about change without losing the "old guard"? helping-healing relationship. As they sense acceptance and love, and as they begin the healing process, they will turn to memo Specific strategies to help you are presented in a new self-study course: ries, stories, and promises of a relationship Effective Christian Leadership for Pastors with God that will last for eternity. by church leadership specialist Philip Follett *The names in this article have been changed. You will not only learn modern leadership principles, but will experience personal growth. The course includes study guide, audio cassette, and the text Effective Church Leadership 1 "Three Myths of Children©s Grief," presented in a by Harris W. Lee for only $27.95. seminar for the Grief Resource Foundation, 1978. World Wide Web, TLC Group. Order from: 2 Contact Rainbows by writing to 1111 Tower Road, Ministerial Continuing Education Schaumburg, IL 60173. Phone 1-800-266-3206 or 847-310- Seminars Unlimited 1880. Fax 847-310-0120. E-mail: rainbowshdqtrsgworldnet. P.O. Box 66 all.net or visit their Web site at www.rainbows.org. Keene, TX 76059 3 See Judith Alien Shelly, The Spiritual Needs of Chil dren (Chicago: InterVarsity Press, 1982), 113. Information: (817) 641-3643 " Doris Sanford, It Must Hurt A Lot (Portland, Ore.: Orders: (800) 982-3344 Multnomah Press, 1985). 5 Richard B. Gilbert, "Protestant Perspectives on Grief and Children," in Bereaved Children and Teens (Boston: Bea con Press, 1995), 117.

12 Ministry/April 1998 ^primary, and junior © Large, full-color Wall postti* if Kindergarfeii/p^nafy and junio interactive black^nd-white poster

a dose i p»duc(s arellvailable fistBook Center. f chokes) we to God

at www.rhpa.org GROWING CHURCHES Is LIKE GROWING TREES Tm hough Scripture warns that fruitless churches will be cut down like bad jK trees (Matt. 3:10), it also compares healthy believers to trees planted by waters, with deepening roots, green leaves, and much fruit (Ps. 1:1-3; Jer. 17:8).

Ricardo Norton, D.Min., In fact, the growth of trees and the growth His saving rays (Mal. 4:2; John 8:12; 12:46). is an associate professor of churches have much in common. Growing churches look up to Christ for of church growth at the To begin, trees grow upward, reaching their sustenance. They are Christocentric. Seventh-day Adventist toward sunlight, which they need to live. Christ©s light shines in their proclamation, Theological Seminary, Quality, intensity, and duration of exposure relations, and actions. They know Christ Berrien Springs, affect their health and growth. Insufficient as the only one who can melt human hearts. Michigan. light hampers photosynthesis and interferes A church without Christ is lifeless. He is with the tree©s production of oxygen and the source of real life (John 3:36; 5:24; 14:6; other important organic compounds. With 1 John 5:13,14). out light, trees die. In dense forests, only This Christocentricity, attested by the those trees that stick their necks out over Scriptures (John 5:39; Luke 24:27) is what others can get sufficient light. In their quest makes the church truly Christian. The bib for light, branches covered by shadows lical centrality of Jesus not only challenges reach out in desperation, at times making us to develop a Christocentric approach to incredible twists and turns. Light is so im ministry but also mandates a Christocentric portant for trees that some botanists have dogma and kerygma. As growing trees con classified them according to the light they tinuously strive for new heights in the quest receive. for sunlight, growing churches also reach Jesus Christ is to the church what sun upward to the Sun of Righteousness, the light is to trees. He came to the world to Source of power and life. give light and life to those who were in the Next, trees grow internally by the mul shadows of darkness and death (Luke 1:79). tiplication and accumulation of new cells. He is the Sun and illumination of the These cells form the tree©s structure, the church and of all who wish to be bathed by leaves, stems, and roots. These different or-

RICARDO NORTON

14 Ministry/April 1998 gans work in synergy, giving the tree sup 104:16). Churches will grow "like cedars of of the seed in the soil of the human heart port and all the other ingredients needed for Lebanon," when they are planted in the Lord will be progressive and automate. The Greek subsistence. The roots dig voraciously for ni (see Ps. 92:12,13). God provides the church word automate (NIV translates it as "all by trogenous compounds, water, and other with the nutrients and light to live. He pro itself" in Mark 4:28) infers a natural by nutrients. Roots often spread beyond the tects the church from enemies, as the bark product of divine intervention. Lasting width of the crown anchoring the tree sol tissues of woody plants shield them from church growth is the result of divine power, idly to the ground, securing it from winds bacteria, chemicals, and unfriendly insects. not human schemes, even though God and other forces that may topple it. The dif Fascinatingly, trees have reproductive works through human instruments. The ferent stems, with their hollow cones firmly organs flowers, fruits, and seeds. The seed, apostolic church experienced enormous joined, give the tree mechanical support and of course, is the most important, but its growth because divine power was at work serve as food storage. The leaves absorb light existence depends on the fruit and the (see Acts 2:38-41, 47; John 15:16; 16:8). energy and through photosynthesis provide flower. How tiny seeds come to life and God©s plan for the church has always been oxygen, hormones, and other life-giving grow into the largest living things on earth global to reach every corner of the world, organic compounds. No organ in a grow is a wonder of God©s design and power. to radiate His light among those in darkness. ing tree is idle. Each performs a particular The perpetuation and survival of trees The church exists to absorb the light of Jesus task, but all work in unison. depends on the preservation of seeds and how and reflect it. It has no light of its own. Once Like a tree, growing churches also need they are planted in other places. Trees use in- the light of Jesus is in the human heart, shin the synergetic participation of all members. ing becomes automatic. Believers would not No church can subsist on the efforts of the be able to conceal it. Shining for Jesus be pastor alone. "The ministers can do their comes part of their lifestyle. "If Christ is part, but they can never perform the work dwelling in the heart, it is impossible to con that the church should do."1 Unfortunately, ike a tree, ceal the light of His presence."3 in a lot of churches, one person is doing the L God created trees to be a blessing to hu work of many. growing churches also need mankind. We are dependent on them in many In trees, different organs perform dis ways from food to wood, from soil conser tinct activities for the benefit of the whole. the synergetic participation vation to ecological balance, from medicine Likewise, in the church different members to air. Likewise, God has planted his church with diverse gifts accomplish different func of all members. No church to be a blessing to humanity. The blessing tions for the whole. Not all members can includes more than the spiritual: The church do the same thing in the same manner; all can subsist on the efforts of is the only hands God has on this earth, to have different personalities, inclinations, reach out and touch the sick, the poor, the interests, and gifts. But all work in unison the pastor alone. needy, and the destitute of this earth. with dedication and unselfishness to make Yet the church is composed of its indi a perfect whole. vidual members, who, if faithful, can fill the Further, the pattern of growth differs in words of Jeremiah the prophet: "Blessed is trees as well as in churches. In some trees genious methods to reach far away places in the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose the terminal leader branch grows more each order to give rise to offspring. Some trees hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree year than the lateral branches below it, giv cover their small seeds with light fibers that planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out ing the tree a conical shape. In other trees, stick out like hairs so they can be carried by her roots by the river, and shall not see when the lateral branches grow almost as fast or the wind many miles from their dissemina heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and faster than the terminal leader, resulting in tion point. In the case of some plants, birds shall not be careful in the year of drought, more rounded or ovate tree crowns. The and animals eat their fruit and deposit the neither shall cease from yielding fruit" (Jer. growth of trees is also influenced by light, seeds in distant places. Some animals like 17:7,8). Much rather those words be fulfilled shade, climate, and soil quality. squirrels bury for winter more seeds than they in us than the words of John the Baptist: Church growth is also influenced by can eat during a given winter, thus collabo "And now also the axe is laid unto the root geographical location, leadership, human rating with the tree©s efforts to multiply. of the trees: therefore every tree which and financial resources, and the climate Likewise, growing churches need to use bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, around the church. Most people prefer different methods in order to reach differ and cast into the fire" (Matt. 3:10). warm churches with friendly members, lo ent people in different places. The church cated not too far from their homes. must study the most appropriate method for 1 Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church In the Old Testament, Lebanon was fa a particular region.2 Growing churches must (Nampa, Idaho: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1948), 4:69. mous for its vast forests (see 2 Chron. 2:8; also multiply and expand. They must plant 2 See Ellen G. White, Evangelism (Hagerstown, Md: 9:16), especially of cedar trees. The psalm the gospel seed, confident that the Lord will Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1946), 106,125,126. 3 Ellen G. White, Thoughts From the Mount of ist sees in the health and grandeur of cedar make their efforts fruitful (see Ps. 126:6; Isa. Blessing (Nampa, Idaho: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., the majestic handiwork of the Creator (Ps, 55:11; Eccl. 11:1; Prov. 11:30). The growth 1956), 41.

Ministry/April 1998 15 n August 1996, the Associated Press reported that "Roman Catholics and some Protestants are denouncing a book published by a major Protestant denomination that claims the pope is in league with the devil."1

Darryl Comstock is a The denomination? The Seventh-day The problem is serious. Reaching people religion and history Adventist Church. The book? God's Answer in a predominantly secular culture is daunt teacher at Hawaiian to Your Questions, an abridgement of Bible ing enough without having to overcome Mission Academy, Readings for the Home Circle, an Adventist deep barriers of resentment toward our Lawai, Hawaii. standby since 1888. church. Yet, to be realistic, we should an Do we need this kind of publicity? No, ticipate more damaging publicity. In the AP we don©t! Some may think such press is a story, Sibley Towner, professor of biblical mark of faithful prophetic proclamation. interpretation at Union Theological Semi That is not so. nary, said: "Anti-Catholic language these Today many see Adventists in a favorable days usually comes from small sectarian light. If the media should continue to focus groups affiliated with right-wing political attention on our indictment of other de causes such as the Ku Klux Klan."2 Associa nominations, the situation could change. tion with the KKK is not the kind of Given the distinctive message and charac publicity we need, however right or wrong ter of Adventism, many are bound to we may consider men like Towner to be. misunderstand us. But if we arouse unnec essary prejudice against ourselves, we may No muffling of the message preclude many from giving God©s crucial, On the other hand, truth is truth, and end-time message a fair hearing. the church has been entrusted with a warn Why is this suddenly a problem? The ing message for this world, soon to be answer is that a hundred years ago interde deceived by the antichrist. Ellen White has nominational hostility was taken for said, "Satan has devised a state of things granted. Adventists were not alone in fault whereby the proclamation of the third ing the teachings of others; we were but one angel©s message shall be bound about.... in a crowd. As we approach a new century, There must be no toning down of the truth, however we look around and, except for no muffling of the message for this time."3 a few groups, such criticalness is no longer "In the very time in which we live the the norm. The major denominations are Lord has called His people... to expose the models of tolerance when it comes to other wickedness of the man of sin who has made faiths, including Roman Catholicism. the Sunday law a distinctive power, who has

DARRYL COMSTOCK

16 Ministry/April 1998 thought to change times and laws, and to When Jesus sent the twelve on their first for example, could be referred to as "the oppress the people of God who stand firmly evangelistic tour, He was concerned that medieval Roman church," with no mention to honor Him by keeping the only true Sab their campaign be effective, not confronta of modern Roman Catholicism. The end- bath."4 tional. "I am sending you out like sheep time persecutors of the remnant may Ellen White also gives the following per among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as simply be described as a combination of spective, however: "Avoid running down snakes and as innocent as doves" (Matt. church and state that enforces false reli the churches; do not let the people receive 10:16, NIV). Our evangelistic methods gious precepts. the idea that your work is to tear down, but should be no less shrewd and innocent. Second, the fuller truth, concerning to build up, and present the truth as it is in apostate religions, could be given to pro Jesus."5 An appealing strategy spective converts only after they have shown " [We are] not to provoke those who have Here is how Ellen White describes Paul©s some understanding and acceptance of our accepted this spurious sabbath, an institu strategy on timing: "Paul©s habit was to basic doctrines. This may be done through tion of the Papacy in the place of God©s holy dwell upon the prophecies when with the personal or small-group Bible studies or Sabbath.... The force of persecution fol Jewish people, and bring them down step baptismal classes. During this phase they lows the steps of the dragon. Therefore great by step and then after some time open the could be introduced to books like The Great care should be exercised to give no provo subject of Christ as the true Messiah."11 Controversy and Bible Readings for the Home cation."6 At this time we should not publicly To a different audience the apostle Circle. label anyone, either on billboards, subway changed the message but still gave careful Despite our best efforts, accusations of placards, radio, television, or in public consideration to timing: "To the Gentiles, church-bashing will no doubt be leveled meetings, as the antichrist. he [Paul] preached Christ as their only hope against us. It is extremely important that Fortunately, in the same book, Ellen of salvation, but did not at first have any our official response be honest. In this age White provides practical counsel on resolv thing definite to say upon the law.... Thus of political coverups, the public and the ing the dilemma, at least partially, by when, melted and subdued, they gave them press are quick to disonant double talk. If proposing a strategy that will minimize selves to the Lord, he presented the law of we deny our published teachings or at public prejudice without "toning down the God as the test of their obedience. This was tribute them to Adventist fringe groups, we truth" or "muffling of the message." The key the manner of his working adapting his will be perceived as not only bigots but dis is judicious timing. methods to win souls."12 honest bigots.13 Though sequential evangelism will not Waiting for the right moment Sequential evangelism stop the inevitable persecution depicted in "Do not at the outset press before the The three angels© messages are sequen Scripture, by being both shrewd and inno people the most objectionable features of tial. The first one is positive. It trumpets the cent, we may decrease negative personal and our faith, lest you close their ears to which good news that Jesus has made salvation media reactions (such as the AP story) and these things come as a new revelation.... If available to the world. It appeals to all to increase the number who will be a part of truth were presented in so large a measure worship the Creator God and lays the foun the kingdom of God. that they could not receive it, some would dation for the Sabbath and the pre-Advent go away, and never come again."7 judgment. Only when exposed to these "Make great allowance for others who wonderful truths is the hearer confronted 1 Jan Cienski, as reported in Spectrum, Sep tember 1996, 56, 57. have had no knowledge of the Scriptures by the messages of the other two angels, 2 Ibid., 57. except through the interpretations given by which have a more "negative" spin. Here 3 Ellen G. White, Evangelism (Washington, ministers and church members, and who certainly is an effective order after which D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1946), 230. have received traditions and fables as Bible we may model our evangelism. * Ibid., 233. truth. They are surprised by the presenta What specific steps should we take in 5 Ibid., 227. 6 Ibid., 235,236. tion of truth; it is as a new revelation to adopting this "sequential evangelism"? First, 7 Ibid., 201. them, and they cannot bear to have all the our initial contacts with the public through 8 Ibid. truth, in its most striking character, pre literature, evangelistic meetings, and media 9 Ibid., 231. sented to them at the outset."* ministries should emphasize positive truth 10 Ibid., 246. 11 Ibid. "Do not make prominent those features in its most favorable light. The best way to 12 Ibid., 230, 231. of the message which are a condemnation identify a counterfeit is to study the genu 13 According to the AP article, George Reid, of the customs and practices of the people, ine. During this first phase, prospects would head of the Biblical Research Institute at the Gen until they have opportunity to know that be encouraged to read books like Steps to eral Conference, in explaining the Adventist we are believers in Christ."9 Christ and The Desire of Ages. position, responded candidly to the interviewer©s "I have been shown that our ministers In this phase, the prophecies of Daniel question. After citing the views of Martin Luther and John Calvin, he stated, "We still believe that go too rapidly through their subjects and and Revelation could still be presented, but it©s the reasonable way to understand these bring the most objectionable features of our the names of existing denominations prophecies, arising from the text itself and not faith too early into their effort."10 would not be used. The little horn power, political correctness" (Spectrum, 56).

Ministry/April 1998 17 i r T n \ UM1 li j j n January 4,1995, about 70 Republican members of the freshman class of the U.S. Congress, under the direction of their leader Newt Gingrich, began focusing on the Contract With America, a bold plan to change the course of the United States as a nation.

Jac Colon is field Unified, determined, zealous, these men and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim secretary and and women were prepared to stage a "revo to those who live on the earth to every personal ministries lution" in American government. nation. ... He said in a loud voice, ©Fear director, Washington Yet today the Republican party is di God and give him glory, because the hour Conference, Auburn, vided, the freshman class seems hardly a of his judgment has come. Worship him Washington. factor, the revolution never was, and almost who made the heavens, the earth, the sea no one talks about the Contract With and the springs of water© (Rev. 14:6,7, NIV). America. At this point the task seems easy: The What happened? church should proclaim the good news of The answer is easy: As long as they were the eternal gospel, salvation through faith united, these politicians were effective, but in Jesus Christ. However, more is involved. the moment they began arguing about the In the middle of the next verse this line ap essence of their message, they fragmented pears: "The hour of his judgment has and their enterprise collapsed. come." Seventh-day Adventists, of course, have Who is being judged, why is there a a mandate more explicit and universal than judgment, and does that harmonize with the Contract With America, and we cer the gospel? And if those questions aren©t tainly have a more effective Leader than complicated enough, the second and third Newt Gingrich. However, unless we remain angels come as well. "A second angel fol united in our message, we can become as lowed and said, ©Fallen! Fallen is Babylon fragmented, divided, and ineffective as that the Great.©" "A third angel followed them fateful freshman class of the U.S. Congress. and said in a loud voice: ©If anyone worships the beast and his image and receives his The three angels© messages mark on the forehead or on the hand, he, As a church, we have been called to her too, will drink of the wine of God©s fury.©" ald the three angels©messages of Revelation On top of this, all these messages are pre 14:6-10. The first angel©s message begins, sented amid the context of an unholy "Then I saw another angel flying in midair, alliance between the Dragon, the Beast, and

AC COLON

18 Ministry/April 1998 Norman Gulley explores issues that confuse and frighten God©s people persecution, the state of the dead, Sabbath and Sunday, the pre-Advent judgment, false revivals, spiritism and the New Age, hell and offers assurance that helps us not fear the end-time but ; "joyfully anticipate Jesus© coming. , 0^-8280-1335-7. Hardcover. Reg. i0Sf29,99;cdn$43.49. Special introductory price, US$24.99, Cdn$35.99.

A User-friendly Gfitide to the^888Mess^ej We©re a generation©flipd of hearing^ f about 1888. But would we be© ifwi;: :!- knew it contairieiacriicial^nie©ssagg:::;; about Jesus? In a user-friendlyioltapt, George Knight gives the message©in-a;© nutshell, tells why it©s so important,: ; what it says about Jesus, and whft,-ft©.'•'• - means to you. 0-8280-1296-2. . © / ,. flien White©s World Paperback, US$10.99, Gdn$15;99.*, " George Knight©s fascinating look at the world in .which Ellen White lived provides a deeper apprecia "The ©most precious tion and understanding of her writings. message©uplifted in 0^8280-1356-X. Paperback, US$8.99, Cdn$12.99. Minneapolis more than; a century ago is needed by Also in George Knight©s Ellen White the church today more series: than ever. " -George R. Knight. Meeting Ellen White and Reading Ellen White US$8.99, Cdn$ 12.99 each. SAVE US$10 Origins If you accept the biblical account of origins, do you have to reject science? Scientist and Christian believer Ariel A. loth argues that taken together, science and religion give us a more complete and ,:, sensible understanding of the world around us, our place in it, and These Review and Herald books are available at your our ultimate meaning and fate. , . ,) local Adventist Book Center. Call 1- 800-765-6955. 0-8280-1328-4. US$29.99, Cdn$43.49. Special introductory price, US$19.99fCdn$28,99. Prices and availsbiiitvsiifejeet to change. Add GST the False Prophet (called Babylon), which sage. This is the model that Jesus gave. We pel to proclaim to the world. The message seeks to prevent anyone from receiving sal reach the mind through the heart. "Christ©s is that God loves them and wants all to have vation and responding by worshiping God. method alone will give true success in abundant eternal life. The cross of Christ is Thus, Scripture is clear: Our message reaching the people. The Saviour mingled the center of God©s final warning message. can©t be just one of warm fuzzies, a feel with men as one who desired their good. It calls the world to worship the Creator, good mixture of pop psychology, sprinkled He showed His sympathy for them, minis who made the world in six days and rested with a little old-time religion. Instead, if tered to their needs, and won their on the seventh. The Sabbath becomes the there are, in fact, forces opposing the true confidence. Then He bade them, ©Follow symbol of the everlasting gospel and the worship of God, then people need to be Me.©"© true worship of the Creator. This message warned. Merely announcing truth is not The felt-needs approach is biblical and is to be preached in the setting of the final sufficient; warning against error must be effective; however, it has pitfalls, such as the judgment hour. included in what we say, especially because danger of focusing more on meeting felt But that©s only one angel. There are two Scripture teaches that deception will be needs than proclaiming the message. Our more, and together they warn about the dire rampant in the last days. consequences of false worship. We didn©t write these messages, but we are called to Deviations proclaim them, and if we consider the fear Naturally, obstacles exist. Few things, for ful consequences which come to those who instance, can divert us from our path more make the wrong choice regarding whom quickly than legalism. We must guard j ur stop- they worship, then the only loving thing to against the natural human tendency to try do is to present with clarity and boldness to merit eternal life. We must always keep smoking classes, community these heaven-sent truths. the light of the gospel of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ burning brightly and must services, health emphasis, Back to the Bible ever lift up the assurance of salvation be Recently many have questioned Ellen fore the church and the world. and any other services we offer White©s The Great Controversy, saying its At the same time, we must avoid nineteenth-century interpretation is anti antinomianism. As Jesus said: "If you hold are to be open doors for quated. The important question is "What to My teaching, you are really my disciples. proclaiming the three angels' does the Bible say?" Revelation 13 depicts Then you will know the truth and the truth the major powers that will be involved in will set you free" (John 8:31, 32, NIV). If messages. They must not last-day events. "And the dragon stood on we forget this admonition to obedience, we the shore of the sea. And I saw a beast com have no reason for existing as a unique, dis become ends in themselves. ing out of the sea.... The dragon gave the tinct church. beast his power and his throne and great Then there are the cultural dangers, such authority.... The whole world was aston as the question of relevancy. If the message ished and followed the beast. ... He was is true but not relevant, then no one will stop-smoking classes, community services, given authority over every tribe, people, listen. How do we find what is contempo health emphasis, and any other services we language and nation. All inhabitants of the rary and integrate it with our message offer are to be open doors for proclaiming earth will worship the beast" (Rev. 13:1-3, without diluting it? Do we rely on market the three angels© messages. They must not 7, 8, NIV). analysis and opinion polls? If we focus too become ends in themselves. The central points are clear. First, the much on what people say they want, we will dragon is Satan (12:9) and Satan gives his be more likely to yield to the temptation to The desire to avoid confrontation political power and authority to the beast water down the message. Why can't we just preach the love ofJesus? from the sea. Next, this beast will be a Look at Christ. Was His message rel Why do we have to talk about the beast, the worldwide power with authority over ev evant? Of course. Was it popular? Only in judgment, and the destruction of the wicked? ery nation (including the authority to make certain circles. What kind of results would Isn't the love of Jesus enough? war [13:7]). This beast is a religious power we have discovered had we taken a survey These questions assume that the love of that demands worship (verse 8). Everyone, of the vast majority who rejected it? Had Jesus is one-sided and that God is only with the exception of God©s faithful, will pay Christ merely relied on such surveys He merciful and not also just. The three an him homage. would have changed His message. gels© messages show the deceptive forces at Verses 11 -15 say that John saw "another Our attempt to be relevant has brought work trying to make ineffective the mes beast, coming out of the earth" who "made us to a needs-driven ministry. If we can dis sage of God©s love. Sometimes it is necessary the earth and its inhabitants worship the cover the needs of the people in the to jolt people out of complacency in order first beast." He "set up an image in honor community and minister to those needs, to prepare them to hear truth. of the beast," and caused "all who refused people should be more receptive to the mes The first angel has the everlasting gos to worship the image to be killed."

20 Ministry/April 1998 Whatever anyone©s interpretation of the 29,1994, a group of prominent Evangelical truth. After all, our baptism rate is not even second beast, this first worldwide religious and Catholic scholars signed "Evangelicals keeping pace with the birth rate. We often power will be joined by a second power and Catholics Together: the Christian Mis feel we are moving backward instead of who, by means of a death penalty, forces sion in the Third Millennium," a document forward. every person to worship according to the which says essentially that whatever their Yet, according to prophetic evidence, dictates of the first beast. However it hap theological differences, Catholics and great changes will take place, and the final pens, all the world will be subject to this Evangelicals have a sufficiently common movements will be rapid ones. The angels same coercive power. faith that allows them to unite and bring flying through the air symbolize speed and Scripture also shows that some distinc about constructive political change in power. Our task is to keep moving forward, tive act of worship will set apart those who America. seeking the power of God©s Spirit as we do follow the beast from those who worship The following words of Ellen White are so. We must let the light shine brighter and God. The entire world will unite in sup increasingly relevant: "The Protestants of brighter until the whole earth is illuminated porting the beast against those who refuse the United States will be foremost in by the splendor of Christ. this distinctive worship. In recent years, stretching their hands across the gulf to Unlike the 1994 freshman class of Con trends are indeed affirming this prophetic grasp the hand of spiritualism; they will gress, we have the assurance that God will scenario. reach over the abyss to clasp hands with the ultimately bring success. However, let©s not For example, in 1852 Pope Pius IX sent Roman power; and under the influence of deceive ourselves: Disunity and fragmen a block of granite to be included in the this threefold union, this country will fol tation can threaten that success and make Washington monument, then under con low in the steps of Rome in trampling on it longer and harder in coming. struction. So intense was the Protestant the rights of conscience."2 reaction that the masons did not dare hoist the stone into place; instead, it was eventu Patience and courage needed 1 Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing ally tossed into the nearby Potomac River. Today we may feel small, feeble, and (Nampa, Idaho: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1905),143. Today, about a century and a half later, helpless when confronted with the task of 2 , The Great Controversy Between Catholics and Protestants in America are reaching every living person with the ev Christ and Satan (Nampa, Idaho: Pacific Press heralding their "unity in Christ." On March erlasting gospel in the context of present Pub. Assn., 1888), 588.

Wednesday thru Saturday, - .© September 16-19, 1998 The cbi^jh;isfryjS(^ Sacramento Central SDA Church ^rl^lgfc;;art#4wfeW^^.© '"»• ". .;*,» 'ifvffXffiSiffX^asi Amazing Facts CHURCH GROWTH CONVENTION featuring successful pastors and lay leaders who will help you learn how to. .. ,;, ' • --_,:: ; ~ Ifyou are serious about fulfilling the gospel • commission and the unique Learn how,©t( calling of the Seventh-day RecognizetIe:eyeiS||© Adventist church, join Incorporate the Amazing Facts Equip members for M;^p =-""a!!j©i!:i evangelistic team, Explore a Greeters© mrfisfrf©I successful pastors and lay Enable small groups leaders for this Effectively implement change exciting and productive .. .Plus many additional met conference. essential to the growing ministry of For more information or Early Bird Registration befdrejune 30,i 1998, caBor write: (916) 434-3880 Amazing Facts Church Growth Convention, P.O. BOX 1058,, Rosetflle, CA 95678

Ministry/April 1998 21 PREACH CHRIST! ~you had one sermon to preach, what would it be? For me, the answer is :sasy: I©d preach Christ! James C. Otore is a No matter the congregation, no matter the be saved."3 She warns that many preachers district pastor in specific needs, no matter the tenor or the have misconstrued the real way that leads Nyamira Conference tone; in the end, as the preacher, we must to salvation: "When the free gift of Christ©s in Kenya, East Africa preach Christ and Him crucified. If we fail righteousness is not presented, the dis to do that, no matter our eloquence, erudi courses are dry and Spiritless; the sheep and tion, and demeanor our pulpit ministry the lambs are not fed."4 Indeed, without will be a failure. Christ, truth about the law, the Sabbath, But good preaching, even of Christ, and prophecy bring a person little profit. doesn©t happen by chance. It takes work, If you fail to lift up Christ and the Cross, planning, and dedication. Good preaching you have not brought salvation to your must come in phases. We must prioritize. congregation. Martyn D. Lloyd-Jones summarizes these It is axiomatic that most of the listeners phases into two main sections: the kerygma, to our sermons are overburdened by diverse the message of salvation for humanity as problems and that many attend church with perfectly wrought by Jesus and the hopes of getting divine help. However, in didache, the message that edifies those who stead of providing them with what they have believed Jesus as their personal Sav need, "we [too often] carry some inad iour. 1 At the center, as always, must be equate homily about textual matters or Christ and Him crucified. ecclesiastical etiquette before a congrega Jesus always preached to the primary tion of people who are battling with needs of people before He took the step of loneliness and fear, worrying about jobs and rebuking the stiffnecked Pharisees and education, trying to hold on to crumbling Sadducees. Having been touched with the marriages, and facing death." We do not people©s deep need of salvation, Christ stop here. "We stand before degenerate preached the message of the kingdom of people and offer them pious platitudes God (Mark 6:34; Luke 9:11). Ellen White about religious symbolism and the history describes the response: "The people lis of the faith." Thus, "it is no wonder the tened to the words of mercy flowing so church in our day often seems to lack power. freely from the lips of the Son of God. They When the gospel is not heard from the pul heard the gracious words, so simple and so pit, there is nothing to unify the hearts of plain that they were as the balm of Gilead people. They go away confused and forlorn to their souls."2 She said, "There should not as they came."3 Time and again, in every a sermon be given unless a portion of that discourse, on every occasion in one way or discourse is to especially make plain the another, the preacher must exalt the Cross way that sinners may come to Christ and and what Christ has accomplished for each

JAMES C. OTORE

22 Ministry/April 1998 one of us there, not only as the answer to Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh but have to weigh them in the balances of the our most heartfelt needs, but also as the after the Spirit" (Romans 8:1). "Knowing gospel to see whether they contain some source of strength to bring our people that a man is not justified by the works of thing of endurance and permanence, through whatever crisis they are facing. the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ... something that will feed the flock or allow Christ should be the foundation of ev for by the works of the law shall no flesh be them to leave hungrier for truth than when ery sermon preached, no matter the topic, justified" (Galatians 2:16). These are truths they first came. for what topic can have any lasting mean that must be proclaimed in every sermon. As Adventists, we have a great message ing or importance apart from Christ?6 If we We may preach eloquent and erudite to give the world, a message of hope, of are to make Christ central in our preach messages but, like the offering of Cain, they power, of promise. But we must always ing, we have to make His saving grace the may be empty. "The offering of Cain was make the Cross of Christ the center of all motivating factor for whatever we ask the an offense to God because it was a Christless that we believe, because in Him alone rests congregation to do. Whether obedience to offering. The burden of our message is not the hope, power, and promise that makes the law, faithfulness in tithing, adherence only the commandments of God but the this message what it is. to health principles, love of our neighbors faith of Jesus."7 and enemies, whatever we must make the In short, the Holy Spirit does not give 1 Martyn D. Lloyd-Jones, Preaching and Cross, and Christ©s love for us manifested life to any message that is not the good Preachers (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan there, the basis of all that we seek to get our Pub. House, 1971), 61, 62. news about the saving grace of our Lord. 2 Ellen G. White, Evangelism (Washington, congregation to do. Anything apart from The Holy Spirit is not part of any preach D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1970), 149. that will sooner or later flounder. ing that isn©t gospel oriented. If what is 3 Ibid., 188. Especially in evangelistic crusades, every preached is truly the gospel, it will be at 4 Ibid., 186. thing should be laid on the structure of the tended by divine power. It was only when 5 Killinger, Fundamentals of Preaching (For Cross and God©s forgiveness. Doctrines the apostles lifted up Jesus as the Saviour tress Press, 1985), 164. 6 Ellen G. White, Gospel Workers (Washing should be presented only in the light of the of men, crucified for their sins, that the ton, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1 saving grace of our Lord. They should never Holy Spirit witnessed to their message. 158. be preached in a manner that makes them Thus, before delivering our sermons, we 7 Ibid., 162. seem independent of the gospel. Apart from the Cross, they can©t be properly understood. Imagine teaching the Sabbath, the judgment, or the law apart from the saving grace of Christ? It should be understood, from the first night of any series of meetings, that the preacher is a Christian preacher and that, more than anything else, he is there to preach Christ and Him crucified. Thus, if we want to evangelize the world, we have to make those who come to our meetings believe in Christ before they believe in anything else we teach, because nothing we teach is of any lasting value apart from Him. As Adventists, we must be especially Here©s everything you careful of legalism, which has been, and in need to know to start and some cases still continues to be, a problem lead a small group to for a church that rightly upholds the per petuity of God©s law. Legalism is never from joyful renewal in Christ. the Lord. The cure, again, is to uplift Christ and the Cross: nothing will drive legalism By Kurt Johnson from the heart faster than the great truths, 0-8280-1315-2 so powerfully expressed in the writings of US$11.99, Paul, that surety and hope of salvation can Cdn$17.49 not come by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ alone. "Therefore being justified by faith, we is Review and Herald book Prices and availability ! is available at your local Adventist Book Center. have peace with God through our Lord Jesus yJ Call/"• 11 1-800-765-6955.-i o/-,/-, i-r.-r- ^r,rr in Canada. Christ" (Romans 5:1). "There is therefore visit us at 1/rwvrjixpa,ozg now no condemnation to them which are in

Ministry/April 1998 23 ost churches are following a course that will miss one of the greatest social , challenges and greatest opportunities in history: the coming age wave. Like beach residents unaware of the approaching tornado, most congregations still seem to assume that "the future of the church is its youth."

Win Arn is president As we approach the twenty-first century, vey of pastors on the problems they face. of LIFE International the more accurate description may well be: Their most common frustration is a lack and the New Senior "The future belongs to the old." of dedicated laypeople to do the work of Study Center, Arcadia, Of course, most churches have a token the church. Senior adults can help. One California. senior adult class, perhaps a monthly pot- study found that on average senior adults luck or field trip for older adults. But such have two to three times as many available approaches are woefully inadequate, if not hours for church-related activities as any entirely irrelevant, to the task of reaching other age group. and ministering to the rapidly growing Problem 2. Financial shortfalls are the Charles Arn is community of persons over 50. most common reason for not adding build president of Church Why are many churches so "senior- ings, programs, and/or staff in local Growth, Inc., Arcadia, insensitive"? Perhaps because of an attitude churches. Again, a study found that in a California. that discriminates against the elderly. Or given year one senior adult member will maybe because few church leaders are give seven times the amount of money that trained to understand the unique needs, a "baby boomer" member will give in the opportunities, and outreach strategies re same church. quired for the elderly. Problem 3. Members transferring jobs and/or moving to another community ac The hidden treasure count for 3 to 5 percent membership loss But the fact the church cannot afford to in a congregation each year. Low institu ignore is the "hidden treasure" senior adults tional loyalty is a common characteristic of constitute for the completion of the mis baby boomers. But senior adults tend to stay sion of the church. Consider, for example, in one church and support its ministry. some of the problems the church faces and They seldom like to move from church to how the senior adults can aid the church. church. In the United States senior adults Problem 1. We recently conducted a sur change address on an average once every

ARN AND WIN ARN

24 Ministry/April 1998 12 years, compared to the national average of once every seven years. MATURE ADULTS YOUNG ADULTS Problem 4. Biblical "illiteracy" is com mon among laity in many churches. As a Declining jnfluence-by peers Heavy influence by peers result, pastoral teaching often remains at the DecEning materialistic values Highly materialistic values "elementary" level. Most senior adult mem More subjective More objective bers have been Christians for years. Having More introspective experienced life©s mountains as well as its More extrospective valleys, they can share their maturity and High sensitivity to, context Low sensitivity to context wisdom with others. Perceptions in shades of gray ^Perceptions in black/white -More.flexiHe . - © » ,© " Approach to senior adults Moi:gsabofdiriatf:dto,.otheis. Thus the aging population provides an © © ' unprecedented opportunity for churches to increase their ministerial effectiveness. Here are some things that can be done. 1. Recognize that all seniors aren't seniors. A new generational grouping has emerged in our times, known as "middle adults," and includes those between 50 and 70 years of deed, their middle years. They are not, cer Wolfe, a knowledgeable researcher and mar age. They are, says U. S. News & World Re tainly in their minds, "senior adults." keter, draws some significant contrasts (see port, "different not only in size, but in 2. Recognize that age does make a differ above).1 vitality and outlook." Older adults are liv ence. People 30 years old are different from ing healthier, more active, more productive, people 60 years old, not only in the hair on Implications for the church and longer lives. A person of 50 or 60 can their head but the mind inside. Older adults What does this changing demographic expect to live 15 to 30 more years. It is, in- think differently from younger adults. David landscape mean for the church? It means

1MES

Signs of the Times introduces two beautiful, full-color special edition issues The Bible's Book of Daniel & The Bible's Book of Revelation. Order your copies today to use in seminars, evangelistic meetings, Bible study groups, prayer meetings, and more! You©ll find them to be valuable resources in your ministry. The Bible's Book of Daniel (32 pages) only US$1.00, Cdn$1.49 ea. The Bible's Book of Revelation (48 pages) only US$1.50, Cdn$2.19 ea. To order call Your local ABC

or Seminars Unlimited-

PACIFIC PRESS® PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION

Quantity pricing is available. Creating the future of Adventist publishing Prices subject to change. VISIT US AT WWW.PAC1FICPRESS.COM 01997 Pacific Press Publishing Association 70113/328

Ministry/April 1998 25 that the old ways of doing senior adult min church are over age 50,55,60,65. What are purpose statement is not established and istry must be reevaluated. In time even the the age groupings in your community? How used early in the ministry, the activities will phrase "senior adult" will become politically many are homebound? What percentage are become increasingly self-serving and self- incorrect. As more and more baby boomers males, females? What are the various needs centered. inch toward that age category (the first and interests represented in your prospec Here is one purpose statement developed boomers will turn 50 next year), the stigma tive constituency? Your findings will lead by an age-sensitive adult ministry. Use or attached to the word senior will make it a you to organize effective programs and ac adapt it if it describes the purpose you desire liability to effective ministry. tivities. for your adult ministry. If not, create your Even now we find that when churches 3. Begin with an adult ministry, not a se own. offer a "senior adult" program, at most, only nior adult group. The distinction is important. The adult ministry of ______church 15 percent of church members who qualify If you have a "senior adult group," you limit has as its purpose to communicate and share to be there actually are. Our research has the potential involvement to those indi God's love to those in the church family and shown that most do not want to be lumped viduals who see themselves as "senior to those outside the church. The assumption into the category of senior citizens. adults." Many other senior adults in your behind the adult ministry, the groups, and The new and still-emerging strategies the activities sponsored by this ministry is that that will be necessary for effective ministry they exist for the purpose of serving, not be to "middle adults" have many implications ing served; of giving, not receiving. for programming, evangelism, and schedul Tl 5. Build your adult ministry on adult ing of church activities. The church that is motivators. Marketing researchers have "age-sensitive" will provide a variety of pro \ sought to identify the reasons today©s older grams to appeal to the diversity of interests, adults buy or don©t buy certain products. needs, and activities of each age group. . J ven now we Their findings are of value to church lead find that when churches offer a ers seeking to reach this group. According Getting started right to these studies, older adults are motivated If you were to develop an age-sensitive "senior adult" program, at by one of the five values that form the adult ministry, how would you begin? Here foundation of most of their meaningful are five components: most only 15 percent of church activity: 1. Find, select, and train leaders. The suc Autonomy they desire to be or re cess of your adult ministry will be directly members who qualify to be main self-sufficient. related to the quality of your leaders. Some Social and spiritual connectedness one needs to own the goal of ministry/ there actually are. Our they respond to people more than outreach to young, middle, and senior programs. adults. The leaders who will be most suc research has shown that most Altruism they desire to give some cessful in each group will have a genuine do not want to be lumped into thing back to the world. love for people in that group. It©s not a job; Personal growth they desire to con it©s a ministry. the category of senior citizens. tinue developing as human beings. Our research with 500 churches that had Revitalization they respond to activi full- or part-time senior adult staff mem ties that bring fresh and new experiences.2 bers showed that the leaders who had Effective older adult ministries in the specific training in this area were far more twenty-first century will be those that inte effective and their adult ministries were congregation and in your community will grate these values and motivators into a more likely to be growing than were lead not identify with "those old people." In con creative variety of activities and experiences. ers who had received no training. We also trast, if your paradigm is an adult ministry, The "age wave" is swelling! The 60-plus found that retired pastors are generally in all kinds of groups can develop, many of age group is growing three times more rap effective as middle and senior adult leaders which would not even be identified as "se idly than the population at large. Those unless they had been retrained in the nior adult." A church of 300 members could churches that are not prepared will be unique issues and challenges of senior adult have 10 to 15 various adult groups respond swamped by the sheer numbers, diversity, ministry. ing to a variety of needs and touching the and impact of these older adults. If they are 2. Get the facts. Here is a proven prin lives of many more people. prepared, they will get out their surfboards ciple: "Abundant, accurate information, 4. Develop a purpose statement. A dearly and catch the ride of a lifetime! properly interpreted and applied, enables written purpose statement will be the guid churches to be good stewards of the grace ing light for a successful older adult of God and effective communicators of the ministry. This purpose statement should be 1 David Wolfe, "Targeting the Mature Mind," gospel of Christ." "owned" by the members and be a yardstick American Demographics, March 1994, 32-36. Find out how many members in your to measure regularly the progress. If a clear 2 Ibid.

26 Ministry/April 1998 THE INCREDIBLE POWER OF PRAYER Roger Morneau is a man of remarkable faith. STEPS TO JESUS When he prays, things happen. And it©s exciting! An easy English version of Steps to Christ Patients dying in a hospital get well. Shattered by Ellen G. White created for sharing. families are reunited. Addicts find freedom. And 0-8280-1343-8. hearts are changed. US$.50, Cdn$.69 each. Every year Roger Morneau receives hundreds of US$34.99, Cdn$50.49 per 100. calls and letters requesting intercessory prayer. As he shares God©s amazing answers, he©ll show your friends Get ready for a successful witnessing program by and neighbors how they too can take hold of the ordering a large supply of The Incredible Power of incredible power of prayer. Prayer and Steps to Jesus.

US$1.99, Cdn$2.89 each These Review and Herald books are available Five-pack, US$7.99, Cdn$11.49 at your local Adventist Book Center. Call 1-800-765-6955. Box of 25, US$33.99, Cdn$49.49 Prices and availability subject to change. Add GST in Canada. Box of 100, US$128.99, Cdn$186.99 Visit us at www.rhpa.org PASTOR'S PASTOR

hen 5. A small committee (perhaps only the three or four individuals) should be wFred Renting our appointed and empowered by the Adventist erick, Maryland, church board to negotiate and enact all Adventist Church agreements and contracts. The other group suffered a tragic churches to should expect to have negotiating contact electrical fire and with only that group rather than their building others attempting to work with an entire board. burned to the 6. Appropriate liability insurance ground, a JAMES A. CRESS protection for the renting congregation neighboring congregation, the Church of which also indemnifies the Adventist the Brethren, graciously offered the use of that a benefit may result from such close congregation should be purchased and their facility to the newly-homeless interaction between two church families. maintained at all times. Such insurance Adventists. Likewise, the Denver First For example, a Methodist church would policies should be structured so that the Seventh-day Adventist Church made the not immerse; a Baptist church would Adventist Church is notified if the policy same gracious gesture to a Presbyterian teach eternal torment; and all such lapses for any reason. Furthermore, the congregation who lost their building to potential renters would worship on representatives of Adventist Risk fire. Sunday which is surely why they seek the Management should be consulted and their During times of tragedy, it is easy to use of our facilities, since they could not advice followed regarding all insurance see how Sabbath and Sunday worshiping rent other "Sunday-keeping" churches. regulations and contract provisions. churches can serve each other©s crisis If you have been approached with such 7. Any lease agreement should clearly needs by making facilities available to a request or are thinking about renting stipulate what facilities are available to those who have been deprived of their your church to another group, I suggest the other congregation. For example, are buildings. you consider these conditions for any you renting only your sanctuary or does Recently, however, I was asked rental process: the other group have access to fellowship whether the Adventist Church has a 1. Concurrence of the local union halls, Sabbath School classrooms, etc. policy regarding renting our facilities to and/or conference leadership. I always Likewise, your own department leaders other groups who request such use for encourage pastors and churches to seek should be consulted as to what guidelines their regular Sunday services. As I began the guidance of leadership in their are to be followed for use of resources in to research the issue, I discovered that a specific area. their classrooms or facilities. policy exists at the General Conference 2. This issue must not become one that 8. The lease contract should also which addresses insurance issues. splits the congregation into opposing stipulate what days and hours the renting However, in consultation with some factions. A substantial majority of the group has access to the church and colleagues, we came up with other issues local membership (not just a simple or whether or not they are allowed a that should be considered when bare majority vote) should be in eager portable sign during the times of their contemplating such a step. agreement before you rent your facilities. services. Rarely would I encourage The issue at hand, therefore, is 3. Any lease should include specific erection of a permanent sign that stays up whether or not to rent our facilities to agreement that the other church will not all through the week. other Christian organizations. It seems publically attack Adventist doctrines or 9. The charges for renting a church that if these congregations are Christian, practices even as they are dependent facility should be sufficient to cover all we should at least be open to considering upon our good will in renting our utilities, janitorial, supervision, and their request to rent our facilities. After facilities to them. security services plus provide a profit to all, in many places throughout the world 4. A firm rental agreement/contract the Adventist church. One clear exception we depend on the generosity of other with a substantial damage deposit to renting for profit is when another denominations renting their facilities to (refundable) plus at least three months church has faced a crisis i.e., their us as we attempt to plant new rent paid in advance should be church has been destroyed by fire, congregations or await the time when negotiated. Then, the renting group vandalized, or suffered a tragic loss. Then sufficient funds allow us to purchase or should, for the duration of the contract, we should provide our facilities gratis or construct our own buildings. remain paid for three months in advance. as economically as possible to the other While it is clear that the "other Such contracts should also include a 90- church for the short-term interim while Christian congregation" will not worship day escape clause for either group, should they rehabilitate or rebuild their structure. exactly as Adventists, it is equally clear the rental situation not work out. 10. Any funds that come from the

28 Ministry/April 1998 PASTOR'S PASTOR

rental of our facilities should never be first worship service of the renting 13.1 strongly counsel against renting used for general church budget or local congregation and welcome them to the our churches to non-Christian, cultic expenses. Rather, use rental income for Adventist facilities and express joy and groups. On the other hand, if we rent our capital improvements, evangelism, special delight in their presence. A small facilities to another Christian group, we projects, etc. Do not let the Adventist welcoming ceremony might be should make them feel welcome Church become dependent upon rental appropriate. regardless of the reality that their income for its day-to-day operations. I 12. An annual review of the lease, of worship, polity, or practices may well be know of one congregation that rents the ongoing interaction between the two different than ours. For example, we various parts of its facilities to three or congregations, and of any other pertinent could hardly expect to mandate only four different groups each week and could matters should occur between the small vegetarian meals in our fellowship halls. not survive financially if they lost even committee from the Adventist Church 15. If the other group eventually one of the renters. We should never place (which would report to the church board) builds or buys its own facilities, it is a our church in such jeopardy. and the operating committee of the other generous gesture to farewell the departing 11. The Adventist pastor, along with congregation. Such a process will insure renters with a contribution from our the small committee, should attend the continuing good relationships. profits toward their new venture.

Take a dose of disillusionment Letters suffering face the reflection of the face of continued from p. 4 continued from p. 3 her Saviour. She did not seek publicity, nor did she believe that poverty was a higher characteristics destined to further curtail How exactly are we to identify calling. Her higher calling was to see every our effectiveness and our personal effectively with the suffering and the poor? human being as a child of God, created in satisfaction in ministry and driving us Critics of Mother Teresa charge that her His image, and give to that person the further into despair. ministry was a ministry of solace but not dignity he or she deserves. Her motivation "The poor you have with you always," healing. In other words, she set up and her ministry can be understood fully said Jesus. The truth is, we will also always hospices but no modern hospitals; she only against the background of a culture have the abusive and the heartless, too, soothed, but started no empowerment that defines human dignity in terms of even in the fellowship of the Christian program. Could it be that her "compassion caste and human worth in terms of what congregation. And the truth also is that without empowerment" helped to one has rather than what one is. Her we ourselves are often enough a part of perpetuate the misery she tried to soothe? ministry in no way negates the great work such destructiveness. This oversight might stem from a of preaching, teaching, and healing carried I must add that taking a dose of the misunderstanding of the gospel. Mother out in the name of Jesus by so many valiant kind of the disillusionment prescribed Teresa believed that poverty was a higher unknown ones. Mother Teresa would be the here is also a fine tonic for the pain and calling, the gateway to a more spiritual first to acknowledge the importance of the anger we sometimes feel as we observe the existence. Why should she try to alleviate latter without forsaking the former. mistakes and failings of "the brethren" the causes of poverty given this mindset? those placed in leadership over us. Such Shouldn©t we have two identities? disillusionment will ease us up so that we Shouldn©t we put ourselves in the place of will relate more effectively and suffering victims yet be pulling them constructively with them and in the toward a life above and beyond their bargain, come to feel much better about helplessness? Mother Teresa received a lot the church we love and in which we serve. of attention because she was a kind of So here©s to overhauling our religious superwoman. Could it be imaginations and the perceptions we have possible that there are those who are doing of our people and the church by taking a more effective, yet less media oriented, deep, regular drafts of pure, uninhibited work to help those in need? Will McCall, disillusionment! pastor, New Orleans First SDA Church.

Fowler responds: For years before 1 Dietrich Bohnoeffer, Life Together (Harper and Ministerial Association Row, Pub., Inc.), 26, 27. anyone recognized her or wrote about her Resource Center 2 Ibid., 27, 28. in a newspaper (one was not far from her 3 Eugene Peterson, Under the Unpredictable (301)680-6508 place of labor), Mother Teresa quietly Plant (William B Eerdmans Publishing Company), Also available at your ABC 22, 25, 26. carried on her ministry: to see in every

Ministry/April 1998 29 Small groups in Continued frompage 9 Suggestions for starting a small group

tent agency in developing such positive 1. Determine the purpose of small- 6. Clarify the goals of the small-group thoughts as courage, faith, hope, and joy. group ministries in your evangelistic ministries: to provide a support If problems are too serious to be dealt series. In public meetings the system that assures acceptance, with in the small group, referrals to profes purpose of small-group ministries is understanding, encouragement, sionals will be needed. However, these to provide fellowship, and prayer. Coupled with this can individuals can still continue to be part of encouragement, and support for be practical suggestions on how to the evangelistic small groups. those who are struggling with cope with difficult situations that Illness. An area that needs special atten specific problems. the group members may face. tion is physical illness. Where it is possible, we should run a medical health-screening 2. Select and train small-group 7. Encourage group members to program in conjunction with an evangelis leaders. If the local churches have continue attending the evangelistic tic meeting. Literature and programs in functioning small groups, the series and to recognize that it is simple health remedies and sickness pre leaders of those groups can, with Christ who in fact helps resolve vention should be provided. additional training, be used in the their problems. However, the Ministry to the poor. Christ constantly public evangelistic meetings. purpose of the small groups is not focused on ministry to the poor. "Our Lord to discuss or rehash the evangelistic 3. Determine the needs of the Jesus Christ came to this world as the un sermon. audience. This can be done early in wearied servant of man©s necessity."5 And the evangelistic series, preferably the 8. Encourage the group leaders to so should we. Many churches have commu second night. A simple form can be make the groups a genuine nity service organizations that can provide used to encourage the audience to ministry to the members and a help during the meetings. share the specific needs they have. source of strength to the evangelist When small groups get involved in such The forms should allow attendees to in bringing souls to Christ. relationship-building ministries, evange do this anonymously. The night the lism becomes attractive to those who form is used, share with the 9. Plan regular meetings of the group attend. Meaningful friendships are estab audience the small-group plan to leaders with the evangelist to lished, practical help is received, and the provide ongoing encouragement ensure coordination and people develop a sense of belonging and and support to those who are cooperation in taking care of loyalty to the group and ultimately to the struggling with difficult problems. emotional, psychological, and church. Both the preaching and the small- spiritual needs of people during the group ministries work together to lead the 4. At the next meeting, announce the evangelistic series. respondents to a full surrender of their lives time and place for the meeting of to Christ, to a meaningful and purposeful the small groups. The time of year 10. Continue the small-group life, and ultimately to baptism and union will dictate whether the meetings ministries after the evangelistic with the church. are conducted before or after the series to ensure continuing support evangelistic meetings proper. and encouragement for the new Small groups: a continuing ministry members and for those who have Small groups formed during an evan 5. Begin the small-group ministries not yet made decisions to join the gelistic campaign do not end with the immediately. The earlier you begin, church. The groups can also campaign. They continue after the meet the more quickly you can provide provide ongoing training and ings. They become an integral part of the help, establish meaningful coordination for some form of ongoing life of the church. They continue relationships, and win audience ministry by each of the group to provide support for those who are bap confidence. members. tized and for those not quite ready to be baptized. Following this plan will result in greater numbers being baptized, more con verts remaining in the church, and more 2 Blaine Taylor, John Wesley: A Blueprint for and the Emotional Disorders (New York: involvement of the members in the church©s Church Renewal (Champaign, 111.: Steven E. International University Press, Inc., 1976), 123; ministrv. Clapp Pub., Grouse Printing, 1984), 24, 25. Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing 3 Wesley©s Works, Vol. VIII, 253, 254. (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. 4 See David B. Burns, Feeling Good: The Assn., 1942). 1 Howard A. Snyder, The Radical Wesley New Mood Therapy (New York: Wm. Murrill 5 Ellen G. White, Gospel Workers (Washington, (Downers Grove, InterVarsity Press, 1980), 38. Co., Inc., 1980); Aaron Beck, Cognitive Therapy D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1948), 41.

30 Ministry/April 1998 R E S 0 U

involved, write to Project: Steps to Christ, transactions including the name and SHOPTALK P. 0. Box 361, Brushton, NY 12916; address of the new home owner and who Guess who©s coming to dinner phone: 800-728-6872 or 518-358-2541; the house was purchased from. The Brinklow, Maryland, church fax: 518-358-3028. We take this free listing and send the family life department put their unique new owners an official welcome letter spin on hospitality. They gave members SDA Periodical Index from our senior pastor, along with a chances to be mystery guests or hosts one There are several ways of finding the church promotional brochure. Next, a Sabbath. Participants signed up ahead of SDA Periodical Index (which includes volunteer telephones them personally and time and the department mixed and Ministry) on the World Wide Web. The answers any questions they might have matched names. The guests were given easiest is simply to type in the address of about our church activities. If they directions (with no names) to the home of the library search page: http://143.207.5. express interest, then another visitation the host. The host knew only the number 3:82/screens/opacmenu.html team (Love Loaf League) visits their home of guests who would be coming. Identities The other option is to begin at the with a loaf of freshly baked bread. were revealed when the host opened the Andrews University homepage: http:// Many visitors have come to visit our door. Mystery guests offer church www.andrews.edu services due to this personal way of members and visitors alike a chance to 1. Click on "Academic Support." inviting them at a time when they were establish or renew old friendships. 2. Select "James White Library." starting a new chapter of residence in 3. Click on "Library Catalogue their lives. Douglas R. Rose, Grand New vegetarian nutrition and (JeWeL)." Prairie, Texas. health letter 4. Select the "Adventist Periodical Loma Linda University recently Index." $25 for your ideas published the first edition of Vegetarian 5. Begin search. Send us your suggestion about how Nutrition and Health Letter. It is the only pastors can make Ministry more effective university-based publication to focus on Area newcomers or less stressful. If we publish it, we will vegetarian information for the public. Are you interested in a thrifty way of send you $25. If your idea promotes a Written in a language everyone can contacting new home owners in your product or service, we©ll be glad to understand, the publication includes the community? After subscribing to paid consider it for publication but won©t pay latest information about eating a plant- subscriptions for a year, we realized we you $25. Send ideas to Ministry, 12501 Old based diet. Each issue of the colorful, could do the same thing free. Each Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904. eight-page publication includes usable Sunday, an exhaustive list is published in To receive payment, all U.S. citizens must research news, advice and how-to columns, our local newspaper of real estate include Social Security number. and new product information. For more information, call 888-558-8703 or write to 1707 Nichol Hall, School of Public Health, The North American Division presents . .. Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA A new way 92350; or e-mail: [email protected]. Seeds ©98 to A Church Planting Conference at Missing Members Kit July 15-18, 1998 ... at Andrews University The SafetyZone Kit is an eight-part ministry... workshop to help members build safe "places" for the missing as they return to church. It includes a Leader©s Guide, The pastors equip Hear Robert Folkenberg, Alfred McClure, Russell Participant©s Guide, Overhead Burril!, plus a host of track and break-out seminar The laity is Transparency Masters and Training presenters. empowered , Videos. To order, contact AdventSource at Features of Seeds ©98... Major plenary sessions, to minister 800-328-0525. five training tracks (Lay Track, Pastors Track. Administrators and Directors Track. African- American Track, Cell Church Track) and 30 Project: Steps to Christ seminars from which to choose five. Project: Steps to Christ is a layman©s Learn how to plant churches that are healthy, ministry instituted and designed to active, and not pastor dependent.. . reaching their provide the opportunity for every home in own areas yet working together with each other and For information, call the United States to have the gospel with the conference to reach the entire territory . . . 1-800-ALL-PLNT all people ... for the Kingdom of God! message delivered to their door. To get Early rates available until June 1

Ministry/April 1998 31 Southern Gospel Style Musical Extravaganza Del Delker King©s Heralds Heralds Quartet Wedgwood Trio Christian Edition Faith First Heritage Singers Melashenko Family Voice of Prophecy Trio Walter Arties Steve Boalt Marilyn Cotton Maddy Couperus Steve Darmody Phil & Joey Draper Chuck Fulmore Trio Herman & Sonnie Harp Gordon Henderson Ullanda Innocent Connie Vandeman Jeffery Jaime Jorge Jan Judd Marshall Kelly Dona Klein Merrilou Luthas Jim McClintock Jared McNaughton Paul Mickelson Merle Morgan Paulette Nelson John Owens Marvin Ponder Bob Silverman George Swanson Jim Teel Loma Linda University Church JVE ON Sabbath, August 15 4:30 p.m. (Pacific Time) Another friendship evangelism event in preparation for NET ©98. date rmmjnyour chi

Voke Of Prophecy Box 53055 • Los Angeles, CA 9005

MINISTRY 1350 N.KINGS ROAD NAMPA, ID 83687-2193

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED