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10-2018 Protest and Progress: Black Seventh-day Adventist Leadership and the Push for Parity [Book Review] / Calvin Rock Trevor O'Reggio Andrews University, [email protected]

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Recommended Citation O'Reggio, Trevor, "Protest and Progress: Black Seventh-day Adventist Leadership and the Push for Parity [Book Review] / Calvin Rock" (2018). Faculty Publications. 1010. https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/pubs/1010

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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PASTORS

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Published by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Read by clergy of all faiths.

04 Letters Eschatology spells victory 06 Leslie Pollard 05 Guest Editorial Teach and preach Revelation’s Jesus: He’s worthy, He’s a 19 Revival and Reformation Warrior, and He’s a Winner. 27 Resources The teaching ministry of Jesus 28 Dateline 09 John Wesley Taylor V 30 Practical Pointers “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations …” (Matt. 28:19). Observe Jesus, learn from Jesus, emulate Jesus. MINISTRY® INTERNATIONAL EDITORS International Journal for Pastors Chinese-Robert Wong 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, French-Bernard Sauvagnat MD 20904-6600 U.S.A. Japanese-Masaki Shoji Are we there yet? What air travel teaches us www.ministrymagazine.org [email protected] Korean-Soon Ki Kang about sermon appeals Portuguese (South America)-Wellington 13 EDITOR Willie Edward Hucks II Barbosa Pavel Goia Russian-Michael Kaminsky Read how our beloved previous associate editor ASSOCIATE EDITOR Spanish (Inter-America)-Saúl Ortiz Jeffrey O. Brown Spanish (South America)-Marcos Blanco creatively parallels sermonic appeals with the experience CONSULTANTS TO EDITOR INTERNATIONAL John Fowler, Clifford Goldstein, ADVISORS of flying. Myrna Tetz, Gerald Wheeler Ron Clouzet, Michael D. Collins, EDITORIAL SPECIALIST Daniel Devadhas, Carlos Hein, Sheryl Beck Patrick Johnson, Victor Kozakov, “It’s all Greek to me.” Why should I study FINANCE AND Geoffrey G. Mbwana, Musa Mitekaro, TECHNOLOGY MANAGER Passmore Mulambo, Daniel Opoku- biblical languages? John Feezer IV Boateng, Hector Sanchez, 16 STUDENT WORKER Houtman Sinaga, Elias Brasil de Souza, Petronio M. Genebago Joshua Venn Ivan L. Williams, Ted N. C. Wilson Refreshing stagnant pastoral ministries may well involve revisiting neglected biblical languages. ADVERTISING SUBSCRIPTIONS [email protected] 12 issues: United States US$32.99; Canada SUBSCRIPTION and overseas US$47.00. To order: send Pedagogy: A practical tool for pastoral ASSISTANT name, address, and payment to Ministry® Kathleen Burton Subscriptions, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, ministry Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600 USA. 20 SUBSCRIPTIONS/ Nnamdi Edu www.ministrymagazine.org/subscribe. RENEWALS/ADDRESS DIGITAL DELIVERY Promoting passionate preaching and tolerating tepid CHANGES Print subscribers can sign up for digital delivery [email protected] at www.ministrymagazine.org/digital. teaching may define contemporary pastoring but can +1 301-680-6511 never typify biblical discipleship. +1 301-680-6502 (fax) TO WRITERS We welcome unsolicited manuscripts. COVER Before submitting, review the writers’ 316 Creative guidelines at www.ministrymagazine.org. The time of crisis and prophetic visioning LAYOUT Please send manuscripts via email to 23 John Skrzypaszek 316 Creative [email protected]. The author argues that the great controversy and health visions that played a significant role in the past, must play Host: Anthony Kent Cohost: Ivan Williams a significant role today. www.MinistryinMotion.tv

Cover note: Look again at the cover! Did you notice the Ministry® has been published monthly since PRINTER Pacific Press® Pub. Assn., letters of “eschatology” in the word VICTORY? 1928 by the Ministerial Association, General 1350 N. Kings Rd., Nampa, ID 83687 Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.® Standard mail postage paid at Nampa, Idaho. (ISSN 0026-5314) Ministry is a peer-reviewed journal. Member of Associated Church Press. SECRETARY Jerry N. Page Adventist®, Seventh-day Adventist®, and Ministry® are the registered trademarks BIBLE CREDITS Scripture quotations marked KJV are from the King James Version. Scripture quotations marked MEV are scripture taken from the Modern English Version. ASSOCIATE SECRETARIES Copyright © 2014 by Military Bible Association. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, of the General Conference Corporation of Copyright © 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. Scripture quotations marked NIV® are from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW Jonas Arrais, Jeffrey O. Brown, Seventh-day Adventists®. INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Scripture marked NKJV is taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture texts credited to NRSV are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright Robert Costa, Pavel Goia, Anthony Kent, Vol. 90, No. 10 © 2018 © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken Janet Page PRINTED IN THE USA. from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scriptures quoted from CEV are from Contemporary English Version® Copyright © 1995 American Bible Society. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked ESV are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scriptures quoted from GW are from GOD’S WORD. GOD’S WORD is copyrighted work of God’s Word to the Nations. Quotations are used by permission. Copyright 1995 by God’s Word to the Nations. All rights reserved. www.ministrymagazine.org LETTERS

“The Bible is relevant. But it is Supporting our faith he lead article by Elmer Guzman Tand Flavio Prestes III, "Making the often made irrelevant by our Seventh-day Adventist International Bible Commentary: An interview with Jacques B. Doukhan" (April 2018), carelessness in seeing its radical is an expertly done interview with a profound and experienced Seventh- day Adventist professor-scholar. claims in our lives and in society.” The winsome, but weighty, verbal exchanges between interviewers and interviewee enrich the reader intellec- tually and theologically and whet the Supporting our PKs are so vital to create community and appetite for the projected completion y mother—a pastor’s wife—shared understanding and give courage to of the SDAIBC in 2020, date of the next Mthe June 2018 issue of Ministry pastoral families. General Conference Business Session. with me due to its content about Thank you for your inclusion of this It is refreshing to note the editorial youth since my husband and I work article. I hope that you continue to give intent to maintain the prioritizing of at a Seventh-day Adventist academy. voice to the unique life that PKs live and health in the SDAIBC that is evident Instead of reading the first articles, the provide them with resources for growth in the Seventh-day Adventist Bible one that jumped out at me was the and encouragement. Commentary. Witness the following article “PK for Life!” by Tere Barron. —Jaclyn Knight, New Market, Virginia, United States statement by Doukhan: "That is why She spoke straight to this PK’s heart, the Seventh-day Adventist faith... also putting into words so many of the Supporting our youth concerns our lifestyle, the way we feelings I felt growing up. Even though hank you for having the courage to eat and drink and work, and the way I was blessed with a father who made Tpublish the editorial “It’s Their Time we think and behave in this world." me a huge priority as his child, sadly, Now” (Jeffrey Brown, June 2018). We Responding to an inquiry about his per- this is because his own father, also a live in a world vastly different than the sonal contribution in the first volume of pastor, did not do this for him and he one in which we grew up. Yet most of the SDAIBC, commenting on Genesis, tried to do better. By the midpoint of us, I fear, mindlessly rehearse the Bible Doukhan aptly makes mention of "the the article I was in tears. My father died truths we grew up with rather than try ideal of a plant-based diet (1:29, 30; unexpectedly last October so the torch to interpret the Bible in terms of present 9:3), the distinction between clean and has been passed with finality. realities. unclean meats (7:2, 3; 8:20)." I believe I wish there were a way for more In a world where school shootings, that this continuation of a fine tradi- PKs like myself to read this article institutional bigotry, and mindless tion of articulating balanced positions and share it. Many don’t have access despoiling of our planet and its resources on diet and lifestyle on the scholarly to Ministry magazine. PKs are a lost are indisputable, what is our message? (theological and scientific) level is demographic—even more so ones who Will we resurrect some trite formulas contextually important in Seventh-day grow up and don’t work for the church from the past, or will we listen to our Adventism. like my husband and I do. The only young adults and formulate responses I hope that the completed volumes ones that completely understand us that resonate with them and speak to of the SDAIBC will find their way into are other PKs, and our lives are very today’s societal changes? The Bible is libraries of Seventh-day Adventist insti- lonely. Many conferences are now mak- relevant. But it is often made irrelevant tutions of learning around the globe ing cuts, presumably to save money. by our carelessness in seeing its radical and that pastors and other church Perhaps they perceive a lack of desire to claims in our lives and in society. employees will have opportunity to participate, but these cuts don’t allow It’s time to emphasize orthopraxy acquire these nourishing volumes young pastors to bring their families as well as orthodoxy. affordably, with book and equipment to pastors’ meetings. Gatherings for —Stephen Chavez, Silver Spring, Maryland, United allowances. only pastors/church workers’ families States —John Tumpkin, Cape Conference , South Africa

Ministry® OCTOBER 2018 GUEST EDITORIAL TED N. C. WILSON

Ted N. C. Wilson, PhD, is the president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

“Jesus is coming again!”

he city of Battle Creek, Michigan, is a significant place in the history Tof the Seventh-day Adventist Church, for it was there that this move- It is clear that only the blessing and ment was officially organized and where it grew dramatically. guidance of God could have taken Imagine what it must have been like for those faith-filled, forward-looking Adventists to gather together 155 years the small, humble beginnings of this ago to officially organize the Seventh- day Adventist Church. Representatives from five other states joined with prophetic, end-time movement and Michigan delegates in Battle Creek from May 20 to 23, 1863, to organize, adopt transformed it into what it is today! a constitution, and elect officers for the General Conference. At the time, there were an estimated 3,500 members scattered across the northern United States, with no more of more than 300,000, including nearly recognize and utilize the simplicity and than 30 ministers to shepherd this 20,000 ordained ministers. power of the three angels’ messages scattered flock. Seventh-day Adventists It is clear that only the blessing with Christ’s righteousness as the core were only a tiny minority among and guidance of God could have taken message, as did our pioneers? Do we American Christians. the small, humble beginnings of this teach and preach the Bible, or do we Hardly could have the pioneers prophetic, end-time movement and just talk philosophically about the of this movement, those who were transformed it into what it is today! Bible? Do we listen to, and follow, the willing to follow wherever Bible truth And all along the way, He has worked counsel given to us through the Spirit would lead, imagine what would be through countless lay members and of Prophecy? Are we responsibly frugal the results of their faithfulness. Many leaders, missionaries and mothers, with the means God has entrusted had left the churches of their child- pastors and retirees, men and women, us to do His work? What is the most hood, either voluntarily or by being young people and children—to bless important thing, the most important disfellowshipped, to join a movement this movement in such a tremendous goal in your life; in my life; right now? that proclaimed the soon coming of way. As a minister, I invite you to prayer- Christ. After the Great Disappointment As Seventh-day Adventist ministers fully incorporate the energy, the of October 22, 1844, the vast majority of today, what tremendous encourage- enthusiasm, the biblical faithfulness, Advent believers left, some returning to ment we have through the examples the pleading for the latter rain of the their former churches. of our faith-filled, fearless, yet humble, Holy Spirit, the joy of the early pioneers But in spite of ridicule and con- leaders from the past who followed into your God-given ministry today and tempt, a small group pressed on, with divine leading, no matter the cost. What watch with amazement how God will open Bibles in their hands and prayers wisdom and courage we can gain from bless beyond what we can imagine as on their lips, to learn God’s will and them to move forward in our God-given we lift up Christ, His righteousness, His truth as revealed through His Word. mission today as we look forward to our salvation, His sanctuary message, His And it was thus that the Seventh-day precious Savior’s soon return. health message, and His soon coming. Adventist Church was born. As ministers, are we dedicating “Lift up the trumpet, and loud Today, this worldwide movement all of our talents, gifts, and influence let it ring; Jesus is coming again!” includes more than 20 million members to the cause and service of God? Are Maranatha!* living in nearly every country on earth. we focused on our God-given mission We have a denominational workforce to seek and to save the lost? Do we * Jessie Strout, “Jesus Is Coming Again,” 1872.

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OCTOBER 2018 Ministry® LEAD ARTICLE LESLIE POLLARD

Leslie Pollard, PhD, DMin, serves as president of Oakwood University. He is a New Testament theologian, specializing in apocalyptic literature.

Eschatology spells victory1

ur home in Alabama sits was about two and a half feet long and The strike of the old near a nature reserve, an inch in diameter, very dark in color. serpent an area of wilderness or At first, I assumed it was a king snake, Six thousand years ago, in another Oswamp that, because it is a nonvenomous member of the local garden called Eden, where God planted the habitat of some endangered ani- rodent patrol. As I began to put the His children, a serpent took up resi- mal or plant species, the government cardboard back down, something told dence. He, too, had no right to be there. believes should be preserved. me that I had better check out the snake But in this case, he presented himself One sunny Sunday morning more carefully. Picking up a board as a friend. He struck nonetheless. I decided that I would like to plant belonging to one of the planter boxes— The strike of the “old serpent, called watermelons and cantaloupes. That about four inches wide, a half inch the Devil, and Satan” (Rev. 12:9, KJV), way my then two-year-old grand- thick, and four feet long—I positioned landed in the hearts and minds of daughter, Genesis, could pick fruit myself a safe distance from the snake. our first parents, envenomating the with Granddad—and have lasting When I placed the board in front of its universe with sin in lethal doses—a memories. I drove to the hardware face, the snake struck it. Extending the neurotoxic venom that paralyzed our store and bought everything I needed board a second time caused the snake brains, a necroptotic venom that has to release my inner farmer, including to throw itself at it again. But this time destroyed our bodies. That is what sin four planter boxes. Because I had to I noticed the almost snow-white mouth did to our first parents in the garden catch a plane that afternoon for Annual and recognized it as a cottonmouth that day, and that is what it still does Council, my wife suggested what I might from the nature preserve. Naturally, to us. Sin kills marriages and families. do about the weeds that would have to I wanted to run away as far as I could It kills external relationships, and it be removed from the future garden site. from the dangerous creature, but I destroys internal peace. “Take some of the extra wardrobe boxes could not just leave it there. But many in the human family did we have and put them on top of the Suddenly, the strangest thing hap- not believe sin kills. For four thousand weeds,” she said. “Then when you come pened. It was as close as I have ever years we tried to save ourselves from back in a week or so, the weeds will come to having a vision. As I was about its power. We prayed, erected altars, have died and will be easier to remove.” to walk away, I saw, in my mind’s eye, offered human sacrifices—all to no She had done exactly that for her own Genesis playing barefooted in the back- avail. “But when the fullness of time exquisitely manicured garden, and it yard, toddling through the grass, while had come, God sent forth his son” (Gal. had seemed to work well. So, I grabbed the poisonous animal, believing that 4:4, ESV) to redeem us. He came as the four large, cardboard wardrobes, flat- our backyard garden was its personal Great Physician. In His blood was the tened them, and hauled them to the territory, defended it by attacking my antivenom, released on a cross. At the garden. There I laid them flat over the innocent granddaughter. cross, our victorious Christ, with a shout grass, placed a brick on each corner to At that moment I made a quick deci- of triumph, smashed the head of the hold them in place, and then rushed to sion. Taking one of those planter box serpent (Gen. 3:15). the airport. boards, I measured it over the serpent’s Returning a week later, I decided to head. Then, raising it over my head as if His victory, not ours see what had happened to the weeds. it were a sledgehammer, with one swift Now, the devil is defeated, the Removing the bricks, I lifted the first swing the snake became history from a power of evil broken, the title deed layer of cardboard and saw a snake that blow to its head. to planet Earth reclaimed. If our

Ministry® OCTOBER 2018 Seventh-day Adventist eschatology not see why Adventist eschatology that it alludes to Isaiah 63:1–3 (NKJV). fails to announce His victory, it fails spells victory! “Who is this who comes from Edom, the test of Scripture. For eschatology with dyed garments,” cries the prophet is not so much about matching daily Here is God Isaiah. He continues, “Why is Your headlines with Bible texts or placing My wife, Prudence, and I visited the apparel red, and Your garments like current events alongside the prophetic British Museum a few years ago. There one who treads in the winepress?” chart rule of history, though each of we saw an old mariner’s chart, drawn The answer comes: “ ‘I have trodden these at certain times will have their in 1525, illustrating what people then the winepress alone.’ ” Gethsemane appropriate place. Nor is eschatol- imagined to be the North American and Calvary brought the bloodletting ogy about scaring audiences with coastline. The cartographer made some required to purchase a fallen world! the roars of apocalyptic creatures intriguing notations on areas of the map But, in this vision in Revelation or birthing wild speculation about not yet explored. He wrote in some 19, He is no longer the bruised and deep conspiracies or attacking other of those unknown spaces, “Here be bloodied Lamb of Calvary. He comes denominations. Adventist eschatology giants,” and “Here be fiery scorpions,” spells victory—His victory, not ours! He and “Here be dragons.” But the British and His victory must stand at the center explorer Sir John Franklin scribbled of our eschatological message. “Now is across those fearful scratchings, “Here come salvation, and strength, . . . for the is God!” We have often accuser of our brethren is cast down,” Our eschatology must declare to Revelation 12:10 declares (KJV). Our our members, our administrators, every preached duty is to announce the victory of Christ patient in our hospitals, every student and the defeat of our enemy. in our schools, and everyone else, in Notice that wherever Satan appears the words of the famous hymn, “This is about His in the Apocalypse, he does so as a loser. my Father’s world.”2 God is in control. In Revelation 12:7, 8 he launches war— Many, like the early map drawers, war in heaven—but he loses. He attacks have faced the unknown days ahead white robe of the sun woman with persecution—but with fear. Understandably so, for the “the earth helped the woman” (v. 16, end times do contain much that can righteousness, KJV), and Satan loses. In verse 13 he inspire terror. Consider John’s experi- attacks the Man-Child of the woman— ence in Revelation 5: when sworn in and but the divine offspring is caught up to summoned to take the witness stand of but I rejoice over heaven. Again, Satan loses. history, he collapsed into tears when Then, along with his two allies, the angel asked, “Who is worthy, John?” the significance the beast and the false prophet, he And, indeed, no one was found worthy! launches a three-pronged war against Crushing despair washed over him the remnant in Revelation 13. Against because if no one was worthy, human of His red robe so mighty a triumvirate, the saints face salvation was a lost cause. If no one is an overwhelming force. But the next worthy, then all our innate religious of victory. time we see the remnant, in Revelation yearnings are for naught. And if no one 14:1–3, they stand victorious atop is worthy, we are hopeless, helpless, Mount Zion. Once more, Satan loses. and hapless. Do the remnant saints stand there Then comes one of the elders. “Stop because they are perfect? No, they weeping, John. There is Someone who as the Lion of the tribe of Judah. No are the beneficiaries of the Lamb’s is worthy.” He is worthy because He longer does He tread the winepress victory. “They overcame him by the stood where Adam stumbled. Let the alone. No longer does He labor under blood of the Lamb and by the word of Advent message forever proclaim that the weight of a lost world. And no longer their testimony” (Rev. 12:11, NKJV). “Christ is worthy.” is He prostrate on His hands and knees, The Lamb wins and the adversary sobbing over our salvation. loses. And when Satan appears to A crimson Warrior Revelation 19:11 presents the last triumph in Revelation 11:7 and 13:7, Take a look at another vision of and perhaps greatest depiction of it is only a temporary setback for the victory in Revelation 19:11–16. Christ Isaiah’s crimson Soldier. It reminds two witnesses and the saints, just gallops out of heaven riding on a white us that our story is not only one of as Satan’s apparent win at the cross horse, wearing a garment dipped in blood but one of victory. “Now I saw collapsed beneath the power of the blood. But this victory image becomes heaven opened, and behold, a white crucified Lamb’s resurrection. Can you even more powerful when we recognize horse” (Rev. 19:11, NKJV). Horses gallop

OCTOBER 2018 Ministry® LEAD ARTICLE LESLIE POLLARD

across the length and breadth of the Christ’s red robe of fingers at each other, why not turn our Apocalypse—red horses, pale horses, victory own eyes upon Jesus and look full in His black horses, horses with scorpion Let me conclude with the following wonderful face? As a leader for 40 years tails, horses breathing smoke, and observations about Christ’s red robe of now, I find that the more I interact with locust-shaped horses. But in this final victory. First, that robe dipped in blood our church, the more I see that it is far glimpse of equine imagery, John views points to the transparency of His victory. from perfect. Leaders walk on feet of a white horse—a victory steed ridden In Revelation 19 intertextuality and clay. I learned that there are as many by Roman generals after a successful allusion come into play. The only other definitions of effective leadership as military campaign. The first horse of garment in Scripture dipped in blood there are writers on the subject. But Revelation is white, as is the last. This was Joseph’s coat in Genesis 37, which here is what else I learned: if we follow majestic passage tells us that the gospel his brothers used to deceive their father. Him and His Word, He will always lead that began in victory will end in victory. By contrast, Jesus’ robe dipped in blood us correctly. Seated atop that white steed is the Man unleashes liberation for His Father. Jesus Finally, that robe dipped in blood of Calvary, riding in a victory pose, fought in total transparency. No guile points to the totality of His victory. His galloping out of heaven. The theme or deceit was found in Him. His victory blood-red robe is a Designer original of Revelation is victory—His victory has integrity. He went chest to chest from the Father’s signature collection, over all the forces that seek to defeat with evil and won in total transparency. a one-of-a-kind, monogrammed, King Him. And He is our champion because Because of His victory, that blood-red of kings and Lord of lords. He wears He did what nobody else could do. He robe declares that we can trust Him. “many crowns,” so that red robe of stood where Adam stumbled. He paid Second, that blood-red robe points victory signifies His right to universal what we could not pay, the price for our to the singularity of His victory. Catch the rulership. That is why, one day, every redemption. At Calvary, He came as the power of the image. We witness a ruby- knee will bow, and every tongue will Lamb, but in the eschaton, He arrives as red warrior atop a snow-white steed, confess that He is Lord. Therefore, that a roaring Lion. escorted by an army of glistening glory blood-red robe says, “Praise Him.” John continues to expand on clad in “linen, white and clean.” Heaven’s Isaiah’s vision of a crimson Warrior. This crimson Commander, draped in a blood- Praise Him, because the world can- time, the bloody smatterings of victory red robe, leads an army dressed “in linen not contain Him, universities cannot are all over Him. “And he was clothed white and clean” (Rev. 19:14, KJV) with explain Him, philosophers cannot shame with a vesture dipped in blood” (Rev. not a drop of battle blood on them. Why Him, and poets cannot rename Him. 19:13, KJV). We have often preached does the heavenly cavalry wear “linen Praise Him, because parliaments will about His white robe of righteousness, white and clean”? No backsplash of not unseat Him, armies will not defeat but I rejoice over the significance of blood is on them because it is His battle, Him, beggars will not deplete Him, and His red robe of victory. He comes in not yours or mine. Let’s stop trying to computers will not delete Him. this final vision to establish justice. help God. Heaven posts no position for Praise Him, because prosecutors The world slays the innocent, excludes an assistant redeemer. His robe is blood- cannot convict Him, traditions cannot the worthy, and elects the debased. red and their robes are bleached white constrict Him, preachers cannot predict Economic exploitation, human sex for one reason and one reason only—the Him, and presidents cannot restrict Him. trafficking, gender oppression, religious battle is the Lord’s. Praise Him, because historians can- persecution, and class warfare seem So, stand still and see the salvation not erase Him, critics cannot deface to reign supreme. And even in the of the Lord. He is God all by Himself, and Him, Islam cannot displace Him, and Apocalypse, promised deliverers can He is big enough and strong enough to the pope can never replace Him. be deceivers (compare Daniel 2 and 7). protect and guide His church. I invite World kingdoms may be glorious on the all Adventist vege-saviors to find a So, let us go forth to our various outside but predatory and corrupt on new mission, stop getting on websites, fields and invite our members, insti- the inside. Is it any wonder that the land and pointing fingers, and making tutions, churches, and communities beast of Revelation 13 has two horns—it anonymous accusations, as if no one is to praise Him—because, for every looks like a lamb and speaks like a Adventist enough except them, saying, Seventh-day Adventist believer, escha- dragon? The land beast is both violent “They are not preaching the straight tology spells victory. and hypocritical. The white horse rider testimony.” Is the straight testimony reminds us that every corrupt enemy a laundry list of dos and don’ts, or in 1 Adapted from a devotional by the author delivered at power will be destroyed—but a remnant Revelation is the straight testimony the Fourth International Bible Conference, Rome, will be saved. Justice will be forever of the True Witness, “Buy of me gold Italy, June 11–21, 2018. established. tried in the fire”? Rather than point our 2 Maltbie D. Babcock, “This Is My Father’s World,” 1901.

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Ministry® OCTOBER 2018 JOHN WESLEY TAYLOR V

John Wesley Taylor V, EdD, PhD, serves as an associate director of education for the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States.

The teaching ministry of Jesus1

esus was an effective Preacher they are ferocious wolves’ ” (Matt. listeners told Him about the Galileans and sought after Healer. 7:15).2 On another occasion, Jesus whom Pilate had killed in the temple, But He was also a master warned His disciples about the yeast Jesus answered, “ ‘Do you think that JTeacher (Matt. 4:23; John 3:2). of the Pharisees. At first, they thought these Galileans were worse sinners Throughout the Gospels, we encounter He was speaking in literal terms—but than all the other Galileans . . . ? Or a variety of teaching episodes—learning then realized that He “was not telling those eighteen who died when the experiences crafted specifically for them to guard against the yeast used tower in Siloam fell on them—do you His twelve disciples as well as for the in bread, but against the teaching of think they were more guilty than all individual or for thousands (Matt. 13:54; the Pharisees and Sadducees”(Matt. the others living in Jerusalem?’ ” (Luke Mark 2:13; 4:2; 9:31; 10:1; Luke 4:31; 16:11, 12). 13:1–5). Similarly, Jesus used what 13:10; John 4:5–26; 7:14). His Sermon Jesus also told stories; about 40 was apparently just-off-the-press news on the Mount, for example, was an out- are recorded. Their purpose was to when He told about a man who was door training session in which both the make His lessons easy to remember traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho disciples and a multitude participated and also to serve as the basis for future when robbers attacked him (Luke (Matt. 5:1, 2). learning (Mark 4:33, 34). These stories 10:30). In His teaching, Christ used a variety were generally brief, on average, seven As the basis for teaching, Jesus also of approaches and methods that pro- verses in length.3 The stories were not used historical events. One Sabbath, as moted engagement and reflection and complex or laden with multiple mean- Jesus and His disciples were passing helped His learners better comprehend ings. Generally, Jesus would focus on through a grain field, some of the and apply His instruction. We will exam- a single point. In the story of the 10 disciples began to pick a few heads of ine some of His strategies. virgins, for example, He concluded, grain. The Pharisees accosted Jesus, “ ‘Watch therefore, for you know neither asking: “ ‘Why are they doing what Teaching through the day nor the hour in which the Son is unlawful on the Sabbath?’ ” Jesus illustrations of Man is coming’ ”(Matt. 25:13, NKJV). answered, “ ‘Have you never read what Matthew observed that Jesus often Furthermore, the stories belonged to David did when he and his companions used illustrations (Matt. 13:34). Many of the people. Jesus did not teach about were hungry and in need?’ ” (Mark these included vivid imagery—picking distant lands or exotic circumstances. 2:23–26). Similarly, Jesus referred His grapes from thorn bushes, pouring Rather, He spoke primarily about the listeners to Moses’ encounter with new wine into old wineskins, the blind ordinary things of life, such as los- God at the burning bush as well as the leading the blind, and a thief unexpect- ing money, looking for a job, making martyrdom of the prophet Zechariah edly breaking into a house (Matt. 7:16; bread, and getting married. Finally, the (Mark 12:26; Luke 11:50, 51). 9:16, 17; 15:14; 24:43, 44). Jesus also concepts He embedded in His stories When teaching certain concepts, used the concrete and familiar stories were not trivial but, rather, great truths, Jesus would use tangible objects. to teach about the abstract and, per- such as humility, how to pray, the plan One day, a group of Pharisees and haps, unknown. “ ‘Watch out for false of salvation, and the eternal reward. Herodians came to Jesus and asked prophets,’ ” He said. “ ‘They come to Jesus used current news as instruc- Him, “ ‘Is it right to pay the imperial you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly tional material. When some of His tax to Caesar or not?’ ”

OCTOBER 2018 Ministry® JOHN WESLEY TAYLOR V

“ ‘Bring me a denarius,’ ” Jesus In prison, John the Baptist won- chosen to reject both the ministry of replied. When they brought the coin, dered whether Jesus was truly the John the Baptist as too austere and that He asked, “ ‘Whose image is this?’ ” Messiah. He sent his disciples to ask. of the Son of Man as overly accepting. “ ‘Caesar’s,’ ” they said. Jesus did not immediately reply but, On another occasion, Christ pointed out “ ‘Give back to Caesar what is rather, went about the activities of His the hypocrisy and skin-deep religiosity Caesar’s,’ ” Jesus stated, “ ‘and to God ministry. At the end of the day, Jesus of the scribes and Pharisees, likening what is God’s’ ” (Mark 12:13–17). On said to these disciples, “ ‘Go back to them to “ ‘whitewashed tombs, which other occasions, Jesus used a withered John and tell him what you have heard look beautiful on the outside but on the fig tree to illustrate the power of faith, and seen—the blind see, the lame walk, inside are full of the bones of the dead’ ” ravens and lilies to exemplify quiet those with leprosy are cured, the deaf (Matt. 23:27, 28).4 confidence in God, and bread and hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Jesus asked questions effectively wine to represent His own sacrifice Good News is being preached to the (Luke 2:46, 47). As a teacher, He used (Mark 11:13–23; Luke 12:24–27; Matt. poor’ ” (Matt. 11:2–5, NLT). Perhaps the questions for a variety of reasons: 26:26–28). greatest example, however, of Christ’s to remember the known (Matt. 16:9, enacted teaching took place in the 10), clarify concepts (Luke 13:14–16), Teaching through action upper room. After the meal was over, correct erroneous ideas (John 4:35), Jesus believed that it was impor- Jesus arose from the table, wrapped guide thinking (Matt. 11:7–9), motivate tant for those He taught to be involved a towel around His waist, and began personal thought (Matt. 16:13–15), in active learning. One day the collec- to wash His disciples’ feet (John 13:4, affirm truth in the mind (Matt. 14:31), tors of the temple tax came to Peter 5, 12–17). and invite a faith response (Mark 5:30). and asked, “ ‘Doesn’t your teacher pay Jesus also invited His listeners to the temple tax?’ ” Teaching for thinking engage in analysis and reasoning. When “ ‘Yes, he does,’ ” Peter replied. When teaching, Jesus would often His opponents declared that He drove “When Peter came into the house,” ask, “What do you think?” (Matt 17:25; out demons by Beelzebub, the prince Jesus asked, “ ‘What do you think, 18:12; 22:42; 21:28). Then He would of demons, Jesus replied, “ ‘How can Simon?’ . . . ‘From whom do the kings of extend their thinking in a variety of ways. Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom the earth collect duty and taxes—from For example, Jesus made use of is divided against itself, that kingdom their own children or from others?’ ” similes and metaphors, often expanding cannot stand’ ” (Mark 3:22–27).5 “ ‘From others,’ Peter answered. these into well-developed analogies. He Jesus engaged His learners in “ ‘Then the sons are exempt,’ Jesus compared His generation to children problem solving. In addition to story said to him. ‘But so that we may not playing in the marketplaces and call- problems—such as that of the sons cause offense, go to the lake and throw ing out to their companions: “ ‘ “We of the owner of a vineyard (Matt. out your line. Take the first fish you played the pipe for you, and you did not 21:28–31), Jesus used learning experi- catch; open its mouth and you will find dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not ences as problem-solving assignments. a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it mourn” ’ ” (Matt. 11:16–19). He then went After He had been teaching a group of to them for my tax and yours’ ” (Matt. on to describe how many had similarly thousands, His disciples came to Him 17:24–27). late in the afternoon and said, “ ‘Send One might conclude that with the crowd away so they can go to so many villages and the surrounding villages and towns to reach and with countryside and find food such a brief period of and lodging, because we ministry available, Christ are in a remote place would send His listeners here.’ ” to individually apply Jesus replied, “ ‘You what they had learned. give them something In commissioning to eat’ ” (Luke 9:12, the twelve disciples, 13). however, Jesus sent On various occa- them out two by two sions, Christ led His (Mark 6:7–13, 30). In learners through like manner, He sub- comparison and con- sequently sent out 70 trast. The parable of others to engage in the wise man and the collaborative learning foolish man is a prime (Luke 10:1). example. There were

Ministry® OCTOBER 2018 aspects in common—receiving instruc- from one’s own eye before focusing on bring her husband. It is an opportunity tion, building a house, experiencing a the speck in another’s eye (Luke 6:41, for witness, an assignment to share her storm. But there were distinguishing 42). In each case, Jesus used hyperbole knowledge with others. It also seeks to elements as well—the application of to underscore a concept and make it involve the student in active learning. In knowledge, the foundation, and the memorable. the dialogue that follows, Jesus moves outcome (Matt. 7:24–27).6 from the learner’s immediate need, Christ wanted His listeners to The case of the water, to her deep needs of self-worth grapple with conundrums and, thereby, Samaritan woman and positive relationships. It is evident engage in deep thinking. Here are some What do you see when you observe that Jesus knows the background, examples of paradoxes and anoma- Jesus, the Teacher? Consider His inter- needs, interests, and dreams of His lies that He used for this purpose: actions with the woman at the well listener. “ ‘Whoever wants to become great (John 4:5–26). Jesus also helps resolve the among you must be your servant, and We might begin by noting that the learner’s misconceptions by clarify- whoever wants to be first must be your learner was a marginalized person, with ing concepts, in this case, her beliefs slave’ ” (Matt. 20:26, 27). “ ‘Whoever at least three strikes against her. First, regarding worship: that it is not defined tries to keep their life will lose it, and she was a woman, and in that time and in terms of a place but of a spiritual whoever loses their life will preserve place, this meant that she was excluded experience. To wrap up the lesson, the it’ ” (Luke 17:33). “ ‘Many who are first from certain privileges. Second, she was Teacher delivers direct instruction, will be last, and the last first’ ” (Mark also a Samaritan, an ethnic minority declaring, “I Am the Messiah!” Through 10:31).7 demeaned and sidelined by the Jews. it all, the overarching purpose is that Third, she was of flawed reputation, the learner might know God and experi- Teaching for retention ostracized by her community. The ence His saving power. It is a lesson Jesus understood that crucial con- fact that she came alone to the well focused on hope and transformation. cepts are not learned through a single at noon, rather than in the morning or What were the outcomes? “Then, exposure. Repetition is needed. To evening when the women of a com- leaving her water jar, the woman enhance reinforcement, however, Jesus munity would typically gather for the went back to the town and said to the incorporated variety. A key construct in social event, reveals that the women people, ‘Come, see a man who told me Christ’s teaching, for example, was the of her village scorned her. everything I ever did. Could this be the kingdom of heaven. On one occasion, Jesus, the Teacher, sits near the Messiah?’ They came out of the town He told His listeners, “ ‘The knowledge well. He is available, accessible. When and made their way toward him. . . . of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven the learner arrives, Jesus takes the “So when the Samaritans came to has been given to you’ ” (Matt. 13:11). initiative and asks, “Could you give Me him, they urged him to stay with them, Then He proceeded to approach the a drink?” It is a request that the woman and he stayed two days. And because of concept from multiple perspectives: a can readily fulfill. It is an expression that his words many more became believers. man who sowed good seed in his field, a helps her feel valued and that provides “They said to the woman, ‘We no lon- mustard seed, yeast that a woman took an opportunity for service. Further, by ger believe just because of what you said; and mixed into a large amount of flour, asking for water, Jesus arouses interest. now we have heard for ourselves, and we treasure buried in a field, a merchant “How is it,” the woman asks, “that You, know that this man really is the Savior of looking for fine pearls, and a net that being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a the world’ ” (John 4:28–30, 40–42). caught all kinds of fish (Matt. 13:24, 31, Samaritan woman?” (John 4:9, NKJV). The woman becomes a believer, 33, 44, 45, 47). Notice also that Jesus begins with witness, and disciple-maker. And all In Jesus’ time, many held the idea water, the topic that has motivated her because of her encounter with the that poverty was God’s curse while journey to the well. But then He inserts Teacher and the life-changing effect of riches were evidence of His favor. In an anomaly: Anyone who drinks the a single lesson. refuting this misconception, Jesus water that I give will never be thirsty stated, “ ‘It is easier for a camel to go again. This living water, in fact, will The impact of His through the eye of a needle than for become a fresh, artesian spring, bub- teaching a rich man to enter the kingdom of bling up into eternal life. In so doing, Jesus’ teaching strategies had a pro- God’ ” (Luke 18:25, NKJV). Pointing out Jesus transitions from the known to found influence on His learners. When the Pharisees’ myopic focus on trivia, the unknown, from the concrete to He taught, His listeners were surprised He declared, “ ‘You blind guides! You the abstract, from the physical to the at His teaching because He spoke with strain out a gnat but swallow a camel’ ” spiritual, and from the immediate to confidence, in contrast to the teachers (Matt. 23:24). Discussing the human the eternal. of the law (Matt. 7:28, 29). Turning to tendency to find fault with others, When the woman asks for this each other in amazement, they asked, Jesus talked about removing the plank water, Jesus instructs her to go and “ ‘Where did this man get these things?’ ”

OCTOBER 2018 Ministry® JOHN WESLEY TAYLOR V

(Mark 6:2, 3) “ ‘Nothing like this has ever and opened the Scriptures to us?’ ” been seen in Israel’ ” (Matt. 9:33).8 (Luke 24:32). 1 Adapted from John Wesley Taylor V, “Jesus Christ: Master Teacher,” Journal of Adventist Education, One day, alarmed with His growing The influence of Jesus, the Teacher December 2010/January 2011, 4–9, http://circle popularity, the chief priests “sent the sent from God, can also be experienced .adventist.org/files/jae/JAE_v73n2.pdf. temple guards to arrest Him.” At the in our lives and ministry. To paraphrase 2 Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the New end of the day, the guards returned the words of John: Jesus did many other International Version. empty-handed. “ ‘Why didn’t you bring things as well. If every one of them were 3 The longest, the story of the prodigal son, is 22 Him in?’ ” the priests raged. written down, I suppose that even the verses in length, while four of the stories are told in a “ ‘No one ever spoke the way this entire world would not have room for the single verse. 4 In similar ways, Christ used analogies of a fig tree in man does,’ ” the guards declared (John books that would be written. But these springtime and of a hen gathering her chicks (Matt. 7:32, 45, 46). were written that you might have faith in 24:32, 33; 23:37). After His resurrection, Christ Christ, the Son of God; and having faith, 5 See also Matthew 22:41–46. appeared unrecognized to two disciples that you might teach as He taught (John 6 Christ also told the story of ten virgins, all of whom on the road to Emmaus and fell into 20:30, 31; 21:25). were waiting for the bridegroom and all of whom conversation with them. Later that Hence, as chaplains or ministers, slept. Five, however, had taken extra oil. These entered the joy of the marriage celebration, while evening, when they finally realized who whatever else our roles call us to do, the other five found themselves barred from the their Guest had been, they exclaimed, we, too, need to be effective teachers. event (Matt. 25:1–13). “ ‘Were not our hearts burning within And thus, by learning from Jesus, we 7 See also Matthew 11:11. us while he talked with us on the road can learn from the best. 8 See also Luke 13:17.

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Creation A day to celebrate Sabbath God’s Creation OCT 27

Help your church celebrate Creation Sabbath with easy-to-use resources at creationsabbath.net

Ministry® OCTOBER 2018 WILLIE EDWARD HUCKS II

Willie Edward Hucks II, DMin, is a professor of homiletics and chair of the Christian Ministry department, Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan, United States.

“Are we there yet?” What air travel teaches us about sermon appeals

e expect a quick flight for a mechanic to come to determine sermon introduction serves a similar from Chicago to South what was causing the malfunction and function in that no airplane pulls away Bend of only twenty- repair it. from the gate and instantaneously Wthree minutes. We will Sitting at the gate, so close to reaches cruising altitude. The climb have you there shortly.” The first officer deplaning, seeing my wife, going home. must be gradual to be smooth—leading spoke those words that I had been wait- But I could not. to the main part of the flight that carries ing to hear. I settled into my window the passengers from point A to point B. seat, buckled my safety belt, and texted The travel experience in So, also, with the sermon introduction, my wife that everything was running on homiletic terms in that it should be measured and well- schedule and that I would meet her at Preaching a sermon resembles air executed, leading to what is considered the luggage carousel. travel in several ways, with each element the main part of the presentation—the Soon thereafter, the small jet of the flying experience finding a coun- body. roared down the runway before quickly terpart in the sermon—from arriving at The body of the sermon can be ascending over the beautiful downtown the airport for the flight to departing the likened to the portion of the flight skyline, reaching its cruising altitude last airport after finally arriving. that takes place at cruising altitude, over Lake Michigan, descending over At the conclusion of a recent overseas in that it is the part that receives the the eastern shore of that Great Lake, teaching assignment, my host dropped most focus. As in long-haul flights, landing on one of the two runways me off at the airport, at which time I had passengers expend most of their ener- at the small South Bend airport, and to fend for myself in terms of navigating gies during this portion of the flight parking at the gate. My excitement was the bustling concourse. I stood in front of (eating, reading, sleeping, entertaining peaking because, although it had only a huge electronic display, attempting to themselves), so also do preachers been a short trip to Texas to visit my determine where I needed to go to check traditionally spend the bulk of their parents, I would soon be greeted by my in for my flight. That information paved time studying and preparing for this wife and be driven home. the way for me to take the initial steps in portion of the sermon. The logic that Sitting near the front of the plane, my journey home. drives such efforts centers on the I quickly unfastened my safety belt, For some, the title of the sermon notion that information dissemina- grabbed my backpack, and waited serves that same function.1 It provides tion equates to capable homiletics. for the flight attendant to give my the initial direction that guides the Holy However, the body of the sermon must fellow passengers and me permission Spirit–led speaker in the direction that be seen as one of several pieces of the to deplane. And that was when the the speaker wishes the listeners to go. homiletical puzzle. frustration settled in. Tired of standing, Passengers eventually board the I sat down and waited—and waited. plane and settle in, after which the Are we almost there yet? There was a mechanical malfunction aircraft taxis to the runway, takes off, Long before a crew member with the jet bridge, and a call was issued and ascends to its cruising altitude. The announces the descent of the aircraft,

OCTOBER 2018 Ministry® WILLIE EDWARD HUCKS II

frequent flyers intuitively recognize the The actual time in the air is much less The art of the appeal clues that final approach is a pending than that. Having said that, the journey One of the biggest challenges that reality. Especially if it is a cross-country lasted much longer than that; for he, my both experienced and beginning preach- or international flight, they know how wife, and I had to get up, get dressed, and ers alike face is crafting and delivering much time they have before they have drive two hours to Chicago to take him effective appeals. Many reasons exist to put away their laptop or use the to the airport. Then he had to check in, as to why preachers struggle with this lavatory one last time. Descent provides clear security, wait to board, travel, land, fifth and final part of the sermon. Some time to prepare for a successful landing. wait for his friend to pick him up from the speakers lack confidence in their ability The conclusion of a sermon approxi- airport, and then ride 40 minutes to the to persuade,2 or they lack confidence mates the gradual descent of an aircraft friend’s house. A two-hour flight turned in their preparation. Others fear rejec- and a smooth landing. The bulk of the out to be a seven- or eight-hour event. tion—that no one will respond—and embarrassment, taking the rejection as a personal affront; or they believe asking people to make a decision amounts to A preferable approach would be to engage intruding into one’s personal space. Preachers, however, have permis- the listeners in a series of questions that sion to intrude into the personal space of the listener, as such permission is cause them to look introspectively at where inherent in the call to occupy the pulpit and in the listener’s choice to occupy the they are and where they need to go. pew. Our approach to the hearts of the listeners should be direct, targeted, and undeniable. Haddon Robinson writes, “Like an able lawyer, a minister asks for journey is now behind the passengers The journey did not end until he reached a verdict. Your congregation should see and crew—it is time to touch terra firma his final destination. your idea entire and complete, and they once again. As the ascent was gradual Sermon delivery functions the same should know and feel what God’s truth and graceful, so also must be the descent way in that the sermon does not end until demands of them.”3 This approach calls and landing. Anything otherwise proves the “passengers” are able to access their for three components in each appeal: unsettling. Passengers often save their final destination. When landing an air- reflection, decision, and action. greatest compliments for pilots who plane, it is not good enough to approach Reflection. Reflection involves execute smooth landings. the runway—or even touch down and critical listening, which, in turn, involves Those who sit and listen to our roll onto the tarmac. The captain has to interpreting the message, judging its sermons do not expect or anticipate bring the aircraft all the way to the gate strengths and weaknesses, and assign- that the sermon will experience a “hard and park. More than that, the jetway ing value to it.4 Assigning value during landing.” They want to sense that we operator has to extend the walkway to the process of an appeal calls for listen- as preachers know when the time has the plane’s door so that the passengers ers to ask themselves, “What has this come to gracefully reduce the “altitude” can proceed to their destination. If the sermon said to me?” “Why should this and successfully “land.” Even if the passengers do not have the opportunity sermon matter to me?” “What should sermon has proved to border on the to reach their final destination, the flight I do as a result of hearing the preacher disastrous, no one wants a hard land- crews, whether on the plane or on the today?” Reflection demands that the ing. Congregants still want some form of ground, failed to perform. listeners interact with the preacher and notification that your sermonic “flight” In the same manner, if the congre- his or her questions, as well as interact will soon conclude. gation does not have an opportunity with the Holy Spirit who, during the to make a decision as a result of the sermon, spoke differently to each person The most important sermon, the preacher has failed in what sitting in the congregation. element of the sermonic he attempted to preach. No one should The approach of the preacher is “flight” think to end a sermon without making critical in this process. Many preachers My son recently returned to an appeal any more than pilots would take it upon themselves throughout Baltimore after spending a week with think to end a flight without delivering their appeals to instruct the congrega- his mother and me. The flight was listed his or her passengers to their final tion as to what they should think and as being one hour and 45 minutes long, destination; that is, their job is to get how they should respond. Such an although that period reflects the length them into the airport terminal, so they approach inhibits the listeners’ ability of time from when the plane departs the can go to their house, hotel, business to reflect upon precisely how the Holy gate to when it reaches the arrival gate. meeting, or vacation spot. Spirit wishes for them to respond. A

Ministry® OCTOBER 2018 preferable approach would be to engage In other words, while the preacher My appeal about appeals the listeners in a series of questions that does well to incorporate the compo- The flight attendant on board the cause them to look introspectively at nents of reflection, decision, and action aircraft that brought me to South Bend where they are and where they need to in the appeal, omitting even one of these from Chicago finally gave the other pas- go. Such an approach creates the envi- proves akin to landing an aircraft and sengers and me permission to deplane. ronment for each person to arrive at the taxiing to the gate—but not opening the With intentionality and decisiveness, I destination the Holy Spirit designates door to the jetway so that the passengers traversed the long corridor adjacent to each of them to reach. can exit and transit to their appointed the gates and exited the secured area. Decision. When listeners reflect and destinations. Just as each passenger Soon thereafter, I was greeted by the ask themselves what they should do determines how they are getting to their smiling face and warm embrace of my as a result of the queries placed before next destination, so also must people wife. All I needed was access to the airport them during the initial portion of the in the congregations create a plan that terminal so that I could eventually experi- appeal, this reflection demands that the determines how they arrive at the place ence sweet communion with my bride. listeners take the next step. That step is where the Holy Spirit wishes them to be. Preachers of the gospel take based upon the nature of the sermon. the same approach when delivering For example, if the sermon is evan- Peter: A congregation of appeals. We stand between God and the gelistic in its intent, about mission and one people, speaking with intentionality and outreach, the person may reflect upon Consider the case of Peter: a one- decisiveness, desiring for the listeners his or her lack of reaching out to others person congregation to whom Jesus to let Jesus in because He stands at the and then decide, “I will commit to being made a sermonic appeal! True to Christ’s doors of their hearts and knocks (Rev. used by God to share my faith.” If it is prediction (Luke 22:34), Peter denied 3:20); He wants nothing less than sweet horizontal in its intent, about impacting any knowledge of Jesus on three occa- communion with His bride. the community for its betterment, the sions, all in quick succession. Then came Do you hesitate to make appeals? person may reflect upon his or her shel- Peter’s life-changing moment (v. 61). Do you fear that people will ignore what tered existence and then decide, “I’m When Luke spoke of Jesus’ looking at you have to say to them? Should you going to learn more about the needs of Peter, the Greek of the passage indicates and I, rather, trust the Holy Spirit to work my community.” If the sermon is vertical a targeted, direct gaze, not a casual on the hearts of our listeners? There is in its intent, about a closer walk with glance. Without saying a word, Jesus power in God’s Word to sanctify saints God, the person may decide that he made a sermonic appeal to Peter. and sinners alike (John 17:17). Stand or she is going to give God permission Peter then engaged with the three boldly and appeal to the people in the to renew and restore him or her. Each components of an effective appeal. spirit and power of Elijah (Luke 1:17), and person arrives at their decision based He reflected upon his brash promise see what God will do through humble upon where they are in their journey. of unswerving fidelity to Christ (v. 33). vessels of clay! Action. Each of these three stages is Recognizing that he failed miserably, he important. However, if an action plan then decided how he would respond to 1 Many homileticians have traditionally defined the is not established, then the pathos Christ’s intent look into his soul, and he parts of the sermon as the introduction, body, conclusion, and appeal. In my teaching, I incorporate of the moment is lost as soon as the experienced the heartbreak of breaking a fifth element, the title, right at the beginning. The benediction is pronounced and the the heart of his Rabbi. title proves a critical element that links the listeners congregation starts meeting and greet- Reflection and decision, however, to the other vital components of the sermon. 2 By using the word persuade, I speak in the context of ing in the sanctuary, foyer, or parking were not enough; for a moment of regret employing pathos. By pathos, I speak of lot. The preacher must create a climate and disappointment can easily fade into appropriately tapping into the human experience during the appeal in which the expecta- recalcitrance and defiance after the that recognizes that humans were created as tion exists that the listeners must do initial confrontation. Peter had to act. emotional beings. I do not speak of appealing to or with emotionalism. something concrete about what they The Peter who denied his Lord became 3 Haddon W. Robinson, Biblical Preaching: The have reflected upon and decided. Any the Peter who, in John 21, acted upon Development and Delivery of Expository Messages, 2nd approach that falls short effectively his decision by repeatedly affirming his ed. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2001), 176. displays approval for a logos (informa- love for his Lord, having experienced 4 For further explication, see Bruce E. Gronbeck et al., Principles and Types of Speech Communication, 13th tional) approach, settling for a dynamic the change of mind and course of action ed. (New York: Addison-Wesley Educational sermon with mental enrichment and predicted by Jesus (Luke 22:32), and Publishers, 1997), 35; and Willie Edward Hucks II, “A cognitive stimulation—but lacking the becoming the first great evangelist of Preaching Program to Instill Social Consciousness in African-American Churches in Dallas/Fort Worth, result of a pathos (transformational) the post-Resurrection Christian church. Texas,” (DMin diss., Seventh-day Adventist approach that reveals itself in a Spirit- And the seminal moment transpired Theological Seminary, Andrews University, 2005), filled, renewed lifestyle. during an appeal. 105–107.

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OCTOBER 2018 Ministry® PETRONIO M. GENEBAGO

Petronio M. Genebago, MMin, MAR, is a doctoral student in Old Testament at the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS) in Silang, Cavite, Philippines. He won the grand prize in the 2016–2017 Ministry student writing contest for this article.

“It’s all Greek to me.” Why should I study biblical languages?

hy should pastors teaching and pastoral ministry. This For just when God wanted to spread the and Bible teachers in article reviews four reasons why a basic gospel throughout the world by means training study biblical knowledge of biblical languages is an of the apostles he gave the tongues Wlanguages? How does a essential aid for effective ministry. for that purpose.” Larry Lee Walker basic knowledge of biblical languages argues, “No translation can replace enhance one’s ministry in preaching Reason 1: Knowing the the original languages of the Bible or teaching? Seeking to complete an Bible in the original in primary importance for conveying undergraduate religion major or semi- language and perpetuating divine revelation.” nary training and skipping courses in In reading, studying, or researching Thus, studying the Bible in its original Hebrew or Greek is often a temptation any literature, there is always an advan- languages can deepen one’s under- for future Bible teachers or pastors. tage in going back to the original text standing of God and help the pastor to Such an attitude toward biblical lan- and language in which it was written. share the gospel effectively. guages may arise from any number of How much more so when it comes to reasons. Some may argue that their the study of God’s Word. The Bible was Reason 2: The exegesis ministry would be in a nonacademic written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. requires knowledge of setting, and, hence, they need not learn Jacques Doukhan points out that inti- original languages the original languages of the Bible. macy with God can be enhanced by Exegesis is defined as the “careful, Others may insist that their ministry understanding the context of ancient systematic study of the Scripture to may never call for the use of Hebrew or Israel, whose authors have reported discover the original, intended mean- Greek. They may further advise: “ ‘The their experiences in two thousand ing. This is basically a historical task. It seminaries could spare their ministerial years of the Hebrew language. This may is the attempt to hear the Word as the students a lot of grief and frustration by also be true for Greek. original recipients were to have heard making it optional.’ ” Still others would Studying the Bible in these lan- it, to find out what was the original point to the availability of multiple guages will help the reader understand intent of the words of the Bible.” Bible translations to arrive at what better what God has revealed. William Dallas Willard suggests three ways exactly a particular text says, without Mounce says that learning Greek can in which exegesis helps in the study going through the agony of studying help the person “effectively make of a text: to understand the grammar Hebrew or Greek. Then there is the known the grace of God to all people.” of the passage, to know the meaning simple reason: face it, neither Hebrew Long before this, Martin Luther testi- of particular words in a sentence, and nor Greek is easy to learn. fied, “Although the gospel came and to grasp the message of the text as a Such objections overlook the still comes to us through the Holy Spirit whole. The first and second approaches incredible blessing that literacy in alone, we cannot deny that it came call for a knowledge of biblical lan- biblical languages can bring to Bible through the medium of languages. . . . guages. John Henry Bennetch suggests

Ministry® OCTOBER 2018 that “any thorough-going study of how deep one can go in studying the Scripture, and working with it on your the Bible—true penetration into the Bible. Without the adequate knowledge own, and disputing with those who reaches of divine truth—necessitates of biblical languages, one can go as cite it incorrectly, he is unequal to the a working knowledge of the original.” deep as level two only. With language task; that cannot be done without Luther argued that the church fathers skills, one can reach level three, where languages.” misinterpreted the Scriptures when are found “unexpected treasures that However, armed with adequate they tried to defend certain teachings surprise and delight the soul.” Mounce knowledge of Bible languages, the because of their lack of knowledge of appreciates “good translations” of person can have a deeper, level 3, original languages. An interpreter can the Bible as a way for the preacher to understanding of Scripture that will easily err and do selective exegesis understand the Word and be a good help in effective teaching and preach- (reading one’s “own, completely for- ing. Figure 2 illustrates how Bible eign, ideas into a text”) when he or she students with a knowledge of original Figure 1. How deep Bible students does not have adequate knowledge of can go in studying the Bible languages can plunge deeply in the biblical languages. To avoid inadequate study of the Bible and experience its or wrong exegesis, pastors, teachers, effect on teaching and preaching. and preachers need to have adequate LEVEL 1 English or mother tongue knowledge of original languages. translations Reason 3: Difficulty of Ekkehardt Mueller argues: “All recognizing original those who do not have access to the LEVEL 2 expressions after respective biblical language should Dictionaries and translation consult—where possible—a number of commentaries The original languages have expres- good translations.” Tarsee Li concurs: sions that are difficult to express in LEVEL 3 “There is no substitute to being able to Adequate knowledge of translations. Gordon Fee and Douglas read the Bible in the original languages. Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek Stuart recognize this phenomenon in When that is not possible, several wordplays in original expressions of translations should be compared with poetry in both the testaments. They one another to make sure the text says Figure 2. How deep Bible students write: “Wordplays tend to abound in the same in English as in the original go in studying the Bible and its effect most languages, but they are always languages.” While diligent comparison on teaching and preaching unique to the original language and with different translations is helpful, can almost never be ‘translated’ into without adequate knowledge of origi- More effective teaching a receptor language.”1 William C. and preaching nal languages, interpreters are limiting Williams validates this in the study of themselves to others’ translations and the Old Testament. He says that those interpretations. To that extent, such LEVEL 1 studying Hebrew would be able to English or mother tongue an interpretation suffers an exegetic translations “understand expressions in the Hebrew limitation. Mueller clarifies, “Nuances language that are simply impossible to and options exist that no translation LEVEL 2 fully translate” and assures them that can ever capture. The translators have Dictionaries and learning those expressions directly already made certain decisions, and commentaries from studying the original language even the best translation is already would bless their hearts.2 For instance, an interpretation.” Grant Osborne LEVEL 3 Ruth 1:1–7 illustrates the wordplay that Adequate knowledge of opines that interpreters will find great Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek can be found in Hebrew that is lost in difficulty in dealing with grammar and translation. Verses 1 and 2 record, “In Deeper understanding syntax without knowing the original of Scriptures the days when the judges ruled there languages. Although they are not hope- was a famine in the land, and a man of less, the “problem is that they must Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in then depend on secondary sources, preacher. However, in the absence of the country of Moab, he and his wife mainly translations and the better “proper tools,” preachers are limited and his two sons. The name of the man commentaries.” in their “ability to deal with the text.” was Elimelech and the name of his wife Interpreters need to have an ade- Luther says: “A simple preacher (it is Naomi, and the names of his two sons quate working knowledge of biblical true) has so many clear passages and were Mahlon and Chilion. They were languages to exegete properly and not texts available through translations Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. depend on translations and commen- that he can know and teach Christ, They went into the country of Moab taries. Without it, such an exegesis will lead a holy life, and preach to others. and remained there” (ESV; emphasis not be true to its spirit. Figure 1 shows But when it comes to interpreting added).

OCTOBER 2018 Ministry® PETRONIO M. GENEBAGO

Wordplay present in this passage in “valid and invalid” grounds ahead of employ uncertain, indefensible, and Hebrew is not obvious in English. The them in the study of biblical languages.7 inappropriate expressions. They grope passage relates that there was a famine Yes, the study of biblical languages their way like a blind man along the wall, in the land that caused Elimelech’s may be difficult and time-consuming frequently missing the sense of the text family to leave Bethlehem for Moab. but, surely, not a waste of time. A num- and twisting it to suit their fancy.”14 Bethlehem, mentioned here twice, is ber of scholars can testify to the merit With the meaning and authentic- in Hebrew bet lechem, which means of studying biblical languages. Efird ity of Scripture shown in its original “house of bread.”3 In verse 6, the word expresses that studying Greek entails language, the study of the Bible can lechem is mentioned. Studying the “a great deal of detailed work, but the lead to a deeper understanding of passage closely, one can notice that most important consideration must be God’s Word and help in effective there was a famine in the house of that after the hard work one will be able teaching and preaching. “The sharper bread. Could there be a famine in the to read the New Testament in its original our interpretive tools, the deeper our house of bread? The lack of bread was language. That is the foundation stone understanding of the text of Scripture the reason why Elimelech with his of correct and proper exegesis and and, consequently, the greater the family leftthe house of bread, and bread interpretation.”8 impact on our lives and ministries.”15 was also the reason why Naomi with Bennetch provides a list of great Ruth returned to Bethlehem, because leaders in the history of the church Conclusion God visited His people by giving them who made use of biblical languages: The study of the Bible in its original lechem. The wordplay is clear: “there Augustine and John Calvin, Jerome languages leads to a deeper understand- is no bread in the house of bread,” or and Erasmus, Luther and Wesley—even ing of Scripture. Bible scholars, pastors, “there is no food in the house of food.”4 Charles Spurgeon and Dwight L. Moody, and teachers who are interested in This wordplay may raise questions who had no formal theological edu- deepening their understanding of God’s in one’s mind. What was the reason the cation.9 Doukhan mentions several Word, as well as teaching and preaching house of bread experienced the lack witnesses, from the church fathers and Scripture more effectively, would do well of bread? Matthew Henry observes, Reformers to modern theologians, who to know the original biblical languages. “When the land had rest, yet it had emphasized the merit and worth of Such a linguistic skill may be obtained not plenty; even in Bethlehem, which studying the original language.10 Mounce through personal study, taking language signifies the house of bread, there was speaks of John Wesley, who could classes in colleges and seminaries, and scarcity. A fruitful land is turned into “quote Scripture in Greek better than in through correspondence courses. The barrenness, to correct and restrain the English.”11 Jonathan Edwards received task is challenging, but the benefits are luxury and wantonness of those that diligent instruction from both home immense. Adventist colleges and semi- dwell therein.”5 and school in Greek and Hebrew.12 Both naries should encourage their future God was the source of both the scholars and nonscholars can testify Bible instructors, teachers, and pastors physical bread for Bethlehem during that learning the original languages is to plow through the classes in Hebrew the time of Ruth and the spiritual beneficial. Many believed that the depth and Greek. The start may be difficult, but bread when the seed of Ruth was born of preaching and teaching depends on once they have finished the course, such in Bethlehem. Did not Jesus say, “I am one’s solid understanding and knowl- students will find their future ministry the bread of life” (John 6:35)? Thus, it is edge of the New Testament Greek13 immensely rewarding and authorita- easy to miss a wordplay and a message and other languages. Luther illustrates tive. A working knowledge of biblical when there is lack of knowledge in the the benefits of knowing the biblical languages is a priceless treasure both biblical languages. languages: “When our faith is thus held to personal spiritual enrichment and to up to ridicule, where does the fault lie? ministry at large. Reason 4: The witness of It lies in our ignorance of the languages; scholars and there is no other way out than to 1 Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart, How to Read the The fourth reason for the study of learn the languages. Was not St. Jerome Bible for All It’s Worth (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2003), 46, 47.” 46, 47. original languages is the testimony of compelled to translate the Psalter anew 2 William C. Williams, Hebrew I Language Study: A scholars who were able to mine the from the Hebrew because, when we Study Guide (Brussels, Belgium: International richest treasures of the Word because quoted our Psalter in disputes with the Correspondence Institute, 1986), 7. of their knowledge of the original lan- Jews, they sneered at us, pointing out 3 John R. Kohlenberger III and William D. Mounce, eds., Kohlenberger/Mounce Concise Hebrew–Aramaic guages. James M. Efird recognizes that that our texts did not read that way in the Dictionary of the Old Testament (Accordance Bible studying Greek “can be exciting,” but original Hebrew? Now the expositions software), s.v. “Bethlehem.” “it will entail a great deal of detailed of all the early fathers who dealt with 4 Jon L. Dybdahl, ed., Andrews Study Bible, New King work.”6 Doukhan comments that some Scripture apart from a knowledge of the James Version (Berrien Springs, MI: Andrews University Press, 2010), 329. (seminarians and pastors) resorted to languages (even when their teaching 5 Matthew Henry, Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the an analytical lexicon because of the is not in error) are such that they often Whole Bible, vol. 2, Joshua to Esther (New York:

Ministry® OCTOBER 2018 Fleming H. Revell, 1935), 253, emphasis original. 9 Bennetch, “The Advantage in Knowing the Biblical PA: Banner of Truth Trust, 1987), 27. 6 James M. Efird, A Grammar for New Testament Greek Languages,” 185. 13 David Alan Black, It’s Still Greek to Me: An (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1990), xvii. 10 Doukhan, Hebrew for Theologians, xvii. Easy-to-Understand Guide to Intermediate Greek 7 Allan R. McAllaster, “A Functional Approach to the 11 Mounce, Basics of Biblical Greek Grammar, 4. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1998), 11. Biblical Languages,” Perspectives in Religious Studies 7, 12 See David C. Brand, Profile of the Last Puritan: Jonathan 14 Martin Luther, “The Importance of the Biblical no. 2 (Summer 1980): 119, accessed Sept. 1, 2015, Edwards, Self-Love and the Dawn of the Beatific Languages,” 3. ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials, EBSCO. (Atlanta, GA: Scholars Press, 1991), 9, 10, and Iain H. 15 George H. Guthrie and J. Scott Duvall, Biblical Greek 8 Efird,A Grammar for New Testament Greek, xvii. Murray, Jonathan Edwards: A New Biography (Carlisle, Exegesis (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1998), 19.

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Greatest victories

s a campus, we couldn’t let this of tradition has emerged. In closing, we superlative go. It’s the second offer a song from our knees that praises Aword of several powerful lines, or thanks God for who He is and what and it drew us in. He has done. “The greatest [emphasis mine] One of the most unexpected answers victories to the church of Christ or to came nearly two years ago when the continuing the growth of the church and the individual Christian are not those church began the conversation about schools? But when the doubt is shared that are gained by talent or education, building a small addition to the current with God, He has always asked me by wealth or the favor of men. They facility. The cost was calculated to be the question: “Who came up with that are those victories that are gained in about $400,000. We took it to God in number first?” the audience chamber with God, when prayer and felt impressed not to ask for In the fall of 2018, Campion church earnest, agonizing faith lays hold upon that amount but to ask for $2 million. will be breaking ground on an addition the mighty arm of power.”* Within the group is a short list of big that will provide expanded oppor- It isn’t better preachers, teach- requests—petitions for our campus tunities to impact the campus and ers, administrators, or even donors enrollment, a number of baptisms, or community with the hope and love of that God needs to make our campus financial needs—and these are numbers Jesus. Several of the big requests have a lighthouse in Colorado; it is more that are far beyond what is being done been answered, but not all of them. We earnest praying that will bring about or is possible. We want to challenge God continue to claim God’s promises for the greatest success. These lines call us to do just that—the impossible. So we several. But God has made it clear to to the Campion Academy campus every added the petition for $2 million, not this small circle that on their knees is Wednesday morning at the front of the understanding why or how. where the greatest victories will be won. church sanctuary for an hour of prayer A year after initiating that prayer When I walk out of the sanctuary together. Pastors, an elementary teacher, request for $2 million, the church came on Wednesday morning and into my the academy principal, and elders bow together to discuss and finalize the office to take on the ministry needs of together, bringing God’s promises back conversation about what, exactly, we the day, there is a cogent sense that to Him and interceding for individual and would need in an additional building the weightiest and most effective work campus needs. Laying hold of the mighty space. All the considerations for space of the day has already been done. It arm of power changes the ones on their and ministry growth were outlined and wasn’t easy, but it was sweet, and it knees and calls them back to making then submitted to an architect to draw has instilled in me the confidence that all their wants and wishes known. It’s up preliminary plans and estimate cost. we have a God who still wants to give galvanizing. Paul Bragaw, an elementary The report came back, and the cost great victories to churches, schools, and school teacher on campus, admits that was figured right at $2 million. Before individuals. Here in Campion, Colorado, the prayer time “inspires me to want to we ever dreamed of the need, God had we will pray on. be in God’s presence more.” put the amount on our hearts to bring —Written by Micheal Goetz, DMin, lead pastor The entire hour is spent in honest, back to Him. of the Campion Seventh-day Adventist Church, open pleading with God for His Spirit At many junctures of the planning Loveland, Colorado, United States. and for His blessing and guidance. and capital campaign, there have Often, tears are shed as promises are been opportunities for doubts. Will we * Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets (Washington, repeated and petitions pleaded for. A bit really be able to raise this money while DC: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1958), 203.

OCTOBER 2018 Ministry® NNAMDI EDU

Nnamdi Edu, MA in religious education, is currently a doctoral candidate at Cavite State University, Cavite, Philippines.

Pedagogy: A practical tool for pastoral ministry

Introduction them to obey everything I have com- acquaint himself or herself with peda- One of the primary objectives of the manded you. And surely I am with you gogical knowledge in terms of planning pastor is to facilitate both the redemp- always, to the very end of the age’ ” and paying attention to the needs of tion and the equipping of church (Matt. 28:19, 20). This verse is among the learners. members by teaching the Word of the many verses that have set the Planning. Planning is one of the God.1 This means that even as the pas- tone for pastoral ministry and is an elements of pedagogy. Indeed, “wise tor preaches the Word, he or she also assignment applicable to all faithful planning is needed to place each one undertakes the work of a teacher. The Christians of every age.5 in his proper sphere in the work, in Bible says, “So Christ himself gave the Today, the work of pastors is order that he may obtain an experience apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, undoubtedly dominated by preach- which will fit him to bear increased the pastors and teachers” (Eph. 4:11).2 ing. However, it is not enough to just responsibility.”6 This part of the instruc- Therefore, the ministry and teaching persuade the people to accept the tion involves setting objectives. You do are inseparable—they are entwined for message of salvation. What is more not teach without purpose; therefore, a collegial purpose. Ellen White stated, important in promoting discipleship is make sure your objectives are clear. “The work of education and the work of retaining new members. Ask yourself, why do you teach redemption are one.”3 Bible instruction will not be effec- the lesson that you teach? The answer Pedagogy, defined as “the prin- tive if pastors fail to follow the principles will form your objective. Then identify ciples and methods of instruction,”4 is that support teaching. In my pastoral strategies or teaching methods you can a common word among educators in ministry, I have observed various times apply to achieve your objective. Jesus general and in religious education in how members react to the way their was a planner. While on earth, He taught particular. As pedagogy and pastoral pastor and other teachers handle les- with an objective and used different ministry are integrative, the follow- sons. Recently, I observed a local church methods. When Jesus met Andrew and ing questions are pertinent: (1) What during their Bible study session. While Peter, they were struggling to catch effect does pedagogy have on pastoral the pastor was teaching, some of the fish. Jesus taught them how to catch ministry? (2) Can the pedagogical skills members were sleeping. A few minutes fish by asking for a demonstration. of the pastor facilitate the process of after the class was dismissed, I called on This act is what modern educators call church growth? one of the students and asked, “How do learning by doing.7 Similarly, a pastor you feel about the teaching?” should allow the members of his or Impact of pedagogy on He answered: “The class was bor- her class to contribute immensely to pastoral ministry ing, and the pastor was preaching the lesson. Assign work to them, and Matthew tells us about the Great instead of teaching. I am not interested if possible, request members to teach Commission that Jesus gave to the in attending his class.” If this type certain topics. In addition, use the disciples: “ ‘Therefore go and make of deficiency is not addressed, the Think-Pair-Share technique.8 After the disciples of all nations, baptizing them ministry of the pastor—in the context lesson, ask the students to pair off, talk in the name of the Father and of the of discipleship—might be defeated. together, and then share with the larger Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching Therefore, each minister needs to group what they have learned.

Ministry® OCTOBER 2018 Understanding learners. Under­ the Word of God. In most cases, the apostle of Jesus Christ. The people you standing the learners that constitute people who received God’s Word grew encourage today will grow and become your audience is a critical principle in to become strong believers. church leaders tomorrow. In a similar pedagogy. Jesus was a Master in this Jesus went to the synagogue on manner, Jesus commended a woman practice. Jesus knew His audience. different occasions to teach the people by saying, “ ‘Why are you bothering You cannot teach effectively if you do about the kingdom of God: “He was this woman? She has done a beautiful not connect the lesson to the needs of teaching in their synagogues, and every- thing to me’ ” (Matt. 26:10). This woman the learners. Today, our classes can be one praised him” (Luke 4:15). Almost had poured an expensive ointment on dominated by millennials, a group of every word in this verse is emphatic. Jesus, but the disciples became angry people “that walk with more informa- The Greek word for teaching, as used in with her for such action. However, Jesus tion in their fingertips.”9 Church leaders this context, is didasko (διδάσκω). This saw the woman’s action through a dif- must, therefore, pay attention to the word means “to impart instruction.”14 ferent lens: He commended her effort. needs of the diverse groups within Jesus spent a great portion of His life In the context of teaching, we their church and prepare lessons to instructing His disciples and those who should commend people whenever address these needs. The factors that antagonized Him that the service of God they share new ideas with us. No idea differentiate individuals from each is paramount in life.15 is bad. I met a member who shared other are “abilities, interests, values and Also, in the verse, the Greek term with me that he would never speak attitudes, and home background.”10 A δοξαζόμενος (doxazomenos) 16— up in church again. I asked him why. pastor in the ministry of leading people “praised,” implies that the church He told me that a pastor stopped him to attain maturity in Christian faith members acknowledged His teach- from talking while he was contributing should become acquainted with these ing and honored Him. Nobody will to the lesson. He became enraged factors and the diverse, differentiated celebrate your work unless he or she is and wanted to exchange words with teaching activities to address individual happy with your instruction. As in mar- the pastor but, he said, the Holy Spirit learning needs. Pearl Subban puts it riage, your Bible teaching should bring intervened. This is not as uncommon as this way: “It is necessary to take into joy and happiness to the members: we may wish. We, as ministers, should account the vast differences among “Each is to minister to the happiness of lead by example. Theological training students in a classroom, acknowledging the other.”17 is not enough to manage the church each student’s strengths while accom- Many a time I had been a victim of activities—we also need pedagogy. modating their limitations.”11 laxity. When I first joined the ministry, Learn to accommodate people’s Love for the people should motivate I felt the best thing to do was to be weaknesses. Aquila and Priscilla demon- your curiosity to know your learners. hard on church members. Most of strated this pedagogical skill when they Jesus, in His time, loved His audience the time, lessons would be prepared saw Apollos. This couple had observed and was patient with them at all times. to attack weak members instead of Paul and the way he taught. Therefore, The duties of a pastor should follow appealing to the fainting souls. Because when they heard the doctrinal mistake those of Jesus Christ: “Let our teachers of the way we prepare lessons, our Apollos made in the congregation, they strive to follow His example, to cherish classes sometimes end in chaos: an did not scold him publicly. They invited His spirit of tender sympathy.”12 This attitude that remains dominant in most him home and taught him the right way statement implies that all pastors need congregations. of the Lord (Acts 18:26). A few years later, to replicate the love Jesus showed Positive reinforcement is one Apollos became a staunch man in the to the people during His time in the strategy that we can use to pro- Christian fold. ministry. Love will produce patience. mote an effective teaching ministry. Teaching helps members grow. Without the value of patience, a pastor Compliment members who contribute Unfortunately, we live in an era when will be unable to cope with different to Bible study. Commend those who people find it difficult to control their learners. find answers to questions. There is emotions. Sometimes, it becomes nothing wrong with appreciating your more painful when it happens among Pedagogy and church people’s efforts. When Peter told Jesus Christians. It is not good for a minister growth who He was, Jesus said: “ ‘And on this to find fault with the members. Instead, The passion for growth is a precur- rock, I will build my church’ ” (Matt. look for their strengths and help them sor for teaching. If gospel teachers teach 16:18). Imagine Peter’s feeling of joy at overcome their weaknesses. This atti- as the Spirit directs and perform God’s this acknowledgement of his faith. Such tude will lead to church growth. work as the Word dictates, they will words of kindness could have contrib- experience endless progress until Christ uted to his effective ministry. When you Conclusion appears.13 The Bible speaks exten- practice this behavior, you are indirectly In general, pedagogy impacts the sively about men and women of God strengthening that member’s particular ministry—it helps the members grow to who devoted themselves to teaching behavior. Peter grew to be known as an maturity in faith. However, you cannot

OCTOBER 2018 Ministry® NNAMDI EDU

thrive in this paradigm of church activi- must envision the growth of the church times. I am looking forward to seeing a ties if you do not follow the principles through pedagogy. Commend your congregation where members will long that guard it. Before you can teach members, accommodate their weak- to hear more of the Word of God because effectively, you must first plan. Try to nesses, and help them grow spiritually. of the pedagogical skill the minister define your objectives and come up Without a doubt, we must follow the practices. The church belongs to all of us. with teaching strategies that will help example of Jesus Christ in everything As such, we must do our best to further you accomplish your objectives. The we do. He came and showed us how to the process of discipleship. It is not teaching task cannot be removed from perform Christian duties. He is our great- enough to just have public campaigns. pastoral ministry. Improve your instruc- est Teacher. He uses several strategies The culture of nurturing the members tional abilities. To achieve this task, you to address different people at different should improve with teaching.

1 Ellen G. White, Gospel Workers (Washington, DC: Objectives’ in Science and Engineering Education,” (2006): 938. Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1915), 337. Apr. 2, 2003, pdfs.semanticscholar.org/9127/b37c01 12 Ellen G. White, Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and 2 Scripture in this article is from the New International 98937227a474bbc27541aa7904aa19.pdf. Students (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Pub. Version. 8 Jay McTighe and Frank T. Lyman Jr., “Cueing Thinking Assn., 2011), 362. 3 Ellen G. White, Education (Mountain View, CA: Pacific in the Classroom: The Promise of Theory-Embedded 13 Ellen G. White, Life Sketches of Ellen G. White (Mountain Press Pub. Assn., 1952), 30. Tools,” Educational Leadership 45, no. 7 (Apr. 1, 1988): View, CA: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1915), 438. 4 Princeton’s WordNet, s.v. “pedagogy,” on Definitions 19, ascd.org/ASCD/pdf/journals/ed_lead 14 The NAS New Testament Greek Lexicon, s.v. “Didasko,” website, accessed Apr. 12, 2018, definitions.net /el_198804_mctighe.pdf. def. 2.a., Bible Study Tools, biblestudytools.com /definition/pedagogy. 9 Ranulfo Payos, Human Resource Management /lexicons/greek/nas/didasko.html. 5 White, Gospel Workers, 26. (Manila, Philippines: Rex Pub., 2010), 3. 15 Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages (Mountain View, 6 Ellen G. White, The Paulson Collection of Ellen G. White 10 Brenda B. Corpuz and Gloria G. Salandanan, CA: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1940), 385. Letters (Payson, AZ: Leaves-of-Autumn Books, 1985), Principles of Teaching 1, 3rd ed. (Manila, Lorimar 16 NASB Lexicon: Luke 4:15, Bible hub, biblehub.com 403. Pub., 2013), 6. /lexicon/luke/4-15.htm. 7 Daniel Churchill, “Effective Design Principles for 11 Pearl Subban, “Differentiated Instruction: A Research 17 Ellen G. White, The Adventist Home (Mountain View, Activity Based Learning: The Crucial Role of ‘Learning Basis,” International Education Journal 7, no. 7, CA: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1952), 103.

“What Are Human Beings That You Remember Them?”

What is the nature of human beings and their destiny? Bible scholars from around the world What are the biblical concepts address these and other vital questions of death and hell? in this select set of biblical, historical, Are we indivisible or is there theological, and practical studies a soul that survives death? presented at the Third International Bible Conference in Israel, June 11–21, 2012.

This conditionalist contribution to the monism-dualism debate is a valuable resource for pastors, Bible teachers, and church leaders.

US $19.99 plus S+H adventistbiblicalresearch.org | 301.680.6790

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Ministry® OCTOBER 2018 JOHN SKRZYPASZEK

John Skrzypaszek, DMin, is director of the Ellen G. White/Seventh-day Adventist Research Centre at Avondale College of Higher Education, Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia.

The time of crisis and prophetic visioning1

In 1886, these words were written: “The Lord brings his erring children over the same ground again and again; but if they continually fail to heed the admonitions of his Spirit, if they fail to reform on every point where they have erred, he will finally leave them to their own weakness.”2 The context of this quote was a time like no other. It was a time of decay in the prevailing social, political, and religious conditions of mid-nineteenth-century American society, and it was a time of spiritual demise among the Sabbatarian Adventists. These conditions prepared the ground for the injection of new prophetic visions—the great controversy vision (Lovett’s Grove, Ohio, 1858) and the health vision (Otsego, Michigan, 1863), in the context of the American Civil War (1861–1865). Lessons from this time of crisis must be heeded by today’s church, lest we be brought over the same ground again or, worse—be left to our own weakness.

The time of crisis sight of God.”7 Nevertheless, the search will not save any. All must have a deep The Civil War ushered in a time of for new understanding progressed on and living experience” with God.11 The complex crisis in the United States. the pathway of consequential chal- named environment generated a time Often seen as a religious war,3 the lenges. First, since both sides were so of external and internal crisis requiring American Civil War preserved in the compellingly convinced about God’s an injection of new inspirational moti- minds of the opposing camps a convic- presence, the aftermath of the war led vation. In other words, the prevailing tion that God supported their cause, to spiritual disillusionment and damage turmoil spawned the necessity for a and both sides “utilized the rhetoric to the “hereditary confidence in the new, future-oriented understanding of of election and destiny in interpreting Bible.”8 Second, the growth of “large life, seen from God’s perspective. the struggle.”4 Robert Mathisen asserts, scale industrialization” and “bureaucra- “Religious rhetoric claimed divine sup- cies” in the northern states changed The prophetic visioning port for the direction each side took the social dynamics, forever affecting The Civil War dispersed the utopian before, during, and for decades after the small-town, rural ways of life. Attention dream of a perfect world, demon- war.” 5 More tragic were the agonizing was now diverted to material interests strating that the human mind was outcomes of the bloody battles and as a focus of well-being.9 not only capable of creating visions the loss of many lives. But surprisingly, The Civil War positioned the of the postmillennial hope but also “from politician to soldiers to chap- Sabbatarian Adventists at the cross- capable of inflicting both spiritual and lain, a ‘divine logic’ convinced many roads of a moral and ethical dilemma physical destruction. The paradoxes Americans that God would ‘make their over slavery and heightened the exist- of this crisis shaped a crucible for the paths straight.’ ”6 ing spiritual lethargy caused by the relinquishment of hopes based on In consequence, the existing apparent delay of the Second Coming. human dreams and of expectations dichotomy accentuated a spiritual As early as 1855, Ellen White focused for a clearer understanding of God’s crisis, namely, disorientation regarding attention on the spiritual condition purposes. Walter Brueggemann argues God’s involvement in human life. Robert of the Sabbatarian Adventists.10 Her that in such crucial moments, “God’s Handy argues, “When the fighting was calls were sharp and clear. She pointed powerful governance is displacing the over, Christian leaders on both sides out that the truth was not internal- present idolatrous order of public life sought to discern what the destiny of ized, and in consequence, there was and is generating a new order that the reunited nation was to be in the a lack of faith. “A form of godliness befits God’s will for the world.”12 This

OCTOBER 2018 Ministry® JOHN SKRZYPASZEK

space provided the opportunity for God received the great controversy vision what Ellen White later referred to as to inject into human life a new vision. with clear instruction to write it down.13 the “one great central truth . . . : Christ It also challenged the community of The heart of the vision unfolded the and Him crucified.” On June 6 she faith both to relinquish old views and reality of the conflict between God and penned the following reflection: “I was to receive an inspirational framework Satan, good and evil, from its incep- shown some things in regard to my for a new, future-oriented perspective tion to the end of time. Rather than husband and myself.”19 The heart of of life. It needs to be pointed out that penning it as a one-off description, she the vision took her attention away from such visionary understanding is never developed a broad perspective on this frantic activities, heartaches, relational detached from the existing social and theme between 1858 and 1888.14 frustrations, and disappointments, cultural challenges; rather, it takes While the Civil War precipitated drawing her attention to what God cares shape as an incremental process or a crisis regarding the authenticity of about, namely, the value, potential, gradual metamorphosis within the God’s involvement in human life, the and uniqueness of human life.20 The fabrics of existing social structures. great controversy theme prepared the Sabbath-focused vision moved beyond early Sabbatarian Adventists to view the emphasis on the cure of the body to human struggles and conflicts from an the heart of the matter, the relevance of inspirational panorama of the victori- “spiritual nourishment—a place for the ous outcome of God’s final triumph.15 healing of the heart, mind, and human The great In contrast to physical and spiritual attitudes”—a motivational and inspi- controversy and slavery, it highlighted the value of God- rational framework for God’s visionary given freedom of choice and the view of pathway for life.21 health visions a new world.16 It inspired the believers The divinely crafted pathway of the to confront life’s challenges with a great controversy and health visions shared a correlated sense of new identity and a spiritual aimed to reenergize the growing move- environment that nurtured human ment with a new spiritual purpose purpose in shaping value, uniqueness, and potential. for life in the eschatological time of Reviewing the significance of the waiting. Brueggemann argues, “These a pathway of great controversy theme, Ellen White poets [prophets] not only discerned inspirational stressed its quintessential focus: the new actions of God that others “There is one great central truth to did not discern, but they wrought the motivation for a be kept ever before the mind in the new actions of God by the power of searching of the Scriptures: Christ and their imagination, their tongues, their new mode of public Him crucified.”17 In the light of this words.”22 Such utterances were always emphasis, she explored its visionary relevant to their time and place, but existence. application. “When Christ in His work at the same time, they inspired the of redemption is seen to be the great reception of a new world given by central truth of the system of truth, a God through these prophets.23 In the new light is shed upon all the events context of the described crisis, the With this background, we may of the past and the future. They are great controversy and health visions explore the gradual emergence of the seen in a new relation, and possess a shared a correlated purpose in shaping great controversy theme. We may also new and deeper significance.”18 In her a pathway of inspirational motivation examine the wholistic awareness of understanding, the overarching theme for a new mode of public existence. health as the hub of the inspired pro- of the grand metanarrative found its phetic vision that injected a spiritual focus in God’s saving act—Jesus Christ. The pathway of creative reorientation for life’s journey in the The unfolding story highlighted a reas- visioning eschatological time of waiting for the suring motivation that God, the Creator, The period of postwar reconstruc- Second Advent. We will also argue that is an active Agent in the world, One who tion (1865–1877) embroiled the nation Ellen White’s voice played a significant challenges the community of faith both in political and social conflicts. The role in preparing the movement for the to relinquish old views and to receive a long-sought-after emancipation from reception of the new but complex world. visionary framework of a new future- the bondage of slavery led to a slow, oriented perspective of life. grinding process of integrating the The great controversy This view was further enhanced ideals of freedom, equality, and value motif and the wholistic by the Otsego health vision received for all into the fabric of the social and awareness of health Friday evening, June 5, 1863, during political life of the nation. During this In mid-March 1858, before the com- the opening Sabbath prayer. This vision time, the newly organized Seventh- mencement of the Civil War, Ellen White unfolded a practical application of day Adventist Church confronted the

Ministry® OCTOBER 2018 challenge of stepping into the realm of a progressively changing world. Figure 1: Inspired and Inspirational Purpose of the Prophetic Visioning The great controversy theme The Desire of Ages (1898) • Christ’s Object Lessons (1900) contributed to Ellen White’s in-depth understanding of God’s purpose for life A spiritually relational life anchored in the broken world. While the period of in the teachings of Jesus Reconstruction in the American society aimed to integrate the lost vision of Education the intrinsic value of human life and (1903) its purpose, Ellen White affirmed the value of human life and disseminated a spiritual reconstruction, undiscerned The Heart of by the believers as yet, by applying the God’s Vision principles of the great controversy and A spiritually Ministry for Life A spiritually health to life. Acts of the transformational, of Healing Apostles missional It needs to be noted that it was wholistic view (1905) (1911) purpose in life during the 23 years from 1888 to 1911 of life that Ellen White published her most significant works.24 During this period of creative visioning, she recaptured the the prosperous development of White’s prophetic visualization of God’s quintessential elements of God’s pur- God-given talents and abilities.27 purpose for the church: pose for the ongoing journey of faith. 4. Personal identity. She saw that Her reflections on God’s communicative while the destructive forces of • A spiritually relational life anchored presence inspired her with insights of evil diminish the value of human in the teachings of Jesus new realities, a reception and vision of life, God’s presence inspires and • A spiritually transformational, a new world seen through the lenses of restores it. wholistic view of life God’s passion for the lost. • A spiritually missional purpose of life While space does not permit a com- The listed motifs stemmed from prehensive analysis of all her works the source of all wisdom, a God-shaped Her prophetic voice called for the published during this period, in the inspirational framework of His designed injection of God’s love into a spiritu- context of the great controversy theme purpose for Christian living. For this ally oriented approach to mission. and the wholistic view of well-being, we purpose, spiritual authenticity, genuine “Marvelous will be the transformation may discern the overarching presence relationships, and a healthy sense of wrought in him who by faith opens the of four overlapping motifs: personal identity composed the heart door of the heart to the Saviour.”29 and distinctiveness of Ellen White’s 1. Spiritual authenticity. Ellen White’s visionary motivation. In this respect, Five leadership lifelong emphasis accentuated the her views stood in vast contrast to the applications significance of spiritual life spring- devalued perspective of human life This brief historical overview, delin- ing from a personal relationship during and after the crisis of the Civil eating the purpose and influence of with God. She wrote, “Everyone War. In this context, she encouraged prophetic visioning in the time of crisis, needs to have a personal experience believers to shape a point of reference, serves to highlight the value and sig- in obtaining a knowledge of the will not in time-oriented speculations but nificance of visionary and inspirational of God. We must individually hear with implicit trust and confidence in leadership. Inspirational and visionary Him speaking to the heart.”25 Jesus, in the progressively changing leadership 2. Genuine relationships. She main- and complex world.28 tained that a personal relationship During the period of creative • shapes the framework of implicit with God enhances the depth of visioning, her reflections on God’s com- trust and confidence in God’s involve- spiritual authenticity, and, in turn, municative presence inspired her with ment in human life and history; its influence stimulates a revitalized a new focus, a contextualized meaning • provides space for a life-transform- refreshment and peace for “the of faith-oriented experience with Jesus. ing experience of God’s love that, strain of life’s intense activities.”26 Rather than shaping a rigid, prescriptive, in turn, generates a passion for 3. Professional development. In her and authoritarian formula of religiosity, sharing Christlike attitudes in the understanding, the spiritual focus the visions reenergized the church with a brokenness of human life; was not an end in itself but rather new purpose for life and mission. Figure • encourages people to recapture a preparation of fertile ground for 1 illustrates the focal objective of Ellen the essence of God’s vision for the

OCTOBER 2018 Ministry® JOHN SKRZYPASZEK

church, namely, a spiritually, mis- White’s literary contribution between In the context of the Civil War, this sional service, a space in which 1888 and 1911, share a correlated pur- new orientation inspired the church individuals rediscover their unique- pose that to break through race and gender bar- ness, value, and potential and use riers set by human traditions and to personal talents to communicate • shaped a visionary and inspira- provide restitution and restoration, Jesus wherever they are; tional pathway for a new mode of in harmony with the heartbeat of the • imparts boldness to relinquish old existence in the complexity of life; Christian ethos. In this respect, Ellen status-quo methodologies, to pro- • enriched the church with a motiva- White moved beyond the constraints of vide a contextualized and refreshed tional pathway augmenting human organizational structures. Her visualiza- but biblically grounded meaning of value, uniqueness, and the poten- tion was of a new world given by God faith in Jesus; and tial for God’s designed purpose; combined with an even more profound, • transforms pastoral leadership • directed attention to a relational vertically anchored, motivational per- influence from a prescriptively point of reference secured in an spective. “All heaven is waiting for men authoritarian and informative mode implicit trust and confidence in and women through whom God can to an inspirational voice calling peo- God; reveal the power of Christianity.”30 In ple to visualize the incomprehensible • provided a reassuring conviction in her mind, the experience of sharing the benefits of God’s kingdom of grace. God’s presence and a challenge to power of God’s grace in the complex- follow His vision for public existence ity of the changing world prepares Five leadership in a changing world; and the church for the higher joy of wider challenges • challenged the global church family service in the world to come—service The context of the outlined crisis to become Christ’s extended hands that will flow through eternity from suggests that the great controversy in their respective communities and more complete “revelations of God and and the health visions, along with Ellen cultures. Christ.”31

1 Adapted from J. Skrzypaszek, “The Time of Crisis 6 Mathisen, “Religion and America’s Civil War,” 332. 19 Ellen G. White, “Testimony Regarding James and and Prophetic Imagination” (paper presented at the 7 Handy, “The American Messianic Consciousness,” 52. Ellen White,” Ms. 1, 1863. annual meeting of the Adventist Society for 8 Noll, The Old Religion in a New World, 110. 20 John Skrzypaszek, “The Heart of the Seventh-day Religious Studies, San Antonio, TX, November 9 Noll, The Old Religion in a New World, 110. Adventist Health Message,” Ministry, December 2016). https://research.avondale.edu.au/cgi 10 Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church 2014, 6–8. /viewcontent.cgi?article=1012&context=theo (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1948), 21 Skrzypaszek, “Heart of the Seventh-day Adventist _conferences 1:125. See also pages 119, 120. Health Message,” 8. 2 Ellen G. White, Historical Sketches of the Foreign 11 White, Testimonies for the Church, 1:125. 22 Brueggemann, Hopeful Imagination, 2; emphasis Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists (Basle, 12 Walter Brueggemann, Hopeful Imagination: original. Switzerland: Imprimerie Polyglotte, 1886), 137. Prophetic Voices in Exile (Philadelphia, PA: Fortress 23 Brueggemann, Hopeful Imagination, 2. 3 Mark A. Noll, The Old Religion in a New World: The Press, 1986), 4. 24 Ellen White’s major literary publications between History of North American Christianity (Grand 13 Ellen G. White, Life Sketches of Ellen G. White 1888 and 1911 were as follows: The Great Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2002), 109–112. Charles H. (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1943), Controversy Between Christ and Satan During the Lippy, Introducing American Religion (New York: 162. Christian Dispensation (1888), Christian Temperance Routledge, 2009), 127–130. Edwin S. Gaustad and 14 Ellen White developed the great controversy theme and Bible Hygiene (1890), Patriarchs and Prophets Mark A. Noll, eds., A Documentary History of in the following books: Spiritual Gifts, vol. 1 (1858); (1890), Steps to Christ (1892), Gospel Workers Religion in America to 1877 (Grand Rapids, MI: Spiritual Gifts, vols. 3 and 4 (1864); The Spirit of (1892), Christian Education (1893), Thoughts From Eerdmans, 2003), 517–519. Mitchell Snay, Prophecy, vols. 1–4 (1870–1884); The Great the Mount of Blessing (1896), Healthful Living “Religion, the Origins of Southern Nationalism, and Controversy Between Christ and Satan (1888). (1897), The Desire of Ages (1898), Christ’s Object the Coming of the Civil War,” in Critical Issues in 15 Herbert E. Douglass points out, “Many scholars Lessons (1900), Education (1903), The Ministry of American Religious History, ed. Robert R. Mathisen, have identified Ellen White’s unifying principle as Healing (1905), and The Acts of the Apostles (1911). 2nd rev. ed. (Waco, TX: Baylor University Press, the Great Controversy Theme. This provided a 25 Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages (Mountain View, 2006), 345–350. Jud Lake, A Nation in God’s Hands: coherent framework for her theological thought as CA: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1940), 363. Ellen White and the Civil War (Nampa, ID: Pacific well as her principles in education, health, 26 White, Desire of Ages, 363. Press Pub. Assn., 2017). missiology, social issues, and environmental 27 White, Desire of Ages, 363. 4 Robert T. Handy, “The American Messianic topics.” Messenger of the Lord: The Prophetic 28 John Skrzypaszek, “God’s Messenger: Australian Consciousness: The Concept of the Chosen People Ministry of Ellen G. White (Nampa, ID: Pacific Press Writings Motivate Worldwide: A Look at Ellen and Manifest Destiny,” Review and Expositor 73, no. Pub. Assn., 1998), 256. White’s Life and Legacy,” Adventist World, October 1 (1976): 52. See also Alan Johnson, “The Bible and 16 Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets 2015, 23. War in America: An Historical Survey,” Journal of the (Washington, DC: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 29 Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing (Mountain Evangelical Theological Society 28, no. 2 (June 1958), 48, 49. View, CA: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1942), 93. 1985): 174, 175. 17 Ellen G. White, “Circulation of The Great 30 Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles (Mountain 5 Robert R. Mathisen, ed., “Religion and America’s Controversy,” Ms. 31, 1890. View, CA: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1911), 93. Civil War: How Did Religion Impact the Civil War?” 18 White, “Circulation of The Great Controversy,” Ms. 31 Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy (Mountain in Critical Issues in American Religious History, 332. 31, 1890. View, CA: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1907), 678.

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Ministry® OCTOBER 2018 RESOURCES

Protest and Progress: Black Seventh-day Adventist Leadership and the Push for Parity By Calvin Rock, Berrien Springs, MI: Andrews University Press, 2018.

rotest and Progress is one of the most accelerated church growth among In section two of the book, Rock Psignificant books written about an blacks. The West Coast would follow a deftly shifts from simply describing the area of Adventist history often over- different model but, even there, leader- unfolding drama of history to becoming looked by church scholars. Chronicling ship recognized the need to provide a polemicist. Marshaling a series of the struggles of black Adventists for special black supervision over its work. arguments, he engages in sociological, equality within the organization, Calvin The third phase of the black struggle cultural, historical, theological, and Rock recounts in section 1 the four major ran from 1969 to 1980. This phase, the practical analyses to make the point protest movements by black Adventist push for black unions, continued the call that blacks are better served by their leaders. In section 2, he addresses the for greater autonomy and representation own leaders. Now is definitely not the question of the continuing relevance of for the black work. This third phase time to do away with black conferences. black-led conferences. would be the most divisive and would They have served their purpose well and Dr. Rock identifies the first period create deep divisions among black are still very much needed. Although as the push for social and administra- leadership. The presidents of the black at times this section seems discon- tive participation, starting in 1889 and conferences spearheaded the move- nected from the first one, I think Rock lasting until 1929. Although the early ment, putting them at odds with black is attempting to create a cohesive theo- Adventist pioneers advocated abolition, leaders already embedded in the various retical framework for the history that he equality, and justice and supported the hierarchical structures of the denomina- described in the previous section. North in the American Civil War, by the tion. Many well-known black leaders A retired General Conference vice time the denomination entered the last in the upper echelons of the church president, Rock does an excellent job decade of the nineteenth century, it opposed the move. Unfortunately, at identifying the issues and major play- had abandoned its earlier progressive times, their disagreement degenerated ers. A more qualified person could not views. At the end of this first period, Rock into name-calling on both sides. The pro- be chosen to write this history. He had a describes the outcome in the follow- union group lost the battle, but one of front-row seat in the drama, witnessing ing way: “Black church employees still the most highly respected black leaders many of the significant events of the found themselves excluded from critical of that time was elected as president of last two phases. Furthermore, he was discussions and decision making. The the North American Division and thus well connected to the major players result was that they remained trapped in ended the drive toward black unions. and had an important role. This close second-class status, being systematically The fourth phase of the struggle, connection, however, has its downside, denied parity in matters of employee from 1998 through 2000, was a push leading the reader to wonder how education, equal salary, and benefits, for equitable retirement security. Black objective the author could be when he church budgeting and enhanced service retirees were fewer in numbers, lived was so intimately connected with many opportunities and even basic facilities fewer years than their white counter- of the issues and the persons involved. such as cafeterias.” (23) parts, and were paying much more into Nevertheless, Rock has carefully The second phase of the black a system than they were receiving. They crafted and persuasively argued struggle began in 1929 and ended in asked for an adjustment—but with- a historically well-documented and 1944. It called for accommodation within out success. The higher organization powerful account of the struggles of the organizational structure. Marking a refused to accommodate the wishes African-Americans to achieve some significant turning point and the most of the black conferences. The leaders level of equality and justice within the successful phase, it came in the after- began to explore other retirement Seventh-day Adventist Church. Because math of sustained marginalization by options, found one far superior to the of the paucity of this information within the organization. The black constituency denomination’s, and presented their the larger Adventist historiography, of the denomination compelled the case to the North American Division. his book is a much-needed work that leadership to the bargaining table, not After much debate, the division leader- fills a vacuum. It should be read by all necessarily for a separate administra- ship approved the plan and requested Adventist leaders concerned about jus- tive structure but for full integration compensation for lost revenue. Rock tice and equality within the organization. and equality. Rather than granting that correctly identifies this outcome as request, the organization chose to give a signal victory for black Adventist —Reviewed by Trevor O’Reggio, PhD, DMin, them a separate governing structure, leadership. It marked a capstone in their professor of church history, Seventh-day Adventist black-led conferences. Nonetheless, struggle for equal treatment within the Theological Seminary, Andrews University, Berrien it would prove to be a blessing and denomination. Springs, Michigan, United States.

OCTOBER 2018 Ministry® DATELINE

Photo: Northern Asia-Pacific Division 2018 Northern Asia-Pacific Division International Mission Congress, Goyang, Korea

he 2018 International Mission General Conference in the TCongress (IMC) of the Northern US state of Maryland and Asia-Pacific Division (NSD) took place from the 13 world divisions at Korea International Exhibition and their subregions came Center (KINTEX) in Goyang, Korea, to share their inspiring August 8–11, 2018. Almost 4,000 par- messages and conduct vari- ticipants from 40 countries, including ous seminars. Two hundred and sixty evangelism, was the main speaker for Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Mongolia, and participants in the Global Adventist the evening meetings. China, came and shared the wonderful Internet Network (GAiN) Conference During the Mission Commitment blessings of God. On the Sabbath, and 75 leaders from the Hope Channel Ceremony, Si Young Kim, president the last day of the event, more than Network Leadership Conference, held of the Northern Asia-Pacific Division, 5,500 Adventist members attended during and after the Congress, enjoyed challenged participants to go just the meetings. IMC programs. like Caleb did. Gospel ministers and NSD held this meeting to prepare Ted N. C. Wilson, president of mission groups, including the 1,000 Adventist church members in their the Seventh-day Adventist General Missionary Movement, His Hands, region for Total Member Involvement Conference, preached on Sabbath. He Pioneer Mission Movement, medical (an initiative of the General Conference said, “God is using everyone who is will- missionaries, and self-supporting mis- that seeks to get every member ing to be used—emptying themselves sionaries, stood together hand in hand. involved in sharing Jesus) and to adopt of self and committing themselves Kim asked participants to raise their a mission spirit to go forward and to growing in Christ through Bible candles and scarves with the writing share the gospel message with others study, study of the Spirit of Prophecy, “TMI, Go Forward!” All the participants to hasten Jesus’ second coming. and prayer. God will then use you in responded by saying, “Here am I, send About 170 church leaders from powerful outreach to others.” Mark me!” [Northern Asia-Pacific Division the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s Finley, special assistant to Wilson for Communication Department]

Photo: Elsie Tjeransen/ADAMS 2018 Trans-European Division European Pastors’ Council, Belgrade, Serbia

eptember 3, 2018—Belgrade, in many of the countries of the TED, SSerbia—The opening message of Sabbath speaker Dr. Elizabeth Talbot, the 2018 Trans-European Division’s speaker/director for the Jesus 101 European Pastors’ Council (EPC) was Biblical Institute, challenged church given by the General Conference presi- leaders at the EPC in Belgrade, Serbia, dent, Ted N. C. Wilson, who spoke on to feed the spiritually hungry people of the topic “I have a dream . . . of a biblical Europe with the broken body of Jesus, church.” By using the key points of the holding out Jesus to people who may be EPC theme—Connect, Inspire, Change— questioning, “Is there enough for me?” workers, volunteers, and guests. “This Pastor Wilson challenged ministers to Coordinated under the leadership is the fourth EPC that I’ve been to, and take on God’s dream for Europe and of Pastor Patrick Johnson, TED min- it has definitely been the best,” said for the Trans-European Division (TED) isterial director, this particular EPC Rosemary Lethbridge, a pastor from in particular. made an extraordinary impression England. Because aggressive secularism on the ministers and their families “I’ve loved the talks and seminars,” has nurtured a post-Christian culture who attended as well as on the other said Alexandru Gutu. “Many times I

Ministry® OCTOBER 2018 Photo: Elsie Tjeransen/ADAMS For some of the older ministers, the fellowship was key. “I’ve enjoyed reconnecting with old friends and col- leagues,” said Henrick Jorgensen from the Danish Union. Geza Hegyes-Horvath from Hungary spoke warmly of the joy he had in meeting people after not seeing them for 20 years, “hugging them and renew- ing friendships.” Geza also mentioned “the very high spiritual atmosphere,” which was a recurring theme. Regarding connections, TED presi- dent Pastor Raafat Kamal spoke of the connections that had been made during the EPC but also of the con- nection that exists among the 87,000 Seventh-day Adventist members in the 22 countries that make up the Trans-European Division. More of a had tears in my eyes from the beautiful this together, and we have so much in challenge is making connections with things that have been said.” common.” the 206 million neighbors we have “I’ve loved meeting fellow workers Marko Markovic, a volunteer from in our communities. [John Surridge, from different parts of the division,” Serbia, said, “I’ve really enjoyed just British Union Conference Executive said Jeremy Johnson. “We’re all in helping people find their way around.” Secretary]

Photos: Curtis Henry, Inter-American Division News

2018 Inter-American Division Festival of Cross-Cultural Missions, Trinidad and Tobago

hemed “Celebrating the Past and said Samuel Telemaque, director of TReaching All People for Christ,” the the Office of Adventist Mission for the four-day Festival of the Laity and Cross- Inter-American Division (IAD) and main Cultural Mission conference was aimed organizer of the event. at exposing leaders to the transforming “What we do is for people and about power of lay involvement in evangelism people,” said Easton Marks, a pastor and inspiring missionary enthusiasts to from the Northeastern Conference in continue sharing Christ by developing New York, United States. “A church that meaningful interactions and respect is invisible will have a hard time bless- for people of all socioeconomic back- ing and ministering to the influential grounds and religious persuasions. It and wealthy, many of whom work and also sought to teach delegates how to reside across the IAD territory.” cross barriers effectively and establish Devon Carkoo, a delegate from centers of influence and love. Trinidad, said that he grew up in a “We want to challenge you not to Hindu community. “I sense the need focus on traditional evangelism only now to reach out to them for their salva- but appreciate the diversity of our tion.” [Royston Philbert, Inter-American cultures and share Jesus to them,” Division News]

OCTOBER 2018 Ministry® PRACTICAL POINTERS

Ramon J. Canals, DMin, serves as the director of the Sabbath School and Personal Ministries department of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States. 3 Keys to Bring Life to Sabbath School

began my ministry at a time when text, reviewing the main points and prayer session 15 to 30 minutes Sabbath School attendance was not encouraging members to engage in before Sabbath School begins. Make Ia problem. Sabbath School in the individual Bible study during the week. it meaningful and exciting. churches I pastored was always well • Keep the Sabbath School program attended. The classes were engaging, 2. Fellowship simple, spiritual, and relevant. exciting, and meaningful. Sadly, that is Sometimes people stop attending Each Sabbath could be like an not now the case in some areas. Some Sabbath School and no one notices. evangelistic meeting with an attrac- believe that Sabbath School is not a One of the advantages of a small tive, well-planned program. This strong tool for spiritual education, that Sabbath School class is that the teacher approach will definitely improve it is predictable and boring, and that it knows who is missing and can develop Sabbath School attendance. has lost its focus on mission. plans to visit, pray for, and care for • Establish TMI—Total Member If you have been a Seventh-day missing or hurting members, giving Involvement—Sabbath School Adventist long enough, you have prob- territory assignments. The Sabbath groups. These groups will meet dur- ably heard the saying, “Sabbath School School class should discuss ways to ing the week in addition to Sabbath is the heart of the church.” It might sound minister to church family needs—inac- morning. like a cliché, but it is an undeniable truth. tive members, youth, families, women, • Develop a strong mission emphasis. Not only is Sabbath School the heart of and other groups—and should spend One way to do this is through the the church, but its importance in the life time together praying for these needs. Mission Spotlight program. These of the believer cannot be overestimated. free videos can be downloaded from Sabbath School is the golden thread that 3. Mission am.adventistmission.org/mission keeps the Seventh-day Adventist Church Remember, Sabbath School was -spotlight. The inspiring stories will united theologically and missiologically. organized for missionary purposes. help promote mission offerings that Sabbath School is the very basis Teach your members to pray for and are so needed throughout the world. of our Christian growth; it is the daily, discuss ways of reaching your com- weekly, continuous focus on God’s Word munity, your city, and the world to fulfill Declare one day each that leads an individual, and the church the gospel commission. Plans should quarter “Friends Day” collective, to grow in spiritual strength. be made and implemented to prepare • Set a goal of 10 to 50 friends attend- Your role as a pastor in emphasizing the soil of the heart, plant the seed, ing, the number depending on Sabbath School, and Sabbath School cultivate spiritual interests, and harvest church size. Some churches can aim attendance, is vital if the individual and decisions for the kingdom of God. The for 100 friends. the church are to flourish in spiritual goal should be to make disciples of • Every friend who comes to church growth and biblical understanding. Jesus who stay in the church rather that Sabbath will get a gift—such as Here are three keys to bring life to than just baptizing members. Youth can a book or a magazine—and a meal. your Sabbath School: be involved through passing out tracts, • Offer one-day seminars on several praying for neighbors, prayer walking, relevant topics: family, finances, 1. Bible study and prayer and preaching at home or abroad. The fitness, friendship. Sabbath School is the perfect set- best support we can give our youth is ting to rediscover the power of Bible teaching them to work for the Master. Sabbath School must be important to study and prayer. Encourage members In addition to these three main com- you as a pastor if it is going to be important to make the Sabbath School class ponents, here are more practical ideas to to your members. As you pray, plan, and participatory, prayerfully reading the bring life to your Sabbath School: implement these ideas, you will discover Bible and discussing the lesson as a the Holy Spirit breathing new life into your group. The teaching time is not the Make Sabbath School Sabbath School and into your church preaching time. The teacher should attractive and engaging and empowering you to guide your con- not preach a sermon but assist in the • Include prayer sessions as part of gregation in the process of spiritual and study and understanding of the Bible Sabbath School; perhaps a special numerical growth.

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PRESERVE the harvest! 1) Give one Discipleship Handbook to a mentor and one to a newly baptized member 2) The mentor and new member meet weekly to read and discuss a new chapter from the Discipleship Handbook 3) Mentors follow the activities in the one-page weekly outlines to integrate Here’s what’s inside: new members into the church and build 26 chapters covering discipleship, spiritual habits of prayer, Bible study, devotional life, personal witnessing, fellowship, and mission church life, Christian lifestyle, and the cycle of evangelism The Discipleship Handbook can also be used for personal study, small groups, Sabbath Schools, Daily correlated Bible and Spirit of prayer meetings, preaching series, and more! Prophecy reading plan 26 one-page weekly meeting outlines for mentors to disciple new members

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