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

Association Secretary James A. Cress Twenty-seven fundamentals in Editor Willmore D. Eva search of a theology Assistant Editor Julia W. Norcott The need for a less fragmented and more Editorial Assistant Sheila Draper integrated expression of Seventh-day Adventist Professional Growth and Inter-church Relations Nikolaus Satelmajer belief Contributing Editors: Sharon Cress, Peter Prime, Joel George R. Knight Sarli, Kit Watts Consulting Editors: Ben Clausen, Raoul Dederen, Teofilo Ferreira, Ron Flowers, John M, Fowler, Michael Haset, Roland Don©t hang it up Hegstad, Kathleen Kuntaraf, Ekkehardt Mueller, Jan Staying the course and maintaining the vision, Paulsen, Robert Peach, George Reid, Angel Rodriguez, Penny Shell, William Shea, Russell Staples, Richard especially in difficult times (a sermon) Tibbits, Ted Wilson, Edward Zinke Barry Black Pastoral Assistant Editors: John C. Cress, Fredrick Russell, Maylan Schurch, Loren Seibold International Advisors: Alejandro Bullon, John A tale of two preachers Duroe, Paulraj Isaiah, Anthony Kent, Ivan Manilich, Carlos Martin, Gabriel Maurer, ]oel Musvosvi, Ivan Embracing the varying gifts and emphases of one Omana, David Osborne, Paul Ratsara, Peter Roennfeldt, another in ministry Raymond Zeeman Pastoral Advisors: Leslie Baumgartner, S. Peter Greg Taylor Campbell, Miguel A. Cerna, (eanne Hartwell, Mitchetl Henson, Greg Nelson, Norma Osborn, Leslie Pollard, Dan Smith, Steve Willsey The pastor©s Sabbath School class Advertising Editorial Office Creating an effective, productive pastor©s class Subscriptions and Circulation Jeannette Calbi Buford Griffith Resources Cathy Payne Cover Illustration Kevin Chadwick Cover Design Harry Knox How to move into a church plant Subscriptions: 12 issues: United States US$29.95; without killing it Canada and overseas US$31.75; airmail US$41.75; single copy US$3.00. To order, send name, address, four key questions for the "instant parent" of an and payment to Jeannette Calbi, Ministry Subscriptions, orphaned "church plant" 1 2501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904 U.S.A. Doug Tilstra Subscription queries and address changes: Email: [email protected] Fax:301-680-6502 Chaos and chronos: The Phone:301-680-6503 integration of disorder and order To Writers: We welcome unsolicited manuscripts. Editorial preference is to receive manuscripts on The dynamic, positive role of negative forces in diskette with name, address, telephone and fax num bers, and Social Security number (if U.S. citizen). Send human experience editorial correspondence to 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Richard O. Stenbakken Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600. Phone: 301-680-6510; fax: 301-680-6502; Email: n ore ottj@gc. adventist.org or [email protected] (editorial offices). How can the church grow? Writer©s Guidelines available on request. Applying four New Testament growth principles Ministry (ISSN 0026-5314), the international journal of the Seventh-day Adventist Ministerial Association in the church 2001 , is published monthly by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and printed by Pacific Press Gnanaraj Kore Pub. Assn., 1350 N. Kings Road, Nampa, ID 83687- 3193. Member Associated Church Press. Standard mail postage paid at Nampa, Idaho.

Promised a miracle? PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. Sorting out the interaction of day-to-day human Vol. 74 Number 2

intervention with miraculous, divine intervention Bible credits; Scripture quotations from NASB are from the New American Standard Bible. Copyright 1960, 1962, David N. Marshall 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977 by The Lockman Foundation. Texts credited to NIV are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright 1973, 1 978, 1 984 by the International Bible Society. Used by per Hallelujah anyway? mission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Texts credited to NKJV are from The New King James Version. Copyright Tracing God©s healing involvement in every 1979, 1980, 1982 Thomas Nelson, Inc., Publishers. Bible texts credited to RSV are from the Revised Standard Version circumstance of the Bible. Copyright 1946, 1952, 1971 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Judith A. Thomas Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission.

MINISTRY February 2001 LETTERS

AT THE RISK OF BEING SIMPLISTIC, MAY I ASK, "WHY M.UST WHITE BE SEEN AS A THEOLOGIAN?

What Matters Most? is being used to determine what is right which such questions do not arise with ©m certainly confused about the pur and wrong in our churches and schools. the force they do in other locations. It I pose of the Viewpoint article, "What The clear Word from the Lord seems to would indeed be a great editorial luxury if Matters Most?" in the October 2000 be used less and less. And this article is the readership of Ministry consisted only issue. I cannot for the life of me see any in a Ministry issue that starts with a lead of those serving in small-town American reason or wholesome purpose to this article on Ellen White as theologian. Do Adventist church situations. article. Imagine, Seventh-day Adventist we still see her as a prophet too? If Even if the editors believed that the pastors, SDA teachers, and SDA school Jeremiah the prophet was here today floodgates should be opened to sweep board members sitting down to discuss reading this article, we could weep away all the valuable proscriptions the issue of allowing dancing in a together! I am aghast! against such practices as secular dance, Seventh-day Adventist school! This is Douglas Carlson, pastor, Sault St. Marie, they would hardly be unwise enough as to shocking enough, but to see no refer Michigan. advocate such things in the pages of a ences to the Bible or to the writings of magazine such as Ministry. Ellen White used in coming to this con Editorial Note: We are truly sorry for Here©s a slightly modified quote from a clusion is beyond my comprehension as any distress or confusion caused by this recent email written by the Editor in con an SDA pastor myself. And to publish Viewpoint article. While it may be good to nection with the article under discussion: this article as if it has some valuable remind ourselves what it actually was that "I believe that Cod guided this Church in insight into how (if this is the suggested Jeremiah wept for, we should also say that the stand it has taken against dancing.. intention) we might also consider such we too would stand aghast if either the .. Seventh-day Adventists took this stand issues in our church districts is certainly intent or the content of this article advo at a time when, compared with today, no model for any SDA to follow. cated what seems to be attributed to it in most dancing was a comparatively mild Bringing dancing into our schools to the above letter, or if it was as purposeless thing. Most dance today is . . . seriously appease a worldly appetite for enter as is suggested. Even though Scripture foreign to the spirit of Christ. tainment is certainly no way to respond and the Spirit of Prophecy were not quot I think it is clear that the dancing to the changes in the world either. If ed in the article, their influence may encouraged in the Bible is something very this is the only way we can keep our definitely be felt in its thrust and thought; different from the dancing that went on youth in our churches, then we would that is, as it discusses the issues it actual during the time of the founding of our be better off without them. ly addresses. Church, let alone so much of the dance I would like to remind us all that we It must be overtly stated that the pur that is common in today©s Western cul serve a God who changes not, who is pose of the article is clearly not to consider tures. the same yesterday, today, and tomor the matter of dancing or not dancing, (or row. His standards haven©t changed! He jewelry or no jewelry) but rather how Ellen White, Theologian? is the One who said, "Love not the those of us ministering in challenging alter M. Booth takes issue with world, neither the things that are in the areas of the Lord©s vineyard may go about Wwhat has become a fairly com world!" And anyone with the index to handling the intense differences that arise mon affirmation among Adventist the writings of Ellen White can quickly among significant numbers of our people students of Ellen White, that she was a look up "dancing" and see what coun when it comes to such matters. prophet, not a theologian. He says, "I sel is there. Yes, I could refer to many Ministry editors would be among the would like to ... express my conviction Bible passages myself in questioning the first to admit that there is probably little that Ellen White was an outstanding decision to dance, but we have come to purpose to this article when it comes to theologian." However, during the a time when some new kind of thinking the pastor who ministers in a location in continued on page 29

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

February 2001 MINISTRY EDITORIAL

The value of Viewpoint

iewpoint articles are designed ed to come to terms with the very legit to stimulate thought and do not imate questions being asked us by a Vnecessarily reflect the position of number of our pastoral readers, such as: our editorial staff or of Ministry." This How can we go on using a sign of the statement has appeared on the title WILL EVA second coming that occurred, for exam page of Viewpoint articles, which are ple, on May 19,1780, when we are now published intermittently in Ministry. entering the twenty-first century? How Such a declaration may appear to be a can such an approach be credible in the mere disclaimer, when in fact it is an eyes of the thoughtful persons we seek honest expression of the nature of cer by God©s grace to persuade that Jesus is tain opinions that appear in Ministry indeed coming soon? and how they relate to what the maga If we cannot allow ourselves to deal zine and the Seventh-day Adventist with such questions in the responsible Church in fact stands for. To be specific about our Viewpoint way that a man of Dr. LaRondelle©s cal There are those among our readers column, let me cite a relatively recent iber does and in a magazine such as who are uncomfortable with this feature Viewpoint article. This article, authored Ministry, I believe, as do other Adventist and would like to see it discontinued. by premier Adventist professor and the leaders, that we are far off the spirit and There are others who would be quite ologian, Hans LaRondelle, received essential content of Adventism and of disappointed if it was discontinued. I significant negative reviews from a Ellen G. White and our pioneers. must say that I am one who would be number of our readers. The article was Viewpoint articles are not published disappointed and who would experi entitled "The Application of Cosmic in Ministry unless they constructively ence a sense of loss not only for the Signs in the Adventist Tradition" address an issue that will genuinely magazine, but for the spiritual and intel (Ministry, September 1998). In it Dr. contribute to the discussion and lectual persona of the Seventh-day LaRondelle wrestled with the difficult hoped-for settlement of some difficult Adventist Church and more specifically question, Can we continue to feature dilemma or controverted issue facing a for Adventist ministry. events from the relatively distant past as significant swath of Adventist ministers. There is a very strong element pres convincing signs of the imminent The fact that such articles are placed in ent in both Christian and Adventist return of Christ? Largely because of the "Viewpoint" column should imme history that has ever championed ongo Mrs. White©s appeal in The Great diately alert the reader that they ing responsible prayer and research, and Controversy, to eighteenth and nine contain some controversial elements has expected further and yet more lucid teenth-century happenings as and therefore deserve careful thought, expressions of thought and belief to be fulfillments of the signs of Jesus© com prayer and response. ever coming to the surface. The way ing, some readers were disturbed by Viewpoint by no means seeks to early Adventists grappled with whether the suggested explanations of Dr. question established Adventist belief or or not to even have a statement of doc LaRondelle. Unfortunately none of practice, but instead seeks to clarify and trinal belief and a Church Manual is clear these readers offered any further con improve on the way we view and pres evidence of this admirable mentality structive explanation. ent such issues. We must by all means that is as much a part of Adventist tradi Had Dr. LaRondelle in any way ques express disagreement with Viewpoint tion as is any other significant aspect of tioned the validity of the Seventh-day articles, but it would be most helpful if our history or tradition. Adventist stand on the imminent second thoughtful, pointed, yet kind responses The path of purest faithfulness and coming of Jesus, we would not have were offered that actually contribute discretion almost always appears to be published this article. Had he ques objectively to the issues raised in such the one that opposes any alteration in tioned the accuracy and veracity of Ellen articles. That is what Viewpoint articles "traditionalistic" patterns of thought G. White©s work, we would not have are designed to elicit. H and belief. But that opposition is not accepted his article for publication. The automatically of God, any more than motivation and approach in his article 1 See Ellen G White. Counsels [a Waters and Edjto/5 (Nashville. Tenn Southern was the path of the leaders of the were in fact the opposite of these things. Pub. Aiiil.. I946J,33-54 (and for balance. 17-32) 2 Review Gil Valentine©s two-part article, "The Stop-Start Journey on the Road Judaism of Jesus© day. In his explanation he simply attempt to a Church Manual" in the April and June 1999 ISSUES of Mnisny

MINISTRY February 2001 Christians reason that since they have "gone to a dance" or broken the Sabbath they have in effect rejected Jesus. After all, they reason, if I have broken one rule or rejected one belief (official and even unofficial in many cases) haven©t I rejected the whole package since every part is of equal importance? I have seen some leave the Church in despair in the wake of that train of logic. Twenty-seven Such reasoning can arise when people are taught the string-of-beads approach, the approach that says that each of the 27 has fundamentals equal weight and importance. The Bible takes quite a different approach. For example, while the Bible writers are unan in search of imous in abhorring sins and faithless unbelief, the Bible is quite clear that "if we confess our sins, [God] is faithful and just, a theology and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9, RSV). Thus, doing wrong or even believing wrong does not necessarily imply a rejection of Jesus. The eventh-day Adventists need an inte plain truth is that not all the beads are the George R. Knight grated theology! Don©t get me same size and weight. Some of the 27 funda wrong. Adventism©s 27 fundamental mentals are "more fundamental" than others. beliefs are well defined and adequate When I floated my string-of-beads perspec in what they attempt to do as indi tive past one of my friends he startled me by Svidual statements. It is not the 27 that I am pointing out that while he agreed on the questioning, but the way they are presented. beads model he couldn©t find the string. In To put it bluntly, the 27 fundamentals are short, he implied that Adventism©s 27 are set forth as a list, somewhat like a string of more like a pile of beads rather than a string beads with each bead having the same size, of them. But for my purposes in this article shape, and weight. And beyond the official the effect is the same. While the "pile" or 27, Adventist "oral tradition" provides indi "string" approach may be helpful in present viduals with innumerable other beads that ing and understanding Adventist beliefs, I flow off of each end of the string. "Thou shalt believe that there are models for organizing not go to movies in a movie house," "Thou the denomination©s beliefs that are much shalt not dance socially," and "Thou shalt not more effective in enabling people to grasp the drink coffee," are examples of supernumerary totality of what the Bible teaches or the beads. While the official list is a voted docu Church believes. It is to one such model that ment adopted at a General Conference we now turn. session, the extra doctrinal and lifestyle beads are added by individual Church members, by A hierarchical model of beliefs subgroups within the Church, or by the force Not every doctrine is created equal! Some of tradition. While not official beads, the beliefs reflect theological realities more basic supernumeraries appear to be equal in weight than other beliefs! Such are two of the basic to the official ones in the minds and con postulates of the hierarchical model. George Knight is a sciences of many church members and Foundational to any understanding of the professor of church pastors. Christian faith is that Christianity is not a history at the Seventh-day The problem with the string-of-beads body of doctrine or a way of life. Individuals Adventist approach to fundamental beliefs is that it will not be saved by what they believe intel Theological indicates no priorities, it doesn©t help people lectually or do behaviorally. A person can Seminary, Andrews see that some beliefs are more important or believe all the right things and perform all the University, Berrien more "fundamental" than others. As a result, right actions and still be lost. Springs, Michigan. I have seen young people and unperceptive In its essence, Christianity is a Person Jesus

February 2001 MINISTRY Christ who died "once for all" (Heb. she penned that "the central theme being ends in themselves. As noted 8:27), rose on the third day (1 Cor. of the Bible, the theme about which above, no one will ever be saved by 15:3, 4), and is coming back to take every other in the whole book clus doctrine. But that does not mean that His children home (1 Thess. 4:13-18). ters, is the redemption plan, the doctrine is unimportant. On the con Without Christ there could still be restoration in the human soul of the trary, correct doctrinal understanding beliefs and actions but there would be image of God."2 helps Christians understand the cross no Christianity. The very most impor One thing is obvious. Some beliefs of Christ better. It also helps us know tant entity in biblical faith is Jesus are more important than others. The how to relate more effectively to Christ and what He has done for a most important of those has to do Christ as Savior and Lord. Thus, doc lost humanity. Thus, in a hierarchical with not only "knowing" Christ as trinal understanding is important model of Christian theology, Christ Savior but with those understandings even though it is not all important or and the Cross are at the very apex. related to the cross of Christ as the even most important. Doctrinal Jesus knew what He was talking about only solution to the presence of sin in understanding at its best is an instru when He claimed that "this is eternal the human soul. That concept is ment that helps us grasp the life, that they know thee the only reflected in the hierarchical model by seriousness of the sin problem, God©s true God, and Jesus Christ whom the Cross being placed in the topmost solution to that problem through thou hast sent" (John 17:3, RSV); portion of the pyramid. Christ, and how to relate to Him bet "Whoever believes in the Son has ter. The central role of doctrine is to eternal life, but whoever rejects the Figure 1 inform a Christian©s walk with God. Son will not see life, for God©s wrath The theological hierarchy Thus, the upward arrow to the right of remains on him" (John 3:36, NIV). the theological hierarchy in Figure 1. Every Christian needs to know Note, however, that there is also a that the most fundamental aspect of downward arrow to the left of Figure any list of fundamentals is knowing 1. That arrow represents the fact that Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. As a a relationship with Jesus and an result, the most basic belief in understanding of the cross of Christ Christianity is not a belief per se but A and other central elements of the an experiential relationship. Doctrine plan of salvation informs a person©s Closely tied to that relationship is understanding of doctrine. This is a set of beliefs about human lostness nicely put when it is said that and God©s solution to that lostness "viewed in the light of" the grand through the cross of Christ. Thus, at Lifestyle central theme of the Bible, "every the top of the hierarchy of belief are topic has a new significance." 3 Christ, the human problem, and Christ©s work in the plan of salvation God©s solution in the Cross. Without informs all other understandings. these elements one not only has no Adventism but no biblical Chris The role of the "doctrinal" The role of lifestyle tianity. fundamentals Just as one can believe correct doc Using the hub-in-a-wheel model Doctrines are not ends in them trines without being a Christian, so a (rather than the hierarchical model), selves. They are not all-important. person can also live a "good" lifestyle essentially the same concept is set The belief that doctrine is all-impor without knowing Christ as Savior or forth when it is said that "the sacrifice tant led to both Protestant and without even understanding correct of Christ as an atonement for sin is Catholic "inquisitions" in the history doctrine. Like doctrinal understand the great truth around which all of the church. In a similar manner, it ing, living a biblical lifestyle is other truths cluster. In order to be led some Adventists in 1888 and at instrumental rather than an end in rightly understood and appreciated, other times to lose their Christianity itself. every truth in the word of God, from in defense of their beliefs. For example, take healthful living, Genesis to Revelation, must be stud Mere doctrine is not Christianity. or health reform as it is traditionally ied in the light that streams from the On the other hand, a genuine known of among Seventh-day Ad cross of Calvary. . . . The great, grand Christian experience will by all means ventists. Some years ago during an monument of mercy and regenera lead to a biblical search for those evangelistic campaign, someone from tion, salvation and redemptionXthe understandings that are important in a denomination other than my own Son of God uplifted on the cross. This God©s revelation. helped me think through why I was is to be the foundation of every dis I would like to suggest that doc even devoting an evening to the course given." 1 In another context trines are instrumental rather than topic. In the midst of the second week

MINISTRY February 2001 of the meetings, she told me that she the hierarchy. Thus the cross of Figure 3 wasn©t going to come the next Christ, a person©s relationship with The foundational model evening because she didn©t like my Him, and the gift of the Holy Spirit topic; that I was going to tell her what provide the inspiration and power to she shouldn©t do. Personally, I live a Christian lifestyle. Beyond that, thought my topic was right on! After doctrinal understandings inform a Lifestyle all, with a title like "Why I Don©t Eat Christian lifestyle. For example, the Rats, Snakes, and Snails," how could I Bible teaching that a person©s body is go wrong? Humbling myself, I told the temple of the Holy Spirit certainly her to come the next evening and she informs a person©s approach to would conclude that it was the best lifestyle. Doctrine sermon yet. Similar understandings permeate With a promise like that, I was the way one keeps the Sabbath, a driven to think through what I really topic that has both doctrinal and hoped to accomplish. In retrospect, I lifestyle aspects. Christ as Redeemer am everlastingly grateful to that and Creator provides the motivation woman. She forced me to think for Sabbath keeping, while cognitive through my priorities and my goals, doctrinal insights related to the and how my topic related to the cen Sabbath provide data that help tral issue of Christianity. Christians keep it more adequately. The next evening I focused on the On the upward-arrow side of Figure 1, Figure 2) and the foundational model central theme of the BibleXthat God keeping God©s Sabbath spiritually (see Figure 3). loves us. Within that context, I noted helps individuals find time to know In the hub model the cross of that because He loves us He wants us Him better at the cognitive level and Christ (and related issues) stands at to be happy. And, I pointed out, we provides space for Christians to reach the center, various doctrines serve as are happiest when we feel good, when out more fully in love to both God spokes, and lifestyle issues form the we are healthy. Therefore, God wants and other people. rim. Likewise, there are excellent argu us to take care of our bodies and our ments for picturing the relational/ minds; not in terms of an offensive Refining our understanding cross aspects of Christianity as foun collection of negative restrictions but The theological hierarchy model is dational to doctrinal understandings as a positive blessing of inestimable far from perfect. It certainly doesn©t and lifestyle issues. value. answer all the questions. Nor is it the In the long run, however, it is not With respect to the theological only possible model. Two others that the model or specific approach taken hierarchy of Figure 1, the instrumen in this article that is important but the tal nature of health reform is evident Figure 2 need for Seventh-day Adventists to when we realize that a healthy body The hub-in-a-wheel model provide perspective for their theology. provides for clear thinking so that we This article is not challenging any of can better understand the doctrines. the 27 fundamental beliefs of the With that better understanding, as Church. Rather, it is arguing that noted above, we can serve Him more Adventism (or any faith structure) intelligently. A healthy body also is needs to move beyond the string-of- instrumental in helping us relate to beads model to one that helps people God and our neighbors better. After see more easily what Christianity is all all, people are grouchy when they are about and how the various aspects of ill. We are more effective lovers of the belief system fit together. Any both God and other people when we reformulation, of course, must not aren©t preoccupied with our own merely be an intellectual exercise. It aches and pains. Thus, health reform should be aimed at helping people helps me not only relate to God bet live fuller and more consciously ter but to be more like Him. Thus, the informed Christian lives. IK! upward pointing arrow to the right of Figure 1. 1 Ellen G. White, Gospel Workers (Hagerstown, Md.: The downward arrow to the left of Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1948), 315. 2 , Education (Nampa. Idaho: Pacific Press? Pub. Figure 1 implies, as it did in relation to readily come to mind are the hub-in- Assn., 1952), 125, cf. 190. doctrine, a two-way directionality in a-wheel model referred to above (see 3 Ibid., 125.

February 2001 MINISTRY The sorrow triggered by the loss of Zion seemed overwhelming to them. Babylonian dainties were tainted by cap tors© taunts: "Sing us one of the songs of Zion" (verse 3). "Celebrate for us the majesty and the protection provided by your God." Hence, in the midst of plenty, exiled Israel declared the mournful lamentation and query, "How shall we sing the Lord©s song in a strange land?" (verse 4) And they refused to sing. And they placed their harps, silent on willow branches by the river (verse 1). Israel©s decision to remain mute, to hang up their harps, was a mistake. They refused to sing of Zion©s glories because their capital city lay in ruins and their loved ones had been destroyed by this heathen power. In refusing to take up their harps, they saw Don©t hang it up themselves in a noble light but the truth is that they missed a great opportunity. By singing they could have demonstrated the efficacy of gratitude. Does not the Scripture challenge us to "Give thanks in every thing" Barry Black Editorial note: This article is the manu (1 Thes. 5:18). They could have shown that script version of a sermon presented by Admiral God©s presence is not limited by geography Black at the Toronto Satellite Ministers© and that nothing can "separate us from [His] Professional Growth Seminar in March 2000. love" (Rom. 8:38). Instead, they decided to hang it up, to swallow their pain, to hold n gaunt hills rest the ruins of a their peace. city. It had once been the capi tal and religious shrine of a Singing the Lord©s song anyway proud and prosperous people. The challenge of singing the Lord©s song Its walls and towers stood regal in a strange land is not new. Many are faced againstO the sky. The golden dome of its mag with the dilemma of how to bring personal nificent temple gleamed in the light of the spirituality into the work place, without noonday sun. Long caravans meandered in appearing to be overzealous. Others find it and out of the gates of its market places. difficult to sing, to remain optimistic in the Everywhere the blessing of God could be face of failures, setbacks, or loss. Some seem seen. temperamentally predisposed to pessimism. But the people of this city turned from Others permit sins to steal their joy, refusing God. They were selfish and unprincipled, to confess or forsake them. Instead they and their sin brought them low. For "right hang it up, putting their harps in storage, eousness exalts a nation" (Prov. 14:34), but refusing to sing on foreign soil. sin is an equal-opportunity destroyer. Fire And is it not true that often we feel the and sword ravished the city, and its citizens strangeness of our land? When one million were carried away as captives to Babylon. men are raped in prisons each year, are we We encounter some of these captives, sit not reminded of this land©s strangeness? And ting by Babylonian rivers in the 1371-" does it not seem like foreign soil when we Psalm. Barry Black, Ph.D., is hear about child abuse, weapons in schools, Rear Admiral and This psalm highlights a communal lament or gratuitous violence in our various forms chief of chaplains. uttered by a people who knew the pain of of entertainment? This world is not our United States Navy. exile. Once in the land of exile, the Israelites home. were spared many hardships, but there was Israel should have sung. Yes, music and one grief that seemed almost beyond bearing. mirth were far from their hearts. Yes, anger

MINISTRY February 2001 and a desire for revenge buffeted their avail himself of the opportunity to 22:3). The enemy expects us to spirits. Yes, God seemed so far away. escape death. (Discussed in Frank respond to life©s trails with complaints But the strangeness of our circum Magills© Masterpieces of World Liter and exasperation. But praise brings stances is no excuse for hanging up ature, New York: Harper-Collins, 1990, God©s presence. Refusing to hang it up our harps. Jesus left us an example of 43). But Socrates asserted the premise brings Divine reinforcement. singing in the rain of suffering and that"... the really important thing is Paul and Silas were incarcerated even approaching death. Moreover, not to live, but to live well. . . . And . . (Acts 16) unfairly. They were beaten praise brings deliverance. Israel . to live well means the same thing as without the benefit of due process and should have sung. to live honorably or rightly." We are jailed without being permitted to We can refuse to hang it up by called to live with honor, to sing defend themselves. They sojourned in making a commitment to three sim God©s song even in a foreign land. the strange world of injustice. But ple practices: instead of hanging it up, they begari First, we must refuse to use the Follow Jesus© example of to sing and the other prisoners heard strange circumstances as an excuse. singing through the pain them. Their joyful singing so influ Second, we should follow Jesus© exam Jesus was a stranger in this world, enced heaven that the earth shook ple in the way He sang through the leaving the chants of cherubims and and their chains fell off, for praise pain. And finally, we should permit the songs of seraphims to journey to brings deliverance. praise to bring deliverance. Practicing this planet on a salvation mission. He Our lives are beset with dangers, these three simple things can have a was despised and rejected (Isa. 53), toils, and snares, but we must refuse to liberating impact in our lives. HEIR JOYFUL SINGING SO INFLUENCED Refuse to use strange circum stances as an excuse Often we behave as if our trial is T unique. But 1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds us that the tests we face are common to humanity. Others are traveling with us in the strange coun abused and mistreated. Relatives and hang it up. Our Savior promises to be try of failure, frustration, and fear, and even His closest friends often misunder with us, yes, even in a strange land many of these saints have learned to stood Him. Earth for Jesus was a strange (Matt. 28). He said, " ©I will never leave sing in spite of struggle. We are, there land, but He refused to hang it up. you nor forsake you© " (Heb. 13, fore, without excuse. Only once in the New Testament is NKJV). He is able to keep us from A minister friend of mine sought to it recorded that Jesus sang (Matt. falling (Jude 14). He has promised to provide solace for a woman who had 26:30). When did He sing? He sang on supply every need of ours according to endured the anguish of having her leg the night in which He was betrayed. His unspeakable riches (Phil. 4). He amputated. When he entered the hos He sang after washing the disciples© has gone to prepare a place for us and pital room, instead of having to cheer feet. He sang as the shadow of a cross promises to come again (John 14). her, she lifted his spirits. She said, fell unmistakably across His pathway. Even in a strange land, that©s some "Pastor, thank God it©s as good as it is! He sang as Judas hurried to betray thing about which we can sing. I could have lost both legs." She had Him. He sang at the end of His Last learned to sing the Lord©s song in a Supper. He sang as He headed for the So why should I feel discouraged? foreign country. agonies in the Garden of Gethsemane Why should the shadows come? Later, in Babylon, the Hebrew wor and the hill called Calvary, the place Why should my heart be lonely thies, Daniel and his compatriots, of the skull. He sang a hymn as His And long for heaven and home? would refuse to make excuses. They outward world was falling apart. If purposed in their hearts to maintain a Jesus could sing in the strange land of When Jesus is my portion diet that would honor God. They were suffering, we have no excuse for hang My constant Friend is He determined not to deviate from strict ing it up. His eye in on the sparrow, integrity and refused to bow when the And I know He watches me. music played. They heard another Permit praise to bring deliver melody, a heavenly one that empow ance I sing because I©m happy. ered them to live with honor, even on We confuse the enemy, Satan, I sing because I©m free. foreign soil. when we sing God©s song in a strange His eye in on the sparrow, Once a friend urged Socrates to land, for our God inhabits praise (Psa. And I know He watches me. HI

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Jesus and John: Similarities and dif ferences Despite the obvious differences between these two preachers, Jesus and John did, in fact, share some striking commonalities. Both had miraculous beginnings. Jesus was born of a virgin through the power of the Holy Spirit, John of aged, barren parents, well past child- A tale of two bearing years. Both were proclaimed by angels to be agents of God©s grace. Both were given names chosen by the Almighty preachers Himself. And both were filled with the Holy Spirit from birth. The similarities, however, Leaving room for ended there. John became a recluse of sorts for much of different kinds of ministry his life. Attracted to the desert, he lived a monastic existence. He was a religious ascetic for most of his adult years. He wore strange clothing a camel©s hair robe, a leather belt, or one young man, things could not and sandals. He ate a strict diet of locusts and Greg Taylor have been better. He was a successful wild honey. He lived separate from the world, new preacher just coming into much like the Essenes. They lived in little self- prominence. Thousands came to supporting communities, ate a strict diet, hear him. No buildings could hold wore simple clothing, and adhered to the law Fthe massive crowds. His name was in the in extreme detail. John the Baptist seems to headlines. His stirring stories were told and have resembled this sect of Judaism. retold around the country. His unique way of Jesus, on the other hand, appeared more teaching brought hope for the establishment "normal." He spent most of His years in a car of a new society. Polls would have placed him penter shop, working with His father in the as the most popular personage in the nation. family business. He dressed like the common For the other young man, things could not people, attended the local synagogue, and have been worse. Once a great and respected functioned as a basically normal member of orator, he was now forgotten. Once a nation society. al figure, a successful preacher, a prophetic Looking at their ministries, the contrast voice on a national level, he was now losing between the two men became even more respect and prominence. Aside from the enor marked. John was a hard hitting, hellfire-and- mous crowds that had flocked to hear him, he brimstone preacher. He called sin by its name. had once been visited by presidents, states His primary target was the religious people, men, and even the intelligencia. Now nobody especially the establishment, whom he called seemed to care about him; in fact, he was now to a higher standard of holiness. To some of languishing in prison where he faced execu the religious leaders he said, "Brood of vipers! tion. His had been a wild ride of prominence Who warned you to flee from the wrath to and popularity, but it had abruptly been halt come? Therefore bear fruits worthy of repen Greg Taylor is senior ed. The crowds that had once followed him tance. . . ." (Matt. 3:7-9, NKJV) pastor of the Foster were now following the new sensation. Jesus, however, was primarily interested in Memorial Seventh- A tale of two preachers: Jesus of Nazareth, reaching the "lost sheep of the house of day Adventist Church in Asheville, North and John the Baptist. Israel" (Matt. 10:6, NKJV). He was considered Carolina. Looking back over the contrast between unconventional, nontraditional. The fact that their ministries, there is much to learn regard He neglected many of the traditions of the ing different approaches to ministry, worship elders deeply offended the religious authori-

February 2001 MINISTRY 11 ties. Jesus actually associated and ate ministry of Jesus. He never seems to generally unfriendly delivery. But, with sinners, even having a tax col have allowed himself to foster jeal instead, He gave John the greatest lector as one of His closest ousy. When he heard of Jesus© compliment He gave to anyone. companions. Christ©s mission state success, of the crowds coming to hear "What did you go out into the ment, "I did not come to call the Him speak, of His unique approach to wilderness to see? A reed shaken by righteous but sinners to repentance" ministry and evangelism, John was the wind? But what did you go out to (Matt. 9:9-13, NKJV), didn©t fit the quick to say "He must increase, but I see? A man clothed in soft garments? mold. must decrease" (John 3:30, NKJV). . . . But what did you go out to see? A The contrast between Jesus© modus Surely he could have found reason prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more operand! and that of John the Baptist to criticize. Jesus© methods were so dif than a prophet.... Assuredly, I say to was so stark that the religious com ferent from his. He could have you, among those born of women munity not only was aware of it, but insinuated that Jesus was watering there has not risen one greater than was offended by both. They consid down the gospel or that He was telling John the Baptist ..." (Matt. 11:7-11, ered John a fanatic who "has a people what they wanted to hear . . . NKJV). demon," and Jesus "a gluttonous tickling itching ears. But John recog Neither John nor Jesus saw the man and a winebibber, a friend of tax nized Jesus© unique ministry as from other as a threat or irritant. They saw collectors and sinners" (Matt. 11:19, God. When he had questions, he the success or apparent failure of the NKJV). brought those directly to Jesus (see other as a part of God©s divine plan. Matt. 11:2-6). He never resorted to They believed they had different mis How the two preachers behind-the-back tactics. sions that complemented one viewed one another At the same time, Jesus never once another in ultimate purpose. They Yet it seems that neither John nor criticized John©s ministry. He could were faithful to their own calling and Jesus would have been comfortable have put down his old methods, fear contented themselves to leave the with the contrasts that people tactics, extremely conservative ministry of the other in the hands of observed between them. Never once lifestyle, offensive hellfire-and-brim- God. This is why there was never a do we hear of John criticizing the stone approach, guilt trips, and his dispute between Jesus and John. Though each saw the differences between their own ministry and that of the other, they purposely affirmed the other©s ministry, different or not. Looking back from our vantage Reversing point, we can see that the ministries of Jesus and John, however different, were also complementary and ulti mately bound up with the same and Obesity Naturally cause. But how easily they could have seen one another as a threat, either professionally or spiritually. Their Learn to naturally reverse Type 2 diabetes, 2001 Seminar Calendar faith in the One who called them, heart disease and obesity with the January 2-4 Sacramento, CA area NEWSTART Lifestyle. Hear scientific evi Weimar Institute and their willingness to allow God to February 6-8 San Diego/LA, CA area dence from experienced Christian physi Calvary Chapel Conf Cen lead the other, shows a marked spiri March 20-22 Seattle, WA area tual maturity. cians. Discover simple lifestyle choices that Warm Beach Methodist Conf Cen eliminate or reduce the need for medica April 10-12 Baltimore, MD area Sandy Cove Conf Cen tions in this intensive three-day seminar. May 22-24 Asheville, NC area Learning from Jesus and John RN&RDearn 12CEU. Ridgecrest Baptist Conf Cen What can we learn, especially amid June 19-21 Chicago, IL area Wheaton College Conf Cen the increased polarization in our July 17-19 Colorado Springs, CO Call Today Glen Eyrie Conf Cen churches and personal relationships, August 5-7 Sacramento, CA area over approaches and methods of min Weimar Instrtute 1-800-525-9192 September 4-6 Albany, NY area istry, worship, and evangelism? Silver Bay YMCA Conf Cen www.ReversingDiabetes.org September 25-27 Santa Cruz, CA area Some approach ministry from the Mt. Hermon Conf Cen "friend of sinners" perspective; in October 23-25 Santa Fe, MM area NEWSTART8 Lifestyle Program Glorieta Baptist Conf Cen fact, entire churches have broken the PO Box 486, Weimar, CA 95736 November 6-8 Portland, OR area traditional format to go all out to WEIMAR A Non-Profit Christian Wellness Center Cannon Beach Conf Cen INSTITUTE reach lost people. I, in fact, pastor a church that has been targeting the

12 MINISTRY February 2001 unchurched for seven years now, EITHER JOHN NOR JESUS SAW THE OTHER AS using contemporary music, drama, multimedia, and other less traditional N A THREAT OR IRRITANT. THEY SAW THE approaches. The experience has been nothing short of amazing. SUCCESS OR APPARENT FAILURE OF THE OTHER AS A God has blessed our ministry in amazing ways. We have seen atheists find Christ, along with agnostics, PART Of GOD©S DiyjNE church dropouts, and other "lost sheep." What©s more, they are staying in the church and even getting old methods of labor..."© "Means will and our ultimate purpose to reach involved. They are growing in their be devised to reach hearts. Some of the world for Christ remains the faith and reaching out to their the methods used in this work will be same. friends. We praise God every time we different from the methods used in see His Grace, extended to another the past; but let no one, because of Conclusion precious soul. this block the way by criticism."2 In fact, in light of the biblical We sometimes feel something like precedent set by John and Jesus, here the fresh, young Christian congrega The Great Commission are some suggestions when we©re con tions of the first century must have We do not have time to spend wor fronted with another©s success or felt when they approached an uncon rying about whether our brothers or failure, or with a different perspective ventional audience (Gentiles) in ways sisters are too conservative or too pro on another©s practice, theological that troubled some of their more con gressive, or whether one worship understanding, worship practice, or servative brothers (not insisting on style is better than another. We have evangelistic method. circumcision, eating questionable time only to put our energy together 1. Avoid destructive criticism. foods, visiting in the homes of the and reach the lost. We must accept 2. Seek answers through personal "unclean" and simply befriending that the same God who has designed rather than through public means. them). each of us differently has done so for 3. Ask questions and seek explana There is a natural tendency in a specific purpose. Some are called to tions when discussing issues (in a some to think that because this kind a lifestyle, passion, and ministry for public or private forum). Attacks on of ministry is reaching the people the "down and outers," others for character, orthodoxy, or personality that we are passionate about, every "the lost sheep of the house of Israel," should always be avoided. one should be doing it. The ministry and still others for the "up and out 4. Rejoice over kingdom growth. of John and Jesus would not tell us ers." All are lost "coins," "sheep," and When fruit is borne let us rejoice such a thing. It is not true that any "sons," and everything must be put together. Another©s success should be one method should be used by every aside so that they may be found (Luke seen as our success (Luke 15:2, 5, 6, 7, one or that anyone not using a 15). It is more an issue of personal 9, 10, 20, 22, 23.) certain form of evangelism should be calling than one of orthodoxy. We 5. Praise God for diversity of gifts, questioned or criticized. Those cannot embroil ourselves in the pout passion, and calling. Let us be grateful involved in contemporary worship ing of the older brother in Jesus© that our Creator is a God of variety shouldn©t be critical of churches or parable who refuses to come into the within the context of the unity of the ministries using traditional methods, party that his father has thrown at faith. which have in fact worked over the the return of the younger brother John the Baptist and Jesus were years, especially in some contexts. because he (the older brother) worlds apart in personal appearance, But this does not mean that these believed it was not right for his father style, ministry practice, and evangel more traditional methods are ideal to do things in such a wrong and istic demographic targetting. But they for every locale or circumstance. undignified way (Luke 15). trusted God to handle their differ Mainstream evangelism continues to Given time, we will see how God ences and supported one another fall far short of reaching some groups. makes no mistakes. His purpose is too with confidence. The truth is that both approaches are great to have cut us all out of the Let us "Go, and do likewise." IX! valid, and the practitioners of one same mold. While it may seem that should not criticize those who advo we are going in different directions cate the other. now, at the end, or in the end, we will 1 Ellen G. White, Evangelism (Hagerstown, Md: "Men are needed who pray to God look back and see how God designed Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1946), 105. Emphasis mine. for wisdom, and who, under the guid this diversity for maximum impact. 2 Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, September 30, ance of God, can put new life into the We are all different, but God is One 1902. Emphasis mine.

February 200 1 MINISTRY 13 every wind of doctrine ..." (Eph. 4:14). We would also keep more from leaving through the "back door," sometimes moving with almost the same speed with which they came in the front. And who better than the pastor to teach on a regular basis the new converts, and in what better place than the Sabbath School? A balanced menu of doctrinal topics can be studied that will serve as a follow-up to the pre-baptismal classes. New converts must be protected. They must be shielded from The pastor©s "strange doctrines," secured from church members who can give a distorted view of the gospel or who can be a stumbling block with Sabbath School their extremism or impatience. A faithful shepherd of the flock will especially care for the newborn lambs. Class "Satan is no idler; he watches his chances, and takes advantage of every opportunity to win souls to his side. He constantly sows his tares in every heart that is not barricaded with t©s true! The parish pastor is called to be the truth." 1 Buford Griffith, Jr. all things to all men . . . and women: leader, administrator, evangelist, coun Pastor©s responsibility selor, consoler, and keeper of the There are pastors who are taking on the household of God. Only God can equip seriously negligent habit of not attending Ius to be successful in the area of our calling. Sabbath School! It is true that many pastors Yet we are also teachers, Sabbath School are charged with the care of many churches teachers. I have discovered in 20 years of pas and therefore find it difficult to be with their toral ministry that the greatest joy after people for Sabbath School. That is, of course, preaching is that of watching people grow in understandable, but the pastor should never the Lord. That growth is aided by special be absent because of laziness or indifference. attention given them by their pastor in regu There is no excuse for the pastor who is gen lar classroom interaction known in Adventist uinely able to do so, not to be at Sabbath circles as the pastor©s Sabbath School class. School conducting his or her own class. It is with much prayer and effort that we As pastors, we are teachers. Regular teach observe the charge of God to "go into all the ing of the saints, whether in an evangelistic or world and teach all nations, baptizing them Sabbath School setting, keeps the tools of the in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy pastor sharp and above all keeps him in close Spirit." Thus, after the effort to gather souls touch with the people who need him the for the kingdom, we should exert the same, or most. It keeps him in touch with the new even greater effort to retain them. This is dis- converts. One new in the faith needs the cipling, and a pastor©s class can play a crucial security of knowing that their pastor is there role in this important part of our mission. for them spiritually and ready to help with Buford Griffith Jr. is personal and doctrinal issues that arise. The director of Sabbath Protection pastor is charged with the responsibility of School/Family Life Let©s be honest. After baptism, the number holding the reins of truth within the church. Ministries, of those who remain is alarmingly low. That It is a responsibility that cannot not be taken Southwestern Union trend must be reversed. I contend that if pas lightly. Conference of tors were more diligent in "rooting and We preach the high standards of the will of Seventh-day grounding" new converts, we would have God; these often attract men, women, and Adventists, Burleson, more vibrant churches and more stable mem children to the message of Christ. But when Texas. bers who would not be in danger of being they enter the fellowship of the church, new "tossed to and fro, and carried about with converts easily become confused as they

14 MINISTRY February 2001 begin to see the truths that attracted Stronger bonds of friendship are your own creativeness in lesson them compromised by seasoned engendered among the members of preparation. members or as those members treat the class. It leaves more room for It encourages attendance at mid them unkindly or carelessly. While it members in the class to become a sup week prayer services. Series that have takes a cooperative effort between port to one another in their new faith. started in the pastor©s Sabbath School strong, committed lay people and The warmth of class fellowship can be continued at prayer meeting. clergy, the pastor must be a witness to encourages members of the class to It engenders better, more "live" the fact that God©s Word is tme and invite and bring members of their lesson preparation and greater unchangeable, even if those who family to the class. In this way, the involvement in the spiritual growth claim to follow it are neither. pastor©s class becomes evangelistic of the class member. This also sets an example for other teachers and could T"\ EGULAR TEACHING OF THE SAINTS result in a more dynamic Sabbath School overall. Of course, everyone needs to do JLVKEEPS THE TOOLS OF THE PASTOR what works best for their individual situations. The above list serves only S HARP AND KEEPS HIM IN CLOSE TOUCH as a simple base. Whatever approach works best in your situation is the one you should adopt. If you are now conducting your There is often an appalling lack of without being called a baptismal own class, continue with it. If you knowledge regarding basic doctrines class, which sometimes seems intimi aren©t, put away the fears and the of the Bible and the Seventh-day dating to a non-member. false reasons you may have for not Adventist Church by its members. You are more able to intercept doing so. Discover or rediscover the Thus, it becomes a sheer necessity hurtful views of truth before they joy, satisfaction, reward, and produc that there be ongoing instruction in become a problem for the new mem tiveness of teaching your own the distinctive doctrines that identify ber, even while you are enabled to new-member Sabbath School class the people of God. A solid pastor©s more easily help each member of the and observe the growth of those who Sabbath School class, where the class in a personalized way as they take hold of the truth as you tutor essential teachings of the Bible are deal with the particular questions under your Lord. BD firmly rooted and affirmed by a pas they may bring with them. tor who takes the Word seriously, will Creating your own class challenges 1 Ellen G. White, The Home Missionary, Feb. 1, 1890. greatly strengthen the foundation of these new believers.

The pastor©s class Within the realm of the pastor©s Sabbath School class, the pastor has the privilege of adopting methods A New that will root and ground these new members. Here is a suggested method '€ Features worship resources from Adventist and other ology. Christian sources f Create your own lesson series. It % Questions answered by "been there - done that" moderators will do the following things: f You and the class will have greater €; Provides support for Adventist Pastors and Worship Leaders flexibility. €> Offers concepts and materials to enhance worship + It will allow you to address those points of greatest concern in your "Where Seventh-day Adventist worship is profiled and supported!" particular setting. f It encourages deeper study on the part of both the class members and the pastor. 4- You are enabled to move at a pace that assures complete understand ing of the Church©s pillar doctrines.

February 200 1 MINISTRY 15 them? How were they going to handle the extensive medical work? And what about the more subtle yet significant issues of character and personality? How could they as parents honor the little person Anton was, yet neu tralize potentially destructive factors that had already shaped his young life? How could they facilitate relationships with grandpar ents, other children at church and school, How to move and even big sister? It was parenting all right, but in a totally new dimension! into a church The model of adoption offers some insights for the church planter who "adopts" an "orphaned church" in its infancy rather than plant withput giving birth to it. That is, for the pastor who is called to take over a congregation that has recently been planted or brought into being by someone else. Four key questions capsulate killing it these insights for the "instant parent" of a new church plant. Careful and honest answers to these four questions can lay groundwork for a teve and Karen adopted a five-year- more successful adoption. Doug Tilstra old boy from Russia. They spent The questions are: (1) What is my history months preparing for the adoption. as a new parent? (2) What is this child©s his Even though they were veteran par tory? (3) How has this child learned to relate ents, the prospect of adoption to others? and (4) Is everybody willing to Spresented dozens of new challenges. allow the process of growing up? They watched and watched again video clips of their new son, Anton, long before he 1. What is my history as a new ever came to live in their home. There were parent? mountains of paperwork and miles of red Vision. One of the first questions Steve and tape to work through. Other concerns includ Karen needed to ask themselves was, Why are ed finances, dynamics of family integration, we doing this? Parents (biological and adop and bedroom configuration. tive) usually have some vision for the children At last, Steve and Karen flew to Moscow, they bring into the world. They dream of what visited Anton©s orphanage, met him for the they can become; their goals for their future first time, and brought him to their California and desires for the direction of their lives. home. But the work had just begun. Perhaps Most churches are planted with vision. The adopting a child relieves the mother from the church founder and planting team typically physical "labor" that comes with giving birth, share such a vision, even if it is not formalized but the labor of the delivery room is certainly on paper. The problem is, a new leader com replaced with hard work the moment adop ing to the church may have little idea what tion occurs. that original vision is. The potential "instant Unlike a newborn entering their family, parent" of a new church does well to ask, Anton came with certain habits and expecta Why am I doing this? What are my dreams tions fairly firmly set. He spoke Russian, and for this church? Why do I believe God responded to life from a preset genetic code allowed this church to come into being at this (largely unknown to the new parents). He time, in this place, with these people? What Doug Tilstra is assistant professor also had some medical needs requiring sever can it become? How can God use me to help of religion at al surgeries and rehabilitation. Steve and it achieve those dreams? Southern Adventist Karen quickly realized this was parenting in a Expectations. Vision is closely related to University, totally new dimension. expectations. Both project a desired future. Collegedale, Who was this little boy? How could they Both can motivate to excellence. Both can Tennessee. bond to him and encourage him to bond to inspire a team with focus, unity, and coopera-

16 MINISTRY February 2001 tion. But there are differences. Vision building being open and ready to use from? Why did they give this child is usually broader; expectations are each week) that one may take for up for adoption? Was this child loved more specific and measurable. Vision granted in an established church or resented in the womb? As an is more idealistic; expectations more often take major energy to accom infant was the child nurtured and pragmatic. A parent©s vision for a child plish in a newly planted one. All the loved or given only minimal care? may be for the child to enjoy excel members of the body may be present, Adopted parents of new churches lent health and to pursue any sport but it©s an infant©s body. Not every can learn from similar questions. Who she desires. The parental expectation thing is "hooked up" yet. The body conceived this church? Why? How may be more far-reaching and specif must mature and learn to accomplish long was the "gestation period" for ic: for the child to win a gold medal as adult functions. this church? How was the church an Olympic gymnast by age twelve. If a person has planted a church planting team formed? What training Such an expectation drives the life of before, such surprises are less surpris did they receive? What process did parent and child differently from the ing. Like children, no two churches they follow for setting a vision? Was vision of excellent health and fitness. are alike, but they do pass through that vision ever put in writing? Has it Expectations are not necessarily predictable patterns and stages. If a ever gone beyond paper and been bad. But they do need to be identified person has never planted a church it internalized in members© lives? What and evaluated. Church planters may be wise to talk with church role did the conference administra adopting a new congregation can planters or read about church plants tion play in the project? What role did benefit from some introspection. Am to discover some of these patterns. local churches, other church leaders, I projecting unrealistic expectations I adopted a new church when it or a paid pastor play in the planting onto this new little church? Am I was about four months old. It was project? Who "owns" this project? Why did the founding pastor leave? O CONCEIVED THIS CHURCH? WHY? As I listened to the stories of area pastors, members, conference admin HOW LONG WAS :THE .©GESTATION,PE:RJ0D":: istrators, and the founding pastor of w: my adopted church, I began formu lating a picture of this "child" I had adopted. I could understand its pre dictable life stages from previous eager to create a church in my own separated by 1,000 miles, a cultural experience, but I could only grasp its image? Am I trying to meet some per barrier, and totally different planting unique needs by hearing the story of sonal need by what this church will vision and history from the church I its early life. become? Am I using this church to had planted several years before. But Genetic code. The "genetic code" "make a statement"? the intriguing thing was the familiar refers to the unique personality the It is a good idea for the "instant phrases I heard coming from people©s church builds in its formative stage parent" of a newly planted church to mouths. It was almost as if people in and passes on as a heritage to all evaluate his or her own vision and my adopted church were quoting future generations. It is amazing how expectations and then learn as much folk from my own planted church. quickly such a "genetic code" is built as possible about the vision and They were passing through similar and how long it lasts! expectations of the congregation. stages of new church life. I remem Ideally, the genetic code is careful Experience. It isn©t essential, but it bered what came next, and sure ly articulated in a vision statement can help to be a parent before adopt enough, it usually did. and implemented through equally ing your first child. "Instant parents" My past experience allowed me to well-planned strategies and goals. may be surprised to learn that their be a bit calmer, a bit less reactive. It More often, the genetic code, even if child does not sleep an eight-hour was a little easier to distinguish harm there is a written vision and strategy night or dismayed that their baby did ful trends from minor distractions. document, develops informally as the not come equipped with teeth. In the church just "lives its life." same way, a person who has never 2. What is the child©s history? The genetic code includes such planted a church my be dismayed that Circumstances surrounding the con things as how leaders are selected, this new group looks like a church, ception, birth, and infancy. Parents how differences are resolved, attitudes talks like a church, even acts like a adopting a child often ask about birth toward "outsiders," a heart for the church much of the time, but. . . sur parents. Are they addicted to alcohol lost, how decisions are made, worship prise! This new group really has not or drugs? What is their general style, relationship to the corporate learned to function as a church yet. health? What sort of people are they? church and denominational adminis Some church functions (such as the What kind of families did they come tration, expectations for the pastor,

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v : .;/;;:}=>•::• •••;,.;s;? i :S:? :,;7/;.;-:;:.:;,-:.,•<:;•;>:: f ^i'-^S^^.^ikJi^S^itiSS^MISSiSf^ participation of the members, and meeting of interested people. They needs to refocus his or her vision. If dozens of other things. may also be largely task-oriented peo the new church has a heart for the lost As an adoptive parent, a pastor ple who bond slowly to people under and the new leader is indifferent, such needs to know what genetic code is the best of circumstances. The a difference could kill the church. already in place and what genetic absence of the founding pastor and Attitude toward leadership and code still might be developing. the arrival of a new leader merely authority. Some children relate easily Forces that have shaped the child's compounds the problem. What does to authority. Others resist it. Some life so far. Steve and Karen discovered one do to facilitate bonding? authority is demeaning and demand that other forces had shaped Anton's First diagnose the situation. How ing and some is selfless and serving. early life. Life in an orphanage had many of these people knew each Do you know the leadership climate been very different from life in their other before the church planting proj in the new church you will lead? Do home. The transition from orphanage ect? What are the current evidences of you know how you exercise authori to family home required lots of time group life, team spirit, and coopera ty? Does your own theology and and patience, skill and understanding. tion? What does it feel like when the personal bias lean toward a view of The church planter does well to group is together? Supportive? Tense? church that downplays accountability understand the forces that have so far Warm? Cool? Awkward? Affirming? or do you tend to demand rigid con shaped the new church. Does this Do people seem to like and enjoy each trol? Have church leaders in the new church hold public evangelism in other? What formal organizational church been supported or resisted? high esteem because it was birthed structures are in place? Are decisions How is conference administration from such an event? Are most of viewed? Is there an "Us versus Them" these members "born and bred" HE CHURCH or a "We" mentality? Adventists who became "bored and Such questions may help you eval tired" of their local church? Have PLANTER DOES uate the situation. If you discover there already been power struggles in T serious conflict it may require a care the formation of this group? What ful study of the biblical role of support or hostility have local leadership, prayer for broken hearts, Adventist congregations acted out in and repentance and help from spe the formation of this new group? cialists perceived as being neutral. What experiments have worked well here? Which have not? 4. Is everybody willing to These questions are merely sugges allow the growing-up process? tive. Other appropriate ones will Neither parenting nor church become obvious once adoptive par planting is a quick and easy process. ents know what they are looking for. Unless parents and planters are will made inside those structures or out ing to stick with the job for the long 3. How has this child learned side of them? Do small groups form a haul, the results will be disappointing. to relate to others? significant part of church life? What And the children and church mem Bonding issues: Attitudes toward each does the group do for fun? bers are part of that decision. Like other. Families interested in raising After diagnosing, there will be adoptive homes, new church plants secure and well-adjusted children room for both celebrating the bond are no place for those who are quick give significant energy to bonding ing that is already happening and for to take offense or hand it out! People issues. How emotionally close are the gradually filling in where pieces of willing to allow the process of growth people in this family? How emotion the puzzle are missing. are people with a clear vision of the ally available are they to each other? Attitude toward the lost. Churches desired result and almost infinite Can they feel each other's pain and are planted to reach lost people. If the patience in the bumbling processes pleasure? Can they support each newly planted church does not that have to go on to get there. other? Is it draining or energizing for believe that something is wrong, the Much of the discussion here has them to interact? Do they like each adoptive parent of the new church centered on asking probing questions other or just tolerate each other? Are may need to help the group refocus to understand where to direct ener they a team? their vision until they see the priority gies. Asking the right questions will Many church plants fail for lack of of reaching the lost. They need to not produce healthy churches. bonding. Often the core group is catch the vision of "making a place for Producing careful solutions will not made of a "collection of strangers." them" as opposed to "making a place necessarily produce healthy churches. They may have met for the first time for us." Only God produces healthy churches. when the church planter called a Perhaps it is the new leader who We cooperate with Him. ®

February 2001 MINISTRY 19 badly need a perspective that transcends the usual sense of fear or panic that comes over us. We need, if you like, a kind of brainstorming. That is, no holds barred, no ideas rejected, no comments unwelcome, no concepts too radi cal, nothing judged as unworthy or crazy. In this way, the chronos can begin to appear among the storm clouds of our chaos. If we do this, we are not allowing the chaos to destroy the chronos as it is bom in on the wings of our chaos. When this takes place there is a syner Chaos and gy that often produces what in the end is quite logical. That is, it is logical at the end of the process looking back, for we would probably chronos never have arrived at the idea by a linear or more logical step-by-step process. We reached The integration of the idea through chaos. Then the idea comes into chronos as a new "child" to be nurtured across time into a maturity as either a new disorder and order process, product, or system.

Chronos and chaos in the Bible he human mind seeks to bring Think of the impact of the juxtaposition of Richard 0. Stenbakken order to a multitude of chaotic chaos and chronos in the Bible. In Genesis we events in order to impart meaning begin with chaos. "Now the earth was form and understanding and to pro less and empty. . ." That sounds like chaos to mote survival and progress. me. But then God appears in the form of the TPerhaps I preach a sermon that is a total Spirit, and that which was chaotic now takes flop. My mind warns me not to do that again! on form, order, and beauty. Out of chaos It tells me that I must be a survivor in the age comes chronos: days, weeks, months, sea of pastoral cuts and "right-sizing" in the work sons, Sabbath, worship, marriage, family, force of the church! In the message my mind intimacy with God, and a host of riotous gives me, there is pain and fear. The chaos cre orderliness including flora, fauna, and geo ated by my "failure" may actually be the best physical forces. Then comes chaos again, in thing that ever happened to me. It forces me the form of the Fall. The total creation is now to re-evaluate my sermons, their preparation, in chaos. Weeds come where once there were content, and delivery. This chaos may well only flowers, thorns where there were roses, propel me toward a much better process of and back-breaking work where there had study and preparation as well as a much bet been life-fulfilling labor. Fear of God where ter "product" (the sermon) and thus lead me there was love. Male and female ashamed of to be a better spokesperson for God and more being with each other: "We are naked here! faithful to His call and my profession. Another fig leaf, please!" And the fig leaves The message in such situations is both are humanity's way of trying feebly to bring obscured and clear. Thus, chaos is a point of some order out of the chaos in a now frac time that should be appreciated and valued as tured creation. a teaching or learning opportunity in chronos But, God has a brilliant idea. Save the situ (time). If I merely throw away chaos, or refuse ation from chaos by installing a new to allow its lessons to penetrate my manage dimension of chronos: " 'And I will put enmi ment of chronos and life, I will probably be ty between you and the woman, and between Richard 0. operating on five cylinders when I could be your offspring and hers; he will crush your Stenbakken, Ed.D, is running on eight. [Serpent's] head, and you will strike His the director of The fact is that deliberate chaos is often the [Christ's] heel' " (Gen. 3:15). This is the first Adventist Chaplaincy producer of fresh, new, and viable ideas. It is promise of a Savior who will come in "the full Ministries, Genera! the invitation to a quality of growth that oth ness of time [chronos]" to ultimately and Conference. erwise would never be. At times of chaos we finally bring order again from the chaos of

20 MINISTRY February 2001 sin's intrusion. This is in juxtaposition to the previous state of things, which was described by God as "very good." CHAOS CHRONOS AND ORDER This theme is as it were a chiastic Hebraism form repeated in cycles Pre-Creation Creation through the rest of the Bible. (See the Fall Promised Messiah (at the right time) list at right for a summary of some of the Old Testament examples of it.) Pre-Flood/Flood Noah and new beginnings (note the As if that isn't enough, look at the time references) New Testament. God comes to a Babel's tower Table of nations young woman (the least of her cul ture) to tell her of a plan in chronos Polytheism Abraham called to serve The One God to bring forth a Child conceived of the Holy Spirit to cure the chaos of Lot captured Lot rescued the aeons. Think for a moment of her No heir for Abraham Isaac •" •' , ,.. • •••:•• , •' •.. •' ;•';'•• •.:;v"C:':-;.":''':.b: chaos! After all, an unwed mother of her day was a candidate for death by jps^plh th Becorties second to stoning. And Joseph is wondering f n: about all this. His beloved Mary, with whom he has been a total gentleman, is now pregnant, and he knows it was not of his doing. Talk about chaos! It is only through the intervention of an angel that his chaos comes to have (and already has in God's grace) come married couples can experience meaning in chronos (Matt. 1:20-24). into chronos—even now. severe chaos in their relationships These events are not mere sleight Let's go back to the illustration and yet use that very chaos to devel of hand or radical refraining of facts. above on dealing with sermon prepa op an even stronger marriage as they They are part of a pattern of bringing ration and delivery. If there had not move through it and learn from it, chaos and chronos into balance. In been the chaos of a poorly preached finally coming to a vibrant renewal. due time, according to Scripture, sermon, I would probably not have Similarly, some congregations can chronos will win over chaos. The any red-hot stimulus to be creative go through a traumatic event and guarantee was set in motion when and innovative in developing new come out more healthy than before, the minions of hell shouted, "Crucify and better ways to preach. That, in and other congregations will be utter Him! Crucify Him!" And Christ turn, could well have propelled me ly destroyed by the same or a similar slumped dead on the cross to be into the molasses of mediocrity, and event. On a personal note, this is placed in a borrowed tomb (chaos). It could even have led to my ultimate why, in the utter carnage and chaos was ratified when consistent with removal from ministry. of combat during my time in chronos He burst from that tomb With the mind-set of keeping a Vietnam, I could come to a personal establishing a whole new creation. balance between chaos and chronos, epiphany embracing both the precar- and the ability to seriously look at iousness and preciousness of life. Chaos and chronos and my chaos and mine new diamonds out of Making applications of this princi ministry its rubble, I can move beyond chaos ple of life is an excitingly productive Now the great theological ques into a new and ever-renewing way to seek controlled chaos through tion: So what? What does this theme chronos. More than that, I have a group or individual brainstorming. of chaos and chronos have to do with view that allows me to minister to We can mine the diamonds out of the my ministry Monday morning? people in chaos and help them dis uninviting rock—the totally unpre Interesting, but is it practical? Yes, I cover newness and renewal where dictable chaos that inevitably visits think it is not only practical, but vital. there is fear, despair, and desperation. our best laid plans. Doing so will be a Knowing that chaos can be focused The psychologically and spiritually personal, and sometimes profound, or refocused into meaningfulness in healthy mind moves beyond being application of Isaiah 43:18, 19 "Forget chronos is what ministry and minis stuck in present or past chaos. Those the former things; do not dwell on the tering the gospel is all about. It keeps who are so impressed by the power of past [chaos]. See, I am doing a new me from being frozen in chaos and chaos that they cannot or will not thing! Now it [chronos] springs up; do invites me to examine chaos for the move on, remain in a chaotic and you not perceive it? I am making a possibilities and newness, which can destructive state. That is why some way. ..." ISl

February 2001 MINISTRY 21 this verse and the rest of the chapter explains the fourfold formula of church growth both locally and globally. The key word is devoted, which means to persevere, to give constant attention to, to remain firm. The KJV and NKJV use the phrase continued steadfastly. Members of the New Testament church would not be shaken. They would not be divided. They stood firm in their convictions. They devoted them selves to four particular principles of church life and growth.

The apostles© teaching First, they devoted themselves to the apos How can the tles' teachings. This involves both knowing the Word of God as well as living the Word. The apostles' teachings centered in the essentials, church grow? such as the love of God; the plan of salvation; the centrality of the crucified, risen, and soon-coming Jesus; the hope of resurrection; and the lifestyle that the gospel called for in hurch growth has dominated the lives of the disciples. The members of the Gnanaraj Kore the functions of the world church met together (verse 46) to learn the church in recent times, provid Word, and their lives became one with the ing a giant leap in evangelism Word. and outreach, and taking the Today many members do not know what gospelC to unentered areas around the world. they believe and why they believe. Even the Church leadership and laity have invested central teachings of Jesus affecting our daily enormous resources in this growth. Results life seem neglected in many circles. Often the have been good. New outposts and new Sabbath itself seems not to celebrate its pri churches have been established. mary emphasis in God as Creator and But what about growth in existing church Redeemer, and is often either ignored or rele es? Are they growing or are they largely gated to mere ritual. Lifestyle issues do not stagnated, with only the children of the con stand out to reflect what God's grace can do gregation constituting the major increase? to transform lives as models of citizens of the Are the new members added in the existing coming kingdom. On the contrary, the early churches the result of a living witness in the church believed the Word of God and stood surrounding community? Do the church firm for it. There was oneness in their belief. records indicate honest membership figures, We cannot do any less. or are there names that are not even trace able? Fellowship Second, the early church was noted for fel Four New Testament principles of lowship—with the Lord as well as with one church growth another. How much fellowship do we have as The New Testament church gives us twin a church today? Do our churches provide an pictures of church growth. While individual atmosphere where both members and visitors church grew daily (Acts 2:47), the evangelistic eagerly await getting together? I know of Gnanaraj Kore is the thrust of taking the gospel to unentered areas churches where worshipers would rather not director of Sabbath went about with vision and vigor. How was look at one another. School and Personal this possible? In my early ministry I pastored a small vil Ministries of the Southern Asia The answer is found in Acts 2:42: "They lage church. On the first Sabbath of the new Division of Seventh- devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching year, the Sabbath School superintendent day Adventists, and to the fellowship, to the breaking of invited me to read Isaiah 58. I went up and Hosur, India. bread and to prayer" (NIV). A careful study of read, "Shout it aloud, do not hold back. Raise

22 MINISTRY February 2001 your voice like a trumpet. Declare to and for the completion of the mis church that prays grows. Fervent and my people their rebellion and to the sion that the Lord of the table has left earnest prayer is the greatest need of house of Jacob their sins" (verse 1, for us. the church today. We need to pray for NIV). the power of the Holy Spirit. I found out later that the Sabbath Prayer A geologist studying the strata of School superintendent's family in my Fourth, the early church spent rock under St. Paul's Cathedral in church and another family were at much time in praying together as a London reported that the church odds with each other. My reading of body (Acts 4:31; 12:5,12; 13:3). Much building is moving down Fleet Street Isaiah 58 was seen by each of these of the strength of the early church at the rate of one inch every 1,000 two families as a message appropriate was because of prayer and fasting. years. A reader of the report com to the other, who should be shown Nothing works as well as time spent mented, "The church ought to move their sins and rebellion. In all of this, in prayer—in small groups, in homes, faster than that." when one family came to the church, in schools. Intercessory prayer for The church will move fast, will be the other wouldn't. What kind of fel others is a power that, by and large, vibrant, and will grow if it follows lowship can exist in a church like we have not tapped. When we inter these four simple New Testament that? cede for others, when we confess our growth steps. Let us be challenged to Fellowship must not stop with just sins in prayer, when we meet togeth find ways of putting them into prac singing "What a fellowship, what a er to seek God's will, there is power. A tice in our congregations, m joy divine," but must transform the lives of Christ's body and create such a unity that the community will take note that here are a people of differ ent backgrounds and interests who can live and worship together—in Christ's name.

Breaking bread together Third, the disciples devoted them selves to the breaking of bread "from house to house, .. . with gladness and singleness of heart" (Acts 2:46). Breaking bread can mean both the observance of the Lord's Supper and also having a communal meal. The New Testament church strongly believed in the brotherhood of all ooking for ministry believers, without any class difference. Eating together symbolized their ideas and materials?•>'.'*£' Le"jwijss oneness, a family created by the sav ing power of the risen Jesus. Potlucks Adventist PlusLine may bring us together in a social way, We specialize iri but such get-togethers must create a •«!!?' family spirit. The observance of the Lord's Supper must transcend mere people with routine to actually become the occa and ministry sion for what was meant in the beginning: a gathering of people who together acknowledge their sinner- hood and find strength as a congregation in confessing corporate- ly what God has done for them in Jesus and their need for one another. The Lord's table destroys every wall of Provided by your union tofeTence and' partition and creates a commonality American Division of Sevelf-day and oneness for the glory of the Cross

February 2001 MINISTRY 23 Shortly afterward a visiting speaker to their church told how God had restored to him the use of his legs. When the testimony was over, there was an invitation to "come forward and be healed." Larry and Lucky were present with Wes and his two little sisters. When no one made for the front, a woman in the pew behind them leaned forward and said, "Don't you know the Lord wants that sweet little boy to get well? If he were my son, I'd do every thing I could for him!" After that, Wesley, with his parents, went forward. The healing service was impressive. Wes "felt something" and was sure he had been healed. Promised a When they reached home, Larry said, "We're gonna believe this all the way! We're gonna fast! We're gonna read our Bibles! miracle? We're gonna pray! We're gonna strengthen our faith till there's no room for doubt!" In the days that followed, certain practical issues had to be addressed: f you had half the faith in the Lord that Lucky: "What if Wes shows signs of sugar? David N. Marshall you place in doctors and needles, I Should we stop the insulin?" believe that boy would get well." How Larry: "He won't." would you react if you had a sick son Lucky: "He has to have his insulin. He'll and someone said that to you? get sick." IWell, Larry and Lucky Parker did have a Larry: "The Scriptures promise healing. sick son—8-year-old Wesley, a diabetic—and God has to stand on His Word." those words were said to them. Each morning Wes continued to test for As you identify with their situation, do you sugar, which continued to be high. One feel yourself pulled two ways? morning Larry grew agitated: "You show Larry and Lucky were members of a symptoms because Satan has put them there "charismatic" congregation. They heard heal to test our faith. We're gonna show our grati ing stories in church regularly. After one such tude for this healing—by believing in it!" story a well-intentioned group of women Larry and Lucky persistently affirmed the turned to Lucky and said, "We're going to do miracle in church services. Wes, with his par the same for Wesley." ents' permission, began to eat unwisely. Lucky was hesitant. "Well, I do believe the Standing with the fridge door open one day, Lord will heal Wes one day ..." But the his father said, holding the needles and women's group was up and racing. Wesley's insulin, "I guess we don't need these any healing was made the number-one priority in more." It all went into the garbage bin. their prayer circle. "There's nothing He won't But Wesley continued to feel ill. Lucky do if you just show Him you have faith," they confessed to her women's prayer group told Larry and Lucky. "moments of doubt." The response? "Oh, The well-intentioned women's group, with Lucky, I wouldn't throw doubt in the face of Lucky in its midst, met in a home. They God's miracle! It's blasphemy! Let's get some worked themselves up by an almost frenzied prayer power working." singing of Gospel hymns. Then there was a Wesley was obviously ill, and his condition prayer session in which all spoke (shouted?) was deteriorating. However, believing that to David N. Marshall, at once, one voice louder than the rest. First admit symptoms would be to show a lack of Ph.D.. is Editor-in- they demanded Wesley's healing in the name faith, he tried his best to prevent his parents Chief, Stanborough of Jesus, and then they chanted, "Hear us, from realizing just how sick he was. There Press, Grantham, Lamb of God," so many times that they lost came a time when Larry wanted Wes to go England. track of time. back to the insulin. At that exact moment

24 MINISTRY February 2001 Lucky, with her entire prayer group in their local congregation, had a totally servant shall be healed," he said. Jesus tow, entered Wesley's sickroom. "It's wrong idea about faith. responded, "I have not found so great because of our doubts, Larry," said faith, no, not in Israel." Lucky. "Wes, you will be healed What is faith? Do you remember the story of a because we've got faith." So what is faith? Yes, I know you Canaanite woman when Jesus and Leaving the house, one of the can recite Hebrews 11:1. But how His disciples were in the vicinity of members of the women's prayer circle would you explain the meaning of Tyre and Sidon? The woman sought said to Larry, "Wes would have been faith to a child? help for her daughter "tormented by healed a long time ago if you'd had One word that is foundational to a devil." Jesus tested her to see how enough faith." the Christian's experience is depend much she trusted. When she contin A few days later Wes died. ence. The Christian life is a life of ued to press her case, He said Amazingly, Larry and Lucky didn't dependence on God. We use three "Woman, what faith you have! Be it lose heart. For months they had been different words to describe that as you wish!" (Matt. 15:28, NEB). randomly selecting verses of Scripture dependent relationship: belief, faith, Jesus invariably commended peo and claiming them as promises. and trust. ple for their faith. Remember the Before Wes's death they had read the These days belief implies no more story of the healing of the women story of the raising of Lazarus. Hence, than a grasp and acceptance of the with the flow of blood (Matt. 9:18- when Wes died, they believed that facts. It is merely mental assent. 22)? Then there were the men who let God would show His power by resur James 2:19 says that the devils have the paralytic down through the roof recting him. They even delayed the this kind of belief, and it terrifies (Luke 5:18-26). funeral until the 8-year-old boy had them! From the use that Jesus made of the been dead for four days. Then they So what about faith? Remember word faith, here and elsewhere, is it prolonged the funeral, waiting for the story of the centurion in Matthew possible to find another word closer to God to act. 8:5-10? "Speak the word only and my the biblical meaning of dependence A few days later Larry and Lucky Parker were arrested and charged with second-degree murder. The members of the women's Honoring Evangelistic prayer circle were conspicuous by their absence now. Achievement In the ensuing trial, the pastor was evasive about the whole thing. ecently the Ministerial Association joined with the Voice of Prophecy and West However, a bumbling attorney man RPoint of Evangelism to honor the life and memory of several individuals for their aged to present to the jury a picture of personal contribution to soul-winning: George Atiga (fourth from left), for evan a couple who, with the best inten gelism and coordination of Asian ministries and evangelism; Connie Vandeman tions in the world, had brought about Jeffery (seventh from left), daughter of honoree George Vandeman, founder of It Is the death of their son. Written telecast; Virginia Fagel (seventh from right), co-founder of Faith for Today Lucky and Larry Parker were found telecast; Doug Batchelor (fifth from right), speaker for Amazing Facts, who received guilty. But the judge, having listened the plaque honoring Amazing Facts' founder, Joe Crews; George Rainey (fourth carefully to the defense, sentenced from right), for evangelism and metropolitan ministry. Honoree not pictured: them to five years' probation. Kenneth Cox, for evangelism and pioneering multi-media techniques. All this happened back in 1973. During their five years on probation, the Parkers wrote a book entitled We Let Our Son Die. Recently the book was made into a film/video entitled Promised a Miracle. In the book, the sense that Larry Parker makes of the situation is that they had put their faith before love. But having read the story and checked into some of its details, I believe that the lesson to be learned from the death of 8-year-old Wesley Parker is that his parents, egged on by

February 2001 MINISTRY 25 upon God? Let's face it, nowadays himself, and no longer looking to tive thinking. It is this audacious pos faith has come to mean positive himself.... He does not look at what itive thinking that makes people thinking. This, of course, was the he hopes to be as a result of his own believe that what they want to hap problem with Larry and Lucky Parker. efforts. He looks entirely to the Lord pen is what is going to happen, that if They were the victims of a particular Jesus Christ and His finished work, they can find anything in Scripture ly audacious form of religion in which and he rests on that alone." 1 that looks like a promise, they can positive thinking is all. Does anyone Our relationship with God in all grab it and claim it for their own. have the right to demand that God aspects of our life—and this includes "The Lord would have you trust in His should heal someone? The Parkers sickness as well as salvation—is to be love and mercy amid clouds and dark and their friends believed that they characterized by trust and complete ness, as well as in the sunshine."4 had that right. They believed too that dependence. "Faith includes not It is natural for us to prefer the God's willingness, or otherwise, to only belief but trust."2 "Faith is trust story of Daniel in the lions' den to the accede to their demands was entirely ing God."3 story of John the Baptist. It is equally dependent upon their own ability to natural for us to be prepared to parrot work up or manufacture enough Trust and surrender Hebrews 11:1 and the first half of the faith/positive thinking. That's why Trust is being content to depend on chapter that follows—while ignoring Larry said, "We're gonna believe this someone else. It involves surrender; the second half. Do you recall the sec all the way." He was going to fast, read for salvation we must surrender our ond half, the part that comes after the his Bible, and pray until he felt he had sins and our sin-tainted efforts to stories of God's deliverance? "Others the right to force God to heal his son. achieve what is beyond our capacity were tortured and refused to be On one occasion Larry said, "The to achieve; and in all aspects of life— released, so that they might gain a Scriptures promise healing. God has including sickness—we must sur better resurrection. Some faced jeers to stand on His Word." Where do the render all to God. and flogging, while still others were Scriptures promise that in every situa The dependent Christian does not chained up and put in prison. They tion God's people have the right to demand healing for himself or for were stoned" (verses 35-37, NIV). And demand and receive divine healing? anyone else; he places the situation, remember the end of the chapter: This perception of faith as auda in trust, in the hands of the One who "These were all commended for their cious positive thinking is an aspect of knows what is best. faith, yet none of them received what the modern Christian scene that the The phrase "Let go, let God" is had been promised. God had planned devil is taking full advantage of. more than a corny American bumper something better" (verses 39, 40, sticker. Genuine faith or trust lets go. NIV). Trust and dependence And letting go takes trust. And how Roger Morneau's Incredible Answers I would like to suggest that wher does trust come? to Prayer has just had its seventh ever in Scripture you find the word "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, printing at the Review and Herald. belief or faith, you can substitute the peace, longsuffering, gentleness, I'm glad. Morneau's wonderful life of word trust and come much closer to goodness, faith [trust], meekness, prayer and intercession is a marvelous grasping the meaning of the passage. temperance" (Gal. 5:22, 23). The example of the faith-as-trust model in The Greek word for faith is pistis, and Bible invariably presents faith/trust as action. the verb form is pisteuo. Neither word a fruit or gift. It is never something Praise God that having abandoned has to do with grasping and accept we can work up or manufacture. their efforts to manipulate Him, Larry ing the facts (belief) or how the Everyone has a measure of it (Rom. and Lucky Parker matured in their modern charismatic uses faith (posi 12:3), but we cannot work to produce Christian experience and in their tive thinking). These Greek words go it. You don't work on fruit. You don't understanding of faith. I pray that much further than that. They imply work for a gift. You put your effort when I face the crises of life, I may be the idea of trust, reliance upon, and into coming into the presence of the given the gift of trust, the capacity to allegiance to. Martyn Lloyd-Jones Giver and accepting the gift provided. leave all things, whatever they are, in says, "Faith ... is not merely an intel the hands of the One who knows lectual awareness of the truth, or Using Scripture correctly what is best for me. M even an intellectual acceptance of To pick a text out of Scripture at the truth. You can have that and still random, wrench it out of context, and 1 Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Romans, 45. be without faith. Faith means a real demand that God honor it by a mira 2 Ellen G. White, Selected Messages (Hagerstown, trusting in Him and what He has cle in your life is not to use Scripture Md.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn.. 1958). 1:389. done on our behalf and for our salva legitimately. This practice is an aspect 3 ——, Education (Nampa, Idaho: Pacific Press? Pub. Assn., 1903), 253. tion. . . . The man who has faith is of modern charismatic religion that 4 ——, Testimonies for the Church (Nampa, Idaho: the man who is no longer looking at has replaced faith-as-trust with posi Pacific Press? Pub. Assn., 1948), 2:274.

26 MINISTRY February 2001 Hallelujah anyway?

obert Schuller, in one of his devo tion, people who kept their faith right tional books, recounts the up to their last agonizing breath. Rheart-breaking story of his daugh Should 1 celebrate less for Rhonda ter's motorcycle accident in which the because others, equally worthy, were beautiful young woman lost a leg. JUDITH A. THOMAS not healed? Of course not. If God's Receiving the news while overseas ways are not my ways, then surely there speaking, he immediately flew home are spiritual and mental changes that with his wife. In anger and desperation, are needed that may be less miraculous he unbuckled his seat belt in the middle than physical healing, even if I'm not of the flight and walked to the lavatory. aware of all the implications involved. As he stood in front of the mirror with Perhaps my associate who had quality tears streaming down his face, he audi time with her mother experienced a bly articulated his praise to Cod. "Thank seemingly, no one heard or cared about miracle in her own life no less spectacu you, God. No head injury, no internal their fervent petitions? lar. I don't know. We just don't have all organ involvement. She is not para Or, perhaps, are we asking the the answers. lyzed. She lost only her leg. Hallelujah, wrong question? Donna (whose moth Robert Schuller's daughter, Donna's anyway!" er had died of cancer) says that the last mother, Rhonda—all are beloved of the "Hallelujah, anyway"? days of caring for her mother were God who gave His one and only Son so How many of us, facing stark among the most profound spiritual that no matter happens to us here, tragedy, could cry out such a thing? times she, Donna, had ever experi now, we can all have the ultimate qual Recently, the organization where I enced. She learned so much spiritually ity of an everlasting life with Him. And work mourned the death of a key asso that she could have never learned with to that I cry, "Hallelujah!" m ciate's mother—to cancer. Despite our out going through that experience. fervent, heartfelt prayers, the woman I agree. I have had my faith strength Judith A. Thomas is an Adventist professional died. ened by good people who, despite pain laity leader and serves as president of "Hallelujah, anyway"? and loss, died with courage and convic J. A. Thomas and Associates in Georgia. Then, not long after that death, there was Rhonda, an associate in our organization. She was only 36 years old ^__-r-^/^ r\r\r\ * when diagnosed with advanced cancer of the stomach that was spewing can SEEDS 2001 cer cells all over her abdominal cavity and into her ovaries. Chemotherapy A Church Planting Conference was the only option. The prognosis was, of course, grim: she had only a few months left. The agonized family con Plant a Church ,,. Reap a Bountiful Harvest! sidered an anointing and healing Church Planters Hear these Plenary Speakers... service. She was anointed in a special English & Spanish Russell Burrill * Don Schneider service accompanied by prayer all over Young Adults Walter Pearson • John McVay the world. Today, she is healed; all Lay Members ErnestYoung « WalterWright traces of cancer gone. Pastors Ron Halvorsen Jr "Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah!" Administrators ...plus seminars, stories, worship, and inspiration. Now, of course, the key question: Departmental Why was Rhonda healed and others, Directors July 18-21,2001 Andrews University like Donna's mother, not? We prayed Ceil Church Intensives — July 15-17 & July 22-24 just as hard, just as confidently for 1.800.255.7568 www.nadei.org them. Why should some be healed, 1.616.471.9220 SEEDS_N ADEI @ compuserve.com even miraculously, when others die as if,

February 2001 M ( N I S T R Y 27 PASTOR's PASTOR

Comfort in chaos

irst the bad news. My aunt died fin lid. God's true gift of the Holy Spirit yesterday while Sharon and I are somehow sends us comfort in the midst F traveling a third of the way around of chaos. In the firestorm of our loss, His the globe. We have just begun our jour still, small voice communicates love and ney and have found it is impossible to JAMES A. CRESS concern for our need. return for the funeral services. As 1 have reflected and grieved over Others have suffered more. the past few hours for the life of a While we grieve at death=s stroke favorite relative, I'm impressed to share against our family, we grapple with the my experience with you. comparative blessing we have experi enced compared with someone who Life is bad but God is good. The has lost a loved one in more tragic cir experience of our sinful world is the "right" moment. There is no conven cumstances. What of those whose son is reality of death and loss. Sometimes in ient date for death. And even if we a casualty of war or whose spouse is the joy we experience with family, could schedule death's timing, few of us taken in a crushing automobile acci friends, or transient circumstances, we would actually choose to keep the dent? What of parents whose little forget that our lives are like grass that appointment. children suffer horrible disease or whose withers or flowers that fade. Death's aged parents lose their memory while crushing grasp, however, reminds us Long life is not long enough. their bodies continue to function? For that every person is born under a When I last spoke with my aunt, she my aunt to have lived a long life, mandatory death sentence. Although reminded me that she had already lived endured traumas, and to have also death was not part of God's original cre beyond three-score and ten. She enjoyed her dogs and her grandchil ation, its horrendous reality is the rejoiced in the good things that had dren, remains a blessed experience that consequence of humanity's disobedi come her way during her life and thousands of less-fortunate would envy. ence. Life is the promise of God's declared that she had made peace with ultimate restoration and in the midst of the nearness of her anticipated end. Plan for the future; live today. loss, that reality is more difficult to see Nevertheless, when the moment came, Twin challenges confront every believer. than the grief that envelops us. her daughter, who was with her, longed How to focus on plans for the future Assurance of His ultimate victory eases, for just one more day or even an addi while staying in touch with the tenuous but does not eliminate the sting of pain tional hour in which to somehow cram present. Good intentions never trans in the midst of loss. some last farewell. Perhaps one of the formed into present actions remain only most destructive of death's results is the figments of our thoughts. Irresponsible Death never arrives on sched lost opportunity to say anything else to anticipation of future things can stymie ule. Although I knew that my aunt was those we love. hard work and corrective action today. ill and even though my brothers and I Likewise, hedonistic abandonment of had strategized how we might handle Sorrow and grief will abate in appropriate concern for ultimate things her possible death during my travels, I time. Eventually the present pain of means a shallow, meaningless repeti was not prepared to receive the bad loss will lessen as we who are left tion of daily life. God's challenge for his news that she had died the very morn behind move through the various people has always been to live in keen ing we left the United States. Even stages of grief. Such progress will be anticipation of eternity while joyfully when death is anticipated, its apparent greatly aided by participating in a grief- embracing His blessings and benefits finality brings a crushing load that over recovery group with others who have today. whelms those of us who are left to recently suffered loss. At the moment, grieve. Whether suddenly springing to however, even the assurance of Christ's Death is an enemy but rest is a rip a family apart or dragging to con ultimate victory seems a more distant gift. My aunt's life mercifully conclud clusion a long struggle with disease and hope than the distracting scratching of ed before the worst ravages of painful suffering, death never comes at the shovel on earth or the thud of the cof continued on page 29

28 MINISTRY February 2001 marvelous theology—a point that of those prophets are not the product Comfort in chaos Booth makes very well. And she was a of their own work of theology. continued from page 28 marvelous prophet, but not a theolo Regardless of the degree to which a gian. There is nothing demeaning in prophet personally engages in theolo deterioration or the harsh realities of saying of myself that I'm an editor, not gy, his inspired writings must be the medical treatments destroyed all quali a theologian. I've noticed that most testimony of Jesus. For a prophet to ty of life. Scripture describes our loving theologians aren't good editors, interject his own theological conclu Father as giving rest to faithful followers either—and most of us wouldn't make sions into his writings would make him and as painful as death's separation is, very good prophets! a false prophet. "They speak a vision of there is mercy in resting free from the —Man/in Moore, Caldwell, Idaho. their own heart, and not out of the harshest consequences of death's pro mouth of the Lord." tracted process. ay 1 express my heartfelt appreci It is wonderful to know that the mes M ation for Will Eva's editorial along senger to the remnant church was a Cod©s breath suffocates death. with Walter Booth's paper focusing on thinking person who strove to properly Our crushing enemy will ultimately be Ellen White's credentials as a theolo understand and accurately present the crushed by our Heavenly Father's final gian. While the scope and breadth of revelations divinely given to her. Yet the solution. As Dennis R. Bolton, pastor of her views make some academicians ability to engage in technical theology West Columbia, South Carolina's Mt. insecure, her prodigious and effective was no more a requisite for her than for Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church use of Scripture, in my opinion, is any other prophet . . . says, "Just as God's breath restored life unprecedented. —Ken LeBrun, pastor, Kamiah/Crangeville, to the valley of dry bones and returned I sometimes wish I had accompanied Idaho. to their own land (Ezek. 27), so the peo Cleopas as unaware he walked with ple of God will resurrect into a new Jesus on the road to Emmaus when, Editorial Note: Thank you for excel creation as the new Israel." The Creator "beginning at Moses and all the lent letters on this topic. who first breathed life into Adam's nos prophets, He [Jesus] expounded to In writing on Mrs. White as a theolo trils in that body which He had just them in all the scriptures the things gian, we did not feel bound by the need to fashioned from the dust of the ground, concerning Himself" (Luke 24:27). say that Ellen White must be a theologian, so the same Jesus will suffocate death Though unschooled, Jesus still causes but by the weight of evidence that she and eradicate this final enemy into the men's hearts to burn within them. I sus simply was one, that it was one of her joy of His eternal restoration. • pect He would be comfortable with gifts; at least within the parameters of less Ellen White, who was also an un academic or specialized views of what a schooled student of the Word. theologian is. Few would deny that Paul, —Oliver Jacques, Fal/brook, California. for example, was a theologian and that he used this theological gift and training Letters continued from page 3 was pleased with the affirmative stand in writing his inspired/prophetic work. I taken by Eva and Booth in their respec One gift duster does not cancel out the remainder of the article, Booth talks tive discussions of Ellen White's role as a other. Rather, each gift enhances the about Ellen White's theology, not her theologian. I imagine it would be con other. qualification as a theologian. venient for someone who disagreed In connection with this line of thinking, There's a major difference between a with Ellen White on a theological point the question may also be asked, Is some person having a theology and being a to satisfy himself by reasoning, "After all, one in fact a theologian if there is not at theologian. I have a definite theology she was not a theologian." least some "inspiration " or transcendency on a variety of issues, but I do not con But while I appreciate the intent of present in the theology being done? The sider myself a theologian. When we say both the editorial and the article, may I, subjective elements in such a question that a person is a theologian, we mean at the risk of being simplistic, ask, "Why make it difficult to answer, but it is never that he or she has been trained to think must she be a theologian?" Theology is theless a question that in all fairness analytically about biblical teachings and man's attempt to understand and sys- should be tackled. A companion question to express those conclusions very pre temize the information he gathers from would be Is Christian theology merely cisely in order to avoid even apparent the writings of the prophets. But thinking and studying about Cod and contradiction, insofar as possible. Ellen although the prophets themselves did "exegeting" Scripture, or does it by its White had no such training, and her "enquire and search diligently" to nature demand something transcendent, writing reveals clearly that she spoke understand the things that the spirit of which if absent precludes it from properly prophetically, not with the careful preci Christ which was in them did signify being called theology and its practitioner sion of a theologian. Ellen White has a when it testified, the published writings from being named a theologian? In other

February 2001 MINISTRY 29 words, Is theology merely an intellectual Added to this, it is difficult to deny an valuing the gift in ways never anticipated. pursuit, as is philosophy or biochemistry? active theological or "theologian" role for Thus all its aspects need to be holistically Most definitions or discussions of what a Ellen White when reading her Conflict of weighed in a way that we may not yet theologian is seem to leave out this crucial the Ages series. This is especially true of have allowed or discovered. The recent dis question. We believe that real theology or some parts of these five books, which missive tendency among some of us seems being an authentic Christian "theologian" together make up an impressive theologi almost as simplistic and destructive as is must include a precise, thoughtful, honest cal work, whether or not there was it's opposite: that of claiming more than and disciplined study of Cod and the unreferenced borrowing, editing or secre was ever intended for the gift that is Bible, as well as being true to the tran tarial assistance involved in their among us. scendent aspects so profoundly present in composition. Another loaded yet interest Christian truth. This combination of ing question to ask is, All things being The Dropout Dilemma dynamics is profoundly present in the equal, would Mrs. White be more likely to was pleased to find the article work of Ellen G. White. This integrated or be respected as a theologian if her gender I "Indicators of Ministerial Resilience: inclusive approach to theology does had been male? The Dropout Dilemma" in the October engender a considerably different product It should be said that one of our main 2000 issue. from that which Is brought out by the intentions in addressing this issue in last For years I have had a burden for my merely academic or intellectual approach. October's Ministry was to slow down the brothers and sisters in the Adventist The two kinds of theology do look and feel tendency now among us of, in effect, ministry who have left our ranks due to different from one another. But does this removing almost any definitive role for the unresolved issues in their lives. While difference justly preclude us calling the gift given Seventh-day Adventists in the pastoral ministry has never been easy, integrated theology "theology" or the one work of Mrs. White. the pressures and realities of the times doing it "a theologian?" We don't think it Based upon the substantive questions in which we are living have complicated does; not in Ellen White's case at least. that have surfaced about Mrs. White's use the role of the pastor tremendously. As mentioned in last October's editori of sources, editors and secretaries it has Our current ministerial dropout rate al, persuasive to the case for Mrs. White as become an expanding, politically correct is unacceptable, in my opinion. While I theologian is an open-minded look at the inclination in broadening circles to decry realize that not everyone who enters the precision with which she wrote on subjects any definitive role for Mrs. White's work ministry will or should stay, studies by such as the nature of Christ. In looking among us. Even the devotional value of individuals such as Doctors Bynum and carefully into the actual content and tone Mrs. White's work is to all intents and pur Clark indicate that we have a serious of this aspect of her writing it is hard to poses appreciably diminished in the problem facing us. conclude that Mrs. White was merely Church by this tendency. I thank God for ministries such as developing or writing a theology. No, the When due weight is given to all the the Barnabas Center in North Carolina, evidence reveals that in such cases her the rather complex dynamics surrounding the which are reaching out to ministers ological writing contains the precision phenomenon of Ellen White, people on all and their families who are hurting. .. . elegance, thrust and focus of a theologian. sides of the matter may find themselves We have a moral obligation to try to save as many for continued service as we can. . . . Aside from the human costs, when ministers leave denomina tional service prematurely, the money Common Sense Ministry invested in that person's education and training is largely lost to the Church. Discover real-life approaches to The problem needs to be addressed successful ministry for laity and pastoral common at every level, from college ministerial leaders with action-packed, practical sense i training programs to the General solutions born from the crucible of Conference Ministerial Department. ministry on the edge of the new century. While we can't save everyone, I believe we can save many more than we now are. Ministerial Association Resource Center Let's put the best minds in our 12501 Old Columbia Pike • Silver Spring MD 20904 Movement together and come up with Phone: 1.888.771.0738 (toll-free) or 301.680.6508 a plan for ministering to our ministers Fax: 301.680.6502 James A. Cr who have been wounded.... The min E-mail: [email protected] istry saved may be our own! SI Web: www.ministerialassociation.com —Bob Burns, chaplain, Also available at your local ABC Celebration/Kissimmee, Florida.

30 MINISTRY February 2001 Friedensau

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Beginners, German Courses (1-year course, summer course), offered, ©.- ... ..:•• in ©Church History . ©vr* © 7\ nnou n COMPUTING AND MISSIONS.NET June 27-July 1,2001 at Southern Adventist University Collegedale,Tennessee

A conference to encourage the innovative use of computers and Internet technology in mission outreach and the work of the church.

Who Should Attend: •Minsters 'Evangelists 'Teachers 'Administrators •Webmasters / web designers 'Computer science studem •Information technology staff 'Computer professionals •Computer hobbyists interested in using computer technology to advance global and local mission projects

Features: •Seminars, tutorials, and panels targeted to technical and non-technical participants •Networking and fellowship opportunities •Special Sabbath services •Banquet, reception, and daily lunches included

Earl/bird Registration by April 30: $160 After April 30: $200

Visit www.computingandmissions.net for complete and updated information or to register online.

Call 423.238.2936 to register by phone.

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WWW.CS.saUTHERN.EDU

SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY

GENERAL CONFERENCE OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENT1STS Nonprofit Organization MINISTRY U.S. Postage 1350 N.KINGS ROAD PAID NAMPA, ID 83687-3193 Nampa, ID Permit No. 147 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED