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Preacher's Magazine Church of the Nazarene

9-1-1991 Preacher's Magazine Volume 67 Number 01 Randal E. Denny (Editor) Olivet Nazarene University

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Recommended Citation Denny, Randal E. (Editor), "Preacher's Magazine Volume 67 Number 01" (1991). Preacher's Magazine. 605. https://digitalcommons.olivet.edu/cotn_pm/605

This Journal Issue is brought to you for free and open access by the Church of the Nazarene at Digital Commons @ Olivet. It has been accepted for inclusion in Preacher's Magazine by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Olivet. For more information, please contact [email protected]. CHALLENGING YOUNG PEOPLE TO FULL-TIME MINISTRY TEN TRIED AND PROVEN IDEAS TO FIGHT DRYNESS SUCCESS BY DEFAULT: THE NEW AGE MOVEMENT HOW I DEALT WITH TEMPTATION COMFORTING A FAMILY WHEN A CHILD DIES SLOW ME DOWN, LORD by Orin L. Crain

Slow me down, Lord.

Ease the pounding of my heart by the quieting of my mind.

Steady my hurried pace with a vision of the eternal reach of time.

Give me, amid the confusion of the day, the calmness of the everlasting hills.

Break the tensions of my nerves and muscles with the soothing music of the singing streams that live in my memory.

Teach me the art of taking minute vacations— of slowing down to look at a flower, to chat with a friend, to pat a dog, to smile at a child, to read a few lines from a good book.

Slow me down, Lord, and inspire me to send my roots deep into the soil of life's enduring values, that I may grow to­ ward my greater destiny.

Remind me each day that the race is not always to the swift; that there is more to life than increasing its speed.

Let me look upward to the towering oak and know that it grew great and strong because it grew slowly and well.

Used with permission o f David C. Cook Publishing Co. From When I Relax I Feel Guilty, by Tim Hansel, copy­ right 1979, available at your local Christian bookstore.

SUITABLE FOR FRAMING 1156 5 5 5 U EDITORIAL Serendipities of Work and Witness by Randal E. Denny Spokane, Wash.

om childhood I wanted to be ers” received much from them. a missionary. God never gave You experience family fellowship. a clear call or opened mis­ Though you would expect to be Fsionary doors. With great joy I tookstrangers, there is almost instant teenagers to work on the Navajo res­ bonding with fellow Christians. Lan­ ervation. Later my wife and I were guage barriers and cultural differ­ excited to work for a few weeks in ences and economic strata all seem Honduras with pioneer missionaries to fall before the common bond of Stanley and Norma Storey. following Jesus. In Christ, we have Since then I have traveled with my an instant extended family. You church on two Work and Witness could see it in their eyes. You could projects. A recent project in Gua­ hear it in their singing. You could temala centered on construction of feel it in their prayers. Even though I lightened respect for the Rays, I was the Mexico and Central American re­ can only “baby talk” in Spanish, I re­ so moved to tears that I could not gional office building. We did the joice in Jesus’ family— new friends finish my explanation. things you expect to do— work, that touched my heart without suc­ Watching Regional Director Jerry preach through interpreters, sight­ cessful “conversation.” Porter provide instant interpretation see, and some shopped. After the You experience refreshing enthu­ during a meeting of Dr. Robert Scott, dust has settled now, certain seren­ siasm. Anglo worship services in World Mission director, and the dis­ dipities stand out to me. (Serendip­ North America are tame in com­ trict superintendents of Guatemala, ity: an apparent aptitude for making parison to the lively, joyful expres­ I was dumbfounded. Seeing our mis­ fortunate discoveries accidentally.) sions of worship in missions areas. sionaries, national leaders of the You experience genuine appre­ You readily sense that their Christian church, and dedicated pastors and ciation. One weekend our team of walk has touched all of life— not wives, I am reminded of the paren­ 22 visited the city of Quezalte- just the reserved sections for re­ thetical phrase in Hebrews 11: “the nango, where we had built a church ligious duties. We pastors who are world was not worthy of them” (v. building a few years earlier. The tired of coaxing testimonies out of 38). As a pastor with exposure to people of that church expressed reluctant saints bask in the enthusi­ Work and Witness projects, I can deep and genuine appreciation in asm of a holy love caught on fire! never be the same! many ways. They lavished their grat­ Since Latin culture is not tied so But neither can my church be the itude on us for being a part of a tightly to time schedules, they have same. Some pastors wonder, “Will great church that brought them the the time for something good to hap­ Work and Witness take money away good news of Jesus. pen— and they are excited about it! from our local church?” Here’s an­ You experience gracious gener­ You experience enlightened re­ other serendipity! A few days after osity. A church in Puerto Barrios spect. For example, I have known returning from our Work and Wit­ heard that our Work and Witness missionaries Harold and Emily Ray ness project, our church voted to team was coming through their of Guatemala longer than they want build an addition to provide room town. They insisted on providing us me to tell. Through the many years for more growth. Two weeks after a welcome. Even though many of the since our school days, we have had raising building pledges, our church congregation are presently out of them in our churches to tell their surpassed its goal for Faith Promise work, pastor and people shared with story. Their selfless ministry has al­ for world missions. It won’t be easy, us a delicious feast. A spontaneous ways provoked love and respect but it will be inspiring! evening service began— and I was from me. But seeing them in action A word of caution: one fellow spontaneously notified that I would among their people and hearing the who went on our first Work and Wit­ preach! The people hugged the vivid experiences on the spot, I ness team to Quezaltenango four whole team, knelt behind us at the have profound respect for their con­ years ago has just gone to Swaziland altar, and prayed for us with fervent tribution to the kingdom of God. In as a missionary. Well, you can’t win spirit. We who intended to be “giv- conveying to my family my deep, en­ all the time! $

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 1 EDITORIAL Serendipities of Work and Witness 'M AGAZINE Randal E. Denny 1

Volume.. 68^ u S • • fV' j •• Number 1 CHRISTIAN MINISTRY September/October/November 1991 Resign or Re-Sign Editor Joseph Seaborn, Jr. 4 Randal E. Denny Challenging Young People to Full-time Ministry Assistant Editor Stephen Green 10 Cindy Osso Charge to the Pastor Consulting Editors David J. Tarrant 12 Bill M. Sullivan, Director Division of Church Growth Church of the Nazarene Our Pastor’s Preaching Ministry Wilbur W. Brannon, Director J. Kenneth Grider 13 Pastoral Ministries Church of the Nazarene CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Wayne E, Caldwell, General Editor The Wesleyan Church Kin I Have the Orange? Lois Hoadley Dick 14 Contributing Editors CHURCH ADMINISTRATION General Superintendents Church of the Nazarene Eugene L. Stowe Safety Tips for Accident-prone Pastors Jerald D. Johnson R. Robert Cueni 15 John A. Knight Raymond W. Hurn CHURCH GROWTH William J. Prince Donald D. Owens Newcomer Assimilation Superintendents The Wesleyan Church D. Randy Berkner 16 O. D. Emery Earle I. Wilson HINDERING HANG-UPS Lee Haines Harry C. Wilson Hang-up of Modishness Superintendents Raymond C. Kratzer 23 Evangelical Friends Church Jack C. Rea EVANGELISM Maurice Roberts Robert Hess Soul Winning: Howard E. Harmon General Superintendent A Way of Life for Bill Bright Churches of Christ Angela Elwell Hunt 24 in Christian Union Dan Tipton PREACHING General Conference Secretary Brethren in Christ Church But Where’s the Gospel? R. Donald Shafer Muriel Larson 26 Cover Photo: Joe Dikes Freeway Message All unidentified Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible. New International Version, copyright © 1973, 1978, Fletcher L. Tink 27 1984 by the International Bible Society, and are used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Ten Tried and Proven Ideas to Fight Dryness Quotations from the following versions are used by per­ mission. Robert Wido 28 The Amplified Old Testament (Amp.), copyright © 1962, 1964 by Zondervan Publishing House. The Amplified New Testament. © 1968 by the Lockman Foundation. The Pulpit’s Missing Link— “Unction” The Bible: A New Translation (Moffatt), copyright 1964 Morris Chalfant by James A. R. Moffatt. By permission of Harper and Row, 31 Publishers, Inc. The New American Standard Bible (NASB), © The Lock­ I Preach Too Long man Foundation, 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973, 1975, 1977. Croft M. Pentz 32 The Revised Standard Version o f the Bible (RSV), copy­ righted 1946, 1962.© 1971, 1973 STEWARDSHIP The Living Bible (TLB), © 1971 by Tyndale House Publish­ ers, Wheaton, III. King James Version (KJV). Stewardship: What Is It?

The Preacher's Magazine is published quarterly by Bea­ Velva Lorenz 34 con Hill Press of Kansas City. 2923 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64109. Editorial offices at 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, Moving Expenses: MO 64131. Address all correspondence concerning sub­ scriptions to your denominational publishing house. Sub­ Reporting Requirements and Deductions scription price: $7.50 per year. Copyright 1991 by Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City. Litho in U.S.A. Board o f Pensions and Benefits USA, Church o f the Nazarene 35

2 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE ftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftft t $ Fruit Bearing Through Spiritual Growth ft BENNER LIBRARY! Wilma Gibson Shaw 37 * Olivet Nazarene Univerfity WORSHIP * KANKAKEE, ILLINOIS* ft ft Worship— a Meaningful Experience $ $ Wayne Holmes 39 * MJOIZvi ft ft ft THEOLOGY * ft Success by Default: The New Age Movement * ft Samuel L. Dunn 40 * * * * WESLEYAN A ft * Singing Theology: The Wesleys on the Trinity * * Barry E. Bryant 43 * * * * PASTOR'S PROFESSIONAL GROWTH ft ft Pastor— on a Pedestal or Pathway? ft ft Bruce Edwards 45 * ft ft * PASTOR’S PERSONAL GROWTH How I Dealt with Temptation t Preacher's * $ $ A Nazarene Pastor 46 * Exchange * PASTOR, RE FNCOURAGED * * One Way to Happiness * ft it WANTED: Early Manuals of ft C. Neil Strait 47 1 the Church of the Nazarene ft IDFA MART $ (before 1928). ) j, ^ Thanksgiving Interest Center and Sermon WANTED: Used, blue Worship Blair F. Rorabaugh 47 in Song hymnals. ^ * * PASTORAL CARE - Contact: Rev. Jim Norcross ~ Comforting a Family When a Child Dies • ■ 910 N. 1st St. * * Lamesa, TX 79331 * Al Miles 48 ft ft Seven Lessons in Transient Aid ft 1 ft ft David W. Waltner 49 ft ft HOLINFSS ft ft Engendering Holiness in the Congregation * * ft ft J. Grant Swank, Jr. 50 ft ft TODAY’S BOOKS FOR TODAY’S PREACHERS 52 ft ft * ft ADK R O CK ER ♦ » You’re Getting Better Every Sunday 54 ft ft WORSHIP AMD PREACHING HELPS ft ft ft ft Sermon and Worship Service Outlines ft ft James W. Tharp 55 ft ft ft ft ft ft ft ft Authors should address all articles and correspondence to Editor, The Preacher’s ft ft Magazine, 10814 E. Broadway, Spokane. WA 99206. Self-addressed, stamped enve­ ft ft lopes should accompany all manuscripts. ftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftftft

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 3 Resign or Re-Sign by Joseph Seaborn, Jr. Marion, Ind.

Celebrating the Call today is no cakewalk. Most pastors positive and doing good, you “If God calls you to be a preacher, today spend at least half of their slipped over into stinking thinking don’t stoop to be a king.” When time doing administrative tasks, or and halfhearted care. One pastor Charles Spurgeon made that state­ as one pastor dubbed it, “adminis- who got caught in that pattern said ment a century ago, he summed up trivia.” When you add to that the he would arrive at his church on the feeling of most of us in the min­ need for keeping pace with moral Sunday morning so uptight that he istry: When it comes to sampling life shifts in society, the growing crowd dreaded to open the door, because it at its zesty best, ministry is the place of ethical issues that face our peo­ meant shaking hands with a bunch to be. If the best life is supposed to ple, and the record number of op­ of people whom he honestly didn’t include love and scorn, high mo­ tions being offered for keeping a lo­ love. ments and low, poison and praise, cal church on track, it’s no wonder Most of us can remember with you won’t find any better vocation that many pastors today are second- ease the day we grabbed our torch than ministry for tasting it all. Not guessing their call and bailing out of and set out to ignite the world for only do you as pastor have to mon­ the ministry in favor of more profit­ God. We felt unstoppable. Our note itor your own highs and lows, suc­ able pursuits. pads were piled high with truth that cesses and shortcomings, but you In these days of candor, pastors we knew without doubt would also get paid to keep an eye out for too are more and more willing to say change the world. We were almost how dozens of other people are do­ out loud that they are tired and dis­ in the same orbit with God. A cou­ ing as well. There they sit, scattered couraged with trying to buck the ple of lectures on evangelism had all in front of you every Sunday, with trends, that upstreaming in a down­ made it seem pretty simple; plus, your being responsible for zeroing stream world is hard. There’s too with our zeal, what could possibly in on their needs and then saying 20 much to juggle, too many jobs to do stand in our way? So we marched out minutes’ worth of something that to stay on top of it all, too much loss and thrust in the flame, but nothing will meet it. of image due to the scandals that burned. Those people who were In keeping an eye out for yourself have marred the headlines. You can supposed to be so eager to help us and your people, you quickly dis­ hardly focus on pastoring for all the spread the gospel slammed the door cover two facts. One is that you public embarrassment and manage­ in our faces. And the few who did yourself are most definitely human, ment headaches you have to face. agree to help us got off to such a a walking mass of impulsive mo­ How long the feeling lasts may halting start that we wondered at tives. And the second is that your vary, but all of us have felt it. You times if we should keep on trying at people suffer from the same malady. slump in a chair at the end of the all. You give your best effort, and they day, vowing never to go back to the As reality set in, we began to real­ forget to say thanks. And you wince; office again. Your mind staggers ize that our ministry would proba­ or you go out of your way to keep with overload. The muscles ache bly never circle the globe, that we the peace between a couple of hot- from hours of motion. Your body would have to back away from our tempered people, and they still screams with fatigue. In the round original plan of a convert per day. meet and blow up, and it’s weeks be­ of a single day you went from weary But we absorbed the shock of the fore the explosion settles down. to worn to bushed— about as far setback and kept marching nearly as And if it’s not people who drain down in the dumps as a person briskly as we had hoped; at least we you, a chock-full schedule does. And could go. You thumb around in the were going in the right direction. if not the schedule, it’s the pressure Bible trying to find that verse that of decisions. And when the deci­ says, “Be not dreary in well doing: sions are made, you wrestle with the for in due season you shall reap, if consequences. Real ministry these you mope not.” But you check both days is hectic and draining with far Testaments, and it’s not there. fewer people cut out to handle it Your mind and body, long drained than we usually think. The person beyond usefulness, balked at giving who quips that any old Tom, Dick, out one more good idea or doing or Harry could cut it in the ministry one more good deed. But you kept hasn’t been around it lately. Ministry pushing. And instead of thinking

4 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE Only now we were advancing with a gelism, discipleship, children’s pro­ all-church party at the parsonage lot more wisdom about the actual grams— everything. Nothing works. and giving their people a 15-minute size of our Judea. We had learned to I’m at the point where I can’t even speech on why they were glad to be select a spot considerably less than come up with a decent sermon. No among them. global in its dimensions and turn inspiration. I’ll be honest with you, I Now here he sat, six months later, our energies to it. really don’t care if I ever preach buried in gloom with roots of bitter­ In a way it’s a great relief to be out again.” ness and resentment already grow­ from under that original global bur­ That young pastor was facing what ing in his soul. I wrestled to get the den and under one that’s more our an alarming number of pastors are message out that morning. His de­ size. It takes a lot of pressure off. facing today. He was looking straight jected comments whispered just The ego suffers a little, but at least down the gun barrel of criticism. we wear our hat a bit more com­ His personal pain was doubled be­ fortably. Plus now we have the cause he was also having to live added consolation that unless some­ with the frustrating gap between thing goes terribly wrong, we can’t what he knew his church could be Real ministry is make a global goof. If we mess up in and what it was. Instead of a church managing our local acreage, we’ll with its energies focused on growth hectic and probably get at least one more and outreach, he faced a congrega­ chance somewhere else. Since we tion in which inner tensions had all draining. have decided against taking the but suffocated him and stifled the whole world as our parish, at least mission of the church. we’ll have another option if the first His predicament was echoed by venture fails. another pastor. At 56, this man was But even local ministries come hardly your version of an amateur seconds before I stood to speak were with a load of frustrations. You mark suffering from the greenhorn syn­ weighing like lead in my soul. I felt it down and highlight it in yellow: drome. He had been pastoring for out of balance, disoriented. Even as I every ministry, no m atter how 33 years and until now had met with struggled with the message, I large or small, can present the pas­ fair success. But something hap­ guessed that my feelings of being tor with enough problems to sap pened. As soon as we fell into con­ smothered were only a fleeting hint all the joy out of his work. A versation, I knew that something of the terrible oppression that he church of 15 can cause migraines had gone terribly wrong. A handful fought against every time he stood of disgruntled people had moved in in that same spot. If this was it, no against him with hostile fury and all wonder he couldn’t find inspiration but stifled his desire to share the to preach. No wonder he handed his Word at all. He had called on Friday pulpit over to somebody else every You are definitely to see if I could possibly arrange to time he got a chance. Even to stand come and preach for him, because before the people only pounded his human— a walking as he put it, “I can’t get a sermon to spirit further into hopelessness. It come. When I read the Bible, noth­ was a vicious cycle, and for a few mass of impulsive ing happens. I feel cold and numb. moments that morning I felt it and If you could help me for just one hated it. motives. Sunday, I’ll try to come up with At lunch with him and his wife I somebody else for next.” lurched through a few bits of ad­ That Sunday morning he and I sat vice, but I drove home fully aware on the podium with 275 people that two or three sentences of hope just as painful as a church of 1,500. gathered on the pews in front of us. would barely make a dent on the If people are not responding to the As the song leader was directing the surface of his need. Something more Word of God and moving together in music, the pastor leaned over and had to happen. Other larger answers unity, they are a pain in the neck to vented his hopelessness one more needed to emerge. lead no matter how few and far apart time. “They sure look like a dead Every person in the ministry they sit in the pews. bunch today. I doubt you’ll even be knows the staggering mood swings Some time ago I sat with a young able to wake them up.” that go along with managing and pastor whose spirit was smothered Inside I groaned. Eighteen months ministering to people. Not just from with anxiety. He passed a handful of before, he and his wife had un­ month to month, as this pastor knew, statistics across the desk to me. loaded the moving van and taken but even from day to day and hour to “Look at this,” he said, “I’ve been charge of what they believed would hour. In the morning you pray over here five years, and the numbers be the pastorate of a lifetime. Every the body of a close friend killed in a have dropped off every year. Every day for the first few months he hit car crash, and in the afternoon you week somebody tells me I’ve got to the office in the morning, bursting visit the hospital to celebrate the start feeding the people; and Pastor, with enthusiasm. Untapped oppor­ birth of a firstborn son. One day you I’m working myself to death and do­ tunities lay all around him. He and discover that the church is facing ing the best I can, and I can’t get this his wife had celebrated their anni­ critical cash flow problems, and church to budge. I’ve tried evan­ versary at the church by throwing an your mind is thrown into a tailspin.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 5 The next week a person calls and competent or shaky, it’s ready or not, spend more time curbing wrong or wants to talk about giving a major here we come. We get up to a brand- more time praising the right. No two gift to the church. On the way to new day without the foggiest idea of pastors will ever approach the man­ meet the donor and describe your the detours our schedule will have agement of their church in the same church’s need, you daydream about to take that day. We plan a morning way, but every pastor owes it to him­ how large the gift could be. On Sun­ of study, only to find that we have to self to choose his own view. He will day you preach your heart out, give hurry to the hospital to be with a do many things, but this one great the invitation, and no one comes for­ grieving family, or we plan an after­ step he must take— he must choose ward. The next service you leave off noon for visitation and suddenly his own view. the invitation, and two people come learn that we are expected to speak He ought not to let his enemies do forward during the closing hymn. at a 7 p.m. function because the other that, nor even his superiors. The per­ The frustration at the lack of a re­ speaker is sick. So we end up study­ son who is called to guide a congre­ sponse of the past week gives way to ing instead of visiting. Any person gation must decide for himself the surprised gladness of the present who enters the ministry, banking on about how he will image his people glow. If mood swings were made to a snug-tight schedule with every lit­ and his work. Once that decision is be criteria for fixing salaries, pastors tle detail having a neat, preplanned locked in place, the ups and downs would be among the highest paid slot and every issue coming with of a single week will not shake him professionals around. You go from pharmacy-shelf neatness, is in for a nearly so much. Two or three hot­ dreary to cheery to weary and back shocker. headed members erupting on him at again— and all within the course of During my Sunday School days we the end of a service won’t bowl him a single day. Up and down. Glad and had one teacher who was called the over quite as quickly. Nor will he sad. On and on. “Floater.” This poor person was to live at the mercy of praise, moping You sometimes run into the no- be on standby for all the other teach­ if he doesn’t get one standing ova­ ers. If one of the regular teachers be­ tion after another. As he goes about came ill or took a vacation, the his work from day to day, he will do floating teacher filled in. He often so with the assurance that he is do­ came to church on Sunday mornings ing his best for God, and no matter Pastors spend half and at the front door learned that what anyone says, lots of good things seven junior-high boys were lurking are happening around him. When their time doing in Room No. 4 waiting for him to en­ friendships get shaky and dividing ter the den. issues outnumber uniters two to "administrivia." The term Floater ought to be ap­ one, he will stick closer to his bal­ plied to every pastor. He has a anced view, love his people, and schedule, but he has learned to sit trust God with the process. loosely to it, refusing to feel guilty Vision is a marvelous thing, but tion that a pastor ought not to let his when all the items on the “Things to visions are decisions of the will. It’s mood affect his work. At least not Do” list aren’t checked off at the end tough to keep a dream alive and very much. It’s the old idea that a of the day, and all the calls that a de­ well when most of the dollar signs professional should never give away manding member wanted him to in your budget are followed by rows his inner feelings, that he should al­ make are not made. of zeros and the board is pitted ways perform his work with poise In order to cope with the steady against you like an angry nest of and grace— no matter how delight­ stream of crises that seem to line up ful or difficult the circumstances. to get to you, you simply have to He should live in a mode of compo­ make a few firm decisions. The one sure, sometimes even cool detach­ that comes into focus in this book is ment. But for the pastor who really that you in your ministry must de­ In a single day you loves his people, that is impossible. cide what you will spend your time He is called to identify with people, looking at. A lot of a pastor’s con­ went from weary to and when you identify it drains off fidence and effectiveness has to do energy. You die a little at every fu­ with how well he balances his view worn to bushed. neral and get married again a little of all that is happening in his at every wedding. You hate family church. It is as important, for exam­ fights as you talk with a child who is ple, for a pastor to remember that torn apart by his parents’ divorce. his people are not all bad as it is for And you celebrate with a family him to remember that they are not bees. Inspiration is wonderful stuff, who adopts two children orphaned all good. It may be impossible to al­ and everybody ought to have some by suicide. ways change your circumstances, of it, but it’s hard to be excited Maybe it would help if a pastor but it is always possible to change when you are being harassed by gos- could know what was coming, if he your view. When it gets right down sipmongers who slice away at your could get a half-day head start on to it, the pastor has the noble privi­ reputation every day. It’s easy in the problems. But like the rest of lege of deciding what he will focus times like that to get down on your­ life, ministry doesn’t allow us to on in the complex life of his church. self and feel like Edmund in Eugene practice ahead. Whether we feel He can choose whether he will O’Neill’s play Long Day’s Journey

6 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE into Night. “It’s a great mistake my ministry is lost because we, being front of my board because for several being born a man; I would have very human, focus too long on the of them this was an intensely family been much more successful as a sea problem and too little on the prog­ matter. I was really in a bind. It went gull or a fish.” ress. It’s so easy to glance at God and on that way for several weeks. Pres­ Ministers aren’t kidding when gaze at the Goliaths. Along comes a sure. Bitterness. Sin. they talk of troubles. It’s the truth. troublesome issue or a cantankerous “One day I remember sitting in Pick any ministry you want, and person, and before we know it, we my study feeling like a solid mass of there will be enough problems in it are zeroing in so intently on the discouragement. I didn’t feel like to occasionally jerk the most opti­ problem that worry muscles in and opening a single book, not even the mistic person down off his toes. closes off our view of the steady Bible. I didn’t feel like doing any­ progress that is still passing us by on Ministries are few and far between thing. I really didn’t care. I was just the other side. that have no troublesome concerns sitting, leaning back in my chair stalking in the wings. More than with my hands folded behind my likely, the best church you know head. Just to have something to do I about could be destroyed overnight glanced around the room, looking at if the right person made the wrong the lines in the walls. My eyes fell on move. Even the best situation is frag­ We grabbed our my ordination certificate hanging ile. Whether we know it or not, halfway down one wall. For several churches live on the brink. Some­ torch and set out minutes I kept looking at it, wonder­ thing could go wrong at any time. ing if I would ever have entered the If you are going to survive in the to ignite the world ministry if I could have foreseen this ministry, you have to decide to see terrible day. Without much purpose the good and give it a major portion for God. I got up from my chair, walked over of your time. Much of the spark of to the certificate, and took it off the wall. I held it up close and looked at it. I read the words about gifts and Try It It took a surprising and unique graces and the confidence the dis­ Augustine noted that present message from God, but Bill finally trict had placed in me. Then I fleas always seem worse than came to realize that you have to looked at the signatures at the bot­ past diseases. Take a moment to choose your own view. A few years tom. They were so faded that I could test out this thought in your ago he hit rock bottom in his minis­ hardly make them out. I held the own ministry To check it out, try. He had been pastor of his local frame at an angle to the light, and you need to bring two thoughts church for five years with steady still they were just barely visible. to mind. First, think about a ma­ success. The numbers were on the Without much thought I slipped the jor problem that you success­ grow. Year after year offerings kept certificate out of the frame and out fully dealt with some time ago climbing. The quality of Christian from behind the glass and walked — a problem that is far enough living among his people was on the over to my desk to look for a black- behind you to no longer gener­ rise. The church’s reputation as an felt pen. Having found one, I began ate an emotional reaction when exciting, thriving congregation was tracing over the three signatures so you think about it. Reflect on spreading in the community. that I could see them more clearly. how you addressed it, and why And then it happened. Tensions “As I was finishing the last you think it turned out for the sprang up about how to deal with stroke,” said Bill, “a gentle impres­ good. Then think about a cur­ the removal of a staff person. No­ sion formed in my mind. rent problem you are facing. body yelled or screamed, but subtle “ ‘About this church here, Bill,’ Take one that’s dominating your and powerful forces began to tear the Spirit seemed to say, ‘y°u can ci­ thoughts, even when you are the unity apart. Attitudes were ther resign and give up, or you can supposed to be doing some­ strained. The delicate nature of the do what you are doing to this certifi­ thing else. situation was complicated even cate and re-sign. Resign or re-sign?’ Compare the two problems; more because the person being re­ “As I clapped the lid back on the the one from some time back leased was the son of a prominent pen,” said Bill, “a powerful surge of and the current one. How are family in the church. Board mem­ release swept through my mind— a they different? How are they bers cornered Bill privately and at­ cleansing rush of freedom leaped alike? Is the present problem tacked his handling of the problem. through my soul. I couldn’t believe more serious than the past one? And in less than four months, the it. It was like having God himself Does the nearness of it make it steady progress of five years had all suddenly stand beside me in the seem so? Or is the present crisis but stopped. Bill’s summary of his room. If I could ever claim that God a “flea” when compared with pain was sad. “I was as low as I had spoke directly to me, that was it. I the much more serious problem ever been in my life. There wasn’t a could either resign to the attacks of from the past? What did you do day that went by but that my wife Satan and let a few members col­ in the past that might help you and I talked about resigning the lapse the church around me, or I better manage the current con­ church. There seemed to be no could re-sign, put my name back on cern? graceful way to back out. I didn’t the books as pastor and leader, and feel that I could say very much in go back to my work in His power to

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 7 start putting things back together. choices are going to be good. No After all, success in the ministry “After the ink had finished drying, church is ever ravaged with such ought not to be measured only by I replaced the glass and frame and purity that sin never crosses the how many problems you solved; it hung the certificate back on the threshold. To lead people is to risk ought to be judged by the number of wall. I had already made up my problems. But the pastor who pur­ situations that because you led well, mind. I would definitely re-sign. For sues his work, aware of the bad never went wrong. They will never the first time in a long time I prayed without being glued to it, does him­ all be counted, but if they were, with joy, ‘God, for You I will trace self a great favor: he gives himself their number would be legion. over the same area again. 1 will not the gift of a balanced view. When What you discover again and again resign. I will go back to rebuilding evil screams for attention and cor­ in ministry is that you help your again.’ As I walked out of that office rection, the wise pastor will not own heart by what you decide to see that day,” Bill concluded, “I was a avoid it, but neither will he worship different man. The obstacles were it. He will give it due time, but he still there. The despair still lay all will soon be looking to the positive around me. But I had gotten a new points once again. surge of confidence from God. I had There’s too much worth applaud­ Every ministry can gotten a new way of seeing my task. ing in our churches to let negative If God saw enough good in my situ­ issues call all the shots. Every hard­ present enough ation to make a new start, I would working pastor has the right to cele­ too.” brate. He has a right to turn his eyes problems to sap And he did. It took time, but over to what is going right and, if neces­ the years God was able to help Bill sary, mention it occasionally to the all the joy. restore that ministry, remove the Chicken Littles who are sure that the hostilities, and turn the church sky above the church is falling in. again into a tool for righteousness in The pastor with a balanced view al­ the community. ways sees the good beyond the bla­ For most of us the change from tant bad. That’s what leaders ought and what you decide to overlook. In discouragement to new hope will to do. They always see the silver lin­ ministry we have options about not occur in a single afternoon in ing in the cloud. what we will let stay in front of our the study. Dramatic turnarounds of The pastor who preaches that his eyes and what we want to let go by attitude are exceptions and not the people must see the best in others the way. Every churth will have a rule. Even if we mustered all the op­ must practice his own message. few people who try to bluff the pas­ timism possible to our personality, There will always be enough prob­ tor, but even bluffers have a virtue we may still only jolt a part of our lems to prompt one to resign. But or two. As one pastor observed, “Ev­ people into excitement. Those who there will always be enough joys to ery person has a reverse gear. If you claim that a church can change at inspire one to re-sign. push gently and long enough, every­ the snap of the fingers are either one One way to break the habit of body will back up.” Thankfully God of two things: naive or shallow. They overfocusing on the bad is to go for limits certain species in the church­ are either counting up changes that a while overfocusing on the good. es, but never mistake it, they clearly don’t even exist, or else they are not We may not change a single part of are there. They may seem nearly un­ really calling the people to radical our situation, but we can work on touchable in their hatred, but they discipleship. our vision. We can make a decision are real human beings who need a to see and celebrate the good. If we pastor’s care. Of course every can get into the habit of focusing on church also has its gentle souls who the good and true, we will give our­ adorn everything they touch. And selves one of the greatest of all the pastor who is struggling with It's a great relief to gifts— a discerning eye that sees the the dark, surly side of church life glory above the gloom. In pastoral needs to remind himself often that be out from under work, both will always be present. there is a lot about his church that But through the eye of faith, the pas­ he can celebrate, no matter how that global burden. tor must make it a point to keep his bleak things get at times. Even if eyes open to his whole work. As he your days at a particular church are does, he may be surprised at how numbered, you can still decide to go large the good is when compared away pointing back to the good. with the bad. Wasn’t Augustine right Here’s the point. A lot of joy and In our power we can’t always when he laughed that our present contentment in ministry is an inner change things. If a few people fleas always seem worse than our decision of the will. When two or choose to resist our leadership, we past diseases? If the pastor can learn three features of church life take a can’t force them to follow us. If no to celebrate his gains, the losses will downturn, we respond by turning matter how hard we work there is more and more shrink down to the time and energy their way. We zero still only a smattering of growth, we proper size. For the pastor it’s a les­ in on the negative. Our perspective can’t take all the blame for that. Peo­ son worth regular review— his way narrows to deal with the point of ple have free wills, and not all their of seeing will be his way of salvation. need. And in the process we lose

8 THE PREACHERS MAGAZINE sight of the positive that is still hap­ ple. When we do, we are missing the keep riveted to the ground in fear— pening around us. Focused as we are fact that 80 percent of the church’s they were to turn their eyes upward for the moment on the dark side of life is moving along smoothly and in faith. Their healing and help the church’s life, we are terribly growing quietly, but for the moment came as a result of what they were tempted to mistake the dark part for we can’t see it. willing to see. Like them, we too can the whole. Three miffed members When Moses raised a serpent on a look and live. ft can feel like 30. A nasty divorce can stick, he knew very well that there Used by permission. Taken from A Celebration o f make you feel like canceling the were still plenty of snakes on the Ministry, by Joseph Seaborn, Jr. Copyright 1990 by family. A broken furnace and two ground. The people were not to Baker Book House Company. blown fuses can make it seem like the best thing to do would be to burn down the whole plant and start Try It Well”? What belongs in a list of over. Two board members bickering As pastors we are often hesi­ “Things That I Tried That Died”? causes you to wonder if it wouldn’t tant to applaud ourselves for All success in ministry is par­ be best to give everybody a gun and successful work. It strikes us as tial. If you shoot for 100 per­ have them line up in a circle facing self-promotional and probably cent, you’ll likely, unless you each other. Dark spots have a way of is. But in our heart we know are highly unusual, get about dominating the page. They throw off that there are times when we 50 to 60 percent of what you perspective. They cloud the eyes. say to ourselves, Hey, with wanted. And frankly that’s a typ­ One antidote for overcoming the God’s help, I'm responsible fo r ical success rate. If your lists are gloom of discouragement is to over­ that going right. I did that and about equally long, you are do our look at the good. As pastors I ’m proud o f it! probably meeting with reason­ we owe ourselves the benefit of a Take the past six months. As able success in your leadership regular checkup in the matter of our you trace back across your min­ and ministry. If you’re achieving perspective. As managers of people istry for the past half-year, what 70 to 80 percent or more of we can let 80 percent of our time be belongs in a list of “Things I At­ what you want to see done, spent dealing with faults that come tempted That Worked Out Pretty that’s called a miracle! from about 20 percent of our peo­

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 9 Challenging Young People to Full-time Ministry

by Stephen Green Cincinnati

here was a time in the short stronger inner circle. Numerous experience of entire sanctification history of churches in the young people do not recognize au­ as a second work of grace” (1989 American holiness move­ thentic salt and light occurring in Manual, preamble). The rebuttal Tment when being a full-time minis­the world through the ministries of that we receive is, “What does that ter was the socially acceptable thing local churches. really mean as we close out the 20th to do. Religion departments were Damaged Leadership century and move into the next?” some of the largest in our colleges. Another reason that our youth are “What does holiness look like in the The students that entered them were not going into professional ministry 1990s?” “Is holiness only personal the brightest and best on campus. is because there has been an im­ piety or does it make a tangible dif­ Today we have a different sce­ mense loss of esteem for authority. ference in the fabric of our world?” nario. Religion departments are de­ This damage in the perception of The question of young people re­ creasing. It is difficult to find young leadership has been taking place for sponding to a call to full-time ser­ people who are even struggling years— leaders in government, big vice in such a movement remains: Is with the call to full-time Christian business, schools, etc., are self- keeping a tradition going enough to service. I suppose we could get serving, as the thinking goes— and capture the imagination of our down on ourselves, but that only un­ has found particular and renewed young champions? Holiness will derscores the point. The fact is that focus in religious leadership since have to be articulated for the streets most denominations are experi­ the Jim Bakker and Jimmy Swaggart of the world if youth are to be re­ encing the same vacuum to varying scandals. This loss of esteem for sponsive. degrees. In the city in which I live, church leadership has caused many Lack of Opportunity many of the Catholic parishes are youth to look in other vocational di­ Do we provide ample settings for closing down because there are not rections in the hope of discovering God to address our young people enough priests to serve them. what is vital and important. As a concerning a call into ministry? We Rather than say that the times we consequence, all too often “making assume that the Holy Spirit will dis­ live in are grim, I would like to re­ a buck” replaces “making a differ­ close His will to those who are to flect upon avenues that the Spirit of ence.” function in professional ministry in God can take to stir the hearts of If the church is not really altering spite of too few opportunities to young people today. We must first the world and leadership is leading hear the call articulated. As I reflect look at some of the reasons that to­ for its own benefit, then why not ob­ back upon my own calling, I can re­ day’s young people may not be going tain the most one can gain in life? It count many settings that were inten­ into the ministry as a life vocation. is evident that this inclination has tionally designed to convey the ut­ taken place in the 1970s and 1980s. terance of God, “Who will go for REASONS YOUNG PEOPLE us?” If people are never granted the AREN’T RESPONDING Lack of Mission I wonder if the churches that opportunity to hear God speak a The Church’s Loss of Influence make up the holiness denominations word of commission, how will they I am convinced that many young have floundered in our generation ever respond, “Here am I. Send me!” people do not see ministry as a voca­ with their sense of purpose. When (Isa. 6:8)? tional possibility for their lives be­ we talk about the mission of the THE BIBLICAL STRUCTURE cause they do not observe the church, we get many confusing re­ church making an authentic differ­ sponses. OF A CALL ence in the world. It seems that the For example, those of us who In understanding the form and world is less and less influenced by have been a part of my denomina­ function of the biblical call nar­ the conduct of the church. Minis­ tion for years will say that the mis­ ratives, we can gain insight as to tries are designed for “inreach” and sion of the Church of the Nazarene how an individual can be called into not “outreach.” Even our outreach is to “preserve our God-given heri­ the life vocation of ministry. As the ministries are designed to create a tage . . . especially the doctrine and calls of Moses, Gideon, Samuel, and

10 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE Isaiah are studied, fundamental ele­ he heard the words, “I know their mass of humanity. It involves a con­ ments surface that seem essential to sufferings, and I have come down to frontation with the living God of them all. deliver them” (Exod. 3:7-8, RSV). Moses, Gideon, Samuel, and Isaiah! A Crisis in the Human Order He realized his own appointment in This confrontation is what gives the The first element is the “context the words, “Come, I will send you to authority and power to meet the real Pharaoh that you may bring forth my of crisis.” By this, I mean that there needs of the world. people, the sons of Israel, out of is a problem that must be solved. In Questions and Answers Egypt” (v. 10, RSV). Gideon discov­ Moses’ circumstance, Israel was in A final element in these call pas­ ered God’s concern in his commis­ bondage. Gideon found himself sages is dialogue. Most of the di­ sion, “Go in this might of yours and alogue is comprised of questions among the people of God who were deliver Israel from the hand of Mid- and answers. The questions pertain being oppressed by the Midianites. ian; do not I send you?” (Judg. 6:14, to the feelings of powerlessness. The Samuel was in Israel during a time RSV). Samuel’s commission came as answers are comprised of the cer­ when the word of the Lord was rare he ascertained God’s concern, “Be­ tainty of strength. The commission because of the abuse of the worship hold, I am about to do a thing in Is­ is larger than anyone has resources officials. Isaiah found himself pon­ rael, at which the two ears of every to handle. But the assurance is that dering what would happen to Israel one that hears it will tingle. On that God will provide the means needed in light of the political climate of day I will fulfil against Eli all that I for the assignment. the world following the death of the great leader Uzziah. Many other calls THE CONTEMPORARY HEARING within the Bible presuppose a crisis What can be done to permit within the human order. The Bible young people in our churches to does not illustrate the call of God Too often "making hear God’s voice summoning them outside of the context of human pre­ into the vocation of ministry? To an­ dicament. a buck" replaces swer this question, we must under­ The Nearness of God stand both the phenomenon of the A second primary component, "making a call and some of the occasions in within the call narratives, is that which it can take place. God makes His nearness known to difference." The phenomenon of God’s call the individual who is to be sum­ upon a person in our day and age is moned into service. Moses was tend­ not all that different from biblical ing sheep, but God’s nearness was times. The same basic structure of experienced in the phenomenon of have spoken concerning his house, the call narrative is experienced in the burning bush. Gideon was beat­ from beginning to end” (1 Sam. us. This means that the plot unfolds ing out wheat when the closeness of 3:11-12, RSV). Isaiah’s theophany in in our understanding from the real­ God was apprehended in the Lord’s crisis was experienced as he under­ ization of human need, to awareness messenger. Samuel was resting near stood his own sinfulness and the un­ of God’s presence and His concern the ark of God when he first en­ cleanness of the world in which he about mankind’s distress, to the countered God’s immediacy in the lived. Though the distress brought compelling desire to take God’s side sound of his own name. Isaiah was about by the death of Uzziah may in meeting the needs of people, and most probably in the Temple when have induced him to go to the Tem­ ultimately to the questions and an­ he sensed the presence of the holy ple, the great disaster of sin was re­ swers over our ability to minister on God in a vision. Biblical faith insists vealed to him during this anxiety. God’s behalf. The church must allow that theophany, the manifestation of His appointment was a consequence these steps to take place in the God, is the initiative of God. Human of the disclosure of defilement in hearts and minds of our youth. beings cannot manipulate God into his own life and world. Articulate the Brokenness disclosing His nearness. We cannot What all of this seems to be re­ Mankind’s distress is brought to work ourselves into a spiritual vealing is that an experience that we consciousness by explicitly identi­ frenzy and force God to signify His interpret as a call involves the fying it in society. It is not enough to presence. Yet theophany is in a con­ merger of the world’s problems with articulate the world’s brokenness in text. It is a condition when eyes are God’s concern about them. Until a some fuzzy manner. It must be illus­ ready to see and ears are ready to human being is persuaded that God trated with concrete examples. hear, often through the work of has a deep interest for the desti­ God’s Concern God’s people. tution of mankind, he will never We must paint not only the dark Experiencing God’s Concern feel the burden that God wants him picture of human brokenness but A third primary ingredient is the to do something about that need. No also God’s care and concern for the merging of the crisis with the­ matter how much we perceive the fractured. Biblical representation of ophany, “theophany in crisis.” This nearness of God, we will never pre­ God’s concern is seen in the portrait component is discerned when God’s sume a call to minister until we en­ we find on the middle cross. Only as concern about the predicament is counter the brokenness of the we perceive God in the picture of experienced and His commission is world. And yet, a call to ministry is Christ do we see Him and His con­ expressed. comprised of more than simply sideration for the needy. Experienc- Moses sensed God’s interest when wanting to meet the needs of the ( Continued on page 25)

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 11 Charge to the Pastor given by David J. Tarrant Erskine, Scotland

Service of Induction for Pastor David Hurst, given at Govan Church of the Nazarene, Glasgow Bible Reading: Rev. 3:7-8&

he words, my brother David, Others may say they are too busy to Being a pastor is the most reward­ that the Lord has laid on my take time for spiritual exercises, but ing and enjoyable activity on earth, heart to give to you tonight the full-time pastor never can! You but it is also the most demanding. Tare taken from Christ’s message have to all the time in the world to You are literally never off duty. You the church of brotherly love, Phila­ draw near to God, to wait upon God will be wise if you set aside one day delphia, as given to the apostle John in prayer, to meditate on His Word, as your sabbath, your day off, to on Patmos: “1 know thy works: be­ and to read inspiring books. You spend with your family or to work in hold, I have set before thee an open must do so or you will be a failure, a your garden. But if you hear of an door, and no man can shut it” (Rev. castaway, a disqualified competitor. unsaved man in the hospital, per­ 3:8, KJV). But let me assure you, taking time to haps a loved one of one of your An open door creates interest. An be alone with God requires consid­ members, who is not expected to open door is an inviting door, urging erable personal discipline. It means live through the night, what price us to look through it, even to walk disciplining yourself not to sit up then your day off? in. This is especially so if the door is late at night, watching television or It’s the enjoyment I want to stress one we have passed a thousand in shallow chitchat. This is neces­ — the sheer enjoyment of getting to times, and it has always previously sary if you are to rise early to seek know your people, of being trusted been shut fast. In this context, it is God’s face before the postman or the with their confidences, of being clearly a door of opportunity. God paperboy calls or the phone starts permitted to listen to their prob­ has provided it; He has opened it. ringing. lems and to share their burdens, to May I suggest four doors open to Richard Taylor’s book The Disci­ be able to open the Word with them you, David, as you begin your minis­ plined Life is essential reading for and pray with them, to mingle your try here in Govan. every pastor. The final chapter, tears with theirs— this is the very First, you have AN OPEN DOOR “How to Become a Disciplined Per­ anteroom of heaven. Social workers TO PERSONAL ENLARGEMENT. son,” is a blueprint for success in any are trained not to get emotionally Or, if you prefer to call it, you field of living. “Take time to be involved with their clients— to do have an open door to personal holy” should be the pastor’s theme so would break their hearts. Pastors growth. You are a young man, and, song. But this time, like all the other are trained to do the very opposite: by comparison with many in your hours of day and night, needs to be “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and congregation, very young in the “redeemed,” as Paul puts it (see so fulfil the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2, faith. Some of your members were Eph. 5:16, KJV). John Wesley said, “I KJV). So that our hearts do not break serving the Lord before you were am always in haste, but never in a also, we have to have constant re­ born, even before your parents were hurry.” That’s worth puzzling out! course to the healing ministries of born! But they have called you to be Personal enlargement includes the One whose name is Comforter. their pastor, which is a very great the mental stimulation provided by You may find yourself asking the honor. Timothy was in your situ­ an ordered program of continuing question: How is enjoyment com­ ation when Paul urged him, “Don’t study. Your college course is fin­ patible with pain sharing? The One let anyone look down on you be­ ished; but woe betide if you let your who “for the joy that was set before cause you are young, but set an ex­ mind stagnate! It also includes the him endured the cross” (Heb. 12:2, ample for the believers in speech, in development of your family life, of KJV) will help you find the answer. life, in love, in faith and in purity” your friendships, of your cultural Some young pastors have accepted (1 Tim. 4:12). “You have the respon­ and artistic skills. But do not let any the assertion that pastoral visitation sibility,” Paul is saying, “to win the subordinate interest or activity take is out-of-date, an anachronism in respect of believers far older than the edge off your thirst for a deep­ modern ministry. How tragic! It’s as yourself, by cultivating those graces ening knowledge of your Lord. true as ever that “a house-going min­ that, when seen in full blossom, are Second, you have AN OPEN ister makes a churchgoing people.” the marks of true maturity of Chris­ DOOR TO PASTORAL ENJOYMENT. Often I have called on an un­ tian character.” And what was true of Someone [Spurgeon] said to a churched family only to have the Timothy is true of you also, David. young man considering entering the family say in wonder, “You’re the A pastor has absolutely no excuse ministry: “If the Lord has called you to first minister that has ever prayed in for not cultivating these graces. be a pastor, don’t stoop to be a king.” this house!” When someone says

12 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE that, you feel as though you are world hates you, keep in mind that walking in the very sandals of Jesus it hated me first” (John 15:18). We himself! This door is open to you! have to be ready sometimes to draw Hundreds of Govan homes never yet the animosity of the world on our have had this privilege. own heads. When we take a stand Third, you have AN OPEN DOOR against the drink trade, or against TO PULPIT ENRICHMENT. desecration of God’s day, we shall The pastor who never visits in his get some sour looks and sharp people’s homes may, in his sermons, words. But, in general, a pastor and answer questions that nobody is ask­ people with a lively concern for the ing! But the visiting pastor knows welfare of the community around the questions that are perplexing his their church will win their favor as people— how to make ends meet, did the Early Church: “They, con­ how to cope with discord in the tinuing daily with one accord in the Our Pastor s family, how to endure the pressures temple, and breaking bread from of chronic illness, the grief of un­ house to house, did eat their meat Preaching Ministry timely bereavement, or the uncer­ with gladness and singleness of by J. Kenneth Grider tainties of job insecurity. He can ap­ heart, praising God, and having fa­ Kansas City ply the healing balm of the Word of vour with all the people” (Acts God. 2:46-47, KJV). His ministry To win the love of people in To excel as a preacher, David, you Is positive must study at least three books: the Govan: (1) Be seen. (2) Be friendly. And bright and sure book of creation, the book of revela­ (3) Don’t be in too much of a hurry. And interesting tion, and the book of human experi­ (4 ) Offer a helping hand. (5) Do And oriented ence. As you study them, you will be something positive for the children To our needs. keen to see what others have made and the elderly. (6) Keep them But it is more of them, especially gifted pastor- aware of what the church is doing. Than merely milk; preachers of today and yesterday. But (7) Get involved in any community It’s like the lean study alone will not give you in­ projects designed to benefit the In T-bone steak spired sermons. General Booth’s people of your area. (8) Offer your That truly meets telegram to the discouraged Salva­ services to the local schools, etc. The body’s need tion Army officer urged, “Try Tears.” Some schools have no regular chap­ As Paul has said. Richard Baxter’s formula was this: lain. (9) Call regularly at the recep­ The man of God “I preached as never sure to preach tion desk of your local hospital, or Goes to the Greek again, as a dying man to dying men.” scan the admission list if permitted And other helps Do not ever think that preaching is to do so, looking for new admissions And uses homiletic art a secondary part of your ministry. It from the area around your church, And comes to us is still, even in these television days, and visit them. At worship time God’s medium for soul saving: Brother David, it was propheti­ With answers to “Faith cometh by hearing, and hear­ cally said of Jesus 700 years before Our questionings ing by the word o f God” (Rom. He came: “It is a light thing that And bracing for 10:17, KJV) . . . “and how shall they thou shouldest be my servant to Our best resolves hear without a preacher?” (v. 14, raise up the tribes of Jacob . . . : I That’s given us KJV). “The preaching of the cross is will also give thee for a light to the Attractively to them that perish foolishness; but Gentiles, that thou mayest be my sal­ And suits us for unto us which are saved it is the vation unto the end of the earth” Our servanthood power of God” (1 Cor. 1:18, KJV). (Isa. 49:6, KJV). I believe God is say­ To Christ the Lord. Be sure you give your sermons a ing to you, “It is a light thing, David, cutting edge. Determine before God for you to be a pastor to the 50 or 60 what each sermon is intended to do. people that constitute the Govan Then bring it to a climactic point Church of the Nazarene; I will also where each hearer is challenged to give thee for a light to the hundreds make a personal, practical response, of unchurched families of Govan, not sometime, not next Sunday, but that you may bring My salvation to here and now! the entire area around your church.” Fourth, you have AN OPEN DOOR Will you accept this charge? TO PUBLIC ENDEARMENT. My brother, the door is open to A pastor should be loved by a you— the door to personal growth, wider group than that which consti­ to pastoral enjoyment, to pulpit en­ tutes his own congregation. He richment, and to popular endear­ should be a well-loved public fig­ ment. Will you keep it open? Only ure. I know that Jesus said, “If the you can shut it! $

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 13 Christian Education ______! Kin I Have the Orange? by Lois Hoadley Dick Newton, N.J. yAny questions?” I asked glibly. achs claimed their attention and why did I say that? Later, while drag­ Children’s church was al- made them restless? ging lessons and flannelboard out of JL Jk. most over— five minutes to I gave her my orange. Then I asked the attic, a little bit of enthusiasm go! I had finished showing my rock the Lord what I should do. That made its appearance along with the and gemstone collection. Tying it week I passed by a bread shop sell­ visualized songs and Bible verses. into a talk on God’s wonderful cre­ ing day-old loaves for 10 cents. Fro­ By Sunday, joy had followed obe­ ation, I tacked on a moral at the end. zen for a week, they emerged soft dience. I couldn’t wait to get to chil­ The discipline in the gang of 50 kids and fresh. Several ladies donated dren’s church. I realized that I had was bad, but my attitude was even large jars of home-canned jam. been too busy with gemstones, but worse. I was there against my will. The next Sunday, children’s church here were “gems for His crown” just I resented being down in the began with bread-and-jelly sand­ waiting to be won. I continued church basement on Sunday morn­ wiches. Yes, I was down in the base­ teaching for years until someone ing with two busloads of children of ment again. Since the snack was my more experienced was provided. all ages. Upstairs I could hear the idea, I felt obliged to demonstrate it Summing up what I learned, I dis­ joyous singing, the special music, to the other teachers. But this was covered some very practical scrip­ and the guest speaker. the last time! After all, I needed the tural principles that faced me in To end my talk, I quoted the morning worship service. those early days: motto of Earth Crust Jewelry, my The discipline was remarkably 1. Feed the hungry. The children small business in gemstones: “O better. So I offered to bring bread had a long bus ride; they were in Lord, how manifold are thy works! in each week. My obligations were now Sunday School an hour, church time wisdom hast thou made them all: over. With a clear conscience, I lasted one and one-half hours; then the earth is full of thy riches” (Ps. could return to the morning wor­ they had the long bus ride home. 104:24, KJV). ship service. After all, the pastor had There is nothing wrong with snack I held up the fresh orange that I given up on asking me to teach. He and juice time in church. Even chil­ had used to illustrate how God hadn’t mentioned it for a month. dren of “pillars” found it difficult to planned the earth round instead of They probably had plenty of teach­ wait until 1:00 or 1:30 for dinner. some other shape. ers by now. 2. Clothe the needy. Many of the “Any questions?” That week the pastor telephoned: children were ashamed of the way A tall, gangly 13-year-old girl stood “We really need teachers down there they looked. They needed clothes. up. “Kin I have the orange?” I in children’s church. We’re adding The pastor organized a roomful of dropped it on the table with a thump. another bus because so many chil­ clothing and other items where a Is that all she got out of my talk? Was dren want to come. Will you orga­ child, teen, or adult could pick out she being funny? Or was she trying to nize children’s church and be down whatever he needed. For free! People disrupt the meeting even more? there every Sunday for a while?” and businesses gladly donated good Afterward, as the other children ran Organize it! Be downstairs every used clothing and supplies. I was sur­ for their bus ride home, she came up Sunday? Oh, no! How could he? I prised to see Arlene pick out, first of to the display table and looked long­ opened my mouth to give all the rea­ all, a pair of kitchen curtains for her ingly at the orange. Suddenly I was sons why I couldn’t even help once on mother, then sweaters for herself. In a prompted to ask a question. “Did you a Sunday morning. Before I could get short time we had the best-dressed have breakfast, Arlene?” a word out, I heard a voice, almost children’s church in the county. “No, I never get breakfast Sunday shouting at me in the quiet kitchen: 3. Divide the group by age. Adult mornings. Nobody’s up, and there’s “How can you say no to them?” help is needed. I made a simple nothing to eat.” I put the phone down and looked flash card visual aid, which the pas­ I was appalled. Those children around. I was still alone. No one else tor showed to adults on a Sunday picked up by bus came from low- was in my entire house. I picked up morning. His brief talk emphasized income housing projects. Is it possi­ the phone and heard myself saying, how much American Christians have ble they misbehaved simply because “All right, I’ll do it.” compared to other countries where the gnawing emptiness of their stom- Then I hung up, much annoyed— (Continued on page 53)

14 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE Church Administration Safety Tips for Accident-prone Pastors by R. Robert Cueni

^Accepting the necessity of liv- ing appreciation. To the aginner, liv­ as effective methods of church Z a ing with a certain amount ing means cleaning out the barn growth. JL JL . of pain, preparing for the without getting to ride the pony. inevitability of change, and main­ While doing the dirty work, they I f it works, don’t fix it. In taining an updated plan of action never have any fun— a high price to fact, you may not even want are important factors in minimizing pay for a few close friends who ad­ to ask how it works. ministerial mastication and max­ mire their analytical ability. Upon arrival in a new ministry, it imizing pastoral effectiveness. In The world needs people who can is wise to remind oneself: “This con­ and of themselves they are not, of see possibilities in spite of problems gregation operated before I came. It course, enough. They are only part and are willing to emphasize posi­ will probably operate after I leave. of the total program of tools, tech­ tives in the face of negatives. The The people of this church already niques, and helpful hints every min­ minister who resists the temptation have ways of getting things done. I ister learns from reading, training, to be an aginner is easier to be will not make changes until I am and pastoral experience. Although around, a more satisfied person, and convinced the present ways do not difficult, it is possible to learn from a more effective pastor. work and neither the congregation the experiences of others. It helps nor I can exist without altering Weddings marry the romantic them.” avoid pain and frustration. With this and funerals bury the dead; idea in mind, here are a few helpful Accept that there is more than one do not expect either to be principles for living in the piranha way to perform a function or solve a bowl of pastoral ministry. effective tools fo r church problem. The method the congrega­ growth. tion currently uses may not be the It is not necessary to have a Most ministers are periodically best, especially true when “best” is word front the Lord on every asked to function as community defined as the way the minister topic and in every situation. chaplain. If a family tells the funeral thinks it should be done; but if it Pastors frequently face situations home director the deceased had no works, do not fix it. Standing aside in which they search for something church affiliation, a pastor will be and letting some things happen pre­ wise, comforting, or inspiring to say. asked to conduct the funeral. Some vents pain, perspiration, and hassle. How glorious it is to have something ministers mistake this request as an It also permits the minister time and significant to break the deafening si­ opportunity for church growth rath­ energy to work on things that need lence of the hospital waiting room er than a simple act of kindness. Act­ fixing. or the funeral home lounge. But ing on that misunderstanding results Understand the difference in disappointment. with experience, they learn to dis­ between an incident and guise the helplessness felt at a dying The same principle holds for con­ an issue. parishioner’s bedside. They also ducting the weddings of the un­ learn a few things that are some­ churched. Some clergy mistake the Although there is no simple times helpful to say. Mostly, they phone call that begins, “Do you do method to discern issues from inci­ learn to accept that not much can be weddings for people who do not be­ dents in the pastorate, degree, fre­ said. long to your church?” as a query quency, and intensity are usually Pastors need to remember that about membership. More typically, good indicators. One anonymous God is not mute in the midst of our the caller is merely shopping for a letter containing an unfavorable silence. The voice of the ordained religious building. analysis of one’s leadership probably minister is not always needed. Performing weddings and con­ indicates an incident. It does not ducting funerals for unchurched mandate a career change to insur­ Don’t succumb to the tempta­ people are the caring acts of a lov­ ance sales. On the other hand, a tion to be an “aginner”! ing pastor. A funeral ministers to a unanimous resolution by the church Aginners are difficult to befriend. grieving family. The most realistic board demanding the pastor be Because they must be alert to imper­ goal for the wedding ceremony is moved indicates a serious issue. fections, they never relax their fault­ minimal embarrassment for all con­ Learning to make this distinction finding vigilance. Thus, they do not cerned. Neither weddings nor funer­ and to respond appropriately to is- experience the blessedness of offer- als, however, should be thought of ( Continued on page 44)

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 15 Church Growth

Newcomer Assimilation

by D. Randy Berkner eople initially seek a church “they,” “them,” and “theirs” to “we,” Woodbridge, Va. for a variety of reasons-, an “us,” and “ours,” the newcomer has a invitation from a “satisfied sense of belonging. Incorporation Pcustomer,” convenience to theirand assimilation involve the inten­ home, worship style, a particular tional or unintentional efforts by program (Vacation Bible School, church members to help newcomers musical concert, etc.), denomina­ gain a sense of belonging and accep­ tional loyalty, and advertising. Of tance. course, there are “church shoppers” What can and should local church who drop in because your church leaders do to enhance the new­ happened to be next on their list. comer’s sense of belonging? “Most While people seek a church for a Protestant congregations . . . find it variety of reasons, they generally easier to receive new members than stay at a church for only one rea­ to assimilate them into the fellow­ son— a strong sense of belonging. ship and to help these new members Belonging is difficult to define. gain a sense of belonging.”2 Re­ When does the “new kid on the search reveals that a majority drop Easier block” belong in a local church? Ad­ out during the first six months of as­ mittedly, the newcomer will not sociation with a local church. to receive have the depth and breadth of rela­ “Some church sociologists estimate tionships that the “old-timer” has. that between one-third and one-half new members However, an assimilated member: of all members of Protestant church­ 1. identifies with the goals of es in the U.S. are not comfortable than to the church. with their church affiliation. Many 2. is regular in worship atten­ do not feel that they have been wel­ assimilate dance. comed into the fellowship except 3- feels a sense of spiritual on a very superficial level.”3 If we them. growth and progress. are concerned about reducing our 4. has taken necessary steps of “backdoor losses,” we must give affiliation with the body. higher priority to what we do when 5. has new friends in the they enter our front door. Granted, church. church members are usually polite, 6. has a task or role appropriate even friendly, to newcomers. How­ to his spiritual gift(s). ever, we must remember that “peo­ 7. is involved in a fellowship ple aren’t looking for a friendly group. church— they are looking for a 8. feels trusted by the leader­ friend.”4 ship of the church. Large churches often attract new­ 9. regularly tithes to the church. comers by their wide range of qual­ 10. is participating in the Great ity programs. Sometimes those who Commission.1 remain impressed by the programs As one moves from the enrollment are unimpressed by the people. periphery into one or more primary Lonely in a crowd, they drop out. groups, the incorporation process is On the other hand, in small church­ under way. When pronouns identi­ es newcomers often have a difficult fying the congregation change from time getting in! Certainly friendship

16 THE PREACHER S MAGAZINE is the cement bonding newcomers Factors exist outside the control A SUMMARY OF FINDINGS to the local church, large or small. of the congregation that determine, Of the 200 surveys sent out, 80 Win Arn’s “friendship ratio” pro­ to some degree, how many visitors were completed and returned by poses, “Each new member should will show up and explore the possi­ pastors and/or staff members. Re­ have a minimum of seven new bility of joining the church. Grib- spondents represent several smaller friends in the church within the first bon cites national contextual fac­ churches, many medium-sized, and six months.”5 He defines friends as tors, denominational factors, and a few “megachurches” as indicated those with “mutual interests and local contextual factors (the quality here: concerns” who are “in touch be­ of life within the neighborhood).6 tween Sundays,” “know spouse’s and Oswald and Leas believe “those fac­ Non-Nazarene Respondents (43) children’s first names,” and “miss tors which most significantly affect 100-249 250-499 500-999 1,000+ each other when they’re absent.” the growth of a congregation are 4 15 13 11 What can and should local church outside the congregation’s direct Nazarene Respondents (37) leaders do to enhance the new­ control.”7 “Those factors” include comer’s sense of belonging? An ade­ demographic changes, church com­ 100-149 150-249 250-499 500-750 750+ quate answer requires a look at petition, community facilities, and 4 9 14 4 6 affluence. My recent research and pastoral experience in the labora­ The following data compilation con­ tory of life confirm their thesis. Pre­ cerns both attitudes and actions dictably, more churches are growing within America’s fastest-growing churches. Personal interest in the throughout the sunbelt than in other They generally Church of the Nazarene led me to U.S. regions. A total of 38 percent of analyze its work separately stay at a church the “500 Fastest-Growing Churches in America” during 1988 were lo­ Mission Statement for one reason cated in California, Texas, and Flor­ When asked, “Does your local ida. Interestingly, 50 percent were church have a mission statement de­ — a sense of either Southern Baptist or Assem­ scribing its purpose?” 81 percent of blies of God.8 Denominational cul­ the non-Nazarene respondents gave belonging. ture appears to have a significant im­ an affirmative answer. Some 78 per­ pact on growth patterns. cent of the Nazarene churches re­ Why are Southern Baptists and As­ sponding have developed a mission semblies of God more successful in statement. For the most part, they attracting and assimilating new­ were group-formulated, comprehen­ methods employed by those who comers than other denominations? sive, and well-written for distribu­ have been most successful at this Dismissing the myth that many leave tion in church bulletins, news­ tough task. My January— March the more “liberal” for “conserva­ letters, etc. Almost all mission 1990 research project was designed tive” churches, Oswald and Leas of­ statements issued a clarion call to to determine the assimilation atti­ fer the following explanation: evangelism. tudes and actions of America’s fast- Part of the reason certainly lies est-growing churches. While the in their location and the culture Commitment to project information is descriptive, of their churches. Their strength Church Growth the local church strategy that fol­ has been in the Southern states, A total of 79 percent of the non- lows is prescriptive. which have been experiencing Nazarene and 81 percent of the Naz­ rapid population growth while arene senior pastors indicated their RESEARCH PROJECT maintaining a relatively stable DESCRIPTION extremely high commitment to culture conducive to church church growth (10 on the 0-10 From John N. Vaughan’s 1988 list growth. The regional cultural scale). Some 58 percent of the non- of “America’s 500 Fastest-Growing style of the South still includes Nazarene and 57 percent of the Naz­ Churches,” I chose 125 non-Naz- the highest rate of church mem­ arene professional staff members arene congregations from whom to bership and attendance. These de­ were given an extremely high rating solicit feedback related to new­ nominations have traditionally (10). Only 28 percent of the non- comers’ incorporation. Seventy-five placed more emphasis on “soul Nazarene and 24 percent of the Naz­ Nazarene churches were selected winning” than some other tradi­ arene respondents felt that their lay from a list supplied by the Church tions . . . , they have intentionally leaders possess an extremely high Growth Division. A survey and cover reached out to new populations.9 commitment to church growth. Other letter were sent to pastors of these Obviously, my research survey laypersons received slightly higher 200 churches, representing various served as a tool to determine the marks in non-Nazarene circles. theological traditions, geographic intentional efforts of growing church­ regions, and congregational sizes. es to reach out for newcomers. Assimilation o f First-Time Every non-Nazarene church had re­ Recognizing the existence of un­ Visitors ported a worship attendance in­ controllable outside factors, I There were 65 respondents who crease of at least 100 over the pre­ sought information related to factors answered the question: “Approxi­ vious year’s average. within a congregation’s control. mately what percentage of the first-

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 17 time visitors are actually assimilated NEWCOMERS ASSIMILATION METHODS into your local church?” The average TALLY SHEET guesstimate was near 33 percent for First number is non-Nazarene, Systematic feedback both Nazarenes and non-Nazarenes. second number is Nazarene. from newcomers 8, 9 So two of three newcomers are not Orientation session 8, 3 Parking lot/building “hooked” by even these pacesetters. Sunday School class directional signs 25, 19 greeters 25, 24 Newcomers Assimilation Parking lot attendants 18, 12 Visitor registration card 41, 35 Reserved parking Methods Welcome center 23, 23 for visitors The following chart reveals a 13, 15 Love loaf 0, 9 Designated greeters 44, 35 broad range of methods employed to Sunday lunch invitation Gifts to first-time visitors 9, 19 to newcomers 5, 12 incorporate newcomers into the life Introductory church of the local church. Almost all of Phone calls 33, 35 information packets 30, 24 Visitor identification these survey churches have desig­ Display directory of labels 12, 19 nated greeters, visitor registration Sunday School classes 22, 18 Recognition of visitors cards, women’s ministries, and a Welcome notes in during worship service 30, 25 public ritual for receiving members. Sunday bulletins 23, 14 Greeter/usher Most utilize singles ministries, Introduction of identification 27, 25 church directories, phone calls, newcomers to pastor 17, 20 Church information and/or membership classes, athletic teams, Prospect filing system 28, 26 membership class 29, 34 Standardized visitors and newsletters during the incorpo­ Senior pastor’s visit letter 29, 24 within week ration process. Furthermore, a ma­ 4, 11 Personalized visitors Layperson’s visit jority of these churches use direc­ letter 28, 20 within week 22, 24 tional signs, information packets, Professional staff visit Christian Service Survey 13, 14 display directories of Sunday School within week 17, 23 Organized discipleship classes, prospect filing systems, vis­ Reception honoring training 29, 20 itors letters, pastoral or lay visits newcomers 13, 6 Women’s ministries 36, 35 within the first week, cell groups, Cell groups within Men’s fellowship 29, 27 home Bible studies, greeter/usher congregation 25, 21 Athletic teams 29, 33 identification and training, Sunday Home Bible studies 18, 24 Photo display School greeters, a welcome center, Singles ministry 33, 27 of newcomers 11, 6 recognition of visitors during wor­ Church directory 34, 34 Newsletters 31, 33 ship services, organized disciple- Regular greeter/usher Get-acquainted public ship training, men’s fellowship, and training 22, 20 interviews 4, 4 a personal invitation to join the Friends Day emphasis 12, 20 Personal invitation to church. As one examines the “New­ Gospel presentation join church 22, 27 comers Assimilation Methods Tally in homes 18, 18 Public ritual for receiving Sheet,” it becomes clear that system­ Outreach secretary 16, 9 members 35, 37 atic processes are crucial to reach­ ing and retaining newcomers.

AN APPEAL FOR factor, but probably the biggest needs and fill them. We hope that he INTENTIONALITY impediment has been the lack of will stay with church. Kenneth Crow likens incorpo­ intentionality in the church’s pro­ Research conducted by The Alban ration to “bridge building.” Because gram. Institute among 16 “successful” Lu­ we are influenced a great deal by We have assumed that, given theran, United Methodist, Unitarian, primary relationships (not casual time, people will form friend­ Episcopalian, and Presbyterian con­ friendships), he calls on us “to in­ ships. Unfortunately, that is not gregations discovered almost no for­ tentionally build relationships true in most instances. Given mal assimilation systems. “For the strong enough to help them [pros­ time, people tend to drift away most part what happened to help pects] come to Christ. . . . [For] pros­ from rather than become incorpo­ people become members was infor­ pects . . . need our help in becom­ rated into the social fellowship of mal, unplanned, unsupervised, and ing a part of the networks of the the church. . . . unintentional.”12 Oswald and Leas church.”10 Sullivan echoes the inten- Obviously, what is needed is in­ observed that these churches were tionality theme: tentionality, expressed in a struc­ characterized by energy (activity Functionally the task [social in­ tured program of social incorpo­ throughout the week), identity corporation] has been difficult. ration beginning immediately (strong sense of “we,” which deter­ . . . Most people are timid about following contact with a new mines who and what belongs there), initiating friendships. Lack of time prospect.11 and a belief in inclusion (saw them­ to develop friendships is also a We wish to find the newcomer’s selves as friendly, open, interested in

18 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE newcomers but didn’t do very much leave.16 We can consciously culti­ kairos (God’s time for me), (11) to help people get in). How does a vate a caring climate and adopt a church visit to a special program or congregation grow if it does little or systematic process that increases the sacred act (wedding, funeral, bap­ nothing to encourage incorporation? retention rate. tism, etc.), and (12) the influence These researchers conclude: We would be wise to study other of pastors.18 It may be that belief in inclu­ organizations that develop strong Local church leaders who hope to loyalty and faithful participation. sion is a powerful magnet that is enhance the newcomer’s sense of “The church is concerned about non verbally (or non-directly) trans­ belonging must put themselves in building good, responsible mem­ mitted to the newcomer. The new his shoes. Try to remember how it bers, but our concern grows, not person, perhaps subliminally, gets feels to approach a new church with the message, “We want you; we knee-knocking fears of rejection, be­ would like you to be a part of our ing lost, looking dumb, embarrass­ fellowship,” even though there ment, etc. “A recent Gallup Poll was no greeter or official body to People tells us that 75% of us consider our­ come right out and say it.13 selves shy, inarticulate, uncomfort­ Contrary to the Oswald and Leas aren't looking able around strangers and hesitant to report, my research reveals that place ourselves in new situations.”19 growing churches consider the “we for a Yet many people seek the church want you” communication too im­ with high hopes for spiritual and so­ portant to rely on subliminal mes­ friendly church cial satisfaction. Few find spiritual sages. Almost all of the fastest- satisfaction until they feel socially growing churches in America are — they're looking “at home” in the local church. We evangelical and very intentional in need to hear and heed Jesus’ admo­ their efforts to reach out and touch for a nition: “In everything, do to others individuals. what you would have them do to An assimilation process that is friend. you” (Matt. 7:12). clearly planned, agreed upon, and “Our Church Can Be Your Home” implemented with trained profes­ promises warmth, acceptance, and a sionals and lay volunteers results in sense of belonging. The following greater growth. Intentionality is the strategy, based on 16 years of pas- key. If allowed to “sink or swim” on from our institutional need, but his own, a newcomer will generally rather from our conviction that the sink. He may become so disillu­ church is Christ’s primary means to­ sioned and disappointed that he day of drawing people closer to God never risks participation in church and to each other.”17 I would warn Each new member life again. Again, we are unable to against the wholesale adoption of retain two out of three newcomers. corporation mentality. Yet, we can needs seven new Furthermore, “two out of three peo­ and should learn from the business ple who join the church eventually world concerning customer rela­ friends in six leave it.”14 “For every 10 members tions. After all, we are in the biggest our church [denomination] receives, business in all the world. If sales months. over 5 members ‘slip out the back motivate McDonald’s to organize, door.’”15 shouldn’t souls move us to add sys­ Roberts’ research reveals that so­ tematic planning to our sincere cial relationships, level of educa­ praying? toral ministry experience and recent tion, personal evangelism, mem­ When we set out to intentionally research, goes beyond welcome slo­ bership tenure, residence distance cultivate a climate for church gans and offers a practical plan to from the church, and religious ex­ growth, we must begin to under­ move the newcomer from fears to perience were significant factors in stand what newcomers are looking friendships, loneliness to leader­ determining loyalty to the Church for and responding to. Edward Rauff ship. of the Nazarene. Income, gender, de­ highlights 12 reasons “why people votional practices, attendance, and join the church”: (1) the influence A STRATEGY FOR age were not. Simply stated, those of Christian people, (2) family rela­ NEWCOMER INCORPORATION who have few friends in the church, tionships and responsibilities, (3) those with high levels of education, the search for community, (4) per­ Attractive Buildings those who do not share their faith, sonal crisis, (5) a feeling of empti­ and Grounds those with less tenure, those who ness, (6 ) the end of rebellion, (7) Someone said, “You can’t judge a live farther from the church, and the journey toward truth, (8) the re­ book by its cover.” Yet, all of us form those who have not experienced en­ sponse to evangelism, (9) the reac­ opinions about a place based upon tire sanctification are more likely to tion to guilt and fear, (1 0 ) God’s outward appearance. The 12-feet-

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 19 servanthood can certainly change the climate because these character­ Two out of three newcomers istics tend to be caught rather than taught. In addition, the wise leader are not "hooked." makes “heroes” of those who prac­ tice these principles. By doing so, he changes the group cultural “norms.” However, laymen must also as­ high concrete block fence surround­ classes, offices, etc.? Is the building sume responsibility in climate con­ ing an otherwise attractive St. Peters­ clean and tidy? trol. The duty of the many should burg, Fla., church communicates a The difference between a good not be the task of the few. Pastors “Keep Out” message to the public. and a great appearance is that little and people must cooperate in cre­ Undoubtedly, it enhances security extra effort. ating and maintaining a comfortable climate for newcomers. To get an ac­ for insiders, but outsiders are turned Climate Control off by this fortress mentality. curate reading on the congrega­ Visitors often gauge a church by Herb Miller says, “A cold church, tional thermostat, I suggest the regu­ the way it presents itself. We may like butter, will not spread. Growing lar use of comment cards similar to unknowingly project a negative im­ churches have learned how to regu­ those found in restaurants. Several age via shoddy sign and building late the congregational thermostat, churches solicit feedback on “I maintenance, junglelike lawns, and and they have set it on friendly.”21 As Wish . . .” pew cards. Joel Heck sug­ poorly marked (or unmarked) park­ they cross the threshold of our at­ gests the formation and annual train­ ing lots. Church members are often tractive buildings, newcomers are ing of an assimilation committee blind to these things, but they do not nervously excited and a bit appre­ charged with the task of building escape the careful scrutiny of the hensive. They long for a warm place newcomer awareness within the church shopper. Periodically, every “where everybody knows your name.” congregation.23 Donald Gerig identifies six atmo­ church should examine its buildings The Initial Visit and grounds through the newcom­ spheric conditions that contribute to church growth: (1) a positive at­ The “Head and Shoulders” com­ er’s eyes. One way is to take a small mercial reminds us that “we never group a block or so away from the mosphere (emphasizing what God can get a second chance to make a first church, give them pads and pencils, do, not what we cannot do; what is best in people, not what is impression!” Therefore, care must try to create a “first-time visitor” be taken to favorably impress those mind set in them, and walk to and worst; how we can build each other who visit our church. The royal wel­ through the church property, focus­ up, not tear each other down), (2) trust (earned, not demanded), (3) come begins the moment that new­ ing on these questions (adapted comer drives onto the parking lot. from “Making the Small Church excellence (doing our best with the unique resources and limitations we Sharon Bushey argues for parking Visitor-Friendly,” by Gary Harrison, lot greeters, door greeters, welcome The Magnetic Fellowship have), (4) oriented to outreach (fo­ in ): center greeters, escort greeters, How does the parking lot look? cused on needs of those outside the “fortress,” spawns new ministries), sanctuary door greeters, ushers, and Where should a newcomer park? Sunday School class greeters.24 Their Have we provided adequate parking (5) flexibility (willingness to get out of ruts), (6) a serving spirit (a very presence says, “We were ex­ for the handicapped? Why are the pecting you today.” Their cheer­ best parking spaces almost always conscious effort to serve rather than to be served).22 fulness creates a receptive attitude reserved “For Pastoral Staff Only”? for worship. Their information Schaller says, “No greater love hath Climate is all-important to the farmer who anticipates fruit for his guides the visitor through those first anyone than someone who will give few awkward moments of disori­ up a parking space to visitors.”20 labor. Similarly, “atmospheric condi­ entation. To these lay volunteers, Should we add directional signs? tions” have to be right if the church Bushey offers some simple guide­ What can be done to improve the is going to grow. Unlike the weather, lines: arrive early (20-30 minutes appearance of the grounds? Should a church’s climate can be improved prior to regularly scheduled meet­ we seed the lawn, plant shrubs, re­ by effort. Pastors who model a posi­ pair a sidewalk, patch a pothole, tive attitude, trust, excellence, out­ ings), report in, check your appear­ etc.? What about the physical ap­ reach orientation, flexibility, and ance, anticipate the newcomers, de­ pearance of the building? Are minor repairs left undone? Can visitors find the “necessary rooms” without having to ask the embarrassing We have assumed people question? What do the wall posters and bulletin boards say to the new­ will form friendships. comer? Would visitors know how to find the sanctuary, Sunday School

20 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE velop your skill of remembering the newcomer is often perceived by visit. The Shepherd group leader in names, welcome everyone including the newcomer as the single most im­ the newcomer’s neighborhood also the children, be space conscious portant contact on an early visit and makes contact with the visitor (2Vz to 3 feet), and be enthusiastic.25 may tip the balance toward moving within a week. A Church Informa­ In their book, Contact: the toward or away from affiliation with tion Class invitation is sent to each First Four Minutes, Leonard and this congregation.”28 Therefore, the visitor. bulletin welcome often encourages Natalie Zunin contend that every Herb Miller claims, “No other sin­ visitors to make themselves known human relationship begins with a gle factor makes a greater difference to the pastor. 3-5 minute conversation, during in improving annual membership Equally important is the new­ which both people decide either additions than an immediate visit to comer’s introduction to persons or to part ways or to continue the families who seem to match most the homes of first-time worship­ conversation and the relationship. ers.”30 That “immediate visit” may . . . The first four minutes of a involve the pastoral staff, but ex­ newcomer’s visit to your group perts agree that lay follow-up visits are the most important factor for are far more effective. The twofold determining whether he/she will "We want you; purpose of these “Barnabas” (en­ come back to your group, join it, couragement) calls are to provide and become actively involved. . . . we would like you information about the church and to Someone in your group needs to build bridges of friendship. One make that new person feel at to be part of our should attempt also to discern the home for four minutes and be­ fellowship." spiritual needs in the home and no­ yond.26 tify the “Andrews” (evangelism) di­ A well-staffed welcome center rector of the unsaved persons. provides the visitor with an identi­ Trained “Andrews” (personal evan­ fication label and useful informa­ gelists) would present the gospel tion concerning Sunday School closely the visitor’s age, interests, during a subsequent visit to the classes, doctrine, programs, pur­ occupation, and educational and de­ home. New converts would then be pose, coming events, etc. Most of all, nominational backgrounds. It is linked with a “Timothy” for disci­ it gives him the “I’m special” feel­ helpful to seat first-time visitors be­ pline ing. The church receives necessary side someone who can quietly assist A recent Leadership survey of information for future follow-up. them in the worship liturgy. We usu­ nearly 700 people who had been Researchers Oswald and Leas tell ally take their picture and place it contacted in the past year by the us, “The newcomers who were not on the “New Friends” bulletin calling programs of three congrega­ recognized felt slightly distanced board. tions encourages us to keep home from the congregation in not having Oswald and Leas suggest that we visitation alive. “Nearly 80 percent their presence acknowledged in help newcomers determine whether felt good about the visit, and over some way.”27 Because each visitor is the church fits their expectations by 60 percent indicated it was either different, there is no “right way” to asking them, “What are you looking helpful or very helpful.”31 It is inter­ acknowledge his attendance that for in a church family?” The pur­ esting to note that those who were first day. Extroverts may appreciate pose, of course, is not to trick some­ negative complained primarily public identification such as the one into believing that our church about the timing of the visit. There popular garment adhesive symbol has what he longs for but to direct are “pros” and “cons” to appoint­ (dove, rose, etc.) or pinned-on flow­ that person to appropriate individu­ ments, but most people appreciate ers, special name tags, and an intro­ als and groups who assist in the as­ the courtesy of calling ahead. duction in the worship service. similation process.29 Charles Finney once said, “We However, introverts may prefer to re­ have been ringing church bells main incognito. Discerning greeters Immediate Follow-up when we should be ringing door­ and ushers can tell the difference. A Even if the newcomer enjoyed the bells. We have been doing by proxy small gift says, “We’re so glad you initial visit, whether he returns is what we should be doing by proxim­ came!” An invitation from our still up for grabs. In follow-up pro­ ity; and we have been doing by “Bunch for Lunch” volunteers rein­ cedures, timing is crucial. The rule purse what we should be doing in forces that message. of thumb here is “the sooner, the person.” Amen and ouch! Greeters should alert the appro­ better.” Modern office machines en­ priate people to the newcomer’s able us to send out “personalized” Small Groups presence. Introductions to Sunday letters Monday morning. An incor­ Win Arn prods us to have “at least School teachers, department super­ poration secretary should file names, seven groups for every 100 mem­ visors, staff members, and the senior addresses, and family information bers.”32 These “ports of entry” in­ pastor will help the stranger to iden­ for future reference. Lay volunteers clude Bible study/prayer groups, tify with the church. Oswald and should make phone calls to new­ choirs, athletic teams, circles of Leas note, “The pastor’s reaction to comers within 48 hours of their concern, task groups, and various so­

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 21 cial groups. Because groups tend to year tend to become inactive.”35 The on factors over which they do have reach a “saturation point” and close assimilation secretary (or commit­ control and cultivate a climate con­ themselves to newcomers, Arn says, tee) who carefully monitors atten­ ducive to newcomer incorporation “One of every five groups in the dance, group participation, ministry and church growth. church should have been started in involvement, and friendships min­ “Those who fail to plan, plan to the past two years.”33 New groups imizes the losses. fail,” is more than a catchy phrase. It surface from felt needs within the is an axiom of supreme importance Listening to Dropouts congregation and often attract new in newcomer incorporation and as­ members. Wise leaders encourage Criticism, like castor oil, is easy to similation. jf their development. David Womack’s get and hard to take. We don’t like “pyramid principle” reminds us: “If criticism, but critics often say things a church wishes to serve more peo­ we need to hear. Henry Ford was al­ 1. Win and Charles Am, The Master’s Plan fo r ways ready to profit from criticism. Making Disciples (Kansas City: Nazarene Publishing ple, it must expand its organiza­ House, 1984), 110-15. tional base of ministry.”34 When he heard people criticize any 2. Iyle E. Schaller, Assimilating New Members Church Information Classes (6-8 automobile he was making, he lis­ (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1978), 105. sessions taught by pastoral staff tened carefully. Then he jotted down 3. Suzanne G. Braden, The First Year (Nashville: the criticism in his notebook. This Discipleship Resources, 1987), 10. member) provide the potential 4. Bill Sullivan, “How Important Is Incorpo­ member with knowledge of the attitude led to further development ration?” Preacher’s Magazine, Fall 1989, 7. church’s culture (history, doctrine, in his work. 5. Win Am, The Church Growth Ratio Book government, “norms,” purpose, pro­ Dropouts “consciously or uncon­ (Pasadena, Calif.: Church Growth Press, 1987), 23- sciously give the local congregation 6. Bob Gribbon, “What Helps Churches Grow?” grams, etc.). Christian Service Sur­ (Washington: Alban Institute, 1984). This is a back­ veys and/or Spiritual Gifts Profiles only six to eight weeks, once they ground paper for the Assimilating New Members Re­ might be administered to each par­ have dropped out, to call on them.”36 search Project, sponsored by the Veatch Program. If we cannot keep them in the 7. Roy M. Oswald and Speed B. Leas, The In ­ ticipant in the class. Because finan­ viting Church: A Study o f New Member Assimi­ cial participation in the church church, we should hear their rea­ lation (Washington: Alban Institute, 1987), 12. strengthens the ties, we issue tithing sons why, respect their viewpoint, 8. John N. Vaughan, “America’s 500 Fastest- envelopes for these class members. and work toward alleviation of cor­ Growing Churches, 1988,” 1989. rectable concerns. We are responsi­ 9- Oswald and Leas, Inviting Church, 9. Avoiding use of the term “Mem­ 10. Kenneth Crow, “Bridge Building: The Nature bership Class,” we encourage every­ ble to newcomers, not fo r them. We of Incorporation,” Preacher’s Magazine, Fall 1989, one who wants to know more about should recognize that not all of 4, italics added. them will bond to our local church. 11. Sullivan, “How Important Is Incorporation?” the church to attend, whether or not 6. he plans to join. Qualified individu­ When incompatibility becomes ob­ 12. Oswald and Leas, Inviting Church, 16-17. als who desire to join the church are vious and separation is imminent, a 13- Ibid. received publicly. Sunday night new referral to another church is in or­ 14. Sullivan, “How Important Is Incorporation?” der. 6. member receptions serve two pur­ 15. Michael K. Roberts, “Slipping Out the Back poses: (1) they reinforce the new­ CONCLUSION Door: An Examination of Who May Leave the Denom­ comer’s sense of belonging, and (2) ination,” Preacher’s Magazine, Fall 1989, 20. they raise morale by highlighting Pastors and laymen must avoid the 16. Ibid., 21-23, 63. temptation to play the “if only” 17. Braden, First Year, 7. congregational growth. We often in­ 18. Ed Rauff, Why People Join the Church: An if clude the new members “person­ game. “My church would grow Exploratory Study (New York: Pilgrim Press, 1979), only 61 158. ality profiles” in the church news­ it were located near the free­ 19. Braden, First Year, 9. letter. way in the sunny South!” Or, “My church would grow if only the de­ 20. Larry Weedon, ed., The Magnetic Fellowship (Waco, Tex.: Word Books, Publisher, 1988), 29. Continuing Follow-up nominational label were changed!” 21. Ibid. “Joining” doesn’t necessarily Anyone looking for an excuse can 22. Ibid., 34-39. mean “belonging.” Assimilation is an find one. Denominational, environ­ 23- Joel Heck, New Member Assimilation (St. Louis-. Concordia Publishing House, 1988), 10. ongoing process that requires con­ mental, and contextual factors be­ 24. Sharon Bushey, The Winning Welcome (Kan­ stant monitoring. A system of moni­ yond direct control may lead us to sas City: Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City, 1989), toring attendance and of responding build a case for nongrowth. Why not 24-29. to changing patterns of attendance build a church instead? No factors 25. Ibid. 26. Heck, New Member Assimilation, 48. is another way of saying, “We care.” have overwhelming influence on 27. Oswald and Leas, Inviting Church, 52. Newcomers need to be encouraged whether a church will grow or not. 28. Ibid. and invited to get involved in a pro­ Even in No Hope, Ky., there’s hope 29. Ibid., 53-54. cess of faith development through 30. Weedon, Magnetic Fellowship, 79. for church growth. From Fort Lau­ 31. Ibid., 84. Sunday School classes, retreats, cov­ derdale to Fort Worth, from Colo­ 32. Win Am, Church Growth Ratio Book, 25. enant groups, personal devotions, rado Springs to Palm Springs, from 33- Ibid., 31. ministry involvement, etc. Accord­ 34. David A. Womack, The Pyramid Principle o f Pasadena, Tex., to Pasadena, Calif., Church Growth (Minneapolis: Bethany Fellowship, ing to Schaller, “Adult new members from Stillwater to Grand Rapids, 1977), 15. who do not become part of a group, Christ is building His Church . 35. Schaller, Assimilating New Members, 77. 36. Royal W. Natzke, “The Gift of Exhortation and accept a leadership role, or become through men and women who refuse Ministry to Inactive,” Evangelism 2, no. 3 (May involved in a task during their first to build a case. Instead, they focus 1988): 102.

22 THE PREACHERS MAGAZINE Hinderina Hana-ups Hang-up of Modishness by Raymond C. Kratzer Yakima, Wash.

he minister of God should be water, and their genius suddenly dis­ a paragon of exemplary liv­ appears. ing as a ballast to the chang­ This is not to say that we should Ting moods about us. Customs, modesnot be challenged by every success­ of living, and ethical standards have ful method. We should be “geared to tendencies to change with the the times,” but we should also be times. Often in dramatic changes “anchored to the Rock.” The Bible there occurs a great loss of values emphasizes the “old paths, where is that were once cherished and that the good way” 0er. 6:16, KJV). Wis­ cannot be easily recaptured when dom suggests that we wait and once they are gone. watch before jumping to conclu­ For example, patriotism to our sions too quickly. There is still only flag and our country has been se­ one sure way of working the King­ verely damaged by snide remarks dom. It is encompassed in the four- from news commentators, television letter word: W-O-R-K! could help them. So he was called. personalities, and others. Some jibes Customs of dress often take a min­ If a pastor unduly absorbs himself were given to get a laugh from an ister by storm. If he is addicted to into the patterns and modes of the audience. But in the process there “modishness,” he will find himself world, it may be that his life will was an erosion of patriotism without sucked into the stream of extrem­ make but a meager spiritual impres­ which our national strength cannot ism. As a spiritual leader, the servant sion upon his circle of influence. endure. of God should be aware of the im­ When trouble comes, those whom Likewise, some ministers find it pact of his personality upon his con­ he desires to help may not think of an interesting pastime to make de­ gregation and others. If he appears him but rather go to some less ade­ rogatory remarks about the church on the platform dressed like the lat­ quate source for help. in the interest of eliciting a smile est dandy, his hairdo and whisker One pastor stayed so close to his from others, not realizing that this formation in perfect television con­ people and so close to the Lord that may do irreparable harm to God’s formity, his message may be lost in when sickness or death came among Church. Children and young people the maze of modernity. his constituency, he would often be are especially impressionable. Un­ To be sure, a spiritual leader called before the doctor or mor­ fortunately, the unwholesome habits would not want to dress like John tician. His people depended upon of the secular world seem to attract Wesley to emphasize that he is an the strength and comfort that ex­ some preachers to ape these cus­ old-fashioned preacher. But neither uded from him to sustain them in toms in the church. They have the should he dress like the latest Las their sorrow and difficulty. “hang up of modishness.” The Bible Vegas entertainer, simply to prove A quiet reflection at this point constantly urges us not to be fash­ his contemporaneousness. might be helpful. Ask yourself the ioned like the world or poured into A certain dignity to the ministry' is question: “Who am I in the midst of its mold. invaluable in drawing men away God’s scheme of things?” Am I a rub­ New ideas constantly appear on from the mundane things of life to ber stamp of the world around me or the horizon in terms of churchman- the exhilarating life of holiness. ship, procedures in church organiza­ God’s servant must epitomize the ( Continued on page 36) tion, worship modes, etc. Someone highest and best in godly living in writes a book telling of his unique order to engender respect and con­ method— often quite diverse from fidence in the things of God. The our policies and procedures— and family in the Old Testament who those who have the “hang up of lived on the road where Elisha often modishness” latch onto his plan as traveled observed that he was “an though they have discovered the holy man of God, which passeth by panacea for miracle growth. Often us continually” (2 Kings 4:9, KJV). the authors of the “miracle plan” in When trouble came in their situ­ due season find themselves in hot ation, they were confident that he

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 23 Evangelism They had something that was obvi­ ously more important than money or success: Jesus Christ. So I was forced, as a matter of intellectual integrity, Soul Winning: to study the life of Jesus for the first time. As I read the Bible, I discov­ ered that I had missed the boat and A Way of Life for Bill Bright was going in the wrong direction.” After Bright surrendered his life to by Angela Elwell Hunt Christ, he became an active layman Largo, Fla. and a deacon in his church. He met and married a fine Christian woman, asked one of my routine ques­ help fulfill the Great Commission. tions, “What has given you the Our five-point plan includes ex­ and he did his best to serve God. But one night, six years after his conver­ most pleasure in the last year?” posing people to the gospel, win­ 1and Bill Bright gave me an unex­ning them to Christ, building them sion, Bright decided to defeat a prob­ lem in his life: “My wife and I were pected answer: “Leading people to in the faith, training them to be ef­ Christ. Nothing compares with the fective witnesses, and sending them very materialistic. We grew up with voracious appetites for the things of experience because every person I into the world.” this world. I’d been entrapped by a introduce to Christ is liberated from As we talk, it becomes clear to me Satan’s kingdom into Christ’s king­ that Bill Bright is probably unaware desire to have the biggest and the best of everything. But then I began dom. They not only become chil­ of how many millions of people he to see things from a biblical per­ dren of God but also have the poten­ has influenced for the cause of spective. God began to teach me the tial to live an exciting, joyful adven­ Christ. He is a down-to-earth, truth of what Jesus taught: lay up ture. This man, who has been in the friendly man who never speaks of an treasure in heaven; don’t lay them ministry of evangelism for 39 years, accomplishment without giving up on earth, ‘where moth and rust has not lost his zeal or joyous fervor. God credit for the plan or idea. He doth corrupt, and where thieves break Leading other men and women to is, quite simply, a man who long ago Christ has been Bright’s greatest joy sold out for God and now finds joy through and steal’” (Matt. 6:19, KJV). With an eternal perspective, Bright every year since he was saved in in helping others do the same. and his wife, Vonette, actually took 1945. In 1951 he founded Campus Bill Bright grew up on a ranch in a sheet of paper and drew up a for­ Crusade for Christ International to Coweta, Okla. With six brothers and mal contract. They signed away all help take the gospel to every person sisters, Bill quickly learned to be re­ personal rights to Jesus Christ. “I in the world. “In order to do this,” sponsible. His first job was gather­ said from that day on I would never explains Bright, “we place a very ing corncobs from the field to fuel seek wealth or fame or fortune or strong emphasis on training and dis- the family cookstove. applause or praise of men, but I cipleship. True discipleship results “I was reared in a godly home by a in evangelism, and we are seeing saintly mother and a very human­ would only seek to do His will. We many millions of people come to istic father. I assumed that men were realized that the only thing that re­ Christ because for 39 years we’ve supposed to be strong, macho types ally mattered in life was to do what God wanted us to do. If He wanted trained Christians who are continu­ because my father was strong and us to live on bread and water for the ing to win and disciple others.” self-sufficient. Yet my mother’s gen­ rest of our lives, it would be worth When God gave Bright a vision to tle influence had a tremendous ef­ it.” A few days after the contract sig­ win the entire world, the task was fect on all of us, but not one of us ning, God gave Bright the vision for formidable. “How do you eat an el­ knew how to become Christians be­ Campus Crusade for Christ. ephant?” He smiles and answers, cause my mother had never been With no possessions or personal “One bite at a time. Obviously God trained. She knew how to read her ambitions to hinder him, Bright set never meant for me to reach the Bible and pray, and she was a mar­ about with a singleness of purpose world, but to be a part in helping to velous example. But all through my reach the world.” high school and college years, as a to fulfill the Great Commission. Campus Crusade was founded, and The work of Campus Crusade be­ professor, and later as a businessman in 1954 Bright wrote what is proba­ gan with high school and college in California, I had no knowledge of students. “By concentrating on God except in a very general way I bly the most influential gospel tract ever published, the Four Spiritual adults only, you’re not producing loved my mother, but I just thought leaders for the next generation,” she was like women were supposed comments Bright. Campus Crusade’s to be, and my father was like men initial efforts have expanded to in­ were supposed to be.” clude over 40 different ministries in It was not until Bright went to over 160 countries. The various Hollywood, Calif., that he met peo­ ministries involve high school and ple who were both dynamic busi­ college students, athletes, musi­ nessmen and dynamic Christians. “I cians, laymen, and others. “The list was working day and night to make goes on and on,” explains Bright, my fortune, and I met people who “but all of them have one goal— to were already more successful than I.

24 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE Laws booklet. The booklet was orig­ tianity, but it was narrow and bigoted that at least 1 billion of those will inally intended to help CCC staff and arrogant. There was no love, only become Christians. We plan to estab­ members, but other people began to discipline and judgmental attitudes.’ lish at least 1 million churches and request the effective, simple message. As a result, they’ve rejected all of the 5 million New Life home Bible dis­ Today over 500 million copies have gospel.” cipleship groups.” been distributed in all the world’s Training and discipleship will This incredible vision, called New major languages. Millions of people make not only stronger Christians Life 2000, will keep Bright busy for have been saved through reading but also stronger and wiser parents. the next several years. Although he this clear gospel presentation. Bright is optimistic and excited says that his work is “all joy,” with a about the future, for Campus Crus­ staff of over 16,000 and a budget Bright has a special burden for ade for Christ has plans to carry its over $150 million, Bright admits young people. “Young people need program throughout the world. there are challenges. “Yet the con­ the Lord, and they need to recognize “I’m 68, and when most people viction that Jesus Christ is alive and that He can meet their deep needs are retiring, God has given me a vi­ living within me, and that all the su­ and insecurities. Teenagers are go­ sion that’s bigger than anything I’ve pernatural resources of Deity are ing through difficult times of transi­ dreamed of before.” Bright leans for­ available to every believer, enables tion; growing up, they don’t even ward expectantly. “We’re in the pro­ me to look at every challenge and understand themselves and each cess of developing a world strategy recognize that God has the ability to other. Therefore, there is a tendency We’re already in 160 countries, and translate it into something mar­ to be unduly influenced by peer our goal is to be in every country in velous. Lemons become lemonade. pressure. They need to know Jesus, the world and in every community Problems become opportunities. It not only as Savior, but as a friend who in the world. In cooperation with is not just a matter of positive think­ can really meet the longing of their Christians from churches of all de­ ing; it’s a matter of biblical super­ hearts. They also need loving, un­ nominations and other Christian or­ natural thinking.” derstanding parents and teachers.” ganizations, we are establishing Such biblical thinking will surely Bright, the father of two grown 5.000 training centers to commu­ enable this man to continue his work sons, has developed good advice for nicate the gospel to over 6 billion of implementing the Great Commis­ Christian parents. In his travels, he people by the year 2000, through sion throughout the world. For Bill has noticed that many people in gov­ 10.000 Jesus film teams and other Bright, winning souls is not just a cli­ ernment, the media, education, and evangelistic efforts. We are praying che, it is truly a way of life. $ liberal churches grew up in Chris­ tian homes but are now militantly an­ tagonistic to conservative Christianity. Why? “First, I want to applaud every fa­ Challenging Young People to Ministry ther and mother who has a high ( Continued from page 11) standard of biblical integrity for their children. I wouldn’t want this ing God’s regard for the helpless and and answer is of vital importance. statement to be wrongly interpreted wounded, we are open to hear His Special Emphasis because I believe it is important that call to us for service. It is also essential for the church we encourage our children to grow Dialogue Through the Doubts to provide opportunities for our up in the love and admonition of the Allowing young people to ques­ youth to encounter the broken heart Lord. But just this morning I was tion and listen for God’s answers is of God over the hurts of human be­ reading in Col. 2:20— 3:4. It is im­ of great importance. This time of ings and to see His charge to ser­ possible for a person to live a godly, questioning includes their dialogue vants to meet those distresses. Such holy life by imposing man-made with pastors, significant laypersons, occasions can be a special emphasis rules; it leads to pride. Probably the years of training, trial and error of day within the teaching and preach­ number one heresy of the Christian ministry in the church, and even ing ministries of the church on a body is legalism— man’s effort to years of professional service. The en­ given Sunday each year, an ongoing find God and serve God in the en­ tire process is the question-and- emphasis in youth meetings, chil­ ergy of the flesh. Often man-made answer period to God’s call. It is dren’s church, camps, and mission rules imposed by strict fathers and wrong to rush this period or to trips. Events such as these are de­ mothers put such a burden on the doubt the call of a young person signed to open a young person up to children that they rebel. They’re not during this time. One of the saddest the voice of God, though not to really rebelling against the Lord, accounts that I hear, all too often, is speak for Him. they’re rebelling against the legal­ how a pastor or teacher attempts to “When he saw the crowds, he had istic, man-made standards of parents talk a young person out of his call. compassion for them, because they who usually mean well but are not The idea behind this is that only were harassed and helpless, like capable of communicating that the those who are “truly” called will sheep without a shepherd. Then he Christian life is a supernatural life. stick with it. This is wrong! We have said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is We can’t live the Christian life in our no business creating doubt. Every plentiful, but the laborers are few; human efforts. call begins as a suspicion. We seek pray therefore the Lord of the har­ “Wherever I go I meet people who to discover if this call is from our­ vest to send out laborers into his har­ say, ‘Look, I was exposed to Chris­ selves or God. The time of question vest’” (Matt. 9:36-38, RSV).

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 25 But Where's the Gospel?

by Muriel Larson Greenville, S.C.

perplexed pastor exclaimed and duly baptized. But she did not dently knew and loved the Lord him­ to his congregation, “We know how to repent and trust in self. I think he really believed that L have more than 800 people Christ for salvation. For many years he was preaching the gospel. He Aon our church roll, but less thanshe remained an off-and-on church spoke against sin but didn’t say 300 attend our Sunday morning ser­ member— until she truly came to much about repentance. He urged vice each week. Where are the other know Christ in her 40s. people to be “saved,” to be “born 500?” Perhaps you could echo his When his marriage got into trou­ again.” He used “Christian jargon.” question. ble, one man went to see the pastor However, this evangelist did not What happens to all the people of an evangelical church. “You need actually tell us the good news of who make “decisions for Christ,” to be saved,” the minister kept say­ how to be saved, how to be born join the church, and shortly there­ ing. He invited the man to attend again: that Jesus died for our sins after fall away? Why do they fall church that Sunday and come for­ and was raised for our justification; away? ward to “get saved.” The man did as that the blood of Jesus Christ, God’s A partial answer may be found in a the pastor suggested— but the pas­ Son, cleanses us from all sin; and pastor’s statement: “I would esti­ tor’s idea of “getting saved” was that we are to believe on the Lord mate that less than 50 percent of the joining the church, getting baptized, Jesus Christ to be saved (see 1 Cor. members of Bible-believing church­ and turning over a new leaf. His 15:3-4; 1 John 1:7; Acts 16:31). This es truly know Jesus Christ as their solution didn’t work. The man was announcement is Good News. personal Savior!” How could that be still the same old person and soon The apostle Paul declared, “Con­ so? returned to his old ways. sequently, faith comes from hearing I have interviewed numerous In some churches the pastor most­ the message, and the message is church members. One recurring ly preaches simple salvation mes­ heard through the word of Christ” theme is that many of them went for­ sages to the unredeemed people in (Rom. 10:17). According to Paul, he ward at some church or evangelistic attendance. God’s flock starves on had delivered this message to the meeting when they were younger this diet only. In other churches, the people of Corinth: “For what I re­ and made some kind of religious pastor feeds his flock and then in­ ceived I passed on to you as of first commitment, joined the church, and vites visitors to come forward to “be importance: that Christ died for our were baptized— but not saved. Or saved,” to “receive Christ as Savior,” sins according to the Scriptures, that someone may have witnessed to to “move their letter,” “join the he was buried, that he was raised on church,” or “receive baptism”— the third day according to the Scrip­ them and pressured them into “mak­ with no further explanation con­ tures” (1 Cor. 15:3-4). That capsule ing a decision for Christ.” cerning salvation. of the gospel, along with other “When I was 12,” said one wom­ Many people have been misled verses, can be shared in one minute an, “a lady in our church asked me into thinking that they have been of sermon time before an invitation during an evangelistic meeting, saved and are going to heaven. But is given. ‘Don’t you want to see your mother Jesus Christ said clearly, “Not every­ in heaven someday? Why don’t you one who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ Effective Gospel Sharing go forward tonight?’ ” The girl did. will enter the kingdom of heaven, As a lost person at 24 years of age, Then a church clerk came and asked but only he who does the will of my God sent three witnesses to me. The her if she believed in Jesus. Of Father who is in heaven” (Matt. first witness came to our home and course, she said she did. Then he 7:21). shared the gospel with us, urging us took her name and address and In one “revival” I was amazed that to repent of our sins and to receive talked her into being baptized. The I didn’t hear the gospel preached at Jesus Christ as our Savior. She also girl was welcomed into the church all, even though the evangelist evi­ spoke of hell— and that part kept

26 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE me awake half the night. It con­ “bom again” (John 3:3-16, 36). The victed me of my lost, sinful condi­ Bible teaches that no one can earn sal­ tion before God. vation or absolution from sin by his The second witness worked with works. Only by trusting in God’s grace me at the office. This witness lived is salvation extended to us through out Christ before me and other co- Christ (Eph. 2:8-9; Titus 3:5-6). workers and shared the gospel in a Second, Jesus was raised fo r our clear-cut way. justification. The “Romans Road” The third witness I never met. He presentation of salvation contains or she left a tract on my desk one one more Scripture reference: “If Freeway morning. I was ripe for that tract, you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus which quoted various scriptures is Lord,’ and believe in your heart concerning salvation. The Word of that God raised him from the dead, Message God got through to me. I bowed my you will be saved. For it is with your head in repentance and gave my heart that you believe and are justi­ A Metaphor heart to Jesus. My life was changed fied, and it is with your mouth that that day. Eventually my whole family you confess and are saved” (Rom. oi Ministry came to Jesus Christ. 10:9- 10). What brought me through to that Rom. 10:9 makes clear the neces­ by Fletcher L. Tink life-changing experience? The sim­ sity of a person believing in his Alhambra, Calif. ple, basic gospel of Jesus Christ in heart that God raised Jesus from the the Scriptures. dead. So, we must present a resur­ While driving onto the on Dr. R. A. Torrey, the evangelist who rected, living Savior. ramp merging into the San Ber­ won thousands to Christ around the Third, We must make a commit­ nardino Freeway and in sight world, wrote that a personal, experi­ ment to Jesus. of downtown Los Angeles, I ential knowledge of Jesus Christ as Many of us have been guilty of glimpsed at a fellow dressed in Savior includes three things: seeking to win converts to Chris­ overalls and orange jacket, tianity through “easy believism.” 1. A knowledge that our own handwashing the yellow Certainly we must not put artificial sins have been forgiven because “Merge” sign by the side of the Jesus bore them in His own body barriers between a lost person and road. on the Cross Jesus, such as man-made perceptions It didn’t seem to me that his 2. A knowledge that the risen of holiness. On the other hand, we Christ is delivering us daily from must make clear that genuine accep­ job was that important. But if the power of sin tance of Jesus as Savior involves true you live in dusty, smoggy Los 3. An absolute surrender of our repentance: turning from our sin, Angeles, you know that it is! wills to Jesus Christ as our Lord turning wholeheartedly to Christ. I said to myself: “This fellow and Master Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my has contributed nothing to the voice; I know them, and they follow construction of the city. He Essential Elements me” (John 10:27). didn’t build the freeway. He of the Gospel The work of the Holy Spirit is the didn’t even erect or paint the The good news of Jesus involved a new birth— He convicts of sin, He sign. All he does is scrub it few essential elements. draws to Jesus, He causes a person to clean.” First, Jesus died fo r our sins. The be bom into God’s family (see John Then a thought grabbed me. “Romans Road” method of soul win­ 16:8; 1 Cor. 12:3; John 3:5-8). As we So it is with my ministry too. ning clearly presents the way of sal­ pray, the Holy Spirit works. As we vation: present God’s Word, the Holy Spirit God has designed the desti­ a. “For all have sinned and fall works. As we lift up Jesus, the Holy nation. He has bulldozed and short of the glory of God” (Rom. Spirit works. constructed the Freeway. And 3:23). Speaking of His death on the all along the way, He has se­ b. “For the wages of sin is Cross, Jesus said, “But I, when I am cured clearly marked signs. death, but the gift of God is eter­ lifted up from the earth, will draw But, sadly, over the course of nal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” all men to myself” (John 12:32). So time, corruption and pollution (Rom. 6:23). when we lift up the crucified Christ, have blurred their message. who has suffered for our sins, He c. “But God demonstrates his My glorious calling and my own love for us in this: While we draws people to himself. noble task is to don my over­ were still sinners, Christ died for Whenever we invite people to be alls, risk the traffic, and scrub us” (Rom. 5:8). saved, let’s take at least a few min­ d. “Everyone who calls on the utes to tell them how! “Divine Freeway” signs clean. name of the Lord will be saved” “Yet to all who received him, to (Rom. 10:13). those who believed in his name, he Only through trusting in Jesus’ sac­ gave the right to become children of rifice for sin can a person be saved or God” (John 1:12). $

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 27 Ten Tried and Proven Ideas to Fight Dryness

by Robert Wido Saegertown, Pa.

amuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem ging. Different shoes are designed People, by Harold Kushner, is an im­ “The Rime of the Ancient for different purposes. In the same portant religious work, but it is, of Mariner” tells of a ship blown way, our devotional time and our course, not from a Christian per­ offS course, doomed by Fate to wan­ study time are both designed to spective. der fruitlessly in its search for land. meet specific spiritual needs in our A seminary professor once told me As the unfortunate sailors drift along lives. Blurring this distinction can that if a man does not keep up on his aimlessly, they cry: kill your ministry. reading while he is in the ministry, Water, water, every where, About two years ago I started get­ he will do fine until he is about 35 And all the boards did shrink; ting to my study an hour earlier. I years old. By then, he is completely Water, water, every where, concentrated on studying some as­ out of material from seminary and Nor any drop to drink. pect of the Bible of special interest will begin to drift into sentimental As a preacher of the Word this to me personally. At first I felt guilty poems, old stories, and cliches. To verse has taken on a new, more per­ — I was at the office, but I wasn’t be widely read enables one to be in­ sonal meaning. How is it that we doing anything to produce immedi­ teresting. And to be uninteresting is have access to the most wonderful ate results. After all, I had two ser­ the unforgivable sin of the preacher resource in the world, the Bible, but mons to write for Sunday. I kept tell­ — from the hearer’s standpoint. sometimes we feel like our spiritual ing myself to stop relaxing and to To learn new things is one of the wells have simply run dry? Try as we start working. keys to being challenging and inter­ might, it seems nearly impossible to Slowly I began to realize, how­ esting. People buy books about sub­ come up with challenging sermon ever, that my job was “rightly divid­ jects unfamiliar to them because topics week after week. ing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15, they want to learn something new. Perhaps we feel the pressure of a KJV). My church depended on me to The same principle works in the sermon coming due with regularity. lead them spiritually. Without Spiritual realm: they want Scrip­ Imagine a chef who spends hours spending quality and quantity time ture’s truths packaged in a way they and hours on his first day preparing in the Word, I would not be in a po­ have not heard before. The only way a sumptuous breakfast, only to find sition to provide the leadership they to be consistent in having some­ that lunch is around the corner— needed. thing new to say is to take in new and dinner will be called for shortly Someone once asked former South­ ideas all the time. Most of us would after that! Every minister under­ ern Baptist Convention President be appalled if our child’s science stands the problem, whether we W. A. Criswell what advice he would teacher used a textbook from the preach once, twice, or three times a give someone starting out in the 1950s. “It is not up-to-date!” we week. I think of John Wesley— he is ministry. Criswell answered: “Keep would shout. Perhaps that science said to have preached three times a the morning for God. However busy teacher is justified in saying the day every day, for 40 years. How you may be, keep the morning for same thing about our “1950-era” could he preach so regularly with­ God, and out of the praying, out of illustrations and phrases. out becoming dry and uninterest­ the Bible studying, out of the medi­ One temptation I face is to read in ing? [Editor’s note: He preached the tation, out of the baring of your soul order to find illustrations. I must be same sermon 40 or 50 times.] before God, stand in the pulpit with careful to avoid this temptation. The Dryness can cripple a person’s unction and with power and deliver illustrations will come, but you will ministry. So how do you solve the a message from heaven.” I appre­ miss the point of the entire book if problem of “Preacher’s Dehydra­ ciate this advice from a pastor who you look merely for colorful phrases tion”? Here are 10 things we can do understands how important it is to to use in this week’s sermons. that will help us keep from drying spend time in study if we are going 3. Vary your preaching style. out prematurely. to remain fresh and creative. I am a creature of habit. I like to 1. Realize that devotional times 2. Read widely in Christian lit­ do things the same way, at the same and study times are not designed erature, in religious literature, time, day in and day out. This ten­ to meet the same need. and in secular literature. dency finds its way into my prepara­ Very few people wear tennis shoes I make a distinction between re­ tion and preaching. I generally with a suit. Neither will they wear ligious and Christian literature. preach expository sermons, with an black oxfords if they are going jog- When Bad Things Happen to Good occasional topical or biographical

28 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE sermon thrown in for variety. finished sermons that don’t seem to cause, he says, “it allows the Lord to Looking at my preaching from the fit my church at the moment. Some­ speak to me out of my spiritual need perspective of the “person in the day they may, and when they do, I of Him.” This kind of sermon plan­ pew,” I wonder how much I am will have already done much of the ning may engender a bit of excite­ keeping his interest. If, indeed, vari­ work. ment— or dread— but it will even­ ety is the spice of life, I fear that we Andrew Blackwood, one of the tually cause your sermon work to may bore our people by presenting great preachers of yesteryear, com­ become an exercise in frustration. the Word of God in an “any style fits pared preaching to gardening. We That would be like setting off on any verse” way. must plant ideas in our minds your vacation without plans or di­ When in seminary, I was asked to months in advance and allow them rection. After all, the Lord is in team-teach with another seminary time to grow and mature into usable charge and He will direct, right? But student a class on church history. He sermons. The sermon idea file will I doubt you would have a very good and I jumped into the project with help you. time. Fear might replace the joy of enthusiasm. About two months into 5. Try to work one week ahead. the trip. The same thing may happen the class, we noticed a sense of bore­ Although this sounds like an im­ to our preaching unless we work dom permeating our group. So, I possible goal, it requires absolutely ahead. dressed up as Martin Luther and no extra work. And think of the ben­ came into the class— beard, robe, efits: it eliminates the “Saturday and all. We spent an enlightening Night Special.” It saves the pastor a hour talking about the causes of the lot of gray hair and sleepless nights. Reformation and some of the costs Imagine how it would feel to come To be widely read to Luther personally. It was months into your study on Monday morning before the people stopped talking (or Tuesday, if you take Monday off), enables one to be about Martin Luther coming to visit. and have your Sunday morning and Reflecting on this experience, I evening sermons already finished, interesting. keep thinking, “How would my con­ ready to deliver! Sound impossible? gregation respond if Barnabas or It isn’t really. Get in the habit of John the Baptist came to talk with working one week ahead. Continue them?” Varying sermon style helps to write your Sunday sermons a your congregation. It also helps you week ahead. 6. Concentrate on the things break the monotony of churning out Some will object, “But how can that are important and meaning­ a sermon (or two or three) each you be excited about something you ful to your people. week. put together two weeks earlier? If While the Olympic Games were you write it the week you deliver in full swing, I spoke on “running the sermon, it is fresh in your mind.” the race.” During elections, I talked I discipline myself to spend Friday about our responsibility to the gov­ with my Sunday morning sermon. I ernment. One of the most inter­ Sometimes we feel read it and reread it. I change a few esting sermons I ever preached was important lines and rethink it care­ aimed for St. Patrick’s Day I pre­ our spiritual wells fully. By the time I have gone over pared a biographical sermon on St. the sermon a number of times, the Patrick, the pioneer missionary who have run dry. excitement comes back. I am ready brought the gospel to Ireland. The for Sunday. In like manner, I spend people were thrilled. Now they had Saturday afternoon with my evening a way to tell people about who St. sermon. Patrick really was. The next week, Initially, the hardest part of this several came to me to thank me for a 4.Keep a sermon idea file. plan is getting a week ahead. How great chance to share their burden If you read regularly, sermon ideas can you set such an ambitious goal for missions with their friends. will come naturally strolling off the in light of the fact that you are al­ A word of caution, however. We page and into your mind. But if you ready feeling as fresh as a week-old must always be careful to avoid fo­ have no way of bringing them back fish? The key lies in using those pre­ cusing undue attention on a person to conscious memory, you will, week cious weeks when we do not have to or family in our congregations. To after week, struggle to come up preach— the district superintendent preach about financial responsibil­ with something new and fresh. will be speaking or a music group is ity the same week that a family has The logical solution is to have a scheduled. Instead of kicking back publicly declared bankruptcy will sermon idea file. I keep a folder ti­ and relaxing, work on your regular certainly cause that family to feel tled “Sermon Ideas.” In it I file texts weekly fare— one, two, or three ser­ uneasy No one likes to be pointed that are screaming to be preached. I mons. Then, when your special out as an example— whether a good put in sermon outlines that I think event is over, keep on working as al­ example or bad. of as I drive my car or ride my bike, ways. Suddenly you are a week I am the pastor of a church in a outlines that I hear other preachers ahead. small town. When people ask me use that might, someday, fit the A fellow pastor of mine plans his how many people live in our town, I needs of my flock. I also file half­ sermons on Saturday evening be­ ask whether I should count my wife

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 29 and myself. In a town our size, every­ the presses. A noted scholar on keeping up with his profession, I one cares about everyone else. Pri­ preaching recently commented that feel vaguely guilty that I have a hard vate business becomes public prop­ 10 years ago one or two significant time reading one good book a year erty. Therefore, it is important to books on preaching could be ex­ about preaching. read the local paper. My people may pected each year. Last year, at least a well be thinking about a sick neigh­ 9. The creative use o f sermon dozen important, significant books series will help you keep your bor, or a factory about to close, or a were published. Keeping up with school board issue that they are preaching fresh and interesting. this flood of information is almost Some sections of Scripture do not about to vote on. One of the things impossible for the parish pastor. But that I need to work on more is to lend themselves to a 25- to 30-min­ if this much attention is being paid read my local newspaper. It acts as a ute sermon. Take the Ten Command­ to the subject, we certainly should very accurate thermometer to help ments, for example. Can you imagine not ignore it in our reading. me understand what is happening in preaching on all 10 in one sermon? However, my reading time is lim­ the lives of my people. That would be tantamount to eating ited. So I am extremely selective Another good way to find out a large pizza in one bite— it could about how I use those precious what your people need, and how be done, but who would want to do hours when I settle down for a you can deal with their needs, is to it? blessed evening of hot tea and a ask them. As I visit my people, I ask Therefore, treat some sections of good book. I want to make sure the them, “If you were the pastor of this scripture in a series of sermons: the book is something interesting and, General Epistles, biographies of Bi­ church, what would you preach most of all, profitable. about?” Of course, just because ble characters, and the Sermon on Some of the most profitable read­ someone suggests a sermon idea, the Mount. It’s amazing how one ing a proclaimer of the Sacred Word that is no guarantee that I will use it. short sermon of our Lord can oc­ can do is about our high calling: Yet, sometimes the answers to this cupy the preacher for months! I preaching. If the last book on preach­ question force me to get deeper into would love to preach a series on ing that you read was for a seminary the Word and discover my people’s “The Six Woes of Jesus to the Phari­ class, let me encourage you to get needs and interests. One key to sees” from Luke 11. Maybe that ser­ out those old textbooks and begin keeping fresh is to learn new things. mon should wait until I am about reading through them again. It is ready to move! 7. / try to broaden myself by amazing how a few years and several I asked a very well known preach­ taking an interest in activities not hundred sermons can give you a ing scholar what advice he would related to the church. whole new perspective on what was give to help preachers stay fresh in God has gifted me with more in­ once dull, required reading. the pulpit. He im m ediately an­ terests than I have time for. I like to Better yet, take a close look at some swered: “Use series as often as you hunt and fish, play golf, and go to contemporary books on preaching. can. That way you needn’t be think­ football games, wrestling matches, For starters, look at John Stott’s won­ ing of a new idea every week.” His and shopping malls. I love cars, re­ derful book Between Two Worlds, advice is sound and practical. finishing furniture, reading, col­ or Preaching to Convince, by Jim lecting stamps, looking at church Berkley. Both books are relevant, 10. Last, give yourself a break buildings, and playing chess. I be­ highly readable, and well worth the by having a periodic film or a lieve that being an interesting and time and effort to read them care­ special speaker. growing person is part of God’s de­ fully. When God gave the Law to Moses, sign. Nothing is longer than a sermon Preaching is the one task the He made it clear that man was de­ by a person who has learned nothing clergy person does that no one else signed to work for six days, and then new in 10 years. All that some people does. It behooves us to do our very rest. But sometimes the pastor gets preach about are old experiences best. the idea that he is above that law. If and books long ago forgotten. My father is an orthopedic sur­ we preach Sunday after Sunday, In later stages of starvation a per­ geon. He has been in practice for morning and evening, we are sure to son’s body starts to feed upon itself. over 30 years. The earliest recollec­ get “Preacher’s Dehydration.” One After all available nutrition is sucked tions of my father are when he was solution to the problem is to plan a out, all that remains is a slow and studying for his state board examina­ special activity on a regular basis. painful death. The same thing can tion. Later recollections, when I was The people will appreciate the happen to the preacher who refuses to in grade school, picture Dad in the change, and you will appreciate the take in nutrition in the form of new living room, reading Orthopedic D i­ break. ideas and new challenges. Slowly, our gest, while the rest of us watched One product appearing on shelves minds and souls are eaten away, and TV in the family room. Even now, af­ of drugstores is skin moisturizer. A we stand in the pulpit as starved men ter practicing for 30 years, he makes person rubs the cream on dry areas being asked to feed the multitude. a habit of attending several good and, almost as if by magic, the dry­ seminars a year designed for ortho­ ness goes away 8. Once a year read an excep­ pedic surgeons. He listens to cas­ Although no one sells sermon tionally good book about preach­ sette tapes and watches special vid­ moisturizer this easy to use, the ing. eotapes about new forms of surgery above 10 suggestions should help We live in an era when innumerable and physical therapy. When I think you fight that constant battle we all books on preaching are rolling off the of the time and energy he spends face: “Preacher’s Dehydration.” ^

30 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE The Pulpit's Missing Link

\\ Unction//

by Morris Chaifant Bourbonnais, III.

s the unique condition of the not a gentle dove beating her wings ing lacks this unction. How desper­ minister in the pulpit that our against the bars outside of the ately we need it! Without unction unaffected forefathers called preacher’s soul; rather, she must be our powder never fires! In our day I“unction” outmoded today? Or is apursued and won. Unction cannot with professionalism surrounding reassessment in order? be learned, only earned by prayer. the pulpit ministry, we must take Certainly “unction” is a word lit­ Unction is God’s knighthood for the care that we do not obscure the tle used among the ministry today soldier-preacher who has wrestled need for this unique pulpit quality. What is unction? It is a quality that in prayer and gained the victory. Vic­ We need the man of God to enter the pulpit and be able to have said of can be sensed by those who listen to tory is not won in the pulpit by fir­ him, “Ye have an unction from the one who preaches the Word of God. ing intellectual bullets or wise­ Holy One” (1 John 2:20, KJV). Unction is not animation or senti­ cracks, but in the prayer closet; it is Hear E. M. Bounds on this impor­ mentality, nor is it only emotion. won or lost before the preacher’s tant matter: Unction is a quality that pervades foot enters the pulpit. Unction is This unction comes to the the man of God and his preaching. like dynamite. Unction comes not by preacher not in the study but in Unction is the anointing of the the medium of the bishop’s hands, the closet. It is heaven’s distilla­ Holy One, according to the dictio­ neither does it mildew when the tion in answer to prayer. It is the nary. preacher is cast into prison. sweetest exhalation of the Holy An old country minister was pray­ Unction will pierce and perco­ Spirit. It impregnates, suffuses, ing earnestly for unction. Someone late; it will sweeten and soften. softens, percolates, cuts, and asked, “What is unction?” When the hammer of logic and the soothes. It carries the Word like “Brother,” he replied, “I don’t fire of human zeal fail to open the dynamite, like salt, like sugar; know what it is, but I know what it stony heart, unction will succeed. makes the Word a soother, an ar- ain’t!” When Paul preached to the Corin­ raigner, a revealer, a searcher; In 1 John 2:20 we read these thians, he deliberately decided makes the hearer a culprit or a words: “But ye have an unction from against any academic or erudite ap­ saint; makes him weep like a child the Holy One” (KJV). The Greek proach in presenting the gospel: and live like a giant; opens his word for “unction” is chrisma. This “My speech and my preaching,” he heart and his purse as gently, yet means “an unguent, or smearing, later told the Corinthian Christians, as strongly, as the spring opens the that is (figuratively) the specific gift “was not with enticing words of leaves. This unction is not the gift or endowment ( chrism) of the Holy man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of genius. It is not found in the Spirit.” of the Spirit and of power” (1 Cor. halls of learning. No eloquence Unction is that indefinable, inde­ 2:4, KJV). Paul had this unction. can woo it. No industry can win it. scribable something that an old, re­ Paul had the same evidence as he No prelatical hands can confer it. nowned Scottish preacher describes: preached at Thessalonica. Weeks af­ It is the gift of God— the signet There is sometimes somewhat ter being in that city, he wrote to the set to His own messengers. It is in preaching that cannot be de­ converts there and said, “Our gospel heaven’s knighthood given to the scribed either to matter or expres­ came not unto you in word only, but chosen true and brave ones who sion, and cannot be described also in power, and in the Holy ( Continued on page 33) what it is, or from whence it com- Ghost, and in much assurance” (1 eth, but with a sweet violence it Thess. 1:5, KJV). Again Paul re­ pierceth into the heart and affec­ ceived unction. tions and comes immediately This spark of vital fire is not from the Lord; but if there be any equated with emotionalism. Rather, way to obtain such a thing it is by it is the witness of the Holy Spirit to the heavenly disposition of the the validity of the message. It will speaker.1 convince the intellect, warm the af­ One of the pioneers of the holi­ fections, and move the will. ness movement portrayed unction as Much of our preaching and teach­

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 31 I Preach Too

by Croft M. Pentz Long Union, N.J.

elderly couple were mem- Lack of Preparation greatest power in preaching (2 Tim. Z a bers of the local assembly 3:16). A veteran pastor, appraising his JL JL. Both were hard of hearing sermons, found the most successful The prophets could stand and say, and were unaware that their whis­ were those delivered at funerals. As “Thus saith the Lord.” People need pers could be quite loud. more of God’s Word and less of he carefully studied these, he found One Sunday morning as the pastor man’s opinions and logic. they were the shortest and the best was completing one of his usual The radio or television speaker prepared of his sermons. one-hour sermons, the wife whis­ The minister who preaches long has a certain amount of time to fit in pered to the husband, “He preaches his sermon. Whether he’s through or usually does so because of lack of too long.” The words were loud preparation. He repeats himself. He not, at the end of the hour the pro­ enough for the pastor as well as a goes from Dan to Beersheba, saying gram ends. This kind of preparation number of the people in the front of very few worthwhile things in be­ requires discipline and forethought. the church to hear. Systematic preparation. tween. 3. The Some pastors don’t quit when they best type of preaching anyone can If some ministers’ sermons were are through. They don’t know when do is expository As the preacher ex­ put into print as preached, they to put the caboose on the train. A pounds God’s Word, the people can would not sell. There is so much sermon need not be everlasting to follow in their Bibles. When he repetition, wandering, and irrele­ have eternal values! completes the passage, he quits and vance. Some of the greatest lectures of all Writing helps a minister greatly. A will continue the study at the next time were short. Look at the brevity service. writer is told how many words are of the 23rd psalm, the Lord’s Prayer, needed for the article. In some cases the Ten Commandments, the Ser­ Lack of Organization not only how many lines, but strokes mon on the Mount, and Lincoln’s The minister may prepare care­ per line. Gettysburg Address. fully, doing much research, knowing 1. Spiritual preparation. Before Of course, certain Bible studies the customs and cultures of the Bi­ the minister prepares a message, he may be longer than the average ser­ ble passage. He may have valuable should prepare himself. The greatest mon. But few ministers can keep material, but unless it is properly or­ sermon anyone may preach is the people’s attention after 30 minutes. ganized, he will wander and be long life he lives. As he has the proper re­ The evangelist may, but then that’s in his preaching. lationship with God, the Lord can for only a few services. Why do 1. Have a goal fo r every sermon. lead him in preparation of the mes­ some ministers preach too long? Too many aim at nothing and hit it sage. It is not getting a sermon but a every time. Without a definite goal message from God. you will accomplish little, and you 2. Scriptural preparation. Every are wasting both your time and the minister should make a careful people’s. study of God’s Word. He should read 2. Pick a certain subject and the entire Bible each year. He should stick to it. Don’t wander. be a “man of the Book.” 3- Use notes. Few are blessed The message should contain much with photographic memories. Most of God’s Word. Faith comes through forget easily. Nothing is more embar­ the Word (Rom. 10:17). The Word is rassing when speaking than to lose powerful in revealing man’s sin and the train of thought. God can and shortcomings (Heb. 4:12). It is the does bless notes.

32 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE 4. Use an outline. There should attention beyond that time will take Ironside, pastor of Moody Church, be some order in the message. It is a superspeaker. Chicago. She said, “Today, you will similar to building a home. You You may feel inspired and free, listen to the greatest preacher I have don’t start with the roof. Lay the but are your people responding? ever heard.” proper groundwork, then build to They may be there in body, but are On the way home from church the the climax. they with you in spirit? Their minds granddaughter said, “He’s not great; 5. Have an introduction. This may be elsewhere. I understood every word he said.” prepares the people for what you 3- Consider the people’s ability Discipline yourself by the clock. to absorb. are planning to say. TV programs People can only absorb People do it in radio and television. so much. It’s better to have them know if they don’t get the viewer’s All vocations live by the clock, except wanting more than to have them some preachers and their preaching. attention in the first few moments, bored with too long a sermon. Rarely do you find long sermons he will switch channels. 4. Consider the people and the interesting. Of course, storytellers The introduction could be current application. Are you getting are interesting, but that’s not preach­ events, humor, sports, great people through? You may wax eloquent, but ing. That’s entertaining and playing of the past and present, etc. do the hearers understand? Are you upon people’s emotions. Don’t make the introduction too speaking or communicating? It’s better to have the people say, long. The ideal sermon has about a A grandmother took her grand­ “He doesn’t preach long enough” 3- to 5-minute introduction, 20- daughter to hear the late Dr. Henry than, “He preaches too long.” $ minute body, and 3- to 5-minute conclusion. 6. Use illustrations. They are like windows letting light into the ser­ mon. No house is built without win­ The Pulpit's Missing Link— "Unction" dows. Likewise, no house is built ( Continued from page 31) with all windows. Be careful not to use too many illustrations, lest you have sought this anointed honor Without unceasing prayer the have little time for God’s Word. Of through many an hour of tearful, unction never comes to the course, the Bible is filled with great wrestling prayers.2 preacher. Without perseverance illustrations. When preachers lack unction, no in prayer, the unction like the 7. Have a conclusion. The con­ one is fooled. That preacher has not manna overkept, breeds worms.3 clusion to the sermon is what the gone far who, after he has minis­ Preaching God’s Word brings peo­ summation is to the attorney. You tered the Word, needs the backslap ple together. Preaching God’s Word have presented your case. Now you of friends or the stimulant of others’ gives life to the spiritually dead. must convince the people to make a flattery in order to “feel good.” The Preaching God’s Word solves peo­ decision. preacher who is elated over human ple’s problems. Preaching God’s The sermon may be great, but praise for his preaching will sink un­ Word heals wounded spirits. Preach­ without a good conclusion it can be der human criticism. This proves ing God’s Word sets people on fire. a failure. Work at making a good that he is walking in the flesh. A pas­ Preaching God’s Word with unc­ conclusion for every sermon. And tor can be inexpressibly happy after tion is the crying need of preachers quit when you are through. preaching a word from heaven even today. The conclusion gets the people to if his congregation storms at him. Let us ministers enter the pulpit sign their names on the dotted line. The man who has gotten God’s word dreaming dreams that become real­ Make the conclusion convincing. in the prayer closet neither seeks ities, holding hopes that become nor expects encouragement from meaningful, but above all, bathed in Lack of Consideration people for the delivery of that word. holy love, remembering the old ad­ Always have the people’s welfare He must be the servant of the Lord age, “Faith is often caught rather in mind. From the time you start and not the tool of mankind. The than taught.” To succeed at that, we preparation until the completion of Spirit himself bears witness of God’s need this holy unction. the sermon, think of your people approval. God says, “Not with eye- Let us have an “updating” of holy and what’s best for them. service, as menpleasers; but . . . do­ unction in the church. She always 1. Consider the people’s needs. ing the will of God from the heart” needs her preachers to have the Be specific! A physician examines (Eph. 6:6, KJV). courage to stand against those who the patient, treats him, and leaves. E. M. Bounds asked, want a lukewarm pulpit ministry. Let Likewise, address God’s Word to a How and whence comes this us not be so afraid of becoming fa­ certain need, then when you are unction? Direct from God in an­ natics that we become Laodiceans in through, stop. swer to prayer. Praying hearts only our preaching. No man of God needs Remember, God knows the peo­ are the hearts filled with this holy to be ashamed to have it said of him, ple’s needs. If you get the mind of oil; praying lips only are anointed “Ye have an unction from the Holy the Lord, He will help you prepare with this divine unction. One”! $ accordingly. Prayer, much prayer, is the price 2. Consider the people’s time. of preaching unction; prayer, 1. E. M. Bounds, Preacher and Prayer (Kansas City: Beacon Hill Press, 1949), 73- The seats become uncomfortable af­ much prayer, is the one, sole con­ 2. Ibid., 77. ter 30 minutes. To hold the people’s dition of keeping this unction. 3. Ibid., 82.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 33 Stewardship Stewardship What Is It? by Velva Lorenz Stockton, Calif.

f you mention the word stew­ as pleasing and living sacrifices to to serve others and build up His ardship to a group of fellow God, dedicated to Him. If we are to Church with our gifts, all working Christians, there is a good offer our everyday lives to Him, we together. Gifts of wisdom, knowl­ Ichance that most will immediatelywould do well to focus on the scope edge, faith, healing, ministering, think of money for church budgets, of that offering, in four different ar­ teaching, giving, discernment, and collection plates, and pledges. eas. pastoring are but some of the gifts Perhaps that is because churches, mentioned in Rom. 12:8; Eph. 4:11; often struggling with monthly ex­ Stewardship of Body and 1 Cor. 12:8-10, 28. penses and mortgage payments, may and Mind Some may protest, “But I cannot tend to stress this one area to the “Do you not know that your body preach or teach or heal or do any­ diminution of others. is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is thing that would make a difference.” This emphasis might begin quite in you . . . ?” (1 Cor. 6:19). If we eat Be assured. Each of us is a part of the early. I recall, as a child, tightly too much, drink too much, exercise Body of Christ. Paul tells us that, al­ grasping my nickel meant for the of­ too little, smoke, or use drugs, we though there are different kinds of fering plate, reluctant to relinquish increase the risk for disease and ill services, different kinds of gifts, and it. With a warning shake of her head, health, even death. different kinds of working, God is my mother would try to make plain A special mention of sexual sins in present in all of them, in all of us. to me that it was God’s, anyway. At the Bible emphasizes its seriousness. We only need to discover what that time, I didn’t understand. Con­ Anyone who engages in sexual im­ our gifts are and use them to glorify sequently, as I grew up, it left an im­ morality sins against his own body God. We can share in His plan by do­ pression in my mind that, as money — a body that is a member of Christ ing the tasks given us, administered was the only thing I ever gave the himself (1 Cor. 6:15-18). There is in love— love that is patient, kind, Lord in tangible form, equating pressure from the media and else­ humble, truthful, unfailing, and uni­ stewardship with money seemed where to make sexual permissive­ fying. reasonable. ness seem harmless. Often glossed Stewardship of the Earth As I matured in faith, however, I over is the ugly truth that sexually gained clearer understanding of the transmitted diseases and unwanted Every steward for Christ should all-encompassing breadth of stew­ pregnancies are often the result. feel concern for the land in which ardship. God gave us the care of all Drug abuse is a menace to both we live, remembering with awe and He made. His Word reveals that be­ body and mind and has no place in thankfulness, “The earth is the Lord’s, ing a steward for Him involves doing our lives. and everything in it” (Ps. 24:1). His will in everything. Someone The body and mind are incapable He made it for us to care for with said, “Stewardship is everything we of being separated and cannot per­ love and wisdom. Instead, the earth do after we say, ‘I believe.’ ” form apart from one another. If we has been poisoned and abused. Paul entreats us to offer ourselves allow worry and fear to take over, We need not continue as we have. the result can manifest itself in any In our role as caretakers, we dare not number of stress-related diseases. permit such precious resources as our rain forests to be further de­ Stewardship of Gifts stroyed. Or ignorance, carelessness, and Abilities and indifference to allow continued As God’s people, we each have pollution of our water and air. How been given a gift or gifts by the Holy can we leave such a legacy to our Spirit “for the common good” (1 children? Cor. 12:4, 7). We share in God’s plan (Continued on page 36)

34 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE ^~JT\ Moving Expenses: Reporting ■ y Requirements and Deductions Submitted by the Board of Pensions and Benefits USA of e Church of the Nazarene ax laws and reporting require­ employer-reimbursed moving ex­ following arrival at the new loca­ ments directly impact the re­ penses would be reported on Form tion. Where a joint return is filed, porting and deductibility of W-2, Box 10 along with the em­ moving expenses may be deducted Tmoving expenses. There are require­ployee’s other taxable wages. The if either the individual or the spouse ments for reporting direct payments amount included in Box 10 for mov­ can satisfy the time test based on in­ as well as reimbursements of mov­ ing expenses would be reported as a dividual work records. ing costs by the employer. New re­ separate amount in Box 18 and iden­ quirements were effective begin­ tified as “moving expenses.” To the Deductible Moving ning in 1987. extent that the employer can reason­ Expenses—Form 3903 The concept of reporting and de­ ably assume that the expenses are The law now distinguishes between ducting moving expenses is differ­ deductible by the employee, no with­ two types of moving expenses: (1) ent from the concept used for the re­ holding is required for a lay employ­ direct expenses that are fully de­ imbursement of normal employee ee, nor are the amounts included in ductible and (2) indirect expenses business expenses. In the case of a Boxes 11 or 12 as wages subject to that have certain limits. normal business expense reimburse­ Social Security tax. The employer is Direct expenses are fully deduct­ ment, the employer does not report also required to complete Form ible and include the traveling cost the reimbursement as income, and 4782, “Employee Moving Expense of the individual and members of the employee does not need to de­ Information,” and give the form to the household en route from the old duct the expense. However, with the employee by January 31 of the home to the new location. Included moving expenses, the employer year following the payment. The are the costs of transportation, must always report any reimburse­ completion of Form 4782 is not an meals, and lodging along the direct ment for moving expenses and any option by the employer. It is manda­ route to the new location. Food and direct payment of moving expenses tory. The information on the form is lodging for one day before de­ as wages paid to the employee. used by the employee in completing parture after the old residence is un­ Therefore, the employee must al­ appropriate tax forms in order to de­ usable and food and lodging for the ways claim and deduct the expenses duct the expenses. day of arrival at the new location are on his tax forms in order to avoid in­ included. The cost of meals must be come tax on the reported “income.” Eligibility for Deduction reduced by 20 percent before they You will not be able to deduct mov­ of Moving Expenses are deducted. Either a deduction for ing expenses if you file Form Generally, eligibility to deduct the actual cost of gasoline, oil, and 1040EZ or Form 1040A, since mov­ moving expenses depends upon the repairs (but not depreciation) dur­ ing expenses must be deducted us­ passing of two separate tests: (1) a ing the trip or a deduction based on ing Schedule A of Form 1040. mileage distance test and (2) a pe­ a standard rate of 9 cents per mile riod of time worked test. To be el­ plus parking fees and tolls may be Mandatory Employer igible to deduct moving expenses, taken. Direct expenses also include Reporting Requirements the distance between the new job the actual cost of moving the per­ Employers, including churches, location and the former home must sonal effects and household items. must report as taxable wages any be at least 35 miles more than the This would include the cost of pack­ amount that the employer reim­ distance between the old job loca­ ing and transportation plus storage burses an employee for moving ex­ tion and the former home. This 35- for up to 30 consecutive days. Insur­ penses and any amount the em­ mile test applies to both self-em­ ance for the goods in transit and the ployer pays directly to a provider for ployed individuals and employees. cost of moving a pet or shipping an expenses relating to the move of an While the moves made by most min­ automobile are also deductible. The employee. The amounts to be re­ isters would easily meet this test, it costs of connecting or disconnect­ ported would include direct ex­ is possible that some moves might ing utilities are deductible except penses, such as the travel costs of fail the mileage test. for the cost of connecting a tele­ the employee and members of the The “period of time worked” test phone at the new home. employee’s household en route to requires that the individual must re­ Indirect expenses that are deduct­ the new home, as well as the actual main in the new locality as a full­ ible within certain limits include cost of moving personal effects. It time employee for at least 39 weeks the cost of premove house hunting would also include any indirect ex­ during the 12-month period imme­ trips; temporary living quarters at penses related to the cost of pre- diately following arrival at the new the new location; and expenses of move house hunting trips, tempo­ job location. The minister not em­ selling, purchasing, or leasing a resi­ rary living quarters at the new job ployed by a church but serving in a dence. To be deductible, these ex­ location, and the expenses of selling, truly self-employed ministry must penses must be incurred after actual purchasing, or leasing a residence. work full-time for at least 78 weeks employment has been obtained. For The amount of employer-paid or during the 24 months immediately the self-employed, expenses for pre­

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 35 move house hunting trips or ex­ cur within the same tax year. How­ on Schedule A as an itemized de­ penses for temporary living quarters ever, if the reimbursement occurs in duction not subject to the 2 percent at the new location are not deduct­ a year other than the year the ex­ AGI test. O f course, in order for ible unless substantial arrangements penses are paid, the individual may them to be deductible, itemized de­ have been made to begin work at the elect to deduct the expenses in the ductions must exceed the Standard new location. The Tax Code does al­ year of reimbursement provided that Deduction allowed by the Tax Code. low a deduction for expenses in­ (a ) the expenses are paid in a prior For more information, you may curred in looking for a new job in year, or (b ) the expenses are paid in want to secure IRS Publication 521, the same line of work; however, the year following the year of reim­ Moving Expenses. It is available these expenses are deducted as mis­ bursement, but before the filing from the IRS (1-800-TAX-FORM). $ cellaneous expenses subject to the 2 deadline for the tax return. percent Adjusted Gross Income The expense deduction using (AGI) floor, and the cost of meals Form 3903 is not a direct adjust­ The information contained in this article is of a must be reduced by 20 percent be­ ment to income on Form 1040 as it general nature. It is not offered as specific legal or fore they are deducted. tax advice. Each person, local church board, and dis­ has been in some previous years. trict should evaluate their own unique situation in An overall limit of $3,000 is ap­ The deductible expenses are taken consultation with their local legal and tax advisers. plied to indirect moving expenses. Of this amount, no more than *1,500 can be incurred for tempo­ rary living expenses during a 30-day Hang-up of Modishness period and for house hunting trips. ( Continued from page 23)

When Are Deductions Taken? am I the harbinger of spiritual cer­ It’s nice to have the latest gadgets, The reimbursements and direct tainties? Does my life reflect the to be attired in the sharpest ward­ payments by the employer for mov­ Spirit of Jesus or does it produce a robe, and to be conversant with the ing expenses and the deduction for fuzzy image with little character or newest fads. But if we lose our moving expenses will generally oc- distinctness? uniqueness as a “set apart” group, the gospel also loses one of its basic strongholds. Every minister needs to discover Stewardship: What Is It? how his life can have its greatest im­ ( Continued from page 34) pact during the few short years God gives him to live. If he has uncon­ We have no choice but to assume man asked how he might be saved, sciously been impaled upon the an active custodial role— that of having kept all the commandments. “hang up of modishness,” he should protecting and renewing an earth Jesus replied that he must sell every­ strive to get his feet on the ground under siege. thing and give to the poor, then he and deliberately move beyond the would have treasure in heaven. Un­ temptation to conform. The Bible Stewardship of Property able to give up his great wealth, the says, “Be not conformed . . . but be There is little doubt that money is man went away in sadness. His love ye transformed” (Rom. 12:2, KJV). a delicate subject with most people. of property kept him from eternal Live in contradiction to the extreme People want to own and possess life. modes of the day, not to be odd, but but not share the material blessings Just as we brought nothing into to be more useful. God has given us. We should not, as the world, we will take nothing out. Remember that we are ambassa­ His children, however, have to be re­ He has given us money and goods to dors of the Most High God. There­ minded that nothing in the world use in serving others and to spread fore, any attitude, any mode of attire belongs to us (Job 41:11). As we ac­ His Word. All property belongs to or behavior, or any activity that cept this and transfer ownership of Him; we are but stewards of it. might reflect derogatorily upon the all our property to God, then we be­ What is stewardship, then? “Stew­ One we represent should be avoid­ come the responsible stewards He ardship is the acid test of where our ed. We have been set apart and or­ wishes us to be. Yet, we often forget faith and hearts are,” says Donald A. dained to stand in Christ’s stead in a that one of the gifts is that of giving. Abdon, in his book Training and world that needs the Savior. If His If we set aside our “first fruits,” we Equipping the Saints. representatives misrepresent Him, to demonstrate that God the Giver has The final truth for us is this: As whom will they go? first claim on us and all that we have. We may believe that money managers, we are entrusted with Let us follow Him “who did no and possessions are not one of God’s Spirit-given gifts to be used faith­ sin, neither was guile found in his concerns. However, the many para­ fully and wisely. We receive the mouth” (1 Pet. 2:22, KJV). Life is bles that relate to this subject, as grace of God and are rewarded, not too short to inhibit our effectiveness well as the hundreds of references in by how much or how many gifts are by the hang up o f modishness. May the Bible that allude to finances and given us, but by our faithfulness and we ask the Lord to transform this de­ property, should make us aware that vigilance in using them. As His stew­ terrent into a springboard of dynamic it is a subject in which God has ards, we offer our very lives in joy spirituality so that His gospel may great interest. and thanksgiving, gladly caring for have free course through our per­ In one familiar story, a young rich all that He has assigned to us. $ sonality. $

36 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE Ministers Mate

Fruit Bearing Through Spiritual Growth by Wilma Gibson Shaw Rocklin, Calif.

ecently our area was infested may receive the praise, and, at hears. He cares. He answers prayer. with the medfly. Larvae ex- times, you may feel insignificant. Do you want to grow spiritually? . isting in the fruit meant the But you are part of God’s team and a Spend time reading God’s Word and Rloss of millions of dollars and cre­ very valuable member. Your pastor- in prayer. Pray your problems! If ated a lot of controversy. Unless elim­ husband needs you. He needs your necessary, pray them out loud to inated, the pest would jeopardize support. Before God you share in Jesus! This can be therapeutic. the future of orchards, growers, any praise or acclaim he receives. Today many helps are available. owners, the market, and the econ­ My father, a district superintendent Daily devotional readings such as omy of the state. Add to that poten­ for 3 6'A years, said that the second Streams in the Desert and Come Ye tial infestation in other areas. The question a church board asks when Apart are printed and available. Aids calling a pastor is, “What is his wife little fly was ruining the fruit. Peo­ to Bible reading are suggested. Un­ ple suffered from this far-reaching like?” derline verses that speak to you. Box contamination. This hard work is based on the in verses for easy retrieving. Use dif­ The antidote is malathion. No man­ happy conviction that through your ferent colors to code information. power was spared; no financing was loving, patient, persevering effort withheld. We must get rid of this you are protecting the sacredness of Claim God’s promises. “Consecrate small but destructive insect. The of­ your lifelong marriage bond as well yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord fensive action called for aerial spray­ as your husband’s ministry. You will do amazing things among you” ing. Helicopters flew over most of strengthen the very roots of the fam­ (Josh. 3:5). “The Spirit of the Lord our homes. ily, church, and society. That’s im­ will come upon you in power, . . . We Christians want our lives to portant business. You are an impor­ and you will be changed into a dif­ bear spiritual fruit. As pastors’ wives tant person! ferent person. . . . do whatever your our influence touches more people hand finds to do, for God is with than most women— our circles in­ YOU CAN BE BEAUTIFUL you” (1 Sam. 10:6-7). I can insert clude families, parishioners, friends, Proverbs 31 paints the perfect my name to God’s promise. community, young and old, rich and picture of the wife of noble char­ Hazel Lee was my roommate. She poor. God’s Word says, “I desire fruit acter. It says, “Charm is deceptive, introduced me to the Personal that may abound to your account” and beauty is fleeting; but a woman Prayer Notebook. This changed my (Phil. 4:17, KJV). We attend schools who fears the Lord is to be praised” praying. On Sunday I focused on Ad­ and seminars to learn our role. Some (v. 30). This adorning isn’t some­ oration and Worship, Monday on In­ of us may be more productive than thing you put on, but something you tercession for New Christians, Tues­ others, but we all desire to grow put in that beautifies your life. With day on Thanksgiving, Wednesday on spiritually and to bear precious my nose and my chin, my mother Intercession for Missions, Thursday fruit. As malathion sprayed on fruit said we’d better work on the inside on Intercession for Christians, Friday rescues it now and for the years to and make it attractive. I will ever be on Personal Confession, Saturday on come, so we responsible Christians grateful that she taught me the value Petition and Personal Needs. I want to do away with anything that of personal devotions. And she learned to keep a Prayer Diary and hinders the growth of spiritual fruit. taught by example. I saw her pray; I Answered Prayer Log. You may think, Let the Holy Spirit hover over us. heard her pray. She insisted that I There isn’t time. What really is im­ read and pray. Life’s problems are so YOU ARE IMPORTANT IN portant to you? What do you want big— raising children, making deci­ most? We all are given 24 hours a GOD’S PLAN sions, financial matters, personal re­ day. We make time for what we want You have a divine mission. You are lationships, difficult situations, mar­ most to do. We really do want a life a coworker with the Almighty. You ital clashes; discouragement and that bears spiritual fruit. may be a homemaker, but you are defeat may surround us. We have also the shepherdess of God’s flock. one solution— take them all to Jesus YOU ARE A BUILDER Your husband may stand up front. He and tell them to Jesus alone. Jesus People grow weary of folk who in­

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 37 cessantly criticize and complain. minded little boys sat at my table, so of our prayers. At times, more is Each person is part of the problem I read the sports page. Players’ needed— counseling, healing, sus­ or part of the solution. Learning to names and batting averages were im­ taining, guiding, and reconciling. be realistically hopeful in every con­ portant to them. My reading kept me We can spend time listening, but versation is an art. Fault-finding in the conversation— and I put on there is need for more. Difficult sit­ damages not only your family’s self- perfume so that they knew a girl was uations and long-term counseling confidence and the people you present. should be done by a trained coun­ serve but also you. A steady conver­ selor. Perhaps your husband or other sation of where you used to live— YOU ARE GOD’S AGENT staff members are more qualified. the town, the people, the weather— FOR YOUR CHILDREN However, there comes a time when and the way they did it there is most Brooke Shields’ mother has served it falls your lot. Find help at the li­ obnoxious. If you would build as an agent for her daughter, and it brary. Books like Competent to where you are, those wonderful has brought wealth and fame. What Counsel and Reality Therapy are memories of the past are yours alone excellent. The Dr. James Dobson se­ to enjoy. Your words, based on a ries of books will help. I have sound trust in God and in man’s po­ brought books from my husband’s li­ tential for good, will hearten and en­ brary. You can get names and authors courage others. Trust in God and of books that are helpful. Pray much in secret that God would use you in DON’T BECOME in man s potential time of need. UNINTERESTING YOU ARE BLESSED One man said to his wife, “You for good heartens We have a joyful mission— this can become fat, but don’t become fruit bearing. We are blessed beyond uninteresting.” How do you keep others. measure. This week stop and count “interesting”? Form the habit of our blessings— “name them one by reading. In some intimidating cir­ one.” My husband and I celebrated cumstances, you must provide con­ our 32nd year at Concord, Calif. I versation. What do you say? What am most grateful for those beautiful can you talk about? Do you curl up is on your priority list for your chil­ years of problems and difficulties, inside and feel defeated? This is not dren? First, you want them to have a victories and triumphs. Recently, a necessary. You grow as you read. genuine Christian experience. You church member gave me a book, Reading provides material for con­ are God’s agent to set the priorities. D on’t Waste Your Sorrows. Paul E. versation. Then you work toward the goals. It Billheimer, the author, summarizes: Let me encourage you to read God takes determination and unfaltering All born-again people are in o f All Comfort, by Hannah Smith. persistence. Your assignment is to be training for rulership. Since the This book helped me as much as any a spiritual leader in your home. The supreme law of that future social other to understand a real experi­ devil says, “Your husband is the order, called the kingdom of God, ence with Jesus Christ and His teach­ leader, so let’s wait for him.” How­ is agape love, therefore their ap­ ings about holiness. I have been able ever, you can read the Bible stories, prenticeship and training is for to share time after time and have put teach the Christian lessons, train the learning of deep dimensions this valuable reading material in the them to pray, and pray with them of this love. But deep dimensions hands of others. Hannah Smith ex­ and for them. You can organize the of this love are learned only in the plained it far better than I could. devotional times, family or personal. school of suffering. Even after the Two doctors of philosophy sat in The devil fights devotional times new birth and the filling with the our congregation for several years— with all his might. May the Holy Holy Spirit, which are only begin­ both brilliant scientists. My preach- Spirit lay on us the importance of ning experiences, greater dimen­ er-husband, reaching for guidance, training our children. sions of this love are developed asked a general superintendent for only by exercise and testing. Pu­ advice. He replied, “When they YOUR WORLD IS TROUBLED rity is one thing and maturity is come to church, they are in need of Pastor’s wife, you are daily con­ another (p. 10). spiritual food. Feed them.” People fronted with the ills of our world— I bow humbly before you and be­ have spiritual needs, and they ex­ divorce, heartbreak, child abuse, fore God, confessing my faults in the pect us to share spiritual truths. abortion, homosexuality, drunk­ matter of love. Learning agape love These we glean from reading. If you enness, narcotics, and much more. is the greatest business of life. I ask don’t read, you will have little to How can you help? What can you that God teach me— and all of us— give. say? For certain, you cannot run agape love through family relations, Read a variety of things. For short, away from all of it. Some social ills through wrongful suffering, through up-to-date information to be used in have touched ministers’ families. life’s failures, and then through conversation, get acquainted with More and more strikes our church aging. Remember, pastor’s wife, my Reader’s Digest, Time, U.S. News families. Prayer changes us; prayer friend, “YOu are destined for the and World Report, etc. Don’t ne­ changes people; prayer changes cir­ throne! God is training you now” glect your local newspaper. Sports- cumstances. Let people be assured (Billheimer, 130). $

38 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE Worshii

Worship— a Meaningful Experience

by Wayne Holmes Cincinnati

ecently, I sat down with Pas­ children. One reason is that we do been brought to a place of sov­ tor Stephen Green and asked not give it the priority it deserves. ereignty in the heart, and His . him the following question: More people are won to God before glory is proclaimed.” God must be R“What makes a meaningful worship the age of 12 than after. Since that is Lord of our lives. This is the mission experience?” His answers were not true, we should make children our of children’s ministry. If God is not only very thoughtful and applicable number one priority. Not only must enthroned in the hearts of children, to an adult experience but also are the worship leader be prepared at least we want to plant the seeds of relevant to a children’s church set­ functionally, but also he must be the gospel in hopes that it will one ting. For that reason, I want to share prepared spiritually. We cannot lead day come to fruition and call the with you his five-point answer and children into the presence of God if children back to the God of their how I see these as beneficial to cre­ we are not accustomed to being in youth. Many children to whom we ating the children’s church experi­ His presence ourselves. If this does minister are hurting from situations ence. not happen, we become children’s in their lives that threaten to destroy 1. “For meaningful worship to workers and not children’s ministers. their wills and spirits. We cannot take place, the people must ex­ 3. “As participants, remember prevent these forces from damaging perience the presence of God.” that God is the audience.” If chil­ them, but we can show them a God This is true for children as well as dren become spectators and not par­ who loves and cares for them. We adults. We must always remember ticipants, we do them a grave disser­ can point them to the Savior and an that we are not entertaining or baby­ vice. Worship is active, not obser­ old rugged cross that has power to sitting. We are ministering to chil­ vational. To experience the pres­ change lives and bring healing to dren. Through prayer time, open al­ ence of God means that we must broken hearts. We can demonstrate tar, a Bible story, or some other make a conscious effort to seek Him. the enthronement of God in our method, children need to sense that Through music, Bible memory, own hearts. In so doing, we offer God himself has met with us and has games, and other activities, we call hope in hopeless situations. Finally, smiled His approval on what we upon children to share in worship. A we can give a blessing that pictures have done together. balanced program uses all of our a special future for them. Jesus said: 2. “Worship leaders must be sensory perceptions. And whoever in the name of a prepared both spiritually and 4. “Imagination must be cap­ disciple gives to one of these little functionally.” One of the hardest tured, leading people into the ones even a cup of cold water to tasks I encounter is preparing for wonder of God.” A ch ild ren ’s drink, truly I say to you he shall children’s church. Countless hours church program that does not call not lose his reward (Matt. 10:42, go into study, research, preparation, upon the imagination of children NASB). 1 recruitment, and training. I heard will soon be old and useless. Imag­ one speaker say that he felt it was 10 ination is a God-given ability to see times harder to prepare for chil­ things that are not, that could be, or dren’s church than to prepare for an that stretches us to see the eternal. adult worship experience. This was The more a child’s imagination is a former senior pastor speaking. Al­ challenged, the greater will be his though he may be exaggerating, his sense of the wonder and awe of an point is true. It is much more diffi­ almighty God who created the heav­ cult to put all the pieces together to ens and the earth. form a meaningful experience for 5. “Enthronement—God has

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 39 Theology __ Success The by New Default: Age

by Samuel L. Dunn ovement Seattle

he New Age movement is en­ movement have some things in com­ joying outstanding success mon and desire many of the same and growth. Adherents to ends. Preserving the natural order, Tthis movement number in the mil­ eliminating pollution, developing lions, with disproportionate repre­ human potential, immortality of the sentation among upper income and person, and importance of the spiri­ more highly educated people. Be­ tual world are areas in which Chris­ cause many of the ideals stated by tians share many ideas and goals New Age adherents have a noble with the movement. Christians sound, and because many New Age 8. Jesus was a true spiritual should not be bashful in promoting doctrines appear similar to Christian leader, but Christians have these notions, even though New Ag- doctrine, some Christians have been corrupted His message. ers are saying many of the same subtly but surely brought into the The success of the New Age move­ things. New Age fold, not realizing the dan­ ment may be laid, partially, at the Pollution and the natural order ger to their faith. feet of traditional Christianity. Tradi­ Christians believe that God cre­ While not unified in terms of be­ tional Christianity has defaulted on ated the cosmos and the earth and liefs or doctrines, certain features of some of its central beliefs and mes­ pronounced them good. Humankind the New Age movement are promi­ sage. The New Age movement meets has been given stewardship respon­ nent. Among the beliefs commonly basic human needs in ways that many sibility for the natural order. Hu­ held are: Christian groups do not. mans must redeem, restore, pre­ 1. The physical and spiritual It is my assessment, however, that serve, and protect the environment worlds constitute a unity. Christianity provides ultimately satis­ for the long-term use of the race and 2. Humans have an extraordinary fying answers to the deep-felt ques­ for all God’s created order. Chris­ potential to do and be good. tions faced by modern humans. Prob­ tians should not pollute the environ­ 3. Out-of-body phenomena can lems of dislocation, alienation, future ment and should lend their voices be experienced. shock, restlessness, techno-shock, and hands to those who aid in the 4. All persons are immortal. and mortality are not foreign to physical restoration of the earth. 5. All traditional religions are Christian thought and practice. Chris­ Development of human potential essentially good but limited. tians have completely fulfilling From one perspective, this is at 6. Pollution of the earth must solutions that assuage the fears of the heart of the Christian message. stop. modern life, and even more, pro­ Christians see each individual as a 7. The individual’s physical mote the good life for all. For Chris­ creation of God’s image. It is His de­ health is important. tianity to meet the challenge of the sire that all live life at the fullest, in New Age movement, Christianity close communion and fellowship must take the initiative by promot­ with Him. Christians believe that we ing its answers to questions of im­ are on a pilgrimage of faith that port to the modern mind. The un­ leads to full liberation, freedom, and derstandings of the Wesleyan tradi­ the realization of the best of our hu­ tion are especially rich and can be man potential. Life in Christ liber­ made attractive to the modem seeker. ates the individual by freeing him from the shackles of sin and preju­ Similarities to Christianity dice, freeing him to a life of peace, Christianity and the New Age holiness, and justice.

40 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE Church Growth Division Welcomes you to the Evangelism Conference Fort Worth Oct 29-31, 1991 THE FRONT LINE

HARVEST NOW

ating, sleeping and personal That’s the purpose of the Easter ’91 to grooming are fairly routine. Easter ’92 theme “Harvest Now.” EThey are also high priority. Dr. M. V. Scutt was right on target They are routine because they are very when he wrote our beautiful theme cho­ important. But there is another factor rus, “Someone You Know Needs Jesus involved in their priority. Now.” Is it a member of our family? A Hunger drives us to eat. Weariness friend? A close associate? compels us to sleep. Self respect moti­ Motivation builds as we begin to con­ vates personal grooming. If only other sider our relationship to the person, high priorities in our lives had such their deep need for Jesus now, our obli­ built in motivations. gation to be a witness for our Lord and Self discipline has its rewards but, the challenge to rise above past failures they are generally long range—too re­ and give witnessing the rightful priority mote to powerfully motivate us. in our lives. Witnessing about our faith in Christ “Harvest Now” is a high priority be­ has its rewards too—“They that turn cause it is important. And it is many to righteousness shall shine as the important because “Someone You stars.” W hat a reward! But is it really a Know Needs Jesus Now.” powerful motivator? Perhaps the urgency of winning peo­ ple to Christ strengthens motivation.

To contribute to the advancement of God’s kingdom by fostering growth in the Church of the Nazarene.

Mission To promote aggressive evangelism in all its many forms throughout the denomination. of Church Growth To create an awareness throughout the church regarding the necessity for planting new churches, including Division the mission potential among cultural minorities. To increase participation and effectiveness in a reproductive ministry that is engaged in Christian mission.

GROW/ Fall 1991 This Conference Cdilion of

Welcomes you to vision/ *91 Quadrennial Conference on evangelism October 29-31, 1991 Fori Worth, Texas That the World May Know — GO!

DISTRICT GOAL APRIL MAY DISTRICT GOALAPRILMAY Akron 513 13 43 New England 725 6 7 Alabama North 466 45 1 New Mexico 312 56 12 Alabama South 275 NR 4 New York 761 12 4 Alaska 200 61 0 North Arkansas 320 15 56 Anaheim 650 122 12 North Carolina 500 46 68 Arizona 700 0 3 North Central Ohio 546 0 64 Canada Atlantic 100 4 42 North Florida 500 3 3 Canada Central 218 0 0 Northeast Oklahoma 533 0 93 Canada Pacific 103 27 2 Northeastern Indiana 600 45 47 Canada Quebec 200 NR 0 Northern California 600 25 23 Canada West 400 0 0 Northern Michigan 128 18 NR Central California 500 0 28 Northwest 555 27 10 Central Florida 1,000 76 33 Northwest Indiana 433 9 47 Central Latin American 114 0 0 Northwest Oklahoma 558 30 17 Central Ohio 912 103 79 Northwestern Illinois 610 0 0 Chicago Central 700 0 0 Northwestern Ohio 450 58 6 Colorado 700 35 165 Oregon Pacific 902 0 0 Dakota 200 18 0 Philadelphia 600 0 21 Dallas 525 25 45 Pittsburgh 380 0 64 East Tennessee 329 24 41 Rocky Mountain 195 10 6 Eastern Kentucky 308 0 0 Sacramento 600 0 14 Eastern Michigan 750 5 0 San Antonio 471 0 0 Florida Space Coast 400 8 5 South Arkansas 264 0 0 Georgia 500 NR 15 South Carolina 587 23 57 Hawaii Pacific 157 15 1 Southeast Oklahoma 300 42 27 Houston 400 7 24 Southern California 441 NR 0 Illinois 600 52 39 Southern Florida 1,100 49 25 Indianapolis 400 22 47 Southwest Indian 56 NRNR Intermountain 471 79 19 Southwest Indiana 600 7 39 Iowa 311 20 14 Southwest Latin American 80 20 0 Joplin 462 0 0 Southwest Oklahoma 601 0 0 Kansas 473 0 5 Southwestern Ohio 644 35 96 Kansas City 633 0 7 Tennessee 602 54 44 Kentucky 500 70 18 Upstate New York 500 32 14 Los Angeles 1,406 0 6 Virginia 325 26 107 Louisiana 300 7 5 Washington 497 0 0 Maine 112 42 4 Washington Pacific 700 26 13 Michigan 450 40 63 West Texas 825 22 106 Minnesota 165 15 49 West Virginia North 605 17 23 Mississippi 308 2 0 West Virginia South 315 NR 14 Missouri 477 30 10 Western Latin American 172 0 0 Navajo Nation 100 NR NR Wisconsin 329 8 11 Nebraska 300 13 40

TOTALS FOR USA/CANADA 39,610 1,701 2,007

REGIONS

Africa 11,580 NRNR Asia-Pacific 5,500 NR NR Caribbean 14,904 418 201 Eurasia 3,540 NR NR Mexico & Central America 6,500 NRNR South America 10,000 NRNR TOTALS FOR WORLD REGIONS 52,024 418 201

Missions Come Home

what was billed as a “Conference on Holiness Evangelism.” Could I do it? After formal greetings in French, I launched into the Haitian preaching style of code-switching back and forth between French and Creole. Sensing the Lord’s anointing, I knew that this was going to be one of those great times that every preacher dreams about. The Haitians pull the “preach” out of you with their exuberant “Amens,” “Hallelujahs,” and “Praise-the-Lord’s!” It almost makes you think for a mo­ ment that you are a great preacher. I knew that without the Lord’s help I wasn’t. But these were my people; I belonged to them, and they belonged to me. For a while, as I was preaching, it seemed almost as if I were on “auto­ matic pilot” as my consciousness car­ ried me along at two levels. It was like that, each of the three nights. The message continued, but at the same time, I was looking over the congrega­ tion while I spotted and recognized old friends and new—from five districts in the U.S. and from the Quebec district in Canada. Half of the 38 Haitian pastors in North America were here. There was host pastor Dorsainville Gracius. Pastor Delanot Pierre and Pastor Sidel represent those from Miami. Luc Pierre from Brooklyn and Pierre-Michel Paul from Montreal were pastors in whose dynamic churches I had preached. But just as exciting were the new people I did not know who had found the Lord through the witness of these Nazarene Haitians in rom my vantage point at the Three months before this we were to the land of their adoption. No one Hammond organ, I surveyed have been in Port-au-Prince for the takes their evangelistic responsibility what was happening in this celebration of the fortieth anniversary more seriously than these Haitians, and throbbingF sanctuary with over 300 of the founding of the Church of the no one wears the name of “Nazarene” joyous Haitian Nazarenes crammed in­ Nazarene in Haiti, but the disappoint­ more proudly. to the pews and filling the choir loft ment of the cancellation due to The message terminated in an altar and the platform. My ears set my heart political unrest did not matter so much call to those who did not yet know the to tingling with excitement as I joined now. This was Haiti right here in all cleansing, filling presence of the sanc­ in the enthusiastic singing in French that was the best of the “early church” tifying Spirit. The orchestra (including and Creole of the hymns, gospel songs, atmosphere these Nazarenes had two trumpets, a sax, three guitars, and and choruses that Mary and I had brought with them when they migrated percussion) led us in a rousing rendi­ learned to love so much during our to these shores. tion of the invitation hymn which soon fourteen years in Haiti. It was the open­ Seventeen special musical numbers resulted in the response of a filled altar. ing night of the Haitian Pastors’ and later (not too far exaggerated), mine Pastors and others came immediately Leaders’ Conference in Lake Warth, was the last of many introductions and to pray and counsel with the seekers, Florida, April 19-21, 1991. I was up to preach the first message of and the whole congregation joined in

4 GRO W /Fall 1991 concert prayer as only Haitians can pray. The intensity of the Lord’s presence together with the victory and rejoicing testimonies that followed set the tone for the rest of the conference. Everyone seemed to understand that getting people sanctified is what it is all about. Fellowship took over with hand­ shakes and hugs, exclamations of joy at seeing old friends and making new acquaintances. I had the chance to greet the pastors and their wives and meet their children, some of them called to ministry. Most of the children preferred to talk with me in English, while I talked with their parents in Creole. I was especially delighted to see and the Haitian pastors as he helped Betty and Odine, daughters of them and some of their treasurers learn Massillon Pierre, one of our greatest the intricacies of the IRS and Social Haitian pastors, who died last year in Security requirements, to say nothing the Bahamas. He was personally in­ of the task of reports for denomina­ volved in planting more than 40 new tional statistics! And finally, there is churches in his ministry lifetime in Michael Funk, multi-cultural consul­ Haiti, the Bahamas (where he tant for Church Extension Ministries, pioneered the district), and in Miami without whose pro-active advocacy of (among converts from his Haitian ethnic ministries the conference never church in Nassau, which his wife Rose would have taken place. The Haitian now pastors). We honored Pastor Nazarenes know that there is a Massillon in a special tribute on Satur­ worldwide denomination that loves day night. His son-in-law, Joel Sejour, and cares for them. who pastors in Miami, is one of several When the General Board decided to dozens of young men who were called open the field of Haiti in January 1950, to preach under his ministry. they did more than they knew they 1 was fascinated to observe the in­ were doing. Now the Haitian church teraction of the pastors and laymen (in has come into its own in our own land, English) with several people who have to bless and challenge us and to renew fostered the planting and development our vision. by Paul Orjala, of Haitian churches. There was ob­ Pioneer Missionary viously strong mutual bonding and to Haiti respect on both sides. That is the secret of effective development of ethnic ministries. Dr. Robert Spear, district superintendent of the Southern Florida district, has gone beyond the line of duty to nurture Haitian churches and pastors and is typical of many of his colleagues on other districts. Paul Bickes of Lake Worth, Florida, represents a number of pastors who have fostered the planting of more than one language congregation (Hispanic, Haitian, and now Finnish congre­ gations!). Wkrren Whiting, treasurer of the Southern Florida district, exemplifies hundreds of lay people who have given their time, talents, and money to see the ethnic harvest multiplied. I was in­ trigued and sympathetic with Warren

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Reaping the Harvest. •. Really Living Booklet Easy-to-read booklet to help older children share Christ with RSMii/ m m others. Colorfully illustrated. g m v e -27 package of 25 $9.95 Life Can Have True Meaning: A Youth Witnessing Booklet Provides teens with a powerful, easy-to-follow witnessing tool for presenting the gospel. GMYD-750 $9.95 The Gospel of John Known as the “salvation gospel,” this book should be placed in the hands of any seeking or new Christian. GMTR-18 $.50 How to Fill the Emptiness Important supplement for one-on-one evangelism. Clearly describes the need for Christ to fill the emptiness. GM083-411-1888 $1.95 Maintaining the Harvest. . . NOW THAT I’M A Basic Bible Studies for Children CHRISTIAN Teaches the newly saved child what it means to be a Chris­ tian. Designed for a small class setting. GMVE-50 $1.95

Dosic Now That I’m a Christian— Basic Bible Studies for Dibit Studies Youth This new resource provides an active approach for youth workers to work with newly saved teens. GMYD-501 $1.95 Basic Bible Studies for New/Growing Christians Newly revised, step-by-step Christian life Bible studies for new converts. Perfect for small-group study. GMVE-80 $1.10 Prices subject to change Plus postage ORDER YOUR TOOLS TODAY . . . THE FIELDS AWAIT

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# he best way to determine what will work is to PAS1DR fUB fOUMD TUftr A STOREFRONT look at what has worked. P10NIE6R OlURCH CAU tWEUMIOUE PROBLEMS... Bill M. Sullivan i

Som e open country churches have become AM M’S quite large as they have expanded their vision, bw tcque; identified the many undiscipled persons in their ministry area, and devised programs and ministries to engage people’s interests and needs. George G. Hunter III & h J

I rif unsaved people like what they see of Christ in you, even though they do not know it is Christ, they will respond to your explanation o f the vibrant ‘ PASTCR SORRY ifa LA1E TO IZPpA w CLASS, BUT L hope of a Christ-filled life. CDOLPUT PASS UP A 6AR&4IU I fOUMD NltKT DOOR/ Joseph C. Aldrich

M inistry is love in action^it is, in fact, doing love. W. Charles Arr

■ roper teaching will show that all possessions, including church property, belong to God and are to be used in any way necessary to win the neighborhood in which they are found. Jerry L. Appleb

To help the evangelist and church planter identify receptive soil there are a number o f indicators, most of which point to people in transition or trauma. Eddie Gibb: A l l THIS T M /460UT UsiKl6 T O E / W e n i ^ TO 6 R0* j A CHURCH... f0RT»E L ift OP VOR[S, I ft * ] f W,f e never find the perfect time to start a church. set Hov^J T4uc|t46 A C M PoSsiBW AHBJ There are always enough negative circumstances to THE 6P0VV/1H OP * O K JR O l. " test our faith. W. Thomas Younge

W,Fhat will it take before we realize that God means business when He tells us to go to Nineveh? For us modern Jonahs the inner city is our Nineveh. Earl Parvin

N o■0 one can be fully biblically sound and spiritually renewed without being tremendously concerned about the multitudes of unreached men and women and, indeed, of unreached segments of society. Donald A. McGavran

T h e mission of the church is to grow up, grow HOVJ CAN YOU C A H ^ O R P R & A ^ AjsJOlKlT^D, together, grow out, and grow more. wufti You e \|em Meeo a TUrnr umj^e ? Kent R. Hunter

A Jounal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 7 Content

H arvest Now by Bill M. Sttllivan______inside fron t cover Harvest Goals - Listed by Districts______2 Missions Come Home by Paul O rjala______3 G rowth M arkings & Main Points______7 Everything I Know About Church Planting by Kenn Coil ______9 A Six Year Miracle at Liberation Community by Bryan Stone ______14 1 ,5 0 0 Members Join W ichita First C hurch by Gene W illiams______19 Metroplex Chapel Thrives in Texas______21 Ministry in the Workplace by Jim Vander Schuur______26 Research and Trends by Dale E. Jones______29 How We Did It______31 Rooted in C hrist by C.S. Cowles ______33 Clergy Preparation Discussed by North American Educators______38 First Hispanic Convention - Anaheim District______47 Evangelist’s Directory______49 Menifee Church Shares Holiness Message______53 Revival Reports______58 Medical Study About Prayer and Healing by V ernon Swim______59 W rong Leg Amputated by M ark East______60 New Works Victory Report______63 O utreach in the Present Tense by Neil B.W isem an ______inside back cover

GROW/ Fall 1991 8 Everything I Ever Needed To Know About Church Planting I Learned In A Preschool

The First 365 Days Of A New Church

stood next to the photographer in utter disbelief. It dawned on me that the 184 yelling, excited, enthusiastic people I was trying to get in some semblance of line for the official “1stI Birthday” picture was in fact the Temecula Valley Neighborhood Church. I found myself muttering, “I can’t believe it; praise the Lord, I can’t believe it”. What I couldn’t believe was that God had gathered such a group together in just .365 days. I remembered the road that led us to this beautiful, boom­ ing valley nestled 30 miles inland, midway between San Diego and Los Angeles. It was a valley filling rapidly with young families looking for an alternate lifestyle from the Los Angeles area. Our family made the decision to move and plant a church in Temecula, knowing full well that God was leading and He would provide for our needs. With twenty years of ministry both in the U.S.A. and Australia, a daughter in college and a son in high school, it did not make financial sense to become a church planter; but the leadership of the Lord was un­ mistakable, and so with excitement we followed.

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship Church Planting In a Preschool

We soon discovered that our district superintendent, Dr. Maurice Hall, and the district church planting committee were solidly behind us and had arranged for us to tele-market for the initial prospect list. Their support gave us courage. At the time of our move to Temecula in May of ’89, we did not know one person who would become part of the new church, nor did we know where we would hold services. The Lord soon opened the way for us to use a new day care building where I would learn so many lessons on church planting. The district provided a Criss-Cross Directory and a “Phones For You” manual, and we began to appeal to area churches for phone callers. Nearly 80 people responded and helped dial 17,000 numbers which resulted in 166 attending the first ser­ vice on September 23, 1989. O f that number, there were about 115 prospects, and the real work had begun...Follow Up! Those early weeks were unpredictable as the attendance oscillated between 65 and 109. Each Sunday was an adven­ visions of creating a real sanctuary but soon realized that if ture in faith as our disappointments were balanced with positive it were to be done at all, it must be done simply. And so we surprises. Monthly outreach emphasis kept us focused on find­ soon learned to worship with pictures of skunks, pumpkins, ing new people as everyone experienced the thrill of introduc­ and Mickey and Minnie Mouse painted on the “sanctuary” ing friends to their happy “baby” church. walls with a variety of paper chains and pinatas dangling from an eight-foot ceiling. So many things once thought necessary for worship took on little importance as God came and met with His people week after week. Each Sunday was an adventure Keeping it simple also applied to the schedule, organization in faith as our disappointments and planning. Children have short attention spans and so do new churches, which meant our goals were short range and were balanced with positive announcements usually kept to “next week.” For the most part, surprises. we asked people to attend Sunday school, worship, and a home “Friendship Group” sometime in the week since most people in our valley commute several hours a day. Our “menu” was short and simple, but attractive. The official Grand Opening was carefully planned for Easter The real strength of our church soon became the loving- Sunday 1990, and we went back to the phones to notify the family atmosphere that characterized our gatherings. People community again as our own people dialed the phone 7,000 love to welcome new people and are sensitive to the feelings times. Those called in August had now become the callers in of first-time attenders primarily because they themselves could March, and they demonstrated genuine excitement about their easily remember the feeling. Disposable name tags helped to new church over the phone. As a result, we celebrated our create an atmosphere easy to enter and meet new friends at first Easter in the LaPetite Preschool with a congregation of the fellowship time following each service. We made it a policy 202. The excitement was anything but “la petite.” that people could only be considered new for the first five Easter was closely followed with special meetings with Dr. minutes of their first service, and after that they were one of Earl Lee, the organizational service with 73 joining the church, us. Frequently, by the second service they had responsibilities district assembly, and outdoor services and barbecues in the and felt their lives were vital to the ministry of the church. summer months...WHAT A YEAR!...365 days packed with A recent newcomer put it best when she said, “I feel good when phone calls, new people, emotional upheavals that parallel I come. I feel like everyone loves and accepts me.” those experienced by parents of newborn babies and the lessons learned that only experience can teach. Lessons learned, I might add, by a 46 year-old pastor in a preschool. I had learned quickly that “Keep It Simple” was more than a motto...it was a must if we were to survive. Setting up the rented day care was to become an arduous task that required moving everything in the building aside, covering it with plastic sheeting, and carrying in all we needed for the Sunday School, nursery, children’s church and worship. Diapers, altars, carpet, sound systems, chairs, hymnals, and countless boxes of inciden­ tals were moved weekly (often weakly). At first I had great

GROW/ F all 1991 10 Welcome to your

Church of the Nazarene

Perhaps the greatest lesson I learned about church planting in the first 365 days is that new churches, like babies, are shaped by genetics as well as environment. Before God can plant a church, He first must plant a vision in the hearts of the ones planting, and then the church takes on the characteristics of the vision. Long before the first phone call was made or worship service was conducted, we prayed that God would show us the kind of a church He wanted to plant in the Temecula Valley. That vision to a large extent has been the inherent genetic force molding and guiding the attitude, atmosphere, and actions of the “baby” born on September 23, 1989, in Temecula, California. At the first birthday party, you could really see the resemblance the church had to the “genetic vision” God put in our hearts many months before. The attitude of the people is positive, their hearts are open and lov­ ing, their hands are eager to serve, and their feet are ready to go. Our vision was of a church concerned for the whole world, and it is exciting to know that before the second birth­ day arrives the church will have gone overseas on a work and witness mission. At one year, the “baby” has a lot of growing to do, but most of the characteristics of this beautiful “child” are already formed and will be a permanent part of her life and ministry for decades to come. “Pastor Coil! Pastor Coil! You have to get in the picture, too!” My thoughts were snapped back into the present as I looked at the people lined up for the picture, hands waving in the air with all the excitement of a child celebrating his first birthday. I ran to find Marsha and Chad and stand with all the others that God had brought together on a beautiful day for our first birthday party, September 23, 1990. Two songs used in service that morning summarized all Marsha and I felt at the moment the picture was taken...Happy Birthday and To God Be the Glory. Year two began with the confidence that what God had begun, He would be faithful to complete; and it would not depend on our power or might, but His Holy Spirit would be at work across the beautiful Temecula Valley fulfilling the vision planted in our hearts many months before. —by Pastor Kenn Coil

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© Comstock, Inc. A Six Year Miracle at Liberation Community

An Urban Ministry To Reach the Poor of Fort Worth

GROW/Fall 1991 n the east side of Fort Warth, main ingredients for authentic Chris­ Relief simply points to the ministry Texas, lies a neighborhood tian ministry today, especially a of emergency assistance that attempts called “Polytechnic Heights,” ministry which insists that the church’s to provide food, clothing, and crisis madeO up of an equal number of Black, primary place in the world is with the counseling to those in need. Each Hispanic, and Anglo residents. “Poly,” poor and the marginal of society. month we assist over 200 families with as its residents refer to it, has become “Liberation” and “Community”—these basic needs, and we currently distribute one of the most deteriorated, neglected, are the aims around which the present- over 50,000 pounds of food annually. and abandoned neighborhoods in day ministries of Liberation Commun­ The ministry of relief is much like the Texas, complete with all of the accom­ ity revolve. attention given by the Good Samaritan panying features—crime, drugs, pros­ to the immediate needs of the victim lying beaten alongside the road to titution, and proverty. LIBERATION In August 1985, the Ufest Texas Jericho. The Samaritan cleaned him District Church of the Nazarene The ministry of liberation, as the up, bound up his wounds, and took launched an urban ministry into this word itself makes clear, is basically a him to an inn, paying for his im­ neighborhood—a church and social ministry of freedom—a ministry that mediate shelter needs. ministry called Liberation Community. seeks to unshackle the poor from Since that time, the church has grown whatever it is that binds them— When Anita and her 12 children to a congregation of about 150 with illiteracy, unemployment, hunger, lack escaped an abusive and life-threatening both English-speaking and Spanish­ of opportunity, discrimination, home­ situation in Waco, piled their family speaking services. The social ministries lessness, overcrowding, etc. This belongings in an old van, and drove to have expanded steadily, supported by ministry of liberation operates for us at Fort Wsrth, it was the emergency a budget of just under a million dollars three levels: relief, empowerment, and assistance ministry of Liberation Com­ in 1991. justice. munity that helped her find a place to

The ministry of relief is much like the attention given by the Good Samaritan to the immediate needs of the victim lying beaten alongside the road to Jericho.

Liberation Community actually began as a vision over 7 years ago when I would sneak across the street from Nazarene Theological Seminary with a few other semi­ narians to meet for prayer, worship, dreaming, and reflection on urban ministry at the old con­ vent that stood there. The sister who met us at the door and showed us to a stuffy old room probably didn’t realize that she was offering us not only “libera­ tion” from our studies, but also a chance to build “community” with one another. Now that my wife and I have lived in the inner-city of Fort Wjrth for 6 years, it still seems to me that “libera­ tion” and “community” are the two

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 15 ministries are designed to encourage responsibility, independence, self- Liberation worth, and family stability among poor families in our area. Homeownership for low-income Community families has been a major area of em­ powerment ministry for us in the last two years. In our neighborhood, Polytechnic Heights, over 20 percent of the housing stock is currently vacant and boarded up due to neglect, fore­ closure, and deterioration. Liberation Community has been successful so far in receiving over 50 houses by dona­ tion and then pulling private and public resources together to rehabilitate the houses and finance loans to qualified low-income families for homeownership. Central to this ministry is an intensive education com­ ponent that teaches basic home repair skills, landscaping and energy-saving techniques, and budgeting skills. Homeowners who complete the course of study and purchase one of our houses are eligible for membership in our Liberation Homeowner’s Associa­ tion, a tool for leadership development and community organizing. This group of highly motivated, energy-filled new homeowners is setting their own agenda for future action in our neighborhood in areas such as street repair, code enforcement, and crime prevention. Two years ago, Liberation Commun­ ity joined forces with the City of Fort Worth to provide a rental assistance/ self-sufficiency program at a local apart­ ment complex. The program, called Operation I Will!, subsidizes rent for approximately 100 families while pro­ viding case management, support, •education, and nurture leading to in­ live, provided furniture and appliances, fish,” so to speak, by providing train­ dependence and self-sufficiency. A significant number of the families turned the utilities on, and opened a ing, development, lift, and opportun­ placed in Operation I Will! came from door into the life of her family that ity to those who otherwise might be brought them into our church. Five “locked out” or who, simply, have backgrounds of homelessness and years later, Anita is now the director “checked out” of society. overcrowding and are now finding new of our emergency assistance ministry paths to responsibility and productivity. and a model of compassionate The ministry of empowerment in­ Empowerment is not only for adults, of course. Liberation Club is Christianity. cludes providing adult education to over 200 adults each year in the form our empowerment ministry to Empowerment, the second dimen­ of English as a second language, children, ages 5-12, that combines sion of liberation is the primary focus G.E.D. preparation (high-school music, crafts, education, and recreation of our ministry at Liberation Com­ equivalency), nutrition training, and to produce something like a year-round munity. It has been said, “Give a per­ budget/finance training. In addition, Sunday school or Vacation Bible son a fish, and they eat for a day; teach we place approximately 100 adults each School on Saturdays. The children in a person to fish, and they eat for a year in permanent employment our neighborhood, many of whom lack lifetime.” Our empowerment ministries through our daily job club and job significant adult role models and atten­ attempt to teach the poor “how to placement efforts. Both of these tion at home, respond incredibly to

GROW/Fal! 1991 this ministry. In a neighborhood where between 50-75 percent of our youth drop out of high school, reaching the children early is indispensable not only for the future of the church, but for the future of our society. The final dimension of liberation is Justice Ministries. If our ministry of relief gives a person a fish so that they can eat for a day and our ministry of empowerment teaches a person to fish so that they can eat for a lifetime, then our justice ministries attempt to make sure that persons have equal access to the fishing hole and that the fishing hole is free from pollution upstream. people of like backgrounds in a be an instrument and avenue for fur­ Justice ministries, therefore, works to homogenous environment. In our ser­ ther inner-city church planting and achieve more structural and social vices each Sunday, Hispanic, Black, development of the church’s resources forms of liberation for the poor by pro­ and Anglo brothers and sisters worship for social ministry in Fort Wirth. viding legal aid, advocacy, avenues for together and share their faith with one Central to this task is the indispen­ social action, voter registration, and another. Our church has grown sable process of developing leaders, a community organizing. because its door is open to the com­ process that has been greatly enhanced munity with more than just words. All in the past three years by the develop­ of its energy and resources are devoted ment of Texas Nazarene Bible Institute, to meeting the needs of its commun­ a multi-cultural extension training ity. W: are here to serve. Meeting center of Nazarene Bible College. This human need is not, for our church, just school, with a faculty made up of a door to evangelism. It is evangelism. qualified area ministers, provides con­ It is the good news—in action. textual ministerial education for our All of this makes our church rather people whether they hope to be unconventional and unique both in pastors, teachers, or workers in com­ terms of design and mission. Wc have passionate ministry. The real strength found it best to utilize alternate struc­ of the educational process of TNBI is tures for being the church such as the its ability to combine what is learned development of a non-profit corpora­ with its practical application in con­ COMMUNITY tion with its own board of directors crete ministry settings. and budget. operate on much more Nothing could be more exhilarating Building a Christian community is than just the tithes and offerings of our than the steady development of a prac­ the second major ministry of Libera­ members but receive funding from a tical and relevant ministry preparation tion Community and one that fits variety of individuals and churches process that will be critical for the hand in glove with the ministry of nationwide, foundations, corporations, future of urban ministry in Fort Wsrth liberation. Even though numerical and government at all levels. and that is already making a great dif­ growth is not a preoccupation for our As God continues to bless the ference in the quality and direction of church, we do believe in kingdom ministries of Liberation Community, our own ministry. growth which is the conversion, nur­ we are open to new directions and ture, and equipping of persons to be ministries as they arise. Our plan is to —by Brian Stone, Pastor the church as a faith community. In fact, we have discovered that a ministry of liberation is impossible without the experience of Christian community to ground and guide it. In addition, we affirm that liberation is somewhat hollow and unfinished without the fur­ ther liberation experienced within the community of faith. 'Xfe have grown as a community from just 5 people in 1985 to 150 people wor­ shipping in both English-speaking and Spanish-speaking services. This growth as a church, however, has certainly not been the product of bringing together

A Journal o f Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 17 a i cvvM Huanip SERVICES GCLF DEPOSIT FORM

Yes, I want to help build new churches to reach the lost and to exercise sound stew­ ardship by investing in the General Church Loan Fund— USA. I understand that you will send me an official YOU General Board Note, which I will keep with my valuable papers to “cash in” for the return of CAN BE my principal plus interest. A BRICKLAYER NAME OF DEPOSITOR

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'Deposits are made by purchasing General Board Notes in the amount of $100 or more. Notes withdrawn before maturity will be adjusted to 5%. Interest rates may change without notice; how­ ever, notes already deposited will not be subject to change until maturity date. THE GENERAL CHURCH LOAN FUND— U.S.A. 6401 The Paseo Kansas City, MO 64131-1284 INTEREST COMPOUNDED SEMIANNUALLY JUNE 30 AND DECEMBER 31 Phone: (816) 333-7000, Ext. 339 1,500 Members Join Wichita First Church

Pastor Gene Williams Receives 1,000 New Nazarenes

wo young men recently gained Williams explains in this first-person “I have, however, worked at the job special recognition within a six account: “I happen to be a gardener. of adding those ingredients that God month period at Wichita First Where I live in Kansas, the soil is ter­ has used. I have lots of dirt under my TChurch. John Garland was the 1,500thrible. It is heavy gray clay. My first fingernails. We have used every means member to be received into church attempts to garden were really possible to sow the seeds of God’s love membership by Pastor Gene Williams frustrating. My onions and radishes in receptive hearts—special events, during his 20 years as pastor of the became trapped by the clay and I had music, friendship teams, plus youth Wichita church. And Mark Troyer to take a knife and dig them out. I grew and children’s programs. became the 1,000th new Nazarene to up in Tennessee where you simply pull “Still, the key, I believe, has been unite with the church during the same vegetables out of the garden. Now, I twenty years of hands on ministry. Per­ period. had to dig them out. sonal involvement in as many areas of While these men had no idea they “To improve my garden, I began a ministry as possible has helped create were making history for the local con­ program of mixing leaves, grass, and an air of excitement that has caused gregation, they have much in anything else I could find to enrich the our people to plant seeds of their own. common—both are college age, both soil. After several years of this effort, “Actually, we accidentally realized sing in the choir, and both are involved I am now a proud gardener who once that we were coming to these two in the singles ministry of the church. again pulls his onions and radishes. It historic moments. The length of our did take time, however, to build up the stay created a sense of curiosity about When Pastor Williams was asked, soil that is now productive. how productive the years have been. “How does a church add one new “Our church is like that, too. Over We had not kept a running tally. Nazarene and 1.5 new members a week the years we have built up the base and “As we checked on the record, we for twenty years; does one set out with now it is very productive. suddenly realized the harvest was a this as a goal?” he answered, “Not “The most critical single factor on my good one. We could see that we were really.” part is staying twenty years. coming upon these two significant Williams continued, “The goal is to “In the same way that my garden moments. Then we began to count and be a faithful, fruitful pastor. I try to base would revert to unproductive clay plan to make celebrative experiences focus on serving God over the long without my personal attention, so out of this record so the people could haul and center on ministry rather would the church. No, I did not do this share in the victory and we could than total members or ministerial by myself. For that matter, I never rejoice together. success.” made one radish or onion. “And rejoice we have!”

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Dr. Eugene Williams receives John G arland— 1500th Mark Troyer becomes the 1,000th new Nazarene to new church member in 20 years. join the church under Pastor W illiam s’ ministry.

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 19 Stewardship: Giving what you've got

SEPTEMBER IS STEWARDSHIP MONTH METROPLEX CHAPEL THRIVES IN TEXAS 675 Members Join in 8 Years

k

etroplex Nazarene Chapel, When asked to summarize the I became increasingly restless with what founded in February of church’s amazing growth, Pastor I saw around me in most churches. I 1983, meets in a 20,000 Garlow responded: “This church ex­ believed there was a better way to let Msquare foot retail shopping isted center in my heart for seventeen years people know of God’s amazing love. located on the Dallas/Fort W>rth Air­ before we ever held the first service. That’s what our various ministries in­ port Expressway. Metroplex Chapel God planted the idea deep in my spirit tend to accomplish.” But the church started in American Airlines Learning when I was a college student at is not built on a reaction against tradi­ Center. The worship attendance now Bethany Nazarene College. But I knew tion; it stands firmly on the side of averages 725. 1,172 attended on Easter, it would not be a traditional church. Christian caring for everyone who par­ 1991. It would be different. Over the years, ticipates in its life and ministry.

. A Journal o f Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 21 Part of Metroplex’s widening in­ fluence shows in a few sentences taken from the New Life News: “People deserve to have a church that isn’t bor­ ing...a church that is alive. People deserve to be loved and cared for when home Bible studies, healing teams, they come to church. No person financial freedom classes, boot camp should ever leave the church as alone for New Christians, pre-marriage as he or she felt when they came to the “This church classes, counseling with the fees deter­ church.” existed in my heart mined by the one seeking help, men’s Is there a human being anywhere ministries, women’s ministries, and who is not hungry for that kind of car­ for seventeen years helps for becoming a Christian. For ing which shows in the people-centered before we ever held teens, a contemporary concert series ministries offered by Metroplex and recreational center is open every Chapel? The inspiring list includes the first service.” Friday and Saturday evening from 7:00 twenty-four different ministries such as p.m.-l 1:00 p.m. with an attendance of divorce recovery, hope for addictions, over 500.

GROW/ Fail 1991 /Y

h

fun? Then come on by to Metroplex Everything about Metroplex Chapel Chapel.” is planned to meet needs people feel Though Metroplex is admittedly and all the ministries focus on captur­ unique to Dallas/Fort Wsrth and amaz­ ing the interest of contemporary folks. ingly led by creative Jim Garlow and Even the worship service makes good “People deserve to his staff, its commitment to offer lov­ on the newsletter’s promises, “Ever have a church that ing acceptance and understandable wished for a church where the music biblical answers to human needs could was alive, exciting and contemporary? isn’t boring...” be immediately implemented by hun­ Ever wished you could hear a sermon dreds of Nazarene churches. Such a that was relevant to you? Ever wished ministry given in the name of Jesus that church could be warm and caring would help and heal thousands in the —actually enjoyable and maybe even Nazarene sphere of influence.

A Journal o f Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 23 Ig iB p

U.S. Quadrennial Conference on Evangelism October 29-31, 1991

Fort Worth/Tarrant County Convention Center Fort Worth, Texas UnMKLHIIMUT MINISTRIES A KALEIDOSCOPE OF SERVICES FROM CHAPLAINCY MINISTRIES

Marketplace

Correction/Fire/Police Chaplains

Military Chaplains

% %

NS Chaplaincy Advisory Council

For information, contact Chaplaincy Ministries, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131 C816J 333-7000, ext. 279 CH fCOLJ Curt Bou/ers, USA fRetJ A First-Person Account: Ministry in the Workplace

Nazarene Minister Serves Full Time as Industrial Chaplain

n 19871 felt a need to change from being a parish pastor — the first step toward my becoming an Employ- ee Assistance Chaplain. As I consid­ ered my future ministry, the Lord led Ime toward the chaplaincy. As 1 thought about this change, I considered many factors, among them the continual call of God upon my life to minister to others in the name of Christ. Increasingly, the chaplaincy seemed to be the place God wanted me. Chaplaincy, to me, represents a ministry of helping people in crisis. I thought hospital chaplaincy would be the way to go, so I concentrated on meeting the requirements for that task. Fifteen months of Clinical Pas­ Job hunting for a hospital chap­ Christ to care for people who need toral Education began in June 1988, laincy assignment proved discourag­ help. I am a listener, a giver of coun­ soon after I resigned my pastorate in ing. No positions opened, even though sel, and a social worker. I become a Tecumseh, Michigan. About halfway liaison to arrange admission into a through my CPE residency at Cathe­ responders to my inquiries assured chemical dependency treatment cen­ rine McAuley Health Center, Ann me that I was well qualified. Then ter. I am available as a spiritual coun­ Arbor, Michigan, I became interested came a lead on a position as an Em­ selor. As an EA chaplain, I am in a in working with mental health and ployee Assistance Chaplain for Waste position to give a caring response to chemical dependency. That emphasis Management, Inc.-Mideast Region. At troubled employees and their families. occupied my final six months of CPE first uneasy about the prospect, I I am amazed at how often the title and especially prepared me for this prayed about it, then I picked up the "chaplain” brings opportunity to bear work. phone and contacted the corporate director of Employee Assistance. Dur­ the good news of love that does not ing the interview that followed, I felt a fail, strength that is available from peace about taking the position. The outside ourselves, grace that enables director said, "I think we have a good us to face reality without alcohol or match.” Since July 1989, much has drugs, and mercy that brings confi­ happened to confirm that fact. dence that failure is not the bottom line. As a chaplain in the workplace, I W hat exactly does an Employee have many opportunities to be a posi­ Assistance Chaplain do? tive influence for God. Simply stated, I am a spiritual re­ I have been able to write my own source and support person for em­ job description. I have chosen to be ployees needing help with alcohol/ low-profile. Like a pastor, I find peo­ drug problems ar.d related concerns. ple often appreciate my presence more This means I am an extension of than my words. Comments such as,

GROW/ Fall 1991 "Rev. Jim, thanks for listing,” or "I sues that often affect the employee’s bled people where He found them. am so glad there was somebody I job performance. My feelings for this ministry can be could talk to” are often expressed in I find this work interesting, chal­ summarized in a Norman Rockwell- support of this ministry. lenging, and fulfilling. I have discov­ type painting that captured my atten­ ered the gifts and graces God gave me tion a few years ago. The 1920s are well suited to this workplace min­ workplace office includes a wooden This Ministry Touches 3,000 istry. It is a compassionate ministry. desk and two chairs. An obviously People The opportunities to be a positive troubled person sits in one. In the As regional EA chaplain, I am re­ influence for Christ to people are other chair sits Jesus. On the door is sponsible for our divisions in Michi­ great. This work is part of the plan for the title, "Counselor.” Being Em-' gan, Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. God for my life and ministry. One ployee Assistance Chaplain involves We have 3,000 employees in 60 loca­ Scripture that helps me work the plan many different people, various situa­ tions, including managers, supervis­ is found in Romans 12:6-8: "And tions, and a variety of approaches, but ors, salespeople, office personnel, since we have gifts that differ accord­ they all have the common theme of mechanics, truck drivers, heavy equip­ ing to the grace given to us, let us each compassionate ministry and care for ment operators, lawyers, engineers, exercise them accordingly;. . . if serv­ others. and even welders. In responding to ice, in his serving, . . . he who shows That is what I do every day in this employee needs, I spend an average of mercy, with cheerfulness” (NASV). ministry as Employee Assistance three days per week on the road, driv­ As I read the gospel accounts of the Chaplain for Waste Management of ing about 900 miles a week. In addition ministry of Jesus, I appreciate how North America, Inc. to alcohol/drug problems, I am in­ many times He addressed the needs of volved in job stress, marriage and people in workplace or marketplace family needs, and other personal is­ environments. He ministered to trou­ —by Chaplain Jim Vander Schuur

A Journal o f Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 27 CHURCH GROWTH INCREASE IN POPULATION PENETRATION 1380 to 1990 Nazarene Districts in Canada and the United States

Recently released figures from the 1990 United Florida Space Coast penetration has nearly dou­ States census and estimates from Statistics Canada bled. Southwest Latin American and New York dis­ have allowed the Church Growth Research Center tricts have increased their penetration more than 50 to analyze where Nazarenes are making inroads percent. In fact, Nazarenes are reaching a greater into the general population. proportion of the population in 70 of the 85 districts During the 1980s, the membership of the Canada in these nations. Quebec District increased over 200 percent. During Local churches can analyze their neighborhoods the same time, the population of Quebec itself in­ as well. As the latest census data is released, the creased only 5 percent. As a result, the proportion Church Growth Research Center can help you ob­ of Canada Quebec’s population that are mem­ tain figures for your local area. And information on bers of the Church of the Nazarene has more your church’s membership and attendance for than tripled in the last decade. the last 15 years is available now.

How can we serve you?

Church Growth Research Center 6401 The Paseo Kansas City, MO 64131 Provided by Church Growth Research Center Dale E. Jones, Manager

Baby Bust 1965 to 1975 are now being called the “Baby Bust” years ... sharp decline in number of births. Oldest “busters” now turning 26 . . . typical age for young adults to turn back toward traditional values, including church.

There are fewer young adults now than in decades . . . not as large a field for evangelism. But millions of these young adults still need the gospel.

Some sociologists expect a change in attitude among “busters” as compared to “boomers” . . . those born between 1945 and 1964. Boomers expected the world to make the world better . . . caught up in idealism of early 1960s. Busters are more pragmatic . . . the world is the way it is and we have to make do with what we have.

Many exceptions to such generalizations, but they indicate the need to use new approaches in reaching today’s young adults. “Be all you can be” . . . focusing on individual’s abilities, not society’s problems . . . may find more receptive ears among those looking to the church for answers.

Baby Bust Incidentally, less than one percent of current Nazarene pastors were born after Pastors the last “Baby Boom” year of 1964. Not only are there fewer people to become pastors . . . could also mean Nazarene churches are less willing to have young pastors . . . and possibly there are fewer young adults open to such a selfless life as pastoring requires. But the number of people receiving local minister’s licenses is still high, despite shrinking population ... so Nazarene young people still seem to be responding to the challenge of ministry.

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 29 Strong Recent study by City University of New York surveyed enough respondents to give a Nazarene valid analysis of Nazarenes. First conclusion is that we have strong denominational Identification identification ... one denomination has 2 million members, but only 6 6 0 ,0 0 0 American adults identify that denomination as theirs. Nazarenes have 5 6 0 ,0 0 0 members in USA . . . and 549,000 adult Americans describe themselves as Nazarenes . . . and another 600,000 call themselves “holiness” Christians.

Typical Typical American Nazarene owns his of her home, is married, and is employed full-time American .. . most live in households with children present. Half of adult Nazarenes are under Nazarenes 40 . . . 80% have at least a high school education . . . and half have a total household income of at least $25,000 annually. And they are more likely than other Americans to belong to a political party . . . with Republicans somewhat ahead of Democrats.

Growth by Largest and smallest Churches of the Nazarene have best overall growth rates . . . at Church Size least during last fifteen years. Churches with 1,000 members or more grew about 20% in five years . . . but only a dozen churches are that large . . . so less than a thousand members a year are added by this group.

Churches under 100 in membership collectively grow about 8% in five years . .. netting over 2,000 new members annually. Of course, not all churches in this group grow well . . . but gains outweigh losses substantially.

Toughest churches to grow are those between 100 cind 250 . . . barely 4% growth in 5 years. Still, that works out to over a thousand members annually. “200 Barrier” at work here . . . hard to move a church from 100 to 250 . . . but not impossible or losses would outweigh gains.

Churches between 250 and 1,000 grow about 6% in five years . . . producing over a thousand net gain each year. Of course, individual churches in any group have differing growth rates . . . but overall, these trends by size have been borne out for fifteen years.

Churches in urban areas . . . with more people to evangelize . . . tend to do even better than those in other regions. But small-town and rural churches gain about 2,000 members each year . . . with those under 1 0 0 netting a thousand of them.

30 GROW/ Fall 1991 MBIT

Churches With More Than 50 Membership Gain in 1990-91 Assembly Year

Churches grow in a vari­ and enthusiasm that are happening CALIFORNIA______within the church. Another reason is ety of ways. Some congre­ because the people have been willing gations grow in cities, Pastor Yeghia Elijah Babikian, to change. also the founding director of the New elective classes have been while others increase in Armenian Extension of Nazarene established. There is a divorce recovery size and spiritual influ­ Bible College of Armenian Bible class, a class for the handicapped, and ence in more quiet suburb­ Church of the Nazarene (Los Angeles a class to help hurting women. Other District) “This was a foundation year ministries are Loaves of Love (a loaf of an or rural places. Leaders for our new church which grew from homemade bread is given to each new of churches with unusual zero to fifty members. Most of the con­ visitor), cell groups have been organ­ verts and new members are recent im­ growth were asked how ized, newcomers dinners are offered migrants of Soviet Armenia who had every three months, and expanded they did it. Their responses a great affinity for the gospel. One ministries have been started through make it sound like New amazing conversion was Knel our youth groups. All of this made it Sharlakian, 51, a former Communist possible for us to add fifty members last Testament Christianity can in Soviet Armenia. When he heard the year.” happen almost anywhere. gospel first, he said, ‘It is sad that only one congregation heard today’s message; the entire Armenian nation INDIANA______COLORADO______should have heard it.’ “New mministries for future growth Pastor J. K. Warrick of In­ Pastor Matthew A. Kindler of include distribution of sermon cas­ dianapolis Westside Church (In­ Colorado Springs Crossroads Chapel settes, publications of a periodical, and dianapolis District) “W have cultivated (Colorado District) “The most signifi­ a full time pastor.” a spirit of revival in our regular wor­ cant reason for our growth of 73 last ship services. Our intent is to gather year is a biblical foundation that the to praise the Lord. An invitation is laity hold the key to evangelization of OHIO______given in every service. Last year the their friends, family, and co-workers. church received 60 persons by profes­ We do our best to equip all who at­ Pastor Bob Huffaker of Grove sion of faith and grew to 872 members. tend in the area of soul winning. They City Church (Central Ohio) “W; have Each year we list the names of those learn how to share Christ and give increased 250 in the last 18 months in we wish to see converted throughout their testimony of what God has done worship attendance mostly due to the the coming year and set special days of for them. Everything that happens at new direction in our services. W have harvest such as Friendship Day, Easter, Crossroads is designed for outreach opened up to a more celebrating praise, Christmas, and musical concerts. Twice and evangelism. ’Kfe not only want to with praise choruses, scripture songs, each year we have Seasons of Prayer— minister to people, but we want peo­ and more of an open type of worship. each Saturday evening of September ple to have a place to serve others when Many new people are coming because and the Saturdays of Lent—to pray for they get saved.” they are hearing about the excitement our church family.

31 h o ™

Our Sunday school classes are begin­ strong musical program, preach the been carried out at the grass roots, ning to function as true care centers Word, and enjoy a good spirit of unity where we are working with our com­ and cell groups. are starting new and cooperation throughout the munity in a free after-school daycare classes each year—12 in the last three church.” program, canvassing our neighborhood years. W' have a small group devoted with literature and invitations to our to calling every Monday evening on local services, placing American flags the visitors from Sunday. ARIZONA______in front of 7,500 homes with an invita­ Recently we sent 100 people out to tion to attend our 4th of July musical, Pastor Robert J. Shepherd of a small community nearby to plant a and it proceeds all the way to present­ Tucson Mountain View Church church and thus make room for addi­ ly purchasing a new site to relocate our (Arizona District) “The most signifi­ tional growth here. This is the third entire church plant. are unified in church we have either sponsored or cant reason for our growth is prayer the vision of reaching the lost. It is the helped sponsor.” and obedience to go and to minister. heartbeat of our entire church family.” Prayer has given us both a vision and a plan for ministry. Methods may change but God still leads us to the lost CALIFORNIA______COLORADO______if we pray. Pastor Mel Rich of Olive Knolls One dramatic conversion was the Pastor David M. Ralph of Denver Church (Central California) “The salvation of a Mormon mom who came Wstminster (Colorado Distrcit) “Our primary strategies for this year have to a Sunday worship service and found gain of 60 members started with a belief been the training and deploying of lay God’s grace to be very real. She is that growth starts in the mind. That pastors to lead home care groups. Our growing and showing unconditional is why we came to the conviction that church has a clear purpose—people love to her sons whom she has raised evangelism is the cutting edge of catching the vision with a willingness for twelve years in the Mormon church growth. We fill our staff posi­ to try new things; it is a total team Church. tions with evangelistic growth in mind. effort. One new ministry is our 'Xtdnesday Then we began to see that have added a second children’s night small groups which provide need- evangelism results cannot be sustained choir, single mom’s support group, oriented ministries. have gone from without backup ministries that divorce recovery workshops for adults, 96 in attendance on Wdnesday nights assimilate the new converts into the and support groups for children in­ to over 150. It is exciting to see ^Xfednes- church body. So music, youth volved in divorce. Other groups will be day nights alive and well in our ministry, pastoral care, children’s added as needs are identified and church.” ministry, and lay development helped leaders are trained. 'Xfe are now begin­ support the success of our evangelism ning building a family life center— ministries. TEXAS ______38,000 square feet. The church gained Soon we will begin programs to reach 62 members last year. baby boomers. And double services are Pastor Larry D. Dennis of New convert David Anderson, 40, coming in the next month to use our Richardson (Dallas District) “The most electrical contractor, recently shared facilities for great growth.” significant reason for our growth of 72 this testimony with the church: ‘There members during the year is the fact have been no short cuts in becoming that our church is unified and cor­ a man of God. The lessons I have had INDIANA______porately has accepted the vision to to learn have been slow and many of ‘reach those around us with the life- them painful. He has given me new Pastor Verdean F. Owens of changing message of Jesus Christ.’ This values regarding life and business. He Kokomo First (Northwest Indiana) is our mission statement, and we are has been teaching me discipline and “Our gain of 54 is a result of God us­ trying to apply it to every area of our self-control. \et, through all this, I still ing a spirit of anticipation on the part church’s ministry. The church is look forward, awaiting the new lesson of the congregation. W also have a developing ownership of this. It has for the day.” R g d t e d

Personal Growth Helps for Leaders

came over me. I was going to be alright bride. They live together happily until a Cultivating now. My last memory before slipping wicked lady from Lord George Hell’s Christlikeness into a three-day coma was a fuzzy image profligate past turns up to expose him for of the doctor leaning over me. I could tell the scoundrel she knows him to be. She that his face was troubled. We didn’t challenges him to take off his mask. Em­ WEEK ONE know it at the time but I was in the throes barrassed, he takes it off only to make the of cerebral spinal meningitis. He warned surprising discovery that beneath the A CHRIST-LIKE EXAMPLE i my parents the prognosis was not good. saint’s mask is the face of the saint he Word was sent out through the has become by wearing it in love. . .Christ in you, the hope of churches. Hundreds prayed for me, in­ Paul teaches us that growing in glory” (Col. 1:27) cluding one Chinese Christian who Christ’s image involves not only the gra­ prayed all night. God touched me. I My teen years were spent, in part, in cious work of God within, by the Spirit, made a rapid and complete recovery. Far Hong Kong where my parents were mis­ but through our own conscious efforts to more people died of spinal meningitis sionaries. On Sunday evenings I conform to Christ. So, again and again than survived during those years. Later I attended English services at an inner city he counsels: “Lay aside the old self,” mused: if I had not survived, how would mission led by an Australian missionary “Put on the new self,” “Do not sin,” I have recognized Jesus among the mil­ doctor. My admiration for him bordered “Be renewed in your minds,” “Do not lions upon millions of angels and saints on hero-worship. As he stood before us yield the members of your body unto sin in heaven? My heart answered: Jesus with open Bible, quietly expounding but yield yourselves unto God.” Growth would look just like Dr. Halverson. God’s Word, it would seem to me that in grace is not automatic. It requires a his face glowed with a heavenly aura. personal decision, conscious endeavor When I visited his clinic as a patient, he and positive disciplines. It involves daily WEEK TWO always concluded his examination by and hourly metanoia, repentance: that placing his hand upon my head and is, turning away from evil and doing THE NEW SELF praying for me. It felt to me like his were what is right. It means sometimes sacri­ God’s hands. “Put on the new self, which in the ficing even the good in order to attain the One day I came home from school likeness of God has been created best. with a high fever and sharp head pains. in righteousness and holiness of It was as if an axe were splitting my skull the truth” (Eph. 4:12). John Wesley used to counsel young with every heartbeat. I cried out for Dr. preachers to preach the experience of Halverson. My father called him. It In “The Happy Hypocrite” Max Beer- heart holiness until they had it. There is seemed like an eternity before he could bohm tells about a princely rake named something to be said for wearing the get away to come. Racked with pain that Lord George Hell, debauched and degen­ mask of saintliness until we become who now enveloped my whole body, I rolled erate, who falls in love with a saintly girl. we really are in Christ. We tend to be­ from one side of the bed to the other. In order to win her love, he covers his come the kind of persons we image Finally 1 heard my father say, “Here bloated features with the mask of a saint. ourselves to be. “Surely your dreams will comes the doctor.” An incredible peace The girl is deceived and becomes his find you out.”

A Journal of Church Grouch, Evangelism and Discipleship 33 ROOTED IN CHRIST1 lievably elegant. The food was superb. Nonetheless, his mother felt it needed a little salt. Trying all three silver shakers on the table, she discovered that each WEEK THREE WEEK FOUR contained pepper. She called the waiter. WHEN WE “MESS UP” Alas, when he tested the shakers, he ON CONTROLLING ANGER discovered that they were all fdled with “Be kind to one another, tender' pepper. Horrified, he immediately “Be angry, and yet do not sin . . . hearted, forgiving each other, brought her a salt shaker. do not give the devil an opportu> just as God in Christ also has for' When it was time for dessert, the given you” (Eph. 4:32). maitre d’ appeared, insisting that they all nity” (Eph. 4:26—27). choose something “on the house” be­ Craig Rench tells about the time cause of the oversight. His mother when, while his wife was busy in another The priest of a large cathedral-like protested: “It’s not that important.” part of the house, his two-and-a-half year- church always began his services by greet­ “But madame,” he replied in all seri­ old daughter engaged in a little creative ing the worships, “The Lord be with ousness, “what if you had been the activity. She climbed up on a chair, thee.” They were accustomed to respond Queen?” opened the cupboard, took out the sugar, in unison, “And with thy Spirit.” What would it do for us if we per­ and poured it all over the living room formed every act, spoke every word, couch and carpet. Then she climbed wrote every letter, fulfilled every assign­ On one Sunday he greeted the congre­ back up again, retrieved the honey jar, ment as if it were for Jesus? Mother gation in his customary way, “The Lord and poured it over the sugar. Then she Teresa urges her sisters and workers to be with thee,” but there was no response. sprinkled cinnamon over the sugar and see in every derelict’s face the counte­ The public address system had honey, just like she had seen it sprinkled nance of Jesus, in every child’s hands the malfunctioned. He tapped the micro­ over sugar on toast. When her mother baby hands of Jesus, and in every unborn phone a few times. It was dead. In came into the living room she an­ fetus the image of God. In so doing, exasperation he looked around and spied nounced cheerily, “Mommy, I did it all every work site becomes an altar, every the custodian sitting off to one side. At by myself!” endeavor an expression of worship and the very instant he spoke to him to com­ For every deliberate malicious deed every labor a sacrifice of praise. “Truly I plain about it, two tiny wires touched there are a thousand unintentional foul- say to you,” says Jesus, “to the extent that restoring the current and carried his ups which we do “all by myself.” We seek angry protest booming throughout the you did it to one of these brothers of to be creative, take the initiative, and Mine, even the least of them, you did it cavernous sanctuary, “There’s some­ make a positive contribution only to dis­ to Me” (Matt. 25:37). thing wrong with this stupid cover, in retrospect, that we have done microphone.” To which the people re­ more damage than good. sponded, “And with thy spirit.” The “good news” is that our heavenly WEEK SIX Father knows our frame and that we are A pastor-friend of mine got carried but dust. He is the “Father of all mercies, EMPOWERMENT away in the heat of a church league bas­ the God of all comfort” (II Cor. 1:3). “Not by might nor by power, but ketball game and angrily protested a Hence we may come “boldly to the by My Spirit, says the Lord of referee’s call. The resulting exchange be­ throne of grace that we may receive mercy hosts” (Zech. 4:6). came so heated that the pastor was and find grace in the time of need” (Heb. thrown out of the game. He was never 4:16), even when we mess up “all by Lloyd Olgilvie, pastor of Hollywood able to recover from that incident. His ourselves.” First Presbyterian Church, is an avid credibility was so damaged that he was We need to give others the benefit of sailor. He tells about the time when the forced to leave his church before he the doubt when they “mess up," and sailboat he was on got caught in the wanted to. Temper is a gracious gift of extend to them mercy and compassion. doldrums far from the Southern Califor­ God. What the immune system is to the nia shore. For hours there was not a body, so is anger to the spirit. It is a vital breath of wind. Finally they started the and necessary defense mechanism de­ WEEK FIVE auxiliary motor and begin to make their signed by God to sensitize us against the way slowly back to harbor. On the way intrusion of influences which would FIT FOR THE KING they passed another sailboat dead in the threaten or even damage us. It is the water. One of its occupants, obviously Whatever you do, do your work backbone of the soul. Yet, like all of inebriated, was standing on deck blow­ heartily, as for the Lord rather ing for all he was worth into the flaccid God’s other good gifts, it needs to be than men" (Col. 3:23). disciplined and controlled by the Spirit. sail, hoping that by his efforts he could Paul’s counsel is timely, “Let all bitter­ Brian Mittman tells about having din­ get the boat moving. ness and wrath and anger . . . be put away ner at a smart London restaurant with That describes so well much of our from you, along with malice” (Eph. his parents. The setting—complete with efforts in the church. W e run to and fro 4:31). chandeliers crystal and silver—was unbe­ across the face of the earth to attend the

34 GROW/Fall 1991 latest conference, sit at the feet of pasto­ clouded his father’s face. He said noth­ That is our heavenly Father’s kind of ral superstars, fill glossy notebooks with ing. But as he turned away, the tea cup love! surefire ideas, and purchase the latest tipped out of its saucer and shattered on video cassettes. Then we hit the ground the stone tile. in our home church running. Comput­ Robert was so ashamed of himself for ers begin to hum. Laser printers churn his duplicity that he carefully picked up WEEK NINE out multi-colored copy. Phone lines the pieces and spent painstaking hours crackle. Committees organize. Seminars gluing them back together again. He FORGIVING LOVE are planned. Power lunches are con­ placed it, cracks and all, back in his sumed. Coffee is consumed by the mother’s china cupboard where it serves “And Peter went outside and gallon. Lights burn late into the night. as a continual reminder that sin involves wept bitterly” (Luke 22:62). Three-ringed binders proliferate. Mis­ more than breaking God’s laws: it breaks sion statements are formulated, the heart of God. I was walking down the road one day objectives defined and planning cycles when I came upon a great hulk of a man, are put into place. Target dates are set. WEEK EIGHT sitting on a rock, his face buried in his What is desperately needed is a hands, saying over and over, “He didn’t mighty wind from on high. That is why FORGIVING GRACE even mention it.” I paused, wondering if Jesus told his disciples: “wait for what I dare disturb him. I touched him gently the Father has promised . . . the Holy “Quickly bring out the best robe on the shoulder. His head came up. I was Spirit” (Acts 1:45). Where there is a and put it on him, and put a ring shocked. It was Peter, Simon Peter. Spirit-empowered “will,” there will on his hand and sandals on his emerge a thousand Spirit-enabled “ways” “Forgive me, Peter, but I couldn’t feet; and bring the fattened calf, to get the task accomplished. help but overhear you saying, again and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; again, ‘He didn’t even mention it.’ What for this son of mine was dead, and are you talking about?” WEEK SEVEN has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found” (Luke “My denial, man,” he snapped. “I’m BROKEN PIECES 1 5 :2 2 -2 4 ). sorry, C .S., you probably don’t even know what I am talking about. Sit down “Father, I have sinned against During a college chapel service Bob heaven, and in your sight: I am no here and I’ll tell you all about it.” Benson Sr. told a story that I shall never longer worthy to be called your forget. He let himself in the back door son” (Luke 15:18). Beginning with the Last Supper Peter late one night. As he flipped on the told me about his final journey with Robert Schuller Jr., while preaching kitchen light he saw, in the middle of the Jesus after his arrest. He confessed his for his father on national television, told floor, a chair. Taped to its back was a loss of nerve and his denial. At the very this story. During his teen years he de­ cardboard sign on which this crayoned moment a rooster crowed, Jesus turned veloped a interest in a certain girl. The message was scrawled in a twelve-year- toward him. Their eyes met. There was house rules, however, forbade him to go old’s handwriting: “Dad, I really blew it something in that look which broke see her except on weekends. He was to today. I’m sorry. Please forgive me. Peter’s heart. He went out and wept bit­ devote his evenings to homework and Mike.” terly. family responsibilities. After dinner one Without taking off his coat, Bob im­ night he told his father that he was going mediately went up to his son’s bedroom, Peter then told me, with mounting to the library to study with his friend pulled back the bed covers, sat on the excitement, about the breakfast meeting Alvin. Instead he spent the evening with bed and pulled him up to a sitting posi­ he and the other disciples had that very his girlfriend. When he came home his tion. W ith an arm around him, he morning, with Jesus Himself, who was father met him at the door. He had a tea aroused him: “Son, I just read your mes­ very much alive, risen from the dead, cup in his hand, one of his mother’s sage in the kitchen. I didn’t want to go right there below us on the beach. Amaz­ finest pieces of china. to bed without letting you know that I ingly, not once during breakfast or the “Where have you been?” asked his forgive you.” leisurely conversation that followed did father. “Thanks D ad,” said Mike, as he Jesus bring up the matter of his denial. “Studying at the library.” slumped back into a deep sleep. It was as if it had never happened. Three “With whom?” Sensing our unspoken question, Bob times however, Jesus asked him, “Do you “Alvin.” continued, “Are you curious to know love me? Do you love me? Do you really “But I ran into Alvin at the grocery what it was that Mike did?” love me?” store, and he knew nothing about study­ “Yes,” nodded a thousand heads. ing with you. I called the library. You “Well, I don’t know,” he answered As I took my leave of Peter, I thought weren’t there. Where were you?” “The reason I don’t know is that I didn’t to myself: How like Jesus, not to even He then confessed that he had spent ask. And I didn’t ask because there is mention it—our sin, our failure, our de­ the evening with his girlfriend. A look of nothing that my son could ever do that nial. All Jesus is really interested in is, deep sadness and disappointment is beyond my willingness to forgive!” “Do you love me?”

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 35 ROOTED IN CHRISTH pocket lake. “Let’s go for it,” we shouted as we raced down the trail. We dropped our packs, stripped off WEEK TEN as it is by false modesty and an exagger­ most of our clothes, and dove in. And we ated sense of self-worthlessness. scrambled out! We had failed to notice a CHOSEN Brother rabbit was hippity-hopping mini-glacier that fed directly into the lake through the forest one day when he came on the other side. But in the fifteen or “He chose us in Him before the upon brother squirrel, sitting at the edge twenty strokes it took me to swim in a foundation of the world, that we of a meadow, crying his eyes out. tight turn and climb out on a rock, all of should be holy and blameless be­ “What’s the matter with you, this fine the fatigue, perspiration and aches of the fore Him” (Eph. 1:4). day, brother squirrel?” long hard hike had been washed out of my system. I felt as if I had been “born The cartoon series opens with a lunch “Every morning I come out to gather again! hour baseball game. Two captains have nuts,” he whimpered, “only to see yon­ been selected. They start to call out der mountain. It is so great, so mighty, When life’s trail gets dusty and the names: “Harry,” “Bobby,” “Skip.” With so awesome, towering over all of us little burdens heavy, Paul invites us to “dive each name that is called, the clutch of creatures of the forest. Next to it I feel so in,” to immerse ourselves in Christ, and boys around home plate diminishes. small, so powerless, so insignificant.” find wonderful renewal and refreshment for our spirits. The eye naturally comes to focus upon “It is true,” replied brother rabbit, one familiar little face that, which each “that you are not as mighty and as awe­ name called, droops with increasing sad­ some as that mountain. But neither can WEEK THIRTEEN ness. His shoulders are stooped, his that mountain crack a nut!” glove drags the ground. It looks like To each of us are given special gifts, COMPLETE IN CHRIST another one of those days when nobody wonderful abilities and unique opportu­ will want him to play on their team. nities which no one else on the face of the earth has. There are some “nuts” we “We proclaim Him, admonishing It comes down to the last selection. can crack, some people to whom we can every and teaching every man ... The captain studies the motley figures that we may present every man relate, some ministries in which we can huddled together. At long last he calls complete in Christ” (Col. 1:28). become involved more effectively than out the greatest name that one little boy anyone else. could ever hear: “Charlie Brown.” The We were created with an irresistible last frame shows Charlie with his head urge to show off. Children worry their parents to death with, “Mommy, Daddy, high, back straight, feet churning and WEEK TWELVE glove twirling around his wrist. Under­ look what I made. Look at my picture!” Why do musicians invest hours in prac­ neath is this caption: “Happiness is RENEWED IN CHRIST being chosen to play on the team.” tice but to perform? Why do artists labor It is an incredible revelation, but every “Put on the new self [which is] over their paintings but to exhibit them? human being is already pre-chosen by being renewed . . . a renewal in Why do authors chain themselves to a God from before the foundation of the which . . . Christ is all, and in all” cluttered desk, suffering cramped fingers world to live in union with Jesus as one (Col. 3:10'11). and aching shoulders as they scrunch of “the Beloved,” exhibiting His holiness over their typewriters if not to have some­ It was the eighth day of a backpacking one should read what they have written? “to the praise of the glory of His grace” trip. During the morning we walked be­ Actually, this deep passion for creativ­ (Eph. 1:6). neath tall spruce, beside swift flowing The Psalmist exulted, “ For Thou didst streams, and through wild flower-car- ity and desire to show it off is testimony to the image of God within us, for God form my inward parts; Thou didst weave peted meadows in the California High is a showoff. He created man, in part, so me in my mother’s womb. I will give Sierras. It was one of our most enjoyable that he could show off the wonders of his thanks to Thee, for I am fearfully and hiking days. creation. “The heavens declare (showoff) wonderfully made” (Ps. 139:13-14). After lunch, however, we encountered the glory of God; and the firmament his Wonderful indeed! a steep ridge. We could see the switch­ handiwork (artistry). Day unto day pours backs snaking up the mountain. Since forth speech and night unto night shows we were hemmed in by a rock cliff on one forth knowledge (’Look at what I have WEEK ELEVEN side and a steep canyon drop-off on the done. Enjoy!’).” (Ps. 19:1-2) other, we had no choice but to forge CHRISTIAN SELF-ESTEEM ahead. The sun was hot. The trail dusty. God has created us, redeemed us, and raised us up out of our sins so that, “But to each one is given the m an­ Finally, at mid-afternoon, we made the pass. We were about to someday, he can show us off before the ifestation of the Spirit for the com­ hosts of heaven as choice and chosen mon good” (I Cor. 12:7). drop our packs for a long well-de- served rest when Dwayne motioned us exhibits of His love, His mercy, and His The work of Christ through the over to look down the other side. Nestled marvelous grace. church is not nearly so damaged by pride among the pines was an emerald-green —by C .S. Cowels

36 GR OW/Fall 1991 S 4:6 NIV

THANKSGIVING OFFERING FOR WORLD EVANGELISM

CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE • (upper left) Roger Hahn, Southern Nazarene University Professor, and Clarence Kinzler, Northern California District Superintendent, discuss pastors for the new century.

• (upper right) Don Dunnington, Southern University Academic Dean and Stephen Nease, Nazarene Education Commissioner, discuss ways Nazarene youth respond to a call to ministry.

• (center) Jonathan Salgodo, Professor at NBC and Lyle Pointer, Professor at SNU, share teaching experiences.

• (lower left) Confluence Participants consider Robert Smith’s presentation.

• (lower right) Bill Sullivan, Church Growth Division Director, listens to a conference presentation. Clergy Preparation Discussed by North American Educators

Church Growth Division Sponsors Colorado Conference

B reckenridge, Colorado, was the site of the corporations to capture the interests of people. Its bottom line second annual conference of Nazarene academic has little or nothing in common with Fortune 500 companies. leaders from religion departments of the It exists in a state of perpetual dialogue seeking to understand church’s North America educational institutions. The how a social institution can maintain a sense of biblical in­ group met in an ongoing series of conferences to discuss tegrity in a world dominated by successful secular institutions ministerial preparation for the new century. Called the which frequently operate with organization principles which Scholars’ Symposium on Church Growth, the con­ are grounded in the impersonal. Nevertheless, countless con­ ference was sponsored by the Division of Church gregations are held hostage in ministry programs which exploit Growth and held June 10-12, 1991. Wilbur Brannon individuals and leave them without hope for their future. The chaired the conference. Additional Church Growth Gospel is God’s message of hope in a desperate world. And Division personnel included Bill M. Sullivan, Michael its hope resides in Jesus’ vision of the Kingdom of God. . . . Estep, Curt Bowers, and Pat Warren. How, then, does a community of faith live between the threat Five papers dealing with theological foundations for of desperation in the present and the vision of the kingdom church growth were presented and discussed. It is ex­ which is future? Perhaps it is too simplistic to answer "by pected that these papers, along with other matters, will faith”—even though from Mark’s perspective faith is the cor­ provide input for a similar conference planned for rect response. Perhaps the objective of ministry is to provide 1992; eventually these discussions will likely shape the direction for people through the crucial process. And if a way ministers are prepared in the denomination. minister, called of God for service to humanity, is to fulfill a Brief summary quotes from the discussion papers are divine purpose in this world, perhaps that minister will have published here as news and information. In defense of to set aside the lust for personal success so that the ministry the presenters, it should be noted that space limitations of the personal may take place. Ministry that is willing to keep GROW from publishing the complete text. Per­ challenge the secular values of its culture places the minister sons wishing a more thorough understanding of the in a continuing situation of risk. What if people fail to recognize conference should read the full papers which are our intent? What if they are comfortable with their relation­ available from Wilbur Brannon at Nazarene ship to the world and are not interested in change? The Headquarters. minister can find solace in the Jesus model, for his actions were a sandal to the religious people of his day . . . To confront CHRISTOLOGY: IMPLICATIONS and dismantle cultures’ values demands that ministry take on FOR MINISTRY a positive role in reconstructing the values of a community of faith which attempts to experience Christlikeness in the daily by Robert W. Smith, Point Loma Nazarene College routine of life. The risk is obvious. Are we willing to be distinguished from the norms of our cultural setting because .... From my limited perspective, I see the Christian church of our relation to Jesus Christ? . . . struggling to understand its identity in the world. And because l b so live requires a restructuring of one’s life and identity and mission are interrelated ideas, the uncertain iden­ character from a biblical perspective as interpreted from the tity of the church has restricted the effectiveness of its mis­ teaching of Jesus. Prophetic ministry, then, is the lens through sion. Further, I would contend that the identity crisis in the which a community of faith examines its cultural setting and church is the direct result of its failure to develop a clear, determines how a Christian is to live in such a world. biblical agenda for ministry. The contemporary church is not Prophetic ministry does not preclude the necessity of tradi­ convinced that Martin Luther was right when he chose to tional pastoral care. Neither are the administrative needs of develop his theology and ministry from a “theology of the the church forgotten. Wsrks of mercy are intensified, not set cross” over a “theology of glory.”. . . aside. Practical theology is, however, transformed—transformed A ministry shaped by the cross begins with the convic­ because it begins to reflect the prophetic model of Jesus who tion that the church is powerless before the institutional struc­ was not willing to allow God’s people to be overwhelmed by tures of our world—like Jesus was. It does not possess the secular values without confrontation. Thus, the prophet model physical resources to compete with the major entertainment influences how we minister to people facing personal tragedy

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 39 North American Educators and death; it affects the urgency of our personal counseling only advocate a lifestyle of service, it must practice it. Insofar because we realize the threat posed by the impersonal values as it does, it is the people of God . . . of our world; it challenges church programs which trivialize We must take seriously the various biblical perspectives the Gospel for the sake of entertainment; it helps us as we that affirm that it is by the Spirit of God that the temple is develop a style of worship that centers on God rather than built, that it is God who builds His church. on human experience; it enables a church to establish priorities Let me quickly qualify this perspective by recalling that when which are born out of its interpretation of the Gospel and to the people of God are authentically the people of God in the stand firm in its new identity; it affords an interpretation of the New Testament ministry of the Holy Spirit which is true to the Scriptures. It does not, however, permit the church to Christianize the methods of secular institutions because they seem to bring the results we desire. What influence can the prophetic ministry of Jesus hold for the contemporary church? If it is our desire to only grow a big church, it does not seem realistic to model our ministry on the prophetic Jesus. If, on the other hand, we desire to build a great church at the dawn of the twenty-first century, then the prophetic model may be worth any risk implicit within its vision of ministry .... Contemporary ministry is difficult at best; at worst, nearly impossible. The intent of this paper is to help us see the need B ratch er: “Fire within students a vision.” of a prophetic ministry in the modern world. May the presence of God the Holy Spirit provide the strength we need to fulfill the challenge. world, there is a ministry to the world that has the potential for extensive numerical growth. Conversion, people coming DIVINE-HUMAN SYNERGISM IN THE to faith in God through Jesus Christ, is an outgrowth of the MINISTRY— THE GROWTH OF THE church being the people of God in the world. If no one ever PEOPLE OF GOD responds to the One to whom the people of God are bearing witness, then there might be questions raised whether the community of faith is living out its mission. by Dennis Bratcher, Southern Nazarene University Yet, it will not always be so. The pervasiveness and reality of sin in our world, and the radical call to discipleship and The questions: What aspects of ministry do we control and servanthood that lie at the heart of the Chrisitian message, are responsible for and what aspects does God control and is work against the church ever achieving astounding success at He responsible for? How, in what way, and to what extent, extensive growth. The church simply cannot bring about the does God involve Himself in the work of the church?. . . How Kingdom by its own efforts at numerical growth. . . . We are do we integrate our obligation to be effective ministers with responsible for being the people of God, authentically, our trust in God that He will build His church? . . . And in dynamically, vitally, and obediently. That is our part in light of a major concern of these conferences, what respon­ ministry. . . . It is God who works in the hearts of people, by sibility do we have for the growth of the church? . . . And His grace, to call them to encounter and reconciliation to how shall these issues affect how we train clergy for ministry? Himself. It is God who takes our service to Him and to the It seems to me that our primary responsibility for ministry world and uses it in His own way. That is God’s part in revolves around fulfilling the church’s mission. This includes ministry. By His Spirit, He builds the temple. . . the proper training, maturity, leadership and spirituality to call To me, then, one of the primary functions of theological and guide the people of God into faithful response to Him. education is to fire within students a vision for transforming The most important thing a minister should do is to lead the the world. Theological education should strike a spark of people in authentic worship/service to God . . . wonder at the transforming of God’s grace at work through Secondly, we are responsible for service in our world. This the earthen vessels of very fallible human beings gathered as is a broad area; wisdom and discretion are necessary in deciding the people of God. . . . It should also provide the tools and how best to accomplish this service . . . But who is better able some raw materials through biblical and theological study that and better equipped to offer comfort, direction, counsel, ac­ will allow the student in the course of his ministry to fan that ceptance, affirmation, and hope than the community of those spark into a light brilliant enough to be seen by the world. who have encountered the God who is the author of those It is that light, that passion, that he communicates to the peo­ things? ple as he calls them to intensive growth in the things of God. The church, both corporately and individually, must not It is that light which becomes Isaiah’s light to the world. . . .

40 GROW/ Fall 1991 With the mission of the church as the people of God in the true nature of the church. What is needed is a return in view, it becomes imperative that the minister be fluent in to some basic images that represent more clearly our under­ the culture around him. Any program of education or form standing of the church as “the community that confesses Jesus of training that lessens exposure to the broad range of society Christ as Lord, the covenant people of God made new in is debilitating to the minister and shortchanges the church. Christ, the Body of Christ called together by the Holy Spirit The churches of the twenty-first century will be increasingly through the Word” (Manual, Church of the Nazarene, multifarious and diverse, even in smaller communities. W; can Article XI). . . . no longer assume a homogeneous congregation, either in race, ethnic background, economic status, regional subculture, family-unit makeup, or a dozen other monolithic categories to which we are accustomed. Human need will demand that the minister be able to func­ tion with high education professions as well as blue collar workers and welfare mothers, not to mention the farmer with a graduate degree in agronomy and a six figure income. All this calls for as broad-based an education as possible. . . . Finally, the challenges facing our society, and our world, are becoming increasingly far-ranging and complex. . . . Family problems and divorce, teen sexual activity, drug use and suicide, the AIDS epidemic, New Age ethics, and a host of Robinson: “Among ecclesiastical bodies we are unique.” other problems are creating a multitude of persons in crisis. The extent and depth of human need on just the emotional The image of confessing community infers unity of belief and spiritual levels is staggering. and sharing of daily life. The image of community infers the parish ministry image of pastor and priest. . . . The church cannot despair of any solution and retreat The image of covenant people infers a history and rele­ in spiritual escapism and pray, “Beam us up, Lord.” Nor can vant message which defines the character and call of the peo­ it stick its head in the sand and attempt to retreat to a mode ple identified with the message (covenant). This historic, yet of operation that only works with the lovable, problemless, relevant defining message infers the image of prophet, both two-parent families of suburbia. in the context of forthteller (proclaiming the Ward, “message” If our ministers are to lead the church in being the people of the Lord) and the storyteller (reminding the people of the of God, they will need a more integrated education than in historic nature of the Ward). The image of prophet is not always the past. There will need to be more attention given to areas synonymous with preacher, for at times the preacher preaches like sociology, psychology and sociology of religion, and pastorally or priestly, but the preacher often fulfills this pro­ counseling. Ufe cannot train ministers to be professionals in phetic image. these areas and they should not attempt to be. But a more The image of this ministering body represents the com­ integrated approach to pastoral training is crucial if the church mon life of the Christian community characterized by mutual­ is truly going to meet the world...... ity of gifts and vocations. The key here is the interdependence We may have to give up some of our time-honored “sacred of the members of the Body of Christ in fulfilling the mission cows” to accomplish this. W: may have to rethink exactly what of the church. The perception of the ministerial role inherent should be taught and how. But whatever decisions are made in this image is that of the equipper/enabler. and whatever direction theological education goes, we must Hence, three images of ministry emerge from the primary allow the mission of the church as the people of God to be images of the church presented in the doctrinal state­ the governing factor. Ufe must remember the difference bet­ Manual ment: 1) Pastor/Priest; 2) Prophet; 3) Equipper/Enabler. ween cutting down trees and building the Kingdom! PASTOR/PRIEST . . . Pastor/priest promotes unity within IMAGES OF THE CHURCH: the congregation as a representative or symbol of the life and identity of the entire community. The pastor “represents” the IMPLICATIONS FOR MINISTRY congregation in times of personal crisis, not because lay per­ sons are incapable of such care, but because he is a “community by Edwin H. Robinson, Nazarene Theological Seminary person,” personifying the ministry of the whole congregation, the royal priesthood (I Peter 2:9). The pastor/priest promotes . . . It is my opinion that we have adopted, mostly un­ unity as he calls the community to authentic Christian wor­ consciously, contemporary economical, organizational, and in­ ship by painting a picture of the holy, by proclaiming the stitutional images of the church that have contributed to the authoritative message of the gospel, by bringing memory of confusion of ministerial expectation and roles such as en­ the story through scripture, creed, proclamation, and sacra­ trepreneur, fund-raiser, chief executive officer, curriculum ment. The pastor/priest promotes community as he calls the writer, charismatic orator, architect, and master plumber. As community to authentic Chrisitan living among themselves the world in which local parish ministry occurs changes rapidly, and among the world by true service, justice, intimacy, and so the concepts of ministry also change. Change is not inherent­ faith. Simply stated, the pastor/priest is to be a community ly detrimental, but this rapidity of change without some essen­ person and, as such, an instrument of community building in tial understandings of what ministry is has precipitated a the cultural context in which social communities are being “noise” of prescriptions for ministry that may not be grounded destroyed.

A Journal o f Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 41 1 North American Educators

PROPHET . . . In the midst of an apathetic culture in tinuing clergy education must take a hard look at what we can which persons feel little and suffer even less, the need of a do to provide some clarity. I do not harbor lofty dreams of pastoral ministry that prophetically proclaims the passion of solving the problems of unclear expectations. As long as more God is crucial. This cultural apathy grows in proportion to than one person serves on a church board, the expectations an increasing feeling of being controlled by events and will vary. . . . I suggest the following educational implications authorities who render the people helpless and hopeless. The for clarifying the images of parish ministry: feeling in modern society that systems are so large and omni­ 1. Persons preparing for parish ministry must have some sense potent that nothing can be done renders status quo as accept­ of a macro-perspective of ministry. . . . The key is integration able and injustice as inevitable. of the parts into some awareness of the whole. . . Perhaps we Apathy is not a characteristic of the people of the covenant, need to make space and time in our curriculum for reflecting called to live out the story in the character of God, both in on the understanding of the components and integrating them His power and in His suffering. But such a people requires into an understanding of the whole. . . . A macro-perspective pastor/prophets versed in the story themselves, skilled enough is essential if the minister is to understand who he/she is called to tell it with passion, and resolute enough to persevere in tell­ to be, regardless of the parish, and to survive the crucible of ing it, knowing it will cause suffering (perhaps even personal mixed pastoral expectations in that setting. rejection) and corporate judgment. . . . 2. Persons preparing for ministry should understand issues EQUIPPER/ENABLER The image of the equip­ of community development as they relate to the “confessing per/enabler is perhaps the most prominent in the modern community.” The issues of congregational identity, authority, pastoral dictionary. The image finds its locus in Ephesians story, vision, and shared life might become the rubric around 4:11-12.1 read very few philosophy statements from seminarians which the integrative task could be structured. The place of that do not have this image as primary. corporate worship, sacrament, rite and ritual, Christian educa­ Ephesians 4 suggests that certain leadership functions were tion, celebration and festival, congregational fellowship, socials established in the New Testament era of the church. The offices and institutional organization, corporate language, and the existed for the equipping of the saints so that all might do the ordering of space all play a role in the formation of persons work of ministry. . . . in Christian community. . . . Institutions of clergy prepara­ tion should, themselves, represent models of community life There is no strong desire on the part of today’s clergy to move in their experience of intimacy, service, justice, creativity, and back to a medieval understanding of priesthood in which the faith. official priests were the only ones called to witness, serve, heal, 3. Persons preparing for ministry must develop an under­ or offer forgiveness. On the contrary, with Luther, we would standing of and appreciation for the “one story,” the gospel. assert that the essence of “called minister” is not essential on­ . . . Biblical studies that facilitate an understanding of the tological. It is relational (whom it serves) and functional (what greater story of the scriptures should be encouraged. Biblical it does for those it serves). Ordained ministry is not a status. theology must bear the task of pointing toward the whole It is a function. . . . rather than impartially delineating the various theological It is in this ordained function that the parish minister themes with the biblical record. Systematic/constructive operates to enable, equip, and empower the church to fulfill theology must bear responsibility for placing the whole of its call to preach, evangelize, witness, teach, heal and serve. special revelation in terms of the story. Biblical exegesis courses This is the church’s mandate for ministry that all Christians should continually call the exegete back to the largest share. Their enhancement, equipment, and empowerment is framework of the gospel. Practical techniques of small group accomplished through the means of teaching, training, caring, Bible study should encourage the leader to continually place communing, worshipping, envisioning, etc.—the holistic func­ the individual passage in the context of the whole of the biblical tions of pastoral/priestly/prophetic ministry. . . . revelation. One thing is clear for me as I have studied these images. No 4. Persons preparing for ministry must consider the relation­ single image will suffice for describing the role of parish ship of ordained ministry as a representative of the whole com­ ministry. The fmages of pastor/priest, prophet, equipper must munity and the whole faith community as ministers. Why be exist in creative tension and complementarily for an adequate ordained? The question is not absurd to the young people be­ understanding of ministry. . . . ing called to myriad ministries that do not require ordination. Just as the church cannot adequately be described by a single . . . With the current trend toward highly structured lay image, so the nature of ministry cannot be so described. But ministry programs, it is imperative that clergy understand their the multiple images are not without mutual connection. They role in relationship to the many lay pastors. Theological must be allowed to operate on and with each other to portray faculties must assist clergy to understand this relationship a holistic understanding of the roles, competencies, and ob­ theologically, historically, and functionally. jectives of the parish minister. 5. Persons preparing for ministry must be strongly encouraged IMPLICATIONS FOR CLERGY PREPARATION to make pastoral education a lifelong effort. 'Xfe often expect Since confusion exists in the minds of both clergy and con­ too much from the initial task of clergy preparation. As those gregation concerning the expectations of today’s parish of you who are involved in this portion of the task know, there minister, those of us involved in the task of initial and con­ is no way to develop every foundational understanding and

42 GROW/Fall 1991 functional competency needed for ministry in any under­ or experience seems to make little difference. For all of them graduate or graduate program. Time limitations and lack of there is a struggle to interpret what is taking place in their lives. learning readiness force much of the development of pastoral This discussion also seems important in light of reports of competence to take place following graduation from our in­ declining enrollments in religion departments and fewer tradi­ stitutions. The complexities of localized ministry mandate con­ tional college age students feeling called to pastoral ministry. tinuing education for clergy. Perhaps the initial preparation The language long used in our tradition to speak of a ministerial for ministry should entail foundational understanding and calling, “called to preach,” is also diminishing as students ex­ basic skills for the beginning pastors such as preaching, pastoral press a desire to “minister,” but not to “be a preacher.” Our care and administration. Mandatory continuing education response to these concerns is critical for the future ministry could then address the issue of developmental skills necessary of the Church of the Nazarene. for changing cultures and a growing pastor. It is surprising that the Church of the Nazarene has not yet required continuing «S t . . education for its clergy. Among professions and ecclesiastical bodies we are unique. CONCLUSION . . . Hopefully, in the search for common understandings in the midst of diverse expectations, the church will reach back into its early history to rediscover more com­ 1 * plete, authentic images of parish ministry. We must learn to ip a , integrate the roles of pastor, priest, prophet, enabler as a part of one whole. Ufe must learn what it means to recapture the * biblical expressions of the Old Testament’s people of covenant in the renewed community of the New Covenant in Christ. Mr m We must learn to see the representative and empowering rela­ Dunnington: “There is a struggle to interpret what is taking tionship of the ordained ministry to the community of place.” ministers. . . . (Our) review of examples from the Old and New These lessons of clearer imagery can only be learned if we Testaments suggests several general observations about the begin with authentic images of the church. These lessons will nature of the call from a biblical perspective: only be retained if we use the language of these images often 1. God’s call comes to different types of people. Moses was enough so they not only become a part of our vocabulary, but likely educated in Pharoah’s courts, but was working as a a part of our daily practice. shepherd when God’s call came from the burning bush. Gideon May parish ministers in the present and those yet to come was a farmer. Isaiah was an aristocrat and political consultant. not be confused as to what it means to be a Christian minister Peter was a fisherman. Matthew was a tax collector. in the 21st century. . . . While we must always try to concep­ 2. The call comes to people in different ways. God’s method tualize ministry relevantly to the time, we must always be is not always the same. Each call seems couched in the historical careful that our conceptualizations do not become expressions circumstances of the recipient. of the kingdom of the times rather than the kingdom of God. 3. The special call of God comes to individuals for varying THE CALL TO THE MINISTRY: purposes. Abram was to move to an unknown land. Joshua BIBLICAL, HISTORICAL AND was to lead a conquest. Amos was to deliver a message outside his homeland. Paul was to proclaim Christ to the Gentiles. PSYCHOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS 4. Though the specifics vary, each call is related to the sav­ ing, redemptive work of God. It is to serve in that cause, to by Don W. Dunnington, formerly from Trevecca identify with that purpose, to work for God in that endeavor. Nazarene College and now Southern Nazarene 5. Each experience of call requires faithful obedience and University. commitment. 6. The call is received in the context of the covenant com­ . . . What is a call? How does it come? How do we come to munity. Those who are called are members of the community the conclusion we are called? What does it mean? Is it for a of faith and serve in relationship to that community. lifetime? What shapes and forms our ideas about a call? 7. Each person is graciously endowed and enabled to fulfill As we think about equipping clergy for the 21st century, we the call despite personal limitations and/or resistance to the must give new consideration to the call in the understanding carrying out of their specific assignment. and experience of those who will serve Christ and the church 8. Biblical personalities were sustained and strengthened dur­ in Christian ministry. Conversation about the idea of calling ing their ministry by an awareness of the call of God upon is important in order to clarify the issue for many of our youth their life. and middle age people who seek to know and do the will of 9. Scriptural evidence is conclusive that Christian ministry God. must have its genesis in a definite, divine call even though the Often when preachers speak publicly about a call to nature of that call will likely vary from person to person. ministry, it comes across as a very neat, clear cut, easily iden­ . . . With calls that are so different, we should be willing tifiable experience. God calls, you hear, you obey. When I talk to admit how potentially difficult it is to precisely define the with students and others who think they might be called, call of God. It is, however, possible to speak about some of however, it never seems quite so simple and settled. Their age the enduring characteristics that mark the call of God to

A Journal o f Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 43 North American Educators Christian service. Robert Schnase, in a recent helpful discus­ missions—save the lost and sanctify the saved—and what wor­ sion of calling, has identified these in a well-organized man­ ship is—the celebration of one’s personal experience of ner: a) God acts first; b) Genuine response; c) Christ the center; salvation. d) Uncertainty and unworthiness; e) Openness to the needs The formation of ministers in this way through their of others; f) Profound joy; g) Personally addressed; h) Outside worship experiences has both strengths and weaknesses. The confirmation; i) Passion; and j) Pattern over time. strengths of persons formed for ministry by experience centered . . . Reflection on the place of the call in the life of ministers worship are (1) their training to lead the celebrations of what has led me to these conclusions: God has done for all who have responded to God’s call; (2) 1. W must reaffirm our understanding that all Christians their willingness to own the emotions as a part of worship; and are called to ministry, while continuing to recognize the im­ (3) their openness to the Spirit’s moving in a service. portance of certain men and women responding to a call to The dangers those equipped for ministry in experienced full-time Christian service in order to fulfill particular func­ tions within the community of believers. 2. Wc must recognize more clearly that God works through the church to provide ministry for the church and the world. . . . This means pastors and other church leaders must be diligent in the search for capable young people upon whom they may lay the challenge of the ministry. 3. The church must be generous in its allowance of how God’s call comes to a person. . . . 4. The church must guard against any form of exploitation of its ministerial candidates. It is not uncommon to discover students seriously questioning their calling who, at some earlier point, when they mentioned to the church that they felt called, were quickly pushed, encouraged and identified as “preachers.” Harris: “What is the relationship between how we educate and how we worship?”

centered worship face are (1) the substitution of emotionalism WORSHIP AS A CATALYST for true emotion; (2) the use of pragmatism in making deci­ FOR MINISTRY sions about worship services rather than exploring the biblical, historical, and theological dimensions of worship; (3) the by Max Harris, Nazarene Bible College mistaking of personal religious experience for license to pro­ mote individual piety so that there is a loss of the corporate dimension of worship and the social dimension of mission; and What is worship like in the Church of the Nazarene as the (4) the unwillingness to pay the price of effective worship plan­ 1990’s begin?. . . If there is a crisis of worship, does it have ning so that the riches of the church’s calendar and of her wor­ any relation to how we have educated the men and women ship resources are pushed aside. . . . who study worship in our religion departments and how they saw worship modeled in the worship services of our schools? CONCERNS . . . As I reflect on my .observations of Nazarene worship, I see a threefold movement or pattern. The first movement 1. Is the threefold movement in Nazarene worship the most is the movement of preparation and covers the time of wor­ biblically and theologically adequate and practically effective ship from the opening words of music until the preacher stands to glorify God, reach the lost, and build up the saints? to preach. The second movement then begins and is the move­ 2. It has been observed that as a church matures its worship ment of preaching. The third movement is normally style tends to move from an emphasis on freedom to an em­ characterized by either an altar call or some response on the phasis on form. Is that happening in the Church of the part of the hearers to the sermon. I will call it the movement Nazarene? Is there any need to give help to our pastors and of response/altar call. people as this transition takes place? If yes, what? 3. . . . As the Church of the Nazarene grows large and older . . . What kind of ministers are formed and what kinds of we find greater diversity in culture, education, and per­ understandings of mission and ministry tend to develop from sonalities. Should we purposely plant congregations or en­ these worship characteristics? I believe Nazarene ministers are courage existing congregations to develop diversity in worship formed by their worship experiences to understand that wor­ that reflects this diversity in the church? ship, mission, and ministry are so nearly synonymous as to 4. What about the increasing number of ethnic churches? basically define who a minister is—the one who preaches and 5. . . . How are we to address the tension that often arises calls to response—what the church does in ministry and at the interface of cultural change and heritage?

44 GROW/ Fall 1991 CHURCH GROWTH Resources Available for the Mid-Size Church TEN STEPS TO BREAKING THE200 BARRIER

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A Study Guide including L aity Ap|

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Br“ * " ’ 9 available. W eme , materials also avatia .. r a n d p ro m o t' o n a poster, ma>*er, These ResourceResources Are Available from Your NAZARENE PUBLISHING HOUSE Post Office Box 419527, Kansas City, MO 64141 PLANNED GIVING ITD Jl

PERCEPTION: REAUTV: Nearly all assets donated Most of the funds to the church through donated through wills wills and trusts supple­ and trusts remain in the ment the General Bud­ local church they get helping finance originated from, Headquarters and World helping to extend its Mission concerns. ministry at home.

Let our staff of well-trained professionals help your congregation maximize its giving potential. With sensitivity and integrity, Planned Giving representatives will help your people utilize their hidden assets.

Call today to schedule a visit from your regional representative.

NNED IVINC

6401 The Paseo • Kansas City, MO 64131 • 1-800-544-8413 First Anaheim District Hispanic Convention Nine Congregations Celebrate

istrict Superintendent churches and missions. About 200 Thomas Goble led the first people attended the conference. Hispanic Convention on the The Anaheim District has nine DAnaheim District on April 20, 1991, at Spanish-speaking congregations, three the Santa Ana Edinger Church. fully organized churches, and six mis­ The program offered spirited singing, sions. The churches are located at Bell fervent prayer, reports from the Gardens (Jaime Torres, pastor), Costa churches, and inspiration from Scrip­ Mesa (Noe Guevara, pastor), and ture. Rev. Raymond Lopez, superinten­ Huntington Park (Orlando dent of the Western Latin District, was Baldelomar, pastor). The missions are the preacher. Department resource located at Anaheim First (Joaquin leaders from the district included Mrs. Rodriguez, pastor), Chino First Evelyn Sutton for NWMS, Rev. Ken (Adolph Perez, pastor), Santa Ana Wilson for Sunday School Ministries, Edinger (Joel Ortiz, pastor), Santa Ana and Rev. Rick Bell for NYI. First (Miguel Cosme, pastor), South The convention’s purpose was to Gate First (pastor to be announced), build fellowship among the Hispanic and Stanton Lighthouse Community churches, to strengthen friendships (Antonio Alvarado, pastor). More among the people, to rejoice in the vic­ than 700 persons attend Nazarene tories, and to accomplish pre-district services each Sunday morning in these assembly planning for the Latin congregations.

ilD!—Para Que el Mundo Conozca

A Journal o f Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship appropriate time ng evangelists ife this year.

people to R e m e m b e r B x M ^ S tS do seized

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Love offering envelopes will be mailed to you in October CHIPP, VERLIN E. (C) 127 S. State St, Indianapolis, IN 46201 •CHIZUM, DENNIS. (R) 53569 C.R. 7 N, Elkhart IN 46514 CHOATE, KIRBY. (R) 201 S. Reagan St, San Benito, TX 78586-3880 CHRISTNER, JACK. (R) 1560 Newark Rd, Mount Vernon, OH 43050 v CHRISTOPHER, CHRIS C. 2251 29th St. S.W, No. 8, Wyoming, Ml ENZANGEIIST’S 49509-2562 CLACK, ROBERT J. (R) 1547 Dublin Ln, No. 2 Escondido, CA 92027 CLARK, RON. (R) 916 N. First St, Boonville, IN 47601 VCLAY D. E. 400 S. Edgewood Rd, Mount Vernon, OH 43050 VCLAY M. E. P.O. Box 526, St Marys, OH 45885 VCLIFT, NORVIE O. 25440 Guitta Ct, Hemet, CA 92344 DIRECTORY •COBB, BILL t TERRI. (R) P.O. Box 761, Bethany. OK 73008 ♦COFFEY REV. i MRS. RUSSELL E. (C) 1841 128th Ave, Hopkins. Ml 49328 EVANGELISM MINISTRIES, CHURCH OF THE CONDRY, CONNIE. (R) 1732 Fish Hatchery Rd, West Columbia. SC 29169 NAZARENE INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS CONGER, DELOSS. (R) 4737 Dresden Ct, Jacksonville, FL 32257 CONRAD, BYRON. (R| 7151 Franusich Ave, Sacramento, CA 95828 COOK, DANNY. (R) 506 N. 6th St, Weatherford, OK 73096-4710 COOK, DAVID. (C) 757 S. Bosart St, Indianapolis. IN 46203 vCOOK, LEON G. 2418 Maple, Wichita, KS 67213 COOPER, DALLAS. (R) P.O. Box 5806, Farmington, NM 87499 A ______•BOGGS, JERRY (R) 203-A Linden Ave, South Point OH 45680 •COOPER, DONALD k DOLORES. (R) 905 State St, Pekin, IL 61554 ABNEY, JOHN K. (R) R.R. 1, Box 214, College Grove, TN 37046 BOHANNON, WILLIAM. (R) 542 Maple St, East Alton, IL 62024 CORESON, KEN & PATTI’S MINISTRIES. (R) HCR 62. Box 26A, •ABRAMS, KATHY (R) Rte. 1, Box 126, Rose Hill, IA 52586 •BOICOURT-SHANK, MARLA. (R) 882 E. 56 Hwy, No. 601, Olathe. Enterprise, OR 97828 •ADAMS, JERRY I ALLENE. (R) 31 N. Tremont St.. Indianapolis. IN KS 66061 vCOTTAM, T. W. 2011 Palm Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80918 46222 ♦BOND, GARY & BETH. (C) 410 S. Clay St, Sturgis, Ml 49091 COVINGTON, NATHAN. (C) 724 W. Knollwood, Broken Arrow, OK ADAMS, VERNON R. (R) 2731 Clintonville Rd, Paris, KY 40361 BOND, RICHARD D. (R) P.O. Box 4444, Overland Park, KS 66204 74011 ADKINS, JEFFREY A. (R) 106 Janet Rd., Marrietta, OH 45750 •BOONE, R. G„ JR. (R) 1196 Westwood Dr, Flint, Ml 48532-2663 vCRABTREE, JAMES C. 3436 Cambridge Or, Springfield, OH 45503 VAGNER, J. C. Rte. 1, Box 2570, Lee, FL 32059 BOQUIST, DOUG & DEBBIE. (R| c/o 16001 Glen Rd, Mount Vernon. CRANDALL V. E. & BARBARA. (C) 11177 S. Indian Lake Dr. E„ ALBRIGHT, WAYNE L (R) RO. Box 184, Chapman, KS 67431 OH 43050 Vicksburg. Ml 49097 vALDRIDGE, DAVID J. 8079 Elmlawn S t N.E., Louisville, OH 44641 vBOSHELL, T. JAMES 318 S. 7th Ave, Paden City, WV 26159 ♦CRANE, BILLY D. (C) Rte. 5, Box 447, Parkersburg, WV 26101 vALLEN, ARTHUR L 2440 Castletower Ln„ Tallahassee, FL 32301 •BOUGH, ALICE. (R) 618 Old Fordge Rd, Valparaiso, IN 46383 vCREWS, H. F. Box 180302, Dallas, TX 75218 •ALLEN, JAMES. (R) 2803 Jonathan, Texarkana, TX 75503 BOWDEN, A L (C) 6760 Belfast Ave, Cocoa, FL 32927 •CRIDER, JAMES & JANET. (R) P.O. Box 284, Shirley, IN 47384 vALLEN, JIMMIE A. 205 N. Murray, No. 244, Colorado Springs, CO •BOWERS, LUCILLE. (C) 701 N. Buchanan, Little Rock, AR 72205 •CROFFORD, DON. (R) 151 Pond Rd, Honeoye Falls, NY 14472 80916 BOYNTON, RICHARD. (C) 6312 E. 98th St, Fishers, IN 46038 •CROFFORD, TODD. (R) Crofford/Parker Ministries, c/o Sarah VANDERSON, GEORGE R. 3335 S. Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL 33803 BRAATEN, DANIEL W. (C) Braaten Family Ministries, c/o Evangelism Parker, Box 42, Bath, NY 14810 ANDERSON, GERALD W. (R) 2451 215th PI. S.W., Brier, WA 98036 Ministries' •CROSWAIT, MILDA (R) 2843 Kinnett Rd, A, Bethel, OH 45106-9464 APPLE, DALE. (R) 1128 S.W. 32nd, Oklahoma City, OK 73109 •BRADFORD, KIM. (R) 3103 Oak Hill Rd, Carrollton, TX 75007-3516 vCURTIS, H. M. 1709 E. 17th, Ada, OK 74820 APPLEBY ROBERT. (R) 13413 Pierce Arrow N.E., Albuquerque, NM •BRALEY PAUL (R) 1878 Lake Hill Cir, Orlando, FL 32818 87112 ♦BRISCOE, JOHN B. (C) Box 78, Canadian, OK 74425 D ______ARCHER, ALFRED N. (R) 1505 N. Linder, Chicago, IL 60651 BROUGH, NICOLAS. (C) 3816 Skyline, El Paso, TX 79904 •DAFOE, RAY. (R) 7873 Hickory, Vicksburg, Ml 49097 •ARCHER, RONALD E. (R) 4304 N. Peniel, Bethany, OK 73008 BROUGH, NORLYN. (R) 3816 Skyline, El Paso, TX 79904 VDAGGETT, TROY J. 189 Edgewood Dr, Hendersonville, TN 37075 AREX DONALD. (C) Arey Evangelism Ministries, RFD 1, Anagance •BROWN, LOWELL (R) 4618 Bostick Cir, Tampa. FL 33634 VDALE, BENNIE. 717 Proctor PI, Midwest City, OK 73110 Ln, Wolfeboro, NH 03894 BROWN, MARK. (C) 6209 W. McArthur Ln, Muncie, IN 47304 ♦DALE, TOM. (C) 911 Florence. Nampa. ID 83686 ♦ARMSTRONG, LEON 1 LINDA (C) c/o 517 McGeorge Dr., Vinton, •BROWN, ROGER N. (C) Box 724. Kankakee, IL 60901 VDANIELS, DR. M. BERT. P.O. Box 75412, Oklahoma City, OK 73147 VA 24179 BROWN, RON. (C) Rte. 2, Box 232-B, Ironton, OH 45638 vDANIELS, M. HAROLD. P.O. Box 470, Littleton, CO 80120 ARMSTRONG, ROBERT W. (R) P.O. Box 187, Skowhegan, ME 04976 BRYANT, GROVER. (R) P.O. Box 200, Carthage, MO 64836-0200 vDARNELL H. E. P.O. Box 929, Vivian, LA 71082 ARTECHE, JR., CARLOS. (R) 12909 Morning Ave., Downey, CA 90242 vBUDD, JAY B. 1385 Hentz Dr, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 vDAWS, LEONARD. 3286 Wyoming Ave, Xenia, OH 45385 ATKINSON, DEAN & PAT. (R) Atkinson Family Crusade, P.O. Box 517, vBURKE, OWEN. 3400 S. Ironwood Dr., No. 196, Apache Junction, DAWSON, JAMES A. (R) R.R. 1. Box 189. Wapakoneta, OH 45895 Newcastle, OK 73065-0517 AZ 85220 vDWTON, WEBSTER. 704 Lafayette Ave, Colonial Heights, VA ♦BURKHALTER, PAT & DONNA. (C) P.O. Box 801, Atlanta, TX 75551 23834 •BURNEM, ANN. (R) 103 New Hampshire Dr, Ashland, KY 41101 B ______v DEBOLT, TED i DOROTHY. 203 Swan Lake Dr, North Fort Myers, BURNES, DONALD E. (R) 1105 Darla Ave, Altus. OK 73521 vBAGGETT, DALLAS. 1313 Fletcher Ave. S.W., Decatur, AL 35601 FL 33917 v BYERS, CHARLES i MILDRED. 2121 S. Ingram Rd, Apt C. •BAILEY, TONY i TRICIA. (C) 207 Edgewood Rd, Eureka, IL 61530 •DECKARD, KENNETH. (R) Gloryroad Quartet, 3229 Washington Springfield, MO 65804 BAKER, HOWARD. (R) 5402 E. 19th St, Indianapolis, IN 46218-4809 Ave, Bedford, IN 47421 BYERS, JOSEPH D. (R) 104 Oak Tara Angus Ct, Charlottesville, VA ♦BAKER, RICHARD C. (C) 3590 Coal Fork Dr., Charleston, WV 25306 DELBRIDGE, GENE. (R) 3340 A St, Washougal, WA 98671 22901 BAKER, SAMUEL (R| 617 East Wood Ave., R a ym o nd *, TX 78580 ♦DELL JIMMY. (C) 4802 E. Mitchell Dr, Phoenix. AZ 85018 BALIS, DONALD E. (R) 120 S. Roberts, El Reno. OK 73036 DENNIS, JAMES A. (JAMIE). (R) 166 N. Sugar St, Chillicothe. OH v BALLARD, DON. 7231 German Creek Park, Memphis, TN 38125 c ______45601 BALLARD, JUNE. (R) 581 Pinecrest Dr., Chadron, NE 69337 CANEN, DAVID. (C) Rte. 2, Box 12B. Adrian. GA 31002 ♦DENNISON, MARVIN E. (C) 1208 S.E. Green Rd, Tecumseh, KS vSALLARD, OLIVER H. 7113 S. Blackwelder, Oklahoma City, OK CANFIELD, DAVID. (C) 503 Short White Oak, Russell, KY 41169 66542 73159 vCANNON, DURWOOD. Rte. 2, Box 280, Gallion, AL 36742 vDEPASQUALE, JAMES. P.O. Box 5462, Bellingham, WA 98227 BAPTISTE, MATHIEU-JEAN. (R) 3715 Eastview Ave., West Palm v CARPENTER, R. W. (Bob). P.O. Box 786, Lamar, CO 81052-0786 DESKINS, GROVER C. (R) 35 Gill Dr, Newark, DE 19713 Beach FL 33404 CARPENTER, VERNON. (R) 5260 Meadowgreen Dr, Colorado DEWEY, KENNETH. (R) Box 636, Rte. 2, Spring Hill, TN 37174 BARNES, JACK. (C) Rte. 1, Box 150-A, Chapel HID, TN 37034 Springs, CO 80919 ♦DICKSON, RICHARD J. (R) Living Way Gospel Team, 821 Lonsvale v BARNES, PAUL E. 405 Christopher Cir, Fort Valley, GA 31030 •CASWELL GERALD. (R) 2258 Wise Rd, North Canton, OH 44720 Dr, Anderson, IN 46013 VBARTZ, JAMES. 3006 Euclid Ave., No. 9, Helena, MT 59601 vCAYTON, JOHN. 16 Southworth St, Lakeville, MA 02347 vDISHON, CLARENCE. 2555 Carmine Rd, Venice, FL 34293 BASS, WARREN G. (R) 801 Central Ave., Roanoke, AL 36274 CERRATO, R. J. (R) 11210 Cherry Ct, No. 52-C, Palos Hills, IL 60465 vDISHON, MELVIN. 936 Shive Ln, Lot 184, Bowling Green, KY 42101 •BEHA, LUCILLE A. (R) 3908 Ninth Ave., Parkersburg, WV 26101 vCHALFANT, MORRIS. 860 Bunker Hill, Bourbonnais, IL 60914 vDIXON, GEORGE 4 CHARLOTTE, c/o Evangelism Ministries' BELZER, DAVE It BARBARA. (C) Box 32. Miller. SO 57362 vCHAMBERLAIN, DOROTHY H. Rte. 21, Box 28. Mobile Park, DOCTORIAN, SAMUEL (R) 2020 Kinclair Dr, Pasadena, CA 91107 BENDER, TIM. (C) The Tim Bender Family, 1278 Smith Chapel Rd, Carmichaels, PA 15320 DODDS, JOHN. (R) 272 Jack Oak Rd, St. Marys, OH 45885 Shelbyville, TN 37160 vCHAMBERS, LEON t MILDRED. 218 Regan Dr, Magnolia, MS •DODDS, LARRY W. (R) Rte. 5, Box 385, Burlington, IA 52601 •BENNETT, ROBIN. (R) 2899 Eldon Dr., Uniontown, OH 44685 39652 DODGE, KENNETH L. (C) 1150 W. Winton Ave, No. 221. Hayward. CA vBERRIAN, HAROLD F 186 Highland Ave, Pennsville, NJ 08070 v CHANDLER, WILLIAM. 705 Meadow Lark Ln, Durant, OK 74701 94545 •BERRY, CHARLES. (R) 2524 Brierwood Dr, Albany, GA 31705 •CHANEY BARBARA. (C) 4070 Monza Or, Richmond, VA 23234 •DOLE, VERA. (R) 22210 Salt Fork Rd, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025 •BERTOLET, GRACE. (C) 2770 S. Garden Dr, Bldg. 21, No. 308, Lake VCHANEY REEFORD. 4070 Monza Dr, Richmond, VA 23234 •DOOLITTLE, KEVIN. (C) 886 N. Main St. Ext, Meadville, PA 16335 Worth, FL 33461 vCHAPMAN, W. EMERSON i LOIS. Rte. 1, Box 87, Miltonvale, KS DOROUGH, WILLIAM M. (R) 219 Oak Hills Dr, Mabank, T X 7 5 1 4 7 •BICKFORD, BERNADETTE. (R) 1521 S. Harrison St, San Angelo, 67466 •DOWNING, ANN. (C) Box 767, Hendersonville, TN 37075 TX 769014322 CHASE, FRANK. (R) Lake Country, Box 25, Mannford, OK 74044 DOWTY, PAUL (R) Rte. 3, Box 741, Broken Bow, OK 74728 BIRD, LANCE. (R) 1001 Laurel Hills Ct, Haines City, FL 33844 ♦CHEATWOOD, HENRY i PHYLLIS. (C) Rte. 4. Box 96, Kissee Mills, DRESSLER, R. H. (C) Box 750177, Duncan, OK 73573 ♦BLUE, DAVID & DANA. (C) P.O. Box B. Bradenton Beach, FL 34217 MO 65680 DRYE, J. T. (C) 5130 Trinity Church Rd, Kannapolis, NC 28081 BLYTHE, ELLIS G. (R) 7731 S.W. 10th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32607 CHENAULT, WILLIAM D. (R) 6980 Woodcrest Dr. Greenfield. IL 46140 DUNCAN, HERSCHEL (R) 350 Birch Dr, Charlestown, IN 47111 BOCK, DON. (C) Box 412, Washington Court House, OH 43160 •CHILDS WAYNE t CHERI. (R) 244 Buddy Ln., Camby, IN 46113 DUNLAP, BARRY L. (R) 5698 Pennock Pt Rd, Jupiter, FL 33458-3459 •DUNMIRE, RALPH & JOANN. (C) 202 Garwood Dr, Nashville, TN 37210 DUNN, DON. (C) P.O. Box 132, Bartlett. OH 45713 (C) Commissioned (R) Registered ♦Preacher & Song Evangelist *Song Evangelist DUTTON, BARRY i TAVIA (C) P.O. Box 119, Clarksburg, MD 20871 VRetired Elders in Evangelism 'Evangelism Ministries, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131 E ______An adequate budget for evangelism at the beginning of each church year is imperative for each congregation. •EBY, PAUL & MARTHA (R) P.O. Box 100924, Nashville, TN 37224 A revival savings account is useful in building toward adequate support fo r the evangelist. •EDWARDS, BOBBY (R) 1080 Jameson Ct. New Castle, IN 47362 EDWARDS, CHARLES. (C) 19924 Teresa Way, Cerritos, CA 90701 ♦EDWARDS, TERRY k JANICE. (R) P.O. Box 1393, Bethany, OK V HAWKINS, RAY. 1615 Kickapoo, Pueblo, CO 81001 KONKLE, MICHAEL C. (R) 2576 E. 200 S, Anderson, IN 46017 73008 HAYES, ALVIN a (R) 15812 W. 129th St, Olathe, KS 66062 vKRATZER, RAYMOND C. 4305 Snow Mountain Rd, Yakima, WA •EIFERT, FRANK k JO. (R) 18424 Dakota Rd, Odessa, FL 33556 HAYNES, CHARLES k MYRT. (C) P.O. Box 3563, Cleveland, TN 98908 vELLER, OSCAR H. 1400 Bill Carroll Dr, Norman, OK 73071 37320-3563 VELLIOTT, CLELL B. Rte. 2, Box 90A, Franklin Furnace, OH 45629 HEATON, K. D. (C) 14 Martinsburg Rd, Apt. A, Mount Vernon, OH L ______vEMRICK, C. ROSS. 8000 M-68, Alanson, Ml 49706 43050 LAING, GERALD k MARCINE. (C) 11436 East St, Vicksburg, Ml •ESSELBURN, MIRIAM. (C) 28241 S.R. 60 N„ Warsaw, OH 43844 HECKATHORN, JIM. (C) 713 Lake Lowell Ave, Nampa. ID 83686 49097 EVERMAN, WAYNE. (R) 109 Cox St, Stanton, KY 40380 •HELMS, GLORIA. (C) 305 S. First St, Box 384, Van Buren, IN 46991 vLAMBERT, J. WILMER. 710 Chaffin Ridge, Columbus, OH 43214 vHENDERSHOT, HARVEY. 629 Lakeview Cir, Mount Juliet TN 37122 LAWSON, WAYNE. (C) c/o Evangelism Ministries' vHERMON, THOMAS M. 936 Ave. T S.E, Winter Haven, FL 33880 LAXSON, KIP. (C) 675 Harding PI, G-6, Nashville, TN 37211 F ______vHESTER, JAMES C. 1 Red Oak Ct, Mansfield. TX 76063 •LAXSON, WALLY 4 GINGER. (C) Rte. 3, Box 122, Athens, AL 35611 ♦FADER, WES k MARY (C) Rte. 17, Box 310, Quail Ridge Dr, vHICKE, S. F. 4923 Forest Ct, Oak Forest, IL 60452 LEAF- JOHN D. (R) Rte. 1, Box 300, Dover, OH 44622 Salisbury, MD 21801 HICKS, JOHN DAVID. (C) 240 Daniels St, McMinnville, OR 97128 ♦LECKRONE, LARRY (C) 403 E. Main, Morenci, Ml 49256 VFARLOW, T. J. Box 1145, Robertsdale, AL 36567 ♦HIGGINS, CHUCK k MARGE. (C) 8471 N. 54th Ln, Glendale, AZ LEIDY, ARNOLD G. (C) PO. Box 124, Moriarty, NM 87035 v FARRIS, A A. 1503 Orchard Ct, Science Hill, KY 42553 85302 v LEONARD, J. C. 1410 Armory, Chariton, IA 50049 FARRIS, GARY E. (R) 113 Christian Ave, Corbin, KY 40701 VHILDIE, DWAYNE W. 3323 Belaire, Cheyenne, WY 82001 LEONARD, LARRY L (R) 6910 Interbay Blvd., No. 2. Tampa, FL FAULK, A RAY. HC 67, Box 872, Many, LA 71449 V H ILL WILLIAM G. k KATHRYN. 6600 Hitter Rd, No. 2, C irc le * , V 33616-2637 •FELKNER, MR. k MRS. BUTCH. (R) 173 Heartz, Coppell, TX 75019 OH 43113 vLESTER, FRED R. 7404 E. Ed Rice, Mesa, AZ 85208 •FIGHTMASTER, ANTHONY. (R) 198 Convent Bourbonnais, IL HINES, RAYMOND L (R) Box 114, Nocatee, FL 33864 ♦LIDDELL R L. (C) 3530 W. Allen Rd, Howell, Ml 48843 60914 vHINKLE, FRED C. Rte. 1, Box 102, Tishomingo, OK 73460 vLISTON, CLARENCE D. P.O. Box 23576, Tuscon, AZ 85734 v FILES, GLORIA R. 1102 N. Peniel Ave, Avon Park, FL 33825 HINNEN, WILLIAM. (R) 2107 Kirby Lee, Waco, TX 76712 VLITTLE, HAROLD N. 7045 S.W. Hyland Way, Beaverton, OR 97005 FINCHUM, JAMES. (R) 155 Hillside Ave, Lake Placid, FL 33852 •HISE, RON. (R) 2035 Hancock, Demotte, IN 46310 vLIVINGSTON, W. B. P.O. Box 1177, Bristow, OK 74010-1177 vFISHER, CLAIR H. RD 1, 103 Valley View Rd, Phoenixville, PA HOECKLE, WESLEY W. (R) 642 Vaky, Corpus Christi, TX 78404 vLOCKARD, W. DAYTON. Rte. 2, Box 250, Charleston, WV 25314 19460 HOLDER, SYBIL (R) 249 Winthrop St, Brooklyn, NY 11225 LOHR, DONALD. (C) P.O. Box 7056, Charleston, WV 25356 FLEMMING, FLOYD O. (R) 1192 Roosevelt Dr, Sherrodsville, OH HOLLOWELL JERRY. (R) P.O. Box 2, Paris, TX 75460 LOMAN, LANE. (C) 137 Timber Ridge Dr, Nashville, TN 37217 44675 v HOLLOWAY WARREN O. 657 Woodstream Rd, Effingham, SC LORD, RICHARD. (R) 830 Koln Ct, Palm Bay, FL 32907 FLETCHER, RAY (R) Box 6225, Elgin, OK 73538 29541 •LORENZEN, LINDA. (C) Rte. 3. Box 231A, Blanchester, OH 45107 FOSTER, A. 0. (R) 1017 N. 20th St, St. Joseph, MO 64501 HOLSINGER, MARK. (C) 9231 E. Aero Dr, Pico Rivera. CA 90660 LOUGHRIDGE, WILLIAM. (R) Rte. 2, Box 38, Wister, OK 74966 vFOSTER, HALLIE1 MARTHA P.O. Box 375, Stonington, IL 62567 vHOLSTEIN, J. TED. 11619 Hanover Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45240 LOVE, ROBERT. (R) 6425 Nanette, Colorado Springs, CO 80907 vFOSTER, J. R 1805 N. Union, Decatur, IL 62526 HOOTS, BOB. (C) 309 Adair St, Columbia, KY 42728 •LOVING, BECKY. (R) 1101 S. Park Rd, Texarkana, TX 75503 •FOSTER, MARY. (R) 1805 N. Union, Decatur, IL 62526 •HORNE, ROGER k BECKY. (R) P.O. Box 17496, Nashville, TN 37217 LYBARGER, EVERETT. (C) P.O. Box 1534, Conway, AR 72032 vFOWLER, IRA E. Rte. 3, Box 345, Hollywood, MD 20636 vHOUSE, JOHN W. 2503 Division St, No. 200, North Little Rock, AR FRANK, RICHARD A. (C) c/o Evangelism Ministries' 72114 •FRASER, WILMA (R) 305 High St, Brilliant OH 43913 vHOWARD, DICK. 7901 N.W. 28th Terr, Bethany, OK 73008 M ______vHUBARTT, LEONARD. 8612 Timbermill PI, Fort Wayne, IN 46804 FREEMAN, MARY ANN. (R) P.O. Box 129. Gas City. IN 46933 MACK, WILLIAM M. (C) 106 Youpon Dr, Hubert, NC 28539 •FREY, DONALD. (R) The Frey Family, 509 Sturgis Ave, Sturgis, Ml HUBBARD, JEFFIE. (R) 3213 W. Ave. T, Temple, TX 76504 MADDEN, JOSEPH. (R) 704 Golden Arrow Dr, Miamisburg, OH 45342 HUGHES, JOYCE. (C) 4524 Ashland City Hwy, Clarksville, TN 37043 49091 •MADDOX, HOMER k MARTHA. (R) 1917 Wilkens St, Indianapolis. HUNDLEY JOHN D. (C) PO. Box 764, Nashville, GA 31639 VFRODGE, HAROLD. Rte. 1, Geft, IL 62842 IN 46221 VFULTON, CECIL 6413 Gateridge Cir, Garland, TX 75043 v HURRY, CECIL P. P.O. Box 667, Lynn, IN 47355 •MAHANEY, PATRICIA. (R) 511 Hollyhock Cir, Patterson, CA 95363 HUXMAN, MILTON. (R) 215 Iris St, Broomfield, CO 80020 MANER, ROBERT E. (C) P.O. Box 675, Fitzgerald, GA 31750 vMANGUM, PAUL D. 416 Ivy St, Nampa, ID 83686 G . I ______MANLEY, STEPHEN k DELPHINE. (C) Box 522, Upland, IN 46989 •GABEL JIM. (R) 5028 Burma Rd. W, Mobile, AL 36693 VICE, CHARLES k BETTY. 702 S. Malcolm, Chanute, KS 66720 ♦MANN, THURL k MARY KAY. (C) 90 Sycamore Ln, Route 24, Fort vGADBOW, CLINTON. 49 Julie Ln, St. Peters, MO 63376 VIDE, CHARLES. 1796 52nd S.E, Grand Rapids, Ml 49508 Myers, FL 33908 GADBOW, DONALD C. (R) 49 Julie Ln, S t Peters, MO 63376 INGLAND, WILMA JEAN. (C) 1170 Princeton Rd, Monroeville, PA vMARLIN, BENJAMIN F. P.O. Box 5572, Deltona, FL 32728 GALVEZ, MARCO. (R| 316 N. Lincoln (Rear), Barnesville, OH 43713 15146 vMARSH, A. MILTON. P.O. Box 234, Remington, IN 47977 GAMBLIN, C. LEE k WILMA. (R) P.O. Box 1245, Ottumwa, IA 52501 VMARTIN, LEON. Rte. 3, Box 242A, Bonham, TX 75418 GARDNER, JOHN M. (C) 4102 Carlisle Rd, Lakeland. FL 33813 J ______MARTINEZ, JOSE M. (R) 4794 Poseidon PI, Lake Worth, FL 33463 GAWTHORP, WAYLAND. (C) Rte. 1, Box 97AA, Crowley, LA 70526 MATTER, DAN k ANN. (R) 2617 Carew St, Fort Wayne, IN 46805 JACK, GLORIA JEANNE. (R) 2009 Fort Harrods Dr, Lexington, KY vGERBIG, BERNICE ROEDEL. 315 N. 8th St, Boonville, IN 47601 vMAX, HOMER L Rte. 3, Box 217, Knoxville, IA 50138 40513 •GESSNER, DON k SHIRL (C) 103 N. 8th St, Sunbury, PA 17801 VMAY JOHN. Rte. 1, Box 17-SG, Colliers, WV 26035 •JACKSON, PAUL k TRISH. (C) Jetstream Ministries, Box 739, vGHOLSON, LAWRENCE. 2918 Berkshire Dr, Mesquite, TX 75150 MAYO, CLIFFORD. (C) P.O. Box 345, Dickens, TX 79229 Meade, KS 67864 GINTER, TIMOTHY (R) 60 N. Huron St, Belleville, OH 44813 vMAZE, KENNETH, Rte. 9, Box 102, Parkersburg, WV 26101 JACKSON, THOMAS. (R) Rte. 1, Box 242, Flemingsburg, KY 41041 GOLAY, GEORGE. (R) 4450 Midway Dr. N.W, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405 McADAMS, DOUGLAS D. (R) 101 Summers Rd, Rogers. AR 72756 vJAGGER, MARVIN W. 29446 Country Rd. P5, Deloris, CO 81323 vGOODLETT, NELSON C. Rte. 2, Box 400, Sallis, MS 39160 ♦McCALLIE, JAMES. (R) HC 80, Box 184, Helton, KY 40840 vJAMES, R. ODIS. 323 Winter St, St. James, MO 65559 GOODWIN, LESLIE. (R) 12181 Rich, Loveland, OH 45140 McCANDLESS, MARION L (C) P.O. Box 97, Midway City, CA 92655 JANTZ, ORLANDO. (R) HCR1. Box 185, Minneola, KS 67865 •GORDON, BOB. (C) 1628 Rutland Dr, No. 21, Austin, TX 78758-6003 MCDONALD, CHARLIE E. (C) 920 W. Olive St, West Monroe. LA ♦JANTZ-OWENS, MARJORIE. (C) P.O. Box 6864. Kokomo, IN •GORMAN, CHARLES AND ANN. (R) 12104 Linkwood Ct, Louisville, 71291 46904-6864 KY 40229 v MCDONALD, G. RAY 720 Carroll Wood Village, Apt. 305, Gretna, JAYMES, RICHARD W. (R) 617 W. Gambier, Mount Vernon, OH 43050 GOULD, LOREN W. (C) 4479 Hialeah Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23464 LA 70056 •JEFFRIES, JEFF k JAN (R) 21308120th S t E, Apt B, Bonney Lake, ♦GRABKE, RONALD 1 MARTHA. (C) 225 Pleasantview Dr, Brain­ v McDOWELL DORIS M. 540 Sierra Madre Blvd., No. 6, Sierra WA 98390 tree, MA 02184 Madre, CA 91024 vJENNINGS, LEON. 7107 N.W. 30th Terr, Bethany, OK 73008 vGRANT, COOLIDGE. P.O. Box 31, Glens Fork, KY 42741 McELFRESH, RONALD. (C) 1964 Osage Cir, Olathe. KS 66062 vJENNINGS, PAUL R. 722 N.W. 32nd, Lawton, OK 73505 VGRAY, C. PAUL. 4016 Riverside Dr, Bethany, OK 73008 vMcELVEEN, ROLAND T. 667 Powell St, Rock Hill, SC 29730 •JEWETT, LARRY k PATRICIA. (R) 1441 Robin Hood Dr, Seymour, ♦GREEN, JIM k ROSEMARY. (C) Box 385, Canton, IL 61520 McGUFFEY, JAMES. (R) 1580 Cape Charles Ct, Cicero, IN 46034 IN 47274-1949 •GREEN, SHARON. (R) The Gospel Sounds, P.O. Box 66, Lithopolis, •McKinnon, juanita. (C) b o x 126. institute, wv 25112 JOHNSON, ALBERT. (R) Rte. 2, Box 217, Kenbridge, VA 23944 OH 43136-0066 McMAHON, MICK k HELEN. (R) Victory Ministries, c/o Evangelism JOHNSON, BOB. (R) 3135 Oro Blanco, Colorado Springs, CO 80917 GREENE, KYLE L (R) 2838 Pennsylvania St, Evansville, IN 47712 Ministries' v JOHNSON, COMER, P.O. Box 668, Excel, AL 36439 GRIBBEN, GEORGE. (R) 1 Parkview Or, Mount Vernon, OH •McNISH, PHYLLIS. (R) 4527 N.W Geronimo Tr, Topeka, KS 66618 JOHNSON, DONALD EUGENE. (R) Box 196, Ogden, IL 61859 43050-1972 McWHIRTER, STUART. (C) P.O. Box 458, Corydon, IN 47112 v JOHNSON, EVERETTE A. 410 Pargoud Dr, Monroe, LA 71202 GRIMM, HUGH. (R) 5845 Kentview Ave. N.W, North Canton, OH 44720 VMEADOWS, NAOMI C. 2626 Washington Ave, Lot 65, Vincennes, ♦JOHNSON, RON. (C) 3208 Eighth St. E, Lewiston, ID 83501 •GRINDLEY, GERALD k JANICE. (R) 414 W. Oliver, Owosso, Ml IN 47591 vJONES, BERT. 1926 Lakeside Dr, Erie, PA 16511 48867 VMEEK, WESLEY E. 5713 S. Shartel, Oklahoma City. OK 73109 JONES, GRACE L (C) P.O. Box 251, Leming, TX 78050 GRINDLEY RONALD E. (R) 1910 Trailwinds Ct, Grove City, OH 43123 MEENACH, CHRIS. (R) Rte. 2, Box 80A, Franklin Furnace, OH 45629 ♦JONES, TERRY k LAQUITA. (C) 2002 Judy Ln, Pasadena, TX GROVES, C. WILLIAM. (C) 3986 Cypress Ave, Grove City, OH 43123 •MEHR, BETHANY. (R) Box 37, South Lyon, Ml 48178 77502 •MELICK, RANDY. (R) 8705 Countryshire, No. 1. Kansas City, MO •JONTE, JOHN. (R) 3905 N.W. 56th PI, Oklahoma City, OK 73112 64138 JORDAN, JOSEPH R. (C) 42 W. Hunter St, Logan, OH 43138 H ______MELVIN, DOLORES. (C) HC 60, Box 224, Greenup, KY 41144 JUNEMAN, JOHN. (R) 11125 E. 27th St, No. 3, Independence, MO •HAAS, MR. 4 MRS. M. WAYNE. (C) 3508 S. 10th St, New Castle, •MEREDITH, DWIGHT NORMA JEAN. (C) 315 E. 8th St, Box 1. 64052 k IN 47362 Harper, KS 67058 ♦JUSTICE, MEL k DONNA. (C) 2253 Bristol Rd, Columbus. OH ♦HAINES, GARY (C) c/o Evangelism Ministries' VMEYER, VIRGIL k DOROTHY. 3112 Willow Oak Dr, Fort Wayne, IN 43221-1203 HALL, CARL N. (R) 2009 Cindy Cir, Palm Harbor, FL 34683 46809 HALL DAVID. (R) 3220 N. Wildan, Springfield, MO 65803 MICHAEL RANDOLPH. (R) 2001 Sunvale Dr, Olathe, KS 66062 VHALL HADLEY A. 2105 Juniper Dr, Plant City, FL 33566 K ______vMICKEY, BOB. 504 N. Sixth, Umar, CO 81052 HANCE, LAWRENCE R. (R) RR 1, Box 182, Lewistown, IL 61542 KEENA, EARL (C) 2160 D St, Oroville. CA 95966 MILBURN, GARY (R) 6496 Poling Ln„ Frederick, MO 21702 HANCOCK, TIM (R) 416 S. Edgewood Rd, Mount Vernon, OH 43050 KEETO, MARSHALL (R) P.O. Box 158, Mentmore, NM 87319 MILEY, TROY J. (R) 102 Nazarene Dr, South Charleston, WV 25309 •HANKINS, GEORGE W. (C) 3 E. Buttonwood St. Wenonah, NJ KELLER, GREG k SUE. (R) Keller Evangelistic Ministries. C/O Rev. vMILLER, NETTIE A 131314th St, Apt 801, Columbus, GA 31994 08090 H. O. Grimm, 121 Gardendale Cir, Chester, SC 29706 vMILLER, PAULINE 0 .307 S. Delaware St, Mount Gilead. OH 43338 vHARCOURT, HAROLD C. 1301 Newbury Dr, Norman, OK 73071 vKELLY R. B. 4706 N. Donald, Bethany, OK 73008 MILLER, RICHARD S. (R) 10070 W. Rudasill Rd, Tucson, AZ 85743 HARRINGTON, MILTON. (C) 4005 Little Rock Dr, North Highlands, CA •KIDDER, KERMIT. (R) 516 Flamingo Dr, Lakeland. FL 33803 MILLHUFF, CHUCK. (C) Box 160, Olathe, KS 66061 95660 vKING, J. HARMON. 3001 24th Ave, Valley, AL 36854 MILLS, CARLTON A. (C) P.O. Box 260728, Tampa, FL 33685-0728 V HARRISON, JOHN L. P.O. Box 135, Wister, OK 74966 ♦KIZZEE, JOHN. (R) 801 Kingsbury Dr, Junction City, KS MITCHELL MARCIA L (R) 835 Valencia, Walla Walla, WA 99362 HARRISON, ROBERT. (R) 7215 Acacia, Leander, TX 78641 66441-3955 •MOATS, MARILYN. (R) 617 W. Oak St. Carmi, IL 62821 ♦MONCK, JIM. (C) 971 Madrone Ave, Chico, CA 95926 vROBERTSON, JAMES H. 1516 W. Pioneer, Arlington, TX 76014 vTHOMAS, HOYLE C. P.O. Box 72, Nampa, ID 83653-0072 MONK, GARY W. (R) 279 Bossieux Blvd., Melbourne, FL 32904-4903 ROBISON, ROBERT. (R) Heaters, WV 26627 vTHOMAS, J. MELTON. 3619 Skyline Dr, Nampa, ID 83686 •MOORE, GARY H. (R) 14915 Quivira Rd, Olathe, KS 66062 vROEBUCK, L H. 1280 Lakeview Rd, Lot 241, Clearwater, FL 34616 THOMPSON, L DEAN. (R) 508 Timberlane, Carl Junction, MO 64834 MOORE, NORMAN. (C) Box 1630, Chandler. AZ 85244 vROGERS, WARREN A. c/o Josephine Dukes, 3215 Adeline, Oak­ •THOMPSON, ROBERT 4 TERESA. (R) P.O. Box 21467, Chat­ MOORE, RUDOLPH. (C) P.O. Box 56, Fortville, IN 46040 land, CA 94608 tanooga, TN 37421 V MORGAN, EARL L. 494 Meadows Rd. S, Bourbonnais, IL 60914 ROSE, WAYNE. (C) 705 S. Mahaffie, Olathe, KS 66061 ♦THORNTON, REV. 4 MRS. WALLACE. (C) 1200 Grundy Rd, MORGAN, GERALD L. (R) P.O. Box 495. Eaton, OH 45320 ROSSITER, LARRY (R) 9867 Shellbark Ln, Cincinnati, OH 45231 Somerset, KY 42501 MORLEY, FRANK. (C) 4080 Pedley Rd, No. 151, Riverside, CA 92509 ROWE, GENE. (C) P.O. Box 1022, Cherokee, NC 28719 VTHRASHER, OREN D. 2414 High Pine Or, Louisville, KY 40214 vMORRIS, CLYDE. P.O. Box 938, Eleanor, WV 25070 ♦ROYSE, C. E. (R) 2105 Taylor Ave, Racine, Wl 53403 VTOLBERT, WILLIAM A. P.O. Box 85-7935, Port St Lucie, FL 34985 MORRIS, JAMES. (R) 141 Dutch Rd, Charleston. WV 25302 RUARK, JAMES. (R) 2014 Northcliff Dr. N, Columbus, OH 43229 TOLER, WARREN E (C) 99 Old Richmond Rd, Irvine, KY 40336 MORSCH, J. V. (R) 9924 Bay Vista Ests. Blvd.. Orlando. FL 32819 RUNYAN, DAVID W. (C) 419 Butcher, Bethalto, IL 62010 ♦TOOLEY, JIM. (C) 2108 Burlington Rd, Rte. 4, Oskaloosa, IA 52577 MOSER, THOMAS W. (R) 555 Barts Church Rd, Hanover, PA 17331 RUSSELL DOUGLAS J. (R) 3644116th Ave, Edmonton, AB T5W 0W6 •TRAMMEL JERRY. (R) 21 Stanwood Loop, North Little Rock, AR ♦MURPHY MARK. (R) c/o 410 S. Clay St, Sturgis, Ml 49091 CANADA 72118 vMURROW, ROBERT L 1901 Janeen, Yukon, OK 73099 VRUSSELL J. REYNDAL 3809 San Ramon Dr, Arlington, TX 76013 VTRUE, IRA L. 500 W. Santa Maria, No. 77, Santa Paula, CA 93060 ♦MYERS, HAROLD 4 MRS. (C) 575 Ferris N.W, Grand Rapids, Ml TSO, ALVIN. (C) P.O. Box 1541, Page, AZ 86040-1541 49504 TUCKER, RALPH WILLIAM. (R) R.R. 1. Box 55. Woodbine, IA 51579 s ______TURNER, BEVERLY (R) 709 Holbrook, Ubanon, OH 45036 N ______SCHMELZENBACH, DENNIS R. (R) 1713 N. Glade Ave, Bethany, OK ♦TURNOCK, J. JAMES. (R) Rte. 2, Box 365, A-1, Williamsport, MD 73008 21795 vNAJARIAN, BERGE 4 DORIS. PO. Box 50904, Fort Myers, FL SCOTT, SR., DR. WILLIS R. (C) 1926 Tindaro Dr, Apopka, FL 32703 33905-0904 •SCRIVNER, VICKIE. (R) 6527 Garfield Dr, Kansas City, KS u ______vNASH, FORREST. 725 W. Cedar, Olathe, KS 66061 66102-1036 NASH, JACK W. (R) 8840 Oakdale Ave, Northridge, CA 91324 vSELF; ERWIN. 11397 Main St, Vicksburg, Ml 49097 VULMET, ALECK. 63 Hope Dr, Bella Vista, AR 72714 •NAYLOR, EDWARD. (R) 6 Rubydale Gardens. Weston. ON M9L1B3 SEXTON, JACK A. (R) 2615 Ontario St, Cincinnati, OH 45231 UMSTEAD, CLAIR E (R) P.O. Box 7, East Charleston, VT 05833 CANADA •SEYMOUR, KERRY (R) 434 Tresham Rd„ Gahanna, OH 43230 VNEES, L GUY. 181 Lawrence Ln, Kalispell, MT 59901 •SHADE, HAZEL (R) P.O. Box 24368, Huber Heights, OH 45424 V •NEFF, LARRY 4 PAT. (C) 4294 E. Amherst Hernando Beach, FL •SHARP ALBERT. (C) 8760 W. Adams Rd, Elwell. Ml 48832 vVARCE, PAUL H. 621 2nd Ave. N.W, Waverly, IA 50677 32642 •SHEPHERD, WILEY (R) 1324 Gen. MacArthur Dr, Brentwood, TN VAUGHT, DARRYLE L (R) 205 Country Club Ln, Selmer, TN 38375 NELSEN, RONALD. (R) 1107 Orleans, Keokuk, IA 52632 37027 •VERTREES, MARK S. (R) Rte. 1, Box 152, Cunningham, TN 37052 NEWTON, DANIEL (R) P.O. Box 323, Fairland, IN 46126 •SHIREY DWIGHT. (C) 38092 Butcher Rd, Leetonia, OH 44431 VIARS, V. DALE (R) 5896 Karen Ave, Urgo, FL 34644 •NORMAN, DAVID. (R) 12206 Chicot Rd, Mabelvale, AR 72103-2813 SICKENBERGER, ARDEN. (R) 3803 W. Walnut, Yakima, WA 98902 •SIMMONS, IRVIN. (R) 3216 N. Peniel, Bethany, OK 73008 w ______0 ______SIMPSON, EDWIN C. (R) 5 Mallard Dr, Vincenttown, NJ 08088-8570 vSISK, IVAN L. 4327 Moraga Ave,San Diego, CA 92117 •WADE, E. BRUCE. (R) 3029 Sharpview Ln, Dallas, TX 75228 vOLIVER, L S. 5115 N. Carefree Cir, Colorado Springs. CO 80917 vSKILLERN, R. FRANK. 8300 N.W. 10th, No. 40, Oklahoma City. OK ♦WALKER, BRIAN 4 DEBI. (R) P.O. Box 25964, Colorado Springs, vOLIVER, W. CHARLES. P.O. Box 5655, Lakeland, FL 33807-5655 73127 CO 80936 ONEY, HOBERT. (R) 3832 Chah Dr, Zephyrhills, FL 33541 vSLATER, HUGH L 1120 Cedarcliff Dr, Glen Burnie, MD 21061 •WALKER, GENEVA A. (R) 3650 Roswell Dr, Columbus. OH 43227 OWENS, DENNY G. (C) 6802 N.W. 45th, Bethany, OK 73008 v SMITH, C. HASTINGS. Box 937, Bethany, OK 73008 vWALKER, LAWRENCE 4 LAVONNA. Rte. 1, Box 368 B. Interlachen, ♦OYLER, CALVIN 4 VIRGINIA. (C) P.O. Box 727, Wellsville, KS 66092 v SMITH, DOYLE Rte. 2, Box 1050, Wrightsville, GA 31096 FL 32148 ♦SMITH, DUANE. (C) c/o Evangelism Ministries' VWALLACE J. C. P.O. Box 2183, Plant City, FL 33566 SMITH, GEORGE E (R) 9378 Watson Rd, Wolverine. Ml 49799 WALTON, JAMES. (R) 203 E. Bond. Patoka. IL 62875 WARNER, C. LEROY. (R) 926 Summit Ridge Dr, Brandon, FL 33511 P ______VSMITH, HAROLD 4 ORPHA. 3711 Germania Rd, Snover, M l PALMER, NORMAN. (C) 200 W. Branigan Rd, Franklin. IN 46131 4 8 4 7 2 vWATKINS, FRANK. P.O. Box 715, Banning, CA 92220 vWATSON, LOY. 3412 N. Flamingo Ave, Bethany, OK 73008 VPARIS, WENDELL O. P.O. Box 159, Henryetta, OK 74437 ♦SMITH, JERRY 4 BETH. (R) c/o Trevecca Nazarene College, Box vPARSONS, T. O. 4025 Gossett Dr, Wichita Falls, TX 76308 199, Nashville, TN 37210-2877 WEBB, SHARON. (R) P.O. Box 61, Waco, KY 40385 WEBSTER, KENNETH. (R) 5608 G Villas Cir, Montgomery, AL 36116 v PASSMORE, A. A. Passmore Evangelistic Party, P.O. Box 202, ♦SMITH, LARRY (C) 547 Kiely Blvd., No. 4, San Jose, CA 95117 Snydertown, PA 17877 vSMITH, EUGENE 4 LANORA. The Singing Smiths, 205 Drayton St, •WELCH, MRS. DARLENE. (R) 8302 Laveme Dr, Louisville, KY 40299 •PASSMORE, DOROTHY. (C) P.O. Box 202, Snydertown, PA 17877 Winnsboro, SC 29180 VWELCH, FRANCES M. 10338 Carreta Ct, Santee, CA 92071 WELCH, WILLIAM B. (R) 5328 Edith St, Charleston Heights, SC PATTERSON, ROBERT 4 FRANCES. (R) 373 Richlandtown Pk, vSMITH, OTTIS. 60 Grant St, Tidioute, PA 16351 Quakertown, PA 18951 •SMITH, RICKY STERLING 4 JOANN. (R) Rte 2. Box 786, Hawkins, 29418 ♦WELLS, GENE 4 NANCY (C) Rte. 1. Box 174B, T h o m pso n *, IL PEAL DONALD. (C) P.O. Box 518, Rowlett TX 75088 TX 75765 ♦ PENDLETON, JOHN. (R) 1116 S.W. 72nd, Oklahoma City, OK 73139 SNELLGROVE, HENRY G. (R) P.O. Box 713, Lake City, FL32056-0713 62890 WELLS, LINARD. (C) P.O. Box 531527, Grand Prairie, TX 75053-1527 PERDUE, NELSON. (C) 1559 Grimes Ave, Urbana, OH 43078 SNYDER, BILL G. (R) 9935 Columbus-Cincinnati Rd, South PFEIFER, DON. (C) 661 S.R. 220, Piketon, OH 45661 Charleston, OH 45368 WESLEY, E. RUTH. (R) Rte. 1, Box 143, Springport IN 47386 PFEIFER, MARK. (C) 910 Briar Ave, Washington Court House, OH SOMMER, MICHAEL. (R) Mesa Ministries, 6416 Harris, Raytown, MO VWEST, EDNA M. 130 S. Front St, No. 1512, Sunbury, PA 17801 43160 64133 •WHITE JANIE. (C) Rte. 2, Box 775, Hawkins, TX 75765 vPHILLIPS, JACK. P.O. Box 193241, Little Rock, AR 72219-3241 SOUTHERLAND, SAMUEL (R) 4404 Clinton Ave, Jacksonville, FL VWHITWORTH, ARTIE H. P.O. Box 38, Albany, OK 74721 PHILPOT, LARRY. (R) 117 Kay Dr, Middletown, OH 45042 32207-6657 •WHITWORTH, MARCUS 4 DONNA. (C) 2824 Herblo Dr, Burlington. PHIPPS, PAUL M. (R) 3125 Sycamore Ave, North Terre Haute, IN ♦SPEARS, DAN. (C) Visual Ministries. 111 Maple St, Clarksville, AR IA 52601-2108 47805-1817 72830 WILCOX, WALTER. (C) Rte. 2, Oleary, P.EI. COB 1V0 CANADA vPHIPPS, TILLIE. 301 S. Lamar Blvd., Oxford, MS 38655 •SPEER, BROCK. (C) The Speer Family, 5318 Anchoraoe Dr, WILDER, EDD. (R) 3859 Hazelwood, Muskegon, Ml 49444 •PIERCE, CATHERINE. (C) 1427 Meitzler St, Danville, IL 61832 Nashville, TN 37204 VWILKINSON, LLOYD. 2840 18th St, Columbus, IN 47201 vPITTENGER, CLAUDE E. 2027 Woodhue Dr, Spring, TX 77386 v SPORTS, LALA L. Rte. 1, P.O. Box 34, Odum, GA 31555-0034 WILLIAMS, C. PHILIP (R) 259 W. 5th St, Winona, MN 55987 vPITTENGER, TWYLA. 413 N. Bowman St, Mansfield, OH 44903 SPRAGUE, VERNON F (C) Sprague Evangelistic Family, c/o Evan­ vWILLIAMS, E. VERBAL. 39 Bay Crest Dr, Brampton, ON L6Z1H5 CANADA POSEY, WARREN. (C) 433 Monroe St, Fortville, IN 46040 gelism Ministries' •WILLIAMS, EILEEN. (R) 21 Robert E Lee Ln, West Chester, OH V POTTER, HAROLD J. 2926 Randa Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34235 SPURLOCK, W. EARL (R) P.O. Box 1922 Interlachen, FL 32148 ♦POWELL FRANK. (R) 13579 Colter Rd, Caldwell, ID 83605 STANIFORTH, KEN. (C) 44313 Beech Ave, Uncaster, CA 93534-4303 45069 V PRICE, JACK L P.O. Box 395, Waxhaw, NC 28173 vSTANLEY, HARRY T. 1111 Highgate St, Kalamazoo, Ml 49007 vWILLIAMS, JANET S. 1308 Wooten Rd, Colorado Springs, CO vPRICE, ROSS E. 1540 Hiawatha Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80915 •STANTON, TED 4 DONNA. (R) P.O. Box 722, Sarasota, FL 34230 80915 _ •PRINTUR JUANITA. (R) New Address Pending STARK, EDDIE. (C) 6906 N.W. 36th, Bethany, OK 73008 WILLIAMS, LAWRENCE. (C) 6715 N.W. 30th Terr, Bethany, OK 73008 PURSLEY, PHILIP. (R) 334 S. Fork Terrace Rd, Glasgow, KY 42141 STEENSLAND, JUDITH. (R) 1608 Clark. Ames. IA 50010 WILLIAMS, R. T, JR. (C) 326 Elmington Ave, Nashville. TN 37205 VPUTNAM, ROBERT E. 319 Humphrey St, Dracut MA 01826 STEVENSON, GEORGE. (C) 4021 Pebble Dr. S.E, Roanoke, VA 24014 WILSON, ARNO. (R) Higher Ground Retreat Center, 3918 State Rte. 46, West Harrison, IN 47060 STEWART, ORVILLE. (R) R.R. 2, Box 658A, Hawesville, KY 42348 •STONE, LOIS. (R) 10510 Southwest Hwy, Worth, IL 60482 •WILSON, CHARLES. (R) 909 S.W. 45th, Oklahoma City, OK 73109 WILSON, J. BARRY (R) Rte. 4, Box 201, Temple, TX 76501 Q------♦STONE, PAUL. (R) Lakeland Manor, Shell Uke, Wl 54871 WILSON, RONALD. (R) 421 College Hill Ave, Oskaloosa, IA 52577 •QUALLS, MAE. (R| 5441 Lake Jessamine Dr, Orlando, FL 32809 STREET, DAVID. (C) Rte. 1, Ramsey, IN 47166 WOLFORD, JAMES E. 3660 Grace Dr., St. Mary’s OH 45885 STRICKLAND, DICK. (C) 1141 Woodhaven Ct, Springfield. OH 45503 V R ______STROUD, GLENDON D. (R) P.O. Box 638, Auburndale, FL 33823 WOMACK, PAUL W. (R) 2831 Harrison, Quincy, IL 62301 SULLIVAN, DAVID P. (R) 3712 Blackburn Ave, Ashland. KY 41105 WOMACK, ROBERT. (R) 14 Dunham, Texarkana, TX 75503 VRAKER, W. C. 4 MARY 714 E Avenue L. Lewistown, IL 61542 vWOOD, DENVER. 3 E. 41st St, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 v SUMNER, ROBERT L 3005 St. Charles Dr, Tampa, FL 33618 vREAZIN, LAURENCE 4 LEONE. P.O. Box 130162, Tyler, TX 75713 •SUMWALT, JOSEPH 4 VIRGINIA. (R) Box 8, Warren. IN 46792 VWOOLMAN, J. L. P.O. Box 616, Tuttle, OK 73089 REED, DOROTHY. (C) P.O. Box 814, Hannibal, MO 63401 WOOTEN, D. J. (R) P.O. Box 262, Cambridge, MD 21613 v SWANSON, ROBERT L 1102 Glenwood Dr, Yukon, OK 73099 REED, SHERMAN R. (C) 1232 Oakwood Trail, Indianapolis. IN 46260 vWRIGHT, AUSTIN, 1198 Jamaica Rd, Venice, FL 34293 REID, JR, DOUG. (R) 15453 Landon Rd, Gulfport MS 39503 WRIGHT, E. GUY 4 LIL (C) 1531 Cranbrook Dr, Charleston, WV REID, WILLIAM D. (R) 1531 12th St, Tell City, IN 47586 T ______25311 •REISS, MARK. (R) 2000 NSR 23, No. 60, Delaware, OH 43015 TAYLOR, BOB. (C) Box 293038, Dayton, OH 45429-9038 vWYRICK, DENNIS. 603 Reed Dr, Frankfort. KY 40601 •RICHARDS, LARRY 4 PHYLLIS. (C) 2310 Appleton Dr, Indianapolis, TAYLOR, BOBBY L (R) Evangelistic Team, Rte. 1, Box 477-B32, South IN 46227 Shore, KY 41175 V RICKEY, HOWARD. (C) 1827 Stone Rd, Xenia, OH 45385 TAYLOR, CLIFF (C) Family Evangelist. E 619 32nd Ave, Spokane, WA VRIFFLE, BRADY 0 . 4154 Bowman Hill Rd, Huntington, WV 25701 99203 YOUNG, DALE H. (R) 30 Cain Rd, Chelsea, AL 35043 RIGGS, TIMOTHY. (R) P.O. Box 780562, Sebastian, FL 32978-0562 vTAYLOR, EMMETT. 7621 N.W. 25th, Bethany, OK 73008 RISNER, SUSAN L (R) No. 28 Rae Ct. Willard Villa, Willard, OH 44890 vTAYLOR, MENDELL 1716 N. Glade, Bethany, OK 73008 VROBERTS, S. J. 2118 Choctimar Tr, Fort Wayne, IN 46808 TAYLOR, RON. (C) Rte. 1, Box 265, Johnson Rd, Chickamauga, GA ROBERTSON, IAN. (R) 236 E. Walnut No. H, Monrovia, CA 91016 30707 CHURCH GROWTH

I I I To Be Launched The Small Church Institute An Expansion of Church Size Strategies

I I I Introduces... TEACH/RETEACH A National Training Event Where: St. Louis, Mo. When: May 1992 What: Training Sessions

I I Content... Four Growth Lessons Will be taught Will be modeled Menifee Church Shares Holiness Message With Three Groups

New Church Averages Over 100 Each Month

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship Menifee Church Shares Holiness Message enifee Valley Church of the Nazarene is located just two miles from Sun City on the MSouthern California District. Planted in a fast growing section of California, this new church seeks to serve three target groups: the unchurched, young families uprooted from church homes in other areas, and seasoned Nazarenes who have moved from Los Angeles and San Diego. Pastor Rob Altice, when asked to describe the most important part of the Menifee Church story, responded without hesitation, “Sometimes in the beginning, I wondered why the Lord sent me here when other churches were starting up all around us. As I prayed, the Lord impressed me with the real reason. I am here to preach holiness. In these months I have found that as we gather in new Christians, they soon begin to search for something deeper in their Christian walk. The same thing is true of those who attended churches of other denominations before they moved to this area.

GROW/ Fall 19 91 54 Holiness is the answer to the deep hunger in the human spirit.” Pastor Altice reports that the same message has grand attraction to seasoned Nazarenes, too. Menifee Church held its first service on October 15, 1989. It was organized on January 13, 1991, with 53 members —33 joined by profession of faith. Original community contacts were made through the Phones for You pro­ gram. Now the church averages over 100 each month with a high of 154 on Easter.

“Holiness is the answer to the deep hunger in the human spirit.’’

The greatest problem this young church faced after being in existence for only three weeks was finding a meeting place. Originally the baby con­ gregation met in a Sun City retirement center, but they were informed after three Sundays that they had too many children. With no notice and little money, how could a beginning church find a home. Trying to maximize their resourcefulness, and with no other alternatives, the startup congregation met in the pastor’s backyard with 65 people in attendance. Then it rained the next Sunday, and 45 people crowded into the parsonage. Later they moved to a middle school, and now they are meeting in a newly con­ structed elementary school. Sunday school is held in a variety of classrooms and the congregation wor­ ships in the school’s cafeteria. Each Sunday, the members come early to set up the worship service which is held amidst school lockers and school decorations. But singing and praying turn the school into a beautiful place of worship. Paster Rob, his wife, Pam, and their two daughters are having a grand time in their first church as they sow seed, cultivate new converts, and lead people into the abundant life. Menifee Church, in true Nazarene tradition, is well on its way to making a vital spiritual contribution to a growing community.

A Journal o f Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship MINISTRIES

Photo by Brad Elsberg. Media International

That the World May Know — GO! MINISTRIES

Nazarene church growth has led some to believe there is an endless supply of ministers and missionaries to continue the work. Yet the trend is fewer young people are responding to the call to pastoral ministry. God still calls: “Who will go for me?” More must answer: “Here am I, Lord, send me!” Pastors, take this opportunity to ap­ peal to youth. God needs them and calls them through the church.

MISSION COMMITMENT DAY Sunday, Novemb< r 3 . . . - ;

A day designed to challenge our youth to full-time Christian service \* REVIVALS REVIVALS REVIVALS

SURPRISED INVESTMENT PASTOR’S VOICE HEALED IN MANLEY AND COBB LEAD CROSSES GENERATIONS—A h eart­ REVIVAL MEETING—Here is the first REVIVAL AT LOGAN, OHIO-Pastor warming surprise awaited Evangelist Vernon person report from Pastor Dale Siverly of Darwin Pressler reports, “It was the best Sprague following the first service at a recent Mount Carmel, Illinois First Church of the attended, most intense, and greatest re­ revival meeting at the New Beginning Nazarene: “This health problem plagued me sponse of any revival we have experience in Church in North Canton, Ohio. for years.” the eleven years I have served this church.” In the opening service, Sprague gave Many times my voice was barely audible. The pastor continues, “On Sunday morning thanks for individuals from his past who had While there was usually litde pain, I often after Manley finished preaching, he an­ invested caring to lead him to the Lord. found myself without a voice. This situation nounced there would be no standing or Following the benediction, a member of became more troublesome after I answered singing during the altar call. A board mem­ the church told Sprague that her husband God’s call to preach. I needed to be able to ber led the way and the response continued was one of the men he mentioned—a former speak clearly to preach and to do my minis­ for more than an hour—seventy five people pastor in North Canton where Sprague grew try in funerals, weddings, witnessing and sought spiritual help in that service alone.” up. The amazing rippling effect of the gospel visitation. One remarkable victory was the conver­ goes on clear into eternity—that man’s influ­ I tried to accept this affliction as my thorn sion of a couple in dieir sixties who had been ence continues wherever Sprague ministers in the flesh. I told the Lord I could handle it attending Sunday school for 20 years. They in sermon or song. if He would just allow me to preach. I usually sought the Lord in this revival meeting for Pastor Paul E. Sarsany reports, “I felt had enough voice to preach. the very first time. Now they are growing in every message of the series was divinely or­ I sought help many times. I have been to the Lord as they work through the “Basic dered.” As a result of preaching on the several doctors who did their best for me. Bible Studies for the New and growing spiritual responsibility men have for their Medications sometimes cured the latest Christian.” families, twelve men prayed at the altar in the bout, but sooner or later, the problem always closing service. came back. FOURTH OF JULY TENT REVIVAL Then it was time for our fall revival last IN MANN1NGTON, WEST 100 FIND HELP IN REVIVAL AT year. Evangelist Joyce Hughes was our VIRGINIA—Four West Virginia MARSEILLES—God used three new ap­ preacher. Having been healed of cancer, she churches—Mannington First (Pastor Carl proaches to bring revival to the Nazarene knows what it is to suffer. Early in the Smith), Fairmont First (Pastor Thomas congregation at Marseilles, Illinois: 1) twelve meeting, she began to announce that she Rawlings), Fairmont Central (Pastor Wade people enrolled in discipleship classes before would share her experience of healing on die Hunt), and Shinnston (Pastor Larry Kale)— the revival; 2) a prayer vigil involved 24 last night and pray for those who wanted to joined efforts for a tent revival over the fourth people who gave an hour per day to prayer be anointed according to the biblical pattern. of July last summer. The Crane- Dixon Quar­ for the revival for ten days prior to the series; Along with the congregation, I looked for­ tet provided music for the services. and 3) the revival schedule started on Satur­ ward to that service with expectancy. Evangelist Lawrence Walker reports, day evening and closed on Wednesday. Midway during the revival, the Lord im­ “Tilere were seekers in every service except Pastor Duane Kaufman reported that pressed me that I should go forward for one. No pull for money. W hen given the more than 100 persons found spiritual help healing. In that last service, I joined the opportunity to be in a camp meeting atmo­ during the revival Kaufman credits the aver­ evangelist as we prayed for people who sphere, Nazarenes came. The holiday pro­ age attendance of 180 per service to the wanted to be healed. vided an opportunity they might not have Saturday to Wednesday scheduling of ser­ Then I knelt Christian friends jammed had ordinarily.” vices. He said, “On Saturday evening, the the aisles trying to get to the altar to pray for people had opportunity to get acquainted their pastor. As Rev. Hughes anointed me, Revival reports— T h e church wants news about liow with Evangelist Jimmy Dell. Then others the saints prayed in unison for my healing. God used revivals to diange ordinary people and renew churches; one purpose of GROW is to report such joined them on Sunday. Everyone enjoyed At that moment, I did not care if the Lord miracles of grace. T he editor welcomes revival reports, Dell’s ministry so much on Sunday that they healed me or not; I just wanted the perfect which should be typewritten in concise dates, and accu­ wanted to come back for the week-night will of God. His presence filled the sanctuary rate spelling of churcli, city, and individuals’ names. Your services. Dell is a strong communicator, en­ for God’s glory, I am pleased to testify that name, address, phone number, and mailing date should thusiastic and positive. He is an exciting man since that night I have never had even a hint be typed on ail items. W e want to hear from you, even who challenges people for Christ. The chil­ of a voice problem. The Father added an­ tliough revival reports cannot be acknowledged or re­ turned because of tlie rush of publication deadlines. dren adored him; he communicates well other miracle to my life and I praise Him Revival reports can be sent to GROW Editor, 6401 The with all ages.” for it.” Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131.

REVIVALS REVIVALS REVIVALS

58 GROW / Fall 1991 A Convincing Medical Study About Prayer and Healing

he therapeutic effects of inter­ Each intercessor was asked to pray cessory prayer, one of the old­ daily for a rapid recovery, prevention est forms of healing, has had of complications and death, and other T little attention in medical literature.areas they believed would be beneficial Science tests the effectiveness of a new to the patient. The intercessors re­ drug or medical treatment by setting ceived only the patients first names, up experimental groups of people who diagnosis, and update reports on con­ to the dark ages. Others say there are receive the tested treatment and con­ dition. Patients in both groups were phenomena that science cannot ac­ trol groups who do not receive the equally sick. All patients agreed to be count for and anything that helps the treatment. It is normally a double-blind in the study and signed a consent form patients get well is valid. Dr. Thomp­ study which means that nobody in but none knew in which groups they son said that prayer “...is about as either group knows to which group he had been placed. In addition, neither benign a form of treatment as there has been assigned. the medical staff, doctors in the unit, is...there is no danger whatsoever”. A study was done by Randolph C. nor Dr. Byrd knew to which group It may be that some believers in the Byrd, M.D. and summarized in the patients had been assigned. faith need no such study to confirm January 1989, Journal of American The group that received the benefits that which they already believe based Medical Association. The question: of intercessory prayer had fewer on the teachings of the Bible and their “Does it do sick people any good for episodes of congestive heart failure, car­ own personal experience. It may also other people to pray for them?” Dr. diopulmonary arrest and pneumonia. be that there are those who have fre­ Byrd, then at the University of Califor­ Diuretics, antibiotics and intubation/ quently prayed for loved ones who nia, San Francisco, randomly assigned ventilation were needed less frequently. have lost the battle for life and whose half of 393 patients over a ten month There were two factors which could faith has been shaken. Maybe this period at San Francisco’s General not be controlled. First, the extent study will be an encouragem ent to reaf­ Hospital’s Coronary Care Unit to patients prayed for or didn’t pray for firm that prayer does work. The study either the experimental group whose themselves. Second, the extent others, certainly carries a positive testimony health was prayed for or to the control outside of the controlled study, may for prayer to the medical community group who weren’t prayed for. have prayed for patients in both and to others who may not be quite The praying was done by born-again groups. convinced as to the power of prayer. Christians who had an active Christian The study concluded that inter­ It is amazing that this study was ap­ life as manifested by daily devotional cessory prayer has a beneficial proved by a hospital and designed by prayer and active Christian fellowship therapeutic effect on patients in the a physician. Had a minister carried out with a local church. Members of coronary care unit. this study it would not have carried several protestant churches and the Dr. Jon Thompson, editor of the nearly the weight that it does. A big Roman Catholic Church were repre­ Southern Medical Journal, w h ich “thank you” to Dr. Byrd for the study sented. Patients and intercessors were published the full study in July 1988, and to Dr. Thompson for making it not matched by religion or denomina­ wrote that the study met his standards available to the public in the Southern tion. Each patient was assigned to three as a properly designed and executed Medical Journal. to seven intercessors. The intercessory scientific investigation. prayer was done daily outside of Some in the medical community are —by Chaplain (Colonel) Vernon Swim, the hospital until the patient was appalled by the study and one doctor USA (Retired) Director of Pastoral Care, discharged. called it an attempt to return medicine Memorial Hospital Colorado Springs, CO-

I A Church ■ Jou rn al o f Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 59 Wrong Leg Amputated

Urban Poor Served by Liberation Community

uby Dobbs had not worked for three years when she first R came to see us for food assis­ tance. Previously employed in a good job as the manager of a security com­ pany, Ruby lost her job due to a circulation disorder which left her hands and feet numb. The pain in Ruby’s feet made it almost impossi­ ble for her to walk into my office. Her hands were cracked and dried. She was unable even to hold the hand rails in our building. She in­ sisted that she could make it. As I talked with her, I soon discovered the terrible reality of her sickness; like a broken limb on a tree, the extremities of her body were slowly dying. Ruby’s application for Social Se­ curity Disability had been denied, daughter who was herself a single a nursing home as a nurse’s aid leaving her without a source of in­ working mother trying to raise three while Ruby stayed with the children come. For support, she relied on her children. Ruby’s daughter worked in as the sitter. However, sometimes Ruby became very sick and could not take care of herself, let alone the children. Having no medical insur­ ance, home health care was financially impossible for Ruby. Over and over her daughter took off work to tend to Ruby’s health needs until she was fired. Thus began the long downward spiral: welfare, food stamps, and eviction. I convinced Ruby to reapply for her Social Security benefits even though housing was her most press­ ing problem. I called several places explaining the situation by was un­ able to secure a place for her to live. I finally drove her to several of her friends’ houses until we found

GROW / F a l l 1991 someone who would allow them to sional representative for our area, we Ruby, the difference between having stay for a few weeks until we worked pushed the paper work through. Her one leg and no legs is beyond belief. out something more permanent. I first check would finally arrive nearly She now is completely dependent spent the next few days putting to­ a year after we had begun. and at the mercy of others. gether all the documentation for the T h a t’s w hen I learn ed R uby’s We continue to work with Ruby Social Security Administration. shocking secret—the county hospital and her family. Our church has After three months of waiting, we become her family, and we have received word that Ruby’s applica­ tried to bring virtually every ministry tion was denied again. During that of Liberation Community to bear on time, all of the toes on Ruby’s left her life and the life of her family—, foot had to be amputated. But the "The county legal aid, justice advocacy, emer­ worst was yet to come. hospital had gency assistance, employment During this time of waiting, the assistance, adult education, and family had moved repeatedly, staying amputated the counseling. with friends and family. I received a w rong le g " Ruby’s long road is not over yet. call from Ruby’s daughter informing her total disability has opened up me that Ruby was back in the county whole new sets of problems that hospital. The county hospital, of most of us would dream unimag­ course, serves primarily low-income had amputated the wrong leg. Ruby inable. Her plight highlights a great families and indigent persons and, told no one until days later out of need in our nation. How many more though often herded through its fa­ embarrassment and horror. people are like Ruby? As we offer cilities like cattle, the poor of our She was the victim of a system relief and empowerment, press for community find it their only source that views the poor, in the words of reforms, and work for justice, we are of medical assistance. Inasmuch as a former U.S. president, as a "face­ thankful for a gospel that is big we were in the process of making less mass of people, waiting for a enough to handle all the needs of the arrangements to file for reconsidera­ handout," Ruby suffered a devasta­ human person. tion concerning her Social Security ting blow. She now would have to — Mark East, Benefits, I went to the hospital with return to the same hospital to have Director of Justice Ministries, the necessary paper work. When I the other leg removed. According to Liberation Community arrived in her room, her right leg had been amputated at the knee. She was in near shock. The night before they had taken her in for emergency surgery in hopes of saving her leg. The gan­ grene was worse than they thought. I stood there fill­ ing out paper work for benefits that should have already been in place. "Why?" I asked my­ self. I was angry and shocked. "Why the wait?" "Why the struggle?" Working with the congres­

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discip'eship 61 NWMS/NYI

ovember 3,1991, is N Youth Mission Commit­ ment Day in the Church of the Nazarene, a day set aside for every local church to give young people an opportunity to respond to God’s call to full-time ministry or missions involvement. 80 GONVERTS IN ONE YEARx 18 MEMBERS BY PROFESSION Charlotte Matthews-Mint Hill OF FAITH AT MELBOURNE, Church (North Carolina District) had 289 FLORIDA! Melbourne Trinity for a recent monthly worship average. The Church (Florida Space Coast District) was I church was organized on June 18, 1989, with organized with 25 charter members on 12 charter members. Pastor Jerry McGee, a March 31, 1991. Pastor and Mrs. Glen former evangelist, is the pastor. District Matthews moved from Michigan to start this Supertendent D. Eugene Simpson reports brand new church. Services started on No­ this new church has led 80 people to Christ vember^ 1990. Of the charter members, 18 since last August. The church meets in a joined by profession of faith. I shopping center and has now expanded to VISALIA FIRST CHURCH JOINS i four stores. DISTRICT TO PLANT CHURCH: Visalia First Spanish Church (Cen­ LAY COUPLE STARTS NEW tral California District) was recently CHURCH PLANT STARTS WITH CHURCHt Punxsutawney Church organized in the facilities o f Visalia First MOBILE CHAPELt Exposition Pittsburgh District) was recendy organized Church with 15 charter members—10 by Park Church (Los Angeles District) started with 25 charter members—13 by profession profession of faith. Pastor David Estrada is in a mobile chapel sponsored by Los Angeles of faith. The church was planted by Jim and serving both as pastor of this church and as First Church in March of 1989. On May 19, Donna Hetrick, lay leaders on the Pittsburgh Spanish ministry coordinator for the district. 1991, the new church was organized with 31 District. W hen time for organization came, District Superintent Wil Spaite reports that charter members, all joining by profession of they urged District Superintendent Roy this is the first fully organized Spanish faith. Harrie P. Trotm an is the pastor of this Fuller to appoint a pastor. Rev. Paul R church on the district, though other ethnic group which now meets in more permanent George, Sr., is the new pastor. The church missions are meeting and growing. quarters. is selfsupporting.

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 63 “All Scripture is God-breathed and is use­

ful for teaching; rebuking, correcting and

training in righteousness...”

Paul to Timothy as found in II Timothy 3:16 (NIV)

GROW — A JOURNAL OF CHURCH GROWTH, EVANGELISM AND DISCIPLESHIP Volume 2, Number 3, Fall 1991 Issue $4.00 Bill M. Sullivan, Director, Church Growth Division, International Church of the Nazarene • Neil B. Wiseman, Editor

Contributing Editors: Curt Bowers, Chaplaincy Ministries Director • M. V . Scutt, Evangelism Ministries Director Michael R. Estep, Church Extension Ministries Director • Wilbur W. Brannon, Pastoral Ministries Director

—Cover and inside photography by Michael Lewis. —Graphic and page design by Bill Gray, art director, Wellspring. • Composition by Rick Boucher, typographer, Wellspring.

GROW is produced quarterly, in March, June, September, and December by the Church Growth Division of the International Church of the Nazarene, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, Missouri 64131. GROW is published by the Nazarene Publishing House, 2923 Troost Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64109. GROW is designed by The Wellspring Advertising Agency, a division of Christian Booksellers Association, Colorado Springs, Colorado.

G R O W welcomes local and district reports of revivals, church plants, and church growth but because of publishing deadlines, reports cannot be acknowledged or returned. Manuscripts on related subjects are also welcome, but unsolicited manuscripts can be returned only if accompanied with a return self-addressed envelope and adequate postage. Reports and manuscripts may be addressed to Neil B. Wiseman, GROW Editor, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, Missouri 64131.

GROW /Fall 1991 64 HARVEST NOW - INTENTIONAL OUTREACH IN THE PRESENT TENSE

arvest Now— that is a magnificently inspired Think of the possibilities. If every church could win five theme which focuses clearly on our reason families per year for Christ, Nazarene church membership rolls Hfor being. would be filled to overflowing—what a harvest we would enjoy. The harvest metaphor comes from Jesus and underscores the But because of pressing needs, it is easy to give all the time to need to bring outreach activities to completion quickly. The maintenance and mercy. But without new converts, a church words of Christ carry heavy weight with us and motivate us to focused on maintenance and mercy soon becomes ingrown or work long and hard. Winnable people must be won. selfcentered—maybe both. Then when “now” is added to the theme, we are pressed with Every church needs a growing edge, even if some nonproduc­ spiritual urgency to move to reaping as the natural result of our tive activities have to be eliminated. The idea is to purposefully planting and watering. Reaping is the reason we do everything give congregational attention to a critical few programs—maybe else—we desire a harvest for our Lord. no more than three or four—that really bring about spiritual What an inspiring mental picture—to think of every pastor, and numerical growth. Prioritize and expend energy on efforts evangelist, educator, and layman bringing an abundant harvest that produce fruit. No church can do everything, but every of souls to our Master in the next few weeks and months! church can do more harvest activities. Every harvest, whether it be wheat, corn, apples, sugar cane, • Intentional harvest cures congregational hypochondriacal strawberries, or radishes, means stepped-up concentrated symptoms. In Christian activity, when no new converts are efforts to get the crop in at the most opportune time under the added, congregations, along with their leaders, tend to take their best possible conditions. pulse and worry about their health. The exercise Sometimes to avoid threatening weather in of reaping, hard as it is, makes harvest hands agricultural activities, harvest hands are forced to forget petty aches and pains. In the thick of the work most of the night. Then, all available per­ harvest, they forget to eat. Sleeping time is even sons are put into the field, even those who know shortened. But the results is worth the effort, comparatively little about farming. Every effort, and a sense of vigorous spiritual health follows. however small, is needed and valued. The storage The Kingdom harvest is like that too! barns are made ready. Equipment is brought to its • Intentional harvest produces leader satis­ most efficient condition. And no expense is spared faction. Leading a person to Christ is the most to finish the work quickly before the storm. fulfilling experience known to the Christian. The harvest, whether on the farm or in the Remember the exaltation right after a fruitful Kingdom of God, requires intentionality. We altar service where people found eternal life or the fullness of must reap because we have been working toward that end for the Spirit. Remember the ecstasy after your personal witness months and years. Though the harvest must be preceded by was accepted by a friend. Remember the joy at the district careful planting, cultivating, weeding, and watering, a time assembly when it was reported that ten new persons had found comes when the harvest must be gathered in. Christ through the ministry of your church. Remember the HARVEST NOW is that kind of emphasis. excitement when fifteen new concerts were baptized in your • Intentional harvest starts with serious expectation. Do we church. Remember the sense of accomplishment when new plan to have a harvest? If we answer that harvest is G od’s converts were welcomed into the membership of the church. business, which it is, then we must seek the divine mind to see And recall the fulfillment when a new believer testified to a call when and how we are to harvest in our churches, communities, to the Christian ministry. and connections. Some of the people to whom we have wit­ Gathering the harvest is exciting business. nessed wonder right now why we have been so kind and friendly Harvest Now—that stimulating slogan must become a reality but have never given them our reason for caring. wherever Nazarenes serve. Much more than a theme for us, it • Intentional harvest demands purposeful activity. A little is at the heart of our work. while ago I served as the evangelist in two small churches in We respond with joyful commitment to this challenge. In­ different locations. In each place, near the end of the evangelis­ tentional outreach gives us a clearer vision of what our Lord tic series I was asked to react to what I had seen and felt during wants done. those short days of ministry. I challenged each pastor to make Best of all, God is with us to help us achieve intentional it a high priority to give one day each week to outreach activities. outreach now. -N EIL B. WISEMAN Editor, GROW A Jou rn a l o f Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship

Peace and justice Spiritual and physical unity Christians, also, believe that hu­ Christians desire that peace come The New Age movement teaches mans have great potential for good. to earth. The ultimate goal for them an essential unity of the spiritual However, that potential is limited by is Christlikeness, the life of peace and physical worlds. The spiritual sin and evil. There is no historical or and holiness. They promote peace and natural worlds constitute an or­ scientific evidence to believe that among their neighbors and among ganic unity, with plants, animals, evolution or education will allow nations. Christians believe that per­ humans, rocks being essentially humans to transcend their humanity sons of all races, nationalities, and alike, and with each such unit hav­ to become gods. Evolution and edu­ colors can be God’s children, and all ing a consciousness as a portion of a cation may move humanity down­ must share in a world of peace and total cosmic consciousness. God is ward as well as upward. Based on justice. Christians believe that the fi­ identical with the cosmos and its common experience and historical nal and best world order will be one consciousness. To New Age pro­ fact, Christians believe that humans in which all wars have been ban­ ponents it is appropriate to say that also have enormous potential for ished, where the lion and the lamb we are God and God is us. evil. Finally, Christians believe that lie down together, and where all the only way to realize the human may enjoy the fruits of the earth. potential for good is through Christ. These are examples of ways in Immortality which Christians share goals with Most New Age adherents believe many in the New Age movement. Christians have in the immortality of the person­ Christians must not take a backseat ality. A significant minority, if not a in working for the betterment of in­ been subtly majority, believe in reincarnation. dividuals and for promoting peace Through an eternal chain of rein­ and justice. Christians must work brought into the carnations the personality moves with all individuals of goodwill, in­ from existence to existence, with cluding adherents of New Age new Age fold. previous existences influencing and thought, to promote the common informing later existences. A given weal. existence may or may not be in hu­ man form. Differences from Christianity Christians, also, believe in the im­ While orthodox Christianity may On the other hand, Christians be­ mortality of the person, but not in have some things in common with lieve there is a God, a spiritual per­ reincarnation on this earth. Chris­ the New Age movement, important sonality different in kind and extent tians believe that each human spirit differences must be pointed out. from the physical world. God pre­ is a new distinct creation of God, These differences must be articu­ cedes the cosmos; God is the Cre­ not tied to previous existences in lated by Christians, first, so that they ator of the cosmos. The physical and other human or nonhuman forms. don’t become deceived by the good­ spiritual worlds are not the same in For Christians the nature of life after will and nice-sounding ideas put kind and extent. God is wholly other human death is finally determined forward by New Age proponents, as well as immanent. Each person is by the nature of the individual’s ap­ and second, because the Christian a distinct personality, not just a por­ propriation of the saving work of message gives a much more realistic tion of a cosmic consciousness. Ani­ Jesus Christ. picture of the human and spiritual mals, plants, rocks, and humans are Spirit contacts condition than does the New Age essentially different from each other. Some New Age adherents, appar­ movement. The Christian message Human potential ently a minority, practice communi­ will ultimately be more satisfactory The New Age movement teaches cation with spirits of persons long in interpreting and describing life, that humans individually and col­ dead or with spiritual beings not of for it more correctly describes the lectively have almost unlimited po­ humankind. Sometimes this commu­ human condition and the facts of tential for development and good. nication is carried on through the history. By discipline and education, in time work of an intermediary, or a “chan- One note of caution should be ex­ each individual, using the power neler.” The communication is pressed. There is no specific and es­ within himself and in the cosmic known as “channeling.” In most tablished set of beliefs for the New mind, can overcome evil, sin, pov­ cases these spirits purport to bring Age movement. For almost any doc­ erty, hatred, discrimination, and en­ words of wisdom and advice to the trine espoused by one subgroup, mity between individuals and na­ recipient, helping the recipient there will be another subgroup that tions. Each person is essentially solve problems, achieve growth, and does not accept the given doctrine. good; the task is to strip away those develop inner forces. The New Age movement is amor­ ideas, concepts, myths, and old re­ Christians believe in the existence phous and heterogeneous. In talking ligious practices that inhibit devel­ of spiritual beings other than hu­ with an individual New Age pro­ opment. By evolutionary processes mans, alive and dead. Angelic and ponent, care should be taken to de­ human personality will flower and demonic spirits exist. It is the belief termine what that person actually blossom as a new creation in a new of orthodox Protestant Christians, believes. Describing some of the cosmic order. Nations will increas­ however, that we are not to attempt more common notions, we must use ingly learn to live and work together contact with the spirits of departed broad brushstrokes. in peace and justice. humans. Orthodox Christians accept

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 41 that we must not solicit support tions and local churches have ig­ ation. By demonstrating love and from demonic forces. Christians are nored or written off those who ap­ care to specific individuals for spe­ to pray to God in Jesus’ name for pear to be successful by the world’s cific needs, members of the church spiritual support. standards. There has been a tacit as­ become a surrogate family, provid­ ing support that might formerly Jesus Christ sumption that individuals of high socioeconomic levels or those who have been given by the extended Belief in Jesus is at the heart of family network. Following the bibli­ differences between orthodox Chris­ have obtained higher degrees are self-satisfied and have less need for cal admonition that Christians tianity and New Age doctrine. For should love and care for each other the gospel. To put it another way, many if not most, New Age adher­ is still an outstanding way to pro­ the church has not felt it had the ents, Jesus was a good and holy man, mote the gospel. a person who overcame limitations lure and fishhooks necessary to catch these individuals. Emphasize sanctification of His culture, tradition, language, This is not a recommendation to We now know that successful peo­ and religion. Jesus succeeded in tap­ emphasize spiritual jargon. In fact, ple suffer from alienation, future ping into powers of the cosmos and traditional church jargon should be hence was able to live a holy life shock, shattered marriages, bad de-emphasized. Rather, this is a call and perform seemingly impossible health, and other problems, just as to focus on the exceedingly rich re­ acts. It is appropriate to say that those who are not so successful. In ality of sanctification as it relates to Jesus was divine, but not in a unique fact, a by-product of success may be development of the person. The sense, since all individuals may the education and leisure to think concept of spiritual empowerment achieve divinity. Jesus is a god, as we and worry more about the search for can be utilized to its fullest. The re­ may be gods. answers to the meaning of existence. ality of the unity of life is critical For Christians, Jesus was more The church can use this quest as an with its attendant concept that all of than a good man, a great teacher, a entree as it ministers to the needs of life is to be lived with the empower­ visionary who foresaw the new spiri­ the successful. ment of the Spirit. Power to realize tual age. For Christians, Jesus is “The Holistic ministry one’s true potential is available for Way.” Jesus is the Christ, truly hu­ As churches plan their activities all who desire it. True Christianity man, truly divine. His life was the and ministries, service to the whole helps the individual strip away the primary model of how life can be person should be implemented. sin and sins that serve as a brake on lived. His work, death, and resurrec­ While not neglecting spiritual in­ enlightenment and growth. tion provide the means for reconcili­ struction and development, church­ Holiness living ation with God so that the person es should plan activities that help Another traditional Christian can be released to an eternity of the individual understand his body theme is attractive to the modern spiritual communion with Him. In and improve his physical health. mind. The understanding that one’s summary, belief in Christ as uniquely Programs to help couples enrich thoughts and actions impact, and are divine/human is the dividing line their marriages, programs for suc­ impacted by, the world and that between Christians and all others, cessful parenting and for good men­ one’s personal demeanor will influ­ even others of goodwill and good tal health can be helpful in develop­ ence one’s health, development, and intent. ment of the whole person. Recre­ growth, help to demonstrate the im­ ational activities can be useful tools. portance of bringing one’s life into Strategies for the Future All these activities can provide truly conformity with natural law. It is a Many analysts looking at the fu­ Christian and useful service. They small step to understanding these ture predict that the decade ahead can also serve as a nonthreatening moral issues and another small step will be one of growth for religion. way to get non-Christians acquaint­ to traditional concepts of holiness. The futurist Naisbitt, alleged to be a ed with Christians and the church. Jesus Christ New Age adherent, in the book The church as family As a final suggestion, the person Megatrends 2000, predicts that all In a society of high mobility, many and work of Jesus Christ should be kinds of religion, traditional and people find themselves at long dis­ emphasized: Jesus as Model, Jesus as New Age, will see significant growth tances from family and friends. In Lord, Jesus as the Efficacious Means, in the years ahead. Growth in all the new setting they don’t know Jesus as the Great Liberator of the kinds of religious practice will oc­ whom to call for recreation or for human psyche. All these ideas can cur because of spiritual hunger and support in time of trouble. They serve as springboards for discussion the alienation brought about by mod­ don’t know what to do to celebrate and spiritual growth. ern society. Because of this extraor­ holidays; eating a Christmas dinner dinary spiritual hunger, and because alone or with just the family isn’t at Conclusion orthodox Christianity has answers all appealing to many. It may be rele­ Christians must be vigilant in pro­ that square with reality, Christianity vant to point out that crime and sui­ tecting orthodox doctrine, faith, and has a phenomenal opportunity to cide rates go up at holiday times. practice. While there is much that is proclaim its message and to gain People always need help and ad­ good and noble about certain as­ converts to the faith in the period vice. Getting laid off, having sick pects of New Age thought, it ulti­ immediately ahead. Certain strate­ children, getting through a death in mately is not satisfying to the human gies may be useful in thinking about the family all are times of especially soul and does not square with hu­ and preparing for expanded ministry high stress, which can be partially man experience. The orthodox mes­ and evangelism. alleviated by the friendly voice, by sage of the gospel of Jesus Christ is Ministry to the successful sympathy, by care, and by advice. the true answer to humanity’s deep­ Evangelicals in many denomina­ The church can help in this situ­ est needs. $

42 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE Wesleyana

Singing Theology: The Wesleys on the Trinity by Barry E. Bryant London ften I have been in church A Trinity in Unity And all the glorious Persons when someone would an­ joined For Charles, God was Three in nounce a hymn number, One, and One in Three. Here is a To form Thy fa v ’rite, man. Oand most people would not even {Collection, 248) sample of the phrases Charles used bother to open the hymnal. They to describe this: In the creation of Adam and Eve knew the words by heart. I haven’t One undivided Trinity the image of God was given in the met anyone yet who could recite a ( Collection, Hymn 251) image of the Trinity. sermon by heart. This isn’t to con­ One inexplicably Three, Stamped with the Triune demn preaching. It is to commend One in simplest Unity character; hymn singing as an important way of ( Collection, 252) Flesh, spirit, soul, to Thee resign. teaching Christian truths. Why? We Jehovah in three Persons ( Collection, 253) remember them. We whistle their ( Collection, 253) In the Fall this triune image of tunes. We recall their words in a Three uncompounded Persons flesh, spirit, and soul was marred. It time of crisis. Our spiritual lives are One, became sick with sin. Another part enriched by them. We learn from One undivided God proclaim: of the image of God was lost. This them. Hymns find their way into our In essence, nature, substance was the image of holiness, love, and hearts perhaps like nothing else can. one. liberty. For this lost image Charles But whether we know it or not, (Collection, 255) wails, when we sing a hymn we are singing These hymns are simple. They are Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, theology. If we are to sing theology, beautiful. They are inspiring. But In council join again we better make it good theology. they also teach good theology. To restore Thine image, lost Some have guessed Charles Wes­ In all this Charles seemed most By frail, apostate man. ley wrote over 6,000 hymns. Most of concerned with teaching these three (

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 43 that the image of God is restored. in our worship. To put it another leg away, and the stool easily falls The Wesleys believed that in entire way, the Three in One help us to down. You need all three for it to sanctification a Christian believes, worship the One in Three. As Charles work. This is a lesson for those who And the whole Trinity descends would say, “Him in three Persons would worship the Son above the Fa­ Into our faithful hearts. magnify” ( Collection, 247). This ther or the Spirit. It is also a lesson ( Collection, 2 5 4 ) was so important to the Wesleys that for those who would worship the And when we rise in love they published 24 hymns called Spirit above either the Father or the renewed, Gloria Patri, &c. or Hymns to the Son, as in charismatic circles. It is Our souls resemble Thee, Trinity (1 7 4 6 ). Hymn IV is a good only proper that since we are cre­ An image of the Triune God example of its contents. ated by a Triune God, in the image To all eternity. 1 Praise be to the Father given! of a Triune God, and saved by a Tri­ ( Collection, 24 8 ) Christ He gave une God, worship must be worship Come Father, Son, and Holy Us to save, of a Triune God. Ghost, Now the Heir o f Heaven. Somewhat prejudiced, I think the 2 Pay we equal Adoration Wesleys provide the best example of Restorer of Thine image lost, To the Son: how we should be “singing theol­ The flam ing sword remove. He alone ogy.” Their hymns on the Trinity are (Hymns on the Trinity, XXX) Wrought out our Salvation. an example of the theology they sang. As leaders in worship, we Then a person is entirely sanctified, 3 Glory to the Eternal Spirit! Us He seals, might not be able to use all of the and the image of God is restored. Wesleys’ hymns on the Trinity. But Then the Christian is able to love Christ reveals, we can be more careful in the hymns the Lord our God with all the heart, And applies His Merit. we select and the truths they contain. 4 Worship, Honour, Thanks, soul, mind, and strength, and neigh­ This is an important reminder in an and Blessing, bor as self. age where pop culture has in­ For the Wesleys, the doctrine of One in Three, vented disposable music and Give we Thee, the Trinity was not ivory-tower the­ brought into the church music that Never, never ceasing. ology. It was grass-roots theology. It is mostly shallow and often misin­ ( Gloria Patri, IV) has to do with salvation and entire formed in its teaching. The hymns of sanctification. Through their hymns The most striking thing about John and Charles Wesley are still it became “singing theology” and these hymns is their worship of God here to remind us the hymn can do eventually found its way into the the Father, God the Son, and God more than inspire or bring tears to hearts and minds of the Methodists. the Holy Spirit. our eyes. It can also teach good the­ But their teaching on the Trinity did To Father, Son, and Spirit ology and direct our worship to God not end with that. They also taught: Ascribe we equal glory! the Father, God the Son, and God (Gloria Patri, IX) the Holy Spirit. $ The Importance of the This reminds us to keep a balance in Trinity in Worship our worship. We worship God as Fa­ For the Wesleys the Father, Son, ther, Son, and Holy Spirit. Worship 1. John Wesley, The Works o f John Wesley, ed. Franz Hildebrandt and Oliver Beckerlegge (Oxford: and Holy Spirit not only save us. The of each Person in the Trinity is a bit Clarendon Press, 1983), 7:74 (hereafter cited as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit help us like a three-legged stool. Take one Collection).

Saftey Tips for Accident-prone Pastors ( Continued from page 15)

sues and incidents minimizes pas­ Church music programs never meet Pastoral ministry requires hard toral discomfort and enhances effec­ with everyone’s approval. No matter work and is not always appreciated. tiveness. how good, “It is still not the Mor­ Even though careful observance of mon Tabernacle Choir.” Every im­ the safety rules helps, every minister Be aware of Bell’s Syndrome — provement in communicating the loses an occasional pound of flesh. the bane of a competent minis­ church’s business and programs will This risk does not mean the pas­ ter. be matched with a higher level of torate should be shunned as a dan­ Unlike Murphy’s Law, Bell’s Syn­ expectation. gerous occupation. Every occu­ drome is not among the widely The congregation cannot be ad­ pation has hazards, and many are known principles of human inter­ ministered so that every member more difficult than ministry. Few ca­ action. Bell’s Syndrome holds that will offer the pastor uninterrupted reers, however, can be as rewarding, improved performance raises ex­ praise. The wise, happy, and effec­ not just in spite of, but because of pectations. tive minister accommodates this un­ hazards. $ No matter how many young peo­ changeable principle of human be­ ple are participating in the youth havior. The alternative is to make From What Ministers Can't Learn in Seminary, program, people will claim they know the pastorate much more difficult by R. Robert Cueni. Copyright © 1988 Abingdon some who are not being reached. than necessary. Press. Reprinted by permission.

44 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE Pastor's Professional Growth

A pastor’s needs can be divided in­ to two basic areas: (1 ) ongoing needs, and (2) emergency or critical needs. Ongoing financial needs can be ade­ quately met by God’s people if they Pastor— are sensitive to the financial climate of the community, the average in­ come of church members, and the specific size of the pastor’s family. on a Pedestal Emergency needs should be met by proper planning. For example, health insurance for the pastor’s family is a necessity in American churches. In times of crises, a con­ or Pathway? gregation should realize that the pastor and his family need to be by Bruce Edwards ministered to. Venus, Tex. In each congregation there are some who have a skeptical percep­ tion: “The pastor doesn’t do any­ thing!” This incorrect assessment is often held by people who don’t com­ prehend the pastor’s busy schedule. This insensitive view is usually held he proper perception of Another misconception suggests by dissidents in the church. God’s pastoral servant has that the pastor is to be pleased or to A vital and caring pastoral minis­ been difficult to discern. be served by the church. Some peo­ try will help diminish the wide­ TJesus rebuked the Pharisees and ple think that everything should be spread impact of negativism toward lawyers for their wrong perceptions approved or directed by the pastor. the pastor. of John the Baptist and of himself. The leaders should encourage each They had called John a legalist for one to grow and participate in the SIMILARITIES WITH LAYMEN having strict diets of food and drink. church. A key ingredient in a proper image They even suggested that he was Pastors are often guilty of inadver­ of the pastor is his ability to be him­ controlled by demonic forces! Yet tently promoting these miscon­ self. Bridges need to be built in all religious leaders criticized Jesus for ceptions. We try to do everything in­ of our relationships. These bridges His freedom in dietary matters, as stead of delegating ministry to to other believers are built as we well as His association with “un­ deacons and members to exercise share our similarities with them. desirable sinners.” spiritual gifts. We need to be ourselves. If people How is a pastor perceived? No matter how much we appre­ place pastors on pedestals, those ciate attention, we do our people a barriers need to be destroyed. We INCORRECT PERCEPTIONS disservice if we emphasize our own can share our similarities through The pastor and his family are often personalities over God’s glory. empathy in counseling, fellowships, misunderstood. A common fallacy Therefore we should be careful small groups, and committees. The about the pastor is that he is some­ not to be seen as infallible in deci­ problem of “the infallible pastor” how above the foibles that others sion making. grows as the church grows. The pas­ experience. People make statements Another misconception is that the tor necessarily is involved with a like, “I can’t believe my pastor pastor and his family have no prob­ smaller percentage of the people. would do that,” or “The preacher’s lems. Those who are closest to us The preaching ministry builds son doesn’t act as he ought.” Such know better. People assume that bridges of communication. Sermon statements reveal that often Chris­ since we understand biblical truth, illustrations can reveal how even tian people think their pastors we automatically practice effective pastors have made mistakes in the should be a breed apart from others. Christian living in all circumstances. past as well as relating how God Congregations should remember We must allow ourselves to be vul­ brought us through those situations that “all have sinned and fall short of nerable. People need to see us as we with grace and growth. the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). are. They need to know that we The pastor must confront the im­ struggle even as they do. DISTINCTIVES OF THE age of infallibility. Some believe a One misconception is that since PASTORAL SHEPHERD decision is correct merely because God called him, the pastor has no The position of responsibility as­ the pastor made it. This myth is dan­ needs! God does provide for our signed to the pastor is like no other. gerous. The pastor should be willing needs, but His provision is usually The pastor and his church can have to admit his faults and even to con­ through the church. The miscon­ a love relationship unlike any other. fess and apologize when his lead­ ception sets up a problem of neglect The shepherd and his people form a ership falters. and a lack of education. ( Continued on page 52)

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 45 Pastor's Personal Growth

How I Dealt with Temptation A Nazarene Pastor

reezing through Christianity Toward the end of the ordeal, I will “make a way to escape” (1 Cor. Today magazine, my eye hired a new church secretary. She 10:13, KJV). caught a headline announc­ was intelligent, hardworking, attrac­ A person would be foolish to Bing that a well-known, respected tive, and somewhat lonesome be­ think that victory in one circum­ leader had left the helm of a Chris­ cause her husband worked long stance is sufficient for the rest of tian organization. Having read one hours. life. Situations change. All of us are of his books, I was deeply saddened My wife and I were close to them subject to a myriad of approaches by to learn the reason: an adulterous re­ socially. We shared many common Satan. We are his most sought after lationship. His subsequent repen­ interests. They became the ones we trophies. tance and book are very insightful. preferred to be with when there The mind is a powerful thing. In it Yet how sad that it happened. were spare evenings. It was the clas­ we can actually live out situations. I recalled the words of my prac- sic scenario. It is here that Satan gets us to com­ tics professor in seminary: “It doesn’t I’m not sure how interested she promise. Hence Jesus’ warning matter how ugly you are, some wom­ was, but I found myself under a load about committing adultery in our en will find you attractive.” I as­ of temptation that seemed irresis­ hearts— our spiritual minds. People sumed he was talking to me. tible. I loved my wife, and we had a are usually shocked when a Chris­ Sexual temptation is as much a great relationship. Yet, sometimes I tian leader compromises sacred eth­ part of a pastor’s life as financial and sat in my study totally distracted be­ ics. Since others see only the out­ political temptations. Ironically, the cause this woman was working in side, where behavior appears holy, answer lies in our private world of the next room. compromise can be occurring in the the inner person. I write to share a How I dealt with it may seem sim­ mind while the “outside of the cup” battle that I had in my private world. ple, but it was not easy. Gratefully' it is clean. This article is written anonymously was effective. I sincerely believe from Scripture, to protect those involved. When temptation seemed to rise observation, and personal experi­ I had been the pastor for several to the point of overpowering me, I ence that a Christian can resist even years in a beautiful suburb of a ma­ would kneel in my study and pray the most blatant seduction. The re­ jor city. The first few years were a something like this: “Lord, thoughts sistance must first be made, not struggle, but the congregation had going through my mind are wrong. I when the physical opportunity grown in every way. Then it began to know what adultery does to people. arises, but in the mind when the plateau. Bad things began to hap­ I don’t want to sin against You. I temptation first presents itself. One pen. Within a span of two years, six don’t want to destroy her home, my must say a definite no at that point. couples connected to the church home, the ministry that You have Joseph said, “How then could I do became involved in adulterous rela­ given to me, or this church, which is such a wicked thing and sin against tionships. already hurting. Please deliver me God?” (Gen. 39:9). Otherwise we The toll on my time and psyche as from this temptation!” are vulnerable to our emotions and a pastor was tremendous. Much of it Then I would wait in silence until physical drives if and when a ripe was self-imposed because in the pre­ my inner spirit came under the con­ situation presents itself. vious six years there had been no di­ trol of the Holy Spirit. I did not The gratifying result of allowing vorces in the fellowship of our leave until I sensed victory over that Christ’s victory to be mine is that we church. temptation. I repeated this process are still best of friends with that Hours upon hours were spent in on several occasions. No one else couple. Although they no longer pastoral counseling. Although all knew. My relationship with my sec­ live in the same city, we still see but one marriage was saved, I was retary remained on a proper friendly them occasionally and thoroughly exhausted. The church was hurting; level. God proved His promise that enjoy their company. I can only attendance was down; and my self­ “no temptation” will come except imagine what things would be like esteem was at an all-time low. what “is common to man,” and He otherwise. $

46 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE Pastor, Be Encouraged Idea M art

One Way to Thanksgiving Interest Happiness Center

by C. Neil Strait and Sermon Grand Rapids, Mich. by Blair F. Rorabaugh Uniontown, Ohio he late Karl Menninger, the Who is hurting that needs their pas­ yA rrange two horns of plenty on great psychiatrist, was one tor? (2 ) Who is missing that I need Z A a table. Leave one empty. time asked what help he to visit? (3) Who needs a word of JL J L Display in the other some Twould offer a lonely, unhappy per­encouragement? It revolutionized spiritual objects. I used a Bible, a son. He said, “Lock the door behind the way I thought, prayed, and cassette tape to symbolize music, a you, go across the street, find some­ planned. I felt better about myself church manual, a radio for Chris­ one who is hurting, and help them.” and, consequently, was better able tian broadcasting, a pen from one (Quoted by John C. Maxwell, Be a to handle and to deal with prob­ of our church colleges, a youth People Person [Wheaton, 111.: Victor lems. Sunday School paper to represent Books, 1989], 16.) I have three observations to share the youth program, a Sunday All of us, at some time, go through with you concerning Menninger’s School quarterly, a missionary a moment in our life when there is advice: reading book, an Alabaster box, crisis and criticism. Unhappiness 1. If we focus on problems too and in the bottom of the horn of knocks at the door. What is a pastor long, we develop a problem syn­ plenty I placed a small cross. to do? Menninger’s advice is good. drome. Negativism creeps in and For my Thanksgiving sermon I A number of years ago, while in challenges any positive possibility. took the opportunity, using the pastoral ministry, I was going 2. When we focus on others, our symbols, to express thanks to each through a rough time. I was trying to own problems seem small. As I of the auxiliaries, those who lead juggle a couple of crises, was work­ drove home that night after I had our singing, play the instruments, ing with a staff problem, and trying visited those three individuals who lead our youth groups, teach our to iron out a misunderstanding be­ had deep needs, I must confess that classes, etc. tween two friends. One day, sitting at what I was dealing with seemed much Frequently I referred to the my desk, it occurred to me that what smaller than it had the day before. empty horn of plenty. The rest of I needed was a change of scenery. 3. I believe there is a spiritual the world knows little of many of I thought of three people in my principle at work when we are serv­ the helps that our families have to congregation who were going ing, helping others. I think it is a raise their children. There are through rough times. One, a youth, part of our Lord’s words, “Give, and whole countries without a Chris­ had gotten in trouble with the law. it shall be given unto you” (Luke tian radio station. Some have few Another elderly man had lost sub­ 6:38, KJV). So many times we inter­ Bibles, no Sunday School materials, stantial money in an investment. A pret this to mean that money or gain no youth retreats and camps. third man had lost his job, and his will come to us. I rather think it can My final thanks was for the self-image was shattered. In one day be interpreted to mean that God Cross. It is behind all the gifts we I went to each of these and tried to will give us His presence, His have received. All the gifts are from take Jesus into their lives. It was a strength, His care. God. We have a responsibility to long and taxing day. But w hen I So, Pastor, you may be knee-deep the rest of the world to share. It is pulled into the garage, just before in problems to the point where all not enough to say, “Thank You.” midnight, I felt I had done ministry other possibilities are blocked out. Our lives and offerings must dem­ in the name of Jesus. It was therapy But maybe what you need to do is onstrate it. for me. “lock the door behind you, go across Contrasting the full and empty The next morning, after my devo­ the street, find someone who is horns of plenty was a good thought tional time, I made a decision that hurting, and help them.” Remember, provoker and opportunity to ex­ impacted the remainder of my pas­ when you do, the God of all grace press appreciation to our people. toral ministry. Every Monday, as I be­ and comfort goes with you, which gan my week, I asked three ques­ will be strength and encourage­ tions as I put my week together: (1 ) ment. $

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 47 Pastoral Care Comforting a Family When a Child Dies by Al Miles St. Paul

A fter a child dies, many of us may be appropriate to embrace fam­ even if you plan to stay only a few l A who offer support to griev- ily members, but if people are un­ minutes. Keeping these outer gar­ X jL ing family members feel comfortable with our touch, we ments on can make the family feel helpless. Some worry that they will should respect their boundaries. that we are eitHfcr pressed for time either say something inappropriate In most instances, clergy should or uncomfortable or both. Use the or not know what to do. Conse­ refrain from sharing their personal words “death” and “died,” instead of quently, they either withdraw or dis­ experiences of grief or loss with the such euphemisms as “expired,” tance themselves from these hurting family. When we tell our story, the “passed away,” “perished,” or “suc­ families, leaving them feeling ne­ focus shifts away from the family’s cumbed.” Such words do not de­ glected or abandoned. However, grief to our own situations. In addi­ scribe fully the reality of what has these reactions are not due to a lack tion, people grieve in various ways. taken place. They seem to be an at­ of compassion. One reason for help­ One person’s experience of loss may tempt to soften what has occurred. lessness is that the death of a child differ significantly from another’s. If Refer to the child by name. Families seems absurd. Children simply are a grieving family knows that we, too, have often stated to me how much not supposed to die. once had such a loss and asks us they appreciate this. If you do not Many people are nearly as uncom­ about the death of our child, we know or have forgotten the child’s fortable with silence as they are should certainly answer their ques­ name, ask the family. with death. Clergy and other care­ tions. But we should then bring the At our hospital, we encourage, givers often want to talk when con­ focus back to them. but do not force, a family to spend fronted by death. But our silent pres­ Platitudes should be avoided. as much time as they can with their ence reduces the feeling of neglect These may include: “You now have a child, not only while the child is and isolation that grieving families little angel in heaven”; “You two are sick or dying but also after his death. so often experience. young, so you can have other ch il­ This is done whether the child is pre­ Since 1985 my ministry has dren”; “Your child is better off now”; mature, an infant, adolescent, or brought me in contact with more “She doesn’t have to experience the young adult. Many families say they than 225 families whose children many trials and tribulations of life”; are comforted by holding and kiss­ have died. I have heard members of “You seem to be handling this so ing their child and by expressing those families often repeat phrases well”; “This experience will make their love in words. of disbelief, such as “This isn’t really you a much stronger person”; “God We ask families whether they happening,” “I’m having a night­ promises never to give us more than would like to be photographed with mare,” or “Tell me this isn’t true.” Or we can bear”; “We shouldn’t grieve their dead child. Even if they de­ they may use phrases that express as others do who have no hope”; cline, we let them know that the their wide range of emotions: “Why “We know that in everything, God child’s photograph w ill be taken and did God take our child?” “Doesn’t works for good”; and “This is God’s kept at the hospital. In the weeks, God have any mercy?” “This is so un­ will.” months, and years following the fair!” and “I can’t go on without my Though well intended, such death, families often change their child.” Often these statements are phrases discount or minimize a fam­ minds and want these photographs. accompanied by intense, sudden out­ ily’s loss. They tend to make the ex­ When an infant has died, other re­ bursts of emotion— labored breath­ pression of grief more difficult. membrances are offered to parents, ing, weeping, moaning— or equally Some even imply that it is a sin to such as the child’s handprints, foot­ sudden periods of intense silence. grieve. But grief is not a sin. God has prints, a lock of hair, or birth and These are normal, healthy reactions given us the ability to grieve so that baptismal certificates. Families may to loss. we may sustain life’s many sorrows. dress their infant in clothes brought Clergy can offer a great deal of Grieving is essential to the healing from home or provided by the hos­ support during this time by listen­ process. pital. They can also give their child ing intently and using short phrases Grieving people are sensitive to a bath and remain with their infant of compassion and condolence, verbal and nonverbal messages. If for hours after she has died. such as “I’m very sorry,” “As you’ve you serve in a cold-weather area, al­ Many families feel helpless shortly said, ‘This is really unfair,’ ” and ways remove your coat, gloves, and after their child’s death. They will “You will remain in my prayers.” It overshoes when visiting a family, ( Continued on page 51)

48 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE Seven Lessons in Transient Aid by David W. Waltner Rawlins, Wyo.

picked up the young hitch­ through, we may hesitate, or even that she takes life too seriously. She’s hiker at a local restaurant as he refuse aid, simply based on our likes not the only one. Often in difficult complained, “This ain’t the and dislikes. We need to resist this situations, we add to the stress by IUnited States, man. This has got totemptation and go to the other ex­ putting too much emphasis on the be the Yukon!” There was a blizzard treme of treating every person too crisis. A transient is someone in along Interstate 80, and this was the fair, rather than treating them un­ need, but we often act as if it’s the second call I’d received to put some­ fairly. first time he has asked for help one up for the night. when he comes to us. In fact, how­ Anyone in the pastorate has had to Principle II: Be Careful ever, many transients make it their deal with transients and the special Not to Become Calloused life-style to seek help. problems associated with this con­ The more we deal with transients, If you have any regular dealings cern. I have served as pastor along the more the temptation grows to with transients, keeping your sense Interstate 80 for the last six years. become coldhearted toward those in of humor will redeem a portion of I’ve had my share of experiences. Be­ need. Not because they are in need, the energy that goes into trying to fore moving to Wyoming, I was the but rather because they often live in help someone in need. pastor in a small community “off the ways that we wouldn’t condone. As you meet individuals and fami­ beaten path” and still had to deal If a transient has taken advantage lies who live as transients and hear with transients. This issue is rele­ of you, that adds to the difficulty of their “stories,” you’ll most likely vant, not only to those of us who keeping an open heart and mind have one of two responses with pastor along main travel routes, but with the next person who comes some-, to laugh or cry. to every pastor with a concerned asking for help. I believe that our Principle V: Find a heart for people in need. guilt as ministers ought to be on the Workable Procedure Thinking about what I’ve done— side of being to o helpful, rather right or wrong— in helping individ­ than on the side of not helping A “workable procedure” is a plan uals in need, I’ve come up with enough when we could. to be implemented using the least seven principles I’m seeking to im­ amount of available resources, that plement into my own personal tran­ Principle III: Don’t Feel is, time, money, and energy. sient aid ministry. Any pastor who Responsible One workable solution is to go has dealt with transients on a regular A pastor I know feels it’s his God- through the local police depart­ basis can expand the list, but I offer given duty to help anyone in need ment. Their motto, “To serve and it with the prayer that it may help through their crisis. This man not protect,” can certainly be applied to another shepherd be effective in ful­ only deals with a tremendous guilt the church community as well as to filling Jesus’ admonishment found complex when he’s ineffective but individual citizens. A person need­ in Matt. 25:34 ff. also is burning himself out as he ing aid is first referred to the police department. The police run a check Principle I: Treat tries to be everyone’s savior. We can’t be all things to all people. Our obli­ Everyone Fairly ( Continued on page 53) gation is to do what we can and We don’t often like to admit it, but leave the rest to God. If every Chris­ we all have our prejudices. Some are tian did his assignment in Kingdom more obvious than others. Some re­ work, much more would be accom­ late to what an individual looks like, plished even for transient aid. how someone dresses, and even how he talks. Often we hide our preju­ Principle IV: Keep Your dices in church life because we’ll be Sense of Humor “living with these people for a Yesterday I told a young lady in while.” When a transient comes the church where I serve as pastor

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 49 Holiness m m m

Engendering Holiness in the Congregation by J. Grant Swank, Jr. Walpole, Mass.

od has called us to a life of them from all the nations on the In a spirit of repentance before * holiness. Yet, in an age con­ face of the earth to be a people God we will then return to the clear G doning impurity, it is be­ peculiarly His own. expectations of Scripture, announc­ coming increasingly difficult for the See Ps. 32:2. Happy the man to ing them unashamedly to our con­ spiritual leader to guide his flock whom the Lord imputes not guilt, in gregations. We will use holiness- into the Lord’s way of righteousness. whose spirit there is no guile. focused texts for our sermons. We Nevertheless, our call remains the See Ps. 97:10. The Lord loves the will not blur their impact but simply same. We are commissioned by people who hate evil. He guards the and honestly dissect their meanings, Christ to remain faithful to our di­ lives of His faithful ones. praying for the Spirit’s illumination vine mandate. In the judgment we See Ps. 119:1- Happy are the people to be upon our people’s hearts. will answer as to our sensitivity to whose ways are blameless because the biblical challenge. How, then, they walk in the law of the Lord. 5. We will teach God’s call to can we as pastors see this obligation 1 Cor. 3:16-17: “Don’t you know holiness in basic terms. through successfully? that you yourselves are God’s temple How many times have we our­ and that God’s Spirit lives in you? If 1. We can start by no longer selves put aside a book on holiness anyone destroys God’s temple, God because we felt threatened? We shying away from biblical ho­ will destroy him; for God’s temple is thought we would be under attack liness. sacred, and you are that temple.” with the book exposing our integrity Because the world’s mind set has James 3:17: “But the wisdom that lapses; so we slid the hardback onto a become so willing to live with sin, comes from heaven is first of all high shelf for a more inspired season. we have becom e gun-shy. We as pure.” If we have sensed that unwilling­ ness to grapple with God’s high ex­ preachers have lowered the standard 3. We will increase our prayer pectations, what must be the short­ in order to maintain a kind of peace­ petitions for our own holi­ ful coexistence with the opposition. comings within the laity? They, too, Yet, we understand that our call­ ness. want to be content with their status ing explicitly sets us apart unto A pastor must be an example of quo rather than growing into the stat­ God’s commandments, regardless of purity for his people. Therefore, we ure of Christ. what the world may think. There­ must seek the Lord’s holy face more To offset this, we spiritual teachers fore, we must revive a conscien­ so in order to assure our own right must then set forth the holy life in its tiousness about holiness— practical relationship before the Savior. fundamental, stark simplicity rather purity— in order to truly remain This may mean cutting out some than priding ourselves on complica­ loyal to Christ’s expectations of us. of our administrative runnings about tions. Jesus spoke so that children or sacrificing some of our recrea­ could understand Him. The multi­ 2. We must enrich our own tional hours. Yet, whatever the cost, tudes took in His preaching. Our souls with the biblical mate­ we must see to it that our own Lord has set for us the way; let us fol­ rial concerning holiness. houses are in order, our own souls low Him in teaching method by being Devotionally meditating on such are clean through the Holy Spirit’s more childlike in our expositions. empowerment. passages as the following will en­ 6. We w ill re tu rn tim e and liven our love for righteousness: 4. We w ill p re a ch h o lin ess again to the biblical defini­ See Exod. 39:30. The plate of the more frequently through our sacred diadem was made of pure tion of holiness. gold, and inscribed, as on a seal en­ weekly sermons. God calls us to be more like Jesus. graving: “Sacred to the Lord.” This is particularly difficult in that That is scriptural holiness in a nut­ See Lev. 11:44. We should make we have yielded to the temptation to shell. Then let us make this clear to and keep ourselves holy, because slacken off when it comes to lifting our listeners. After all, they know the God is holy. high the standard of daily Christian Gospels, the pictures of Jesus, the See Lev. 20:26. God has set Israel living for our parishioners. We have word images of the Church related to apart from the other nations to be subtly let down the bars; it shows in the Savior. Then keep calling back His own. our pulpit messages, for they do not their memories to those aids in in­ See Deut. 14:2. Israel is a people have the biblical cutting edge that struction. sacred to the Lord. God has chosen they are supposed to have. Lift up Jesus to the congregation.

50 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE Show His kindness, patience, obe­ 8. We will accent holiness according to the biblical teaching of dience, and wisdom. Point to Christ more and more in our pas­ holiness. as our illustration for right living. toral prayers. These work sessions will provide See Him with the elderly, the chil­ the workshops for carving out a ho­ What weekly opportunities we dren, the outcast, the forgotten, and liness doctrine that is related to life. have when in worship to focus upon the sick. Hear His words of challenge Laity will see the pastor in action, heaven’s holiness reflected in our and commission. Take in His total deciphering, thinking through, talk­ own lives. Let us take advantage of consecration to the Father’s plan. All ing out, and then moving upon deci­ of this is the day-to-day life o f holi­ public prayers to remind our con­ sion making that is gauged by the ness. With this before us, can it be all gregations of the highway of holi­ holiness standard. Hopefully, this that difficult to understand? ness. role modeling will catch on with The prayer can frequently be a the people. 7. We will use numerous illus­ capsule sermon offered in a few trations from real life to sup­ minutes. These petitions emphasize 10. We will humble ourselves port preaching on holiness. a primary thought before God. See as a congregation—pastor From our reading concerning the to it that more of those thoughts and people—in beseeching stress our purity in everyday living. saints we can gather material for heaven’s continued blessing This will, over time, instill more and bringing to life the practice of holi­ in holiness, confessing that ness life-styles. Furthermore, if we more the biblical witness upon our we have never “arrived” keep our eyes and ears open in deal­ hearts. fully. ing with the parishioners, we will 9- We can refer parish life to come upon plenty of examples of The holiness quest is ongoing. It God’s expectations of holi­ “street holiness” in their lives as is a willingness to admit that we are well. There are many kind deeds, un­ ness. still but mortals in search of more selfish hearts, and committed peas­ When pastors meet with parish­ from God. With such a position of ants at work daily in the doings of the ioners in planning sessions, there the heart, the Lord will lavish upon Father. Let us use these to bring will come to the fore ethical situ­ us His presence to teach us how to home the call to holiness. ations that will then be measured become like our Savior. $

Comforting a Family When a Child Dies (Continued from page 48) say, “I don’t know what to do next,” or funeral, again remember to listen how you are,” they will often ex­ or may ask, “What do I do now?” Al­ more than talk. If you are asked to par­ press their feelings. though funeral arrangements must ticipate or officiate at the funeral, let When providing follow-up care by eventually be made, it is important the family help plan the service. Re­ phone or in person, give people the that families be encouraged to take member to keep the focus on the fam­ opportunity for distance as well as time with this process. ily and the child instead of on your closeness, and the privilege to de­ Many families want to share their personal experience. Do not use this cline as well as accept your offer of grief with ministers. I am often time to proselytize or make the family support. This can be done simply by asked to hold the child and see the feel guilty or shameful in any way. saying, “I have been thinking of you. photographs or other remembrances. Families greatly appreciate cards, I called [or wish to visit] to see how This is not morbid. It is a healthy ex­ letters, visits, and phone calls from you are. Is this a good time? If not, pression of the love that grieving clergy and others after a child’s please tell me and I will call [visit] families will always feel for their death. I make it a point to write to another time, if this is all right with children. It is also a plea that we families within two weeks after the you.” If the family declines your of­ show their deceased son or daughter death and, subsequently, on the fol­ fer, respect their wishes. the same dignity and respect we lowing occasions: the child’s birth Leave yourself enough time when would give to living children. If date or due date (if a premature in­ you visit a grieving family. An abrupt clergy feel uncomfortable in sharing fant) and on the anniversary of the ending to a call or visit heightens in these expressions of grief, they child’s death, as well as whenever I people’s feelings of abandonment should graciously show their appre­ receive a letter from the family. and isolation. If time is limited, let ciation of the family’s offer and then Remember to reach out to the them know immediately. gently decline. Finally, ministers family instead of waiting for them to In a society so uncomfortable should avoid making any ethical or contact you. We can sincerely ask a with death, clergy play a key role in spiritual judgments regarding a fam­ grieving family to call us at any supporting grieving families. Their ily’s actions, even if these actions time. They may never do so, but if compassionate, sensitive, and silent run contrary to their belief system. we phone them and say, “ I was presence can help such families face When attending the child’s wake thinking about you and called to see the reality of death. ^

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 51 Pastor— Today's Books on a Pathway ( Continued from page 45) for Today's Pre mystical union that should reflect ______the love of God. Every Christian possesses a calling from God, but the pastor/teacher’s spiritual gift is given to equip the church to do the work of ministry (Eph. 4:11-12). 1 KINGS: SIGNS OF THE SPIRIT: HOW As years go by, joys and frustrations NATIONS UNDER GOD GOD RESHAPES THE CHURCH of pastoral ministry make their marks International Theological by Howard A. Snyder on a person. In difficult times, God’s C om m entary (Zondervan Publication, 1989) call, and God’s grace attendant with Paperback by Gene Rice that call, may be the only factors December 1990, Paperback PA031-051-5416 $14.95 keeping a pastor in his assignment. PA080-280-4926 SI 0.95 God’s Word gives several admoni­ tions for the pastor— to keep him To bring the Old Testament alive Beginning with the basic concepts steadfast in his ministry. Paul told in the worldwide church today is that led the Early Church in the Timothy not to be intimidated by his the goal of the International Theo­ Book of Acts, Dr. Snyder continues age as he ministered (1 Tim. 4:12). logical Commentary. The ITC con­ his writings with a study of renewal We are told to be examples to the tributors, who come from more than movements and concludes with a flock (Titus 2:7; 1 Tim. 4:12). Pas­ 17 countries and represent a wide strategy for building the local tors should use every opportunity to range of backgrounds, interpret the church. A serious attempt is made in present God’s Word effectively with Hebrew text of the Old Testament in answering relevant questions: “Why great confidence (2 Tim. 4:1-2). We the twin contexts of ancient Israel does new life spring up in some are warned that difficult times will and the present day. churches while others are dead?” come (2 Tim. 4:3-5; 3:1-13)- God Though drawing on a variety of “What are the signs of the work of takes care of the preachers of His reliable sources and therefore a gen­ the Holy Spirit within churches to­ Word (Ps. 105:15). uine work of historiography, 1 Kings day?” God’s work among the Pietists, Few people can understand the is not simply a book of detached, de­ Methodists, and Moravians is identi­ life of a pastor. His function, calling, scriptive history, says Gene Rice in fied, and certain hallmarks are re­ and schedule are like no other. Pas­ his introduction to this commentary. vealed. Themes most frequently tors should seek guidance and sup­ Rather, it is history interpreted from found were a serious desire to be­ port from other wise ministers. The a theocentric perspective and writ­ come like the New Testament great fraternity of preachers helps us ten with passion and purpose. Church; a search for Holy Spirit lead­ all to continue in the faith as we ex­ It recounts the past in order to ership in prayer, faith, and daily liv­ perience pressures and difficulties show how Israel’s history has been ing; and fervor in evangelism, led by of family, church, community, and determined by morality, to warn of ministers and laypersons alike. self. the danger of a divided heart, to Dr. Snyder makes it clear that fol­ Yet the greatest key to ministry is summon to obedience to the com­ lowing the paths of the historical the Great Shepherd himself. Only mandments, to call for repentance church can lead to renewal today. Jesus can truly empathize with us. He and reform, and to prepare a people Chapter 8 ’s “Five Dimensions of Re­ knows us better than we know our­ to cope with defeat and exile. newal” provides the nuts and bolts selves. He gives us strength, compas­ It is out of these concerns for an­ for congregational renewal. Faith­ sion, grace, and love for the lost. He cient Israel, Rice contends, that 1 fulness to biblical concepts and forgives us and picks us up when we Kings speaks to the present: it prods scriptural interpretation gives the falter from the faith. We are nothing us to identify the equivalent of Ca- author a special authority and cred­ without His power and direction. naanite religion in our society and ibility essential in spiritual renewal Although we cannot determine to examine ourselves in light of the today. Detailed endnotes and a large, how people perceive us, we can be biblical commandments; it also di­ select bibliography make Signs o f genuine persons. We must be an ex­ rects us to look for God’s presence the Spirit a special resource for ample to others, seeking for Christ- in the arena of public life. Indeed, Christians seeking New Testament likeness. Above all, we must bring Rice argues, the basic affirmation of foundational structures for renewal. the Word of God to bear on each cir­ 1 Kings is that all nations, not just Capture the author’s heartbeat and cumstance. Israel, are “under God.” spirit by reading this unusual book! The pulpit is a place to lift up Jesus — by Montford L. Neal GENE RICE is professor of Old Testament literature to the glory of God. The preacher is and language at Howard University School of Di­ not a person on a pedestal but a per­ vinity in Washington, D.C. son on the pathway to eternal life with Jesus Christ! $

52 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE Kin I Have the Orange? (Continued from page 14) our brothers and sisters have not six one- or two-hour sessions of teach­ ages teachers and keeps a children’s seen a page of the Bible or a hymn- er training. The teacher deserves to church running smoothly. book, heard a sermon, or had fellow­ know how a little knowledge of Bi­ Every Monday the pastor phoned to ship with fellow believers for years. ble history, geography, and customs ask me, “How was children’s church?” He solicited help. “Please be willing can make the lesson fascinating. Every Monday I’d reply, “It’s a plea­ to give up one Sunday morning ser­ Teacher training was so important sure to be downstairs. I can’t even vice in six.” Help arrived. Classes that we held the class during Sunday think of a complaint to give you.” were formed by age groupings, and School time. Problems of a rural Then he told me: “For months I there was no discipline problem at all. church are much different from asked you to help in children’s 4. Teacher training is a must. We problems of a city church. We lived church. I got nowhere. I decided to taught more than the message and scattered far apart. It was not always keep quiet and pray. That was the the study of sound doctrine, but also possible to get everybody together same week you agreed to teach.” the methods. Some dear saints were during the week. But it was imper­ And the same week Arlene asked still reading bland little stories to ative that inexperienced volunteers, for my orange. Perhaps the Holy children. Some used the flannelboard especially teenagers, received teach­ Spirit’s voice and the unhappy cry but stood in front of it, turning their er training. from a needy young girl combined to backs to place each figure on the 5. The last lesson I learned by sad bring about the miracle that changed board. That is disastrous in a room­ experience. The person in charge of a mind set. ful of lively little boys! Some taught children’s church should not take a No child in children’s church but never reviewed. Others taught class but remain free to supervise. should ever hunger— physically for in adult words and concepts. They He should be available to solve lack of breakfast, mentally for lack may as well have spoken Hindustani. problems, aid teachers, and visit of an interesting lesson, or spiritu­ A nodding acquaintance with classes. Quick action or decision or ally from the lack of sound doctrine. child psychology can be learned in advice from a leader greatly encour­ *

Seven Lessons in Transient Aid (Continued from page 49) on the individual to make sure he is How monies are disbursed or re­ I have never had one transient fol­ clean. After the check is run, a vouch­ ceived is a collective decision made low through on his promises. When er is given for a maximum amount of by the association. The association someone says, “I’ll pay this back,” let gasoline and/or a meal. The money in turn gives an account of receipts it go in one ear and out the other. I for travelers aid is funneled through and expenditures to the churches doubt that one in a hundred would the ministerial association. In this involved. follow through on his word. They way the pastor of any involved may have the best intentions, but if church can tell the transient: “This Principle VII: Don’t Expect a someone is down so far as to ask a is where our funds for transient aid Return stranger for help, I don’t think their go, and this is the procedure. . . .” Due to the kinds of persons with priority will be to reimburse those which you’re dealing, there is never who have helped them get through Principle VI: Be Accountable a reason to expect any kind of re­ the tough times. If we have no means of account­ turn. The best thing we can do in When dealing in transient aid, my ability, we will have the temptation transient aid is to simply offer aid as concluding advice is this: keep a to be irresponsible. Accountability though we’re “doing it unto Jesus.” good spirit. This ministry can bring helps us work within a framed struc­ There have been literally dozens blessing or defeat. May we realize ture that adds to our effectiveness. of individuals who have promised and fulfill the instruction to visit the The treasurer of our ministerial as­ and even sworn that as soon as they imprisoned, feed the hungry, clothe sociation keeps the transient books reached their destination, they the naked, and we could add: offer balanced, brings reports of transient would return the aid given. Some gasoline to those whose tanks are aid income and expenditures to have promised to return twice as empty and shelter to those who monthly meetings, and communi­ much money as they received for need to get out of the cold. cates with the police department. help.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 53 Ark Rocker

You're Getting Better Every Sunday

ou know you’ve got prob­ worth his Psalter knows, in the your importation plans individually lems when several sweet minds of many, “A large group is a with those playing the positions af­ little ladies come up to good group.” The larger the group fected. Some trumpet players would Y your instrumental ensemble afterthe better unless, of course, more be offended if Gabriel got first chair church and say: “You’re getting bet­ costly space is needed than is avail­ in their church. Some problems are ter every Sunday.” able. above the staff, church, or otherwise. That’s a little unfinished sympathy Another advantage of importing If you believe that importing peo­ just for the ensemble. If they said musicians: the congregation will rec­ ple to play will improve the music, how much they like the music or ognize them as nonmembers and then do it. Posthumous recognition how good it sounded, you’d appre­ may assume you are doing a super­ is common among musicians. You ciate it. But, “You’re getting better” special this Sunday, thus setting may occasionally feel a need to take is a backhanded compliment if you themselves up to be favorably im­ a long rest or to return to a tonic and ever heard one. pressed. Or many members may as­ do about eight bars. But don’t de­ Now you know that sinking feel­ sume you are using your ensemble spair; the finale is yet to come! ing the great musical genius Handel to recruit new prospects. Either way, If an alien alto alienates your felt as he conducted his “Water Mu­ you come out ahead— right? member musicians, even ones in only sic” while the orchestra barge sank Not necessarily. (Nothing is sim­ “minor key” positions, there may be into the Thames. ple anymore.) a final movement of musical forms, Telling a musician, “You’re getting What happens when the first namely your musicians, following a better,” is like telling the minister chair E-flat double-clutching alto lead line to another church. More you “enjoyed” his sermon about be­ horn player (a lifetime member of than likely your last work has been ing behind on the budget. the church and its music programs) performed. Com plim ents that transpose as comes to rehearsal and finds that he Don’t fret. You can try other ar­ complaints cause choir directors to is now the second chair E-flat dou- rangements. Maybe easier music long for the hidden podiums of Wag­ ble-clutching alto horn player, since would make the member musicians ner’s day. You can sight-read the there is an imported musician blow­ more melodious, not to mention writing on the wall. It’s time to do ing first chair? more harmonious. If the music is al­ something upbeat. It’s time for a There are several possible sce­ ready off the scale on the easy end, variation from the theme. narios that you, as the determined maybe more rehearsals with more So what do you, the church musi­ director, must compose and perform repeats would help. So, when do cian, do? It’s your responsibility to in your mind before you act on im­ you and they find time for more re­ provide the church with music of pulse and import. Let’s look at them hearsals? It was just a thought. Per­ the highest caliber with which you tutti. First: the E-flat alto may be­ haps fewer performances is a major are armed. come a walking bass and split as he key to this dilemma. One optional ending to this prob­ spots the imported E-flatter. Second: However, your forte is music, not lem is to import all the local “free” your member may stop and play but psychology, and a ray of hope does musicians you can find. However, with ruffles and flourishes of feath­ shine. If the sweet little ladies were there may be a problem with this ers— a sure sign of counterpoint to not on your side, they would not be musical theory; head hunting is not come. Or third: the E-flat member offering words of encouragement, considered kosher for choir direc­ may stay and play, grateful that he no matter how discouraging those tors. (More about this later— there no more must be the solo E-flat in encouraging words may be. is a possible second ending.) the ensemble. Take heart. Do you remember An obvious advantage of filling Since it’s not always possible to Handel, the fellow who wrote the the loft with free performers is the anticipate the reaction of E-flat or Messiah? Not only did his barge improvement in the sound and size “other key” musical volunteers, it sink, but his Fireworks Symphony of your group. As any musician might be good policy to discuss really did blow up! $

5 4 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE WORSHIP & PREACHING HELPS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 5 5 James W. Tharp

September/October/November 1991 Prepared by James W. Tharp

INTRODUCTION Most of us are aware of an unprecedented hunger in the hearts of people today to experience the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives. But let us who are in the holiness tradition not assume that our people know fully the conditions by which divine fullness can be appropriated. And this is where we come in. It is our duty, and it should be our delight, to lead our people into a biblical study of the Holy Spirit. They are hearing nearly everything about the Holy Spirit today— some of it so mystical that it is dangerous, some of it cultic, and, hopefully, much that is sound. But they need to hear the truth about the Holy Spirit from their pastor who preaches from the Word, who reads not just from creeds and theologians but from the prophets, from Jesus, and from the apostles. Any serious study on the Holy Spirit will begin with the teachings of Jesus. He is himself our Model for properly relating to the Holy Spirit. He is also our Example in preaching and teaching on the Holy Spirit. Such a study will inevitably take us to the Book of Acts to observe early Christians as they prepared for the Spirit and then to note the glori­ ous effects of His Pentecostal effusion. Some honest questions will be asked by both preacher and people as this material is covered: “Why do we see so little of the power and joy and enthusiasm of early Christians in our churches today?” Such an ur­ gent question will find an urgent answer as we study who the Holy Spirit is, why He is given to the Church, and how we may receive Him with the same effects in our day. A prayerful study of the Holy Spirit is always good for the preacher. It will cause us to cry out for a new filling of His presence and power. For only Spirit-filled preachers can preach under the complete anointing of the Spirit. Spirit-anointed preaching is the outrush of the soul in such powerful speech as to arrest minds, convict hearts, and transform lives. May our souls be refreshed and may the lives of our people be re­ newed as we seek to go back to our source of spiritual power in these weeks of preaching on the Holy Spirit.

5 6 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE THE SPIRIT PORTRAYED by James W. Tharp (Symbols for the Holy Spirit) September 1, 1991

INTRO. that Christ shall destroy the wicked one “with the Inspired writers used familiar objects to tell ancient breath of his mouth” (2 Thess. 2:8, RSV). generations what God is like. The God of revelation ac­ commodated our limited understanding by allowing His B. Wind illustrated a sovereign freedom throughout prophets to resort to the language of resemblance. history. Christ illustrated His own nature and mission by com­ “The wind blows where it wills,” Jesus told Nico­ paring himself with a shepherd, a door, or a loaf of demus (John 3:8, RSV). bread. The Word also employs types and symbols to un­ The eternal Spirit is God in the present tense to work veil the nature and office of the Holy Spirit. the divine will in history. Due to the w ill of our sov­ Bible scholars are understandably cautious about ty­ ereign God, man is free to exercise moral choices. Even pology. The limitations are obvious, and the abusers are in choosing evil, man cannot ultimately frustrate the many. An emblem must be wisely employed in the ex­ sovereign will of God. The eternal decree did not decide position of truth. But if it is possible to violate a doc­ which choice man should make; it simply decided that trine with an extreme application of a symbol, it is also he should be free to make it. A. W. Tozer once asked, “If possible to neglect a truth by ignoring altogether this in His absolute freedom God has willed to give man lim­ device of revelation. ited freedom, who is there to stay His hand . . . ? Man’s Some well-marked symbols in the sacred text illus­ will is free because God is sovereign. A God less than trate the person and ministries of the Holy Spirit. Jesus sovereign could not bestow moral freedom upon His himself, preparing His followers for the coming of the creatures. He would be afraid to do so.”1 Holy Spirit, alluded to some of them. God’s foreknowledge of all things and His universal authority over all matters assure the perfect fulfillment I. Wind Symbolized the Holy Spirit of His “eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ” (Eph. 3:11, KJV). The mysteries of righteousness and in­ Nicodemus sought Jesus out one night to inquire iquity continue the conflict of the ages with increasing about the mysterious awakening that surrounded the violence. Divine decree declared the law of free choice Galilean’s ministry. “Rabbi, we know that You have come and its consequences: those who believingly commit from God as a teacher,” confessed the Hebrew intel­ their hearts to God through Christ are accepted into the lectual, “for no one can do these signs that You do un­ new spiritual order; those who reject Him are under the less God is with him” (John 3:2, NASB). Nicodemus was condemnation of eternal death. When the eternal Spirit then told about a spiritual birth. To the astonished man’s moves on us in a spiritual awakening, it is time to re­ “How?” Jesus replied by calling attention to a fresh stir­ spond in faith. ring of the night breeze— his answer was blowing in the wind. C. Wind illustrated a sacred factor in our destiny. Nicodemus was drawn to Jesus by the Spirit of God. A. Wind illustrated a supernatural force from eter­ The moving of the Spirit was illustrated as a blowing of nity. the wind. “You hear the sound of it,” Jesus reminded him “The wind blows,” said Jesus, using the same term for (John 3:8, NASB). the verb “breathes.” Jesus knew that the religious leader Theologians speak of the doctrine of prevenient grace. would understand Him to be speaking of that same life- Man is unable to comply with the terms of salvation un­ giving Spirit who was “moving (hovering, brooding)” til touched by the Spirit of Grace. “And when he is (Amp.) over chaos, as recorded in Gen. 1:2. The same come,” said Jesus, “he will convince the world of sin, “Breather” acted upon the form of Adam and infused and of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:8, KJV him with the “spirit of life” (Gen. 2:7, Amp.; see Job margin). And yet the Spirit’s drawing may be resisted 33:4). This very One breathed upon scribes and proph­ through unbelief. Our free will must cooperate with di­ ets to give the revelation of truth (2 Pet. 1:21). In Eze­ vine grace in order to validate our personal redemption kiel’s vision, the Spirit of God breathed upon the valley through Jesus Christ. We must make the choice to trust of bones and caused them to live again (37:1-14). God’s merciful offer to us through His Son. We must not Jesus “breathed on” His disciples and said, “Receive spurn the Spirit of Grace who draws us to Christ. the Holy Spirit” (John 20:22). A few weeks later they were in one accord in the Upper Room when the Spirit came with a sound from heaven “like the rush of a II. Fire Symbolized the Holy Spirit mighty wind” (Acts 2:2, RSV). As a symbol of the supernatural, there are two kinds of The prophet showed Christ with the empowerment of fire: the one from heaven that redeems and refines; and the Holy Spirit returning in the end times to “smite the the one from hell that depraves and damns. The Bible em­ earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of ploys the mysterious element of fire as a symbol of the his lips” (Isa. 11:4, KJV). It will be by the eternal Spirit Godhead in general and of the Holy Spirit in particular.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 5 7 A. Fire illustrated the flame of revelation. of Christ who was smitten in order to save the perishing. The flame of divine appearance testified to the cov­ The second time the rock was struck, “water came forth enant made with Abraham (Gen. 15:17), arrested Moses abundantly, and the congregation drank” (v. 11, RSV). and drew him aside from a meaningless life (Exod. 3:2), This water from which the people drank and lived pre­ and convicted Isaiah when the prophet had grown spiri­ figured the Pentecostal downpour that would mean spir­ tually delinquent (6:1-6). itual fullness for all who drank freely of Christ. God The flame of divine attendance reassured the chil­ promised a day when “I will pour out my spirit on all dren of Israel “in a pillar of fire to give them light, that flesh” (Joel 2:28, RSV). they might travel by day and by night” (Exod. 13:21, B . Water illustrated His infilling. RSV). By His “wall of fire round about” them (Zech. 2:5, “Give me a drink,” Jesus requested of the woman of KJV), God placed himself between Israel and the enemy Sychar. Then He explained that living water was avail­ so that “no weapon that is formed against thee shall able for the asking, using the element of water to illus­ prosper” (Isa. 54:17, KJV). trate spiritual reality (John 4:7, 10, RSV). “Whoever The flame of divine acceptance testified to God’s drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst; pleasure at the offering of a sacrifice and the worship of the water that I shall give him will become in him a His people (Judg. 13:20; 2 Chron. 7:1-4). spring of water welling up to eternal life” (v. 14, RSV). B . Fire illustrated the flame of redemption. When the Pentecostal flood broke upon the Upper The fiery spectacle at Sinai witnessed to the awesome Room Christians, “they were all filled with the Holy holiness of God (Exod. 19:16-20). Out of that blazing Spirit” (Acts 2:4, RSV). From that time on, “fullness” be­ mountaintop the voice of God called Moses to approach came a characteristic word to be found in the Book of Him for His word to the people. Israel’s redeeming God Acts and the remainder of our New Testament. was described by the prophet as “a refiner’s fire” (Mai. C. Water illustrated His outflowing. 3:2-3). When Isaiah confessed his iniquity, the seraphim The Spirit-filled life is not only subjective in experi­ took a live coal from the altar and purged his sin (6:7). ence but also objective in expression. “If any one thirst,” John the Baptist promised that Jesus would baptize His said Jesus, “let him come to me and drink. He who be­ followers “with the Holy Spirit and with fire” (Matt. lieves in me, as the scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart 3:11, RSV). The fulfillment came in the Upper Room shall flow rivers of living water.’ Now this he said about when Christians were filled with the Spirit and “there the Spirit, which those who believed in him were to re­ appeared to them tongues as of fire” (Acts 2:3, RSV). ceive” (John 7:37-39, RSV). The Christian is not to be a Peter referred to this experience later as a time when Dead Sea religionist who takes everything in and gives their hearts were “purified ... by faith” (Acts 15:9). As nothing out; he is to be a river at flood stage, flowing “a flame of fire” (Rev. 1:14, KJV), Christ by His Spirit out and touching lives and bearing fruit. inspects the churches. With the Lamp of Revelation in one hand and the Blood of Atonement in the other, 1. A. W. Tozer, The Knowledge o f the Holy: The Attributes o f God: Their Mean­ Christ walks in the midst of His people to reveal and ing in the Christian Life (New York: Harper and Brothers, Publishers, 1961), 117-18. cleanse that which hinders His work of redemption and His mission to the world. C. Fire illustrated the flame of revolution. “I came to cast fire upon the earth,” declared Jesus, “and would that it were already kindled!” (Luke 12:49, SUGGESTED ORDER OF WORSHIP RSV). “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit Call to Worship John 7:37-39 has come upon you,” He charged His followers, “and you Choruses “Come, Holy Spirit” shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and “There Is a River” Samaria and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8, RSV). He Hymn “Fill Me Now” makes “his ministers a flaming fire,” said the Psalmist Prayer Chorus “Spirit of the Living God” (104:4, KJV). Early Christians with burning hearts went Prayer everywhere turning their world around. Prayer Chorus Repeated “Spirit of the Living God" Fellowship Intermission III. Water Symbolized the Holy Spirit Tithes and Offerings Special Song “Ho! Everyone That Is Thirsty” The Lord Jesus and others made use of the precious Message “THE SPIRIT PORTRAYED: SYMBOLS element of water, a life-preserving thing, to introduce FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT" dimensions of the Spirit of life in the believer. Chorus “Come, Holy Spirit” A. Water illustrated His downpouring. Benediction The rock, smitten by Moses (Num. 20:7-13), is a type

5 8 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE THE SPIRIT PORTRAYED by James W. Tharp (Symbols for the Holy Spirit) September 8, 1991

INTRO. the world only after they were filled with the Holy Spirit Important symbols for the Holy Spirit are found in the (Luke 24:48-49; Acts 1:8). Scriptures. We do need to be cautious about the use of Until the present time, Christian leaders were more types and symbols. We better understand the person and prone to speak of and pray for “the unction” of the Holy work of the Holy Spirit as we study truths contained in Spirit. They meant by “unction” a divine enablement, an such elements as wind, fire, and water. effect of the supernatural on the labors or expressions of The symbols of oil, wine, and salt refer to the Holy God’s messenger. E. M. Bounds wrote, “This unction is Spirit. God will help us grasp more clearly our rela­ not an inalienable gift. It is a conditional gift, and its tionship with Him through Christ, as it is made real to presence is perpetuated and increased by the same pro­ us by the abiding Holy Spirit. cess by which it was at first secured: by unceasing prayer to God, by impassioned desires after God, by estimating I. Oil Symbolized the Holy Spirit it, by seeking it with tireless ardor, by deeming all else Olive oil was an essential part of life for God’s Old loss and failure without it.”1 Testament people: it was used in their diet; it was a part II. Salt Symbolized the Holy Spirit of their medical remedies; and it was essential in the preparation of their worship. Jesus spoke in parables and used common objects to make clear the power of Christianity in everyday appli­ A. There was the oil of cleansing. cation. When He spoke of salt (Matt. 5:13; Mark 9:50), The Levitical priest was given a specific routine for He was indirectly characterizing the work of the Holy cleansing a leper. The blood of a lamb was applied to Spirit in us or warning against our hindrance in allowing the lobe of the right ear of the victim, the thumb of the Him to work. right hand, and the toe of the right foot. Then the priest poured oil into the palm of his own hand. With his fin­ A. Salt referred to the quality of inner life. ger, he sprinkled the oil on the three places where the As salt is needed to season food and give it taste, ac­ blood had been applied. The rest of the oil was poured cording to Jesus the work of the Holy Spirit in us makes on the head of the leper seeking to be cleansed. Thus, Christ real and relates to our Heavenly Father in a mean­ atonement was made. ingful way (John 14:15-18, 26-27; 15:26; 16:12-15). The Holy Spirit applies the blood of Jesus to the heart B. Salt referred to the power of Christian influence. of the believer and then witnesses to the atonement for Jesus declared that Christians were to be “the salt of sin (1 John 1:9; Rom. 8:16). the earth” (Matt. 5:13)- His followers were to tarry until B. There was the oil of healing. they received the Holy Spirit. The Spirit would empower When the Good Samaritan went to the man who had them to witness and win people to Christ. been robbed and left to die, he poured oil and wine into The idea of salt as a preserver is expressed here. The his wounds to disinfect them and bring about healing influence of Christians must be felt in a world of dark­ (Luke 10:30-35). The apostle instructed early Christians ness and corruption. Jesus warns against Christians los­ to call for the elders of the church to pray over the sick ing their “saltiness.” We can lose our effect on the world. and to anoint them with oil (James 5:14-15). Oil sym­ When our convicting, arresting power is gone, we have bolizes the healing Spirit of God who brings wholeness reached a tragic point in our own personal life as well as to the one prayed for as those prayers are offered in faith. in our influence on the world. Oil signifies the power of the Spirit available to those III. Wine Symbolizes the Holy Spirit who pray and obey. Healing is needed in our lives, in our homes, in our One should be very careful in today’s world in the use churches, and in our world today. This includes more of wine as a symbol for the Holy Spirit. Total abstinence than physical healing— we need to be whole in our from all alcoholic beverages should be practiced in our emotions, in our relationships, and in our spiritual lives. Western world, given our social problems stemming The Holy Spirit wants to become the Spirit of healing from alcoholic drink. Nevertheless, one can see the in the Body of Christ today. power in the symbol of wine for the Holy Spirit drawn C. There was the oil of anointing. by Jesus and the apostles in more primitive times. Wine is a striking symbol for the work of the Spirit in The Tabernacle and all its furnishings were anointed the believer’s life in at least two areas: (1 ) Spirit-pro­ with oil (Exod. 40:9-11). Oil in the lamps produced duced Cleansing; and (2) Spirit-produced Joy. light for the priest to make his way into the holy of ho­ lies. A. There is Spirit-produced cleansing in the believer. The prophet anointed kings for office with oil. Again, the Good Samaritan poured oil and wine into Jesus was anointed by the Holy Spirit for His great mis­ the wounds of the man robbed and beaten and left for sion (Luke 3:21-22). He insisted that His followers were dead (Luke 10:30-35). The purpose of the oil and wine to pursue their urgent commission to take the gospel to was to disinfect and cleanse wounds of the victim. Sin

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 5 9 has done frightful things to our human personalities. We hat. Then he reached into his wallet, took all his cash, need the cleansing of God’s Spirit. Paul prayed for Chris­ and put it into the hat. He turned the car around and tians to be purged completely of sin: “May God himself, started back to meet the destitute family. the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. He called out to them, “Do you have that bill I gave May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless you a little while ago?” at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who “Yes,” the woman said. calls you is faithful and he will do it” (1 Thess. 5:23-24). “Well, I want you to give it back to me,” he said. A B. There is Spirit-produced joy in the believer. look of pain went across the woman’s face as she When Jesus turned water into wine at the wedding in reached inside her rain-soaked blouse and got the Cana (John 2:1-10), He set forth His power to work as money and handed it to him. “Here, put it into this hat,” the refreshing, stimulating work of the Holy Spirit. The he said. When the woman had done so, the man said, sparkle of life can run out. Life’s banquet can run dry. “Now hold out both hands.” As she cupped her hands, Then we can turn things over to Jesus and He will give the man turned the hat over and poured its contents into us to drink of true meaning and inspiration. her hands, returning the bill he had originally given her The multitudes wondered at first if the Spirit-filled plus the amount many times over. disciples were drunk with wine on the Day of Pentecost. The Lord Jesus wants to know if we w ill give Him the “Of course not!” said Peter. He explained that they were life He originally gave us. If we will, He gives it back to filled with the Holy Spirit, as had been prophesied by us plus much more. Life in the Spirit is “inexpressible Joel. Spirit-filled Christians overflow with joy, for this is and glorious joy” (1 Pet. 1:8).

one of the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22). The apostle 1. E. M. Bounds, Power Through Prayer (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1962), Paul warned against debauchery produced by wine but 70. called for us to be “filled with the Spirit” (Eph. 5:18). We can never drink too much of the Spirit of God. Christians must exchange their emptiness for divine SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER fullness. Many need to pray with the Psalmist, “Restore Call to Worship Psalm 45:6-7 to me the joy of your salvation” (51:12). Choruses “The Redeemed of the Lord” “Let’s Just Praise the Lord” ILLUS. John Seamands, in his book On Tiptoe with Joy, Hymn “Holiness unto the Lord” tells of a wealthy man passing a family on the highway. Prayer Chorus “Come, Holy Spirit” The family of seven were trudging along in the rain with Prayer only a sheet over their heads. “Why are you walking in Prayer Chorus Repeated “Come, Holy Spirit” this awful rain?” the man asked, as he stopped his car. Fellowship Intermission A Time for Greeting The father replied, “Our house burned down a few Tithes and Offerings hours ago, and we lost everything.” The wealthy man’s Special Song “Holy Spirit, Light Divine” heart was touched, and he reached into his wallet and Message “THE SPIRIT PORTRAYED: SYMBOLS pulled out a bill and gave it to the man. But as he drove FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT” on down the highway, his conscience bothered him. He Invitational “Cleanse Me” Benediction knew he should do more. He told his wife and daughter and their maid to empty all the money they had into his

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6 0 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE THE SPIRIT PORTRAYED by James W. Tharp (Symbols for the Holy Spirit) September 15, 1991

INTRO. cleanse us from all unrighteousness, the Spirit seeks to Symbols for the Holy Spirit bring better understanding wash our hearts from all uncleanness. of the work of God in His children. The dove is presented as a symbol of the Spirit at the The symbols of the dove, the seal, the pledge, and the baptism of Jesus. mantle open our understanding for a greater appre­ II. The Seal Symbolized the Holy Spirit ciation for the person and work of the Holy Spirit. Use of the seal goes back to ancient Egypt and Baby­ I. The Dove Symbolized the Holy Spirit lon. The children of Israel were acquainted with the sig­ The dove is prominent in the Bible. As a clean crea­ net set in a ring, for by this token Joseph was deputized ture, it was acceptable on some occasions as a sacrifice. second in command to Pharaoh (Gen. 41:41-43). In His It was one of the birds taken aboard the ark. Isaiah spoke story of the prodigal son, Jesus referred to the replacing of the ring on the returning son’s hand as evidence of of its moving voice (38:14). Solomon referred to its af­ the restored relationship (Luke 15:22). fectionate nature (Song of Sol. 2:14). Hosea saw it as a timid and frightened bird when resisted (11:11). Jesus Three times in his writings, Paul referred to the Holy Spirit as the seal of the believer (2 Cor. 1:22; Eph. 1:13; characterized the dove as harmless (Matt. 10:16, KJV). 4:30). The beautiful bird has been used by poets and prophets to illustrate truth, a fitting symbol for the Holy Spirit A. The seal was a property word. (3:16). God’s seal of possession rests on us because we have been “bought with a price “ (1 Cor. 6:20, RSV). Having A. As a dove, the Holy Spirit is a messenger o f peace. believed, we have been “sealed in Him with the Holy When the waters were receding and the ark had come Spirit of promise” (Eph. 1:13, NASB). The Spirit wit­ to rest upon the mountains of Ararat, Noah released a nesses to our relationship with the Father (Rom. 8:16). raven that never returned. “Then he sent forth a dove “The Lord knows those who are His” (2 Tim. 2:19, from him, to see if the waters had subsided” (Gen. 8:8, NASB). RSV). But the dove returned, for there was no place for We are God’s workmanship (Eph. 2:10). John Wesley her to rest. A week later Noah released the dove again. saw this sealing as a full impression of God’s image on This time she returned with an olive leaf in her beak. the souls of His redeemed ones. The olive leaf was a token of peace. The dove that brought it confirmed Noah’s hopes that the waters of di­ B. The seal was a security word. vine judgment were subsiding. A new order was about to By sealing us with His Spirit, God intends to protect begin on earth. His property. The Father set His seal on the Son (John The Spirit of God can flutter into our consciousness 6:27). The Son assured His followers that they had eter­ with assurance that divine justice has been met for sin at nal life, and no one could take them from Him (10:27- Calvary. He confirms the glorious news to the sinner that 30). Of course, the great security passages of the New “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Testament are not given as license to presumption, but Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1). The Holy Spirit bears witness they reassure the outcome of faith. The conditions of that we are at peace with God (v. 16). God’s keeping grace are not our personal good works but our faith. Our security is conditioned upon our faith B. As a dove, the Holy Spirit is the Spirit o f life. and repentance. Unbelief and disobedience, unless re­ Noah released two birds from the ark: the raven and pented of, will force our Heavenly Father to ultimately the dove. Opposites in nature, the two represent fallen defer to our determination to be lost. “Take care, breth­ nature and our new nature in Christ. The raven is a type ren,” warned the apostle, “lest there should be in any of the carnal mind. The dove is a type of the spiritual one of you an evil, unbelieving heart, in falling away man. from the living God” (Heb. 3:12, NASB). But it is God’s The raven never returned to Noah. It could rest on intention that we persevere by His grace, that we be floating carcasses and gorge itself on rotting flesh. As a eternally a part of His family from the moment of our scavenger, the raven illustrates the carnal mind that salvation. feeds upon the things of the flesh. Like the raven, the impure heart is attracted by the scent and scene of C. The seal was an authority word. death— lust, slander, deception. Our hearts must be The prodigal son was reinstated with his father’s name purged from all corruption. and authority. A ring was placed on his finger, the signet The dove returned to the ark when it could not find that allowed him to do business in his father’s name. the washed earth upon which to rest. The clean-natured Paul wrote to Timothy that “God did not give us a spirit bird illustrates how the Spirit is grieved by the corrup­ of timidity but a spirit of power and love and self-con- tion of the fallen heart. Since our old nature is judged by trol” (2 Tim. 1:7, RSV). “For you did not receive a spirit the Word of God, and since Christ died on the Cross to that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 61 Spirit of sonship” (Rom. 8:15). Our sonship in Christ turning in rags and repentance, we, too, are received. In brings us to share in His authority. a sense the Father says to the Holy Spirit, “Bring quickly III. The Pledge Symbolized the Holy Spirit the best robe, and put it on him” (Luke 15:22, RSV). But if the Spirit wraps the robe of Christ’s righteousness Three times Paul referred to the Holy Spirit as our around us in justification, He also plans to clothe and “guarantee” (RSV) or “pledge” (NASB) (2 Cor. 1:22; beautify our hearts in sanctification. Both justification 5:5; Eph. 1:14). The Holy Spirit is something like the and sanctification are anchored in the righteousness of down payment or first installment toward the full Christ, ours by faith. amount yet to be realized. In regeneration, the Holy B. The mantle was the garm ent o f praise. Spirit is given to the believer to assure him of the com­ Christ announced to those in bondage that He had ing riches of his inheritance in Christ that is yet to be come “to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy realized. for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of A. The Holy Spirit is a pledge o f purity. heaviness” (Isa. 61:3, KJV). The Holy Spirit is clearly “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” linked with producing inward joy in the Christian (Rom. (Matt. 5:8). The Holy Spirit reveals to the follower of 14:17; Gal. 5:22). When the church is filled with the Jesus the need for inner cleansing from sin. Paul assured Spirit, the people will “continually offer up a sacrifice believers that “from the beginning God chose you to be of praise to God” (Heb. 13:15, RSV). saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and C. The mantle was the mantle o f power. through belief in the truth” (2 Thess. 2:13). The Spirit The mantle of the prophet Elijah is a striking symbol purifies our hearts by faith (Acts 15:9). of the power of the Holy Spirit, which Jesus promised B. The Holy Spirit is a pledge o f maturity. His disciples. In 2 Kings 2:1-15, we get a fresh perspec­ The Christian is a saint in the making, a disciple in tive on the promised Holy Spirit to the followers of process. Obedience to the Holy Spirit assures our perse­ Christ as we study the types: Elijah is a type of Christ; verance. His purpose is to bring us all “to the measure of Elisha a type of Christ’s followers who are to succeed the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:13, RSV). Him in His work on earth; and the mantle is a type of the Christian maturity involves several Spirit-sponsored Holy Spirit. Elijah wanted to know what the greatest pas­ practices: (1) Feeding faithfully on the Word of God (1 sion of Elisha’s heart was by telling him to make a re­ Pet. 2:3; Col. 3:16). (2) Cultivating “the mind of Christ” quest. When Elisha declared that he wanted a double (1 Cor. 2:16; see Phil. 2:5). And (3 ) Conforming to the portion of Elijah’s spirit, Elijah promised it would be “law of the Spirit” (Rom. 8:1-17). true if he kept his eyes on him to the very end. C. The Holy Spirit is a pledge o f glory. There is nothing Christ would rather do for His Jesus and His apostles faithfully assured believers of Church today than to send a new outpouring of His their glorious destiny. The apostle Paul declared that Spirit for cleansing and power. And there is nothing we God would perfect us in glory: “I am prepared for this need more desperately. change by God, who has given me the Spirit as its pledge and instalment” (2 Cor. 5:5, Moffatt; see w. 1-4). SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER IV. The Mantle Symbolized the Holy Spirit Call to Worship Luke 24:45-53 Clothing is an appropriate symbol for the Holy Spirit. Choruses “Learning to Lean" The Psalmist prayed for God’s priests to be “clothed “Spirit of the Living God” with righteousness” (132:9). The Messiah rejoiced that Hymn “Let Thy Mantle Fall on Me” Prayer Chorus “My Desire, to Be like Jesus” the Spirit “has clothed me with garments of salvation” Prayer (Isa. 61:10). He instructed His disciples to wait until Prayer Chorus Repeated “My Desire, to Be like Jesus” the Spirit came upon them— they would be “clothed Fellowship Intermission Greetings with power” (Luke 24:49). Tithes and Offerings A. The mantle was the robe of righteousness. Special Song Christ is the Righteous One. The Holy Spirit is the Message “THE SPIRIT PORTRAYED: SYMBOLS FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT” Spirit of righteousness. Through Christ, “our righteous­ Chorus “Come, Holy Spirit” ness” (1 Cor. 1:30), God takes away “the filthy gar­ Benediction ments” we wear as sinners and clothes us with a “change of raiment” (Zech. 3:4, KJV). Like the prodigal son re­

6 2 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE THE SPIRIT PROMISED by James W. Tharp (The Spirit of Promise) September 22, 1991

INTRO. see me no longer; and in regard to judgment, because Although the prophets, including John the Baptist, the prince of this world now stands condemned” (John had spoken of the Holy Spirit, it was left to Jesus to set 16:7-11). forth a proper introduction of the person and work of A. The Holy Spirit convicts o f sin. the Holy Spirit. The Synoptic Gospels contain accounts The Holy Spirit’s mission is not a single duty but in­ of Jesus’ teachings on the Holy Spirit, but in the Gospel cludes penetrating the darkness of lost souls and bring­ of John we find what William Barclay called “the high ing about a sense of lostness, an awakening of a great water mark of the New Testament about the Holy Spirit.”1 need. But the Spirit convicts of the sin of not believing In the Last Supper discourses (John 14— 16), we have in Jesus. Just as Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for their le­ what W. T. Purkiser calls “the climax and crown of the galistic concept of sin, so the Paraclete would take over New Testament introduction to the Holy Spirit.”2 Jesus’ role to show sinners their great sin of not believ­ We must pay attention to the Holy Spirit as presented ing in Jesus as God’s provided-for Savior from sin. by Jesus, lest we get involved with a spirit of another source and nature. B. The Holy Spirit confirms righteousness. The world was wrong in its understanding of righ­ I. The Holy Spirit Is the Spirit of Christ teousness, and this included the Jewish religion in its decision to condemn Jesus as an impostor and crucify Jesus was leaving His disciples, departing in the flesh, Him as a blasphemer. Let the whole world consider but promising that He would return to them in the pres­ what God did with their infamous act: The Holy Spirit ence of the Holy Spirit. He would never leave them in raised Jesus from the dead; moreover, the Holy Spirit is that dimension but would abide with them forever. In now poured out on believers to give proof of the holi­ order to comfort and prepare their hearts for the coming ness and righteousness of Jesus Christ. Spirit, Jesus spoke of the very nature of the Spirit. Christ is forever the Righteous One and the Standard A. The Holy Spirit reveals the Spirit o f Christ. of righteousness for all people everywhere. “I will ask the Father,” promised Jesus, “and he will C. The Holy Spirit convinces o f judgment. give you another Counselor to be with you forever— the “. . . and in regard to judgment, because the prince of Spirit of truth” (John 14:16-17). Dr. Purkiser comments this world now stands condemned” (John 16:11). on this promise of the Holy Spirit, “He is the Spirit of Reference is made here to the decisive judgment of Christ, Christ’s alter ego, His resurrection Life.”3 The the Cross against Satan and his kingdom of evil. Speaking Holy Spirit is “Another just like Jesus.” of His death, Jesus said, “Now is the time for judgment E. Stanley Jones said, “If God is a Christlike God, then on this world; now the prince of this world will be it follows that the Spirit is a Christlike Spirit. The same driven out” 0ohn 12:31). In the Spirit’s power, lost per­ content of character will be in both. Then if the Spirit sons come to realize God’s purpose through the Cross to lives within us, He will not make us other than Christ­ deliver “from the dominion of darkness” and bring us like.”4 “into the kingdom of the Son he loves” (Col. 1:13). The Holy Spirit reminds us of a time when we shall all B. The Holy Spirit reveals the Spirit o f the Father. stand before the judgment of God. “I will ask the Father,” said Jesus, “and he will give you another Counselor.” Both Jesus and the Father send III. The Holy Spirit Is the Spirit of Counsel the Holy Spirit. We need to understand that the Holy Parakletos comes from two Greek words: para, mean­ Spirit is eternally related to God the Father and God the ing “with,” and kaleo, meaning “I call.” Literally, the Son. We must be careful to hold to a biblical teaching on Holy Spirit is our Counselor because He is the One the Holy Trinity. Confronted by Unitarians, Jehovah’s called to our side to help us. As our Counselor, He is the Witnesses, and other Arian-like heresies, we must be Spirit of Reality and He is the Spirit of Reassurance. armed with a scriptural understanding of the Trinity. Jesus did not promise a new Spirit; He promised the A. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit o f Reality. Eternal Spirit of the Father and the Son who would glo­ Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as “the Spirit of truth” rify God by making known Christ. (John 14:17; 15:26). Natural man, under the illusion of sin, seldom grasps things as they really are. The world of II. The Holy Spirit Is the Spirit of Conviction sense veils the world of the spirit. The visible becomes the enemy of the invisible, the temporal eclipses the Jesus said, “Unless I go away, the Counselor will not eternal. The Holy Spirit is the great disillusioner. He come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he turns on the light, strips away the false coverings, and comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin shows us how it really is. and righteousness and judgment: in regard to sin, be­ cause men do not believe in me; in regard to righteous­ B. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit o f Reassurance. ness, because I am going to the Father, where you can The Holy Spirit is also our Counselor in much the

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 6 3 same way that an attorney reassures his client in a court­ but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the room. Satan accuses and harasses and torments us (Rev. powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces 12:10). When this happens, the believer must plead the of evil in the heavenly realms” (Eph. 6:11-12). Among blood of Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit to reassure him several weapons we are to choose for spiritual warfare that he truly is a child of God. are the Sword of the Spirit (v. 17) and praying in the IV. The Holy Spirit Is the Spirit of Comfort Holy Spirit (v. 18). The Holy Spirit always works through the Word. The Jesus was going away, but He was not going to leave Spirit of God and the Word of God are separate entities, His followers as “orphans in the storm” (John 14:18, but they never operate separately. When believers are TLB). He promised, “I will ask the Father, and he will filled with the Holy Spirit and filled with the Word (as give you another Counselor to be with you forever” in Jesus’ case), Satan can make no headway. On the con­ (v. 16). trary, he is defeated in all that he attempts. A. The Holy Spirit brings comfort in life’s tribu­ The Lord will help us rely more and more on His abid­ lations. ing Holy Spirit. We shall come to appreciate Him as our Christians do not have to be taken out of this world in personal Comforter and Counselor. order to be comforted. The promise of the Comforter 1. W illiam Barclay, The Acts o f the Apostles (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, presupposes hardships and trials. We are not exempt 1955), xv-xvi. from hard places. But we have a Comforter alongside, 2. W. T. Purkiser, God’s Spirit in Today’s World (Kansas City: Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City, 1974), 26. actually within us. 3. Ibid., 29 ILLUS. Several years ago I made a hospital call on one 4. Quoted ibid. of our parishioners whose physician had just reported that she had a malignancy. After hearing her sobs and SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER listening to her questions, we prayed. The Holy Spirit Call to Worship John 14:16-21 was present in a powerful way. After prayer, she wiped Choruses “Burdens Are Lifted at Calvary” her tears and said with a smile, “Now I know that I can “He Is Lord” handle it!” The Comforter was inside and alongside. He Hymn “Holy Spirit, Be My Guide” did His work in such a way that her faith was not shat­ Prayer Chorus “Spirit of the Living God” tered but made strong to face her uncertain future. Paul Prayer was in prison and in chains, but he rejoiced in the Phi- Prayer Chorus Repeated “Spirit of the Living God” lippians’ prayers and the help given him by the Holy Fellowship Intermission Greeting Spirit (Phil. 1:18-19). Tithes and Offerings Special Song B. The Holy Spirit brings comfort in spiritual oppo­ Message “THE SPIRIT PROMISED: sition. THE SPIRIT OF PROMISE” The apostle urged Christians to “put on the full armor Invitation “Spirit of God, Descend" of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s Benediction schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,

6 4 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE THE SPIRIT PROMISED by James W. Tharp (The Spirit of Purity) September 29, 1991

INTRO. ation. But we must also speak of His immanence— His The title “Holy Spirit,” bestowed on the Third Person nearness, His availability, His willingness to receive us of the Godhead, has significance. Both the adjective and to His holy Self without compromising with sin and His the noun form a profound double symbol: “Holy” con­ purpose in us. veys His absolute purity, and “Spirit” suggests His mar­ Since God is holy, He has made holiness the condition velous grace. of moral health for His universe. Adam and Eve were cre­ The Holy Spirit is called by His title for two reasons: ated holy. Their holiness was a gift from God, derived He is absolutely and eternally free from any moral im­ from His own holiness. It was not equal to divine holi­ perfection and shares equally with the Father and the ness because man is not divine. But Adam’s holiness was Son in their essential holy nature; and it is the assigned a part of his being in the imago Dei, in the image of work of the Holy Spirit, among other duties, to make the God. hearts of believers holy. God’s gift of holiness to man does not exempt him God has more in mind for His children than forgive­ from temptation. Adam’s choice to disobey God’s Word ness of sins; He would make us holy by purifying our caused him to forfeit the holiness that had been given hearts through faith. him, and he was infected with the fatal disease of sin. A Let us approach this truth today by looking at the holy God was forced to move in judgment on sin. But Holy Spirit as both the Spirit of Holiness and the Spirit even in judgment on sin, God in holiness and mercy de­ of Sanctification. signed a plan whereby we could be justified and be­ come partakers of His holiness. I. The Holy Spirit Is the Spirit of Holiness The only path to an absolutely holy God is by way of the Cross on which the Lamb of God was slain. It is Holiness is an awesome subject. As we discuss it, we God’s only way to accept sinners. It is our only approach need to think in terms of both divine holiness and Chris­ to God. God receives us in the righteousness of His Son. tian holiness. The latter is derived from the former. In Jesus Christ God shares His holiness with us.

A. There is divine holiness. II. The Spirit of Sanctification The Church needs a new vision of the holiness of God at this time. Isaiah heard the heavenly creatures acclaim “For this is the will of God, your sanctification,” said the Eternal One as being infinitely holy when they Paul (1 Thess. 4:3, RSV). Again he said, “From the begin­ cried, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty” (6:3). The ning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying prophet trembled, wept, and cried out, “Woe is me! for I work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth” (2 am undone” (v. 5, KJV). As Moses approached the burn­ Thess. 2:13). ing bush, God called out to him, “Do not come any Sanctification is the divine grace by which the Chris­ closer . . . Take off your sandals, for the place where you tian is made holy. Initial sanctification takes place in jus­ are standing is holy ground” (Exod. 3:5). Christians to­ tification, at which time the righteousness of Christ is day have lost their sense of the majesty of such divine imputed to the believer and he is cleared of all guilt be­ holiness. They seldom sense that they are standing on fore God. But Christ and His apostles never presented holy ground. any proposition on justification apart from a commit­ The study of divine holiness requires us to consider ment to sanctification. Nor did they present justification God’s transcendence— His “otherness,” His separate­ as a matter of divine grace to be completed in a sanctifi­ ness from all of His creation including man. Isaiah re­ cation of human works. The kind of sanctification they ferred to “the high and lofty One. . . . who lives forever, called for had its foundation in the grace of justification whose name is holy” (57:15). The prophet did not have which is by grace through faith unto good works— in mind any physical distance separating finite man and and in that order (Eph. 2:8, 10, KJV). our infinite God. The burden of his thought is the “far In treating the doctrine of sanctification, we shall aboveness” of the moral quality of the Divine One. He note first, the problem of sin; and second, the grace of stands forever apart from us in “unapproachable light” sanctification. (1 Tim. 6:16), in divine splendor, in absolute holiness. The holiness of God is the very essence of His “God- A. We need to understand the problem of sin. ness.” Holiness is not merely a standard for Him, but In order to better understand the doctrine of sanctifi­ holy is the way He is— absolutely holy, possessing in­ cation, it is important that we study its opposite— sin. finite purity, incapable of being other than morally and The study of sin requires that we treat it both as a prin­ spiritually perfect. ciple and a practice. A sinful disposition lies behind a sinful deed. Sin involves character as well as conduct. B. There is Christian holiness. Theologians speak of both original and actual sin. By We spoke of God’s transcendence— His separateness original sin they mean that moral estrangement, not be­ and otherness and moral beyondness from all of His cre­ cause of our humanity, but because of our rebellion

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 6 5 against God. We all have a sinful nature inherited from God’s gracious work of sanctification within our Adam. Paul taught that “sin came into the world through hearts is His way of reclaiming us from the deeper ef­ one man and death through sin, and so death spread to fects of sin. all men” (Rom. 5:12, RSV). For over 19 centuries the gospel of Jesus Christ has By actual sin we mean that we have all made the addressed the problem of sin in the heart of the believer. choice to sin— “for all have sinned” (Rom. 3:23)- Our The consensus is clear from all branches of the church individual sins cannot be charged to Adam, for each that sanctification is a valid factor in the process of sal­ must take responsibility for his own sin. vation. It is usually agreed that justification is what God All sin has consequences. “The wages of sin is death,” does fo r the believer in clearing him of the condemna­ said Paul (Rom. 6:23). Adam was warned of this before tion of sin, and that sanctification is what God does in the Fall (Gen. 2:17). When he sinned, the penalty of the believer in cleansing from the condition of sin. From death came in stages: it would come immediately in this point on, of course, the debate heats up as to the spiritual death; it would come eventually in physical when and how fa r of sanctification. death; and it would come finally in eternal death— Our message today does not propose to answer all of unless faith was exercised in the merciful provision set the controversies, but to offer to God’s children His forth by our gracious God. promise to cleanse us from all unrighteousness and to Natural man is pronounced “dead in your transgres­ make us like Jesus. There are hungry hearts today who sions and sins” (Eph. 2:1). He is alienated from God. As are ready to confess their need of inner cleansing and Billy Graham observes, “Sin has infected the totality of believe in the faithfulness of the Holy Spirit to perform man’s life, darkening his intellect, enfeebling his will, the work of sanctification. and corrupting his emotions.”1 1. Billy Graham, World Aflame (New York: Doubleday, 1966), 73- B. We need to understand the grace of sanctification. 2. George Allen Turner, The Vision Which Transforms (Kansas City: Beacon Hill Press, 1964), 32. God’s urgent call to His children is that they become partakers of His holiness. The Holy Spirit convinces us of our need to be reclaimed from the deeper effects of sin. After believing, the seed of sin remains in the believer. SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER Call to Worship 1 Thess. 5:23-24 But our sinful hearts are not left unattended by the Holy Choruses “We Have Come into His House” Spirit. He not only reveals our impurity but also illu­ “Breathe on Me” mines the way into the atoning provisions for our cleans­ Hymn “Called unto Holiness” ing from all sin (1 Thess. 4:7-8; 1 John 1:5-10). Prayer Chorus “We Are Standing on Holy Ground" Holiness and sanctification are intimately related Prayer terms in both doctrine and experience. Yet the two are Prayer Chorus Repeated not synonyms. George Allen Turner explains: “The rela­ “We Are Standing on Holy Ground” tion of holiness to sanctification is that of noun to verb. Fellowship Intermission Greeting to Our Guests Holiness is a state or condition of sanctity; sanctification Tithes and Offerings is the process by which it occurs. Holiness is associated Special Song Message “THE SPIRIT PROMISED: with being; sanctification with becoming. Holiness is THE SPIRIT OF PURITY” the static concept; sanctification, the dynamic.”2 Invitation Hymn “I Surrender All” God’s urgent call to His children is that they become Benediction partakers of His holiness (Heb. 12:10, 14; 1 Pet. 1:15- 16).

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66 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE THE SPIRIT PROMISED by James W. Tharp (The Spirit of Power) October 6, 1991

INTRO. Today, when we confess our sins, God is gracious to Jesus said to His followers, “I am going to send you forgive us our sins and clothe us in the righteousness of what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until His Son, Jesus. you have been clothed with power from on high” (Luke B. There is imparted righteousness. 24:49). Those counted righteous are to be made righteous In our series on the Holy Spirit, we have been empha­ with the imparted righteousness of Christ by the Holy sizing “The Spirit Promised.” We learned about the Spirit. In Romans 8 we see God’s plan for moving be­ Spirit’s Promise of Purity; today we note the Spirit’s yond justification to sanctification: those who live in the Promise of Power. Spirit are empowered to live above the flesh and experi­ God pardons our sins in order that He might purify ence the righteousness of Christ. His righteousness leads our hearts. He purifies our hearts in order that He might to power. fill us with His Holy Spirit and empower us to live and witness for Christ. II. We Are Clothed with Garments of Praise As there is no grounds for Christianity apart from To be “clothed with power” also means to dress or be ! Christ himself, so there is no life and power in the Chris­ arrayed in garments that identify with and bring glory to tian experience apart from the Holy Spirit. Yet many our Heavenly Father, who provides all we need. I Christians are powerless, empty, depressed, and con­ fused. Some have settled for an intellectual Christianity, A. There is the sacrifice of praise. a doctrinal Christianity, a denominational Christianity, a The Creator designed the human spirit primarily for legalistic Christianity. praise and worship. Only those who are cleansed and What lacks is life in the Spirit. Spiritual failure can be clothed and filled with the Spirit can “through Jesus . . . traced to an improper relationship with the Holy Spirit, continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise” (Heb. whether intentional or in ignorance. The Early Church 13:15). did not have its system of theology worked out, but it God spoke to His Old Testament people through the did not fail to relate to the Holy Spirit as Jesus taught. prophet and said, “Awake, awake, put on your strength, The Church was “clothed with power.” O Zion; put on your beautiful garments” (Isa. 52:1, When the Holy Spirit came, He was to “clothe” be­ RSV). lievers with power. Three shades of meaning are sug­ Praising God is not merely something Christians do in gested in this term as used in His promise: (1 ) to dress a corporate worship service. “I will bless the Lord at all in such a way that one’s nakedness is covered— he is times,” the Psalmist said, “his praise shall continually be properly attired so that he is presentable and un- in my mouth” (34:1, RSV). I ashamed; (2) to be arrayed in garments of splendor so as When the people of God are truly clothed in the righ­ I to identify with a father who provides freely for his own; teousness of Christ, they are dressed up to praise God. \ (3) to gown up with a garment of authority, such as a The Lord has bestowed on us “a crown of beauty instead magistrate who puts on the robe and rules from the of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a bench. garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair” (Isa. 61:3). I. We Are Clothed with the Robe of Righteousness B. There is the power of praise. The experience of inspirational praise is transforming When we are born again, we are washed and clothed in itself. It is no substitute for the work of the sanc­ i in the righteousness of Christ. When we are purified in tifying Spirit, as He would cleanse the heart from greed heart, we partake of the righteousness of Christ. or lust or pride. But a clean heart filled with the Spirit A. There is imputed righteousness. must express itself in powerful praise. We discover that “For if by the trespass of the one man, death reigned God is “enthroned on the praises of Israel” (Ps. 22:3, through that one man, how much more will those who RSV). This means that God powerfully visits the place ! receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift where He is being exalted in true praise. He touches the of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus one who understands the true purpose of his being. Christ” (Rom. 5:17). Jesus is our Example in praise. We read that “Jesus, full When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden, they grew of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, ‘I praise you, Father, i conscious of their nakedness and were ashamed. They Lord of heaven and earth’” (Luke 10:21). hid from God. But God called to them and dealt with A chorus says, “It’s amazing what praising will do.” them about their disobedience. When they confessed their sin and their efforts to create a false covering of fig III. We Are Clothed with the Mantle of Power leaves, God “made garments of skin for Adam and his We shall be “clothed with power from on high” when wife and clothed them” (Gen. 3:21). the Holy Spirit comes upon us. This promise is rein­

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 6 7 forced: “But you will receive power when the Holy is still true: “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses” talk but of power” (1 Cor. 4:20). It requires power to (Acts 1:8). build God’s kingdom, but the kind of power that Jesus A. There is power in Jesus’ life. demonstrated and promised to His followers, the kind that the Early Church experienced at Pentecost and prac­ Before entering His public ministry Jesus was filled ticed throughout the first century, the kind that has been with the Holy Spirit (Matt. 3:16-17; Mark 1:10-11; Luke 3:21-22; John 1:32-34). tapped periodically across the history of the Church and In His humanity Jesus required the fullness of the has produced great and mighty things for the glory of Holy Spirit to empower Him for His earthly mission. As God. This kind of power comes from the Holy Spirit, who the Son of God, He was inherently pure and needed no cleansing. But as the Son of Man, He must know divine cleanses the people of God and anoints them for prayer fullness throughout His earthly ministry. In this, He is and worship. Only praying men and women can put on our Example. We need both cleansing and empower­ the whole armor of God and tear down the strongholds of the evil one. Only prevailing prayer warriors can ment. This is the work of the Holy Spirit. move against the enemies of the Church and break B. There is power in the Early Church. through to the glory of soul winning and revival and Following Pentecost, both the Church and the world church growth. knew that the Christians had tapped into the same power that Jesus had known. As the school of prophets recognized that “the spirit of Elijah is resting on Elisha” (2 Kings 2:15) when they saw God working mightily SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER through him, so the people in Jerusalem and even the Call to Worship Luke 24:45-53 Choruses “Come, Holy Spirit" Sanhedrin “took note that these men had been with “Learning to Lean” Jesus” (Acts 4:13). Hymn “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” Jesus had promised power for witnessing to His name, Prayer Chorus “Majesty” for building God’s kingdom, for overcoming evil. Chris­ Prayer tians following Christ to Pentecost would “do even Prayer Chorus Repeated “Majesty” greater things than these [things Jesus had done in the Fellowship Intermission Welcome to Guests power of the Spirit], because I am going to the Father” Tithes and Offerings (John 14:12). This is a reference to the coming Holy Special Song Spirit, who would give them power to do even greater Message “THE SPIRIT PROMISED: works than Jesus had done. THE SPIRIT OF POWER” Invitation “Cleanse Me” C. There is power fo r today. Benediction Christians do not talk a great deal about spiritual power today. What Paul said about the kingdom of God

f 68 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE THE SPIRIT PROMISED by James W. Tharp (The Spirit of Purpose) October 13, 1991

INTRO. obedient child of God by the sanctifying work of the In Heb. 10:11-18, we gain a deeper understanding of Holy Spirit (Acts 15:8-9; 2 Thess. 2:13; 1 John 1:7-10). the role of the Holy Spirit as Administrator of the new John the Baptist saw Jesus as One who would refine covenant God has made with His people through Christ. His followers “with the Holy Spirit and with fire” (Matt. Christ is the Great High Priest and Mediator of the new 3:11, RSV). covenant, since it has been sealed with His own blood. II. The Holy Spirit Is in the Church The purpose of the Holy Spirit is to apply the redemp­ tion to human hearts that was purchased in the death of “For just as the body is one and has many members, Christ on Calvary. The Holy Spirit is the active Agent of and all the members of the body, though many, are one the Godhead among people during this dispensation of body so it is with Christ. For by one Spirit we were all grace. baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free We will see the purpose of the Holy Spirit in the indi­ — and all were made to drink of one Spirit” (1 Cor. vidual Christian, in the Church, and in the advancement 12:12-13, RSV). of God’s kingdom. The Church existed in the heart of God before the foundation of the world. It is God’s new creation by the I. The Holy Spirit Is in the Christian Spirit through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. After His death and resurrection, the Church From the very first ray of hope given Adam in the Gar­ den to the miraculous conception by the virgin mother would become the new Body of our Lord. It must be formed by the Spirit. and right on down to the fiery fulfillment on the Day of Pentecost, we can trace the work of the redeeming A. The Holy Spirit produces the spirit of commu­ Spirit. As the Spirit of Salvation, the Holy Spirit adminis­ nity. ters all of the gracious benefits of Christ’s atoning work. As the Holy Spirit filled the believers on the Day of Pentecost, He also prepared the hearts of a great multi­ A. The Holy Spirit is the regenerating Spirit. tude to receive the gospel, and “there were added that In Titus 3:4-7, RSV, reference is made to “washing of day about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41, RSV). The regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit.” Paul de­ newly born Church grew rapidly as the Spirit baptized clares, “And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, each believer into the Body of Christ. Each was initiated he does not belong to Christ” (Rom. 8:9). The Holy by the Spirit into the Body. All, the wealthy landowners, Spirit is given to the believer at the time of the new poor widows, and those representing all walks of life, birth. He administers the new birth and becomes the were constituted a company of believers. They were joy­ sign and seal of the believer’s salvation (2 Cor. 5:5; Eph. fully aware that they had been joined together in a spe­ 1:13-14; 4:30). cial kind of fellowship. This fellowship transcended the God promised under the new covenant, “A new heart ties of natural family and made a special place for broth­ I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you” ers and sisters in Jesus Christ. (Ezek. 36:26, RSV). Paul described this inner miracle of Their togetherness carried over into material needs— the believer as “a new creation; the old has passed away, the Body met the needs of its members. Their love found behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who favor in the city of Jerusalem. through Christ reconciled us to himself” (2 Cor. 5:17-18, RSV). B. The Holy Spirit produces the spirit o f worship. In regeneration we receive a new nature. This comes The primitive Church was beautiful in its worship as a result of our new birth “of the Spirit” (John 3:8). In (Acts 2:41-47; 4:23-31). Early Christians gathered, not being born again, we “become partakers of the divine so much for social purposes as to praise and worship nature” (2 Pet. 1:4, RSV). We are not mere imitators of God. Early Christians saw Jesus as the Fulfillment of Christ, but we share His being through the grace of re­ their worship. They celebrated the faithfulness of God generation. We partake of His nature. In Him, we are in­ in bringing salvation to an accomplished fact. Their Cre­ troduced to the dynamics of His Spirit within us. He ator was also their Redeemer. Much of their praise had works all that is necessary for the will of God for us to to do with the Christ events— the birth, life, ministry, escape the corruption of this world even as we live in it. miracles, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The Word of God was central in their worship, as was B. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Sanctification. Communion, or the Lord’s Supper. In 2 Thess. 2:13 Paul spoke of the work of “the sanc­ tifying . . . Spirit.” Holiness of heart and life for all be­ C. The Holy Spirit produces the spirit of ministry. lievers is the will of God (1 Thess. 4:3-8; Heb. 12:14; 1 The new Body of Christ must do more than care for Pet. 1:14-16). Holiness is provided in the atoning work one another’s needs and worship; it must do the work of of Christ (1 Cor. 1:30; Eph. 5:25-27; Heb. 13:12). Holi­ Christ on earth. As Jesus said of himself, “The Son of Man ness is made experiential to the confessing, believing, did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matt. 20:28),

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 6 9 so His Church must go into the world to serve the needs Our stewardship will be the main issue at the judg­ of mankind. ment seat of Christ, and people will be given priority. Spiritual gifts have been given for the purpose of edi­ fying the Body of Christ and reaching a lost world (Eph. 4:7-16; Rom. 12:1-8; 1 Cor. 12:1-31; 1 Pet. 4:8-11). The Holy Spirit must do more than give gifts; He must SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER be allowed to fill the gifted to do the work of Christ. As Call to Worship Eph. 4:1-7 “O Come, Let Us Adore Him” the Spirit anointed Christ in His earthly body to serve Choruses “All Hail King Jesus” (Luke 4:18), so He will also anoint the Church with Hymn “And Can It Be?” great power for witness and service (Acts 1:8). Prayer Chorus “I Love You, Lord” The Lord will give the increase. He is concerned that Prayer we bear much fruit in order that the Father be glorified Prayer Chorus Repeated “I Love You, Lord” in the Son, and that we give evidence of our discipleship Fellowship Intermission Welcome to Guests (John 15:8). Tithes and Offerings God expects His Church to grow in quality and in Special Song quantity. The Great Commission implies growth, an in­ Message “THE SPIRIT PROMISED: crease of disciples. THE SPIRIT OF PURPOSE” Christian leaders in all local churches must come to Chorus “A Charge to Keep I Have” Benediction terms with biblical church growth, grapple with the ob­ stacles, declare an offensive in outreach, and plan for an increase in the harvest.

“You and your two woodpeckers!”

7 0 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE THE SPIRIT PROMISED by James W. Tharp (The Spirit of Pentecost) October 20, 1991

INTRO. heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but Jesus continued after His resurrection to instruct His in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit’ ” apostles concerning the coming of the Holy Spirit (Matt. (Acts 1:4-5). 28:18-20; Luke 24:49; John 20:22-23; Acts 1:1-8). Right Eyewitnesses of Jesus’ death beheld Him in His bodily up to His ascension, the coming of the Holy Spirit was ascension until He passed out of sight. As they watched His main topic. their Master ascend into the region of the unseen, they The Master was preparing His men for His continued realized that His appearances had ended. They were not work. There was only one secret to their success— they to look for Him again until He returned in the manner in had to be filled with the Spirit just as He himself had which He had departed (Acts 1:11). been. He relied on the Spirit constantly for His power to Beyond natural vision and above the material world, minister. Christ sat down at the right hand of the Father on behalf The Pentecostal Preparation actually began with of sinful man (Rom. 8:34; Heb. 9:24; 10:12-13). Jesus’ postresurrection appearances. Jesus’ disciples “returned to Jerusalem with great joy: and were continually in the temple, praising and bless­ I. Preparation Included 40 Days of Proof ing God” (Luke 24:52-53, KJV). Peter’s prominence among the apostles and disciples Luke records, “After his suffering, he showed himself is not surprising. On one or two occasions, the Master to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he had singled him out for leadership. So Peter took the was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty initiative in the Upper Room and explained the qual­ days and spoke about the kingdom of God” (Acts 1:3). ifications of an apostle. In a kind of democratic ap­ Over a period of nearly six weeks Jesus of Nazareth proach, he appealed to the body as to their responsibil­ appeared in such convincing manner as to leave no ity in electing a successor to Judas. With marvelous doubt in the minds of His witnesses that He was literally insight into the Word, he quoted from two psalms touch­ and physically back from the dead. The most compre­ ing on the tragedy of the fallen apostle. After two nomi­ hensive listing of these appearances is made by Paul (1 nations the people went to prayer for divine direction. Cor. 15:4-8). When the lots were cast, Matthias “was enrolled with During these appearances the Lord impressed upon the eleven” (Acts 1:26, RSV). His men that His authority was universal. Since all Whatever duties and activities claimed the disciples’ power had been given Him by the Father, they were un­ attention in the Upper Room, praying for the coming der His orders to “go therefore and make disciples of all Holy Spirit was their major commitment. Jesus had nations” (Matt. 28:19, RSV). His gospel must be promised, “If you then, though you are evil, know how “preached throughout the whole world, as a testimony to give good gifts to your children, how much more will to all nations; and then the end [would] come” (24:14, your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who RSV). History would move ultimately toward the pur­ ask him!” (Luke 11:13). poses of God. Christ would return at the end of the age. Whatever else might develop in history, its greatest III. Preparation Included the Day of cause for delay would be the spreading of the gospel to Pentecost all peoples. “When the day of Pentecost came, they were all to­ What incredible authority was conferred upon the gether in one place” (Acts 2:1). apostles by their Lord! They were to serve as custodians While thousands of Jews filled Jerusalem to observe of a message that had power to forgive sins, and by this the Feast of Pentecost, 120 Christians gathered in an Up­ message the nations of the earth would be judged. Who­ per Room to await the coming of the Holy Spirit. The ever delivered such a message must stand in awe of its real significance of that day did not center on the priests power. The realization of such authority, balanced by an and people at the Temple, but on the men and women equal sense of accountability, prompted Paul to ask, prayerfully awaiting the promise of the Father and the “Who is sufficient for these things?” (2 Cor. 2:16, RSV). Son. The house of Israel was now desolate. Israel had The answer is: only those upon whom Christ has rejected their Messiah. To those who had received Him, breathed His Spirit. great authority is about to be given to carry out the Mas­ May the Spirit prepare us for our great responsibility ter’s Great Commission. The torch is ready to be passed of reaching our community in our generation for Christ. to a new order. A spiritual revolution is about to begin that will sweep the whole world. II. Preparation Included 10 Days of The Upper Room setting was probably the spacious Preparation quarters of Mary, the mother of John Mark— no doubt “On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he the same large room where Jesus had eaten the Passover gave them this command: ‘Do not leave Jerusalem, but with His Twelve and where they had gathered often for wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have instructions from the Master. Its location— an upper

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 71 room— illustrates the fact that great spiritual move­ hope that the God who came in power to 11 defeated ments of history are bom in the hearts and lives of those men at the Day of Pentecost, and through them turned who are willing to climb above the common level of de­ their world upside down, may come again in our gener­ votion. In this elevated place, they all “with one accord ation and do again His mighty works. devoted themselves to prayer” (Acts 1:14, RSV). “Yes, Lord, do it again!” In our time, God seems to be gathering a prayer force over the earth, a remnant of people who long to see a mighty spiritual awakening in these last days. The great SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER passion of these “Upper Room Christians” is for another Call to Worship Acts 1:1-5 mighty rending of the heavens to change the course of Choruses We Have Come into His House” "Come, Holy Spirit” history and empower the Church to finish the task of Hymn “Pentecostal Power” world evangelism. Prayer Chorus “Spirit of the Living God” Of course, Pentecost will never be repeated. We Prayer * would not pray for another Pentecost just as we would Prayer Chorus Repeated “Spirit of the Living God” not pray for another Calvary. But the promise of the Holy Fellowship Intermission Welcome to Guests Spirit was not just to the apostolic band and company of Tithes and Offerings believers who joined them; He is promised to all “who Special Song are far off— for all whom the Lord our God will call” Message “THE SPIRIT PROMISED: (Acts 2:39). Therefore, we can pray, in a sense, for Pen­ THE SPIRIT OF PENTECOST’ tecost to be repeated, just as it was in Samaria, in Cae­ Invitation ‘Breathe on Me, Breath of God” Benediction sarea, and in Ephesus. W. E. Sangster, British Methodist, emphasized our

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7 2 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE THE SPIRIT POURED OUT by James W. Tharp (The Pentecostal Expectation) October 27, 1991

INTRO. ILLUS. Elijah wanted Elisha to have a double portion The same Holy Spirit who filled the hearts of those of the Spirit of God in his life, but he first had to test early Christians longs to fill us today Many passages in him to see if he wanted something more (2 Kings our New Testament deal with the subject of the Spirit- 2:1-15). The old prophet even suggested several points filled life. “Be filled with the Spirit,” Paul said (Eph. at which the younger man might leave him, thus pre­ 5:18). The same apostle longed for Christians to “be cluding the experience of receiving the double portion. filled to the measure of all the fullness of God” (3:19). As Elisha was determined to have the fullness of God’s The 120 believers who waited in the Upper Room to Spirit regardless of the cost, we will receive the fullness be filled with the Spirit of God can well serve as our of the Spirit when we seek Him with all of our hearts. models if we truly want to be filled with God’s Spirit. God gives His overflowing presence to the spiritually These followers of Jesus really expected the Holy Spirit hungry and thirsty. to come upon them. They had not been told in what manner He would come; they had only been promised III. Surrender for Cleansing that He would come, and they were commanded to wait The indwelling Spirit reveals areas of sin and self­ for Him. ishness to be cleansed. He not only uncovers sin but also We hear so much talk about life in the Spirit, and points to Calvary and its provision for our purity. No one some of it is quite confusing. But we can trace our path­ ever got far on the road to divine fullness without being way to the fullness of the Spirit by following five steps shown their need for heart purity. God will not fill an to the Spirit-filled life. unclean vessel. The sanctifying Spirit will make way for His fullness in us. I. Be Assured of Eternal Life Whatever is in one’s heart that God cannot bless re­ mains a barrier to the fullness of the Spirit. Moreover, it The first step toward the Spirit-filled life is to gain the becomes a beachhead for Satan to launch his attacks and assurance of eternal life. The apostle wrote, “I write defeat us. We must give God everything in order for Him these things to you who believe in the name of the Son to give us His fullness. Paul admonished, “I urge you, of God so that you may know that you have eternal life” brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as (1 John 5:13). We are to know in our hearts and not living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God— this is your doubt that we have been born of the Spirit and that the spiritual act of worship” (Rom. 12:1). Spirit of Christ lives within. If we will not hold anything back from the Lord, He Our assurance of salvation is supported by a twofold will not hold anything back from us. witness: (1) the witness of the Word of God; and (2) the witness of the Spirit of God. Human emotions fluctuate. IV. Obey God Therefore, we must base our salvation on the Word of God and the witness of the Spirit. In Rom. 10:8-13, we God gives the Holy Spirit to “those who obey him” have a salvation proposition that sets forth “the word of (Acts 5:32). He does not entrust the fullness of His faith” as the foundation. If we believe in our heart that Spirit to the disobedient. Jesus is Lord (that He is raised from the dead), and if we ILLUS. I’ve dealt with a man who claims he wants all confess with our mouth, then we w ill be saved. We have that God has for him. He has asked me to pray with him God’s Word on it. several times to be filled with the Spirit. But he is honest We are told in Rom. 8:16 that “the Spirit himself testi­ enough to admit that he is not in total obedience to fies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” We need God’s will. He will never experience the outpouring of not wonder if we have salvation or not. The Spirit-filled God’s Spirit until he settles it in his heart to obey. life is only for those who know they are saved. Obedience opens the heavens, and God delights in filling us with His Spirit. II. Hunger for Divine Fullness No one ever staggered accidentally into the Spirit- V. Have Faith to Receive filled life. There are barriers for Christians to overcome The 120 believers in the Upper Room demonstrated in order to reach this promised grace. There will be tests faith when it came to receiving the Holy Spirit. They and trials to determine whether or not we are deter­ obeyed the Lord in returning to the city. They took care mined to live as Jesus commanded. of all matters pertaining to their faith. They prayed and Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst tarried for the Holy Spirit. They believed He would for righteousness, for they will be filled” (Matt. 5:6). come. And He certainly came! God gives His Spirit to those who seek Him, not to those Later listen to Peter explaining the Spirit’s coming who talk about seeking Him. Our priorities must reflect upon the people in the Upper Room and those in the a passion for His fullness. household of Cornelius at Caesarea: “He made no dis­

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 7 3 tinction between us and them, for he purified their SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER hearts by faith” (Acts 15:9). Call to Worship Eph. 5:15-20 Christians must have faith for their initial filling of the Choruses “There Is a River” Spirit. They must have faith for succeeding renewings of “I Will Praise Him” the Holy Spirit. The 120 were filled with the Spirit Hymn “Come, Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove” (Acts 2:4). Some of them were filled with the Holy Prayer Chorus “Fill Me Now” Spirit again (4:31). Paul says, “Be filled with the Spirit” Prayer (Eph. 5:18). The more proper rendering is, “Keep on be­ Prayer Chorus Repeated “Fill Me Now” ing filled with the Spirit.” Fellowship Intermission Welcome to Guests Tithes and Offerings We need faith to receive the Holy Spirit. We need faith Special Song to keep on receiving the Holy Spirit. It is no disgrace to Message “THE SPIRIT POURED OUT: discover that we need to be renewed in the fullness of THE PENTECOSTAL EXPECTATION” the Spirit. Invitation “Cleanse Me” Do you need a new filling of the Holy Spirit today? Let Benediction God fill you now.

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7 4 THE PREACHERS MAGAZINE THE SPIRIT POURED OUT by James W. Tharp ( The Pentecostal Effusion) Acts 2:1-4 November 3, 1991

INTRO. The Holy Spirit is no sexist when it comes to filling the The outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the 120 be­ hearts and empowering those who are ready to make lievers in the Upper Room of Jerusalem was far more Jesus Lord. Jesus liberates all who follow Him— includ­ than another spiritual blessing that God gives to His ing women. He elevates them to a new respect and dig­ obedient children. The Pentecostal effusion was an elo­ nity. Both the Savior and the apostles acknowledged quent announcement that Jesus Christ, crucified and their debt to women and acknowledged them as having raised from the dead, was now exalted to the Father’s important ministries in God’s kingdom. right hand. He was now released into the world in the This does not deny God’s assigned order of authority person of the omnipresent Holy Spirit to indwell His and responsibility for husband and wife. But the Lord Church and convict the world. called for mutual respect. All need to be filled with the This important historical moment of redemption Holy Spirit, married or single. marked the beginning of the age of the Spirit. They would know His power. Many would be made righteous. His gospel would be preached throughout all nations III. The Holy Spirit Cam e upon Young and Old until the clim ax of history. Joel wrote, “Your old men shall dream dreams, and In that initial outpouring of the Holy Spirit, upon your young men shall see visions” as a result of the out­ f whom was the Holy Spirit outpoured? pouring of the Spirit 0oel 2:28, RSV). From the begin­ In a glorious invasion, the breath of God filled the ning, young people, along with the mature, have played 1 room where 120 believers were waiting on that morning a vital role in God’s purpose for spiritual revolution. In [ of Pentecost. Nothing like this had ever happened in the nearly every great movement God brings together the I history of divine-human relations. The Holy Spirit filled generations, even in leadership. Any true movement of I “each” (v. 3) and “all” (v. 4), so that Christian Pentecost God in the local church or region will include the youth I was both an individual and corporate experience. culture. The Holy Spirit delights in closing the gener­ ation gap as He advances Christ’s kingdom. I. The Holy Spirit Came upon Apostles and Disciples “They were all filled with the Holy Spirit” (v. 4, RSV). IV. The Holy Spirit Came upon Bond and Free I The total number of believers filled with the Spirit was Joel declared that the Spirit of God would come upon 10 times the number of apostles. “menservants and maidservants” (Joel 2:29, RSV). Our Lay Christians like Stephen and Philip are proof that social status will not likely be determined by our spiri­ the life of the Spirit is as freely offered to laypeople as to tual condition, but we may be sure that our social stand­ apostles. At Pentecost, the Spirit was looking for be- ing cannot possibly prevent us from being filled with } lievers. The Holy Spirit is not looking for clergy to fill the Spirit and empowered to penetrate our sphere of in­ today; He is looking for believers. fluence for Jesus. Some have risen above their station in Though ordained to specific assignments— the apos­ life to penetrate even higher social realms. tles must have the power of the Holy Spirit to accom­ Regardless of background, our greatest fulfillment plish them— the essential effects of Pentecost are the comes in yielding to the Spirit of God for His purity and same for all who are filled with the Spirit. power and purpose. In the New Testament every believer is given the gift of the Holy Spirit in the new birth (Acts 2:38; Eph. | 1:13-14), is called to take up his cross and follow Jesus SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER as a disciple (Mark 8:34), is given spiritual gifts for min- Call to Worship Acts 2:1-4 | istry (Eph. 4:1-13), and is called to purity of heart and Choruses “Come, Holy Spirit” “Holy Spirit, You Are Welcome in This Place” fullness of the Holy Spirit (Matt. 5:8; 1 Thess. 4:3; Heb. Hymn “Holiness unto the Lord” 12:14; Eph. 5:18). Prayer Chorus “I Love You, Lord” Prayer II. The Holy Spirit Cam e upon Male and Prayer Chorus Repeated “I Love You, Lord” Female Fellowship Intermission Welcome to Guests Tithes and Offerings “The women and Mary the mother of Jesus” were also Special Song present in the Upper Room (Acts 1:14, RSV). Joel’s Message “THE SPIRIT POURED OUT: prophecy of the Spirit included “your sons and your THE PENTECOSTAL EFFUSION” daughters” (Joel 2:28, RSV). Pentecost and its divine in­ Song “Breathe on Me, Breath of God” clusiveness is difficult for biased churchmen who Benediction would keep their women locked in “discreet silence.”

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 7 5 THE SPIRIT POURED OUT by James W. Tharp (The Pentecostal Effusion) Acts 2:1-4 November 10, 1991

INTRO. The prophecy of John the Baptist was fulfilled: “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire” We don’t want to get carried away with the drama of Pentecost, but neither would we escape the lessons por­ (Matt. 3:11, RSV). Upper Room hearts were purified by faith and energized by the Spirit for the work ahead. trayed in the signs of Pentecost. By what signs did the The Lord had come by His Spirit into the hearts of His Holy Spirit come? servants to make His messengers a flaming fire. Three startling signs accompanied the Pentecostal outpouring to dramatize God’s purpose in this new age Oh, that God might send Pentecostal fires upon us! of redemption. These outward manifestations of the Spirit would subside, but the reality and power of the Holy Spirit’s presence would abide. These signs of Pen­ III. The Intelligible Sign Was Tongues tecost are worthy of the Spirit who comes to reside in human temples: “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and be­ The audible sign, wind, symbolized divine mystery gan to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:4, RSV). The other signs had been ob­ and sovereignty. jective, completely independent of the believers them­ The visible sign, fire, dramatized divine glory and selves. But having been filled with the Spirit, a miracle purity. occurred that involved them: they spoke “in other The intelligible sign, tongues, prophesied human re­ tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance”— languages sponsibility and adequacy not their own, dialects they had never been taught. But the languages in which they uttered the praises of God I. The Audible Sign Was Wind were intelligible to those representing the many nations gathered in Jerusalem for the feast. “And suddenly a sound came from heaven like the The Pentecostal tongues were Babel in reverse. Inter­ rush of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where national guests in the Holy City heard Christians telling they were sitting” (Acts 2:2, RSV). In the Upper Room in their own mother tongues “the mighty works of God” some people had probably heard Jesus illustrate the (Acts 2:11, RSV). They listened with amazement and in­ work of the Spirit to Nicodemus by referring to the wind creasing conviction as the Galileans spoke powerfully of (John 3:8). They were familiar with Ezekiel’s vision in God’s mighty works of grace through Christ. which he was told to prophesy to the four winds to This intelligible sign is an unforgettable reminder that “breathe upon these slain, that they may live” (37:9, the gospel is to be preached in every nation and in every RSV). The Spirit of God caused that valley of dry bones tongue throughout the world, and that our speaking to live again and stand upon their feet as a marching must be by the divine anointing of the Spirit of God in army. Before those bones were touched by the breath of order for people to hear. God, they were a striking symbol of a lifeless church. May the Lord breathe upon us! The Pentecostal wind that blew into the Upper Room May the Lord set our hearts on fire! brought forth a new movement that would sweep the May the Holy Spirit touch us in order to speak the world in a revolution of redemption. Good News to those around us! We must not be silent. We need a new breath of the Spirit in the church to experience the power and life of our sovereign God to accomplish His purposes in our day. We need to yield to the leadings of the Holy Spirit: SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER Call to Worship Acts 2:1-4 “Lord, not our will, but Yours, be done.” Choruses “Let’s Just Praise the Lord” “To God Be the Glory” Hymn “A Glorious Church” II. The Visible Sign Was Fire Prayer Chorus “Come, Holy Spirit” “And there appeared to them tongues as of fire, dis­ Prayer tributed and resting on each one of them” (Acts 2:3, Prayer Chorus Repeated “Come, Holy Spirit" RSV). Believers in the Upper Room probably saw at first Fellowship Intermission Welcome to Guests a solid sheet of flame appearing in their midst or above Tithes and Offerings Special Song their heads. Then the fire divided into 120 parts and Message “THE SPIRIT POURED OUT: rested upon the head of each believer. They must have THE PENTECOSTAL EFFUSION” bowed in awe before the God who had sent the fire. Per­ Hymn “Take My Life, and Let It Be" haps they were reminded of the historic appearances of Benediction Jehovah to their fathers by fire. Now He was in their midst.

7 6 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE THE SPIRIT POURED OUT by James W. Tharp (The Pentecostal Effusion) Acts 2:1-4 November 17, 1991

INTRO. Their intimidation by opposition was turned into a We have been seeking to ask and answer some impor­ boldness to declare their faith in Christ. No disciple ever tant questions about the outpoured Spirit: Upon whom overestimated the flesh more than Simon Peter when he did He come? By what signs? And now we want to ask, boasted, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and “With what meaning did He come?” to death” (Luke 22:33). The Lord will help us see the difference the coming of Knowing the cowardice of the carnal heart, Jesus re­ the Holy Spirit made in those people who had been fol­ plied, “Peter, the cock will not crow this day, until you lowing Jesus for nearly three years. three times deny that you know me” (v. 34, RSV). The coming of the Holy Spirit into our hearts will also In a matter of hours the man who had bristled before a make a difference. The Holy Spirit’s outpouring came soldier wilted before a sneering maid, denying, “Woman, with what meaning? I do not know him” (v. 57, RSV). “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:4, RSV). This fact shifts our attention from the signs of Peter went out to weep over this despicable denial of his Lord. However, he went on to Pentecost to discover Pentecost to its substance, from its rhetoric to its reality, from initiation to revolution. What happened to those the power to stand up and speak for his Lord. i Upper Room Christians made a radical difference in Their impotence against evil was replaced by an au­ their lives, and it was to have a telling effect on their thority over Satan. Although Jesus gave His men “author­ world. ity over the unclean spirits” (Mark 6:7, RSV), three Nothing more revolutionary ever happened in history chapters later we read of them standing helpless and hu­ than the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The Divine In­ miliated against the convulsions of a demon-possessed cendiary had said, “I came to cast fire upon the earth” lad. The commentary on the powerless disciples, as (Luke 12:49, RSV), and He let it fall on that morning of sobbed out by the brokenhearted father, is something for Pentecost. Jesus began His world revolution by setting us to hear today: “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for His witnesses on fire. he has a dumb spirit; and wherever it seizes him, it Let us notice the difference Pentecost made. dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked your disciples to cast it out, I. The Holy Spirit Destroyed the Enmity Within and they were not able” (9:17-18, RSV). Them After Jesus delivered the lad from spiritual bondage, He was ready to answer the heart-searching question, The contrast in the pre-Pentecostal and the post- “Why could we not cast it out?” He told them, “This Pentecostal behavior of the apostles is nothing short of kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer” (w. amazing. The Gospel writers were not hesitant to show 28-29, RSV). us the selfish ambitions and heartless attitudes man­ ifested among them at times. Their power seeking re­ Pentecost endued Jesus’ men with the power for prayer. vealed that they were living “after the flesh” (Rom. They engaged in many mighty works, including healing 8:13, KJV) and needed the purging power of the Holy and casting out evil spirits (Acts 5:16). Spirit. Peter knew that in their experience in the Upper Room the Spirit “purified their hearts by faith” (Acts III. The Holy Spirit Developed the Unity 15:9). Among Them The Holy Spirit will not allow the impurities of our The prayer that changed history included a plea for hearts to go unchallenged today. All the enmity, hostility, the unity of believers (John 17:11). This most moving of and rebellion within our uncleansed hearts must be met all prayers petitioned the Father for three things: that by the fiery purging of the Holy Spirit. John the Baptist the Son might be glorified (w. 1-8); that the disciples foretold the effects of such an experience: “His win­ might be sanctified (w. 9-19); and that the Church nowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his thresh­ might be unified (w. 20-26). ing floor and gather his wheat into the granary, but the | chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire” (Matt. 3:12, The prayer embodies our Lord’s complete range of vi­ RSV). sion for the unity of His Church. He knew that it would come to pass in stages: the first request would be an­ swered immediately with the advent of the Spirit; the II. The Holy Spirit Delivered the Energy to Them second would be fulfilled with the progressive work of the Spirit through the centuries; and the final stage “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit would come when the Church would be presented comes on you,” said Jesus (Acts 1:8). The disciples cer­ “without spot or wrinkle” to its glorified Lord (Eph. tainly did! 5:27, RSV).

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 7 7 Every Christian has an obligation to pray for the unity of the Body of Christ and to guard that unity diligently. SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER Call to Worship Acts 2:1-4 IV. The Holy Spirit Demanded the Urgency of Invocation Them Hymn “The Cleansing Wave” Prayer Chorus “We Are One in the Bond of Love” From the hour that the Spirit of Burning touched their Prayer lips, the apostles became flaming messengers for Christ. Prayer Chorus Repeated Their indifference passed into history. They were pos­ “We Are One in the Bond of Love” sessed with a boldness and power that shone in their Fellowship Intermission Welcome to Guests faces and sounded in their voices. This urgency was not Tithes and Offerings a wild thing; it was a conviction borne of the Spirit and Special Song nurtured by obedience. When threatened, they could Message “THE SPIRIT POURED OUT: only reply, “We cannot but speak of what we have seen THE PENTECOSTAL EFFUSION” and heard” (Acts 4:20, RSV). They counted not their Song “O to Be like Thee” lives dear unto themselves, but freely offered themselves Benediction as living sacrifices unto God.

7 8 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE THE SPIRIT POURED OUT by James W. Tharp (The Pentecostal Explanation) Acts 2:12-18 November 24, 1991 INTRO. ken of the Spirit, but Peter chose the prophecy of Joel to The phenomena of Pentecost commanded the wonder explain the Pentecostal phenomena. There are probably of the unbelieving world. A perplexed multitude stood two reasons for this choice: Joel spoke more precisely of dumb before the secrets of God. In amazement, they the advent of the Spirit; and among the Jews of the first asked, “What does this mean?” century Joel was a favorite prophet. At this time Jerusalem was swollen several times its Joel had looked beyond the plague of locusts and its normal size with pilgrims from many countries attend­ interpretation for the people of his day. When he was ing the feast. Thousands were attracted to the sounds of through with his message to a backslidden people, he Christians speaking the praises of God in all the lan­ looked beyond and saw a day when God would pour out guages represented by these guests. They soon con­ His Spirit. What the people had heard and seen that cluded that they could not account for what was going morning in Jerusalem had been foretold by their own fa­ on; but they had to know, so they cried out for an expla­ vorite prophet. nation. “In the last days” (v. 17) is not a phrase found in Joel’s God has His own means for giving light to seeking prophecy, but it is Peter’s interpretation of Joel’s term hearts. In most cases He guides His spokesman to share “afterward” (Joel 2:28, RSV). “The last days” or “the lat­ the Word, encourage the hungry, and lead them along to ter days” is found in several Old Testament books, as the promise of eternal life. Peter became God’s messen­ well as in the teachings of Jesus and the writings of His ger to explain from the Scriptures exactly what had hap­ apostles. The terms refer to that period of time from the pened. He first told them what Pentecost was not; then coming of the Messiah to the time of His rule over the He told them what Pentecost was. nations. The advent of the Spirit, according to Peter, con­ I. What Pentecost Is Not firmed the times in which they lived— “the last days.” Some people had mockingly accused the Spirit-filled “I w ill pour out my Spirit,” God had said. He had Christians of being drunk with new wine. “But Peter, given His Spirit many times and in many ways, but the standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and ad­ pouring forth of His Spirit on the Day of Pentecost was a dressed them, ‘Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusa­ new thing in history. Paul joined with Isaiah, Joel, and lem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. Peter in using the metaphor of the abundantly poured- I For these men are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is forth Spirit: “God’s love has been poured into our hearts only the third hour of the day’” (Acts 2:14-15, RSV). through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us” It was not uncommon for the Jews to become intoxi- (Rom. 5:5, RSV). “The Holy Spirit ... he poured out £ cated at the Feast of Pentecost. But Peter required only a upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior” (Titus few seconds to point out that it was only nine o’clock in 3:5-6, RSV). The objects of divine outpouring had not I the morning, the hour of prayer and sacrifice. There was been material tabernacles and majestic temples but the a stimulation among them but not of wine. waiting hearts of believing men and women. As His She- Paul would later make a contrast between the Spirit- kinah had filled the former abodes, so now the Spirit filled man and the wine-intoxicated person (Eph. 5:18). filled Christians with the glory of God. Drinking wine “leads to debauchery,” he said, but to be “Upon all flesh” (v. 17, RSV). The phrase has a univer­ filled with the Spirit is to be “controlled by the Spirit” sal ring. Perhaps the prophet first used the term with all (Gal. 5:25, Amp.). Drunkenness leads to foolishness, but classes of Israel in mind. But on the Day of Pentecost the the fullness of the Holy Spirit leads to holiness. idea of a wider application is introduced by Peter. The However, a Spirit-filled Christian, or a Spirit-filled dispensation of the poured-out Spirit was to be a day of church, is always beyond the comprehension of the salvation. For Peter was still quoting Joel when he said, world. We are often called upon to explain ourselves. “And it shall be that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (v. 21, RSV). God is always pleased when we do it from His Word in a The Spirit of God was ready to come into relationship manner that is humble but forthright. with all who would call upon the name of the Lord. But it was not enough for the apostle to set aside the When Peter equated the Pentecostal phenomena of charge of drunkenness; he was delighted to tell his up­ “this” to Joel’s prophecy of “that,” he was ready to shift set audience the true meaning of Pentecost. to a proclamation of the gospel. He declared that an age II. What Pentecost Is of fulfillment had arrived in which Jesus Christ had died for the sins of the world. Though He had been crucified “This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel,” by wicked men, it was all programmed from eternity by said Peter (Acts 2:16, KJV). a sovereign God who loved and cared for sinners. The condition of Pentecostal believers was due nei­ Peter preached with such power that the hearts of ther to human indulgence nor emotional extremism; thousands cried out for direction in being saved. their condition was the result of an epochal fulfillment The poured-out Spirit upon the people of God should of the Word of God. Several Hebrew prophets had spo­ always result in others coming to know Christ.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 7 9 SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER Call to Worship Acts 2:12-18 Invocation Hymns “Amazing Grace” “Arise, My Soul, Arise” Prayer Fellowship Intermission Welcome to Guests Tithes and Offerings Special Song Message “THE SPIRIT POURED OUT: THE PENTECOSTAL EXPLANATION” Song “Just as I Am” Benediction

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