INTERNATIONAL

JOURNAL FOR PASTORS

DECEMBER 2009

What does the Bible say about DINOSAURS? Broadcast Live from First Congregational Participating Organizations Church of Pasadena, United Church of Christ, THE WORD... 464 E. Walnut Street, Pasadena, CA 91101 FOR THESE (Adjacent to Fuller Theological Seminary Campus) TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2010 TIMES 1:00–4:30 P.M. U.S. Eastern Time [Repeat Broadcast APRIL 21, 2010]

Lawrence Geraty is the Marguerite Shuster is the Roy Adams is the Associate Miroslav Volf is the Henry B. President Emeritus of La Sierra Harold John Ockenga Professor of Editor of the Adventist Review and Wright Professor of Theology at Yale University. He grew up as a citizen of Preaching and Theology at Fuller Adventist World, serving in this Divinity School, and Founder and the world in a Christian missionary Theological Seminary. She joined position since 1988. He was born Director of the Yale Center for Faith and family who ministered in China, the School of Theology faculty in in the Caribbean, and received his Culture. A native of Croatia, Dr. Volf Burma, Hong Kong, and Lebanon. 1992 after serving as an adjunct education at schools in Grenada, has forged a theology of forgiveness Educated in seven different countries assistant professor. Her courses Trinidad, Canada, and the United and non-violence in the face of the and various states across the USA set include Homiletics, Systematic States. The bulk of his pastoral work horrendous violence experienced in him on a lifelong course committed Theology, Making Doctrine Live, was in the Ontario and Quebec Croatia and Serbia in the 1990s. While to the values of diversity. Lawrence and various preaching practica. provinces of Canada. After obtaining he maintains active interest in many Geraty earned a PhD with distinction Marguerite Shuster’s published a PhD in Theology from Andrews aspects of faith’s relation to culture, his from Harvard University in Hebrew books include The Fall and Sin: What University, he lectured at what is primary work has focused on theological Bible and biblical archaeology, taking We Have Become as Sinners (2004), now the Adventist International understandings of work, the church, examinations in 10 languages. In his Perspectives on Christology: Essays Institute of Advanced Studies the Trinity, violence, reconciliation, notable scholarly career, Dr. Geraty in Honor of Paul K. Jewett (1991), (AIIAS) in the Philippines. From that and memory. Miroslav Volf has given has received numerous honors, and Power, Pathology, Paradox: the base, Roy Adams’ teaching and many prestigious lectureships and including a Fulbright Fellowship and Dynamics of Evil and Good (1987). speaking appointments took him to is a highly awarded author. Free of serving as advisor on archaeology She also edited and completed many other Asian countries, and he Charge: Giving and Forgiving in a Culture to former Crown Prince Hassan of Jewett’s Who We Are: Our Dignity continues to be a highly sought after Stripped of Grace was selected as the Jordan. As well as being president as Human (1996) and has published international speaker at major clergy Archbishop of Canterbury’s Lenten of several scholarly societies, he many articles, sermons, chapters, and professional development meetings. Book for 2006. Exclusion and Embrace: has also served as Professor of reviews. She is currently working on Dr. Adams has also served as A Theological Exploration of Identity, Archaeology and History of Antiquity a long-term project on the doctrine associate secretary of the Canadian Otherness and Reconciliation received at Andrews Theological Seminary, of divine providence. Marguerite Union. Roy Adams is a prolifi c writer the 2002 Grawemeyer Award. He President of Atlantic Union College, Shuster is an ordained minister in and has authored several books over has also been featured on National and more recently President and the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the years. His three latest: Crossing Public Radio’s “Speaking of Faith” and Professor of Archaeology at La Sierra served as an associate pastor for six Jordan (2005); From the Heart (2007); Public Television’s “Religion and Ethics University. years then a solo pastor for fi ve years. and The Wonder of Jesus (2008). Newsweekly.”

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What does the Bible say about 04 LETTERS dinosaurs? 06 A Christian paleontologist outlines ways for students, teachers, 05 EDITORIAL parents, and pastors to think about the place of dinosaurs within RESOURCES a biblical paradigm in a faith-affi rming way. 28 Raúl Esperante 29 DATELINE The critical role of pastors in 30 PASTOR’S PASTOR Adventist education 11 Thirteen ways pastors can make a difference in their church schools. Thambi Thomas

MINISTRY® INTERNATIONAL EDITORS Justifi cation: Historic journey from International Journal for Pastors Chinese-Robert Wong 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Indonesian-Edwin T. Pandjaitan the Middle Ages through now Spring, MD 20904-6600 U.S.A. Japanese-Tadashi Yamaji 16 www.ministrymagazine.org Korean-Sung Sun Hong How have the views concerning this vital teaching changed over [email protected] Portuguese (South America)- Zinaldo Santos EDITOR the centuries? Russian-Ilie Leahu Nikolaus Satelmajer Spanish (South America)- Erwin R. Gane ASSOCIATE EDITOR Marcos Blanco Willie E. Hucks II Spanish (Inter America)-Pablo Perla CONSULTANTS TO EDITOR INTERNATIONAL ADVISORS “But what I have I give you” John Fowler, Clifford Goldstein, Balvin Braham, Ron Clouzet, Daniel Myrna Tetz Duda, R. Danforth Francis, Passmore A sermon based on Acts 3:1–6. EDITORIAL SPECIALIST Hachalinga, John Kakembo, Gerry 22 Sheryl Beck Karst, Janos Kovacs-Biro, Ilie Leahu, Bertram L. Melbourne Miguel Luna, Jan Paulsen, Bruno OPERATIONAL SPECIALIST Raso, Ángel M. Rodríguez, Ranieri John Feezer IV Sales, Hector Sanchez, Houtman Bring the mission to your Sabbath OFFICE ASSISTANT Sinaga, Gary Webster, Walton Mervyn Lee Williams, Measapogu Wilson service 24 Without a weekly report to the local church of missionary ADVERTISING SUBSCRIPTIONS Sheryl Beck 12 issues: United States US$32.50; activities both local and around the world, many of our new [email protected] Canada and overseas US$45.50. +1 301-680-6518 To order: send name, address, and members and the younger generation do not catch the vision SUBSCRIPTIONS/RENEWALS/ payment to Ministry® Subscriptions, ADDRESS CHANGES 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver of a worldwide movement and a God who is at work all around ministrysubscriptions@ Spring, MD 20904-6600 U.S.A. gc.adventist.org TO WRITERS +1 301-680-6508 us in the lives of the members. We welcome unsolicited manu- +1 301-680-6502 (fax) scripts. Before submitting, review Dan Serns COVER PHOTO the writers’ guidelines at Tyke Connell www.ministrymagazine.org. Please LAYOUT send manuscripts via email to The challenge of meeting the needs of 316 Creative [email protected]. your church members 26 Pastoral ministry can be compared to parenthood, especially if you Director Anthony Kent | [email protected] | +1 301-680-6516 pastor more than one church.

James Clinton MINISTRY® has been published PRINTER Pacifi c Press® Pub. Assn., monthly since 1928 by the Minis- 1350 N. Kings Rd., Nampa, ID 83687 terial Association, General Confer- Standard mail postage paid at Nampa, ® ence of Seventh-day Adventists Idaho. (ISSN 0026-5314) SECRETARY Member of Associated Church Press. James A. Cress Adventist®, Seventh-day Adventist®, ASSOCIATE SECRETARIES and Ministry® are the registered Jonas Arrais, Sharon Cress, An- BIBLE CREDITS Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 trademarks of the General by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. Scripture quotations marked (TNIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, thony Kent, Peter Prime, Nikolaus Conference Corporation of Seventh- Today’s New International Version (TNIV). Copyright© 2001, 2005 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Satelmajer day Adventists®. MINISTERIAL RESOURCE CENTER Ministry is a peer-reviewed journal. Coordinator Cathy Payne 888-771-0738, +1 301-680-6508 Vol. 81 Number 12 © 2009 www.ministerialassociation.com PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.

MINISTRY 3 DECEMBER 2009 LETTERS

Our Readers Respond...

More than just for ertainly the meaning and the If authors who write for Ministry ministers Csignifi cance of the baptism of make this mistake in the future, friend of mine [of] many years Jesus has been explored and clari- I hope the editors will catch and Ashares his issues of Ministry fi ed. However, the essential point is correct it. with me. As a writer/journalist, given short shrift. The author right- —Jeff Zaremsky, email he knows that I appreciate well- fully takes the Messianic prophecy researched and well-written articles of Isaiah as an essential component Editor’s note: We appreciate the of encouragement. of that ritual at the Jordan. However, attention to detail exhibited by this I know that Ministry is fi rst and that should have been given the and other letter writers. We checked foremost written for those in pastoral primary focus. with our sources and discovered ministry. Yet many of your articles Who knows for sure that the that, historically, there have been can be applied and/or appreciated thief on the cross was baptized? By several ways to refer to the territory by the layperson. I get enthusiastic John? By immersion? In the name known as Palestine—including that about most of what I read in Minis- of the Father, and the Son, and the which was mentioned by Dr. Garilva try; but two recent articles I found Holy Spirit? in his article. of special interest: Pastor Bobby Salvation is by faith in Jesus Moore’s “Making Space for God: Christ. Whereas our baptism might Keeping the Sabbath Contemplation as Praxis” (August be faulty or lacking, His is complete. holy 2009) and L. S. Baker Jr.’s “Covered It is upon Christ’s perfect fulfi llment totally agreed with the sentiments With Blood: A Better Understanding of the covenant in all of its parts [that] Iexpressed by Shawn Brace (see of Exodus 12:7” (September 2009). is our assurance. That should have “Keeping the Sabbath Intensely Kudos to both for bringing attention been the centerpiece of the author’s Holy”—August 2009). We, as to the thoughts and understanding argument. Seventh-day Adventists, are making they presented. That is why Christ’s baptism is so the same mistakes as the Israelites: It is so refreshing to be blessed critical to the Christian faith. He was having a list of things to do, but still with reading material to which I can born for us, lived for us, was baptized forgetting to do God’s will. It seems say, “Thank you for helping me grow for us, was tempted for us, died for that more and more Adventists as a Christian.” us, was raised for us, ascended for are buying and selling, going to —Betty Kossick, Ocala, Florida, United States us, sits on the throne next to the restaurants, going to the beach, and Father for us, pleads for us, and is playing sports on the Sabbath. The baptism of Jesus coming again for us. His article serves as a constant read the article by Miguel Luna —Tom Zwemer, Augusta, Georgia, United States reminder we need to constantly Ion baptism (“ ‘Let It Be So’: The evaluate how we are to please our Meaning and Significance of the Palestine? God in everything we do. Baptism of Jesus”—October 2009) on Leo Garilva, in his article —Jackie Amich, Miami, Florida, United States and found it enlightening. How- Dtitled “Meeting the Challenges ever, he could have added the story of Life” (October 2009), inaccurately Pastors need the divine about Sam Tanyhill, the convicted referred to Israel as Palestine. Daniel touch converted criminal on death row. never lived in Palestine. Nor did he April 2009 editorial by Willie E. He desired to be baptized, but there Jesus or Paul. In reality, no one has THucks II (“What Challenges Are was no way he could be since he ever lived in Palestine as there never You Facing?”) was truly inspiring. It was scheduled to be executed. The has been a country by that name. reminds me that pastors also need to visiting pastor told him, “Sam, you’ll The region for a time was referred to continually receive the divine touch even have to depend on Christ for as Palestine for anti-Semitic reasons from on high! In fact, I loved the your baptism.” Christ was baptized by the Romans, Turks, and British. entire April issue. I look forward to for those who might fi nd it impos- Referring to Israel as Palestine is upcoming issues. sible to be baptized. even more inaccurate than stating —Travis Berance, Port of Spain, Trinidad —Ron Neall, email that Daniel was taken to Iraq. and Tobago

MINISTRY 4 DECEMBER 2009 EDITORIAL | NIKOLAUS SATELMAJER Beyond the printed agenda

ach October the Seventh-day More people, more cities of buildings. Some have large well- Adventist Church conducts its Approximately 50 percent of the built facilities and others worship in EAnnual Council. This meeting world’s population lives in metro- extremely modest quarters. Several is the full gathering of the General politan areas. Our cities are becoming years ago a plan was presented Conference Executive Committee, larger, with some of them having to provide “One-Day Churches”— composed of approximately 300 populations that were thought impos- structures that can be erected in one individuals from around the world. sible just a few decades ago. What is day and accommodate up to 200 While the majority of individuals the church doing in these cities? people. In some parts of the world who compose this representative During the Annual Council, one that would not be permitted due to body are church administrators, a individual shared a report that in a zoning regulations; nevertheless, to signifi cant number of other employ- certain city the church was serving a many homeless congregations they ees, such as pastors and teachers, million meals on a particular day. Other are a blessing. So far, over 3,100 and lay members also attend. reports indicated that the church is have been erected. Looking at the agenda, it is tempt- making specifi c plans for evangelism in ing to conclude that most of the items some of the large metropolitan areas. A visit to China are routine; and one may even ques- For example, in one city the plans are During the Annual Council, it tion, What do some of those items have to develop a congregation near each was mentioned that the General to do with the life of the church? In real- subway station so that individuals who Conference president, Jan Paulsen, ity, however, these councils focus not have to use public transportation will visited a number of churches in the only on the current state of the church be able to easily travel to the churches. People’s Republic of China. What but its future direction. The meetings an encouraging report we heard. At start with worship on Friday night, Do we really have that a time when we did not have much and the wonderful spiritual messages many members? contact with our members in China, continue throughout the Sabbath. What is the world membership of we have discovered that the church Each of the fi ve days of the meetings the Seventh-day Adventist Church? has grown signifi cantly. Today, there starts with worship. After worship on Our statistics indicate the baptized are hundreds of thriving congrega- Sunday—the day of the fi rst business membership totals approximately tions—ranging from house churches session—the fi rst order of business is 16 million, but people may ask, Do to churches with several thousand the reading of the mission statement. we really have that many members? members. This statement reminds us of just why I might ask, What is the membership While sometimes the reports at we, as a church, exist. of your conference, union conference, Annual Council seem to be routine or congregation? The world member- and not the most exciting, we still Reports and more reports ship is simply the total of the reports receive a blessing when we lis- During the Annual Council many from the local congregations. ten to what is transpiring in God’s reports are presented. The secretary Often, we have heard the com- church around the world. I was of the General Conference gives ment made, How accurate are these encouraged, and I hope that our statistical reports and the treasurer membership lists? I am encouraged readers—whether they are pas- gives fi nancial reports. These reports that reports were shared indicating tors of congregations or leaders of consist of much more than facts and that a number of world divisions church units—will hold similar meet- fi gures. The fi rst gives us a good indi- have conducted thorough audits of ings in their areas. I have noticed cation as to what is happening around their membership lists, and now their that a number of congregations no the world with our membership and membership lists more accurately longer have what we call year-end the second helps us to understand refl ect reality. For me, it was encourag- business meetings, where reports the present reality of fi nances, fi scal ing to have this reality check; and now, are shared and plans are discussed. challenges, and how they are being when I hear membership fi gures, I can Perhaps it’s time to look again at met. During this meeting, various be more certain that they are correct. these meetings and ask ourselves if departments and ministries also share it would not be good to get together what they are accomplishing. As More and more church to share what is happening and important as these reports are, I want buildings dream together as to what we can to focus on four items that made a Seventh-day Adventist congrega- do. Those kinds of dreams God will signifi cant impression on me. tions, worldwide, worship in a variety bless and fulfi ll.

Tell us what you think about this editorial. Email [email protected] or write to 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904.

MINISTRY 5 DECEMBER 2009 LEAD ARTICLE | RAÚL ESPERANTE

Raúl Esperante, PhD, is a research scientist, Geoscience Research Institute, Loma Linda, California, United States. What does the Bible say about dinosaurs?

ome years ago, after I had history, a great deal depends on are often assembled from replicas lectured to Adventist uni- how and what our teachers and of bones from various specimens, versity students and young pastors transmit in our schools and which, on occasions, come from Sprofessionals, a pastor churches. In this article, I outline very distant places. This does not approached me and asked, “Could ways for students, teachers, parents, mean the skeletons are just cobbled you please talk to my wife and con- and pastors to productively think together. Paleontologists are able to vince her that dinosaurs really did about the place of dinosaurs within a piece together the body architecture exist?” biblical paradigm in a faith-affi rming of dinosaurs even though they might This request was not a joke. way. not have all the skeleton elements The pastor’s wife was a school of the same creature, and thus, the teacher and she refused to teach The museum dinosaur replicas we see in museums are her students that dinosaurs had If you have ever visited a natural reasonably trustworthy. Some nearly ever existed. Right away, I realized history museum, you probably saw complete specimens unearthed, that behind her denial of dinosaurs spectacular and massive dinosaur including the Tyrannosaurus rex, was a struggle to understand the skeletons. In other places, you can are exhibited in Chicago’s Field mystery that perplexes some and see animated reproductions of dino- Museum. The animations seen on fascinates others: how do we explain saurs which, in the case of television television, however, are much more the past existence (and extinction) of documentaries, seem to be alive and speculative, especially regarding dinosaurs within a biblical context? real. When viewing these anima- skin color, physiology, behavior, and Unfortunately, this denial of the tions, the visitor should take into so forth. existence of dinosaurs has become account several details. more widespread than we would like First of all, we should accept Dinosaurs disappeared to admit, even taking into account that dinosaurs did exist for a period In the geologic column, dinosaur our scientific society with highly of time on earth and that, in certain remains appear in rock layers that advanced research in all fields, places, they seemed to be numerous. paleontologists call Triassic, Juras- including geology and paleontology. Paleontologists have found evidence sic, and Cretaceous. These layers These specifi c sciences seem out of of their existence in sediments on of sedimentary rock, stacked one place in our schools and colleges every continent, including Antarc- on top of the other, show specifi c and are hardly considered by our tica. This evidence includes bones, characteristics, including those of Adventist youth when choosing eggs, nests, and footprints. These certain fossil species such as mol- a profession. As a Christian and a dinosaur footprints and tracks are lusks, reptiles, fi sh, dinosaurs, and paleontologist, I must daily face the abundant and cannot positively be microscopic organisms (diatoms widespread notion of a biological associated with any other creature and algae, among others) that once evolution involving millions of years, except what we now call dinosaurs. fi lled the oceans. Some paleontolo- and I can understand that some Secondly, we should be aware gists believe that dinosaurs, as well people fear becoming involved in that skeletons found in museums are as other groups of animals and a philosophy that may prove to be typically not actual bones, but rather plants, suddenly disappeared as a contradictory to Scripture. replicas. The original bones are too consequence of a gigantic meteorite However, it is possible to study valuable and delicate to be exposed impact 65 million years ago. Others fossils, rocks, and evolution without to the general public, and therefore, doubt this model for a variety of renouncing our faith. If we are to are usually stored in safe places reasons. appreciate the beauty and mystery within the museum. Furthermore, Most creationist scientists of earth’s Creation and subsequent “complete” skeletons in museums believe that dinosaurs disappeared,

MINISTRY 6 DECEMBER 2009 together with other species, during Dinosaurs and human these statements, more than one the worldwide Flood described in the beings evolutionist and creationist scientist book of Genesis. This scenario could Much has been written and studied in detail the marks found on include meteorite activity result- argued regarding certain evidence the rocks. In that particular place, ing in gigantic tsunamis, volcanic that supposedly shows dinosaur and the riverbed and bank have many activity, and the emission of carbon human remains together. The evi- marks due to water erosion. We can dioxide, sulphides, and other chemi- dence includes what are interpreted tell the true dinosaur tracks from the cals harmful to plants and animals. to be human footsteps together pseudoprints due to the marks left on Therefore, the idea of a meteorite with dinosaur footprints, as well as the rocks from the circulating water. impacting the earth is not necessarily prehistoric pictures in caves and With a little imagination, we can incompatible with the biblical model on pottery where human figures make out prints similar to those of of the Flood. appear together with exceptional almost any animal.

Some people believe that dinosaurs appeared as the result of the curse after Adam’s and Eve’s sin, but the Bible does not shed any light on this, nor does it explicitly identify which animals changed as a result of sin and about what kind of changes these might have been.

In spite of a lack of consensus creatures very similar to current Laboratory studies have been among scientists about what made reconstructions of these giant rep- done also. If a print is authentic, dinosaurs disappear, the media and tiles. However, rigorous scientific we would expect to see the layers pseudoscientifi c press have decided study has shown that these features of sediment in the rock depressed that the meteor impact theory is the have been misinterpreted. under the print, from the weight of only valid explanation. This is far Let us analyze, for example, the animal. To test for this character- from reality. Dinosaurs did disappear, the alleged “human” and dinosaur istic deformation, the scientists cut but we do not know exactly when prints found in the riverbed of the the print crosswise and observed or why. However, the possibility of Paluxy River in Texas. A few decades that no such deformation was pres- their extinction during the Genesis ago, some enthusiastic scientists ent. They concluded that the shape Flood (with or without the associated proclaimed that this was sure evi- was not a real human footprint but impact) can be viewed as a plausible dence against the theory of evolution instead the result of erosion, either scientifi c hypothesis and deserves and proof for the occurrence of by nature or by a human forger. Later consideration. a worldwide Flood. Intrigued by studies showed that certain “prints”

MINISTRY 7 DECEMBER 2009 LEAD ARTICLE | RAÚL ESPERANTE

and drawings had been deliberately well as birds on the fi fth day and the that much attention. Some people placed by fanatic defenders of the rest of the animals on the sixth day. believe that dinosaurs appeared as human-dinosaur coexistence idea. Although reptiles are listed among the result of the curse after Adam’s This kind of unfortunate forgery may the animals created, dinosaurs are and Eve’s sin, but the Bible does have been produced by those who not specifically mentioned. This not shed any light on this, nor does are overeager to present irrefutable should not surprise us, because in it explicitly identify which animals evidence to support their belief in Moses’ day (the author of the book changed as a result of sin and about Creation and the Flood; others may of Genesis), the word dinosaur did what kind of changes these might do it simply to exploit believers in not exist, nor was he under the have been. some way or to make money. obligation to specifically mention Most creationist scientists On other occasions, disbelievers them; he didn’t mention numerous believe that dinosaurs disappeared in the biblical account of history were other groups of animals as well. For during or shortly after the Genesis

The fact that dinosaurs disappeared during a worldwide catastrophe that we call the Flood is a hypothesis that we should seriously consider but only through scientific research, and that’s because of the silence in the Bible on the matter.

the ones to take advantage of the example, Genesis does not mention Flood. Again, the Bible does not naïveté of these fanatics to create beetles, sharks, starfi sh, moss, algae, give us a clue regarding the fate false proof and, thus, cause mockery or any number of other groups of of these animals. The fact that and rejection among the academic organisms. dinosaurs disappeared during a world. Faking fossils and other “evi- The fact that, in the Bible, worldwide catastrophe that we call dence” harms the true research dinosaurs were not mentioned the Flood is a hypothesis that we among creationist scientists; most by name does not prove that God should seriously consider but only of these researchers have learned did not create them; nor does the through scientific research, and to be careful in the accuracy of their strange appearance that they have that’s because of the silence in the statements. in museum replicas. Currently, there Bible on the matter. The demonstra- are many animals just as strange in tion of this hypothesis should come Dinosaurs and the Bible appearance as dinosaurs—consider from geological and paleontological The story of Creation in Genesis 1 deep-sea anglerfi sh, platypuses, and data, not by forcing the Bible to say tells of a God who created sea life as kangaroos—and they don’t draw what it does not say.

MINISTRY 8 DECEMBER 2009 Last of all, there are people who However, this interpretation animals existed before the fl ood, think dinosaurs survived after the presents various problems. The fi rst which do not now exist.”4 In another Flood and disappeared a short while rises from the diffi culty of defi ning text, she states that “[t]here were a later because they could not adjust what Ellen White meant by “amal- class of very large animals which to a new environment. This is also gamation.” Thorough studies on this perished at the flood. God knew a possibility, since some dinosaurs statement have not shed a defi nitive that the strength of man would could have been inside the ark, then answer, and we conclude that we do decrease, and these mammoth disappeared during the postdiluvian not know exactly what the prophet animals could not be controlled by colonization. The Bible mentions two wanted to say in her statement. feeble man.”5 strange creatures, behemoth (Job A second problem arises in the This statement, among others, 40:15–18) and leviathan (Job 41:1), application of “amalgamation” to regarding life before the Flood sug- which some interpret as possible real cases in the fossil record. If gests that the prophet was referring examples of postdiluvian dinosaurs. “amalgamation” meant “hybrid,” to the existence of a wide variety of However, most Bible scholars do how could we recognize them animals that did not survive in the not accept this explanation, and the among fossils or among modern ark. However, we are not sure of the words behemoth and leviathan are day plants and animals? How could meaning of this statement; we do usually translated as “hippopotamus” we determine which species are not know what these “very large, and “crocodile,” respectively, and hybrid before the Flood, if they powerful animals” were. However, therefore, are not related to dinosaurs. actually existed at all? Some have her statements are not really far off answered this question by saying from the scientific description of Dinosaurs and Ellen that hybrid species did not survive dinosaurs. Biologically speaking, White the Flood, precisely because God they are somehow confusing, not The term dinosaur was fi rst used didn’t want them to. But this sort only because some of them are by the British zoologist, Richard of reasoning is a circular fallacy gigantic, but also their body parts Owen, in 1842, to name a group of because the criteria we use to dif- (legs, neck, tail, brain, and so forth) reptile fossils then recently discov- ferentiate hybrids (extinction) is are, in some cases, out of proportion. ered. The use of the term spread as precisely the same as we use to Even paleontologists do not agree on new discoveries took place through- defi ne what we would like to dif- whether the dinosaurs were warm- out Europe and North America. ferentiate (hybrids). In other words, or cold-blooded. Around the time Ellen White wrote amalgamations explain their own The truth is that many people her first statements on Creation, disappearance, and their disappear- have struggled to find in Ellen the Flood, science, and faith (in ance defi nes what they are. White’s statements support for the 1864), the term dinosaur had already After the previous statement, she idea that dinosaurs were not cre- found its way into scientifi c books goes on by saying that “since the ated by God, but rather the result and newspapers. However, Ellen fl ood there has been amalgamation of hybrids before the Flood, and White never used this term or any of man and beast, as may be seen thus, condemned to disappear in other similar word referring to these in the almost endless varieties of the worldwide catastrophe. This extinct reptiles. species of animals.”3 In the first might be a possibility, but, after a In a brief declaration in 1864, place, it is important to emphasize thorough study of her writings, we she wrote, “Every species of ani- that Ellen White says amalgama- find no unequivocal support for mal which God had created were tions of and not between man and such conclusions. We do not know preserved in the ark. The confused animals, as some have chosen to for sure what Ellen White wanted to species which God did not create, read. Secondly, if amalgamation express, and we should wait until we which were the result of amalgama- means intermediate forms, hybrids reach a better understanding of her tion, were destroyed by the fl ood.”1 or strange-engineered creatures, statements. This has become a favorite statement what are the criteria to recognize for some Adventists who believe it them? If these were formed after Conclusion explains fossils with intermediate the Flood, they likely became fossils, Scripture does not mention the characteristics2 and other extinct and others would have survived up existence of dinosaurs—at least not organisms, including dinosaurs. to now. How can we differentiate as we now understand them—nei- Many people read into these words one from the other fossils and living ther before nor after the Genesis what we know as genetic engineer- organisms that are not the result of Flood. Ellen White also does not ing, indicating that in prediluvian hybrids? Ellen White gives us no mention them, and we are not times people practiced crossbreed- clues on that issue. sure of the meaning of her state- ing, including animals and human Further on, in the same text, ments regarding “large animals.” beings, resulting in strange biological Ellen White states that she was Neither the Bible nor Ellen White hybrid forms. “shown that very large, powerful say why they do not mention them.

MINISTRY 9 DECEMBER 2009 LEAD ARTICLE | RAÚL ESPERANTE

This is very important, since the fact have dinosaur bones, teeth, eggs, compromise our faith in the Bible’s that the Bible probably does not footprints, and even impressions teachings. mention dinosaurs is not evidence of their skin. Furthermore, at some that they never existed. What we point in history they disappeared. 1. Ellen G. White, Spiritual Gifts, vol. 3 (Battle Creek, MI: Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association, 1864), 75. cannot explain does not neces- Their extinction could have taken 2. Intermediate fossils, also known as transition fossils, are sarily lack existence, but is simply place before, during, or after the those which, according to the theory of evolution, show mixed characteristics between two groups of animals another matter, among others, about Genesis Flood. Like the rest of the or plants that are considered consecutive in time. An which the Bible says nothing and fossils, the origin and disappearance example of this is reptiles that look like mammals, which are considered as an intermediate step in evolution from that provides potentially fascinating of dinosaurs are wrapped in mystery. the fi rst towards the second. These transition fossils are the questions for us to study using the For this reason, they require care- source of much debate among scientists. fossil record and other data. ful and rigorous study, something 3. White, 75; emphasis added. 4. Ibid., 92. We should teach our students Christians with the interest and 5. White, Spiritual Gifts, vol. 4a (Battle Creek, MI: Seventh-day and church members that dinosaurs talent should be encouraged to Adventist Publishing Association, 1864), 121. did exist. We have clear evidence: we do. Dinosaurs do not challenge or

For more information on dinosaurs, please access the ffollowingollow Web sites:

GRI Web site: www.grisda.org SWAU: http://dinodig.swau.edu/ Discovery Institute: www.discovery.org Access Research Network: www.arn.org

MINISTRY 10 DECEMBER 2009 THAMBI THOMAS

Thambi Thomas, EdD, is associate director of education, Pacifi c Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Westlake Village, California, United States. The critical role of pastors in Adventist education

hurch schools have been The challenges an integral part of the Adventist education in the NAD, 1,000 925 Adventist Church for more however, faces many challenges. At Elementary 889 than a hundred years. Ellen the forefront of all these challenges 834 C 800 White had counseled church leaders, is the declining enrollment in K–12 “There should be schools estab- schools across North America. In lished wherever there is a church 1999, the K–12 enrollment (including 600 or company of believers. Teachers Griggs International Academy) was should be employed to educate the 64,762. In 2007, the K–12 enroll- 400 children of Sabbath-keepers.”1 As ment, including Griggs International early as 1853, Ellen White counseled Academy, was 58,257. The chart to members of the early Adventist the right illustrates the changes in 200 Church of the importance of separat- enrollment and in the total number of Secondary 102 107 108

2 NUMBER OF SCHOOLS ing children from worldly infl uences. schools in the NAD. One can readily 0 Not until the 1870s, however, did see we are losing more students 2003 2007 2008 the Adventist Church begin to more rapidly in recent years, and organize a denominational school have fewer elementary schools—55 NAD STATISTICAL REPORTS system to educate the children and fewer schools in 2008 than in 2007. youth of the church. Church schools According to NAD statistics, the teaching principals in small schools were to be instrumental in lifting majority of elementary schools in give unselfi shly of their time, energy, the “standard of truth” wherever the NAD are small schools estab- and even personal resources to help they were established.3 Today, there lished by mission-driven pastors these schools succeed. To hear of are approximately 922 elementary and church members following the school-teaching principals in small schools, 109 secondary schools, counsel of Ellen White to estab- schools, who also serve as bus driv- and 15 colleges and universities in lish a school wherever there is a ers and/or custodians of the school the North American Division (NAD) church or company of believers. The because of necessity, is not unusual. alone. The education ministry of the “endangered species” in Adventist Two unfortunate consequences Adventist Church now embraces education is the small school with of school closures include the loss 1.3 million students in 7,293 K–12 a teacher who teaches one or more of employment for many teachers (kindergarten through twelfth grade) grades in a classroom and doubles and principals who went into the schools around the globe.4 as the principal as well. Scores of education ministry as a divine calling,

Number of K–8 Number of Years K–8 Enrollment 9–12 Enrollment Total K–12 Enrollment Schools Secondary Schools

2003 925 44,229 102 19,317 63,546 (includes Griggs)

2007 889 41,283 107 16,974 58,257 (2,553 were Griggs) Change -36 -2,946 +5 -2,343 -5,289 49,328 (does not include Griggs 2008 834 35,775 108 13,553 International Academy)

Data provided by the North American Division Department of Education

MINISTRY 11 DECEMBER 2009 THAMBI THOMAS and Adventist children and young Adventist School Attendance people fi nding it necessary to attend a public school. In a few instances, 100% = Those who have attended an Adventist School Adventist children benefit from attending private schools operated 34% by other Christian churches. 29%

Reasons for declining enrollment 11% 13% The reasons for the declining 7% enrollment remain elusive, but the 3% 2% decline could be partly due to the changing face of the Adventist All levels Secondary Elementary Elementary Only Only Only Church itself. A ccording to the recent & college & college & secondary college secondary elementary Demographic Survey of the Adventist Church, conducted for the NAD bracket. Regrettably, Advent ist Adventist educators see this as Secretariat by the Center for Creative education is rapidly becoming translating into a casual or even Ministry in 2007–2008,5 there are at something that Adventist families nonactive support of the church least three fi ndings that are signifi cant cannot afford. school. to Adventist education: A key player in the survival of Susan Vlach, principal of South the small school is the local church Bay Junior Academy in Southern • The Adventist Church is or constituent church pastor. While California, developed a simple yet “graying” with 74 percent of all principals covet pastoral support, powerful way of illustrating the four families indicating they have no regardless of school size, pastoral types of pastors she has worked children in the household. Since support truly becomes a matter of with over the past 27 years. While a percentage of the remaining survival for the small school. Pastors this list is subjective and not based 26 percent have preschool age have always played a critical role in on research or empirical evidence, children, only one in fi ve Adventist Adventist education, families are potential clients for but unfortunately, this, the Adventist Church school. too, is changing. Interesting information on the • Forty percent of Adventist This Demographic history of Adventist education families surveyed had an annual Survey of the Advent- found in The Chronology of 6 income of less than $25,000 per ist Church report has Adventist Education, pages 7, 8 year. When combined with the another somewhat next income group, a total of 70 revealing detail: only percent had an income of less 29 percent of Advent- First Adventist homeschool opened than $50,000 per year. ists have had the at Aaron Hilliard’s home in Buck’s • The number of immigrants in the benefi t of an Advent- 1853 Bridge, New York, with five families “co- Adventist Church (31 percent) is ist K–16 (all levels) operating” the school. more than double the percentage education. of immigrants in the U.S. (12 An increasing James White wrote three articles percent). Many of these families number of pastors regarding the need for the children have school-age children but are have not had the 1857 of “Sabbath keepers” to separate from the world. without the fi nancial means to benefi t of an Advent- send them to the church school ist K–12 education Ellen White had the first vision and must avail themselves of a or even an Adventist on education in January of 1872, public school education. college education 1872 resulting in the fi rst comprehensive account on prior to coming to the philosophy and aims of Adventist education Pastoral support coveted the ministry. They found in Testimonies, vol. 3, 131–160 and in Depending on where parents may have been Counsels on Education, 1–30. live, elementary school tuition can educated overseas, be as high as $4,000 per year and and therefore, have The fi rst denominationally sponsored day-academy tuition as high as not had the benefit Adventist Church school opened $8,000 per year. One can easily see of an Adventist K–12 1872 at Battle Creek, Michigan, on June 3, with 12 the fi nancial challenges for families or K–16 education elementary and secondary students. with several school-age children before coming to the if they are in the lower income Adventist Seminary.

MINISTRY 12 DECEMBER 2009 it does provide an interesting way of serve as a springboard for some the church and be a witness to the self-assessment. candid and prayerful discussions surrounding community. as pastors and educators come Four types of pastors together to understand how one Ideas for pastoral An engaged pastor will have is being perceived by the other involvement the opportunity to participate in the without seeking to assign blame. The following list, generated interview and selection process of Conference presidents, like few by secondary administrators in the the best teacher and/or principal other administrators in our system, Pacific Union Conference several who can effectively help fulfi ll the have the authority and ability to years ago, recognizes the fact that mission of the church school. No facilitate this sort of dialogue. many pastors are strong supporters doubt one can expand any of the The educational system as it has of Adventist education. The list iden- quadrants in the chart by adding been, and as we know it today, will tifi es the different ways pastors have other descriptors to the list. In not likely survive without the active been involved in their church school. like manner, one can easily place and engaged support of pastors. I present this list with the hope that school administrators and teachers With the support of pastors who it will give additional ideas for even in each quadrant and arrive at a see the school as an integral part of greater involvement of pastors in the list of ineffective and somewhat the church’s mission, the school will local school: effective educators to effective more likely continue to grow and be and highly effective teachers and effective in educating and nurturing • Pr omoting “Christian Education principals. Perhaps this chart can the children and young people of Emphasis Day” at church

• Minimal contribution of time and church fi nancial resources to the school THE INVISIBLE • Rarely promotes Adventist education in the local church PASTOR • Seldom attends school board meetings • Fails to coordinate a church-sponsored program of fi nancial aid to worthy students

• Supports the church’s portion of the assessed school subsidy • Attends school board meetings sporadically THE PASSIVE PASTOR • Distributes school brochures to church members • Shows little commitment to provide fi nancial aid to help students attend the local church school

• Accepts school board positions that require time on campus • Promotes Christian education in the church • Helps families fi nd ways to afford Christian education THE ACTIVE PASTOR • Subsidizes tuition for needy families • Asks for a missionary spirit regarding school subsidy only in extreme cases • Prays with and for the principal and faculty • Assists school with mission and Community Services projects

In addition to all that the active pastor does, the enthusiastic pastor: • Invites the faculty and staff to a special dedication service at the constituent church • Schedules an annual Education Emphasis Sabbath at the constituent THE ENTHUSIASTIC church • Works in concert with the principal to fi nd projects on campus that can PASTOR improve the school • Helps coordinate fund-raising programs to fi nance school improvements • Is a visible and recognizable presence on the school campus • Volunteers time to teach religion or other classes as needed • Initiates baptismal classes at the school • Actively promotes the school to everyone

MINISTRY 13 DECEMBER 2009 THAMBI THOMAS

here are three key differences non-Adventist students as well. In through personal testimony and between the K–12 systems other world divisions, non-Adventist direct instruction to love Jesus and Tin the NAD when compared students may comprise as much as follow Him as a member of the with K–12 schools in other world 90 percent of the student body. A Adventist Church. More than 500 divisions. few years ago, church schools in students attending Adventist schools First, Adventist schools in many the NAD kept non-Adventist student in the Pacific Union Conference world fields operate as mission enrollment to about 15–20 percent are baptized each year. According schools; they are thriving institu- of the total student body; this has to the Valuegenesis studies, these tions, many with enrollment in the gradually changed over the years students will more likely be active thousands. These church schools so that we now have many Advent- in the Adventist Church as adults provide the local church, and even ist schools in the NAD where 50 and embrace the mission of the the local conference, with monthly percent or more of the students Adventist Church as well. operational subsidies. In the United are non-Adventist students. Many The third signifi cant difference States, this has become quite the pastors and school personnel see includes a cohesive, distinctly opposite, for some K–12 schools this as a powerful evangelistic oppor- Adventist curriculum that unites depend on subsidies from con- tunity, a mission fi eld of untapped schools in the NAD. Even if schools stituent churches and the local possibilities. Concerted efforts to in some jurisdictions are driven by conference to keep their doors evangelize this group, however, government standards and expecta- open. are usually absent, even though a tions, they still benefit from the Second, Adventist schools in significant religious and spiritual curriculum and other educational the North American Division seek emphasis in Adventist schools exists. and professional growth opportuni- to primarily serve Adventist fami- God-fearing, faith-building Advent- ties provided by the NAD Offi ce of lies, though they gladly welcome ist teachers encourage students Education.

• Attending school board meetings School administrators, teachers, children and youth of the church. • Conducting baptismal classes and pastors have a common mis- They should recognize the truth of on campus sion and are driven by a common Ellen White’s statement that indeed • Being involved with students in goal: preparing people for God’s “[i]n the highest sense the work of witness and Community Services kingdom. The support of pastors education and the work of redemp- activities is critical to the success of the tion are one, for in education, as in • Preaching sermons on the value church school. Does the pastor see redemption, other foundation can and importance of Christian the teacher or principal as vital to no man lay than that is laid, which education the church’s ministry? Sometimes is Jesus Christ.”7 From this vantage • Connecting with the youth by church school subsidy is viewed as point, church subsidy to the school co-teaching Bible classes a drain on the church budget and will inevitably be seen as integral to • Assisting school with recruit- something that takes money away fulfi lling the mission of the church. ment efforts from evangelism, while not recog- Pastoral support is vital to the sur- • Hosting a weekly or monthly nizing the church school as one of vival of the church school, especially pastor-student lunch the strongest evangelistic tools the the endangered small school. • Inviting teachers to participate in Adventist Church owns. To state the worship services obvious, where else would one fi nd 1. Ellen G. White, “Educational Work,” General Conference Bulletin, April 1, 1898, http://egwdatabase.whiteestate.org/ • Being visible on campus for infor- a ministry that goes on fi ve days a nxt/gateway.dll?f=templates$fn=default.htm$vid=default mal talk/study times during lunch week for ten months a year? In the (accessed May 19, 2009). 2. Walton J. Brown, ed. “Chronology of Seventh-day Adventist or after school Pacific Union Conference alone, Education,” (Department of Education, General Conference • Visiting parents who are not K–12 schools report an average of of Seventh-day Adventists [n.d.]). 3. Ellen G. White, “Church Schools,” Australasian Union sending their children to an 500 students getting baptized each Conference Record, July 26, 1899. Adventist school school year. 4. Department of Education Seventh-day Adventist Church, • Conducting a dedication service Ideally, the school should be “Education Employment,” http://education.gc.adventist.org/ edstats.html (accessed May 19, 2009). for teachers and students an extension of the ministry of the 5. North American Division and Center for Creative Ministry • Embracing Christian education church—where the pastor, school 2008, www.creativeministry.org. 6. Ibid. as an integral part and extension administrator, and teachers are seen 7. Ellen G. White, Counsels for the Church (Nampa, ID: Pacifi c of the church’s ministry to the as partners working together for Press Pub. Assn., 1991), 202; White, Education (Nampa, ID: Pacifi c Press Pub. Assn., 1952), 30. children and youth the well-being and salvation of the

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MINISTRY 14 DECEMBER 2009 ef

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Prices subject to change. Please contact your ABC for Canadian prices. © 2009 Pacific Press® 95590511 MINISTRY 15 DECEMBER 2009 ERWIN R. GANE Erwin R. Gane, PhD, a retired pastor, lives in Angwin, California, United States. Justifi cation: Historic journey from the Middle Ages through now

hat does justifi cation In his famous Summa Theo- of the soul. For as man in his mean? The standard logica, Aquinas wrote, intellective powers participates view in the Middle in the Divine knowledge through WAges was that when Man is helped by God’s gratu- the virtue of faith, and in his God justifies a believer, the Holy itous will, inasmuch as a habitual power of will participates in the Spirit injects into the soul a habi- gift is infused by God into the Divine love through the virtue of tus or quality that makes the soul soul; and for this reason, that charity, so also in the nature of intrinsically righteous, having the it is not fi tting that God should the soul does he participate in the capacity to perform works that can provide less for those He loves, Divine Nature, after the manner earn merit with God.1 The Reformers that they may acquire super- of a likeness, through a certain rejected this view in favor of one of natural good, than for creatures, regeneration or re-creation. . . . two alternatives. Luther and Calvin whom He loves that they may . . . For grace is the principle recognized justifi cation as a forensic acquire natural good. Now He of meritorious works through (legal) declaration that Christ’s righ- so provides for natural creatures, the medium of virtues, just as teousness counted for the believer, that not merely does He move the essence of the soul is the while in the same act, the Holy them to their natural acts, but He principle of vital deeds through Spirit brings Christ’s presence to bestows upon them certain forms the medium of the powers.3 the heart. Hence, righteousness is and powers, which are the prin- both counted and experienced. Later ciples of acts, in order that they “In the infusion of justifying Reformation writers separated the may of themselves be inclined to grace there is a certain transmuta- legal declaration from the Spirit’s these movements, and thus the tion of the human soul, and hence transformation. They regarded jus- movements whereby they are a proper movement of the human tifi cation as forensic only; Christ’s moved by God become natural soul is required in order that the soul righteousness is put to the account and easy to creatures. . . . Much may be moved in its own manner.”4 of the believer in justifi cation, while more therefore does He infuse Aquinas held that because regeneration is a separate act of into such as He moves towards grace, a divine quality, is infused God by which He progressively the acquisition of supernatural into the soul of the believer, the soul, transforms the heart. These three good, certain forms or super- now naturally righteous, has the major views are the subject of this natural qualities, whereby they capacity to perform good works. He article. may be moved by Him sweetly emphasizes that the immortal soul and promptly to acquire eternal within the individual becomes re- The Roman Catholic good; and thus the gift of grace formed so that it is now righteous.5 view is a quality.2 This Catholic formulation was Thomas Aquinas (ca. 1225–1274) challenged by the Reformation, defi ned justifi cation as infusion of He continued, and the Roman Catholic answer to grace that repairs the soul so that the Protestant challenge came at now it has the power to do good Hence it remains that grace, the Council of Trent (1545–1563). works. As a result, believers have the as it is prior to virtue, has a sub- The council’s decrees express the natural ability to perform in a manner ject prior to the powers of the doctrinal beliefs of offi cial Roman acceptable to God. soul, so that it is in the essence Catholicism. On the question of

MINISTRY 16 DECEMBER 2009 MARTIN LUTHER JOHN CALVIN justification, its definition “was of the gifts, whereby man of unjust person has the ability to do works modeled upon the pattern found in becomes just.” This re-creation of that are meritorious in the sight of Thomas.”6 The decree of justifi cation the soul takes place at baptism. God and that will improve upon his accepted at Trent may be considered At baptism “the charity of God is level of justifi cation.9 in three parts: preparation for, defi ni- poured forth, by the Holy Spirit, in Thus, the Roman Catholic posi- tion of, and increase of justifi cation. the hearts of those that are justifi ed, tion on justifi cation, as defi ned by 1. Preparation for justification. and is inherent therein: whence, Aquinas and Trent, involved transfor- According to Trent, it is not merely man, through Jesus Christ, in whom mation, re-creation, and re-forming a matter of God’s grace leading he is ingrafted, receives, in the said of the immortal soul. This was not the individual to repentance, but of justifi cation, together with the remis- merely a reiteration of Jesus’ teach- the sinner’s own will cooperating sion of sins, all these [gifts] infused ing on the new birth. For Aquinas with grace, projecting him towards at once, faith, hope, and charity.” and Trent, righteousness within is a justifi cation. The council taught “that Even so, no one can be thoroughly habitus or quality injected or infused God justifies the impious by his certain that his sins are forgiven and into the souls of believers so that grace, through the redemption that that he is justifi ed, “seeing that no they are intrinsically or inherently is in Christ Jesus; and when, under- one can know with a certainty of righteous. Righteousness within is standing themselves to be sinners, faith, which can not be subject to not Christ within by the presence of they, by turning themselves, from the error, that he has obtained the grace the Holy Spirit, but a quality injected fear of divine justice whereby they of God.”8 into the soul by the Holy Spirit, so are profi tably agitated, to consider 3. Increase of justifi cation. Thus, that the soul that is now righteous in the mercy of God.”7 according to Roman Catholic theol- nature has the capacity to perform 2. The defi nition of justifi cation. ogy, justifi cation is never complete works that are meritorious in God’s Like Aquinas, Trent defi ned justifi ca- for the believer. Trent taught that sight. This was the theology to tion as an inner renewal of the soul. “they, through the observance of which Luther and Calvin reacted so “This disposition, or preparation, is the commandments of God and vigorously. followed by Justifi cation itself, which of the Church, faith co-operating is not remission of sins merely, but with good works, increase in that Martin Luther’s view also the sanctifi cation and renewal justice which they have received The two leading sixteenth- of the inward man, through the through the grace of Christ, and are century Reformers were Martin voluntary reception of the grace, and still further justifi ed.” The justifi ed Luther (1483–1546) and John Calvin

MINISTRY 17 DECEMBER 2009 ERWIN R. GANE

(1509–1564). On scriptural grounds, within. The indwelling Christ is our through which a man is essen- both rejected the Roman Catho- righteousness within. The trans- tially made righteous (a usage lic concept of justification. They formation is Christ, by the Holy which Luther also fi nds in Paul, opposed the idea that humans can Spirit, coming to dwell in the human Romans 5), that is, for both the predispose themselves towards heart, so that His righteousness imputation of righteousness to justifi cation, the concept of infused becomes the believers’ righteous- man as well as man’s actually grace, the idea of the transmutation ness; not by re-creating the soul into becoming righteous. . . . This (re-making) of the soul, the notion an independently righteous entity twofold use of the word can- that justifi cation is never complete, but by providing righteousness by not be correlated with Luther’s and the teaching that the justifi ed His righteous presence. Believers early and later theology; he uses person is capable of doing meritori- remain fallen, sinful human beings, “justifi cation” in both senses at ous works. but their fallen natures are now the same time, sometimes even Luther and Calvin saw justifi ca- under the control and direction of shortly after each other in the tion as involving two inseparable the indwelling Holy Spirit. same text.10 aspects: (1) the legal or forensic Paul Althaus writes in his The aspect is God’s forgiveness of the Theology of Martin Luther: In his Disputation Concerning believers’ sins and His crediting Justification (1536), Luther wrote Christ’s righteousness to their Luther uses the terms “to of justifi cation as God counting the account; and (2) the experiential justify” [ justifi care] and “justifi - believer righteous. Thus, as he often aspect is Christ’s gift of His righ- cation” [ justifi catio] in more than did, he emphasized the legal aspect teousness to believers by the Holy one sense. From the beginning, of justifi cation. “To be justifi ed,” he Spirit. The soul is not re-formed justifi cation most often means wrote, “includes that idea, namely or re-created so that it becomes the judgment of God with which that we are considered righteous on inherently righteous. The Holy he declares man to be righteous account of Christ.”11 Spirit within believers’ hearts is [justum reputare or computare]. Luther continues, “He sustains their righteousness. Christ within In other places, however, this and supports them on account of is the Spirit within is righteousness word stands for the entire event the fi rst fruit of his creation in us,

MINISTRY 18 DECEMBER 2009 and he thereupon decrees that they comes before doing, and suffering Certainly Luther recognized are righteous and sons of the king- comes before being. Therefore the justification as God’s legal act of dom. For we perceive that a man order is: becoming, being, and then forgiving sin and reckoning the who is justifi ed is not yet a righteous working.”15 perfect righteousness of Christ to man, but is in the very movement or Luther knew all too well that the believer. But in the works that journey toward righteousness. . . . the imagery of the new birth does evidence his mature theology, he Therefore, whoever is justifi ed is still not occur in the book of Romans, repeatedly wrote of justification a sinner; and yet he is considered as the imagery of justifi cation does as also involving the gift of Christ fully and perfectly righteous by God not occur in John, chapter 3. Yet to the heart. For example, in his who pardons and is merciful.”12 he identified the two metaphors. lengthy comments on Galatians

Luther and Calvin saw justification as involving two inseparable aspects: (1) the legal or forensic aspect is God’s forgiveness of the believers’ sins and His crediting Christ’s righteousness to their account; and (2) the experiential aspect is Christ’s gift of His righteousness to believers by the Holy Spirit.

Yet, in the same work, Luther Justifi cation, to Luther, was the new 2:16, contained in his 1535 Lectures explained, “Natural motion is our birth. He made the same identifi ca- on Galatians, Luther wrote, “There- motion, but this movement of jus- tion at the beginning of his sermon fore the Christ who is grasped by tifi cation is the work of God in us, on John 3: “This chapter stresses faith and who lives in the heart is to which our propositions refer.”13 above all else that sublime topic: the true Christian righteousness, Explaining what is meant by the faith in Christ, which alone justifi es on account of which God counts righteousness of God being outside us before God.”16 But the term justi- us righteous and grants us eternal of us, Luther wrote, “The phrase is fi cation is not mentioned in John 3. life.”18 The presence of Christ in our grammatical. To be outside of us The point is that Luther saw the new hearts, Luther said, is the reason means not to be out of our powers. birth as justifi cation. God counts us righteous and grants Righteousness is our possession, Thus, Luther regarded justifi ca- us eternal life. to be sure, since it was given to tion as involving the transforming Rejecting the Roman Catholic us out of mercy. Nevertheless, it is work of the Holy Spirit in the life concept of inherent righteousness foreign to us, because we have not of the believer. “Then what does of soul for the justifi ed, Luther wrote, merited it.”14 justify? Hearing the voice of the Luther underlined his under- Bridegroom, hearing the proclama- Therefore we, too, acknowl- standing that justification is a tion of faith—when this is heard, it edge a quality and a formal heart experience, not just a legal justifies. Why? Because it brings righteousness in the heart; but declaration, by his comment on the Holy Spirit who justifi es. From we do not mean love, as the Romans 12:1, “Up to this point he this it is suffi ciently evident what sophists do, but faith, because has taught how to become a new the distinction is between the Law the heart must behold and grasp man, and he has described the and the Gospel. The Law never nothing but Christ the Savior. . . . new birth which makes the new brings the Holy Spirit; therefore Here it is to be noted these three man (John 3:3ff.). But now he is it does not justify, because it only things are joined together: faith, teaching concerning the works of teaches what we ought to do. But Christ, and acceptance or impu- the new birth which anyone who has the Gospel does bring the Holy tation. Faith takes hold of Christ not been made a new man does in Spirit, because it teaches what we and has Him present, enclosing vain and presumptuously. For being ought to receive.”17 Him as the ring encloses the

MINISTRY 19 DECEMBER 2009 ERWIN R. GANE

gem. And whoever is found itself becomes righteous, not by Mark Husbands and Daniel J. having this faith in the Christ only because it is accepted as Treier, is very revealing with the who is grasped in the heart, him such through the imputation of forensic-only position being seri- God accounts as righteous. This Christ’s righteousness, that is, of ously questioned.22 Moreover, a is the means and the merit by God’s own righteousness; but it group of Finnish historians have which we obtain the forgiveness also becomes righteous because recently established that Luther of sins and righteousness.19 God’s Holy Spirit is poured into saw justifi cation as an experiential, the heart and he brings love and spiritual union with Christ. Quite Commenting on Galatians 2:20, new obedience to him. . . . apart from their ecumenical interest, Luther wrote, “But so far as justifi ca- Faith looks only and solely they have come up with an interpre- tion is concerned, Christ and I must to the Christ for us, toward his tation of Luther that contradicts the be so closely attached that He lives righteousness “outside of us”; traditional forensic-only view.23 in me and I in Him. What a marvelous yet it thereby becomes the pres- way of speaking! Because He lives in ence and the power of Christ in John Calvin’s view me, whatever grace, righteousness, us. One and the same faith in John Calvin’s defi nition of justifi - life, peace, and salvation there is in Christ gives both forgiveness cation is similar to Luther’s. In book me is all Christ’s; nevertheless, it is of sins and the triumph over III, chapter XI of his Institutes of the mine as well, by the cementing and sin. In faith a man becomes a Christian Religion, Calvin identifi es attachment that are through faith, new man. Justifying faith means two vital ingredients of justifi cation: by which we become as one body being born again from God. (1) the legal element, according to in the Spirit. Since Christ lives in The certainty of God’s forgiving which God forgives sin and credits me, grace, righteousness, life, and mercy makes me glad in God, the righteousness of Christ to the eternal salvation must be present and brings the slavish service believer; and (2) the experiential with Him; and the Law, sin, and under the law to an end, works element, by which Christ comes death must be absent.”20 a new, free, and joyful obedience into our hearts by the presence of Some scholars have denied that to God’s will, places me in the the Holy Spirit. Luther’s definition of justification line of battle against the sin of On the fi rst point, Calvin wrote, includes the gift of Christ to the the old man, creates the readi- heart by the transforming presence ness to serve someone else in A man is said to be justifi ed of the Holy Spirit. But reputable love and to suffer “in love and in the sight of God when in the Luther scholars have recognized the praise of God.” . . . judgment of God he is deemed balance in his thought between jus- The two effects of faith in righteous, and is accepted on tifi cation as God’s legal declaration Christ are: It receives the forgive- account of his righteousness; for and His gift of Christ to the heart. ness of sins and therewith the as iniquity is abominable to God, For example, Althaus comments, imputation of righteousness; it so neither can the sinner find also establishes a new being and grace in his sight, so far as he Although faith is not to be makes a man righteous in him- is and so long as he is regarded considered as a “work” in rela- self. These two effects of faith as a sinner. Hence, wherever tionship to our justification, it are inseparably joined together sin is, there also are the wrath remains the source and fountain in Luther’s theology. When he and vengeance of God. He, on of “good works.” As such it is speaks of that righteousness the other hand, is justifi ed who the beginning of a new righ- which faith is and gives he sees is regarded not as a sinner, but teousness which a man has both together: the righteousness as righteous, and as such stands because he is actually righteous. imputed for Christ’s sake, and acquitted at the judgment-seat This is implicit in the fact that man’s transformation to a new of God, where all sinners are faith justifi es through Christ, that obedience. “Justifi cation” in the condemned. As an innocent is, it brings Christ into the heart, full sense of the word consists in man, when charged before an or, expressed in other words, it both of these together. The basic impartial judge, who decides is worked by the Holy Spirit and and decisive factor is that man is according to his innocence, is “brings (this Spirit) with it.” This forgiven and receives new worth said to be justifi ed by the judge, means—as Luther says in his before God.21 so a man is said to be justifi ed fi rst lectures on Galatians—that by God when, removed from God’s name, his holy, pure, and Evangelical theologians in the catalogue of sinners, he has divine nature as revealed to us recent times have been engaged in God as the witness and assertor in Christ, so joins itself to our a healthy debate on this subject. The of his righteousness. In the same heart in faith that it makes our recent book Justifi cation: What’s at manner, a man will be said to heart like itself. Thus our heart Stake in the Current Debates, edited be justified by works, if in his

MINISTRY 20 DECEMBER 2009 life there can be found a purity [the righteousness of Christ] on the themselves to a distinctly unhistori- and holiness which merits an basis of which man is justifi ed, is cal position. attestation of righteousness at treated as if it were man’s within the the throne of God, or if by the context of the intimate personal rela- 1. See Alister E. McGrath, Iustitia Dei: A History of the Christian Doctrine of Justifi cation (Cambridge: University 27 perfection of his works he can tionship of Christ and the believer.” Press, 1986), 1;40–51. answer and satisfy the divine 2. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, vol. 20, Great Books of Our Western World, First Part of the Second Part justice. On the contrary, a man Justifi cation today (Chicago: Encyclopedia Britannica, 1952), question 110, will be justifi ed by faith, when, Among theologians and Chris- article 2, http://www.newadvent.org/summa/2110.htm (accessed Oct. 8, 2009). excluded from the righteousness tian denominations today, a number 3. Ibid., question 110, article 4, http://www.newadvent.org/ of works, he by faith lays hold of different views regarding justifi ca- summa/2110.htm (accessed Oct. 8, 2009). of the righteousness of Christ, tion are held. Among the views 4. Ibid., question 113, article 3, http://www.newadvent.org/ summa/2113.htm (accessed Oct. 8, 2009). and clothed in it appears in the propagated today are the following: 5. See McGrath, Iustitia Dei, 44–47, 63–65, 81, 82, 85–87. sight of God not as a sinner, but (1) the Roman Catholic position that 6. Reinhold Seeberg, Text-book of the History of Doctrines (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books House, 1977), 2:433. as righteous. Thus we interpret justifi cation makes the soul intrinsi- 7. Philip Schaff, Creeds of Christendom (Grand Rapids, MI: justifi cation, as the acceptance cally righteous; (2) the view of Luther Baker Books, 1919), 2:93; emphasis added. 8. Ibid., 94–99. with which God receives us into and Calvin that justifi cation involves 9. Ibid., 99–101, 107–109. his favor as if we were righteous; both a legal element and Christ’s 10. Paul Althaus, The Theology of Martin Luther, trans. Robert C. Schultz (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1966), 226. and we say that this justifi cation bestowal of Himself upon the heart 11. Luther’s Works, ed. Helmut T. Lehmann, (Philadelphia: consists in the forgiveness of of the believer by the presence of the Muhlenberg Press, 1960), 34:153. sins and the imputation of the Holy Spirit; (3) the legal-only position 12. Ibid., 34:152, 153. 13. Ibid., 34:177; emphasis added. righteousness of Christ. . . . that regards justifi cation as solely 14. Ibid., 34:178. Hence, when God justifies God’s declaration that the righteous- 15. Ibid., 25:104. 16. Ibid., 22:275. us through the intercession of ness of Christ is counted for the 17. Ibid., 26:208. Christ, he does not acquit us on believer who remains unrighteous; 18. Ibid., 26:130. 19. Ibid., 26:132. a proof of our innocence, but by and (4) the view that there is no legal 20. Ibid., 26:167, 168. an imputation of righteousness, aspect to justifi cation, that it is only 21. Paul Althaus, The Theology of Martin Luther, 234, 235. so that though not righteous God’s act of making the believer 22. See, for example, “God’s declaration in other words, is itself constitutive of that which is declared. God’s word is in ourselves, we are deemed right in heart with Himself. always effective. When it goes forth, it never returns to righteous in Christ.24 The evangelicals who argue for Him void. So a judicial act for God is never merely judicial; it is itself transformative.” Bruce L. McCormack, “What’s at legal-only justifi cation are in the tra- Stake in Current Debates Over Justifi cation: The Crisis of On the second point, that dition of post-Reformation orthodox, Protestantism in the West,” in Justifi cation: What’s at Stake in the Current Debates, eds. Mark Husbands and Daniel J. justifi cation involves the bestowal scholastic Lutheranism, not in the Treier, (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2004), 107. of Christ upon our hearts by the tradition of the Reformation itself. 23. See Tuomo Mannermaa, Christ Present in Faith: Luther’s View of Justifi cation (Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, presence of the Holy Spirit, Calvin Despite their attempts to identify 2005) ; and Carl E. Braaten and Robert W. Jenson, eds., wrote, “In this way, in this mean- themselves with the Reformation, Union With Christ: The New Finnish Interpretation of Luther ing, I deny not that Christ, as he is they are being untrue to the under- (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1998). 24. John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, bk. III, ch. God and man, justifi es us; that this standing of salvation taught by XI, trans. Henry Beveridge (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, work is common also to the Father Luther and Calvin. Obviously each 1559, 1962), 2, 3. 25. Ibid., 10. and the Holy Spirit; in fi ne, that the new generation must determine for 26. McGrath, Iustitia Dei, 2:36–38. righteousness of which God makes itself from the scripture text what 27. Ibid., 36, 37; see also Wilhelm Niesel, The Theology of us partakers is the eternal righteous- Paul meant by justification. But Calvin (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1956), 120–139. ness of the eternal God, provided authors and churches effect is given to the clear and valid that claim the Reforma- reasons to which I have adverted tion as the historical us one with himself, and, therefore, foundation of their con- we glory in having a fellowship of cept of the gospel, or righteousness with him.”25 claim that their theol- Calvin seems to have given ogy is a perpetuation greater emphasis to the legal and an advancement (forensic) aspect in justifi cation than of Reformation theol- did Luther.26 “Calvin speaks of the ogy, while they ignore believer being ‘grafted into Christ’, or misinterpret the basic so that the concept of incorporation understandings of the becomes central to his understand- magisterial Reformers, ing of justifi cation. The iustitia Christi are sadly committing

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MINISTRY 21 DECEMBER 2009 BERTRAM L. MELBOURNE

Bertram L. Melbourne, PhD, is professor of New Testament language and literature, Howard University School of Divinity, Washington, District of Columbia, United States. “But what I have I give you”

once took a group of campers The sight of the approaching Peter knew what he had to give, and to the beach, and we saw a worshipers may have elicited from he willingly, and without hesitation, coconut fl oating in the water. We the beggar the usual, “Alms for gave it. Iretrieved and opened it—only the poor! Alms for the poor!” His Notice, too, that Peter gave to discover that it was just husk, cry caught the apostles’ attention the man, not what he thought he without a shell or fruit inside. How and gave them the opportunity to wanted, but what he really needed. disappointed we were; it promised witness in the name of their beloved He needed healing for his body much, but delivered nothing. Lord and Master. and salvation for his soul. Money Could some ministers be like Note Peter’s discernment. Many could provide neither; healing and that coconut? Full of promise but, needy people were at the temple salvation are, instead, gifts of the ultimately, turning out empty? Could gate. That Peter replied to this beggar resurrected Lord. Peter and John met they be professing a lot but have implies he had spiritual discernment. his need, not his apparent wants. nothing to back up that profession? Ellen White says this man had “long Let us look at one account from desired to see Jesus that he might In the name of Jesus the early New Testament church that be healed.”2 He missed Jesus, but Peter and John recalled Jesus’ guides us to see if we are living up now, instead, was face-to-face with words, “ ‘According to your faith to the potential the Lord has placed a representative of Jesus. will it be done to you’ ” (Matt. 9:29), in us. The beggar, his situation, and and “ ‘I will do whatever you ask in the opening allowed Peter a great my name’ ” (John 14:13). All they No silver and gold chance to witness. Unlike those who had was faith in Jesus and His ability The story is found in Acts 3. Peter dismissed or ignored the beggar, to help. That was enough and they and John—fresh from the Pente- Peter and John looked straight at acted on it, not to glorify themselves costal outpouring of the Spirit—are the lame man. They had compassion but to glorify God. They, therefore, changed men, no longer fearful and for him and directed him to look at said, “ ‘In the name of Jesus of timid. They now boldly proclaim the them. This is signifi cant. For God to Nazareth, walk’ ” (Acts 3:6). gospel, even publicly accusing their act for us, our gaze must be fi xed Notice, Peter didn’t say, “In the leaders of killing Jesus, the Son of on Him or on His servants—not name of the church, walk!” He didn’t God and the Messiah. Their focus? on our cares or fears. Paul’s point heal the paralytic in his own name. To advance God’s kingdom, and no is relevant—“Follow my example, The paralytic was healed in the name human power seems able to deter as I follow the example of Christ” and power of Jesus. them. (1 Cor. 11:1).3 Peter’s words raised Taking the man by the right hand, As Peter and John walk, they the man’s expectations. He was sure Peter helped him up as his feet see a disabled man, a beggar who something good was about to hap- and ankles became strong. This had been born lame and daily plied pen. Peter’s next words, however, man, who had never walked from his sorry trade at the temple gate. “ ‘Silver or gold I do not have’ ” (Acts birth, sprang to his feet and wasn’t Persons on their way to the temple 3:6) must have greatly disappointed only walking, but was jumping and to pray and/or offer gifts were usu- him and lowered his expectations. praising God. And all because two ally generous, particularly because Nevertheless, Peter didn’t stop disciples willingly used such as they almsgiving was a central part of there. He continued, “ ‘[B]ut what I had. their religion.1 They saw generosity have I give you’ ” (v. 6). With confi - as a way to earn favor with God. In dence and courage and conviction, What it means to us their theology, they believed that Peter witnessed, not only to this man, How do we apply this story to one’s good deeds had to outweigh but to all who were watching. “But ourselves today? The lame man one’s bad deeds in order to be what I have I give you”—words that expected something from Peter and saved. show hope, faith, and confi dence. John, and they did not disappoint

MINISTRY 22 DECEMBER 2009 him. They had something to give, Talent on loan from God realization that God gave Heaven’s and they gave it. The result was the The world expects something best for our salvation. Jesus, God’s healing of the man, a witness to from Christians; God expects Chris- best, gave His life for us. There’s Jesus’ name and power, confl ict with tians to have something to give for no greater gift. No talent should be the authorities, and ultimately—the He gave us a mission to fulfi ll. Mat- withheld from use for such a God. salvation of individuals. thew 25 gives fascinating insight on Peter and John gave what they Peter and John used the faith Jesus’ perspective on these things. had—look at the result. Imagine if we they had. So should we. People The parable of the talents says God were to give of what we have. The expect ministry from ministers, and entrusts each of us with something question we need to ask is, What do we shouldn’t disappoint them. What that we must invest for Him. The we have?

Peter and John used the faith they had. So should we. People expect ministry from ministers, and we shouldn’t disappoint them. What do you have? We all have something to give, don’t we?

do you have? We all have something parable of the sheep and the goats to give, don’t we? We all have at lists deeds of justice and acts of 1. Joachim Jeremias, Jerusalem in the Time of Jesus (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1969), 126ff; see also William least one talent and that one talent mercy as the things for which we will Barclay, The Acts of the Apostles, rev. ed. The Daily Study we can invest in God’s kingdom. or will not be rewarded. Visiting the Bible Series (Philadelphia: Westminster John Knox Press, 1975), 32. We need to be willing to invest sick, giving food and shelter to the 2. Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles (Mountain View, CA: our gifts for eternity and eternal homeless, visiting those in prison, Pacifi c Press Pub. Assn., 1911), 57. 3. All scripture references are from the New International rewards—the greatest being the and other such acts of social justice Version of the Bible. reward of seeing souls in the king- are crucial to the Christian walk. dom who are there through our Those who do these things will be diligent efforts. more than fulfi lling their calling in What do you have? Samson had Christ. a donkey’s jawbone. David had a We need to do more in these sling and a willing heart. Naaman’s areas as Christians generally and maid used her faith and voice to tell ministers particularly. Our voices of Israel’s prophet who could cure must be heard for justice and in leprosy. The widow had only a small defense of truth. For instance, we jar of oil. Dorcas had a needle, and must speak out on issues relating to she used it with dexterity to advance HIV/AIDS. We must stand against the kingdom. The widow had her child labor by not buying products mite that she didn’t withhold but made by exploited children. We invested in the kingdom. must support causes defending Yes, the lesson from the story the defenseless, the exploited, and should be the words of Peter, “But those on the margins. We must give Read the most recent what I have I give you.” You can’t voice to the voiceless, clothing to the lead article online give what you don’t have. naked, shelter to the homeless, and and much more at We need to determine just what food to the hungry. we have been given by the Lord, and Yet the greatest motivation to ministrymagazine.org then we should use it for His glory. use such as we have for God is the

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MINISTRY 23 DECEMBER 2009 DAN SERNS

Dan Serns, MDiv, is ministerial secretary for the North Pacifi c Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, headquartered in Vancouver, Washington, United States. Bring the mission to your Sabbath service

or a long time in the history • Interview a ministry leader, such week, or the various Bible studies of our church, Sabbath as Pathfinder, Adventurers, that are going on currently. School programs had a Community Services, Bible study • Invite the congregation to be Fworld mission emphasis. coordinator, men’s or women’s involved in intercessory prayer Fortunately, many of our churches ministry, greeters’ ministry, as with specifi c objectives. still have this in some form. We to what God does through that • Invite worshipers to share what have also had another emphasis, ministry to change lives. God has done in their lives during variedly called home missionary, • Interview a family who has the past week or two. lay activities, or personal ministries, recently joined your church. If • Involve the church school staff usually tucked in between Sabbath they are new to the faith, ask and students in sharing how God School and the worship service. them how they found the truth. has worked in their lives during Somehow, in recent times, both If they are transferring members, the week. these vital segments have gotten let them testify to their faith crowded out in many of our churches. experience. Global missions time Without these weekly reminders • Interview someone who gives What would the global missions of what God is doing through His Bible studies or leads a Bible time look like? Here are some church locally and around the world, study group. suggestions: many of our new members and the • Show a video clip or photos of younger generation do not catch the one of your ministries. • Show a segment from the vision of a worldwide movement and • Have a brief stewardship Adventist Mission DVD. Each a God who is at work all around us in testimony about how God has DVD has 6–10 segments, the lives of the members. been faithful when His gifts ranging in length from 1–10 Why not talk with your church are managed the way He has minutes, sufficient for 6 board about adding a 15–20 minute instructed. Sabbaths.1 segment between Sabbath School • Interview someone about how • Have a good storyteller tell a and the worship service? Each they learned about the Sabbath, mission story from a book, such Sabbath there could be 5–10 minutes and what a blessing it has been as Singer on the Sand, Taught of local missions focus and another in their lives. by a Tiger, Nyla and the White 5–10 minutes of global missions • Interview someone about how Crocodile, Jungle Thorn, Fire on focus. The personal ministries leader God helped them deal with a the Mountain, Clever Queen, or could assist in coordinating the local tragic loss. any of the other great mission missions time, and the Sabbath • Present an award to a community storybooks found in most School superintendent could assist leader who has made a valuable Adventist church libraries.2 in coordinating the global missions contribution to the good of • Interview a visiting, returned, or time. society, and have several church student missionary. Ask them leaders pray for the leader’s to show pictures for a vespers Local missions time service to God and humankind. program later in the day. What would the local missions time • Talk about upcoming witnessing • Have a slide or video show of a look like? Here are some suggestions: and evangelism plans in the recent mission trip someone in district. the church made. • Interview a newly baptized • Give an update about the • Use an item from the Adventist person or provide them time for literature distribution effort, Mission Web site, www a personal testimony. churchwide outreach for the last .AdventistMission.org, which

MINISTRY 24 DECEMBER 2009 has lots of resources regarding The message of the third angel bolder ones in the congregation the global mission of the church. is a world-wide message. It is share, those who are more shy will • Pray for God’s work in specifi c to go to foreign lands; it is to be find courage to tell what God is countries. The adult Bible study preached in the home fi eld. Into doing in their lives too. And God’s guide carries mission stories cities and towns and villages, work will be enlarged because of and the back page has maps of into the highways and hedges, the continued focus on missions— specifi c projects for each quarter. the light of truth is to be carried. foreign and home—that your church Invite the congregation to pray in In all these places there are those offers.

What do we hope to accomplish by having a regular local and global mission time each Sabbath morning? To inspire the members of our congregations to actively participate in sharing the Advent message in their neighborhoods, communities, cities, and around the world.

groups of twos or threes for one whose minds are receptive, of these mission needs. and whose hearts are ready to 1. The DVD is also available for free download at http:// adventistmission.org/article.php?id=32. • Send literature to a mission fi eld. respond to the appeals of the 2. Many of these books are also available at http://www From time to time the Adventist Spirit of God. These will welcome .adventistbookcenter.com/ or elsewhere online. 3. See http://www.adventistreview.org/. 3 Review lists requests for the truth if they have opportunity 4. See, for example, http://www.adventistreview.org/2004- literature from around the world.4 to hear. God is waiting for His 1539/literature.html. 5. Ellen G. White, “A Spiritual Awakening,” (Australasian) Invite members to bring the items people to bear to them the Union Conference Record, April 15, 1912, par. 4. needed so they can be prayed for message of Him who died—the and sent out the coming week. just for the unjust. He desires to • Have a dedication prayer for work through men and women those going on a mission trip. Do who, losing sight of self in Christ, you have someone who is going are content to say, “God forbid on a short-term mission trip or a that I should glory, save in the student missionary assignment? cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.”5 Why not invite them to the front to share what special requests Once you integrate a local they have and ask several church and global mission time into your leaders to pray for them? Sabbath morning service you will wonder how you ever got along What will we without it. People will look forward accomplish? to hearing and sharing what God is What do we hope to accomplish doing in their lives and around the Read the writer’s by having a regular local and global world. Children will be inspired to guidelines to mission time each Sabbath morning? work for God now and decide to be learn how you can To inspire the members of our missionaries when they grow up. Ministry congregations to actively participate Guests will witness God at work in contribute to in sharing the Advent message in your congregation and recognize and much more at their neighborhoods, communities, that even a small church is part of ministrymagazine.org cities, and around the world. a worldwide movement. As the

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MINISTRY 25 DECEMBER 2009 JAMES CLINTON

James Clinton is a pseudonym. The challenge of meeting the needs of your church members

n invitation for a pastor The president sat behind his wish to accomplish in the church set- friend of mine arrived desk; the accused and accuser ting or in the community? How could from the conference facing him. The accused started to they work together in the district to Apresident, asking him think; he had been in the district accomplish their goals and dreams to schedule an appointment for more than three years and believed for the advancement of the gospel? a consultation at the conference his ministry had the approval of the However, some church groups offi ce. Now, this pastor knew that to church members. He had aspired seem to monopolize the work, social spend some time in discussion with to add members to each of the life, and family of the pastor. They the president, at his initiation, may six churches, the leaders of each act as though they need their lead- not always include a dialogue about church were kind, and his family er’s attention and do not seem to be something positive. His mind, in a had adapted perfectly. Whom had concerned with whether the aims rather fertile state, began wonder- he ignored? To whom had he been of the church are achieved—just so ing, Was the president planning to unkind? Whom had he hurt? the pastor shows them the special ask about his pastoral activities? For two scheduled Sabbaths in attention they crave. Because this Would he reproach him for some- one year, the pastor had not been group wants and may receive the thing he had or hadn’t done? Might able to worship with the accuser’s pastor’s major attention, another he inquire about something in his church body; otherwise he had church in the pastor’s district might personal life? followed the agenda agreed upon work on their own, tread ahead of He marked the day in his calen- by the church board and himself. the pastor, and override all church dar and on that day treaded softly The accuser seemed to believe—as goals and planned activities. Really, in the direction of the president’s thought by the pastor—that miss- these two groups may be saying the offi ce. The president was polite, but ing two Sabbaths meant that he same thing: we want the special and this pastor understood clearly by his had abandoned that church. This undivided attention of our pastor. facial expression that the president situation seemed to be pointing to Listed below are several sugges- was planning to deliver a message something fairly simple: the church tions for meeting the needs of your of reproach. group was clamoring for more church members. Implementing A member from one of the min- attention. them may result in signifi cant bless- ister’s churches was also there in the ings to everyone. president’s offi ce. After rather stoic Pastoral ministry handshakes and the traditional “So compared to a family Have a plan good to see you,” they were ready Pastoral ministry can be Yearly planning should include for the discussion of the problem compared to a father and mother representatives from every church at hand. The accusation? The pastor with several children. Each child in your district, if possible. In this had deserted this member’s church. requires undivided attention from way, each group feels included Recently, the board of directors of their parents, and may practice and involved. This plan, developed the conference had voted to down- negative attitudes and exaggerated by the group, does not need to be size the district from twelve churches actions to call for this parental complicated. In fact, the simpler the to six. This, of course, should mean notice. What do these offspring plan, the easier the assimilation and that the pastor would have more really desire? Special attention. involvement. Appropriate planning time to visit all the scheduled church As in a family, the pastor needs requires work and dedication but events in each church as well as call to be aware of the needs and desires results in very agreeable scheduling upon the members. of each church group. What do they for the future.

MINISTRY 26 DECEMBER 2009 Do not compare may resist surprises. You should tell member playing a different instru- We sometimes have a tendency them in advance the reason for the ment. The instruments must be to compare the way some church visit and suggest a date and time. tuned, the team established so that groups do some things well with Then be sure to be there at the the result of this practice becomes other church groups that do things scheduled time. noticed, and with practice, the resulting in obvious mistakes. Some orchestra will present a great musi- parents say to their children, “Your Appear in church settings cal concert. brother does this better than you. From time to time, you should And don’t forget, we work for Why don’t you learn from him?” take part in the active components the Supreme Pastor, and He will Because no one likes to be compared of the church. For instance, help never let us stand alone. We are with another, a different ministry or in the various departments of your objects of His sweet attention, and varied events should be developed. In a similar manner, some church members may say, “That church handles things in an excellent man- Must I be a superpastor? No. ner. Why can’t we do things in the same way?” In a pastoral district, this attitude can produce rancor, rage, You just need to spend some a spirit of competition, and a big sense of incompetence. The group negatively infl uenced by those who time with each group as your compare themselves with another church body may feel humiliated. schedule permits. Pastoral responsibilities include attempting to assure the troubled group that they have needed talents and assets, and helping them dis- cover their strengths. Sabbath Schools as your sched- He stores our names in the palm of ule permits, spend time with the His hand. Keep a team spirit children, attend gatherings of the “ ‘I have loved you with an Most people feel good about, older people and promote their everlasting love; / I have drawn you and love, working together as a social occasions, and take part in with unfailing kindness’ ” (Jer. 31:3, team. In your meetings with the lead- the young people’s service activi- TNIV). ership of the district, form groups ties. After that marathon schedule, to plan activities for the district, you may wonder, How can I do naming some to function as lead- everything just mentioned? Must I be ers and others as advisors for the a superpastor? No. You just need to groups (for instance, name a leader spend some time with each group for women’s ministry and another as your schedule permits. for the youth and Pathfi nders). The more unity shown from your team Be faithful of leaders, the more members of Loyalty accounts for a great your churches will become involved deal in the life of a minister. You in the activities of your district. The must be faithful to your family, your effects of this kind of unity result in colleagues in ministry, church orga- wonderful responses that last for a nization, and the members of your very long time. church. Never demonstrate a lack Search issues of respect by an exclusive social published 80 years Visit relationship with a few members. Visiting your members in their ago for topics and homes is the best way to become And remember, you are perspectives that are acquainted with the members in the conductor still relevant today your district. The visitation should, Think of your church as one however, be scheduled since people united symphony, with each ministrymagazine.org

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MINISTRY 27 DECEMBER 2009 RESOURCES

A Life to Die For, by W. Clarence and Stephen A Life to Die For Schilt, Nampa, ID: Pacifi c Press Pub. Assn., 2009. is a book that may,

larence Schilt worked in in time, become Cpastoral ministry for 42 a classic akin to years. For most of those years, he says he “mostly held the Scott Peck’s The hands of the saints through their pain,” not doing them a RoadR Less Traveled. lot of good beyond that. Until fi ve years ago, that is, when he discovered what he calls “the exchanged life.” The exchanged losing out on a prestigious pastoral commitment ultimately led him life transformed his life, marriage, appointment to a large church. The to agree to co-author A Life to Die and ministry so profoundly that, with church wanted him, but the confer- For. “I suddenly realized how truly the help of his brother, Stephen, he ence had someone else in mind. helpless and hopeless I was,” he wrote a book about it. Clarence admits, in retrospect, that writes. “I realized that I didn’t need A Life to Die For is a book that he wanted this position “for all the Christ to assist me; I need Him to may, in time, become a classic akin wrong reasons.” replace me” (38). As for Clarence, to Scott Peck’s The Road Less Trav- In similar fashion, Stephen can- he says his marriage was a more eled. The book’s premise is that didly shares his feelings when his joyful experience after he began to anyone wanting to live a Christian plans for “the good life” were sud- experience the exchanged life. life has to die to their old one—a fact denly derailed by the pain of his wife A Life to Die For has the potential few churches emphasize. Dee Dee’s kidney failure. He goes on to change one’s life. It’s an excellent But what makes this book really to write how God showed him His book for midweek meetings, Sab- special is the authors’ willingness plan to replace “the good life” with bath School classes, small groups, to make themselves vulnerable as a better life. families, and also contains great they share riveting stories from their After viewing Clarence’s and his sermon material. personal lives to make their point. wife Dianna’s DVD, How to Die Right One fascinating anecdote is Clar- and Live to Tell About It, Stephen —Reviewed by Mike Jones, a retired pastor and ence’s confession of major pain on committed his life to Christ. That former editor of Insight.

A resource for the blind old. During his teenage years, he This young lady, Andi, developed a code based on six raised is attending NCBC hristian Record Services, a bumps that fi ngers can identify. blind camp. She also Cministry for the blind, based in Larry Pitcher, president of Chris- enjoys this Braille Bible section Lincoln, Nebraska, United States, tian Record Services, states that from the NT. marked 110 years of service in “Braille remains the only way totally 2009. Christian Record provides a blind people can truly read the writ- variety of literature in Braille. The ten language.” organization also provides other Pastors and congregations that services such as National Camps wish to obtain resources from Chris- for Blind Children. tian Record Services can contact This year also marks the two the organization by visiting www hundredth anniversary of the birth of .christianrecord.org, emailing info@ Louis Braille birth near Paris, France, christianrecord.org, or calling +1 402 who was blinded as a three-year 488-0981.

MINISTRY 28 DECEMBER 2009 DATELINE

Family life—the in the Trans-European Division. Elder’s Digest focus in Krakow Family issues relate to all cultures celebrates 15 and societies, and an informed and skilled ministry in this area has years rakow, Poland—Krakow, one proved to be both effective and well Kof the largest and oldest cities received in the European setting.” ilver Spring, Maryland, in Poland, saw 38 participants attend [TED Staff/TED News] SUnited States—The General this year’s Certifi ed Family Life Edu- Conference Ministerial Association, cator’s (CFLE) seminar, September thanks to the visionary leadership of 6–11, 2009. James Cress, ministerial secretary Hosted by Paul Tompkins, Renaming a for the world church of Seventh-day Family Ministries director in the library Adventists, launched a quarterly Trans-European Division (TED), this journal in 1994 for local leaders of year’s two modules, Theological ahia, Brazil—The Faculdades district churches designed to provide Foundations and Interpersonal Rela- BAdventistas da Bahia (North- training and other valuable resources tionships, were presented by guest east Brazil College) celebrated the for those who assist pastors in their lecturers Roberto Badenas, Educa- thirtieth anniversary of their institu- responsibilities. tion and Family Ministries director for tion by naming the library in honor of Elder’s Digest began with a circu- the Euro-Africa Division, and Bryan Pastor Jose Mascarenhas Viana, lation of 3,000. During the 15 years Craig, retired South Pacifi c Division a native of northeast Brazil who since the magazine was launched, Family Ministries director. served at the college as a professor under the direction of former editors Konstantinos Theofylaktidis, of theology. Before his death, Viana James H. Zachary and Joel Sarli, a CFLE graduate, commented, also served as associate ministerial and now under the direction of “These seminars, through lectures, secretary of the South American Jonas Arrais, associate ministerial materials, books, and practical Division and ministerial secretary of secretary for the world church of trainings in groups, gave me an several unions in that division. Seventh-day Adventists since 2005, opportunity to better understand His spouse, Vasti Viana (pictured worldwide circulation has reached and see the potential of family with their daughter and family 100,000. ministries, [and] these seminars members), donated his personal This accomplishment was noted prepared me for practical ministry library of more than 2,000 books to October 13, 2009, during the Seventh- to people.” the university. [Jonas Arrais] day Adventist Church’s Annual Marek Rakowski, secretary Council in Silver for the Adventist Church in Poland Spring, Maryland. and local facilitator of this event, According to Arrais, expressed his appreciation to Bade- “more than 100,000 nas and Craig for their proficient copies are printed contribution, and to Tompkins for each quarter and his consistency in organizing these delivered to more programs each year, addressing than 100 countries, topics and current needs as felt in encompassing all many Adventist homes. He said, “I world divisions.” feel privileged that we were able to If you are not host the CFLE seminar in Krakow receiving Elder’s this year. Our task as Christian coun- Digest but wish selors is to teach people to build to do so, please proper relations and oppose evil. contact your local I am convinced that this training conference office seminar will prove very helpful for or go to www all the participants.” .eldersdigest.org. Tompkins concluded, “The [Willie E. Hucks II] CFLE Family Ministries training continues to be very important

MINISTRY 29 DECEMBER 2009 PASTOR’S PASTOR | JAMES A. CRESS Differently genuine

ypically, we fear something Following worship, the church search for God and commitment to new and different for those very clearly envisioned the needs of discipleship. Treasons. All humans embrace various groups. First, a delightful Attractively designed, free- the familiar and routine and resist that breakfast buffet greeted all attendees, standing banners, detailed CCCC’s which challenges our comfortable, as fellowship time extended into core values: inspiring worship, long-established patterns. “After all,” prayer groups, sharing, storytelling, gift-based ministry, need-focused we reason, “we have always done it discussions, and unrushed social and evangelism, Christlikeness, commu- this way; it must be correct!” spiritual engagement. The church nity, empowering leadership, process, When I rode the train nearly two always provides a noon lunch as well. excellence, passionate spirituality, hours north of Sydney to attend Provisions for children included holistic small groups, multiplication, a recently planted church, I was babysitting plus Kids’ Church that was encouragement, authenticity, love- not sure what to expect since I had carefully themed to the adult study acceptance-forgiveness, and relevance. heard many opinions ranging from and worship. The youngsters enjoyed Wayne and Tracey Krause make “everything the wider church needs” the lesson study in various ways, mentoring a high priority for their to “precarious experimentation that such as small groups, crafts, singing, ministry. Erika Gemmell, who served cannot last.” mission story, and age-appropriate a year as assistant pastor, says, “I My host, Pastor Wayne Krause, witnessing strategies. I was particu- saw the church function in a totally who also serves as director of the larly impressed with the number of different way than I’d ever seen South Pacifi c Division’s Center for community kids who showed up at before. People became alive as the Church Planting, had noted that I their church. This outreach strategy body of Christ.” She adds, “Pastor would not need a dress suit since of high-quality children’s program- Krause mentored me and constantly most of the attendees would dress ming works because kids bring their challenged me to determine how “casual.” After three weeks of a dif- parents. I would apply what I experienced fi cult travel itinerary, this expectation Adult study options included a there in my future ministry. In the immediately made the entire venture general lesson study taught that day fi ve years since, I have resolved that much more appealing. by the pastor who emphasized the when a body of believers has a clear Although the church’s location, fifteenth chapter of the Gospel of and focused mission, we become just two blocks from the train station, John, as well as the importance of empowered to use our spiritual gifts was close enough to walk, the pastor orthodoxy coupled with outreach. for God’s glory and to care for each met me, and we took a quick drive Various fellowship groups offer other in His name. My experience around the community of Wyong mutual and interactive support clarifi ed my understanding of God’s on Australia’s central coast. Soon that spills over into other functions call on my life.” we circled back to a large facility throughout the week, such as men’s The South Pacifi c Division should that looked more like a warehouse group at the local pub (a location rejoice in this emphasis on innovative than a cathedral. Signs identifi ed the selected for the purpose of interacting church planting. Although some have multi-use building as a district social with the locals), prayer ministry, and raised questions about the authentic- hall, a Salvation Army Center, and various support groups. ity of CCCC’s approach (primarily Central Coast Community Church of Although the type of music played individuals who have never actually Seventh-day Adventists (CCCC). The and sung was not my preference, attended), I was pleased to discover lack of abundant parking was less it showed careful thought and a passion and clarity for both the obvious because of close proximity thorough planning integral to worship message and mission of Adventist to transit lines and several nearby preparation. Extraordinarily talented beliefs. I encourage others to discover parking lots. individuals, such as the original for themselves the value of such Worship services are held fi rst at drummer from the band AC/DC— needs-based ministry that struggles CCCC with Bible Discovery (Sabbath now a CCCC church member—led to involve the church community with School) following. Logically, this the congregational singing. A Bob local society in a way that abandons resonates with the needs of the Dylan song, sung just before the the fortress mentality of isolation from many young families who attend sermon, perfectly matched Pastor the world and embraces the force “Big Church” and allows parents to Krause’s message that followed. mentality that engages the world. worship together as a family before Two young adults, who had I summarize my CCCC experi- their kids become too restless to scheduled their baptisms, each ence in two words: different and settle into a sermon/worship setting. shared powerful testimonies of their genuine!

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