I N T E R N AT I O N A L

J O U R N A L F O R PA STO R S

JULY/AUGUST 2010

Pastor for Life Southern Adventist University hosts events for you!

Recharge Pastors Retreat July 11-23, 2010 Pastors and their spouses develop professional skills, renew personal and spiritual growth, and teach the importance of balance in lifestyle and exercise. For more information, email [email protected]. ______Dave Cress Memorial Golf Tournament September 10, 2010 Have fun while raising endowment dollars to help students gain an Adventist education at Southern Adventist University. For more information, call 423.236.2830. ______Adventist Heritage Tour October 20-24, 2010 Join Southern students in a New England tour of places significant to the history of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. For more information, call 423.236.2977. ______Homecoming Weekend October 28-31, 2010 This year’s homecoming weekend will have a variety of events of interest to friends and alumni of Southern Adventist University, including presentations by Adventist author George Knight and story time with Uncle Dan. For more information, call 423.236.4016.

Visit Us Southern welcomes visitors all year long, and we invite you to come and experience our beautiful campus for yourself. If you know of someone looking to attend a Christian university, prospective students have several options for a scheduled visit to Southern. For more information, go online to www.southern.edu/visit. 1.800.SOUTHERN Collegedale, Tennessee CONTENTS

LEAD ARTICLE: Pastor for life 06 Eight ways to view pastoral leadership as the primary ministry in the church. 04 SPECIAL MESSAGE Ivan Charles Blake FEATURE: Answering Jesus’ prayer 05 EDITORIAL 11 Jesus’ prayer—“that all of you may be one”— is a mandate to all who belong to the body of Christ. Southern John S. Nixon 58 DATELINE Faith in God: The secret of a fulfilled life Adventist 14 A young pastor reflects on her journey into ministry. RESOURCES Jacklyn Lee 59 Effectively using media in ministry 62 THE PASTOR AND HEALTH University 18 How can we best use modern media to communicate the life-changing message of Jesus Christ? hosts events for you! Costin Jordache enditnow today! 22 About one in three women worldwide will experience some form of abuse. Here are five tips for pastors on how to participate in the enditnow initiative. FEATURE: How to care for your voice: Eight practical suggestions for preachers Ministry® International Editors 24 International Journal for Pastors Chinese-Robert Wong Are you taking care of the instrument God gave you to spread the gospel? Indonesian-Edwin T. Pandjaitan 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Derek J. Morris Japanese-Yukio Ebihara Spring, MD 20904-6600 U.S.A. Korean-Sung Sun Hong Recharge Pastors Retreat Assessing and fulfilling the needs of aH ong Kong community www.ministrymagazine.org Portuguese (South America)- 28 This church has found several ways of reaching its community. What has it learned that [email protected] Zinaldo Santos July 11-23, 2010 can benefit your community? -Ilie Leahu Editor Russian Pastors and their spouses develop professional skills, renew personal and Lee Chokewoh Spanish (South America)- Nikolaus Satelmajer spiritual growth, and teach the importance of balance in lifestyle and exercise. Marcos Blanco For more information, email [email protected]. “I will send a famine”: An interview with Dr. Walter C. Kaiser Jr. Associate Editor Spanish (Inter-America)-Pablo Perla ______30 The whole program of the church—worship, preaching, and discipleship—must be Willie E. Hucks II International Advisors thought through entirely. Balvin Braham, Ron Clouzet, Daniel Consultants to Editor Tom Dombrowski Duda, R. Danforth Francis, Passmore Dave Cress Memorial Golf Tournament John Fowler, Clifford Goldstein, Hachalinga, John Kakembo, Gerry Myrna Tetz September 10, 2010 Assessment center for interns Karst, Janos Kovacs-Biro, Ilie Leahu, Have fun while raising endowment dollars to help students gain an 32 Six exercises conducted during a retreat for pastoral interns stimulates consideration of Editorial Specialist Miguel Luna, Jan Paulsen, Bruno their future career. Sheryl Beck Raso, Ángel M. Rodríguez, Ranieri Adventist education at Southern Adventist University. For more information, Roland E. Fischer Sales, Hector Sanchez, Houtman call 423.236.2830. Operational Specialist Sinaga, Gary Webster, Walton ______Will it work? John Feezer IV Williams, Measapogu Wilson 35 Three things to keep in mind for church evangelism—and three things to plan when Adventist Heritage Tour the meetings conclude. Advertising Subscriptions October 20-24, 2010 Michael Halfhill Cheri Gatton 12 issues: United States US$32.80; [email protected] Canada and overseas US$45.95. Join Southern students in a New England tour of places significant to the The Beijing approach to church growth +1 208-965-0157 To order: send name, address, and history of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. For more information, call 38 Beijing congregations are growing even with limited resources. What are their secrets? Subscriptions/renewals/ payment to Ministry® Subscriptions, Zhong Zhaolin address changes 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver 423.236.2977. ministrysubscriptions@ Spring, MD 20904-6600 U.S.A. ______gc.adventist.org Field based, supervised theological education To Writers +1 301-680-6508 What do employing organizations look for in pastors? Read what a team from Avondale We welcome unsolicited manu- 40 +1 301-680-6502 (fax) Homecoming Weekend College has found. scripts. Before submitting, review October 28-31, 2010 Murray House & Doug Robertson Cover Illustration the writers’ guidelines at Emily Harding www.ministrymagazine.org. Please This year’s homecoming weekend will have a variety of events of FEATURE: Beyond the usual pastoral duties: An interview with Layout send manuscripts via email to interest to friends and alumni of Southern Adventist University, including 46 David and Freda Charles 316 Creative [email protected]. presentations by Adventist author George Knight and story time with Pastor and Mrs. Charles have a special ministry: providing foster care for children with Uncle Dan. For more information, call 423.236.4016. special needs. Why are they doing it? Nikolaus Satelmajer & Willie E. Hucks II Anthony Kent | [email protected] | +1 301-680-6516 Waking up to spiritual discipline Director 51 Read what spiritual discipline did for one pastor, and what you can do to be revived as well. Jeff Scoggins Ministry® has been published Printer Pacific Press® Pub. Assn., monthly since 1928 by the Minis- 1350 N. Kings Rd., Nampa, ID 83687 terial Association, General Confer- From burned out to on fire forG od ® Standard mail postage paid at Nampa, Through his time with God and faithful obedience to His command to give, one pastor began ence of Seventh-day Adventists. Visit Us 55 Ministry is a peer-reviewed journal. Idaho. (ISSN 0026-5314) to taste and see how amazing it was to live a giving life—a life like Christ’s. Member of Associated Church Press. Southern welcomes visitors all year long, and we invite you to come and experience our Chongho Peter Yang SECRETARY beautiful campus for yourself. If you know of someone looking to attend a Christian Associate Secretaries Adventist®, Seventh-day Adventist®, university, prospective students have several options for a scheduled visit to Southern. Jonas Arrais, Sharon Cress, and Ministry® are the registered Bible credits Scripture quoted from KJV is from the King James Version. Scriptures quoted from NKJV are from The New King James Version, Anthony Kent, Peter Prime, trademarks of the General For more information, go online to www.southern.edu/visit. copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982, Thomas Nelson, Inc., Publishers. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, Nikolaus Satelmajer Conference Corporation of NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from The ® 1.800.SOUTHERN New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Scripture quota- Ministerial Resource Center Seventh-day Adventists . tion from The Message. Copyright © by Eugene H. Peterson, 1993, 1994, 1995. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. Scriptures quoted Coordinator Cathy Payne Vol. 82 Number 7/8 © 2010 Collegedale, Tennessee from CEV are from the Contemporary English Version, Copyright © American Bible Society 1991, 1995. Used by permission. Text credited to Clear Word 888-771-0738, +1 301-680-6508 are from the The Clear Word, copyright © 1994, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2006 by Review and Herald Publishing Association. All rights reserved. www.ministerialassociation.com PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.

MINISTRY 3 JULY/AUGUST 2010 SPECIAL MESSAGE

A Message of Appreciation

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ: the past few years, as I’ve talked with pastors in many ew professions demand the breadth of skills we’ve different places, I’ve heard a number of common themes: Fcome to expect of our local church pastor: public the never-ending challenge of balancing the demands of speaker; business manager; counselor; teacher; admin- ministry with the needs of your own family; the challenge istrator; fund-raiser; mentor; social worker; evangelist. of keeping one’s own spiritual life alive and growing; the And, of course, we assume they will also complement challenge of mobilizing church members for witnessing, this package with an inexhaustible store of energy and engaging with the broader community, providing pro- good humor. grams and services—all with limited financial resources; What a weight of expectations a pastor carries! the challenge of congregations that are increasingly You, as a local church pastor, have been called to a diverse—not just ethnically and culturally but which task that has no parallel. You’re a shepherd of the Lord’s contain radical differences in backgrounds, attitudes, flock; a caretaker of something that is infinitely precious expectations, and needs. to Him. The full scope of your job description cannot be And as we’ve talked together, I’ve become even more contained by any written document or defined by the firmly convinced that the voice of the local church pastor expectations of your congregation. The parameters of must be heard more clearly—by those of us in administra- your duties are found in your relationship with the One tion and also by the church community as a whole. I’m so who has entrusted you with this special responsibility. pleased that at the General Conference Session in Atlanta And if you commit yourself—with integrity and dedica- this year we’re profiling the Adventist pastor. We’ll look tion—to discharging this trust, you’ve already met the at the joys, fulfillment, challenges, frustrations, hopes, only expectation that really matters. and sacredness of the calling of those in local church The local church pastor is key—absolutely central—to ministry. I want the whole richness of that experience to everything we are and do as a church. It’s a truth that’s be placed before the church. I want us to acknowledge, been expressed so many times that perhaps it’s acquired publicly, how critical your work is to the well-being of our the air of a cliché. But, nevertheless, it expresses reality. spiritual community. The 22,000 pastors globally who minister to our church Each one of you has been obedient to God’s call. family, shape and direct the Seventh-day Adventist Church Every day you serve His people: you expend your time, to an incalculable extent. Administrative decisions, church your energy, and sometimes even your peace of mind, statements, position papers, and publications—none striving to be faithful “shepherds of God’s flock” (1 Pet. of these come close to touching the level of influence 5:2).3 And so my prayer for you is this: that our Lord, “out wielded by pastors who, day by day, week by week, are of his glorious riches . . . may strengthen you with power nurturing, strengthening, comforting, ministering to the through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may whole Adventist community. dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, It’s a sobering thought, for with great power also being rooted and established in love, may have power comes great responsibility—and ultimately, account- . . . to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is ability to God. Ellen White calls the pastor’s role a “grave the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses responsibility.”1 Why? Because a pastor carries the trust of knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the congregation. The words and actions of a pastor have the fullness of God” (Eph. 3:16–19). a disproportionate impact—building up God’s kingdom or May Christ’s infinite, saving love sustain you as you tearing it down; exerting a tremendous influence for good live and work for Him. or an even “stronger influence in the wrong direction.”2 When this potential is God-directed, the community of Yours in His service, faith is blessed immeasurably. But when it is not, the consequences can be devastating. Jan Paulsen I know that each of you confronts a unique set of President, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists circumstances—issues and challenges that reflect the distinct mix of cultural, political, and economic “flavors” 1 Ellen White, The Acts of the Apostles (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1911), 360. 2 White, Gospel Workers (Washington, DC: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1892), 25. of the environment in which you’re placed. But over 3 All Scripture quoted is from the New International Version.

MINISTRY 4 JULY/AUGUST 2010 E D I T O R I A L Nikolaus Satelmajer, editor Willie E. Hucks II, A ssociate E ditor

ur editorials usually address a special gathering, and we hope you most of the articles for this issue theological issue or topic that will visit us at the Ministry booth in would be written by them or will Odeals with various aspects of the exhibit hall (booth no. 1434). focus on topics of particular interest ministry such as preaching, teach- All four members of the editorial to pastors. The articles also represent ing, leadership, and training, for team will be in Atlanta, and we pastors from various parts of the example. In this editorial, we will not always enjoy meeting our readers. world, commemorating Ministry address these topics as this special If you cannot attend the session, we having subscribers in more than 180 issue relates to a special event. invite you to view it by visiting www countries. The articles cover many Every five years the Seventh-day .HopeTV.org. By all means, please themes such as pastoring for life, Adventist Church holds, what we pray that God’s Spirit will be present how congregations meet challenges call, a General Conference Session at this session and Jesus Christ will in their communities, caring for the where delegates from various parts be honored. preacher’s voice, spiritual growth, of the world gather to hear reports, This issue of Ministry is also and responding to God’s Spirit. proposed plans, vote constitu- special—it’s twice the usual length. We believe these articles will be a tion and bylaw changes, and elect We are publishing the July and blessing to you. various leaders for the next five August issues together as a special Here is our editorial team. If you years. This year—June 24–July 3, issue for the General Conference are in Atlanta, we hope you will make 2010—this session will be held in session. The majority of the speakers yourself known by joining us at the Atlanta, Georgia, United States. at the session will be congregational display booth (no. 1434). See you Many of our readers will be at this pastors; therefore, we decided that there!

Nikolaus Satelmajer Willie E. Hucks II Sheryl Beck John Feezer EDITOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR EDITORIAL SPECIALIST OPERATIONAL SPECIALIST

We did it last year—let’s do it again!

Many of our readers and their congregations focused on God as Creator in October 2009. We invite you to hold another special worship service the weekend of October 23, 2010, recognizing Him as Creator again.

Visit www.CreationSabbath.net to find resources such as sermons, articles, children’s stories, songs, and other helpful items to help make this Sabbath special.

MINISTRY 5 JULY/AUGUST 2010 LEAD ARTICLE | Ivan Charles Blake

Ivan Charles Blake, DMin, is pastor of the Fletcher Seventh-day Adventist Church, Fletcher, North Carolina, United States.

Pastor for life

hey say pastors resign on moral failure, spiritual burnout, Reading through this alarming Monday morning. or contention in their churches. report may yield an understand- If you are a pastor and • Eighty percent of pastors and able reaction from some: “Why Tyou preached one or two 84 percent of their spouses feel don’t these pastors give priority to sermons over the weekend and unqualified and discouraged in developing their relationship with ministered in a million ways to all their role as pastors. God through personal Bible study who needed you, you probably know • Eighty percent of seminary and and prayer? That should strengthen that after-the-glory blues feeling. Bible school graduates who them to face the many challenges, Often the highs of the Sabbath are enter the ministry will leave the and they will be overcomers instead followed by the lows the next day. ministry within the first five years. of being overcome!” In your tired brain, you go through • Seventy percent felt God called Never has there been a more reruns of the myriad of incidents them to pastoral ministry before sound opinion. A strong relationship that crowded your demanding day. their ministry began, but after with God, daily nurtured, becomes The elevated emotions of vigorous three years of ministry, only 50 the key to faithful and fruitful pastoral preaching took so much out of percent still felt called. ministry. But might the issue of the you that you know you will need a • Eighty percent of pastors high turnover of pastors be more few days to recover from exhaus- surveyed spend less than 15 complex than walking closely with tion. One look into the mirror and minutes a day in prayer. God? The point—Monday morning you see that the aging process has • Seventy percent said the only resignations are mounting. accelerated, possibly irreversibly. time they spend studying the And then that email or phone call Word is when they are preparing Who is retiring? casts doubts on your integrity, sin- their sermons. The opposite of the Monday cerity, or accuracy—a put-down that morning resignation is the Saturday effectively knocks you down. After This report also reveals the feel- night joyful celebration of more than going through this wave-crashing ings of pastors’ spouses: 40 years of fulfilling pastoral ministry. experience for a number of years, a How many of these honoring Monday morning resignation seems • Eighty percent feel their spouse events occur where the celebrant like a welcome release into anything is overworked. spent all those years in pastoral but pastoral work. • Eighty percent wish their ministry? By far, it seems that most Though some would disagree, spouse would choose another retirement parties are for men and many would insist that never before profession. women who have served in various have pastors struggled more with • The majority of pastors’ spouses ministries of all descriptions. too much work, too many unsolvable surveyed said that the most All forms of ministry are worthy problems, far too much stress, and destructive event that has of celebration: teaching, administra- too little job satisfaction. occurred in their marriage and tion, writing, editing, departmental, family was the day the pastor treasury, trust services, medical, Disturbing data entered the ministry. evangelism, and many other areas. One person gleaned data from Many who enter these areas of several sources and published sober- And never should the feelings of ministry began their service as pas- ing information about pastors. He the children of pastors be forgotten. tors. For a few years, they preached claims the following: a fresh sermon every week; served • Eighty percent of adult children of a congregation with tireless energy; • Fifteen hundred pastors leave pastors surveyed have had to seek and comforted, counseled, and the ministry each month due to professional help for depression.1 chaired committees all they could.

MINISTRY 6 JULY/AUGUST 2010 Then the call came to move into logical that pastors need specialized because these are the areas of excel- another form of ministry. training and postgraduate profes- lence in ministry in which a dearth There is no fault with someone sional development, combined with exists. These are the abilities and moving from pastoral ministry to several years of experience in culti- qualities most desired, but it takes another form of ministry. The fault vating the unique skills necessary to experience and hard work over a is found in this becoming a trend, provide the kind of leadership con- period of time to do them well. resulting in the perceived shortage of gregations need. Churches can only It seems that we do not often experienced and seasoned pastoral suffer for the lack of such advanced have the ability to observe what leaders serving congregations and training and skill development in the healthy churches could look like the consequence of less than opti- pastors who serve them. A decade because there are so few examples mally healthy congregations. of pastoral service is far too short a of seasoned pastors giving 40 or There is no intention to denigrate time to become proficient in meeting more years of quality service to the quality of pastoral leadership of the needs of congregations. congregations.

If you are a pastor and you

preached one or two sermons

over the weekend and

ministered in a million ways

to all who needed you, you

probably know that after-

the-glory blues feeling.

those who have served congrega- Underserved My burden is for more pastors tions for 15, 10, or fewer years. congregations to stay in pastoral work exclusively, There is also no intention to devalue Perception is often reality. And giving themselves to quality the service rendered by those who very often, perception is not sub- preaching, teaching, leading, and moved from pastoral work to other jected to rigorous examination or training. This yearning comes from forms of ministry. Spending 40 years testing, but is mostly anecdotal. personal experience after 38 years in pastoral ministry does not, in itself, What does one hear while listening of ministry, all of which (except necessarily reflect quality ministry. to church members talk among for six years in administrative There is, however, definite concern themselves right after their pastor leadership) were devoted to the for the large number of pastors that moved on to a “higher calling” (a.k.a. pastorate. I have said no to several are quick to “move on” to other higher organization)? Or after their opportunities to move into other nonpastoral ministries, often leaving pastor decided to go into counseling forms of ministry, due to my behind congregations that miss out as a profession, or any number of passion for providing churches with on seasoned leadership. And sea- other professions? Or after their significantly developed pastoral soned leadership is what the rigors pastors quit the ministry altogether skills and many years of experience. of pastoral ministry in congregations for some secular employment? They During my 38 years, I served calls for. typically express the need for a new too many congregations. Instead If the rigorous demands of pas- pastor who preaches well, leads of staying at one congregation toral work are real, then it seems well, organizes well, and visits well for ten or more years, my average

MINISTRY 7 JULY/AUGUST 2010 LEAD ARTICLE | Ivan Charles Blake stay has been five years. This is not loving the people, and leading in These remedies may improve something to be proud of. Virtually ministry. I wish that more would morale, but would they result in every move occurred because a keenly and passionately long for that longer tenures for pastors? If these previous pastor left for some other to be the experience of thousands of proposals were in place, there might form of ministry, went into secular pastors, pastors who stay in the par- be more pastors who would do so work, or experienced a tragedy ish to lift up Jesus and love people well that they would become “quali- that terminated their ministry in the with the grace of God! fied” for opportunities to become denomination. I often experienced departmental directors and, eventu- sorrow for these fine persons who What can ensure ally, administrators. are talented, devoted, and needed in pastoring for life? The core issue, it seems to me, is pastoral ministry. But they left, and In a study of pastoral morale a need for the development of, and I sensed the Holy Spirit’s leading to among 172 Seventh-day Adventist commitment to, a culture of viewing pick up where they left off. If only pastors in the United States and pastoral leadership as the primary these persons had stayed on, worked Canada, a significant minority ministry in the denomination’s struc- through their tough issues, and were reported a variety of low morale ture. This could be achieved by the given necessary support, they could experiences.2 Respondents offered following: still be giving superior service to possible remedies: changes in needy congregations. the structure of the pastorate that 1. Designing and implementing Should we not be overwhelmed would make the ministry more a slimmer and more efficient by a sense of need for churches fulfilling; relieving pastors of the administrative and departmental to be served by men and women administrative minutiae of the structure, hence reducing the who have been trained, honed, and church; more continuing education need for so many personnel to equipped by the Holy Spirit’s unction with its development of talents occupy those positions. and who stay there to build God’s and abilities; and a more equal 2. Rotating qualified senior/lead kingdom? relationship with conference pastors every two years in leading I have derived a high level of administrators, including input into sections of a territory (conference satisfaction in preaching the Word, conference goals and programs. or field) administrativelywhile still

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MINISTRY 8 JULY/AUGUST 2010 occupying the pulpit and serving the pastorate.3 3. Working hard to provide meaningful support and assistance to pastors who need professional, collegial, and develop- mental security. Felt needs of pastors would be addressed. Resources can be available for devel- oping the particular gifts of pastors. Personal prob- lems should be seen as opportunities for growth rather than a threat to effectiveness. 4. Giving equality in rank by administrators with pastors being more accountable to their local lay leaders and con- gregations rather than administrators. Conclusion management tasks that they will be unable to lead a 5. Establishing local ministerial Of greatest importance is the congregation at the same time. Financial management support groups to provide a could serve several territories from only a few locations commitment of denominational nationally, utilizing technology and uniform policies. nonthreatening environment for leadership to show, in actions, that The same can be done with the education and church spiritual and professional growth, ministries departments. A pragmatic formula can be they mean what they say, “The local including peer accountability. developed that calculates how many pastors should congregation is the most important be in the field for every administrator and for every 6. Giving pastors the opportunity to departmental leader in order to achieve optimum part of our denomination.” Such maximize their personal leader- efficiency and maximize the number of pastors in the field. actions will certainly include mak- If a formula is applied to determine how many church ship strengths. Staffing can be members must be in attendance at weekly worship ing it attractive and desirable for provided to make it possible for services (including other factors) before a pastor can be pastors to remain in congregational assigned to a congregation, then why not apply a similar pastors not to be distracted by formula to determine how many pastors need to be in ministry for more than 40 years. time-consuming and energy- the field before it will be feasible to establish conference Imagine attending 10 retirement administration and departmental leadership? Such a depleting assignments that do formula should be weighted heavily in favor of minimizing parties for men and women who not fit their makeup.4 full-time administrative and departmental personnel. This have given themselves to ministry can easily be achieved, it seems to me, by giving many 7. Placing efficient departmental senior pastors limited administrative responsibility. for more than 40 years and 9 of leaders and administrators back 4 Such staffing can be provided by part-time paid or these celebrations are for parish volunteer persons whose gifts, training, and expertise in pastoral work every four or pastors. Surely the result would be can provide leadership in local church ministries such five years.5 as Religious Liberty, health programs, publicity, singles, reflected in a growing number of children, and youth ministries. This will be more difficult to 8. Using the expertise at the local healthy congregations! implement in smaller churches where less talent may be church level to provide train- available. Funding can be made available once volunteers demonstrate resulting membership growth by their ing for church officers from 1 These statistics were collected by Richard A. Murphy in productivity. In a congregation that I recently served as several congregations instead “Don’t Become a Statistic,” Life-Line for Pastors, April pastor, the church board was reduced to a small number 2003, http://www.maranathalife.com/lifeline/03-04-p of administratively gifted individuals who knew how to of depending on departmental .htm (accessed April 19, 2010). (Life-Line for Pastors is a use their governing skills to manage the main direction leaders to organize and pre­ publication of Maranatha Life.) He drew information from of the church instead of micromanage the details of across denominational lines and various sources, such as church operations. The day-to-day items were cared for by sent training. Observing how Pastor to Pastor, Focus on the Family, Ministries Today, trustworthy volunteers who led the ministries of the church. ministry, successfully done in Charisma magazine, TNT Ministries, Campus Crusade for This freed me, the pastor, to give more of my attention to Christ, and the Global Pastors Network. preaching the Word and leading and training the people. a real setting, seems to be a 2 Roger L. Dudley and Des Cummings Jr., “Factors Related 5 This would necessitate a revision to constitutions and more effective means of train- to Pastoral Morale in the Seventh-day Adventist Church,” bylaws, making provisions for term limits. It is recognized Review of Religious Research 24, no. 2 (December 1982), that continuity in leadership is important for the health ing. This will reduce the number 127. of an organization. The redistribution of responsibility, of departmental leaders who 3 This will lessen the administrative responsibility of one however, to several senior pastors in the field will greatly person, who, of necessity, has to give full-time attention reduce the need for full-time leadership that makes the could, instead, serve as effective to the enormous task of leading a territory. It will spread organization dependent on their being in office for a long pastors in local congregations. the load among many, who will not be so swamped with time, due to the complexity of their duties.

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

MINISTRY 9 JULY/AUGUST 2010 “Are you sensing the Lord’s call to ministry? Are you interested in preparing yourself for a life of service? For over 75 years the Seminary has provided theological and pastoral education for the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Our graduates serve as pastors, church administrators, and teachers all over the world. Join us and experience the best formation to equip young men and women to share the ever- Denis Fortin, Dean lasting gospel to a dying world.”

MINISTRY 10 JULY/AUGUST 2010

seminaryadr2.indd 1 4/28/10 4:40 PM FEAT U R E | j O H N S . N i x on John S. Nixon, DMin, is senior pastor, Collegedale Seventh-day Adventist Church, Collegedale, Tennessee, United States. Answering Jesus’ prayer

“My prayer is not for Jesus knew what they would go their own way and keep their face and how it would overwhelm own counsel; we take pride in their them alone. I pray also them. He had told them, quoting resistance to conformity. But is this for those who will the prophecy of Zechariah, “ ‘This the posture we want to be in when very night you will all fall away on Jesus speaks to us? Is it not far bet- believe in me through account of me, for it is written: “I ter to give up our individual rights to their message, that all will strike the shepherd and the Christ that we might be His servants sheep of the flock will be scat- for a holy purpose? And His purpose of them may be one, tered” ’ ” (Matt. 26:31). for us is that we should come into Father, just as you are in What would Jesus say to His complete oneness as members of disciples on a night like this? What His body. me and I am in you. May words of instruction could prepare It is interesting to notice the they also be in us so that them? He did not ask the Father emphasis of various renderings of to give them more knowledge or John 17:23: the world may believe even increase their faith. Jesus that you have sent me.” prayed for them to be one in love. “ ‘Be brought to complete unity’ ” This, the expression of God’s love (NIV). —John 17:20, 211 toward each other, would keep “ ‘Be perfected in unity’ ” them in the hour of temptation. And (NASB). s Jesus poured out His if the disciples had answered Jesus’ “Be made perfect in one” heart to the Father in prayer, the bond of love between (KJV). prayer, the disciples were them would have preserved them. “Be as one as we are one” Aabout to face the greatest (The Clear Word). crisis of their lives. They had already The importance of “ ‘Be completely one’ ” declared their implicit faith in their loving one another (NCV). Lord as Messiah. Peter, speaking At the inception of the Christian “Become one heart and mind” for all of them, said, “ ‘You are the church, the believers were orga- (The Message). Christ, the Son of the living God’ ” nized into a community so that (Matt. 16:16). They may have been the Son of God would have a body In John 17, the command is confused about Christ’s mission, through which to demonstrate His given, but in John 13, the standard but the disciples had no doubts life on earth. The body is not an illus- is set: “ ‘As I have loved you, so you about His identity—until now. tration; the life of Christ is the life of must love one another’ ” (verse 34). They watched in amazement the body.2 But under the influence And we are severely challenged. as Jesus allowed Himself to be of individualism, the church has Who is equal to such a calling, to arrested; He who had escaped so become more devoted to personal love as Jesus loved (and still loves)? many times before to be taken into rights and freedom than to the This is one of those things God must custody. They were stunned into mandate of God’s Word. In my do in us for it is not in our nature silence as they beheld His hands own personal life, I have detected to love this way. But this high and tied behind His back—hands that this rebellion in me. I once was the holy standard reaches beyond our had cured leprosy and raised the type of person that, if I walked up capability. dead. And to their shame, they were to an establishment and saw a sign No love reaches the pinnacle frightened into abandonment as He on a door that read “Do not open,” of Christ’s love until it willingly was spat upon and beaten. All this I would open that door. sacrifices itself for the other. This lay before them as the great test of The heroes of our culture are is the distinction of divine love; it is faith, but they did not know it. the rebels and individualists who self-sacrificing love. How many of

MINISTRY 11 JULY/AUGUST 2010 FEAT U R E | j O H N S . N i x on us can say that we have this kind things is near. Therefore be clear type of prejudice—is a form of of love, not for our spouse, our minded and self-controlled so that idolatry, a faith that does not rest on children, but for the members of you can pray. Above all, love each facts nor need facts.4 And when this the body of Christ? And one of the other deeply, because love covers behavior is not repented of, it leaves greatest challenges of this love in a multitude of sins” (1 Pet. 4:7, 8; unresolved guilt in the heart of the community is to exercise it across emphasis added). perpetrator and a barrier between racial and cultural lines. Not only in There are at least four levels the parties involved that prevents Jesus’ prayer but throughout the of a relationship that could exist a genuine relationship from ever New Testament, the biblical authors between people groups at the com- forming. clearly express the imperative of munal level. 2. Tolerance. Our attitude may be communal love. 1. Rejection. This we cannot “I will put up with you, but I will not “And I pray that you, being truly call a relationship at all; rather, like it, my heart will not be in it. I will rooted and established in love, a lack of relationship or a refusal to grit my teeth and bear it, but I will may have power, together with all be in relationship. When rejection never truly relax around you. I may the saints, to grasp how wide and occurs, for example, based on even overcompensate with undue long and high and deep is the love someone’s race or culture, it is familiarity and unwarranted compli- of Christ, and to know this love usually because of stereotyping, ments to mask my discomfort.” that surpasses knowledge” (Eph. pre-judging, or ignorance. None Unlike rejection, tolerance is 3:17–19; emphasis added). of these characteristics do we like a form of relationship, but not a “Now that you have purified to admit to or have attributed to positive one. The most we can say yourselves by obeying the truth us, even by implication. But, if we in favor of this kind of relationship so that you have sincere love for search our hearts, we will have to is that tolerance is better than rejec- your brothers, love one another admit that we have been guilty tion, but not by much. “When I deeply, from the heart ” (1 Pet. 1:22; of “antipathy toward a racial or tolerate you, I will not do anything to emphasis added). cultural group based on a faulty and harm you, but I will not do anything Then Peter puts it into the con- inflexible generalization.”3 Theologi- to help you, either. I may have been text of the end time: “The end of all cally, racial prejudice—or any other offended by someone from your

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MINISTRY 12 JULY/AUGUST 2010 group at some time in the past, and the other, it sacrifices itself for the constant prayer, can we ascend to I hold it against your entire group.” other. This is the place to which we this kind of love. Your discomfort comes through seldom go across racial lines. We no matter how you try to mask will tolerate, we will accept, but we Conclusion it. We cannot fake our way into will not nurture the way we do our On so many levels we have made genuine relationship; we must pray own. “When I love in nurture, I do progress toward racial and cultural for changed hearts. not just sit beside you, I sit with you; reconciliation within the body of 3. Acceptance. “I realize I have I do not just share in a meal, I learn Christ—but not enough to answer been wrong in keeping you at a about your food; I do not just open Jesus’ prayer. We sometimes pre- distance, in not even attempting my mind to you, I open my heart. I tend to be one in love when we to get to know you, in treating you am not color blind; I see your color, know we are not. We mean well, we as a category instead of a unique but I do not judge you based on want to be more loving, but we try person. I acknowledge you as a son color. I see you as so much more.” to achieve community cheaply by suppressing the issues instead of dealing with them. There is no way to achieve true community without No love reaches the honestly addressing the issues that create division—without speaking the truth in love. pinnacle of Christ’s love This is the time of the outpouring of God’s Spirit; and as a church we desperately need it. But how can we until it willingly sacrifices receive the latter rain if we have not fulfilled the conditions of the early rain? “When the Day of Pentecost itself for the other. had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place” (Acts 2:1, NKJV). By God’s grace we possess the power to answer Jesus’ prayer— or a daughter of God. I accept you as And this is important: “When I and it is a mandate to all who belong you are, not just when you comply love you in a nurturing way, I do not to the body of Christ. with my cultural values. I accept your keep silent when someone from my differences and will learn to appreci- group maligns you because of your 1 Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are from the New International Version. ate your culture. I will sit beside you, race or culture. I stand up for you as 2 Watchman Nee, The Normal Christian Life (Wheaton, IL: share a meal with you, listen to your my brother or sister in Christ even Kingsway Publications, 1977), 210, 217. 3 Sakae Kubo, The God of Relationships (Hagerstown, MD: music, and let you speak in your when you are not around to hear it. Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1993),19. own language. I will relax and stop I even stand up to my own family 4 Ibid., 19, 20. trying to impress you with my open- members when they are wrong. mindedness and truly open my mind But I never leave you to fend for to you and what I can learn from yourself. I take your part against you.” If that is our attitude, a genuine those who are threatening the body relationship appears. Acceptance is a with their bias.” big step in the Christian relationship, Jesus set a high and holy stan- but as important as it is, acceptance dard for us in His passionate prayer still does not answer Jesus’ prayer. to the Father. Then He sacrificed His Even acceptance does not reach the life to make it possible. Jesus did zenith of the oneness our Lord has in not die so that we could love our mind for us. It is a start, but it is not own family and show kindness to the finish. There is one category of our friends, even unbelievers do that relationship that is higher still. (see Matt. 5:47). The love of Jesus Read the most recent 4. Nurture. Nurture is an expres- takes us to a place where natural lead article online sion of love that does not merely affection cannot go. The love that and much more at receive, it pours itself out. It does John calls for in John 17 does not not simply accept; it seeks. Nurtur- come from human nature; only by ministrymagazine.org ing love not only acknowledges the life of Christ in us, preserved by

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

MINISTRY 13 JULY/AUGUST 2010 j A C k lyn L ee Jacklyn Lee, MDiv, is associate pastor, Loma Linda Chinese Seventh-day Adventist Church, Loma Linda, California, United States. Faith in God: The secret of a fulfilled life

he story has many versions, heart. After the evangelistic meet- found great comfort in its promises. but the same point. One ings, I decided to learn more about I treasured God’s Word in my heart. night a house caught fire the Bible and God. Soon I accepted My one consistent prayer was that Tand a young boy was forced Christianity and wanted to study God would continue to strengthen to escape to the roof. The father theology and become an Adventist my faith in Him. I knew that Jesus stood on the ground below with preacher. Therefore, I prayed to God loved me, and He would always be outstretched arms, calling to his son, to open a door to study theology with me no matter what happens. “Jump! I’ll catch you.” He knew the according to His will. God made Besides financial and physical boy had to jump to save his life. All this possible when I arrived at Hong struggles, another trial I faced was the boy could see, however, was Kong Adventist College in December the unfairness of life. Since I was flame, smoke, and blackness, and, of 1998. an international student coming as can be imagined, he was afraid to I was a new believer as I had from Malaysia, the only scholarship leave the roof. His father kept yelling, only been baptized for a year. I faced I received was a one-fourth tuition “Jump! I will catch you.” But the many trials and difficulties when I discount from the school. I was boy complained, “Daddy, I can’t see was studying in Hong Kong. Despite jealous of my fellow students who you.” The father replied, “But I can my faith in God, my situation did were local and received much more see you, and that’s all that matters.” not change. One of the struggles generous scholarships. Neither my The boy’s faith in his father asserted I was facing was finances; I was a desperate needs nor higher grades itself even though he could not see self-supporting student. Besides made any difference. However, my his father, but his father could see studying full time, I had six part- faith did not waver. I reasoned to him. He jumped, safe in his father’s time jobs in order to pay off my myself that God was testing me so arms. He had faith in his father. tuition fees and living expenses. As that my faith could be strengthened George Mueller, known as a a result, I suffered physically. My in the midst of trials. Just like Job man of prayer, faith, and a builder of health condition worsened; I had says, “ ‘But he knows the way that I orphanages, is reported to have said, migraine headaches at least three or take; when he has tested me, I will “Faith does not operate in the realm four times a week because of stress come forth as gold’ ” (Job 23:10).* of the possible. There is no glory and lack of sleep. I still remember Job! What kind of experience for God in that which is humanly several times when I cried out to God was he going through that led him to possible. Faith begins where man’s to let me die because the pain was make such an affirmation? Job was a power ends.” so unbearable. Every time a migraine God-fearing follower; he obeyed God I have experienced the power of came, it lasted for days. One eve- and trusted Him. such faith in my life. I was not born ning, when I was admitted into the If we look at Job chapters 1 and in a Christian home; faith was not my emergency room, I was hoping the 2, we learn that God allowed Satan heritage. I grasped faith when it was doctor could treat my migraine. to test Job. He lost almost every- given to me as a gift. However, he simply said, “You need thing he had—livestock, children, I was born in a Buddhist family. I to relax and rest more.” servants, property, and even his own did not know anything about Christ health. Job 2:7 tells us that Job was until I entered high school in 1996. Faith to the rescue afflicted with painful sores from the An evangelist had come to my town It was in this period of time that top of his head to the bottom of his in Malaysia, and out of curiosity, I my faith came to my rescue. From feet. Even his wife told him to curse attended the meetings, heard the the time I became a Christian, the God and die. Yet, Job replied to her Word preached, and it gripped my Bible was always my refuge, and I in verse 10, “ ‘You are talking like

MINISTRY 14 JULY/AUGUST 2010 a foolish woman. Shall we accept God. What if his faith and belief were Redeemer lives.” In that Living God, good from God, and not trouble?’ ” in his children, property, livestock, Job trusted, so he survived every In all this, Job did not sin in what and servants? Then he might have crisis. He did not lose hope because he said. This story is recorded in the Bible for us to learn about faith and trust in God. Can you imagine? If you were From the time I became a Job, what would you do? Job would never be able to stand firm on this trial if he did not have a relationship Christian, the Bible was always with God. Look at what he said, “ ‘Naked I came from my mother’s my refuge, and I found great womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be comfort in its promises. praised’ ” (1:21). Job realized that God is the Lord of our lives. He gives and He takes away. Despite all these terrible and committed suicide as his wife sug- he based his faith in the Lord—God heartbreaking trials, Job still believed gested, “Curse God and die.” Job was the object of his faith. in the Lord, for God was the object would have been so hopeless if his of Job’s faith. Our belief affects our faith was based on everything he God opens the way attitude and our reaction. What do possessed. That was not the case. Going back to my own story, I mean? Look at the attitude and His faith was in God, and God never despite my trials and struggles in reaction Job had while facing all disappears. So, when everything was Hong Kong, I kept praying to God these problems. Job’s faith, trust, lost, Job had one assurance that can and believing in Him. I was praying and belief were all rooted firmly in never be lost and he exclaimed, “My for God to open a way for me to

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MINISTRY 15 JULY/AUGUST 2010 j A C k lyn L ee study in the United States if it was His will. I also prayed that He would help me pay off all my expenses, tuition fees, and provide me a place to stay. I was very sure that there was no way for me to be able to study in the States if it was not God’s will. God opened a way for me to study at Southwestern Adventist University in Keene, Texas, United States. I arrived there in August 2000. When I arrived, I did not know any- body. I was by myself, yet I knew that God was with me. Before arriving there I also prayed for God to care for my life and studies. God is so amazing and great. The day after I landed on the university campus, I went to see different departmental heads and school administrators to with them for almost one whole year nothing happens. We believe in God check on what kinds of scholarships without charging me anything. and His promises yet certain things I could receive. Meanwhile, I also It was all God’s doing. I always happen that let us down. We might looked at some ads, trying to find reminded myself that “we live not have lost faith in God because of a room off campus since it was by sight, but by faith.” Though I did various situations. However, we must cheaper. not have enough money to study, never lose heart, never give up hope. On the second day of my search, know anyone, or know the culture, I Always trust in God. God amazingly put me in touch believed God and His promises in the Augustine is reported to have with a lovely couple. I told them Bible. My faith was in God. I believed said, “Faith is to believe what we do that I wanted to study theology His Word, “ ‘You have made the heav- not see, and the reward of faith is to and all I had was the deposit and ens and the earth by your great power see what we believe.” That was the enough tuition for the first semester. . . . nothing is too hard for you’ ” (Jer. story of Job. That is also my story. After listening to my testimony, the 32:17). I know that everything on And that can be yours too. Just couple looked at each other. Then earth belongs to the Lord, and if it’s believe in God. the husband told me that they used His will, then He will hear my prayer to rent their rooms out to students, just like 1 John 5:14 says, “This is the * Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quoted is from the New International Version. but they did not rent them out confidence which we have before anymore. However, just a few days Him, that, if we ask anything accord- before my arrival, the Holy Spirit ing to His will, He hears us” (NASB). impressed the heart of the husband I received my Bachelor of Theology that if there was a student who was at Southwestern Adventist University studying and working hard and did and Master of Divinity at Andrews not have a place to stay, then they University Theological Seminary. I would allow the student to stay. finished these degrees debt free. “Now a few days later you’re The important lessons I learned here,” he said. “I’m sure God has sent from my walk with God include: to you to our house.” The wife showed trust and have faith in Him, believe His me one of the rooms and said to me, Word, and claim His promises because View previous issues “Don’t worry about anything. You our God loves us so much that He will and much more at may stay with us.” They treated me always carry us through. There might ministrymagazine.org as their own daughter, and let me stay be times when we pray and pray and

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

MINISTRY 16 JULY/AUGUST 2010 HOPE 123 AD:Campaign 2007 12/2/09 12:18 PM Page 1

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Hamblin’s Outreach Publishing Enterprises • Providing Handbills & Supplies for Evangelism, Health & Bible Prophecy Seminars P.O. Box 350 • Tecumseh, Michigan 49286 • 800.274.0016 • hopesource.com MINISTRY 17 JULY/AUGUST 2010 C ostin j O R D A C H E Costin Jordache, MA, MBA, is senior pastor, Dallas First Church of Seventh-day Adventists, Dallas, Texas, United States. Effectively using media in ministry

mong the many realities This necessitates a shift in our of the basic tools every church needs pastors face is the ever- thinking, one that author Len Wilson to create a culturally relevant wor- changing and increasingly describes as moving beyond the AV ship environment. Acomplex landscape of (audiovisual) mentality, defined as If that sounds cost prohibitive media technology. However, while “the use of electronic media as an for some local churches, the great topics involving pixels, pokes, and afterthought, an add-on, a value to news is that the digital revolution podcasts can be daunting, as king- be added, or something less than has allowed technology prices to dom builders we are constantly an intrinsic ingredient in worship plummet during the last ten years. struggling with how we can best and church life.”1 In other words, we Consequently, there are legitimate use modern media to communicate must begin to understand technol- media solutions available for any the life-changing message of Jesus ogy as a core element in the process size budget and the best way to Christ. After all, we live, work, and of communicating spiritual mes- determine what is right for a par- learn in a very mediacentric society, sages, an issue somewhat sensitized ticular ministry is by working with which makes both understanding by our strong views on corporate a skilled consultant. In the end, and effectively using media in min- worship. there is nothing worse than “media- istry critical. However, despite differences in rich” done poorly. Not only does So, how do we describe media worship theology, we are left with it frustrate those in the congrega- methods and technologies in a the reality of human psychology. In tion who already have reservations way that benefits pastors in the the end, we, as humans, process about media, but it can actually context of ministry? Considering information and our environment in detract from the message rather the endless diversity found in the a number of ways based on factors than enhance it. Find a consultant worlds of both media and ministry, such as personality, educational with industry expertise and their fee the task is not simple. At the same background, and social upbringing. will more than pay for itself in the time, there are several broad ways In addition, the ways in which we long run. in which media resources can be communicate are heavily influenced effectively harnessed. Consider the by the dominant forms of media. Branding the local following six. And if, as churches, we are to speak church the language of our members and A second way in which a local Enhancing the worship modern culture, then our goal church can use media effectively experience centers around finding ways to com- includes creating and commu- Perhaps the most obvious use of municate using modalities that are nicating its unique identity. The media technology by local churches already familiar to them. advertising industry refers to this has been in the context of corporate That said, the first step is to equip idea as branding. While the concept worship. Up until recently, technol- the church with efficient, yet profes- may seem out of place in a religious ogy was used only as needed for sionally installed media systems. environment, author and strategist tasks such as amplifying voices and Audio mixers that can handle the Phil Cooke explains that “at its core, lighting a platform. Today, however, rigors of worship style versatility, branding is simply the art of sur- we are staring into the face of a properly installed speakers, video rounding a product, organization, or culture that seeks after—dare we projectors that are bright enough person with a powerful and compel- say, requires—creative and media- to handle the amount of light in the ling story.”2 He goes on to argue rich environments for everything, room, and the ability to capture both that churches that impact their including worship. audio and video are a few examples culture have not only understood,

MINISTRY 18 JULY/AUGUST 2010 but are fully embracing concepts of it coincides with their increased use offerings such as NetAdventist and organizational branding. of the Internet for reasons such Church Connect. All are based on From a practical standpoint, as paying bills, looking at weather CMS technology and offer turnkey, branding begins with a thorough forecasts, and spending time on as well as customizable, templates analysis of what makes a local church social networking sites. for a broad range of applications. unique (based on history, location, Though obvious to many that in One additional way to com- and beliefs among other factors). today’s environment a church Web municate with the congregation Cooke suggests the following four site is no longer optional, what does using media platforms is by creating questions to guide the process: (1) not appear so obvious is the value digital signage. A common way to What’s the point (why are you doing this)? (2) Who are you? (3) What are your gifts and talents? (4) What makes you different? The ultimate goal of the branding process allows one core Perhaps one of the most identity or one core story to emerge, which will define the unique identity of the local church, communicating powerful aspects of digital its mission clearly to both its congre- gants and community. How does media play into this? In this context, we understand media to media lies in their ability be more than just technology. In the end, media comprises any channels or intermediaries of communication, to extend the reach of and the goal of branding is to tell the same story using as many of them as possible. To that end, effective use of media in branding includes—but is ministry beyond the walls certainly not limited to—the creation of a meaningful logo; standard- izing all printed materials on an of the church. agreed upon set of design elements; redesigning bulletins, newsletters, and Web sites to reflect the brand; and an ongoing commitment to tell your story using the highest quality of what is called Content Manage- do this is by utilizing existing projec- standards available to you. ment System (CMS) Web sites. tion screens to advertise upcoming Most church Web sites become events and important messages prior Communicating with the irrelevant within a few days because to and following worship services. congregation of outdated material. More than More and more churches are also Yet another use of existing likely, the Web site was built (coded) installing small, flat panel monitors media channels is in effectively from scratch by a well-meaning in hallways and other heavy traffic communicating with the congre- parishioner who now struggles to areas that stream in-house advertis- gation. Many local churches fail find the time to rewrite the code ing content to people making their to create the critical mass neces- necessary for updates or who has way across the church campus. It sary for ministries, special events, dropped the project altogether. is not rocket science, but another and organizational change to be A much better alternative, espe- effective way to connect people to successful—due mostly to poor cially for small to midsize churches, the church’s life and mission. communication methods. is a CMS site that simplifies design While corporate communication and updates to the level of low-level Extending the includes dozens of applications, the word processing. In addition, the congregation best place to begin is with a well process takes place online, which Perhaps one of the most powerful designed and regularly updated means that the Web site can be aspects of digital media lies in their Web site. An increasing number updated from any computer with an ability to extend the reach of ministry of parishioners are leaning on Web Internet connection. Recommended beyond the walls of the church. sites as a main point of connection resources in this area include Wix, Weekly attendees are, in reality, to their local church, mainly because WordPress, and denominational only a fraction of a much larger

MINISTRY 19 JULY/AUGUST 2010 C ostin j O R D A C H E

“congregation” who are accessible especially as it relates to music and Fourth, a local church must invest via media technologies. video clips. For details, consult CCLI further into the development of its In order to maximize these oppor- and CVLI, two organizations created Web site, which is the primary way in tunities for extending the size and to help churches manage copyright which most people first connect with scope of the local church’s ministry, law. That said, there are again many a local church. In fact, it is quite com- there are some key elements that options for duplicating both CDs and mon these days for churches with must be in place. First is the ability DVDs, most of them fully automated robust and media-rich Web sites to to capture (record) audio and video, and priced very modestly. attract full fledged members who which ensures that the church can Third, the church must have a live abroad or in situations where share its worship services and educa- way to archive programs—especially church attendance is limited. In the tion and music programs with those sermons and messages—online. end, the Web site should function as not able to attend. This is mostly The ubiquitous nature of online a comprehensive hub of information done by transmitting (streaming) video content both necessitates that and resources, ensuring that the the content on the Internet, offering churches contribute to the cultural online congregant becomes fully shut-ins, traveling members, church discourse in this way and encour- connected to the life and mission of shoppers, and others a guaranteed ages church leaders that, indeed, a the church. Additionally, Web sites seat in your auditorium and a globally fast growing audience online does that are easy to navigate and have accessible connection point to your exist. Solutions in this area range language in which denominational church. Again, as mentioned above, from free YouTube channels, to and in-house lingo is minimized, this type of technology is no longer CMS Web sites offering the ability create an inviting atmosphere for only for those with large budgets. to upload audio and video files, to those looking to connect with a local A qualified consultant can offer a a complete in-house system. Note church. number of cost-effective, high-quality that the goal focuses on making the Finally, in the twenty-first century, solutions for any size church. life of the church and the messages any attempt to extend the congrega- A second key element is having presented inside its walls accessible tion beyond the walls of the church the ability to duplicate the con- to as many people as possible using is incomplete without the use of tent produced. Caution must be as many points of connection as social networking technologies. taken with respect to copyright law, possible. Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and Free Consultations at Atlanta GC Session June 25 – July 2, 2010 For Church Employees and Delegates

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MINISTRY 20 JULY/AUGUST 2010 dozens of other online applications the church has invested in audio every sermon on a CD or DVD for have attracted hundreds of millions or video production capabilities, distribution. This works exceptionally of people essentially looking for create a podcast that will appear in well with a sermon series developed one thing: community. This deeply the global iTunes directory free of around a topical theme or the study human desire clearly dovetails with charge. Several online companies of a biblical book. Next, consider the Christian church’s calling to will aid you in the process and some turning several of the best series provide meaningful community. It CMS-based Web sites will auto- into curricula, complete with study follows then that every local church matically publish your media files to guides, DVDs of the sermons, and an would find it beneficial to have an iTunes. Choosing tag words (words accompanying book. Advertise the online presence on the major social describing the content) carefully will resources on your Web site, in Chris- networking sites, if possible. The drive traffic to your podcast. The tian or denominational magazines, power of social networking is in its same process applies to YouTube, and introduce them to managers viral nature and within a few days of the leading video sharing Web site of local book stores. Now we are launching, a local church could have where the church can have its own beginning to use media in productive several hundred followers or fans, “channel” to populate with content. and effective ways. most of whom have never stepped More than 100 million people spend foot through its physical doors. time on YouTube every month—a siz- A clarion call able congregation by any estimation. Any media-related project should Proliferating the Be prepared for a variety of com- be taken on with an absolute commit- message ments on the content uploaded, not ment to quality. Packaging the gospel Arguably, the primary mission of all of it positive; but be encouraged message in the age of aesthetics any Christian church is to spread the that the messages are being viewed requires Christian communicators to gospel message of Jesus Christ. That by those who, many times, need to be creative, intentional, and to give said, no other moment in history has hear them most. great attention to detail. After all, the offered as many possible channels message of Jesus Christ is worth our for that message to travel through Becoming a world energy and creativity. into the hearts and lives of people church everywhere. It is also true that the Finally, one of the most effective 1 Len Wilson, The Wired Church (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1999), 39. Christian church has used media uses of media by a local church is 2 Phil Cooke, Branding Faith (Ventura, CA: Regal, 2008), 26. technologies since their inception, in becoming a resource-generating although not always in the most church. A relevant model is found effective and appropriate ways. Most in London, England, at the All Souls of these efforts have centered on Church, where prolific author John radio and television, which are still Stott is rector emeritus. At some the perceived apex for any media point in its history, All Souls decided ministry. not to become a large church but a However, media consumption world church. In other words, the patterns have changed so much in success of the local church would be recent times that it requires a shift measured by its influence rather than in thinking away from the traditional its size. Without a doubt, through the media model to more of a hybrid ministry of Stott and others such as media model, which gives increas- Rico Tice, creator of the Christianity ingly more weight to emerging Explored study curriculum, All Souls media platforms such as the Internet has truly become a world church and mobile technologies. Within whose influence benefits millions this model, pastors are encouraged around the world. to stop dreaming about “getting on In order to accomplish this ambi- Read the writer’s television” one day, while realizing tious goal, pastors first need to guidelines to that millions of media consumers reframe their ideas about the shelf are acquiring their information from life or the scope of a sermon or learn how you can nontraditional sources. sermon series. Many times, sermons contribute to Ministry Consider only one of many ways are preached once, only to be resur- and much more at of proliferating the gospel mes- rected years later when the pastor sage without expending enormous takes another assignment. Rather, ministrymagazine.org amounts of money. Assuming that consider the possibility of packaging

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MINISTRY 21 JULY/AUGUST 2010 enditnow today!

ooking back, Pastor “Jones” nor wanted circulating in the church, one-third of women murdered are should have known. All the and so he firmly shut them down killed by “intimate partners.”3 warning signs were there. when he could. Additionally, the problems L“Stella” often seemed anx- He will never forget the call from of human trafficking and sexual ious and nervous when “Mike,” another member that night, just violence against women are not her husband, was around. She was before he went to bed. Stella was in exclusive to any one country. Hun- always very subservient, so intent the hospital in critical condition. dreds of thousands of women, even on doing whatever he said. Even “What happened?” he asked. children, are victims. Women, even then, Mike would talk down to her in “You just better come,” he was young girls, are forced into prostitu- public, in ways that were embarrass- told. tion. Worldwide, more than 100 ing to those who heard it. How many To this day, the pastor still does million women have been victimized times did he, the pastor, hear Mike not remember what shocked him by female genital mutilation, and bark, “Stella, just shut up”? more: seeing Stella beaten to within thousands more are at risk on a daily Stella often talked to others an inch of her life or being told that basis (in this case, often the young about how jealous Mike was, how Mike had been arrested for doing it. girls’ own mothers do it). In some he was constantly accusing her of battle zones, rape is just another flirting and looking at other men. She The harsh reality tool of war, along with land mines complained, too, that he was overly If there is one biblical truth that and artillery. controlling, that he did not want her pastors do not need faith to believe Of course, when we quote num- to have any financial independence in, it’s the doctrine of human sinful- bers and statistics, we tend to think and that she always had to call him ness. They do not need Paul, in only of numbers and statistics. Yet and let him know where she was and Romans, telling them that “there is behind each number, each statistic, what she was doing. none righteous, no, not one” (Rom. is a human being for whom Christ Those were warning signs, but, 3:10, KJV). They know that truth all died. Pastors who deal with this perhaps because Mike was a church too well. And one area where they issue up close, know the terrible toll leader, Pastor Jones never saw them, see it, yes, even in the church, is this crime against humanity takes never connected the dots. that of violence against women. on women. Even after the injuries, he did From North America to Africa, from not see it. How could he have been Europe to Asia, one of the great enditnow so blind? Over the course of a year, tragedies facing humanity, a tragedy For this reason, the Adventist Stella had two “accidents.” One not often talked about (or certainly Development and Relief Agency resulted in a broken arm from “a not enough), is that of women as (ADRA), working with the Women’s skiing mishap” (only later did the victims of violence. Ministries Department of the pastor find out that Stella had never And the violence needs to stop. General Conference of Seventh- skied in her life); the other time, the It needs to end now. day Adventists, has launched a side of her face was swollen and The numbers alone are frighten- worldwide campaign, enditnow, bruised, a result (they said) of “a fall ing: about one in three women not just to support development on the ice.” Only after it all came to worldwide will be raped, abused, programs that empower women and the forefront did he remember, too, or beaten.1 In some countries, the help bring awareness of this terrible the bruises, the cuts, and the other numbers are almost double. More scourge, but—as the name unsubtly marks of violence that he had seen than half of women in Bangladesh, says—to enditnow. on her. Ethiopia, Peru, and Tanzania have To lament violence against There were rumors, but they reported physical or sexual abuse by women as another tragedy that takes neither sounded like the kind of an “intimate partner” (i.e., husbands place in the world is easy. But clergy gossip that a pastor wanted to hear or boyfriends);2 in the United States, know that this is a problem in the

MINISTRY 22 JULY/AUGUST 2010 church, too, however much (as with of churches and other places of why should anyone listen to them the sexual exploitation of children) worship around the world took about anything else? they do not like talking about it. leading roles, the impact would Pastor Jones learned his les- When clergy stand in a pulpit and be powerful. If there was ever son the hard way. He was never look out on their congregations, a subject that can, and should, again going to close his eyes to they can be quite sure, if for no transcend denominational what should have been obvious. He other reason than the statistics, that divides, this is it. should have intervened long before. in their pews are either victims or • Use your influence as clergy It was a mistake he did not intend to perpetrators (or both) of violence to get the local community make again. against women. involved—police, school princi- Stella? She recovered and,

If pastors, of all people, do not speak

out—who will? If they cannot take a

stand on this topic of violence against

women, why should anyone listen to them

about anything else?

Getting involved pals, community leaders, other despite counsel to the contrary, The question for clergy should churches, and shelters for bat- dropped charges against Mike not be, Should we do anything? Of tered women. The problem in and even took him back. They are course we should. The question some places has become so together again. Pastor Jones worries, should be, What can we do? large that many people would be as do the few others in the church What follows are a few tips that willing to help. You need to help who know the situation. They have can make a difference: muster all the resources possible. good reason to worry. • Preach on the subject, or get Violence against women. It is • Go to the campaign’s official Web someone qualified to stand in the real, it is here, and it needs to stop. site, www.enditnow.org; there pulpit and talk about it. That is what the enditnow campaign you will learn not only about the • Pray for the success of this is all about. depth of the problem but how campaign. Be involved. How can clergy do you can help get your own local anything but? church members invested in If not pastors, then who? this campaign. Whatever you, Pastors should function as the 1 United Nations Development Fund for Women, Not a Minute More: Ending Violence Against Women (New as a pastor, can do, you cannot conscience of society—not the York: United Nations Development Fund for Women, do it alone. You need to get your police, not the judge, but the con- 2003), 6; http://www.unifem.org/materials/item_detail. php?ProductID=7. church involved. science. Their voices should touch 2 World Health Organization, WHO Multi-country Study on • Seek the support of other clergy. the hearts, not just of their own Women’s Health and Domestic Violence Against Women: Initial Results on Prevalence, Health Outcomes and Women’s With their backing, local congre- congregations, but also of anyone Responses (Geneva: World Health Organization, 2005), gations can play a big role in their within earshot. If pastors, of all http://www.who.int/gender/violence/who_multicountry_ respective areas. The work has to people, do not speak out—who will? study/en/. 3 United States Department of Justice, “Intimate Partner start in the local church, in the If they cannot take a stand on this Violence, 1993–2001,” United States Department of Justice, local community. If thousands topic of violence against women, http://bjs.ojp.usdoj.gov/content/pub/pdf/ipv01.pdf.

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MINISTRY 23 JULY/AUGUST 2010 FEAT U R E | D ere k J . M orris

Derek J. Morris, DMin, is senior pastor, Forest Lake Seventh- day Adventist Church, Apopka, Florida, United States.

How to care for your voice: Eight practical suggestions for preachers

just signed up for voice lessons. too, and they need to be “warmed If you find yourself running out of No, I am not planning to stop up” before use in order to realize breath in just a few seconds during preaching and become a profes- their maximum potential and avoid your warm-up exercises, then you Isional singer! Rather, I want to injury. need to pay special attention to the learn how to care for my voice in A simple warm-up exercise second suggestion below. order to maximize and preserve my for speakers involves humming impact as a preacher for years to on a descending scale. Your lips Practice proper come. Most of us received little or no should be touching, with your teeth breathing techniques instruction in voice care during our slightly separated. Feel the buzzing The vibration of your vocal cords college or seminary training. Many of sensation when humming. You requires consistent, continuous air- our preaching professors assumed can also vocalize various syllables flow—this reinforces why proper we all knew how to take care of our on a descending scale. Try using breathing techniques are essential voices. They were wrong. That is why buzzing sounds like vi, vi, vi, vi, vi; for peak vocal performance. Be I have dialogued with several voice va, va, va, va, va; vo, vo, vo, vo, vo; mindful of proper breath manage- professionals in order to discover or bede, bede, bede, bede, bede; or ment because too much pressure some practical suggestions about ze, za, zo, zu. Start in the middle of wears down the vocal cords. How- voice care for preachers.1 your range and descend to your low ever, too little pressure has the same Your voice is a miracle of cre- range. Then go to your high range negative effect. Here are several ative genius. Your vocal cords are and descend to your middle range. breathing exercises to help you quite small, somewhere between You can also do lip trills (make a develop effective breath support: 18–23 millimeters in size, with this brbrbrbr sound, vibrating your lips miraculous and priceless instrument naturally and easily). A few minutes • Inhale deeply, allowing your housed within your larynx. Your devoted to a vocal warm-up routine ribcage to expand and your vocal cords vibrate hundreds of is time well spent. diaphragm to lower without times per second when speaking. Gale Jones Murphy, a renowned raising your shoulders. Then Continuous misuse or abuse will Christian musician and motivational exhale slowly with a hissing damage them, and sometimes that speaker, offers this practical sug- sound, gently pulling in with damage becomes permanent. gestion for a vocal warm-up routine your abdominal muscles for If you would like to protect and for preachers. Before a busy day of a consistent airflow through preserve your vocal cords and keep preaching, one of the best times and your vocal cords. Think about your voice working at peak per- locations to warm up your voice is sucking through a clogged straw formance, here are eight practical while taking a shower. The steam while inhaling. This will help suggestions for voice care. and humidity are great for the vocal your air intake to flow slowly and cords. Sing the melodies of some smoothly. Warm up your vocal of your favorite hymns or Scripture • Inhale deeply, then vocalize cords songs with ee vowels, remember- “Choo, choo, choo” with a loud Athletes use a warm-up rou- ing to relax your jaw. This focused whisper, using your abdominal tine before vigorous exercise. This warm-up routine can also be a time muscles to pull in and up with reduces the risk of injury to muscles of spiritual reflection as you associ- each word. Learn to associate and ensures peak performance. Like- ate the melodies with the spiritual the use of your voice with good wise, your vocal cords are muscles, messages of the songs.2 breathing techniques. These

MINISTRY 24 JULY/AUGUST 2010 Your vocal cords vibrate hundreds of times

per second when speaking. Continuous misuse

or abuse will damage them, and sometimes that

damage becomes permanent.

breathing exercises also help Practice good posture balance, move freely, and provide minimize upper body and neck Good posture is essential for efficient breath support. tension and fatigue. efficient voice production. When • Lie on the floor with a large book your physical alignment is poor, Provide adequate on your abdomen and breathe. you not only look awkward to your hydration The book should ascend and congregation but you also impair My colleague, Dr. Evan Chesney, descend as you inhale and proper breathing techniques. Have often coaches me in good voice care exhale. You can also practice you noticed preachers who slump with a single word: “Hydrate!”3 Most this breathing exercise while over the pulpit? That is an example of of us are aware of the fact that our lying in bed. poor posture. When you have proper bodies are made up of approximately • Explore the extremes between body alignment, you should be able 60 percent water. Lost water needs too much air pressure and too to drop a line from the top of your to be replaced daily, and the best little air pressure. Exhale with a head, past your ear, the point of your way to hydrate is to drink pure water. loud hissing sound (too much air shoulder, the highest point of your Other fluids, like juices, are not good pressure). Then exhale with no pelvis, just behind your kneecap, substitutes for pure water because hissing sound (too little air pres- and just in front of your ankle. Proper your body processes these fluids sure). Develop muscle memory posture enables you to have good as food and treats them differently.4 for an appropriate breath support that produces bet- ter tone quality. Practice reciting sermons with pas- sion without developing tension in your throat. • Learn to breathe deeply. Engage in activities such as brisk walking, biking, and other aerobic exercises that require you to breathe deeply. Panting can also help you to breathe deeply. Start slowly, then speed up. Feel your whole torso mov- ing when you pant, not just your chest. Deep breath- ing gets the diaphragm to lower, which produces a more efficient and pleasing tone. Intentionally wake up your body by deep breath- ing prior to a speaking appointment.

MINISTRY 25 JULY/AUGUST 2010 FEAT U R E | D ere k J . M orris

Adequate hydration with pure A preacher requested Becker’s assis- tired, one of the first parts of your water becomes particularly impor- tance because he noticed that his body to be affected is your voice. tant for the lubrication of your vocal throat was beginning to get sore Adequate rest is essential for optimal cords. Make sure that you are well during his speaking assignments. voice performance. Reyna Carguill hydrated before speaking and, if nec- In asking for help, the preacher makes a point of getting extra rest essary, drink additional water during demonstrated wisdom because two days before a major event. breaks. Room temperature water is soreness is your body’s way of telling Preachers also need to give their preferable because chilled water will you that something is wrong, and bodies some rest reserves. Be inten- cause the vocal cords to constrict. you could be damaging some aspect tional as well about providing rest for When preaching three times in a of your physical being. After careful your vocal cords. Have you heard the row, my regular preaching routine, analysis, it was discovered that the expression “Silence is golden”? That I make sure that I drink at least 16 preacher was sipping water during is true, not only in times of conflict, ounces (0.47 liters) of water prior to his sermons. Rather than providing but also when you want to provide my first sermon and an additional adequate hydration, this sipping good care for your voice. Vocal rest 16 ounces of water between each habit was simply washing away the becomes very beneficial for your sermon. I thought that I was doing natural lubrication from around his instrument. Be silent for an extended well until Reyna Carguill shared with vocal cords, resulting in soreness. period of time. Some preachers have me that she drinks 64–128 ounces When the preacher began to drink the mistaken idea that whispering (1.89–3.79 liters) of water in the adequate fluids prior to speaking and rests the vocal cords, but nothing four hours preceding a major event.5 on breaks, rather than sipping water could be further from the truth. In This requires some intentionality, but during his presentations, he was able fact, whispering is more stressful adequate hydration is well worth the to speak all day without soreness of on your vocal cords than speaking. effort in order to avoid damage to any kind. So take time to just be silent. Rest. inadequately hydrated vocal cords. If you have a demanding speak- My voice teacher, Mark Becker, Get adequate rest ing schedule on a particular day, shared a story that illustrates the Has anyone ever said to you, schedule time for your vocal cords to importance of adequate hydration.6 “You sound tired!” When you are rest. Ask someone else to welcome

MINISTRY 26 JULY/AUGUST 2010 the visitors, give the announce- impact as a communicator. Dr. Julie are experiencing a vocal disorder of ments, lead the songs, and offer Penner strongly encourages all of her some kind, your voice teacher might the morning prayer. Make room for voice students to take an exercise suggest you consult a physician others to serve, while providing rest class that concentrates on strength- because your vocal cords could be periods for your voice at the same ening the core of the body, namely damaged and may require complete time. the innermost abdominals.8 This rest or even surgery.

Be determined to use your voice to bring

honor and glory to God.

Provide healthy fuel for exercise class also involves stretch- Your voice is a precious gift. Do your body ing and controlled deep breathing, not misuse or abuse it. Make an Your whole body supports your all of which results in freedom and effort to practice good voice care. Be voice so make sure you provide your support of the voice and helps the determined to use your voice to body with healthy fuel. Everything speaker or singer become more bring honor and glory to God.10 you eat and drink either sustains supple in body and voice. or alters your nutritional balance. 1 I am grateful to Mark Becker, Reyna Carguill, Dr. Evan Chesney, Gale Jones Murphy, and Dr. Julie Penner for their To maintain the proper chemical Take some voice lessons significant contributions to this article. balance in your body, you need Every preacher could benefit 2 Gale Jones Murphy serves as a choral teacher at Brentwood Academy in Brentwood, TN, and is minister of music the appropriate nutrients. Enjoy from taking some voice lessons at Riverside Chapel Seventh-day Adventist Church in a healthy balance of fruits, veg- from a good vocal coach. Dr. Nashville, TN. You can learn more about Gale’s music and teaching ministry at www.galejonesmurphy.com. etables, grains, nuts, and legumes. Evan Chesney shared a lesson he 3 Dr. Evan Chesney serves as the minister of music at the Be aware of foods and beverages learned early in his career: “My Forest Lake Seventh-day Adventist Church in Apopka, that can damage your instrument; first teaching experience began Florida. 4 Alcohol and caffeinated drinks are also detrimental to for example, spicy foods and fried when I taught remedial English at optimal vocal performance. Alcohol causes constriction of foods can cause acid reflux that Southern Adventist University. After the blood vessels in the vocal cords, causing a reduction in vocal control. Caffeine causes dryness in the throat and damage the vocal cords. Also, be my first week of teaching, I had impairs a healthy rest cycle. aware of personal food allergies that pretty much trashed my voice, which 5 Reyna Carguill is a professional operatic soprano. 6 Mark Becker teaches voice lessons and directs choral and can affect vocal performance. Avoid was very frustrating since I was a handbell activities at Forest Lake Academy in Apopka, overeating as overeating results vocal performance major. My voice Florida. 7 A healthy lifestyle is an important part of caring for your in shallow breathing and lack of teacher pointed out that I needed to voice. An excellent resource for whole person health is energy. Adequate and appropriate learn to speak the same way I sing. CREATION Health, which is produced by Florida Hospital. nutrition prior to speaking helps Applying the same techniques when You can learn more about CREATION Health at www.creationhealth.tv. provide the needed energy for peak speaking that I used in singing— 8 Dr. Julie Penner is the director of voice activities at performance.7 proper posture, abdominal breath Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, Tennessee. 9 Preachers need to learn how to use a microphone correctly. support, proper vocal placement You should not adjust your speaking voice in an attempt Keep your whole body and projection—relieved the stress to find the appropriate volume or tone. That is the job of the audio technician. Take time for an audio check. The toned on my vocal cords, and I didn’t have equalizer levels (EQ) are different for speaking versus Exercise is also essential for any more trouble.” singing. Female voices may require less treble and male optimal vocal performance, for Your voice teacher can help you voices may require less bass tones. 10 An excellent user-friendly book on the use and care of the exercise will keep your body toned avoid voice strain and provide some voice is The Performer’s Voice by Meribeth Bunch Dayme and enhance your core strength. helpful strategies to protect your (New York: W. W. Norton, 2005). For a more technical book on vocal pedagogy, Dr. Julie Penner recommends Your 9 Many muscles are engaged when precious instrument. Old habits die Voice: An Inside View by Scott McCoy (Princeton, NJ: Inside speaking, and a well-toned muscular hard, but it is possible to change View Press, 2006). A helpful Web site on voice care is www.your-personal-singing-guide.com. system will help you maximize your with discipline and practice. If you

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MINISTRY 27 JULY/AUGUST 2010 L ee C ho k ewoh Lee Chokewoh, MPTh, is senior pastor, Mountain View Adventist Church, and chaplain, Tsuen Wan Adventist Hospital, Tsuen Wan, New Territories, Hong Kong. Assessing and fulfillingthe needs of a Hong Kong community

ong Kong, once a small Minnesota, La Rue requested to be following countries are represented: city in China, has become sent to the Far East as a missionary, Australia, Sri Lanka, Singapore, one of the world’s financial but his request was turned down by Malaysia, Philippines, mainland Hcenters.* With a popula- the committee because he was not a China, United States, Myanmar, as tion of more than seven million in trained minister. His age was another well as others. Because of the variety only 1,100 square kilometers (425 factor for, at that time, he was 65 of cultures represented, the church square miles) for businesses and years old. However, because he had has become bilingual. Each Sabbath, residences; high-rise buildings, traf- an urge to do missionary work in members and visitors fill the church fic jams, and people crowding the that part of the world, he decided to to its 200-seat capacity. streets have become a normal scene support himself without any denomi- whether during daylight or nighttime national financial assistance. Multifaceted ministries hours. Located at the southern part La Rue’s work was fruitful. Because the church is composed of mainland China and part of the Mountain View church, along with of different age groups, the associ- province of Guangdong, the history of 22 other churches and groups, make ate pastor and I have divided the this city began, more than 100 years up the Hong Kong-Macao Confer- members into three areas of ministry. ago, as a British colony. Like other ence. At the end of 2009, the church metropolitan cities such as Tokyo, membership totaled 4,600; in addi- 1. The children and early teens. New York, and Seoul, Hong Kong tion, the three conference-owned We allocate a very significant could be called one of the melting high schools have a total enrollment budget each year to cultivate pots of world cultures and religions. of approximately 2,300 students. these age groups to be the Known as a free port, Hong Kong Located in the west section of future leaders. Since Boy Scout draws more than 20 million tourists the New Territory area of Kowloon, or Girl Guide activities conflict every year. Although Hong Kong the Mountain View church is just with Sabbath worship, we have boasts of one of the highest living inside the campus of Tsuen Wan used the Pathfinder Club (an standards in the world, residents Adventist Hospital. Organized in the organization for both boys and live in limited spaces and work in early 1970s, the original mandate of girls) to help this group grow stressful environments. According the church was formed to cater to up in a Christian environment. to reports, one-tenth of the city’s the needs of the medical personnel Not only do the parents of residents have emotional problems of the hospital. Since the missionaries our congregation’s children send and therefore need professional help. eventually returned to their home- their young ones to enroll in lands, the local members took over the Pathfinder Club, we have History and background the administration of the hospital, as also attracted the parents of the of the church well as ministering to the community. children in the neighborhood to The Seventh-day Adventist mes- Since then, the church’s focus send their offspring to join this sage was brought to Hong Kong has been on ministering to the needs program. Each year we have by Abram La Rue. After the 1888 of the neighborhood, in addition to baptisms from that group. General Conference of Seventh-day caring for the needs of the patients. 2. Inasmuch as the church building Adventists Session in Minneapolis, The community is diverse and the is located inside the hospital’s

MINISTRY 28 JULY/AUGUST 2010 compound, we use friendship leadership in small groups; some picture of the church for the coming evangelism to make contact with provide good involvement as they years, they will be more inclined to the hospital staff—professionals guide in the Personal Ministries plan and, if necessary, change. in their working fields—and we department. We may not inspire invite them to join social pro- the whole church to participate, Reaching the community grams and activities. There is but since more than half of the In the Tsuen Wan area, we interest in Bible studies, and every members willingly lead in different concluded that the most effective year we have some who commit ministries, the church is successful methods of reaching our community to baptism and join our church. in sharing the good news. The included health evangelism, Path- 3. As in any other city, Hong Kong pastor, along with key lay leaders, finder programs, women’s ministry, has an aging population that is oversees all ministries. and youth ministry. increasing rapidly. Thus there With the multifaceted ministries are many seniors’ homes oper- Short-term and long- that the church offers, we can wit- ated by business people. We term goals ness the blessings that God has took the opportunity to conduct When I was assigned to pastor given—they were even more than we meetings inside some of these this church, I conducted a self- expected. But if the church stays still, homes. Many seniors, having survey to discover how I could grow then eventually, it will have a natural never previously heard the good and develop. During a church board death, for no new members will have news of the gospel, were given meeting, I highlighted areas in which been added into the congregation.

With the multifaceted ministries that the church offers, we can witness the blessings that God has given—they were even more than we expected.

a chance to listen. So far, this I needed to pay more attention. I Conclusion group of people has been very visited all the key leaders and shared Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 3:5–9, responsive in accepting Christ as with them my assessment of the “What, after all, is Apollos? And what their personal Savior. various ministries and how to best is Paul? Only servants, through whom utilize them. you came to believe—as the Lord has How to mobilize As the pastor, I challenge the assigned to each his task. I planted the members to use their members to consider what they seed, Apollos watered it, but God spiritual gifts would like their church to be in a year made it grow. So neither he who Members participate in spiritual and then in two years and finally in plants nor he who waters is anything, gifts inventory surveys and this helps five years. This gives them a vision but only God, who makes things grow. them identify their strengths. With and it helps them anticipate the The man who plants and the man who this information in hand, we then ask challenges that have to be met in waters have one purpose, and each them to identify the areas in which the future. Pastors come and go, but will be rewarded according to his own they would like to serve. Since they usually members stay in the church labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; are aware that the Holy Spirit has for a much longer period of time. you are God’s field, God’s building” given them certain gifts, it is easier Thus planning for short- and long- (NIV). Paul reminds us that each of us to nominate church officers to serve term goals is essential. Some pastors has, under the guidance of the Holy in areas that would work the best. may say, “I will only be here a few Spirit, a role to fulfill in the proclama- As a good foundation has been years, why do I have to worry about tion of the gospel. laid, the members participate in long-term planning?” It is true that the activities with enthusiasm. some members may resist change; * Wikipedia contributors, “Hong Kong,” Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hong_ Some members provide excellent but once they see a more complete Kong&oldid=356761196 (accessed April 19, 2010).

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MINISTRY 29 JULY/AUGUST 2010 T om D ombrows k i Tom Dombrowski, DMin, is pastor of the Gardner and Fitchburg Seventh-day Adventist churches in Massachusetts, United States. “I will send a famine”: An interview with Dr. Walter C. Kaiser Jr.

Editor’s note: This interview with attempt to settle for sort of popular WK: I’m not sure. Many have told Walter C. Kaiser Jr. was conducted questions: How can I be what I me, “Thanks for your training. I while he was serving as president of want to be? How do I know what know what you’ve taught us, but Gordon-Conwell Theological Semi- God’s plan for me is? How can I be a we really feel we need to go this nary, South Hamilton, Massachusetts, better leader? All of these are proper way because that’s how we can United States. questions, but that’s not the whole get the new seekers into the house counsel of God. of God, and keep them.” I think Tom Dombrowski (TD): During preaching has been reduced to your years of teaching and what is the lowest common leading in theological educa- denominator everyone will tion, what would you note accept and at which no one as the biggest changes and will take offense. developments you witnessed? TD: In your book, Preach- Walter Kaiser (WK): The ing and Teaching From the biggest change I have seen Old Testament: A Guide for is in the proclamation of the the Church, you wrote about Word of God. Furthermore, how “the church has made there is an attempt to move great strides forward based on away from actually teaching aspects of the church growth the biblical materials and movement and has learned talking about the Bible, going from some of the megachurch paragraph after paragraph groups how to attract the and strophe after strophe, younger generations back laying out for God’s people, into the house of God,” yet “This is what He said.” you go on to say, “the larg- I’m a great fan of exposi- est challenge that remains is Walter C. Kaiser Jr. tory preaching, which is that how those same churches can method where the actual develop a new appetite for the content of the message and hearing and doing of the Word the shape of the message are really Amos 8:11, 12 has impressed me of God.”* What role does seminary dictated by the biblical context itself. very, very much. He writes, “I will education play in helping pastors to That keeps us away from doing a send a famine, not a famine of food respond to the challenge of helping sort of pop psychology, which could and water, but a famine for hearing the church develop a new appetite for be no different than a motivational the Word of God” [paraphrase]. hearing and living the Word of God? speech for leaders. Although there are some beautiful exceptions, we’re in one of the larg- WK: I think once a person comes TD: What do you believe has been est drought periods we’ve ever been to really hear genuine expository the catalyst for these developments? in for hearing the Word of God. preaching, they never go back to a substitute. You can have imitation WK: I think it’s been an attempt to TD: Is that due to training or is it just ice cream, then have real ice cream. meet the needs of people where the culture we live in, that it’s just so Once you’ve had real ice cream, you they are; therefore there has been an hard to listen in our world? ignore the imitation.

MINISTRY 30 JULY/AUGUST 2010 We should be seeker sensitive, and basic piano. But the concept in the first hour on whatis expository using the word seeker for the new of what worship is—how that is preaching. In the lunch line, I heard convert who’s coming in, but I don’t ingrained with the preaching experi- one of the individuals say, “You think we should be seeker controlled ence and how to get not only praise know, I think I’m going to like this in the way in which we form the elements, but lament elements and course.” There’s enough depravity in message and develop the plan for prayer elements and the whole of the my soul that my ears perked up, and teaching God’s people. spread of what’s involved in genuine so the next thing I heard, I couldn’t worship—is brand new. Therefore, believe. He said, “This suppository TD: You’ve been a seminary presi- it seems to me that pastors have preaching is brand new.” He actually dent. Did you try to address this got to be pastors and shepherds used that word, so I knew I had a big challenge in your leadership position? of the flock, even in the worship job ahead of me. There’s a man who experience. needed a lot of preparation. WK: Over the years, I have tried to But at any rate, I think that you emphasize the preaching courses. I TD: What contribution does exposi- can do it. John 3 with Nicodemus, have also been trying to fill a need tory preaching make to foster church is a great expository chapter for that. that we have in evangelical theology growth? Also, Acts 17 with Paul on Mars Hill by developing a PhD program in is a great evangelistic message. preaching. WK: Expository preaching really Even coming at it from 1 Thessa- I also attempted to make the helps because, as Deuteronomy 8 lonians 1 in which Paul talks about whole faculty aware of expository says, men and women don’t live by when he went to Thessalonica, what preaching and therefore introduced bread alone, but “ ‘by every word happened there, and that, as a result the practice of the president’s that proceeds from the mouth’ ” of of their accepting the Lord, the Word Wednesday chapel—this will be my God [v. 3, NKJV]. So, if you’re going of God was trumpeted forth from eighteenth semester in which I have to talk about life, you’re going to talk there all over Asia. So, in a way, gone through a different book each about growth. Growth and life can’t Paul says, “You’ve kind of stolen semester and tried to exhibit what come unless you’re being fed. And my thunder, by the time I get there expository preaching is all about. God’s people have got to be given a everyone knows what I’ve said.” So I new experience with a new portion think there are expository passages, TD: What role should preaching of God’s Word. Both the minister and but in my saner moments, there are play in the overall body life of the those ministered to have got to grow. topical ways of doing it. congregation? TD: How can ministers use expository TD: What would you say to a young WK: Preaching is not the total end- preaching in an evangelistic context ministerial student or someone new all to serve God. It seems to me the when topical preaching would appear in the ministry about how to be more whole program of the church must to be more the standard approach? effective in their pulpit ministry? be thought through entirely—from the total worship experience to the WK: You can use both as you have WK: I can’t do it any better than Paul preaching experience to the disciple- key passages to explain. My com- did with Timothy, 2 Timothy 4:2, ship experience. And I think there is plaint with topical preaching is that “Preach the Word” (NIV). It’s not a continuum through all of those. it’s just hit and miss, and people that this is a mantra or something Unfortunately, what we have are don’t know the context. So many magical. It is as 1 Thessalonians 1:4, culture wars with about five genera- people are biblically illiterate today, 5 almost is in a formulaic way; the tions at the same time, all wanting that a mere allusion to a reference Word of God plus the ministry of the a different form of music. What we won’t do it; therefore, we’ve got to Holy Spirit to that Word equals the have done is break up our congrega- take them to it. I know I’m overbal- power of God. And for the power tions in terms of age areas, what we anced on expository preaching. I that we’re all looking for in the lose is the concept of body in which say, “People should preach topically, church and the ministry today, I the younger members minister to the once every five years,” and then I would say if we’re going to trust God older and the older ones minister to pause, then say, “Repent and come at all, we ought to trust the God who those who are younger. The other back to expository preaching.” has spoken from heaven. What else thing is pastors are concerned about I taught a doctor of ministry class do we have to say? music conflicts. They have turned at another seminary where there the music over to worship teams were thirty in the class, seventeen * Walter C. Kaiser Jr., Preaching and Teaching From the Old Testament: A Guide for the Church (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker who have a knowledge of guitar different denominations, and I spoke Academic, 2003), 9.

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MINISTRY 31 JULY/AUGUST 2010 R oland E . F ischer Roland E. Fischer, PhD, is director of the Institute for Continuing Education of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Germany, Kassel, Germany. Assessment center for interns

The need for an should be maximized and weak- Before the AC begins, interns assessment center (AC) nesses minimized. Besides basic have to submit written documents After finishing master’s degree professional competency, social and to meet some of these requirements. studies, young Adventist pastors in personal abilities are also evaluated. After that, they will be observed in Germany start their one-year intern- This will help the candidates gain a different exercises during a three-day ship, during which time they are fresh look at themselves. AC period. A team of experienced coached by a trained mentor. The The second goal of the AC is assessors consists of persons from mentor’s task includes introducing to give a recommendation about the following groups: the intern to the various fields of employment. A team of experienced ministry. The mentor also interprets assessors may provide objective • Employers (conference presidents) and evaluates the work of the intern judgments in regards to proper • Ministerial secretaries (represen- and, finally, promotes the intern’s placement of the interns. tatives of the employees) professional and spiritual growth. Therefore, the results of the AC • Director of the institute (continu- After completing the internship, the can help match the abilities of the ing education) young pastor receives full employ- interns with appropriate church • Experienced pastors ment by a conference. employment, assuming the young • Church members (laity) Besides this mentoring process, pastors have successfully completed • Secretary of the institute what else can help identify and their first year in ministry. support the interns? What objec- This team, comprising eight to tive tools can be used to evaluate How it works ten persons, first studies the interns’ their professional and social skills? For starters, to find out if the documents carefully. Second, the What may be helpful for the local abilities of the interns meet the assessors have to observe and evalu- conferences in deciding on their requirements of ministry, a job ate the interns during the exercises employment? description is indispensable. The and thus get an overall impression In 2009, the Seventh-day following qualifications for ministry of the candidates. After carefully Adventist Church in Germany were defined. discussing each person, they come installed an assessment center (AC) to a decision about employment. for interns, a process done at a • Competencies in designated facility. The concept of »» theology, teaching, and The preparation an assessment center has been preaching Some months before finishing developed and implemented by the »» mission, evangelism, and their internship, the young pastors Institute for Continuing Education personal outreach are brought to the attention of the (Institut für Weiterbildung—IfW) in »» counseling, visiting, and AC by their conferences. The can- Germany. pastoral care didates must supply the following »» personal and organizational documents: Goals and purpose leadership and change Personal questionnaire. This form The purpose of the AC is to serve management asks for personal and biographical the church, that is, the local confer- • Social competencies such as information, such as their conversion ences, and to aid the young pastors communication abilities, team experience and sense of calling. in their professional careers. Basi- orientation, and a willingness The information should also reveal cally, two goals are pursued. to serve their dedication to the Seventh-day The first and foremost goal is to • Personal competencies such Adventist Church and whatever recognize and enhance the interns’ as spirituality, self-organization, previous church activities they have potential. Their abilities and strengths flexibility, and growth been involved in.

MINISTRY 32 JULY/AUGUST 2010 Previous evaluations. An evalu- These are the exercises con- team orientation, communication, ation from the ministerial training ducted at the AC: and leadership skills. Finally, the institution and a feedback question- Bible study. Fifteen minutes outreach plan is presented to the naire from a mentor have to be before the exercise begins, the assessors. turned in. candidate receives a Bible text with Counseling. In this role-play, the Personality test. A professional certain instructions (for example, candidates are confronted with a psychological questionnaire should explain the relationship between problematic situation of pastoral be completed, so—after being evalu- faith and law in Romans 3:21–31 and care. They are obliged to immedi- ated—it can be discussed with the Galatians 3). After this short period of ately respond to it and reveal their candidate during the AC. preparation, the candidate expounds counseling qualities. The assessors on the text and teaches a Bible will note if they are able to react The assessment center lesson to an imaginary student (an to the problem calmly and help- The AC itself is conducted at assessor). The rest of the assessors fully. Can they show empathy and a retreat over three days. It starts evaluate the theological knowledge, understanding? Will they add to out with a team meeting of the doctrinal balance, and didactic skills the solution of the problem in an assessors. There they get acquainted of the intern. appropriate way? with each other, receive further Missionary plan. In a group of six Church board meeting. In another instructions, and take notice of the to eight people, the candidates will group of six to eight people, the candidates’ written documents. imitate the mission board of a local candidates have to role-play a church After a word of welcome and church. Their task is to develop a three- board meeting. A certain problem short devotional, the interns are year plan containing the preparations is introduced that has relevance to informed about the goals and pur- of the congregation and the proposed church life. They have to discuss the poses of the AC. They are also told outreach programs of the church. In topic, balance pros and cons, and the procedures and time schedule this one-hour discussion, the young present a consensus solution. The but not the contents of the exercises. pastors will demonstrate their abilities assessors will evaluate abilities such However, they do know the profes- to strategize some sort of mission as persuasion, debate, leadership, sional profile of a pastor and what is outreach. Moreover, the assessors conflict management, and team expected of them. also look at social qualities such as orientation.

MINISTRY 33 JULY/AUGUST 2010 R oland E . F ischer

Self-management. This exercise a personal discourse. Later they will church decide on the career of the is designed to evaluate the abilities receive the results in a written form. pastors. of self-management, work organiza- These results are also sent to the The advantage of the AC is the tion, and time management. The mentors and conference presidents. distant and objective view on the candidates are introduced to the The mentors are asked to dis- candidates. Persons working closely weekly timetable of a fictitious pas- cuss the results with their interns with the interns may be too involved tor. Then they are directly confronted and implement the recommenda- and thus show biases. The compe- with spontaneous interruptions, tions into their coaching activities. tent evaluation of the assessors, additional tasks, and urgent duties. The conference presidents will con- who come from different areas of They have to prioritize, reschedule, sider the results when discussing the church, is helpful for the self- and finally present a manageable the employment prospects at the reflection of the interns. It may also timetable. conference board. grant additional insights to mentors

[With the Assessment Center,] the interns

have a chance to evaluate and rethink their

past experiences . . . and . . . are stimulated to

think about their professional careers.

Personal interview. Each candi- If needed, the director of the AC themselves, who learn during this date is interviewed by one or two is available for personal interviews whole process as well. assessors. At this juncture, certain with the mentors or conference The Seventh-day Adventist Church aspects of the initial questionnaire presidents. Then, the AC considers in Germany has found the AC to be can be deepened or reassessed. its work to be finished. Further very beneficial and plan to continue to Here, perhaps more than anywhere support has to be given by the use the AC as an additional tool in else, the calling to the ministry, ministerial secretaries. evaluating the interns and supporting spiritual gifts, and strengths and the work of mentors. weaknesses of the young pastors Conclusion can be candidly reviewed. The AC is important. But, of During the whole process of course, it is not the only means the AC, the assessors make notes available in developing the career and fill out evaluation sheets for the of the interns. In the first place, the different exercises. They recognize mentor coaches and promotes the strengths and weaknesses and young pastor; also the ministerial get an overall impression of the secretary and training programs of candidates. the institute are of great help. On the last evening, the asses- However, the AC is located at sors come together to discuss each the threshold between internship candidate and, ultimately, who and ministry. The interns have a Reasearch your next should or should not be employed. chance to evaluate and rethink sermon topic their past experiences. They are and much more at After the AC also stimulated to think about their In concluding the AC, the results professional careers. Likewise, the ministrymagazine.org are presented to the candidates in work of the assessors helps the

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MINISTRY 34 JULY/AUGUST 2010 M ichael H alfhill Michael Halfhill, BA, is associate pastor of New Haven Seventh-day Adventist Church in Overland Park, Kansas, United States. Will it work?

ith the hymn “I Love rejoiced (see Luke 10:17; Acts 8:8); the aisle to join his wife. Dave’s only to Tell the Story” at other times, few believed and the exposure to Christianity came from being played softly disciples were physically beaten. Yet his childhood, when he witnessed Wby the pianist, I gave they still rejoiced (see Acts 5:40, his neighbor, a pastor, drink alcohol the altar call. While inviting people 41). The goals were to preach the and scream at children. After the to accept Jesus Christ as Savior, I gospel and make disciples (see song ended, the elders and pastors shared my conversion story: how Matt. 28:18–20). If they shared the met with all those who had come I left my life as a rock-and-roll disc message, the disciples counted that forward. Dave wrapped his arms jockey (DJ) to become a Seventh- as being successful. They left the around me and whispered, “I’m day Adventist pastor. As I finished results of the preaching up to the scared, man.” the first invitation to come for- Lord. Success comes when God’s I held him and replied, “I know. ward, I wondered if every pastor people are faithful in sharing the I remember the feeling.” feels like this after an altar call at gospel. Four years had elapsed from the an evangelistic series. Scanning the congregation and seeing the new faces of those who had been attending the nightly meetings, I wondered if anyone would come forward. Like a plant without water, Will it work? I thought. Jesus Christ commanded His followers to “ ‘make disciples of all which starts to wither, the nations’ ” (Matt. 28:19, NASB). However pastors, church leaders, and members often wonder if public some members need to be evangelism still works. My church and I contemplated the same thing when we held the Revelation of watered in order to start Hope series in the fall of 2009 as part of the North American Divi- sion’s Year of Evangelism. When we growing again. began on Friday night, September 11, we still wondered if the Lord would give us success.

What is success? Planting first message I heard about Jesus to The most important step for Marta* walked to the front of the day I was baptized. Do we give an outreach ministry is to define the sanctuary as I continued the up too quickly on people who take success and make sure it matches altar call. Marta and her husband, longer to respond than we think with God’s view of it. The disciples Dave, drove an hour each night to they should? We must be willing to shared the message that Jesus of the meetings. Marta accepted Bible invest our time and energy to allow Nazareth was the Christ, the risen teachings quicker than her husband people to respond to the Holy Spirit. Savior. At times, people believed did, but, as we sang the last verse of Sometimes we try to harvest what the message and God’s people the hymn, Dave also walked down was just recently planted. The public

MINISTRY 35 JULY/AUGUST 2010 M ichael H alfhill meetings had planted seeds of truth but the Lord called them to try the What brought success? in Dave and Marta, and today they church again. They needed to be For evangelistic meetings to are attending church, studying the watered. They needed to know that be successful, the members need Bible, and planning to be baptized. the church loves and forgives. As to be supportive and excited. The they heard the messages, they saw members offered several ideas to Watering Jesus in the teachings. The mem- help make the meetings a suc- Evangelism produces growth in bers reached out with open arms cess. A group of ladies planned a disciples. Jesus’ command was to and several young adults decided three-course meal the first night for make disciples, which involves more to be rebaptized and connect again members and visitors. Others orga- than baptizing people. Churches are with the church and its mission. nized refreshments for every night to help their members grow in God’s of the meetings in order to facilitate grace and truth. The members who Harvesting fellowship. Without prayer and the came to the evangelistic meetings Evangelism changes lives Holy Spirit, our efforts would have said that they were blessed to hear for eternity. I looked out into the been in vain, so we started the Alive the old story about Jesus and His crowded pews after giving the at Five program months before the love again. appeal to come forward and take series. Alive at Five challenged the One of the great concerns that a stand for Christ. I smiled and members to pray for five people churches have today is that young thanked the Lord. From the back of they could invite to the meetings. adults leave; the reasons for this the church, Zion, a ten-year-old boy, Our elders also led a small group exodus vary. Some feel the church walked down the aisle. Zion had that prayed for the newcomers and is not relevant. Others were bruised come to almost all of the meetings for the pastor each night as the inside the church. Many leave with his father, and now he walked message was preached. because, looking for examples of to the front before any other person Our communication director Christ in the members, they find had moved. His father, Dan, fol- suggested using a social network- hypocrisy. Evangelism and fellow- lowed not far behind. Dan is a young ing Web site to invite people. We ship can help young adults become adult who had experimented with a needed to use every available connected to the church again. variety of belief systems, from New avenue. Several team members Like a plant without water, which Age to Buddhism. He told me, “This took pictures during the baptisms. A starts to wither, some members makes sense. I can see this is truth.” member quickly loaded the images need to be watered in order to start Dan had found what he was looking into our computer so they could be growing again. Several young adults for when he found Jesus Christ in viewed on the screens in the church came to those meetings. Some the prophetic messages. Father and as people greeted the new members had not attended church in years, son were baptized together. after the service. Fresh from his baptism, Dan looked up at the screen and exclaimed, “This is too much! Pastor, Introducing a new book by look at the pictures. That is awesome!” Dr. Peter J. Prime We tried to be aware The Gospel of of the needs of our guests. We started and ended on Love and Real time every night. We held meetings four nights a week, Evangelism realizing that people have busy schedules. A member It’s All Here! recorded the sermons and • What is the real everlasting gospel? broadcast them on our Web • What is real evangelism? site so that people could • What does the real gospel look like listen again or catch a mes- in shapes and colors? sage they missed.

God brings success EVANGELISM & Success comes when PASTORAL LEADERSHIP we place the results in God’s ministerialassociation.com hands. We prayed that Satan would have no power to hin- der the meetings. As I stood

MINISTRY 36 JULY/AUGUST 2010 by the door one evening, greeting people, a woman who had attended every meeting handed me a satanic Special Offer ring and said, “I know what this Featuring 5 years of Ministry means now. I don’t want it any Professional Growth Seminars more. Will you destroy it?” God was working in ways we did not realize. Complete set of 5 DVD’s Thank you for your support One young adult couple, Bryan 2006 Here We Grow Again! of Ministry Professional and Annette, had been coming every Roy Adams, William Johnsson, Haddon Growth Seminars night, but Annette had missed sev- Robinson, Marguerite Shuster eral meetings because of an injury. 2007 For Such a Time as This: When the night came to preach Preaching Truth in an Age of Idolatry about a challenging topic, the first Barry Black, Gordon Moyes, Randy All for person I saw in the pews as I walked Roberts, Robert Smith, Jr. only US$ out to the platform was Annette. (includes shipping 25 2008 The Passionate Preacher My heart sank into my shoes as my and handling) Jo Ann Davidson, James Earl Massey, mind raced through her possible Lloyd John Ogilvie, Laurence Turner reactions. Then I prayed, “Lord, she Send orders with payment 2009 Beyond Pulpits and Pews is in Your hands.” Bryan and Annette (checks/money orders/credit card left after the meeting before I could Fred Craddock, Chris Oberg, Israel Olaore, Michael Quicke information) US funds only to: speak to them. I drove home and Ministry Professional pulled out the decision cards for the 2010 The WORD … For These Times Growth Seminars evening. I swallowed hard as I found Roy Adams, Lawrence Geraty, Marguerite 12501 Old Columbia Pike Annette’s card on top of the pile. She Shuster, Miroslav Volf Silver Spring, MD 20904 USA had marked every box, including the decision to be baptized!

Moving forward the Revelation of Hope series to of a small Adventist church, down Evangelism series must not end attend our next laity-led Revelation the aisle to the front, as I responded with the baptisms. The energy and seminar, which began in Janu- to an invitation to commit my life to momentum of the meetings must ary. The church plans community Jesus Christ. Indeed, it was a long continue. Dan said to me, “This is events such as an international walk from my old life as a radio DJ so exciting! When you come and food festival, health fairs, Vacation to something new with Jesus. That worship here, when you hear the Bible School, a child-friendly fall little church held the evangelism message, you want to be a part festival, and drama programs all meetings, and I think I was the only of it. You want to help support the year long to make connections with one who was baptized as a result. ministry.” the community and prepare for the They did all that work for only one Dan’s son, Zion, faced a tough next evangelism series. baptism. Success should not be decision about playing soccer Here are three things to keep in measured in numbers. In time my on the Sabbath. Douglas Elsey, mind as your church plans its next wife was also baptized, and the Lord our soccer-playing senior pastor, evangelism event: placed us in ministry to lead others who coaches a team that plays on to Him. One changed life for God is Sundays, invited Zion to join his 1. Pray and trust the success worth it because one life touches team. Zion’s face lit up as Dan said and results (seen and unseen) to another and then another until our to him, “Remember your prayer last the Lord. world is changed (see Luke 15:3–7). night about playing soccer?” 2. Make sure your evangelism Did it work? Were our evange- Those who were not baptized has a personal touch. lism meetings a success? The good are attending a Sabbath School 3. Learn from mistakes and news of Jesus Christ was preached. class for new believers. Our church never give up trying different ways Lives were changed. We rejoice plans fellowship meals for the to touch lives in your community. that, with God’s power, evangelism newcomers. We work with newly still works, just as Jesus promised baptized members to help them Walking the aisle in Matthew 28:18–20. discover their spiritual gifts. We The longest walk I ever took was also invited those who came to the distance from sitting in the back * Actual names are not used.

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MINISTRY 37 JULY/AUGUST 2010 Zhong Zhaolin Zhong Zhaolin, MDiv, is a Seventh- day Adventist pastor in Beijing, People’s Republic of China. The Beijing approach to church growth

n Beijing, the capitol of the the Beijing area. One congregation a house church brought her into People’s Republic of China, there started about two years ago with 20 contact with members who prayed are more than 4,000 church members and now has more than for her and became her friends. She Imembers. These churches are 70 members. During the past year, responded positively, and, in fact, located in areas such as Gangwashi, 20 individuals joined by baptism. she has brought her whole family; Chaoyang, Daxing, Yanqing, What is responsible for this rapid and they worship in this house Caimanjie, and Xiaotangshan. In growth of the congregation? Is the church. House churches focus on the metropolitan area, there are a approach unique to our situation the needs of the members, and they number of larger congregations, or can others use similar methods? look to the Holy Spirit to meet their and additionally, there are more needs and the needs of those who than 100 family or house churches Working together visit the groups. in metropolitan Beijing.* Each year One of the pastors in the area more than 300 individuals join the has several congregations, and he Training for service various congregations by baptism. focused on the need for a team Because house churches are Pastors in the Beijing area func- effort to start a new church. A group small groups, it may be assumed tion similarly as pastors in other of church members was organized that no formal training is needed, parts of the world—they visit into a team so that a new church and yet that is not so. One of the members, give Bible studies, and could be planted. Four experienced pastors called upon another pastor organize church groups. Some of church members—though of rather who has experience with house these groups remain as smaller different personalities and pro- churches to provide training. Addi- house groups, whereas others fessions—started the evangelistic tionally, members from other groups become larger congregations. In work. Each one performed a specific were used in the training program. this article, I will share some of the function such as preaching, giving Part of the training focuses on help- methods used by the pastors in Bible studies, and visitation. One ing the existing members identify our area with the hope that readers of the group members organized the problems that people are having will be able to implement these family meetings for members in the and then finding ways to help them. methods where they work. community, focusing on the needs Helping people with their problems We place much emphasis on of those families. Another approach has become one of the most effec- house churches because this has was visitation of individuals who tive ways of reaching them with a become one of the most effective were experiencing personal difficul- spiritual message. Also important ways of reaching the large popula- ties and praying for them and their is for the members and the visitors tion in our city. Another reason for families. to develop social relationships, and using this approach is because in the pastor, along with experienced these areas we do not use public House churches members, to provide such training. meetings to reach people with our A number of our congrega- Social and spiritual relationships faith. The public approach is not tions are house or family churches. are strengthened through a well possible for us to consider, and, One such group has about twenty planned visitation program. therefore, we have developed other members; and even though the The desire for good health has methods such as house churches congregation is small, it has met the been one of the ways of reaching and smaller congregations. needs of various individuals. In one new members. In order to do that, In this article, I will focus on instance, a woman was contemplat- our groups have focused on specific the formation of several groups in ing suicide, but her affiliation with needs that people have. In one

MINISTRY 38 JULY/AUGUST 2010 We place much emphasis on house churches because this has become one of the most effective ways of reaching the large population in our city.

instance a couple was experienc- address the pressing needs that Jesus at the center ing some serious health problems people have and provide a new Each house church becomes a for which they could not find a physical and spiritual life. family unit, and by uniting in Jesus solution, in spite of spending a con- To tell people that God wants us Christ they flourish and also develop siderable amount of money. Our to have good health is one thing, effective evangelistic outreach. groups suggested that they focus but more than that is needed. We Family churches grow and multiply on their lifestyle and this new life- need to be much more specific in our area because the members style helped them experience better in our outreach to people and work together and train for service. health. But the benefit was not help them with health issues. For By using this approach, they not only for them—their children and those reasons, we focus on nutri- only focus on their needs but also grandchildren were also advantaged tional seminar programs that help on the needs of the community. by the lifestyle changes they experi- people stop smoking, seminars enced. Now some of their children on stress, and other programs. By * For more information regarding house churches, please read Kwabena Donkor’s article titled, “New Testament House are asking for Bible study meetings helping them with these needs, we Churches: A Model for Today’s Complex World?” published in the in their home. The Holy Spirit has also help them with their spiritual April 2008 issue of Ministry. Please visit www.MinistryMagazine .org and click on Online Archives to view back issues. guided these house churches to needs.

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It only happens once every five years The General Conference Session—a gathering of Seventh-day Adventists from around the world—is a special event. If you cannot be there in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, in person, you can still gain a blessing by watching the program via www.HopeTV.org

MINISTRY 39 JULY/AUGUST 2010 Murray House & Doug Robertson Murray House, DMin, is senior lecturer in missions and theology, and associate director of field education, Avondale College, Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia. Doug Robertson, DMin, is senior lecturer in ministry and missions, and associate director of field education, Avondale College, Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia. Field based, supervised theological education

hurches expect excep- consider what key competencies How has Avondale enriched tional leadership from employing churches are looking for this process for students? What their pastors to lead in in their pastoral staff.2 do ministry trainees learn from Cthe ministry and mission their church placements that is of their local congregation. Every Avondale’s vision and essential for effective pastoral and time a new pastor is appointed to model for ministerial administrative leadership in a local their church, many members hold formation church? How can it be tailored for their breath, praying that their new Avondale has been training the benefit of ministry formation leader will rise up to their expecta- ministers for more than 100 years. in similar training contexts around tions. When ministerial interns enter Our graduates have served as mis- the world? their first parish, they hope that their sionaries, evangelists, pastors, and training has prepared them for the church administrators throughout Action-reflection-action demands they know they will face the world. Our vision has always model in their new appointment. Whether been to offer students a participa- Avondale’s supervised minis- or not the ministry of individual tive ministry training process from try practicum program combines congregations will be adequately which spiritual maturity and pastoral elements of contemporary adult directed and nurtured, and the new professionalism can emerge as experiential learning processes3 appointees will fulfill their mission key factors in preparing them for with the method that Jesus exempli- to their local communities, depends a lifetime of caring, sharing, and fied in the training of His disciples largely upon the level of excellence empowering ministry. In recent as He engaged them in a variety achieved in the ministerial formation years, we have sought to refine of ministry-learning experiences. and training. that vision to meet the need that The process acknowledges that, The preparation of pastors for exists in churches for a balanced, while most adults generally have ministry has gone through several participative leadership. Like many a preferred learning mode, they learning cycles. The training process other theological training centers, learn best from being involved in has transitioned from offering very Avondale places each of its students an action-reflection-action type little formal training to requiring in a local church where, under learning experience. The following multiple degrees for graduating the supervision of a seasoned process indicates how this method ministry trainees.1 Some training pastor, they are able to develop is achieved. traditions have shifted from a strong their ministry skills in a variety of 1. Action. Throughout their min- emphasis on practical pastoral skills differing ministry situations. The istry preparation, trainees are placed to an emphasis on the mastery of supervised field education process in a congregation where they are theology and biblical languages. at Avondale takes the academic, engaged in a variety of concrete Other ministry training establish- biblical, and theological content of ministry experiences in a manner ments have sought a balance the classroom and links it with the similar to that followed by Jesus between wholly practical and wholly student’s personal faith, passion, as He introduced His disciples to academic preparation for ministry. and spiritual giftedness in order to ministering to others.4 In this article, we will examine cur- create opportunities for ministry 2. Reflection. Jesus, in the rent forms of ministry formation at development in the practical arena training of His disciples for future Avondale College in Australia, and of a local congregation. ministry, set aside time for them

MINISTRY 40 JULY/AUGUST 2010 to reflect on their recent ministry 3. Action. As ministry trainees consideration is given to the kind of experiences. This helped them to reflect theologically on recent minis- changes in manner, personal style, process the theological and socio- try experiences, they gain important or address that might need to hap- logical implications for their ministry insights and understanding into pen in their lives so as to enhance involvement. In a similar manner, what they personally contribute their future in ministry. Have recent pastoral supervisors assist our min- to ministry and how they have experiences highlighted inherent istry trainees in contemplating and responded in different ministry human weaknesses that are limit- reflecting on the theological and situations. This opens opportunity ing their capacity for ministry? Is experiential implications of their to consider how they might adapt there a call for greater dependence recent ministry experiences. For and apply what they have learned on God’s grace to impact them if example, they are encouraged to to their future ministry. their future ministry is to be more reflect on where and how God has Jesus gave His followers effective? been at work in each experience. opportunity to plan for and apply They may reflect upon what biblical in their future ministry what they Wholistic ministry story, parable, image, or symbol had previously learned from past formation in a field might come to mind. This reflection ministry experiences. In the same partnership can illuminate their understand- way, the insights gained from a Experiences gained in the practi- ing of what might have happened reflective re-enactment of a recent cal arena of the local church are during the ministry experience. ministry event are used to help cur- considered a vital and integral part They may also ponder how lecture rent ministry trainees consider how of the ministry formation curriculum contents or readings impact the similar ministry situations might be at Avondale. The supervised field situation. What biblical teaching or approached in the future.6 education process, intentionally doctrine is relevant to this ministry Trainees are also encouraged structured, provides balanced, experience? How well have they to consider what God is showing true-to-life ministry situations connected with the needs and con- them from this present experience that will prepare our trainees for cerns of the person or community to that might have bearing on similar, future effective pastoral leadership whom they have been ministering?5 future experiences. Furthermore, among church congregations. The

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MINISTRY 41 JULY/AUGUST 2010 Murray House & Doug Robertson following factors indicate how we their future ministry. As they reflect understanding about ministry goals, expect to achieve our expectations: theologically on these experiences, relationships, appropriate boundar- 1. Self-understanding. Being and seek to understand them in the ies, workloads, and responsibilities involved in supervised field educa- light of Scripture, culture, history, with their trainers. This would then tion in a congregation offers trainees and through interaction with other be summarized in a formal trainee- firsthand opportunities to assess members of their Christian com- supervisor contractual agreement. their aptitude for ministry. Taking on munity, it helps them to make sense Throughout the duration of the field leadership and pastoral responsibili- of these experiences. education experience, trainees are ties in their church assists them in 3. Mentoring by experienced able to observe various church lead- acquiring valuable self-understand- pastors. Crucial to the success of ership models being demonstrated ing and dependence upon God for field education includes engag- in the way their supervisors conduct success in future ministry. Trainees ing experienced supervisors who their ministry. become aware of the strengths can establish open and supportive As modelers and mentors, they bring to ministry in terms of working relationships with their supervisors assist trainees in

Our action-reflection-action model

integrates content and process in

an intentional student-orientated

learning experience that creates vital

ministry formation.

their calling, spiritual giftedness, trainees. Communicating clear min- developing their own unique pas- commitment, spiritual formation, istry objectives and expectations toral, evangelistic, and leadership character, personality, temperament, becomes crucial. Supervising pas- identities. As they offer direction, leadership ability, and experience. By tors are selected for their maturity encouragement, support, counsel, contrast, they also become aware of and experience in ministry and and model a variety of church pas- those areas of their lives that need their cooperation and commitment toral responsibilities, supervisors particular attention and nurture if, in to mentoring trainees for lifelong facilitate the development of an the future, they are to become fully ministry. Avondale is indebted to authentic, personalized ministry in effective, transformational leaders in the conference leaders who select each trainee. By assigning ministry a local church. experienced pastors for the sur- tasks appropriate to their maturing 2. Learning to reflect theo- rounding churches. Avondale’s Field leadership skill levels and assisting logically. For it to be authentic, Education directors maintain regular them in achieving experience and a personal cognitive knowledge dialogue with these supervisors. We depth in their assigned ministry of God needs to be affirmed and conduct empowering training ses- tasks, trainee competency develops established within the social and sions where input and discussions and matures. ecological context of everyday on vision, spirituality, ministry train- A final important aspect of the life. Avondale’s ministry trainees ing, supervisory skills, resources, supervisor-trainee mentorship is are challenged to reflect theologi- information, changes to curriculum, a monthly interview and debrief- cally on the many situations they and individual trainee development ing session where the discussion experience in the course of their and progress are shared. focuses on the wholistic ministry ministry among church members When first placed in a congrega- formation of the trainee. Based and to ask what they might learn for tion, trainees establish a mutual on a prepared verbatim report of a

MINISTRY 42 JULY/AUGUST 2010 recent ministry experience, trainees 5. Developing their relationship taught. Instruction in each of the key reflect with their supervisor on their with God and family. Whatever our areas of ministry, with their accom- progress in ministry and analyze students’ expectations might be for panying competencies, is structured God’s role in both their spiritual and their future in ministry, involvement into the course, giving trainees the professional development. in supervised ministry formation opportunity to engage them at the 4. Opportunity for experimenta- creates a realistic environment theological and sociological level in tion. In supervised field education, where their relationship with God the classroom and the experiential trainees are given firsthand oppor- can be nurtured. Within the local level through their supervised field tunities to test their developing church, the kind of relational experi- education. Avondale’s theological ministry skills in the real-life environ- ences that form part of everyday field education focuses on six key ment of a local congregation. Within Christian ministry provide a place areas of ministry formation, and a local church setting, they can build where God’s calling to ministry in each of these areas we have breadth and depth into their ongoing can be confirmed and trainees can identified various ministry compe- preparation for future ministry as serve others in Christ’s name. Such tencies. We expect that trainees they experiment with the biblical interaction with people in a variety completing the course will have and theological concepts they have of life experiences provides a depth reached proficiency in each of the grappled with in the classroom. of self-understanding and serves competencies. The following is a Within the nurturing surroundings to remind trainees of their need to summary of the six focus areas in of their hosting congregation, train- rely on God for wisdom and grace ministry training accompanied by ees find the generally supportive to minister to others with empathy the various competencies engaged and encouraging climate provided and love. Involvement in the real-life by the trainees. by their local church to be the environment of pastoral ministry ideal place to come to terms with also encourages trainees to see the 1. Personal development: Spiritual the types of spiritual, sociological, need to carefully manage their time formation, call to ministry, minis- cultural, theological, and pastoral and set aside periods each day to try attitude, personal health, time issues that typically confront those strengthen their spiritual relation- and resource management, role occupied in full-time pastoral leader- ship with God and others. expectations, self-understanding, ship. Having the support of their 6. Developing experience in basic self-discipline, reflection and supervising pastor to assist them in ministry competencies. Dividing integration, personal values, and reflecting upon their ministry perfor- ministry training between the class- personal boundary formation. mance makes the trainee’s church room and the congregation has real 2. Building relationships: Relating placement a healthy environment to benefits. The finer points of ministry to peers, relating to church learn and prepare for future ministry. are caught as much as they are members, creating church Student interview

elly Fry graduates this year others. It has helped me focus helps me look for things in class Kfrom Avondale College. She my learning on how I can prepare that I know I can use. has been mentored by three pas- now for full-time ministry. tors and two churches during the How have you known that God past four years. What ministry factors have is with you as you are involved in impacted you the most? ministry activities? Kelly, what have been the benefits of your church placement? The way pastors need to I have really felt God’s pres- adapt to different styles of ence in my life. In performing I’ve been able to see what church and relate to diverse different ministry tasks, I have pastors do and how they work. It people appropriately. When I found I know where God wants has helped me grasp how I would identify some of their great skills, me to be. Being with a church do ministry. I have learned what I ask them how they developed has kept my sense of calling to do, what will work for me, and them. A church placement is relevant and alive. I feel honored what I don’t think will work for really getting a feel for what that God wants to use me in this me even though it may work for full-time ministry is all about. It way.

MINISTRY 43 JULY/AUGUST 2010 Murray House & Doug Robertson

community, cross- generational relation- ships, relating to authority, cross-cultural relation- ships, family relationships, community relationships, conflict resolution, mar- riage perspectives, and authentic sexuality. 3. Proclamation: Proclaiming purposefully, proclaiming through teaching, preach- ing with immediacy, preaching with variety and focus, preaching a range of sermon genres, preaching for decisions, preaching with pas- sion and momentum, preaching with media technology, and commu- nicating cross-culturally. 4. Pastoral care: Pastoral attitude, pastoral visita- tion, caring for new members, and opportunities for each trainee BMin. The double degree provides majors in Theology, Biblical Studies, and Church Ministry. caring for nonattendees, caring to experience some competency in 3 David Kolb, Experiential Learning: Experience as the for the hurting, caring for the each of these skills. By providing Source of Learning and Development (Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1984). Kolb developed a model of unchurched, crisis intervention, this framework for their life-long experiential learning in which he recognized that adults and mentoring. learning, Avondale prepares them learn best when they seek to solve their own work-based 5. Evangelism and discipleship: for continuing maturation of their issues. Through the interplay of theoretical knowledge and reflection, learning becomes self-directive and effectual. Meeting the community, evan- diverse ministry gifts. Our goal 4 Matt. 9:35–38; Mark 10:13–16; Luke 12:1; John 4:1. gelistic mentoring sessions, insures that many of the hopes 5 Mark 6:30–32; Mark 8:27–29; Mark 9:28–31; Luke 8:9–11; Matt. 16:24, 25; Luke 12:22; Luke 24:27. reaching the unchurched, indi- parishioners have for their new 6 Mark 3:14, 15; Luke 9:1–6; Matt. 28:18–20; John 20:21, 22. vidual Bible studies, discipling pastors can be met. 7 Avondale has eight church ministry units to which these are appropriately assigned: Spiritual Formation for new Christians, small group The preparation of Adventist Pastoral Ministry, Communication and Worship, Ministry Bible study, evangelism plan- pastoral leaders requires our best in Practice A, Ministry in Practice B, Preaching in Ministry, Evangelism in Practice A, Evangelism in Practice B, and ning, evangelistic preaching, practice. Partnering with dedicated, Marriage and Family Ministry. and baptismal preparation and experienced field pastors vastly planning. enriches our students. Their model- 6. Leadership: Pastoral leadership, ing and mentoring are foundational leadership style, worship leader- for ministerial formation at Avondale. ship, small group leadership, Our action-reflection-action model management and administrative integrates content and process in an leadership, team leadership, intentional student-orientated learn- visionary leadership, and facilitat- ing experience that creates vital ing change. ministry formation. This ensures that wherever God calls our graduates, Search issues These six focus areas intention- they have the necessary foundations published 80 years ally prioritize the ministry skills to minister to a rapidly changing ago for topics and graduates will need for full-time world. Adventist ministry. Students experi- perspectives that are ence these competencies in either 1 Brian Harris, “Defining and Shaping an Adequate Theological Curriculum for Ministerial Training,” Perspectives still relevant today 7 their church or the classroom. in Religious Studies 36 (Summer 2009): 157–168. ministrymagazine.org Avondale has designed processes 2 Avondale has moved from offering a BA to offering a BTh/

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3 WAYS TO SHOP • Visit your local Adventist Book Center® • Call toll-free 1-800-765-6955 • Order online at AdventistBookCenter.com MINISTRY 45 JULY/AUGUST 2010 Prices and availability subject to change. Prices higher in Canada. FEATURE | Nikolaus Satelmajer & Willie E. Hucks II Nikolaus Satelmajer, DMin, is editor of Ministry. Willie E. Hucks II, DMin, is associate editor of Ministry.

Beyond the usual pastoral duties: An interview with David and Freda Charles

Editor’s Note: Clergy and their families was doing foster care. She asked cases we’ve had, the effects were have many demands placed on their me, “Oh, are you a stay-at-home not evident outside of being born lives. In spite of the many responsibili- mom? Have you ever thought about with withdrawal symptoms. So those ties they have, some—such as Pastor doing foster care?” And I said, children were presented as normal. and Mrs. David Charles of Baltimore, “Yes,” it had been on my heart. It was just as if they were our own Maryland, United States—have Three years later we decided to go children. We’ve always said, “We reached out in their community by into foster care, which turned out to raise kids.” providing foster care for children with be a blessing. special needs. Our readers may not FC: When they come into my home, only be interested in the commitment NS: When was that? they are my children. So, it doesn’t this pastoral family has made, but bring “extra” work. I would have may also consider becoming foster DC: Two thousand and four. We to go through the same steps as if parents themselves or adopting. began the process and were licensed they were my children; they are my to do it in January of 2005. It’s been children. It’s not an extra burden. Nikolaus Satelmajer (NS): You’re more than five years. It’s just as if they were mine, as if I’d a congregational pastor. Tell us about given birth to them. your church. Willie Hucks (WH): How many children do you care for? NS: Obviously you don’t just say one David Charles (DC): We are a day, “We’re willing to do this,” and full-gospel Christian church in the FC: Altogether, we’ve had five. Right the child shows up. What’s involved area of Baltimore, Maryland, with an now, we have one. At one point, not in getting started? average weekly attendance of about too long ago, we had three little boys seventy. In 2007, the Lord blessed in the home. It’s been exciting. DC: A person has to be thoroughly us with our own building, and, as a vetted with regard to their back- result, we are able to more effectively WH: There’s no doubt in my mind ground—legal, criminal, and so reach out to the community. that this takes a lot of time and energy. on. Then there are a number of How do you find the time for this and informational classes you take to NS: You and your wife have a special pastoral ministry? find out if this is something you ministry. What prompted you to open are willing to commit to. There are your home to the care of children, not DC: Basically, it’s still raising children. statutory, state governmental things only in a foster care situation, but who So, yes, there’s some additional time you have to be willing to adhere to have special needs? investment. For example, the little in understanding that you are part of boy that we have now is a little more a team. This is not just your child; or Freda Charles (FC): Well, actually doctor-visit intensive. It varies from what you say goes. You work with I had been thinking about it for a diagnosis to diagnosis. In utero drug a team of social workers; there are while, and it just so happened that exposure qualifies some of these informational meetings that can last we moved next door to a lady who children to be in the program. In the several hours. Then we came back

MINISTRY 46 JULY/AUGUST 2010 David Charles

and once we decided to commit, NS: Do you remember the moment off, even after the first time he met we began to go through the steps: the first child came? What happened us, he was crying as if he had already fingerprinting, and different things in your home? attached himself to us. It was the the government requires. Then we reverse of what we thought it would took classes to familiarize us with the DC: Yes. Actually, we had already be, for we were strangers. But that kind of children we would be dealing gone through the final steps of spoke to us about some of the issues with—special needs children—chil- becoming licensed foster parents, with his family attachment. dren from cerebral palsy to just about which is called a home study—a anything medical. series of interviews you have with WH: What impact do you see from a social worker as a couple and your life and ministry, on these chil- Stephanie West 1 (SW): In relation then as individuals. And then they dren, in terms of their growth and to your question about Pastor and interviewed my daughter—she was maturity? Mrs. Charles, one of the things I see six years old at the time, I believe, in working with them is they work and our son, because they’re also DC: Many times people say, “Well, as a team. And when you think of a concerned about the impact, not you’re just doing a wonderful job first lady supporting her husband in only on you, but on your children. with these children.” Sometimes a church, it’s a lot of what you see So we finished the home study. what I see in fostering is that there is in the home, and I think that’s one We were in Seattle for a ministers’ a parental deficit. As foster parents, of the things that really helps them conference. While we were there, we what we’re doing is taking a seed and do such a fabulous job as foster got a call from the agency, saying, putting it into that soil, knowing that parents. Their demeanor and belief “We have a little boy that we would it will one day sprout and grow. So is so important for the type of kids like you to meet as soon as you get to me, it’s just a matter of providing they care for. So, I just wanted to add back.” Well, we were excited. that emotional normalcy of home that because they don’t speak a lot that sometimes children don’t have, about just how much they bring, the FC: At first he would come home for whatever reason, with their family. individuals they are, or how much with us for a few hours. When we they have helped me as a social picked him up to go, he just came FC: And with the kids we get, our worker in the job that I do. with us, but after we would drop him members take them in just like

MINISTRY 47 JULY/AUGUST 2010 FEATURE | Nikolaus Satelmajer & Willie E. Hucks II they’re part of the congregational a spiritual point of view, recognizing NS: These children have either emo- family. When the children return that we are lost sinners with our tional or physical, or both, challenges. home, they notice. People in the faults and failures, God still adopts What are some of the challenges and congregation have developed a love us, by His Spirit, when we ask Him. how do you cope? for our kids. So, they have another He adopts us into His family. He extended family. chooses us. We’re all His children DC: The agency wants us to con- by creation, but sometimes we live tinue to foster for a long time. So WH: How do you say goodbye to outside of the blessing. We’re like they tend to ask, “What types of these children? the estranged child. And so, it’s children do you want to bring into just a reminder. I think, in general, your home? Are you allright with FC: We don’t think about it. parenting is a reminder to us about children with emotional problems? our relationship to our heavenly How about medically fragile?” I’ve DC: No. We try not to think about it. Father. It gives me a stronger daily always said that with foster care, reminder of what God puts up with, it’s a choice. You’re going to have FC: We make friends with the family, and God puts up with a lot. to deal with issues of teenagers and hope to maintain contact in the or older children or you’re going future. FC: I think about myself—all that to have diaper bags and strollers I was—and God took me in with and deal with babies. Both are WH: How has foster care impacted unconditional love. So that’s why challenging. your view of God, and how has it I say, when these children come impacted your church members’ view into my home, they’re my children, NS: I want to ask the social workers of God as they see what you do? unconditionally. We love to impart a question, How do you find families? how much love God has for them. Do you have other clergy families DC: When you look at a foster situa- It’s an unconditional love like God involved in fostering? tion, or an adoptive situation, a lot of has for us that we have for these times you’re asked, “Would you like kids. And it’s a love that never ends; SW: Well, in terms of clergy, we do to help this child?” So many times they’re always going to be in my have one who has been with the the child needs a lot of help. From heart. program for about three years.

Freda Charles

MINISTRY 48 JULY/AUGUST 2010 The Charles family

It’s an unconditional love like God has

for us that we have for these kids.

Nikole Satelmajer2 (NiS): We get DC: The agency we’re with, Ken- they can only do a little bit here and a lot of phone calls from the general nedy Krieger,3 provides respite. there. They do respite. All of these public. We also put ads in com- Like my sister, for example. She families help us out extensively. munity papers because we want does not have a full-time foster to recruit local families. We also do child. She is actually what they NS: If you were standing in front of a and we receive many initial phone call a child-specific provider for us. group of pastors representing various calls—people interested, but few So, when we have ministry confer- congregations, what would the two of become foster parents because the ences, which we do once or twice you like to say to them? training is so invasive. a year, usually out of state, we just call and say we need these dates. DC: Fostering children, or adopting SW: We’ve got a deacon who is also She knows the boys. children, whichever a person decides a foster parent. He’s been fostering to do, certainly is, in many ways, a for quite some time. His child has WH: Is that what you mean by respite natural fit for a pastor, because it grown into a teenager. So, he’s been —someone who just fills in while you really is a picture of what God does. with him for quite some time. take a respite? NS: It’s obvious to me that this is an NiS: Current families are our number FC: Yes. intense experience and something one recruitment tool. So, not only do very personal that you go through. we want to keep our families happy NiS: We have families that come in because they’re helping our kids, and who can do the long-term commit- DC: I often think about the old illus- they’re doing such a great job, but ment of foster care, and then we tration of the starfish on the beach. they’re also our number one outreach. have families who come in and say The tide had come in and left all

MINISTRY 49 JULY/AUGUST 2010 FEATURE | Nikolaus Satelmajer & Willie E. Hucks II these starfish on the shore when it know.” And the little boy smiled at change is absolutely important to went back out. This little boy was him. He looked down again, picked him, and he’s absolutely thankful. picking up starfish and throwing up another starfish, and threw it back 1 Stephanie West is a social worker with Kennedy Krieger them back into the surf. A man came into the water. He said, “It made a Institute Therapeutic Foster Care. by and asked him, “What are you difference to that one.” That’s what 2 Nikole Satelmajer is a community outreach coordinator with Kennedy Krieger Institute Therapeutic Foster Care. doing? There’s so many starfish on we do. We can’t, as individuals, 3 Kennedy Krieger Institute Therapeutic Foster Care operates the beach—thousands of them. It in the Baltimore metro region and provides foster care and change every child’s life. But to that adoption services for children and teenagers with special doesn’t make a difference, you one child who is changed, this needs (www.foster-a-hero.org).

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

information about foster Resources care adoption, specific agencies, and advocacy. arious reputable organizations coordinate foster The goal is to find forever Vcare and adoption. Our readers may want to families for children in encourage their church members to consider foster care who can- participating either in foster care or adoption to meet not return to their birth the urgent needs that exist. Below is a list of some families. The foundation of the organizations in North America. Readers in believes, “Every child other countries need to research to find reputable deserves to live in a safe, loving, and permanent organizations in their countries. family. No child should linger in foster care or leave the system at age 18 without a permanent family of ADOPTION their own. Every child is adoptable.” Adoption Council of Canada AdoptUsKids www.adoption.ca www.adoptuskids.org (Canada) (United States) According to their T h e m i s s i o n o f Web site, “The Adoption AdoptUsKids is to recruit Council of Canada (ACC) is and connect foster and adoptive families with waiting the umbrella organization children throughout the United States. This Web site for adoption in Canada. (a federally funded national database of children “Based in Ottawa, the awaiting adoption and families approved to adopt) ACC raises public awareness of adoption, promotes allows families to search for children and workers placement of waiting children and stresses the to search for families throughout the United States. importance of post-adoption services.” The site also includes comprehensive adoption information for families and many features to assist social workers. FOSTER CARE Dave Thomas Foundation for National Foster Parent Association Adoption www.nfpainc.org www.davethomasfoundation.org (United States) This association sup- www.davethomasfoundation.ca (Canada) ports foster parents in A national nonprofit organization dedicated to achieving safety, perma- dramatically increasing the adoptions of the more nence, and well-being for than 150,000 children waiting in North America’s the children and youth in foster care systems. The agency is a starting point for their care.

MINISTRY 50 JULY/AUGUST 2010 j E F F S coggins Jeff Scoggins, BA, is pastor of the Cambridge, Christ Our Righteousness, and Hinckley churches in Minnesota, United States. Waking up to spiritual discipline

ill you be attending the We would continue in silence categorically state that nothing has pastors’ retreat?” my con- through the night and until noon done more for my ministry and life, ference president at that the following day. In the morning, overall, than spiritual disciplines. Wtime, Bill Miller, inquired. we would meet for breakfast and The reason is simple: spiritual disci- “I didn’t know I had a choice,” eat together in silence, then have pline is the way we actively pursue a I answered. I was new to full-time worship like the evening before. After closer relationship with God. pastoring, and was still learning the that, we could spend the rest of the I sometimes think the old argu- expectations not only of a three- morning doing whatever we wanted ment between faith and works might church district but also of the to do; sleeping, reading, walking, be solved even among the spiritually conference. praying—anything so long as we immature, if just one important con- “This is not like regular pastors’ were silent. Email and texting in this cept would be understood. In the meetings,” he said. “This event is situation was not considered silence. words of Dallas Willard, “Grace is optional. It’s a spiritual retreat for At lunch we would break the not opposed to effort. It’s opposed pastors.” silence, spend part of the afternoon to earning. Earning is an attitude. Since I was so new that my doing whatever we wanted to do, Effort is an action.”1 schedule was not yet packed then at midafternoon we would meet In a broken relationship, one side sardine-can style, and I wanted to to discuss the Bible passage on which may initiate the process of reconcili- make a good impression, I decided we were concentrating. After supper, ation, as Jesus has, but eventually to attend the optional retreat. I did we had the same kind of worship with the other must respond with their not realize how my spiritual life was the same Bible passage and then own efforts toward rebuilding the about to change. silence. The schedule repeated the relationship. One who hopes to I drove the two hours to the next day, and again the next, ending grow closer to Christ must make retreat camp and was surprised to with Communion at noon. efforts toward relationship building. see only a few cars. And no more I had heard the words spiritual dis- And this must never be confused showed up that evening. I wondered cipline before. To some degree I could with efforts toward earning our if I had the wrong date. But no, have even explained the concept. salvation. Unfortunately, the very attendance was just low; maybe But I had never before understood idea of “building a relationship with half a dozen of us out of nearly 40 spiritual discipline. That first retreat Jesus Christ” has become shallow potential participants. This, I soon forever changed my spiritual life, Christian jargon to which everyone learned, was not unusual. though I did not comprehend that for assents but few have even the When the time came to begin, some time. Nothing occurred during remotest idea how to accomplish it. the president laid out the program. the retreat that I would have identified The way we build our relation- The evening would include a short as profound, yet something profound ship with Jesus is through spiritual worship consisting of about 45 happened. Since then I have become discipline. Here are some specific minutes of quiet music and silence increasingly committed to spiritual ideas. among us. At one point, someone disciplines. Thank you, Bill Miller. Spiritual discipline, as a term, would read the selected passage cannot be narrowly defined because of scripture on which we would be Making an effort toward it is varied and often unique to focusing throughout the retreat. relationship each individual. But one thing is Then another person would read it Even though I am still only not varied or unique about it: spiri- again followed by more silence. an entry-level participant, I can tual discipline, whatever its form,

MINISTRY 51 JULY/AUGUST 2010 j E F F S coggins requires that we put forth some kind success in pastoral ministry, why are And I have been finding a growing of effort toward being with Jesus in we not more intentional about train- wealth of information available for a way that He will be able to speak ing pastors in spiritual formation? those seeking such training. with us, and we will be able to listen. Richard Foster writes, Spiritual discipline, I am discov- An athlete, by practicing dis- ering, is like any other education: cipline, learns to perform better. The apostle Paul says, “he the more you learn, the more you Even so the Christian, by practic- who sows to his own flesh will realize how little you know. In the ing spiritual discipline, learns to from the flesh reap corruption; past I might as well have attempted live with God better. The level of but he who sows to the Spirit to read a book on quantum physics intimacy we will find with God is will from the Spirit reap eter- as to read John of the Cross’s Dark directly proportional to the level nal life” (Galatians 6:8). Paul’s Night of the Soul. I would have of effort we put into spiritual disci- analogy is instructive. A farmer given up almost immediately out pline. Assuming balance, the more is helpless to grow grain; all of sheer inability to comprehend effort—the more reward. he can do is provide the right the concepts. But, as we become

I had never before understood spiritual

discipline. That first retreat forever

changed my spiritual life, though I did

not comprehend that for some time.

“Intelligent action,” says Dallas conditions for the growing of more familiar with the concepts Willard, “is the secret to spiritual grain. He cultivates the ground, of spiritual discipline through per- growth”2 he plants the seed, he waters sonal experience, we will find more It seems to me, in my admittedly the plants, and then the natural and more that we can read and limited perspective, that only in forces of the earth take over comprehend and profit, not just the past few decades has spiritual and up comes the grain. This is from contemporary re-discoverers discipline been rediscovered as the the way it is with the spiritual of spiritual discipline but also from path that leads to the with-God disciplines—they are a way of those so ancient that some even life. Richard Foster, founder of the sowing to the Spirit. The disci- had the apostles of Jesus as their spiritual formation movement Ren- plines are God’s way of getting teachers. ovaré, says that intentional spiritual us into the ground; they put us At least for me, learning how formation is only now beginning to where He can work within us to participate in spiritual discipline make its way into the seminaries and transform us. By themselves from the instruction of some of responsible for training pastors. the spiritual disciplines can do these ancient and modern writers I’m currently enrolled in a dis- nothing; they can only get us to has translated to a much deeper tance learning master’s program for the place where something can experience every time I open the pastoral ministry in which a single be done. They are God’s means Scriptures. optional spiritual formation class is of grace.3 offered. Why is that, when spiritual Getting started: The formation itself is not optional? Thanks to a small, optional discipline of silence and Everyone is constantly being spiritu- retreat of silence, which introduced solitude ally formed one way or another. me to one form of spiritual disci- “In silence and in stillness a If, in fact, a personal relationship pline, now I am intent on training devout soul profiteth, and learneth with Jesus Christ is ground zero for myself, however I can find to do it. the hidden things of the Scriptures.”4

MINISTRY 52 JULY/AUGUST 2010 Many who are experienced in can only be done when Jesus gets contemplation is something that the spiritual disciplines have learned us alone.”5 can be entered into in an instant. that one of the most powerful intro- With practice, the discipline of con- ductions to the disciplines is silence The discipline of templation can happen in traffic or and solitude. Actually silence and contemplation waiting for a train to pass or sitting solitude can easily be separated In a Christian context, meditation in an airplane. into two different disciplines, but is a thing far removed from the mind- for space’s sake, I will mention them emptying goal of Eastern religions. The discipline of fasting together. But, unfortunately, Eastern religions “Bridle thy gluttony and thou For someone wanting to begin seem to have hijacked the term shalt the better bridle all the desires a new effort in deepening their mediation; therefore, it may be better of the flesh.”6 relationship with Jesus, a retreat to use the word contemplation. Fasting is a spiritual discipline of silence in solitude is one of Contemplation, as a Christian with which I am only now beginning the best ways to embark. Such discipline, has as its goal mind- to experiment lightly. Perhaps that retreats should become a regularly filling instead of mind-emptying. is because somewhere deep within scheduled way of life in the long Thus the discipline of contemplation my subconscious, I know and am run, but my experience and the is intent on occupying the mind frightened by the truth of what experience of many others has with things of God, particularly Richard Foster states. “More than been that a person’s first silence Scripture, with the purpose of fixing any other discipline, fasting reveals and solitude retreat is often the them permanently for constant and the things that control us.”7 most profound—a perfect way to instant application. I understand that after a lecture, begin your search. Contemplation is a great thing to someone asked Dallas Willard where Oswald Chambers says, “There do in tandem with other disciplines to begin in the spiritual disciplines. are whole tracts of stubbornness like silence, solitude, and fasting. He said that silence and solitude and ignorance to be revealed by the However, it is something that has are the places to begin, and then he Holy Spirit in each one of us, and it much broader application since went on to say that when someone

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MINISTRY 53 JULY/AUGUST 2010 j E F F S coggins reaches a certain point in their spiri- what we have learned of God and Participating without tual formation, fasting should then ourselves in that process. expectations begin. Fasting is the discipline of the These, of course, merely hint The primary reason to practice more mature disciple. When other, at the possible spiritual disciplines spiritual discipline is to give God more tame disciplines are in place, in which we can involve ourselves. opportunities to do the work of spiri- then fasting becomes a necessary But they are a place to start. And tually forming us. It is not possible next step, and it will have far reach- once we begin, new disciplines for the discipline itself to grow us or ing results for the spiritual life. will open themselves up to us in a deepen our relationship with Jesus. training program that God Himself It is not possible for the discipline The discipline of service will supervise and instruct. alone to do any sort of spiritual The discipline of service is, in transformation at all. The only thing part, a rampage against our own Finding the time a discipline does is provide God pride. Of course, we cannot hope to Rarely will anyone deny the profit with a specific opportunity for doing gain humility by actively seeking it to be gained in spiritual discipline. whatever He knows needs to be because the moment we believe we Nearly always the problem is finding done in us. have succeeded, we become proud the time. A church elder in response Therefore, we don’t need to bring of our humility. Nevertheless, when to my question about the state of her expectations of our own to a particu- we serve out of the joy to be found devotional life said, “It is so hard to lar discipline. Surely, it is good and

The problem is not really finding the time,

the problem is straightening our priorities.

in service, the end result is humility. find the time.” Then after a pause, proper to bring an expectation to a Why? Because in serving we cannot “I suppose I could give up watching discipline like fasting, along with be in charge. Richard Foster, again: the news.” Thomas à Kempis wrote, prayer, in search of God’s will in a “the spiritual authority of Jesus is an “If thou wilt withdraw thyself from specific circumstance. But if our own authority not found in a position or a speaking vainly, and from gadding expectations are the only reason we title, but in a towel.”8 idly, as also from hearkening after ever practice a spiritual discipline, we novelties and rumours, thou shalt will miss out on the most profound The discipline of find time enough and suitable for possibilities available in the disci- celebration meditation on good things.”10 pline; that being to give to God open The discipline of celebration, I The problem is not really finding time to form us according to His think, must be the cumulative effect the time, the problem is straighten- expectations, instead of our own. of every other discipline. Minne- ing our priorities. Yet even in this, apolis pastor and author John Piper God’s grace is sufficient if we will 1 Dallas Willard, The Great Omission: Reclaiming Jesus’s Essential Teachings on Discipleship (San Francisco: Harper, calls Christians into what he calls but ask. 2006), 61. “Christian hedonism,” in which he 2 Willard, Spiritual Renewal Conference, Bethel University, St. Paul, Minnesota, October 9–11, 2008; emphasis added. convincingly argues that seeking our Beware 3 Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual own pleasure and reward in obedi- A word of caution, however; as Growth (San Francisco: Harper, 1978). 4 Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of Christ (New York: Crosset ence to God is not only not selfish we practice spiritual discipline we & Dunlap, n.d.). but is in fact God’s design.9 must be constantly aware of the 5 Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest (Grand The discipline of celebration temptation to see the disciplines as Rapids, MI: Discovery House Publishers, 1935). 6 à Kempis. consciously cultivates happiness in an end in themselves. After all, the 7 Foster. God by seeking out His commands, Pharisees were masters of spiritual 8 Ibid. 9 John Piper, Desiring God (Sisters, OR: Multnomah being obedient to them, reflecting on disciplines and they were convinced Publishers, Inc., 1986). how we have been blessed by God in that Jesus and His disciples were 10 à Kempis. being obedient, and then celebrating anything but.

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

MINISTRY 54 JULY/AUGUST 2010 Chongho Peter Yang Chongho Peter Yang, DMin, is senior pastor of the Yongin Church of West Central Korean Conference. From burned out to on fire for God

hen I was working even think about it as the visitations over temptations, and gave me a full time at Sahmyook of my members and church pro- fresh perspective and vision for University (Korea) in grams clamored for my attention. pastoral ministry. Wthe Business Admin- Then, on March 1, 2004, I was As I spent time with God, He istration department, I felt God called to work at the Toigyewon began to reveal to me how I had calling me into pastoral ministry. church. As absurd as it may sound, taken so many of His blessings for God seemed to be pounding on I could not afford to spend time granted. The members of the church the door of my heart as I deeply with God because I was too busy I pastored had been very gracious immersed myself in reading the working for Him. With all my heart, and fully expressed their love and Scriptures. As I read, my soul was I craved and desired to know Him appreciation for me and my ministry. overwhelmed by His Spirit. I began and spend some time with Him. But, And, over the course of time, I found to lament, mourn, and cry out as I due to the demands of my church, that I had acted as if I deserved saw how sinful, impure, and defiled it seemed almost impossible for those church members; but I failed I really was compared to how glori- me to set aside time to be with to express my appreciation for their ous, righteous, and holy God was. God; I was either too tired or too love and kindness. I resigned from my teaching busy. Then one day I came across a God showed me, through our position in the Business Administra- passage in Mark 3:14, 15 that read, time together, that I had grown tion department and enrolled in the “He appointed twelve—designating haughty, arrogant, proud, and self- Theology department to pursue them apostles—that they might be ish. God began to speak to my heart God’s calling for my life. As a theol- with him and that he might send and led me to the Cross. He showed ogy student, I busily read all the them out to preach and to have me how Jesus “who, being in very books and articles assigned and authority to drive out demons” (NIV; nature God, did not consider equality hurried through all the homework, emphasis added). with God, . . . made Himself nothing, reports, and projects asked of me by The Scriptures testify that taking the very nature of a servant” my professors. On top of all these Christ appointed His disciples to (Phil. 2:6, 7, NIV). He showed me requirements, I had to participate be apostles so that they might be through His own example how He in various ministries and activities with Him. Christ desired that they came not to be served but to serve. around the campus of Sahmyook might be with Him, for being with And God began to transform my University. Him preceded being sent out. It heart. I had been making many When I began to work as a was imperative that I resolve in my excuses for my “not giving” and “not pastor, ministry demanded that I heart to be with Him daily in Word serving” nature. I made the excuse prepare sermons and visit church and prayer. I saw clearly that God that if I started expressing my appre- members and potential seekers. In called me to be a pastor that I might ciation for certain church members, addition, there were requests for be with Him first so that He might it would plant seeds of jealousy and me to attend events that ranged send me to do the work of a pastor. misunderstanding among the church from celebrating the birth of a child By the grace of God, He empow- members. But as God pounded on to ministering at funeral services. ered me to make a resolution to set the door of my heart and showed Soon, not only was I burned out, it aside special time to be with Him me how poor my excuse was, I got felt as though my soul was empty. and I began to spend at least a few down on my knees and promised to Even though I realized the severe hours a day in the study of the Word obey the promptings of His Spirit as reality of my spiritual condition, and in prayer. My time with God He would guide me to kindness and there was not much time for me to revived my spirit, gave me victory generosity.

MINISTRY 55 JULY/AUGUST 2010 Chongho Peter Yang

When the wife of one of my not as people living merely for in His own time and way. And now associates gave birth to their first ourselves, but as those living for I have a positive relationship with child, my wife and I visited them in something far greater. To give, those who criticized me. the postbirth care unit. We talked in a sense, is to be like God, for The associate pastor with whom together, sang together, and prayed God has been giving from the very I was working suggested that we together. We rejoiced and cel- beginning. And God loves cheerful fund and establish a church for ebrated the precious gift God had givers, precisely, because He is the youth. At that particular time, bestowed upon them. Around the one Himself. Through my time there were only about 10–15 young same time, God opened my eyes with Him and faithful and voluntary people coming to church every to a deacon who had lost his wife obedience to His command to give, week. God led me to see how pow- and was living alone with his son. I began to taste and see how amaz- erful this vision was, so I brought We visited him and ministered to ing it was to live a giving life—a life it to the board, and we decided to him. God then led us to other mem- like Christ’s. start this church. As a result, there bers who had great needs: senior There were times when some are more than 50 young people citizens, widows, and orphans. God of the church members appeared worshiping together now. renewed my spirit and invited me to to dislike me. When they began Then the associate pastor came partake in the fellowship of love and to accuse and criticize, I found again with the idea to start a church fully give myself to others through it hard to sleep for many nights. for the teens. Up until that point my time with them. Ephesians 5:1, But as I continued to spend time in time, there were maybe 15–20 2 tells us to “Be imitators of God, with God, He poured out His Spirit teens that were barely making it therefore, as dearly loved children upon me and gave me His heart to church and other activities. I, and live a life of love, just as Christ of forgiveness and understanding. personally, did not feel the need loved us and gave himself up for us He led me to intercede for them. to start a church for those that as a fragrant offering and sacrifice With His tears and sorrow, I was were just coming for the Sabbath to God” (NIV). The invitation is able to forgive them and intercede afternoon program. But once again, imitation. God demonstrated how for them in prayer. And He touched God opened my eyes, let me see He wants us to live through Jesus, their hearts and transformed them His passion for the young people,

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MINISTRY 56 JULY/AUGUST 2010 God seemed to be pounding on the door of my heart as I deeply immersed myself in reading the Scriptures.

and told me to bring this idea to of new souls who desired with all the small group leader will be given the board members. Surprisingly, their hearts to commit their lives to the responsibility to keep in close the entire church board agreed Jesus through baptism. Through- contact and take care of them. In to support a church for the teens. out my time at Toigyewon church, my time with God, He has granted Now there are about 70–80 teens God was calling people to Him, me the vision to raise and appoint who worship together every Sab- and the church added an average small group leaders and continue to bath. These students lead in their of 44 members every year from support their leadership. own Sabbath School and actively 2004–2009. During the same time Through my time with Him, God participate in the worship service. period, the membership growth was has calmed the waves and now Twelve volunteers came forward to 140 percent, along with increases in peace and joy reign when we elect offer their services to help the teens tithe and offerings. new officers for the church. For the with Sabbath afternoon activities If a church member is absent past three years, God has united and prepare dinner for them in the on Sabbath, I call the small group our hearts and bound us together evening. There are also 12 teachers leader in which the absent member in His love. who are leading and helping the belongs, and ask them to contact When God brought me to that teens coordinate worship programs this person. And, whenever we have place where I finally surrendered, on Sabbath mornings and after- a baptismal ceremony, we always gave all of myself to Him, and began noons. The youth church and the ask the small group leader to come to spend time with Him, He revived teen church are precious gifts God forward and officially welcome me spiritually, filled me with His joy, has given to our church. God has the new member into our church. and gave me His generous heart. been doing amazing things as I have Whenever we visit new members What can I say? Time with God been setting aside time to be with who have moved near our church, will transform your life, your minis- Him, every single day at His feet. we always ask the small group try, and your church. This is the God did not forget to bless us leader to prepare an official gift from truth, and this truth will set you with the salvation and celebration the church and give it to them. Then free!

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

MINISTRY 57 JULY/AUGUST 2010 DATELINE

Creation lecture p.m. to 1:50 p.m. and 5:10 p.m. to Registration, housing, and meal 6:50 p.m.—each session containing accommodation rates are exclu- series three lectures. sively available to collegiate age Those interested in creation are Adventist young adults through tlanta, Georgia, United also encouraged to visit the GRI young professionals (up to age States—A major lecture series A booth located on aisle 300, space 35) who apply, register, and are on creation is to be held during the 316, in the exhibition hall. A detailed accepted as official iATL delegates. noon and evening break times of the schedule of talks is available at Information is available at www Seventh-day Adventist General Con- the Geoscience Research Institute .impactatlanta.info. [A. Allan Martin] ference Session in Atlanta, Georgia, Web site: www.grisda.org. [Timothy this June and July—with some Standish] of the best minds in Adventism exploring theological and scientific The 150th implications of creation. IMPACT Atlanta anniversary of the “Significant effort has been name Seventh- made to ensure these presenta- calls young tions are accessible to all interested day Adventist church members,” says Timothy adults to lead Standish, a research scientist at the and serve ilver Spring, Maryland, Geoscience Research Institute (GRI), SUnited States—On Sabbath, based in Loma Linda, California, and tlanta, Georgia, United October 2, 2010, Adventists world- organizer of the lectures. “This is not AS t a t e s —IMPACT Atlanta wide are invited to commemorate to be a dry discussion of theoretical [iATL], held June 23 through July 3, the 150th anniversary of the adop- issues rendered confusing and 2010, at the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel, tion of the name Seventh-day irrelevant with unintelligible jargon. Atlanta, Georgia, United States, Adventist. Although the church’s Those who attend these practical will bring together Christian young General Conference was not orga- and inspiring lectures will leave adults from around the world to nized until 1863, local congregations better informed about the issues sharpen leadership and compassion and the publishing house started and with more reason for faith in skills through training and commu- using the new name after it was and worship of our Creator God.” nity service to the neighborhoods of voted on October 1, 1860. Across the entire spectrum of Greater Atlanta. James Nix, chair of the 150th Adventism, belief in the biblical Held concurrently with the 2010 Seventh-day Adventist Committee, account of Creation serves both as General Conference Session [www. described the purpose of the anni- the glue unifying the church and GCsession.org] of the Seventh-day versary commemoration: “Names as an organizing principle upon Adventist Church, iATL is a young identify persons and organizations. which other Adventist beliefs are adult leadership and discipleship Likewise, the name Seventh-day built. Pastors will share practical experience where collegians and Adventist identifies who we are experiences of how the doctrine of young professionals will actively worldwide, including two major creation enriches their ministries, engage the Great Commission and teachings of the denomination. graduate students will relate why great commandment in training, More than just a time for remember- creation is essential to their world- ministering, and worship. ing, it is hoped that each member, view, administrators will affirm the General Conference of Seventh- congregation, and institution will Adventist belief in a recent literal day Adventists youth director, reflect on what it means to be Creation as described in the Bible, Baraka Muganda, indicated that Seventh-day Adventist in today’s and scientists will point out ways “Leadership refers to becoming world. How can I, my church, or in which creation testifies to its involved, being a part of the mission local Seventh-day Adventist institu- Creator. of the church, and lending your tions more effectively carry out our This series of lectures on creation influence to make things happen.” God-given prophetic calling?” will be presented in room B311 of Fueled by mentoring in leader- Program suggestions, historical the Georgia World Congress Center, ship and discipleship, iATL young resources, and other information adjacent to the Georgia Dome. Ses- adults are being groomed to impact for the commemoration are avail- sions will be conducted from 12:10 Atlanta and beyond. able at www.150SDA.org. Additional

MINISTRY 58 JULY/AUGUST 2010 materials are being added continually. communicate with the magazine’s You and your congregation or institu- larger readership. tion are invited to join the worldwide As a professional journal aimed Adventist family in commemorating at clergy, advertisers have oppor- our distinctive name. [James Nix] tunities to bring their resources or services to clergy. In addition to advertising in the printed ver- Advertising sion, a number are also advertising on the Ministry Web site: www representative .ministrymagazine.org. for Ministry “Cheri Gatton has demonstrated the ability to show advertisers how ilver Spring, Maryland, United Ministry helps reach important cli- SStates—Ministry is pleased that ents, and we welcome her service Cheri Gatton has agreed to be the to the journal and the advertisers,” advertising representative for Minis- stated Nikolaus Satelmajer, editor. try. For a number of years, Ministry Ms. Gatton can be reached at has had a loyal group of advertisers +1-208-965-0157, or advertising@ and, recently, other organizations Cheri Gatton ministrymagazine.org. [Nikolaus have started using the journal to Satelmajer]

RESO U RCES

the larger tendency of recent biblical expectation of the parousia had dis- The Pastoral scholarship toward a “theological sipated and attention turned toward interpretation,” blurs the distinction the church as an organization (5, 6; Epistles: First between the New Testament (NT) cf. 16–19). Based on the ecclesiasti- and later reflections upon it, which cal development that he perceives Timothy, Second also advances his larger interest. The in 1 Timothy and Titus, Fiore dates process of theological interpretation the Pastoral Epistles to ca. 80–90 c.e. Timothy, Titus is seen by many critical scholars as (20). However, in order to retain “the already having begun through the aura of Pauline authorship created By Benjamin Fiore, Sacra allegedly pseudonymous composi- by the letter writer” throughout the Pagina, vol. 12, Collegeville, tion of several epistles attributed to commentary, reference is made to MN: Liturgical Press, 2007. Paul, including the Pastorals. Fiore Paul “as if he were the writer” (21). also takes this position, justifying The importance of the question ommentaries on the so-called it only briefly on the basis of these of authorship is evident through Pastoral Epistles, dealing as they C epistles’ “divergence from the other the dramatic influence it exerts do with many practical matters letters of Paul” in terms of being on interpretation, most obvious in including church offices, tend to addressed to individuals, exhibiting discussions of the development of be agenda driven; and the present differences in content and style, ecclesiastical roles and structure but volume by Benjamin Fiore is no and seeming to reflect a later period also in the translation of the text itself: exception. The author, in line with of the church when the imminent Fiore’s fairly consistent translation of

MINISTRY 59 JULY/AUGUST 2010 RESO U RCES

charis (“grace”) as “favor” (e.g., text. For example, Fiore designates 1 Tim. 1:1, 14; 2 Tim. 1:2, 9; Titus 1 Timothy “an aide memoire, a 1:4; 2:11) seems a deliberate effort letter-summary of instructions from to distance the Pastorals from Paul. a superior to a delegate outlining the While this is not the place to debate latter’s duties” (40). He also gives the issue of NT pseudonymity, it a lucid yet concise explanation of should be noted that Fiore, hav- the chreia form, illustrating it with ing articulated his position in the examples from 1 and 2 Timothy introduction, never looks back—not (16–18). The historical and archaeo- even to explain how the epistles, logical background is also put to which devote significant space to effective use, as in his observa- combating false teachings, could tion that “Christians did not build have been written by an admirer of churches until after the Edict of Paul with the clear aim of passing Toleration in 313 c.e.” and that earlier them off on readers as coming from Christian assemblies were held in the apostle himself (a recent com- private homes that were only later mentary arguing persuasively for the enlarged and remodeled, such as

The author, in line with the larger tendency of recent biblical scholarship toward a “theological interpretation,” blurs the distinction between the New Testament (NT) and later reflections upon it, which also advances his larger interest.

traditional view from a Protestant not more likely, that any perceptible Peter’s house in Capernaum and the perspective is Ben Witherington III, “shift” in perspective reflected in house church in Dura Europos (65). A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary on these epistles represents the transi- As is to be expected of volumes Titus, 1-2 Timothy and 13 John, vol. tion from the first generation (Paul) in the Sacra Pagina series, a decid- 1, Letters and Homilies for Hellenized to the second (his coworkers), as edly Catholic perspective colors the Christians [Downers Grove, IL: Inter- argued by P. H. Towner, “Pauline interpretative comments. These Varsity Press, 2006], see esp. 49–75). Theology or Pauline Tradition in the range from the enumeration of the As several recent commentators Pastoral Epistles: The Question of Decalogue (43) to the Catholic view have pointed out, lumping these Method,” Tyndale Bulletin 46, no. 2 of justification by which “Christ ren- three epistles together, as historical (1995): 287–314. To be fair, Fiore not ders those saved in this way capable criticism since the nineteenth cen- only highlights the differences but of doing good” (65). Yet we also find tury has done, can paper over their also the similarities he finds between the Protestant-like assertions that distinctive features. These include the Pastorals and other Pauline writ- good deeds “express the reaction different social settings (Timothy ings, including those he considers to faith” (222) and that baptism was in Ephesus and Titus in Crete) authentic epistles of Paul. “symbolizes” the transformation and genre (while 1 Timothy and Titus The strength of this commentary effected within believers by the Holy resemble personal correspondence, is the author’s familiarity with and Spirit (220). Of course, readers will 2 Timothy, like 2 Peter, is a kind of attention to Greco-Roman back- encounter positions expressed that last testament). It is just as likely, if ground material to illuminate the differ from Adventist views. These

MINISTRY 60 JULY/AUGUST 2010 include their reading of Pauline refer- perspective, this volume will be help- includes a short general bibliography ences to the “last days” as rhetoric ful (though a better one from a more (23, 24), brief introductions to the for Paul’s contemporaries rather than conservative standpoint is Luke content of the three epistles, and prophetic portrayals of conditions Timothy Johnson, Letters to Paul’s the requisite indexes (Scripture and just before the Second Advent (e.g., Delegates: 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, ancient writings, modern authors, 89, 132) and his labeling of “total Titus, The New Testament in Context and subjects). abstinence from alcoholic bever- [Valley Forge, PA: Trinity Press Inter- ages” as an “extreme” (213, 214). national, 1996]). Its strength is its —Reviewed by Clinton Wahlen, PhD, associate Overall, for readers wanting a attention to Greco-Roman literature director, Biblical Research Institute, Silver Spring, shorter commentary from a Catholic and rhetoric. The commentary also Maryland, United States.

The Busy People’s Bible In a success-oriented world, Study Plan Melbourne’s contention By Bertram Melbourne, Chicago, IL: Urban that the Bible “contains Ministries, Inc., 2009. truths and principles that ertram Melbourne takes a Bthoughtful look at the current are essential for successful state of affairs in our culture and the toll it has taken on the Bible living” is hard to ignore. study habits of Christians. Accord- ing to Melbourne, the Bible has been scheduled out of the daily lives of most Christians. In this work, the author draws our attention to what six-step method of Bible study that theme, such as purity and grati- is truly important. In a world of can be accomplished in whatever tude; a passage for consideration; constant busyness, time must still time is available to the reader. and an area for readers to capture be carved out for that which is of At the heart of the book is the their experiences and interactions ultimate importance. counsel to ask valuable questions, with the text. The journal provides Melbourne not only highlights such as What is God communicat- additional structure to the biblical the necessity of Bible study, ing to me through this passage? Is encounter and serves as the vehicle but accomplishes the far more there a promise to claim? or How for step five of the plan. important and pragmatic task of does this apply to my life? These are The Busy People’s Bible Study providing the reader with some of the types of questions that will lead Plan offers a concise method that the tools necessary to reintegrate to unexpected discoveries when the beginning Bible student will Bible study into the daily routine. studying even familiar passages. find useful and the seasoned Bible In a success-oriented world, In chapter 9, the reader will find student will find as a good refresher. Melbourne’s contention that the a number of excellent resources for Melbourne’s emphasis on making Bible “contains truths and principles continued study, such as study aids, time for meaningful Bible study in our that are essential for successful Bible dictionaries, encyclopedias, chaotic world is much appreciated. living” is hard to ignore. Using and handbooks. simple, time-tested, commonsense Included is an associated —Reviewed by David Arrington, MDiv, youth and techniques, The Busy People’s Bible 52-week Bible study journal. For young adult pastor, Dupont Park Seventh-day Study Plan offers a user-friendly, each week of the year, there is a Adventist Church, Washington, DC, United States.

MINISTRY 61 JULY/AUGUST 2010 THE PASTOR AND HEALTH | Jina Kim

Jina Kim, MPH, is wellness program coordinator, Adventist Risk Management, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States. “Since the heart scare, my doctor has had me on a pretty strict diet. Wow! Is that real Save your heart for gravy on your mashed Jesus (literally) potatoes?”

any metaphors come can increase the chances to mind when the word for heart disease, heart Mheart is mentioned. “A big attack, and stroke. heart”: someone who is caring; “the Ministers can do heart of a lion”: someone who is many things to lessen brave; “a strong heart”: someone their chances of a heart who is emotionally stable. attack or stroke: exercise These metaphors are figures of most days of the week, speech usually connected to one’s at least 30 minutes a day; emotions; but have you ever won- plan balanced meals by dered about the connection between including more fruits, vegetables, sodium (salt) intake, lack of exercise, having a healthy heart and a good nuts, and legumes in appropriate overweight tendencies, and increase quality of life? Would these phrases portions; take time to relax and their potassium levels by eating more be valuable if the heart was not in meditate to reduce stress. fruits and vegetables. The higher good shape? The heart is a complex Another important responsibility potassium levels ingested by veg- and vital organ; and while there may is to screen your cholesterol. Know etarians are considered to be a factor not be a connection between the your numbers! An accumulation of in their lower blood pressure when heart and emotions, it nevertheless fat in the arteries raises the risk of compared to omnivores. Knowing plays a major role in our daily lives. As heart attack and becomes harmful your numbers can motivate you to the pump of life, the heart powers the to your health. The American Heart stay in the healthy range. system of blood flow and provides Association says that total choles- Health plays a major role in spiri- oxygen to every living cell in the body. terol should be less than 200 mg/dL.2 tuality. Daniel and his three friends The unfortunate news is that In addition, HDL cholesterol (healthy) provide a prime example of temper- heart disease negatively impacts should be high and LDL cholesterol ance and prudence. Making wise millions of people around the globe (lethal) should be low. choices can lead along a healthier annually. By 2020, heart disease Blood pressure should also be road to happiness and longevity. and strokes will become the leading checked at least once a year since Actively pursuing good health may causes of both death and disabil- hypertension is a significant risk prepare you in your later years (since ity worldwide.1 They affect men, factor for strokes and heart disease. aging is inevitable as the body breaks women, and children—and ministers Blood pressure should not exceed down) to serve the Lord better. Pro- are no exception! 120/80. These numbers represent tect your heart, do not hurt it, keep How can we serve the Lord with the systolic and diastolic pressure it strong because, as ambassadors all our heart when our physical heart respectively. Simply stated, systolic for Christ, we represent Him in all remains in jeopardy? The psalmist blood pressure is generated during we say, do, and are. wrote, “I am fearfully and wonder- contraction of the heart muscle fully made” (Ps. 139:14), and we and is higher, whereas diastolic Medical consultants: Allan Handysides, MB, ChB, should recognize the importance of blood pressure is maintained by the FRCPC, FRCSC, FACOG; and Peter Landless, MB, staying healthy to serve and witness muscle tone of the arterial system, Ch, MMed, FCP(SA), FACC, FASNC. for Him effectively and joyfully. while the heart is relaxed and filling Clergy need to be aware of the with blood. Blood pressure readings conditions associated with heart consistently above 130 systolic or 85 1 World Health Organization, www.who.int (accessed April 14, 2010). WHO publishes definitive atlas on global heart disease and how to limit or elimi- diastolic can indicate the condition disease and stroke epidemic. nate life-threatening risks. Eating of pre-hypertension. Persons with 2 Jennifer Ashton, “Four Numbers to Know for Your Health,” CBS News, http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/02/10/ an unbalanced diet, not exercising, this warning level of blood pres- earlyshow/health/main6193620.shtml?tag=mncol;lst;5 smoking, or suffering from diabetes sure need to seriously address their (accessed April 14, 2010).

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