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Herald of Holiness/Holiness Today Church of the Nazarene

11-1-1995 Herald of Holiness Volume 84 Number 11 (1995) Wesley D. Tracy (Editor) Nazarene Publishing House

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Recommended Citation Tracy, Wesley D. (Editor), "Herald of Holiness Volume 84 Number 11 (1995)" (1995). Herald of Holiness/Holiness Today. 47. https://digitalcommons.olivet.edu/cotn_hoh/47

This Journal Issue is brought to you for free and open access by the Church of the Nazarene at Digital Commons @ Olivet. It has been accepted for inclusion in Herald of Holiness/Holiness Today by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Olivet. For more information, please contact [email protected]. CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE WARMED HEART

RANDAL EARL DENNY

In the Shadow of the Cross On Fragile Wings Walk with Jesus from the Garden to the Tomb Stories of Hope from the Inner City Walk with Jesus from the garden to the tomb, to that first Easter morning, the Drug abuse, domestic violence, homelessness, crime, and human despair dawning of hope and joy. For the shadow of the Cross is the anguished prelude form a chilling picture of life. But within the despair, an inner-city pastor has to the best news you will ever hear: “He has risen!” By Randal Earl Denny. discovered—and helps us discover—the wonder of God's amazing grace. By HH083-411-5352, $10.95 Doug Forsberg. HH083-411-5530, $6.95 Beyond Disappointment... Hope The Warmed Heart How do you cope when life’s disappointments imperil your inner peace and A 30-Day Journey in the Company of John Wesley pound away at the foundation of your faith? How do you maintain your vitali­ John Wesley was convinced that the right kind of reading would transform the ty when disappointments come in bunches? Beyond the gray fog of disap­ lives of readers. You, too, will take a spiritual journey through selected writ­ pointment are the bright beams of hope and renewal. By Phillip R. Stout. ings from the journals, letters, and sermons of Wesley himself. By M ark A. HH083-411-5301, $4.95 Harmon. HH083-411-5557, $7.95 You Are with Me The Upward Call We often walk the borderline between life and death, when inches, moments, Spiritual Formation and the Holy Life or incidents beyond our control make all the difference in whether we live or Many Christians today hear the upward call of God to holiness—but do not die. The author's personal reflections help us recognize the hand of God in know how to answer the call. Here is a fresh, compelling, and practical de­ our lives. By Kenneth T. Meredith. scription of what it means to respond to that hunger of the soul. By W. Tracy, HH083-411-5514, $6.95 E. Freeborn, J. Tartaglia, and M. Weigelt. HH083-411-5166, $10.95 Leader’s Guide, HHLG-44, $5.95 FeedYour Spirit Today!

1- 800- 877-0700 OF KANSAS CITY L ate N ews

Colleges Continue Growth Hurricanes Affect For the fifth consecutive ate programs. equip for lives of service and Caribbean Nazarenes year, Nazarene colleges and “The continuing strong ministry for the future.” Several Nazarene churches universities in the U.S., support of our educational Trevecca Nazarene Col­ were severely affected by re­ Canada, and Great Britain institutions is a remarkable lege showed the greatest cent hurricanes in the are reporting an overall in­ validation by Nazarene fami­ gain in total enrollment with Caribbean, according to John crease in enrollment, accord­ lies who believe in holiness an increase of 179 students. Smee, regional director. No ing to statistics released by higher education and are TNC also reported the great­ deaths or injuries among the International Board of demonstrating it by helping est gain in traditional stu­ Nazarenes were reported. Education. The total enroll­ their students attend Naza­ dents and graduate students. ment of 14,590 represents an President Clinton declared increase of more than 2 per­ rene schools,” said Jerry Southern Nazarene Uni­ the Virgin Islands and Puerto cent over last year’s figures. Lambert, Nazarene educa­ versity showed the greatest Rico as federal disaster ar­ Enrollment of traditional tion commissioner. “The increase in full-time equiva­ eas. students increased by 293, or quality of faculty members lence (FTE) with a gain of Half of the Nazarene fami­ nearly 3 percent. Traditional as well as high Christian val­ 194. FTE is used by post­ lies in St. Martin were dis­ students are those enrolled in ues make the difference in secondary schools to mea­ placed from their homes undergraduate, campus- choosing a college for young sure the relationship between Sept. 5, according to Smee. based, four-year baccalaure­ people you love and want to head count and credit hours. The church in St. Martin lost its roof, resulting in exten­ sive water damage. Two churches, two par­ NAZARENE COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY ENROLLMENT sonages, and a church school U.S., Canada, and Great Britain Council of Education were destroyed in St. Croix, Total Traditional Nontraditional Graduate Total according to Hugh Connor, College Head Count Students Students Students FTE' pastor of the Christiansted Church of the Nazarene. All Canadian Nazarene College 1995 71 64 6 1 70 three Nazarene churches on Calgary, Alberta 1994 99 73 7 19 68 the island were affected. Eastern Nazarene College 1995 1,278 681 466 131 1,163 The All Saints Church of Quincy, Massachusetts 1994 1,325 661 594 70 1,252 the Nazarene in Antigua was MidAmerica Nazarene College 1995 1,453 1,114 175 164 1,377 completely destroyed Sept. Olathe, Kansas 1994 1,445 1,105 165 175 1,368 5. The extent of damage to the island included 90 per­ 116 32 1,417 Mount Vernon Nazarene College 1995 1,458 1,310 cent of all housing, 75 per­ Mount Vernon, Ohio 1994 1,344 1,253 76 15 1,288 cent of all schools, and 60 Nazarene Bible College 1995 576 498 67 0 350 percent of all government Colorado Springs, Colorado 1994 573 494 60 0 362 buildings. Bataca Church of the Nazarene Theological College 1995 150 49 39 52 83 Manchester, England 1994 132 49 48 35 73 Nazarene in Dominica was heavily damaged Sept. 14, ac­ Nazarene Theological Seminary 1995 224 0 0 224 207 cording to Smee. Winds of up Kansas City, Missouri 1994 246 0 0 246 250 to 95 miles per hour de­ Northwest Nazarene College 1995 1,294 1,196 0 98 1,196 stroyed the roof and rafters at Nampa, Idaho 1994 1,280 1,163 0 117 1,167 the church and parsonage. All of the windows in the build­ 1995 2,256 1,593 250 413 1,883 Olivet Nazarene University ings were shattered. 1994 2,269 1,548 351 370 1,868 Kankakee, Illinois Contributions for relief Point Loma Nazarene College 1995 2,459 2,103 0 356 1,948 may be sent to the Nazarene San Diego, California 1994 2,440 2,051 0 389 1,931 Compassionate Ministries Fund, earmarked “Caribbean Southern Nazarene University 1995 1,834 1,279 326 229 1,609 Hurricanes,” payable to Gen­ Bethany, Oklahoma 1994 1,737 1,290 245 202 1,415 eral Treasurer, 6401 The Trevecca Nazarene College 1995 1,537 899 169 469 1,386 Paseo, Kansas City, MO Nashville, Tennesee 1994 1,358 806 167 385 1,231 64131. Canadian contribu­ tions should be sent to the TOTALS 1995 14,590 10,786 1,614 2,169 12,689 Church of the Nazarene 1994 14,248 10,493 1,713 2,023 12,273 Canada in Brampton, On­ *FTE: Full-time equivalent tario.

N o v e m b e r 1995 1 Superintendent’s VIEWPOINT ======A ▲ ▲ A A A

Military Personnel Appreciation Day “ Lest We Forget” by Donald D. Owens

The right is more precious than peace , they dared not touch for fear of further world. While the U.S.A. has yet to be­ and we shall fight for the things which grief. come perfect, we experience freedom we have always carried nearest our Across our land, veterans continue to and justice to a degree only dreamed of hearts—for democracy , . . . f o r th e love and contribute to our nation. They by most other nations and peoples of rights and liberties of small nations, for have earned their credentials honorably the world. Many in the military are de­ a universal dominion of right by such a in service to our country, and they long voted Christians. While serving as a concert of free peoples as shall bring for peace and freedom throughout the missionary in Korea, I met great num­ peace and safety to all nations and bers of Nazarene young men and make the world itself at last free. women who provided valuable — Woodrow Wilson moral and financial support for the mission. Following their discharge n November 11, 1918, from military service, several be­ when World War I ended came missionaries themselves. by armistice, the hope of In order that the nation might pay all nations was this would fitting homage to those who have be the “war to end all served in our Armed Forces, the U.S. wars.” America initiated a Congress has provided that Novem­ national day of remem­ ber 11 of each year shall be set aside brance on that date each year and as a legal public holiday to honor soughtO to express appreciation for the America’s veterans. It seems appro­ ideals and achievements of the U.S. priate for us to join all citizens in forces in that conflict and throughout saluting our living veterans and its history— Armistice Day. those who made the supreme sacri­ “Three years later,” as Dick Chen­ fice for peace and freedom. ey, former Secretary of Defense, While reflecting on this theme, I notes, “we buried an unknown ran across these significant and ap­ American soldier from that war in propriate lines for these times: Arlington National Cemetery. “I believe in the United States of ‘Known only to God,’ he became the America, as a government of the eternal symbol of Americans’ will­ people, by the people, for the people, ingness to fight and die for democra­ whose just powers are derived from cy, freedom, and their beloved coun­ the consent of the governed; a try. Unfortunately, war did not die in Donald D. Owens is the third general democracy in a republic; a sovereign superintendent to serve in the military. 1918. Unknown soldiers from World Here he is pictured as an 18-year-old WWII nation of many sovereign states; a per­ War 11, Korea, and Vietnam have joined soldier. He served in the Philippines and in fect Union, one and inseparable, estab­ their comrade at Arlington Cemetery.” Japan. lished upon those principles of free­ Our nation’s history reveals that dom, equality, justice, and humanity for countless Americans have made the which American patriots sacrificed transition from youth to adulthood on their lives and their fortunes. I therefore fields of war, and many never grew old believe it is my duty to my country to as we grow old. For thousands of others love it, to support its Constitution, to who returned no longer children, the obey its laws, to respect its flag, and depths of time and pain obscured their to defend it against all enemies.” youthful dreams and left only a place —William Tyler Page tfc

H er a l d o f H o lin ess C ontents

NOVEMBER 1995 VOLUME 84, NO. 11

FEATURES 8 Break a Vase SCOTT OSTENDORF, SR. 16 Raising the Level of Worship RANDY T. HODGES 18 What We Learned About Worship ROLAND FELTMATE 22 Whatever Happened to the Old Songs? CH IP RICKS 23 Sing to Him a New Song MICHAEL CORK 28 Thank You for My Life LONNI COLLINS PRATT 18 32 Lifetime Marriage: God’s Ideal GWEN RICE CLARK 36 How Much Religion Is Enough? EDWIN H. FELTER

POETRY

17 In the Midst, nancy spiegelberg

30 A Thought, MARLO MICHELLE SCHALESKY

38 Doxology, DOROTHY PURDY

CONTINUING COLUMNS

2 General Superintendent’s Viewpoint, donald d. owens

4 Into the Word, roger l. hahn

5 Over 60 , c. ellen w atts

15 The Family Album, ierry & lynda cohagan

35 In a Woman’s Voice, rebecca laird

45 Rhythms of the Spirit, morris a. w eigelt

46 Observer at Large, iohn c. bow ling

DEPARTMENTS ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ 1 Late News, m ark graham, bryan M errill 6 The Readers Write

10-14,42-44 News, mark graham, bryan m errill 39 The Question Box 32

40 The Nazarene Family, bryan m errill

47 Marked Copy, mark graham COVER PHOTO: 48 Editor’s Choice, W E S L E Y d . T R A C Y H. Armstrong Roberts Into the Word

Foundations of the Faith in Philippians which Paul learned contentment. It is interesting and important that Paul men­ tioned both painful and pleasant circum­ stances. But it was not pleasant circum­ The Secret of stances nor Paul’s mind ignoring painful ones that brought the contentment. In 2 Corinthians 3:5, he wrote, "Our sufficien­ cy is from God.” When life is lived with Contentment God at the center, we can learn indepen­ dence from the circumstances of life. ROGER L. HAHN is another way this word can be translated. Paul used another unusual word in However, both “contentment” and “self- verse 12, translated in most modern ver­ sufficiency” have implications that will sions as “I have learned the secret.” It was lead us away from the central meaning of used as initiation into the secret societies the word. The Stoics and Cynics wanted of the first-century Mediterranean world. independence from their circumstances. Even within the church, those who have Paul had also learned that lesson, though mastered the secret of finding all their his resources for living that way were dif­ meaning, identity, and happiness in Christ ferent. are a small and select group. The problem Most of us hate being in bondage to our is not learning a secret code or hidden in­ Roger L. Hahn is professor of New Testa­ circumstances. The typical modem re­ formation. The secret is learning to let ment at Nazarene Theological Seminary. sponse is the attempt to control life and God determine the meaning and value of eliminate all unpleasant circumstances. We all the circumstances of our lives; engineer society to prevent poverty. We ex­ Our culture will never succeed in elimi­ pect medical science to end pain and death. nating the painful circumstances of life. We entertain ourselves to the point of Pleasant circumstances will not ensure our For I have learned to be content in all numbness in our desperate desire to avoid happiness nor make us better Christians. these circumstances. I know both how to even a minute of boredom. Modem society Learning to live independently of our cir­ humble myself and how to have abun­ believes that ignorance is the source of cumstances—both painful and pleasant— dance. I have mastered the secret of being most wrongs. So we pursue education with would enable us to give a significant wit­ satisfied and of being hungry, of having a frenzy that reveals our faith that knowl­ ness to the world in which we live. Could abundance and of experiencing need edge will solve all our problems. Our cul­ we be content with that? (Philippians 4: ll/r-12).* ture is increasingly frustrated because our For further study: (I) Study 2 Corinthi­ remedies aren’t working. Contentm ent is not one of the virtues of The Stoics and Cynics al­ our age. The modem advertising industry so hated being in bondage to seems to exist to breed discontentment. circumstances. But instead Our economy is not built on true needs of trying to change their cir­ but on created ones. Whether blue jeans cumstances, they wanted to Should we try to change our fit and fulfill the functions of covering change their responses to and protecting is less important than the them. Their ideal was to circumstances or merely change designer's label. Each new model of car align their wills and desires our response to them? and computer is designed with new fea­ with the forces of the uni­ tures intended to make the one I have verse that cause all circum­ seem obsolete. It’s not just having posses­ stances. Their fierce desire to sions, it’s having the right possessions manage their wills and de­ that we believe holds the key to happi­ sires has led to the translation ‘V//-suffi- ans 11:21—12:10. Note the variety of ness. ciency.” painful circumstances Paul mentions in A person could not find a more oppo­ Self-sufficiency does not describe these verses. What is the source of his suf­ site view than that expressed by Paul in Paul’s attitude. He doesn't say that he has ficiency or contentment? What view of the Philippians 4:11b. The apostle declares, “I detemiined to be content but that he has Christian life comes from these verses? have learned to be content in all these cir­ learned. The verb “learned” in Greek is (2) Study Matthew 6:25-34. What do cumstances." The word translated “con­ the verbal root for the word we know as these words o f Jesus teach about the tent” is found only once in the entire New “disciple.” Paul’s life as a disciple of source of contentment? (3) List the cir­ Testament, but it was a common word in Christ schooled him in how to live inde­ cumstances of your life that you find most Paul’s first-century world. Stoic and Cynic pendently of his circumstances. He lists painful and most pleasant. Ask the Lord philosophers used this word “content” reg­ some of them in verse 12. Hunger, abun­ to teach you contentment in those circum­ ularly to describe one of the major virtues dance, lack of resources, satisfaction, and stances. of their way of thinking. “Self-sufficient” humiliation were circumstances from ‘Scripture quotations are the author's own translation.

4 H e r a l d o f H o lin e ss O ver

that children’s ministries sometimes failed to produce on a level expect­ ed by young parents unwilling to get involved. Music dulled, deafened, erred, or swayed. Outsiders got hired to rock church babies. Building programs Waste Paper likewise gave reason to exit, as did leaders and pastors and air condi­ tioners. C. ELLEN WATTS no one fixed lunch, he grimly Here and there in a church or sponged a half-gallon of paste from two, differences were hassled, the carpet while Lib mixed some hashed, gossiped, and worked m ore. out— but seldom prayed and quietly By nap time, the two had run out talked over. Forgiveness hit the of wallpaper. Having been the last skids, and the stuff of Matthew to misfigure and being willing to 28:19 and Acts 1:8 got trampled be­ admit it, Lib returned to the store neath the transient feet of the habit­ for more but forgot to ask for the ually disgruntled. Friends and same run number. Although Port’s neighbors shied away even if they C. Ellen Watts is a freelance writer living stomach was by now seeking nour­ did happen to get invited, which in Nampa, Idaho. ishment from the inner workings of was seldom. Teens and children his backbone, he told Lib to keep wandered through mixed messages her T-shirt tucked, he’d write down and were lost. Pastors got discour­ the number and locate the proper aged, and nothing much got done. Through more trial than error. m atch. After Porter finally cooled down, Norm and I have developed a fool­ Shortly after 10 p .m ., having he decided that the musical church­ proof system for keeping our mar­ dined on one leftover cupcake along es crowd was not a good model for riage intact while hanging wallpa­ with peanut butter scrapings his marriage. So he went home. He per. He lifts the ladder from its peg smeared over salt-free saltines, Port found that the car had vanished in the garage, carries it in, sets it up, had had all the wallpapering he along with Lib. While paste dried in draws me a plumb line, loans me could take. He fumed over room di­ the brushes, he tore open a diet cola his canvas shop apron, and disap­ mensions and the size of the task as and paced. pears among the maze and mystery compared to Lib’s know­ of his beloved garage. 1 stuff the how. Then he stalked out apron with tools, mount the ladder, to the garage, revved the and proceed to hang paper. He stays engine of his blue Dodge within hearing distance, responds to pickup, shoved it in then desperate hollers for help, makes out of reverse, and head­ lunch, and orders dinner. ed off down the street Some folks can make a career When my friend Lib decided to past a church split in two out of habitual disgruntlement. wallpaper her dining room, howev­ over choir robes and a er, nothing would do but that Porter, computerized bulletin. her thumb-blessed spouse, con­ Right now he felt as dis­ tribute equal labor to the project. gruntled with his spouse Together, they lugged the ladder, as the “splitters” felt to­ drove to the store for a second shop ward each other. Lib took her sweet time returning apron, and argued over how best to He noticed a friend here and a to the cottage of their dreams. And come up with a plumb line. neighbor there who were exiting those last few curls of carefully Lib cut the first strip of paper too congregations lacking in youth em­ measured, matched wallpaper lay short, and Porter forgot to leave a phasis or parting company with on the floor for weeks. two-inch lap at the comer. That Lib those offering kids entirely too While Lib and Port eventually had neglected to buy prepasted much. As he observed this mind- patched things up and, to the best of wallpaper insured chaos. Port’s trip­ boggling game of “musical church­ my knowledge, lived happily ever ping over the paste bucket was, in­ es,” temporals such as pews and after, that south wall never did get disputably, Lib’s fault. Still, while carpets came into play. He saw, too, papered.

N o v e m b e r 1995 5 T he R eaders Write

God bless our precious teens. May all of us find a way to wor­ ship together in unity and agree on tolerance. I'd rather preach Jesus Christ resurrected from the dead and new life in the power of the Holy Spirit than hot sermons against rock music. It's harder to do than fight, but I have learned to trust the Holy Spirit to do the work of convincing us to lift our culture and mature our spirits. C. Dale German Portland. Oreg. You’ve Come a Long Way I was mildly shocked to hear myself exclaim as I picked up the January 1995 issue of the Herald of Holiness, “You’ve come Why Do They Listen? a long way, baby.” In spite of the origin of the words, the fact re­ Respectfully, I disagree with A1 Menconi's answer to “Rock mains: The H erald has come a long way since a little 10-year- Music: Why Do Teens Listen?” (Sept. ’95). His answer sounds old boy picked up a copy someone had left on a seat in the like liberal philosophy so prevalent today. The teens are victims. Bluffton, Ind., Church of the Nazarene early in 1920. Blame their parents. He gives three answers to his question: (1) I can still see the not-too-high-quality paper and the format of Parents don’t give their teens enough time; (2) Parents don’t the H erald as that little boy held it in his hands. The paper has give their teens enough acceptance; (3) Parents don’t give their come a long way since then, and so has the little boy—grew up teens understanding and interest. in a Nazarene home, became the product of Nazarene Sunday Teens listen to rock music because we all live in a culturally Schools and Nazarene ministers who preached the ways of holi­ dumbed-down world where it is easier to absorb junk than to ness, became the product of a Nazarene college and the minis­ think. Teens listen to rock because it is force-fed to them (and all ters’ training course, pastored churches, attended countless dis­ of us) everywhere we go, including church. Teens listen to rock trict assemblies, general assemblies, missionary conventions, because the herd instinct causes them to want to go along with preachers’ meetings, and two PALCONs, to list part of the the crowd. Teens listen to rock because it is “the sound” of their Nazarene influence in his life. generation, invented by a godless, sex-crazed, angry, and rebel­ And as the boy changed and matured, so did the H erald until lious anti-Christian counterculture that makes billions of dollars it is a periodical we can be proud of as we see it in our homes. selling it. Teens listen to rock because THEY choose to listen to That little boy can say with David, “I have been young, but now rock, and they choose to listen to it because they have no memo­ am old” (85) but I still get a thrill when the H erald comes . . . ry of anything better to listen to. Ignorance is bliss! and to think, the church sends it to us old retirees month in and My spirit is not angry. Personally, I choose not to wage war month out, so thanks a lo t. .. and do keep up the good work! any longer over the issue of music. Rock music is a detriment to A. Ralph Boxell spirituality, but it is probably a war we have already lost. As Clinton, Mo. pastor, I choose to live with music I cannot stand and accept the Gambling and Public Policy fact that everyone does not have to think as I do. I have come to I was so pleased to see the important issue of casino gambling see that the goal is heaven and every generation is going to have featured on the cover of the July issue of your magazine. A copy to find its own way there through its own unique culture as God of the enclosed articles were given to me by the Nazarene repre­ sheds light. sentative on our Board of Directors.

Send for your FREE WILL KIT today!

Rev. WHATEVER Dr. M r. M rs . M is s YOUR A d d re s s

C ity

CIRCUMSTANCES, S ta te ZiD

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Spouse’s Birth Date A WILL A WILL (Month) (Day) (Year) PROVIDES Better yet. your church may / 0 f % \ FOR YOUR MOST wish to have our representa­ Leave a Legacy tive conduct a W ills Seminar. c ^ P l a n n e d PRICELESS Call today. L j m L G I V I N G Lot Confusion 6401 PASEO BOULEVARD POSSESSIONS 18005448413 KANSAS CITY, M O 64131

6 H e r a i.d o e H o liness Our organization led a successful fight against casino gam­ Return to Grass Roots bling in Maine last year. Nazarene churches played an important After receiving the September Herald of Holiness, we are role in convincing lawmakers to reject the proposed Indian casi­ shocked by the photo on the cover of young people in their no. shorts. Inside, there are more photos of students in short shorts. In the article highlighting the effective efforts of Nazarene at­ As members of the Church of the Nazarene. we are disap­ torney Stanley Crow in Idaho, I discovered much with which I pointed over what the church now considers normal. Much more enthusiastically agree. The campaign waged in Idaho was obvi­ could be said about what goes on at our colleges and camps ously reasonable as well as effective. The insights contained in throughout the denomination. We love the church and hope it the article should go into every anticasino activist's fde. will return to our grass roots, proclaiming true holiness. May the However. Attorney Crow made one point that deserves Church of the Nazarene again become a holiness church! thoughtful consideration. The article quotes him as saying, “Be­ Senior Adult Sunday School Class yond quoting Scripture, Christian churches have not done much First Church of the Nazarene to try to rebut postmodern subjectivism with reasons and argu­ Richmond. Ky. ments that non-Christians can comprehend. That rebuttal is vital­ September Distressing ly necessary, but the time to do it is before a specific gambling I for one was very distressed by the September issue of the issue arises. Winning on a specific gambling issue requires gam­ Herald. All through the magazine were pictures of young men bling-related reasons and arguments that make economic and and women in pants and shorts. I cannot see Christian young political sense—not just moral, philosophical, or religious men and women dressing this way. This is a holiness magazine, sense.” and I would not want my non-Christian friends to see it. I find that it is popular today to check religious arguments at Charles L. Gorman the door of the State House. Sing about them at church, pray Louisville. Ky. about them at home, care about them when you're alone, but for goodness’ sake, don't bring your faith-based perspective into a public campaign. Perhaps it’s the Francis Schaeffer influence, or the fact that economic and political arguments arc boring, hut for me, the reasons that matter are the ones that are found in faith, conviction—religion. THE HERALD OF HOLINESS I agree with Mr. Crow. The smart, practical strategist in 1995 is going to counsel distance from religious arguments in public “The Things That Matter Most” campaigns. Winning in a morally subjective, postmodern culture Fill out this form and mail today requires it. However, changing a morally subjective, postmodern culture is going to require more than relying on the "Christian to start receiving the Herald o f Church.” It's going to take every one of us, fashioning faith- Holiness. For faster service, based arguments that matter in everything we do. call toll-free 1-800-877-0700. Attorney Crow's comment is a reminder to me of the desper­ ate need for creative commitment to thoughtful Christian en­ Enter my subscription for gagement in all areas of life—especially public policy. Christian □ One year, $10.00 activists must not allow faith-based perspectives to take a back □ Two years, $19.00 seat to economic ones. □ Three years, $28.00 Michael S. Heath Christian Civic League of Maine Enter a gift subscription at $ for year(s) and send tc Wins Ihe Weight Battle I am a pastor in the Church of the Nazarene and am in my first N am e church out of NTS. I simply wanted to take a moment of your A ddress time and say a huge thank you for publishing Lynn Hill's article on “Weigh to Win” in the September '94 issue of the Herald. It Citv Siate/Prov. Z ip has truly changed my life! □ B ill m e. Last year at this time, I weighed 277 pounds and was miserable □ Enclosed is mv check for $ with myself. I have dieted most all of my life and have never To charge your order to Visa or MasterCard, call toll-free found victory, but always seemed to end up gaining more. Then I picked up my H erald last October and happened on to Lynn’s ar­ 1-800-877-0700. ticle. I ordered the program because of the Lord’s leading and N am e now sit here today writing this letter about 120 pounds lighter and A ddress 90 inches smaller. It took about eight months and a whole lot of commitment, prayer, and exercise, but glory to God it happened. Citv State/Prov. Z ip Jesus has given me victory over what was so long for me an emo­ P h o n e ( ) tional and spiritual battle. 1 give God all the praise for “Weigh to Make checks payable to: Herald of Holiness Win” and again, "Thank you” for the publication. If you helped no one else, you helped bring a miracle into my life. I now run 6.2 The local Church of the Nazarene 1 attend is miles a day and love every Name of Church minute of it. 1 tell everyone I meet about “Weigh to Win” A ddress and where I found it. I am al­ City______State/Prov.______Zip most half the man I once was If ordering by mail, clip and send to: and I am happy! The Herald of Holiness Thin and thankful. Nazarene Publishing House Mark K. Berkhouse P.O. Box 419527 • Kansas City, MO 64141 Kingwood, W.Va.

N o v e m b e r 1995 7 f BREAK

y e a r ’s w a g e s — t h a t ’s came slowly in a voice that trem­ what it’s worth. bled just a little. “Pastor, my bike Mary holds an orna­ was stolen last month.” [Oh boy, mental vase. Holds it what next? hung in the nervous air carefully—it would like smoke.] “I’ve been saving my take 12 months of labor lawn mowing money to buy a new to replace the precious one.” [So he has a savings project, perfume inside— pure nard, it is. but is that what you talk about in What is she doing with such a Sunday worship?] “It’s not much valuable vase of perfume at a din­ money,” the boy from the ner party? She seems to pay no at­ unchurched home continued, “but tention to the master of ceremonies, it’s all I’ve got. And I want Jesus Simon. Look, she kneels by the to have it.” rabbi, Jesus of Nazareth. She is The Holy Spirit swept across opening the costly perfume, her the congregation. You could al­ own personal treasure. What? Can most hear ho-hum and even hard you believe it? She is pouring it all hearts melting. To Give the out on Jesus’ A te e n a g e feet. The fra­ girl had been grance of nard saving all year HERALD fills the air. No I ’D LOVE THAT CRUISE, long for a plane OF Parisian per­ BUT I LOVE JESUS MORE. trip to Nash­ fume can match ville to spend this. Who does the summer HOLINESS she think Jesus with her sister. is, anyway? It would be her This Christmas How she must love Him ... first airplane ride. Even though her And so the Sunday sermon on voice was not strong in the holy Call 1800-8770700 John 12:1-8 proceeded at the Oak hush of that moment, everyone Hill Church of the Nazarene, Jack­ could hear. “I’m giving my ticket sonville, Florida. “At least once money to missions, to Jesus." . . . at least once in our lives,” the A retired pastor got to his feet. preacher said, “at least once in our “I’m giving next month’s pension Charge a gift lives we should give a truly sacri­ check to Jesus— all of it.” subscription ficial offering to Jesus just because A young couple stood. “For our we love Him.” The preacher kept 10th anniversary, we planned a to your Visa, saying it again and again. second honeymoon,” the husband MasterCard, Then he gave an invitation: said as he held his wife’s hand. or your personal account. “Would anyone here like to ‘break “We just started saving for it. We a v ase’ for Jesus?”. have $250. We want to give it to An 11-year-old boy from an Jesus.” They hugged. Gift Subscriptions unchurched home stood. All eyes A woman who had just retired $ 1 0 .0 0 ...... one year turned his way. What in the world was going to take a cruise to re­ $ 1 9 .0 0 two years would this child blurt out? What ward herself—her own retirement $ 2 8 .0 0 ...... three years would he know about how party. “I set aside $1,000 for the “church” is done? Then the words fee. I’d love that cruise, but I love

8 H e r a l d o f H o lin ess A VASE

Jesus more. I’m giving Him my Finally it was over. Or so we $ 1,000.” thought. Later that afternoon, the Another couple who had been doorbell rang at the parsonage. A saving for their “dream home” family stood on the doorstep with gave all their savings to the Lord. a brand-new bike for the little Two couples who had their boy! Arrangements were made for homes for sale pledged $5,000 the boy and his parents to return each from the profits to the Lord. for the evening service, where he A couple whose 18-year-old was presented the new bike. As daughter had recently passed he rode the bicycle down the aisle, away gave the Lord the money he turned and yelled to the con­ they were saving to purchase a gregation, “It sure pays to give to headstone for her grave. the L ord!” The Spirit continued to over­ Then it happened all over whelm His people. The service again! People began to stand and went on for over an hour with testify, and more “Break a Vase” similar testimonies and pledges. pledges were made. A fresh new

n THANKSGIVING A family must create a cli­ A D OFFERING FOR WORLD EVANGELISM mate of warmth, accep­ tance, and structure if chil­ dren are to grow up healthy. The very essence of that climate is centered in a healthy marriage. This book, the first in the series Framing Better Families, will help you “take an in­

CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE • STEWARDSHIP SERVICES ventory” of your marriage and strengthen the essen­ tials of your relationship. But the greatest blessings were yet spirit of revival is sweeping our By Grace Ketterman. to com e. church as people show their love Following the service, a man for God and for one another! HH083-411-562X, $6.95 offered to buy the headstone for Last-minute update: the couple the family who had lost their who gave up their second honey­ To Order Call daughter. That would be his bro­ moon received a check in the mail ken vase! Another couple would today for $ 1,200. The memo at the 1 - 800~ 877-0700 buy the teenager her plane ticket! bottom of the check was simply Some gave grocery money to pro­ marked, “Praise the Lord!” BEACON HILL PRESS ® vide for the retired pastor who OF KAN SAS CITY Adapted from a letter from Scott Ostendorf, Sr., pastor, Oak gave his pension check. Hill Church of the Nazarene, Jacksonville, Florida.

N o v e m b e r 1995 9 N ews BY MARK GRAHAM and BRYAN MERRILL

Nazarene Church/School Destroyed by Arson Accident Claims Three The 46-year-old building of the Philo­ by Tarpley at a convenience store near The daugher, foster­ math, Oreg., Church of the Nazarene the church were found at the crime daughter, and future was destroyed by arson Sunday, Sept. scene. son-in-law of Nazarene 3, according to Pastor Terry Osborne. Arson is blamed for more than $3 e v a n g e list Jerry L. A person has been arrested in connec­ million in damages to six churches in Boron of Clarington, tion with the fire. recent months throughout Oregon. Ohio, were killed in a The blaze was discovered around However, no evidence was found link­ traffic accident near Woodsfield, Ohio, 4:15 a . m . by Osborne’s daughter, Sta­ ing Tarpley to any of the other inci­ cie, who was asleep in the basement of dents. Officials are speculating that it Tammy Boron Aug. 10. Those killed the neighboring parsonage. She aroused may be a case of copycat crime. were: Boron’s oldest the family and called 9-1-1 for help. After holding Sunday services for daughter, Tammy, 18; Tammy’s fiance, The Philomath Volunteer Fire Depart­ two weeks in the Grange Hall, the Ferrell Van Horn, 20; and Boron’s 9- ment arrived within 15 minutes. They Nazarene congregation began holding year-old foster daughter, Christina Martin. battled the blaze along with the Corval­ services in Philomath City Hall Council Services were held Aug. 14 at the lis Fire Department for three hours. Chambers Sept. 24. A contract was ini­ New Martinsville, W.Va., Church, “Stacie said she was sitting up in bed tiated with the city to use the facilities where the Borons are members. before she realized she was awake,” for both Sunday services until the The accident was described by said Osborne. “She saw a glow behind church can secure a permanent location. Boron as a head-on collision with a soft the curtains and looked out to see the The church also operates a Christian drink truck. The gas tanks of both vehi­ southwest corner of the building on school, which lost its media equipment, cles ruptured, causing an intense fire. fire. It must have been the Lord who computers, and desks in the fire. Also The fire destroyed the contents of both awakened her, because there were no lost in the fire was the pastor’s personal vehicles. The driver of the truck was loud sounds or bright lights.” library. not seriously injured. Firefighters told Osborne that the The school is renting space at Col­ “The only personal property that building’s brick walls and metal roof lege United Methodist Church in Philo­ wasn’t destroyed in the fire was a Bible probably incubated the fire for several math. Osborne said that 42 of the in the back seat,” said Boron. “We hours. The heat of the blaze broke win­ school's 43 students returned for class­ were grateful for this sign that God was dows and melted window blinds in the es Sept. 25. standing near the children in the midst adjacent parsonage. The parsonage The church has insurance coverage of this tragedy.” basement was also flooded. for the replacement cost of the structure Tammy and Ferrell were scheduled James Allen Tarpley, 25, of Alsea, and contents up to $500,000, according to be married Aug. 26. Tammy graduat­ Oreg., was arrested and charged with to Osborne. The church may not be ed from high school earlier this year arson and burglary Sept. 15. Philomath able to rebuild at its former site be­ and had planned to pursue a career in Police Chief Richard Raleigh told the cause of changes in city codes since the nursing. Ferrell worked at a local muf­ Associated Press that items purchased property was developed. fler store. Tammy is survived by her parents. Jerry and Sherry Boron; two brothers, Jeremy and Michael; a sister, Shana; Pastor Killed En Route to Church and her grandparents, Calvin and Mary Mac Hollingsworth, 59, pastor of the Hollingsworth’s car reportedly was Lee Boron and Hobert and Louise Bakersfield, Calif., Faith Church of the broadsided by another car that ran a Davis. Nazarene, was killed while en route to stoplight. The driver of the other vehi­ Christina had been a foster child in Sunday morning services cle was charged with the Boron home for two years. Christi­ Aug. 6. Hollingsworth’s gross vehicular homicide. na was preceded in death by her father. wife, Bunny, who is in a The driver was allegedly Bruce Martin. Survivors include her skilled nursing facility in driving under the influ­ mother, Tina Sidorak Martin; two Bakersfield, has been in a ence. brothers, Steven and Darrell Martin; coma since the accident. An alumnus of Naza­ and her foster family. Services were held at rene Bible College, Ferrell, of Pine Grove, W.Va., is sur­ Bakersfield Olive Knolls Hollingsworth pastored vived by his parents, Leary W. and Church Aug. 12. for two years at Faith Louise Van Horn; and two brothers, Hollingsworth is sur­ Mac and Bunny Church. Previous pas­ Joseph Van Horn and Matthew Conrad. vived by his wife, Bunny; Hollingsworth torates include: Bakers­ The Borons have served pastorates at three sons. Randy, Ron, field, Calif., East Hills; Akron, Ohio, Shadyside; Elizabeth. and Greg; two daughters, Wendy Jarrett Sonora, Calif; Modesto, Calif., Trinity; W.Va.; Clay, W.Va.; Hebron, Ohio; and Kristine Baldwin; a sister, Kay Big Spring, Tex.; Fontana, Calif., First; and Lucasville, Ohio. They also are for­ Lewis; and 13 grandchildren. Caruthers, Calif.; and Coalinga, Calif. mer employees of NPH.

10 H er a l d o f H o lin ess NNC Achieves High Rating Nazarene Wins World Series For the fourth time in six years. North­ Benjamin Kayser, 16, of Moses Lake. the team from Calgary, Alta., in the west Nazarene College has been rated Wash., First Church of the Nazarene, Northwest Regional Championship among the top 10 regional liberal arts pitched a shutout in the championship game to earn his team a berth in the colleges in the western United States, round of the Babe Ruth World Series tournament. according to U.S. News and World Re­ World Series in Jamestown, Earlier this summer, port. NNC was the only Nazarene col­ N.Y., Aug. 26. Kayser gave Kayser completed a 70- lege listed in the survey of U.S. post­ up seven hits in six-and-a- game schedule as the secondary schools published Sept. 18. third innings as the Colum­ youngest member of the Co- NNC was ranked fourth in the West bia Basin Junior River Dogs lumbia Basin River Dogs in the magazine’s ninth annual rating. defeated the Iron Area, N.J., Senior American Legion Last year, the college was ranked sev­ team 3-0 for the national ti­ team. Last December, enth in the West. In 1990 and 1991, the tle. Kayser joined a Columbia college was rated sixth and eighth re­ During the tournament, Basin team that represented spectively. the 6-foot-2-inch left-hand­ the United States in invita­ “We are pleased to be on the list er batted .250, recorded a tional tournaments in Sid­ again,” said Richard Hagood, NNC save in the second round, ney and Brisbane, Australia. president. "Our emphasis on access to and played first base without an error. A fourth generation Nazarene, higher education and exceptional quali­ For his effort, Kayser was named to the Kayser is the son of Jerry and Ronda ty. which results in high student and 10-member World Series all-tourna­ Kayser, and grandson of Rev. James alumni satisfaction, has again been rec­ ment team. and Jean Kayser. He is a junior honor ognized." The week prior to this, Kayser student at Moses Lake High School and The U.S. N ew s ratings are based on pitched a two-hit, 8-1 victory against an active member of his youth group. surveys of college and university offi­ cials, including presidents, deans, and admission directors. It measures an in­ stitution's reputation among personnel from some 1,400 accredited four-year schools. The categories in which NNC re­ ceived its highest rankings were: facul­ ty resources (2nd), retention (7th), alumni satisfaction (9th), and student selectivity (9th). NYI Targets Olympic Games Nazarene college students interested in ministry at the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta, Ga., have been sub­ 1995 Youth in Mission Training Camp mitting applications since September, according to Tim Mastin, general ward children and youth in the Atlanta Washim, India, and Raleigh Fitkin Youth in Mission (Y1M) coordinator. area. Memorial Hospital in Manzini, Swazi­ The YIM fall tour, which began at Last year, YIM trained 90 Nazarene land. Eastern Nazarene College Sept. 19, in­ college students for ministry in 17 loca­ In addition, four teams are being as­ cludes interviews for three different tions. World mission areas hosting sembled for urban assignments in the ministries targeting the 100th anniver­ teams last year included Australia, U.S. through Mission to the Cities. The sary of the Olympiad. Papua New Guinea, Hong Kong, South targeted Compassionate Ministries Dubbed the “More than Gold" At­ Africa, Russia, Ukraine, Mexico, Centers include: Beecher Community, lanta Outreach, the three proposed Ecuador, and Costa Rica. Flint, Mich.; Golden Gate Community, teams will work with local Nazarene Ten nations are being targeted for San Francisco; Side by Side Ministries, churches to facilitate outreach cam­ 1996 YIM teams, according to Mastin. Philadelphia; and The Lamb’s Center, paigns during the games. The teams International Student Ministry teams New York City. will include: sports outreach through are being sought for assignments to Al­ The YIM recruitment tour of Naza­ neighborhood clinics in basketball, soc­ bania, Australia, Azores, Canada, Por­ rene postsecondary schools in the U.S. cer, and volleyball; music outreach tugal, Spain, Russia, and Ukraine. In­ and Canada will continue through next through performances and worship in ternational “First Aid" Healthcare month. The remaining visits include: area churches and parks; and ministries teams are scheduled to be assigned to MANC, Nov. 7-9; CNC, Nov. 17; outreach through programs targeted to- Reynolds Memorial Hospital, in NTS, Dec. 1; and NBC, Dec. 4-7.

N o v e m b e r 1995 11 I

SAM Region Evangelizing Asia-Pacific Growing majority of people on this region do not yet know Christ and the abundant life The South America (SAM) Regional Evangelism and growth were the focus that He came to give,” said Hane. Evangelism Conference was an out­ of celebration as 185 delegates and re­ The five-day conference, coordinated standing success, according to Kevin gional representatives gathered for the by Albert and Sallie Zabel, included Brunk, regional administrative assis­ fourth quadrennial Asia-Pacific Regional seminars, workshops, and devotional tant. The region reported more than 100 Conference in Manila, Philippines, Aug. times. Evening services featured music new converts during the campaign pre­ 23-27. More than 1,100 persons partici­ from around the region, inspirational re­ pated in both Sunday services held in the ceding the regional conference Aug. ports from various fields, and messages Manila Midtown Hotel ballroom. 31— Sept. 2. by national and international church Participants hailed from 35 districts leaders. “Each night of the campaign, a dif­ in 18 countries, including representa­ ferent pastor spoke,” said Brunk. "It tives from 12 educational institutions. was an outstanding evangelistic cam­ “Visualize a place being jam-packed Caribbean On Track paign with dozens coming to Jesus with Nazarenes singing praises in dif­ The Caribbean Region is on track and Christ. We praise the Lord." ferent languages and dialects, sharing moving in the right direction, accord­ The SAM Regional Conference con­ mealtimes, and seeking in every word, ing to General Superintendent James tinued through Sept. 7. Delegations thought, and act to glorify the Lord," H. Diehl, who just returned from the from each of the region’s 10 countries said A. Brent Cobb, Asia-Pacific re­ Caribbean Regional Conference (Aug. presented reports during the gathering. gional director. "That mental video clip 17-20) in Santo Domingo in the Do­ “In one of the sessions, the Brazilians may begin to capture the spirit of the minican Republic. Some 300 persons reconfirmed 100 percent support in giv­ conference. It was a preview of the from 23 of the 26 nations of the region ing to the General Budget,” said Glynda things the Lord has in store for those were present for the sessions. who love Him.” “There is a renewed sense that we Wesley, regional missionary. “With this The conference theme of “Each One are on track under the leadership of in mind, the other countries also Reach One” was highlighted by the re­ John Smee," said Diehl. “They have pledged their support for General Bud­ port of growth on the region. During been waiting for several years for get giving. This led to an overwhelming the past four years, membership has in­ someone to blow the trumpet and say. feeling of support as never before.” creased by more than 20 percent, ac­ ‘Let’s go,’ and John Smee is there to Bruno Radi, SAM regional director, cording to Cobb. The number of regu­ lead them in a dynamic way." reported that the region has planted lar districts increased by 100 percent Diehl said the services were marked more than 1,200 churches during the during the same period. by a camp meeting spirit with many past 12 years. The Asia-Pacific Region is home to persons moving to the altar, although Three missionary couples who were nearly half of the world's people, ac­ the various languages used created a recently appointed to the SAM Region cording to Dave Hane, Asia-Pacific Re­ problem when it came to the singing. were introduced during the conference. gion programs coordinator. “The vast “The songs were sung in English, Cre­ The new missionaries and their assign­ ole, and Spanish—all at the same ments are: Carlos and Noemi Fernan­ time.” said Diehl. “This resulted in a dez, field directors for the Cono Sur somewhat strained situation until Sun­ day morning. That's when we sang Field; Ruben and Monica Fernandez, ‘How Great Thou Art.’ With hands in rector of the seminary in Costa Rica; the air, and tears on faces, we sang it and Alfredo and Rute Mullieri, general again and again. We finally found a appointment to the South America Re­ song that brought us together, despite gion. our linguistic differences. It was a On Sunday, Sept. 3, General Super­ blessed moment." intendent Jerald D. Johnson preached This was the final trip for Diehl to his final sermon as general superinten­ the Caribbean as responsible general dent in jurisdiction of the SAM Region. Above—Sharing strategies during the Asia- superintendent for the region. Pacific Regional Conference were (I to r.): education commissioner Jerry Lambert, missionary Ung Ty Ratlief, and regional di­ rector A. Brent Cobb. Left— Field director Stephen Heap (far left) joins in worship with the Brazilian delega­ tion at the SAM Regional Conference. Right— Michael R. Estep (right), Communi­ cations Division director, addresses the Caribbean Regional Conference with inter­ pretation by Spanish Publications coordi­ nator Jose Pacheco. NPH President Bob Brower looks on at left.

12 H e r a l d o f H o lin e ss Conference Postponed New DSs Convene The Evangelism Conference originally Six new superintendents, elected or ap­ WORLD scheduled to be held Feb. 20-22, 1996, pointed to districts in the U.S. and in Kansas City will be rescheduled, ac­ Canada this past year, gathered in MISSION cording to Bill Sullivan, Church Kansas City for orientation sessions Growth Division director. A new date Sept. 18-20, according to Jack Stone, has not been determined. general secretary. The meetings were The change was made because of a sponsored by the Board of General Su­ national pastors meeting coordinated by perintendents and the general secre­ Promise Keepers of Boulder, Colo., tary’s office. scheduled for the week prior to the con­ The orientation included meetings ference, according to Sullivan. Promise with the general superintendents and directors from the International Center Keepers is anticipating as many as concerning general church services. 80,000 pastors at the Atlanta, Ga., Other sessions included interaction event. with veteran superintendents regarding VIDEO “We have been told by many pastors district procedures. I m a g a z in e I that their laymen are strongly encour­ aging them to attend the Promise Keep­ ers conference,” said Sullivan. “The Video Magazine Acclaimed two meetings were too close together, and the expense of trying to attend both The initial response to World Mission would be too great. We did not want Video Magazine has been positive and upbeat, according to Dave Anderson, our pastors to have to choose between Media International director. More than such an important pastors gathering and 6,000 copies of the magazine’s second our own Evangelism Conference.” edition were mailed in the second quar­ The Evangelism Conference, which is attended by pastors and evangelists, ter to Nazarene churches in the U.S. and Canada, as well as to English- has been held quadrennially since 1947, speaking churches in world areas. according to Nazarene Archives. Those attending the orientation included "We’re asking people to pray that The video is designed to complement (I. to r.): Ted R. Lee, Indianapolis; David God will help us as we reschedule the World Mission magazine. Nixon, Dallas; J. Dennis Johnson, Ten­ conference and plan for a renewal of the "The video makes it possible to nessee; Wesley G. Campbell, Canada Pacif­ primary task of the church,” said Sulli­ ic; Lee Woolery, Northwest Indiana; and reach a different group of people who van. David Parker, Canada Atlantic. are unable to read the magazine,” said Angela Thacker, NWMS president in Jacksonville, Fla. “The professional Unauthorized Fund-raising quality of the set, music, reporters, and photography make this a valuable re­ Many voices are pleading for money terminology that we generally use to source for our missions program." from God’s people. Our church people describe “approved specials.” Spe­ The video is a collection of program are not immune to these pleas. We un­ cials listed in official church publica­ segments divided by a countdown derstand that mailing lists are ex­ tions such as the H era ld o f H o lin ess changed freely and are even sold. Tra­ clock. The accompanying program and World Mission magazine will ditionally, we have tried to guide guide identifies segments by content have been approved by the commit­ Nazarenes by urging them to channel tee. Projects listed as “approved” in and projected audience. Portions are their donations through their local suitable for viewing by an entire con­ correspondence by officials at the In­ churches, districts, or the general ternational Center will also have been gregation, while others may be more church into what we have called “ap­ approved. Other than this, any solici­ useful for a Sunday School class, teen proved projects” or “approved spe­ tation would be suspect. This advice group meeting, missions study group, or cials.” An official committee meets to does not pertain to regular offerings for children's worship, said Anderson. consider and approve projects that fit in the local church, such as building "I watched [the video] with interest, into the mission of the Church of the fund or Faith Promise pledges. Our and enjoyed the excellent photogra­ Nazarene. Giving to approved projects people are advised to contact the of­ phy,” said Loren Gresham, president of permits a congregation to receive fices of either the World Mission Di­ Southern Nazarene University, in a let­ credit for missionary giving. vision or Church Growth Division ter to the producers. “The stories were We have become aware of unau­ thorized personnel soliciting funds when they are in doubt about any inspirational, and in some cases, dis­ from our people. They have, in some fund-raising project. turbing [referring to the Rwanda instances, done so by adopting the Board of General Superintendents footage].”

N o v e m b e r 1995 13 Christmas Project Begins Nazarene Educators sion of the shape and direction of Nazarene higher education.” Seek Global Cooperation The group identified several priori­ Fifteen representatives of Nazarene ties for Nazarene higher education, in­ higher education met this summer in cluding: developing a plan for distance Oxford, England, for a consultation to graduate education in Latin America; develop a global strategy for Nazarene seeking a communications link among education, according to Jerry Lambert, key educators; producing a video train­ commissioner of the International ing program for pastors on all regions; Board of Education. developing a library for institutions and The meeting was held in conjunction extension centers; creating a registry of with a two-week, interdenominational Nazarene educators; and establishing conference at the Oxford Centre for an international resource program to Mission Studies. The program, “Insti­ Nathan Biswas (right), national NCM coordi­ develop an integrated system of educa­ tutional Development for Theological nator, wades knee-deep in water as he tion. evaluates flood damage at Nayanagar Education in the Two-Thirds World," Church of the Nazarene in Bangladesh. attracted persons from every continent representing various missionary agen­ Chaplaincy Grows Nazarene Compassionate Ministries cies and educational institutions. Par­ Nazarene chaplains has announced the formation of the ticipants attended more than 90 hours now number in excess Christmas Project for south Asia, ac­ of seminars, lectures, panels, and dia­ of 600, according to cording to Steve Weber, NCM interna­ logue sessions concerning innovation Curt Bowers, Chap­ tional coordinator. The project will tar­ in higher education. get the nations of Bangladesh, India, laincy Ministries direc­ Nazarenes Kent Brower and Ted Es- tor. The new figure and Pakistan. selstyn served as resource persons to represents growth of Five Nazarene churches in Dhaka, the conference. In addition, Lambert nearly 400 percent over Bangladesh, and at least 100 Nazarene preached for the closing Communion families are known to have been affect­ service. the last decade. ed by recent flooding in the region. Un­ “Truthfully, I have never seen as Nazarene chaplains serve in 38 dif­ usually heavy flooding along the many people resources available to our ferent ministry settings, said Bowers. Brahmaputra and Ganges river lowlands leaders,” said Lambert. “New friend­ “I believe our Nazarene chaplains is being blamed for at least 66 deaths ships, relationships, and networks were are the church’s greeting cards to soci­ and damage to a million homes and to established that will make a real differ­ ety,” said Bowers. “Our church cares more than a million acres of crops. ence in future planning for our regional enough to send the very best.” The Christmas Project is being coor­ educators.” The role of the Chaplaincy Min­ dinated by Karen Horner, NCM Child After attending day sessions at the istries office is to recruit, endorse, and Sponsorship coordinator. It will in­ Oxford Centre, the Nazarene educators support Nazarene chaplains, as well as clude a nutritional program targeted at met each evening to discuss Nazarene children under the age of five, as well minister to some 5,000 Nazarene ser­ issues. The group emerged from more vice members, according to Bowers. as provide a community-based health­ than 25 hours of interaction with “The When Bowers, a retired army chap­ care program for all children. Oxford Affirmation”—a “collective vi- The nation of Bangladesh suffers lain, moved to the International Center from acute overcrowding, malnutrition, in 1984, there were 155 Nazarene and poor health conditions, according chaplains. In July of this year, the total to Homer. was 602. “The Church of the Nazarene is cur­ Of the 602 currently assigned chap­ rently planning relief efforts designed lains, 185 are full-time. Fifty-five of not only to bring immediate aid to the full-time chaplains are assigned to flood victims but also to provide long­ the U.S. military. These include 38 in term solutions to problems that have the army, 12 in the navy, and 5 in the long plagued the people of Bangla­ air force. Most Nazarene chaplains desh,” said Homer. serve in volunteer or part-time contract Contributions for relief may be sent to the Nazarene Compassionate Min­ assignments outside the military. Participating in the global education con­ istries Fund, earmarked “Bangladesh “The chaplaincy is a good way to ex­ sultation were (I. to r-., front): Roy Stults, tend ministry beyond the walls of the NCM” or “South Asia Christmas Proj­ Wilbur Brannon, Jerry D. Lambert, Gordon church by endearing oneself to the ect,” payable to General Treasurer, Wetmore, and Al Truesdale; (back) LeBron 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO Fairbanks, Charles Gailey, John Haines, community,” said Bowers. “Chaplains 64131. Canadian contributions should Dwight Swanson, Ted Esselstyn, John M. can take the cause of Christ and the be sent to the Church of the Nazarene Nielson, Kent Brower, Christian Sarmiento, Church of the Nazarene into areas Canada in Brampton, Ont. and Humberto Bullon. where nobody else can go.”

14 H e r a l d o f H o lin e ss T he F am ily A lbum

Adventures in Christian Parenting girl took the flat of her hand and with a quick, decisive SPLAT on the wa­ ter’s surface, splashed water into Tori’s face. This was obviously not the response Tori had been looking for. But three-year-olds are incredibly resilient when it comes to such inter­ personal encounters. After the 10- My Best Friend second solace provided by burying her face in a sun-warmed beach tow­ el, Tori was at it again. This time the JERRY AND LYNDA COHAGAN bedtime is an important life goal for every parent of kids aged five and target was a “Bam-Bam” look-alike three). with really cool planes and boats to By all accounts, the pool was a play with: “Hi! You’re my new best great place to be. And we noticed that friend.” And so the summer went. the pool brought out really interesting In the midst of this summertime behavior in our children. (There’s just friendship campaign, the family was no hiding who you are at the pool— driving home from church one Sun­ unfortunately!) Chase preferred to day while Chase was vividly recount­ have one if not both parents with him ing not the Bible stories he’d heard, Jerry Cohagan is one half of the comedy- in the “deep end.” This was the area but the snacks he’d had in Sunday drama duo, Hicks and Cohagan. Lynda that was four to five feet deep. It gave School. (He’s a lot like his mother in is a high school English teacher in sure footing to the parents for Chase’s this respect.) Tori’s voice piped up, Olathe, Kansas. sense of security but was amply deep “Jesus is my new best friend.” enough for him to get thrown by his It was another of those moments father, dive to the bottom to swim be­ when parents are stopped cold (or tween his mom’s feet, and perfect for strangely warmed?) by the simple It’s November. The storm doors have the cannonball. Chase spent the bulk truth of children. Maybe God gives replaced the screen doors. All the of his time perfecting such skills. us children at the time in our lives petunias have been pulled out of the Tori, on the other hand, preferred when we need to remember all the flowerbed, and the memory of a ripe- to be the social butterfly. She would stuff we knew as children but then red tomato fresh from our garden ex­ spend her time in the shallow area forgot. Jesus is my best friend. At ploding in our mouths is just that— a with the wide steps, the gently slop­ three. Tori no doubt is thinking that memory. Winter is preparing to once ing ramp, and one screaming-with- Jesus isn’t going to splash water in again slither under the front door, delight child for every cu­ swirl against our window panes, and bic foot of water. Tori remind us of those sweltering 100-de- would jump in, look gree days we hated just four short around, locate the child months ago but would now eagerly that seemed to be closest embrace. But before all the hatches are to her size, and immedi­ Jesus isn’t going to splash water battened down and spiced cider re­ ately start talking and in her face or yank a toy boat out places iced tea as the drink of choice, playing with the stranger one memory from this past summer. as if they'd known each of her grasp. Our family spent many an hour in other since birth. When the municipal pool only a few blocks we’d ask about the cur­ from our home. We’d usually go in rent playmate in tow, Tori the evening after an early supper. would instantly respond This accomplished two purposes: we with, “She’s my new best friend.” her face or yank a toy boat out of her parents got to delude ourselves into We’d follow with, “Oh, what’s her grasp. thinking the whole day had been fair­ name?” Tori: “I don’t know.” We hope and pray that when she’s ly pleasant instead of the “heat index One day as we watched Tori play­ 13, she’ll know that Jesus will under­ of 108” affair that had actually tran­ ing from where we were perched on stand her when no one else does. spired. But more importantly, our the wide steps, we heard her say to When she’s 23, Jesus will light her kids would jump, swim, cannonball, that day’s playmate, “You’re my best way through major decisions. When dive, dog-paddle, and splash nonstop friend.” When the little girl respond­ she’s 33, Jesus will be her solace in for a good two hours, which made ed with a look of befuddlement hectic family schedules. Even when getting Chase and Tori into bed a rel­ mixed with disdain, Tori repeated, she’s 83, may she see that one phrase atively easy operation (may seem “You're my best friend!” To this, Tori as the theme of her entire life: Jesus trivial to you, but a quick and easy received a more active response. The is my best friend. tfc

N o v e m b e r 1995 15 Raising the Level of Worship

by Randy T. Hodges, pastor, West Side Church of the Nazarene, Wichita, Kansas

he Apple Computer company was struggling. ing, “If it works for that church, it should work for us.” The “techies” who made the company great But when we chase fads or mimic other churches, we were ill-equipped to lead the huge corporation end up imitating the wrapping on the package while for­ their computer skills had created. Steven Jobs, getting it’s what’s inside that matters. the company’s chairman, traveled to New York Instead of following others, identify strengths in your to recruit Pepsico’s CEO, John Sculley, to pro­ present worship patterns. Look at what you already do vide the leadership Apple needed. well. Perhaps you have a good choir or faithful musi­ Sculley declined Jobs’s offer. But Jobs persisted. Fi­ cians. Maybe the service flows well, or the way your nally, to be rid of him, Sculley made outrageous de­ church handles prayer is especially meaningful to the mands,T including a million-dollar-per-year salary, a mil­ worshipers. Remember the people in your congregation lion dollar bonus, and another million guaranteed in have chosen your services as their place to worship God. severance. He was surprised when Jobs agreed with one Something draws them to your church. stipulation: Sculley would have to move to California. Whether it is the warmth of the people or a giant Sculley refused. Jobs challenged him, “Do you want choir, every successful church has strengths if we stop to to spend the rest of your life selling sugared water, or do identify them. Appreciating our strengths does not ex­ you want to change the world?” cuse us to stay as we are but lets us avoid destroying Those words torpedoed Sculley’s comfortable life. present worship traditions and helps us willingly adjust He’d gotten so caught up in protecting his position at to add meaning to our present worship. Pepsico, preparing his future, and developing his retire­ How can we develop our worship visions? ment plan that he nearly lost an opportunity to change Reading helps. I recommend reading Robert Webber, the world. He packed his bags for California. A new vi­ who has written a library of books and articles on wor­ sion opened the way to new possibilities. ship. I also recom m end Jam es F. W h ite’s Protestant Vision is also necessary for worship. Until we expand Worship: Traditions in Transition; Mastering Worship our vision of what worship can become, we limit what with several prominent worship experts; and William God can do through us. Paul Harvey said a blind man’s W illim on’s Worship as Pastoral Care. world is bound by the limits of his touch; an ignorant Another step is to observe worship services in other man’s world, by the limits of his knowledge; and a great churches. Develop a “discerning eye” and look at the man’s world is bound by the limits of his vision. services from the perspective of a worshiper. Pick The boundaries of our vision limit our ability to churches whose services will probably stretch you with­ achieve. Because the size of our vision establishes what out overwhelming you. we’ll attempt, we must expand our worship horizons. Some Transitions Are Necessary How can worship leaders expand our vision of what to Raise the Level of Worship worship can be? These transitions will probably need to occur to im­ Appreciation for Your Church’s Present Worship prove the worship in your services: When we’ve worked with any group for a while, it’s Improve the quality of services. Sometimes this is just easy to take their strengths for granted and to see only a matter of attending to details. Though we’re not mar­ the shortcomings. Applying this to worship means we keting a production, God deserves nothing less than our can sometimes see only where our services are severely best effort. In Malachi, God considered a “worship lock­ lacking. out” because the people offered God less than their best. We need to fight the “grass is always greener” syn­ Offer more opportunities for involvement. Let people drome. It’s easy to believe every other church attracts use their talents to help in various areas. The more you huge crowds, holds multiple services, and does mar­ can encourage active participation, the better. Delegate velous, cutting-edge worship. responsibilities to quality people who will share the load. Too many worship leaders chase the latest fad, believ­ Pay more attention to planning and coordination. This

16 H e r a l d o f H o lin ess is essential as you add more people and groups, because more participants means more complexity. More com­ plexity requires more time to coordinate efforts. How to Make Worship Changes Without Changing Churches How can leaders break through the resistances to posi­ tive change in worship? These steps can help us more ef­ fectively guide God’s people through change. 1. Ask God to provide a clear vision of what needs to change and why. Since worship starts with God, it makes sense that changes to worship should also originate with Him. James 1:5 clearly directs, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (NIV). Sometimes as we pray, God starts the change in us. He may infuse us with courage—courage to keep going, to remain positive, and to keep believing in God’s people even when they don’t embrace changes we consider nec­ essary. Belief in people is essential. Rather than seeing them as adversaries, we must maintain the view that we are all teammates working to accomplish God’s work and will. 2. Consider the magnitude of change needed and cre­ ate a plan to manage the issues involved. Minor changes can happen quickly and with minimal work. However it is unwise to treat major changes in that same manner. Remember the greater the change, the more carefully the process needs to be managed. Manag­ H. Armstrong Roberts ing changes means providing adequate, clear informa­ tion and then giving time for people to own the changes themselves. We manage change by guiding people through adjust­ ments and encouraging them to see the benefits of adapt­ ing to new patterns. In the Midst 3. Earn the trust of the people. How can we do this? One way is by having good wor­ The clustering of Christian friends ship services. If the people feel good about what they are For comfort in God’s name already experiencing, they will find it easier to support Renews our strength in common praise what they have not yet experienced. And lifts our hearts again. We can establish trust by building strong relationships with individuals. Friends listen more openly to proposals for change than do strangers. Our holy laughter, hymns, and songs We also establish trust by showing sensitivity to our Delight our God and us. people’s values. By understanding their concerns, we God’s healing to the saints belongs make it possible for them to relax. When we approach Him thus. 4. Understand the key role of influential leaders. Not all the people must agree with the proposed Here in the midst of Christian friends changes. However, it greatly helps if key leaders are sup­ God’s comfort sweet abides. portive, or at least not opposed to, the concepts. In eveiy place where hearts are His, 5. Examine your congregation’s worship dynamics. The blessed Lord resides. How deep is the talent well from which you draw? Do —Nancy Spiegelberg you have the laypeople and staff to implement the wor­ ship programs you may want to start? What are the musical preferences? Evaluate whether

continued on page 21

N o v e m b e r 1995 17 WHAT WE LEARNE

by Roland Feltmate, pastor, ingly different worship preferences. (4) conducting the necessary ad­ North Hill Church of the At North Hill Church of the ministrative meetings (committee, Nazarene, Calgary, Alberta Nazarene here in Calgary, we decid­ church board, and congregation) in ed to explore this challenge. We order to prepare for implementation. e can discover a great knew different worship style prefer­ (5) beginning the implementation deal about an individ­ ences existed. We wanted to devel­ process by conducting a series of ual when we know his op and implement a philosophy of seven sample worship services. or her preferred style worship that would be helpful to all (6) completing the implementa­ of music. I have two people in our church. tion process by “doing” the theory children. Whenever over a longer period of time (seven one of them borrows months). my car, I can tell which it was just (7) completing surveys and evalu­ by the radio station the dial was ations plus designing a handbook for turnedW to. Being their father, I can worship leaders as a guide for on­ tell you their music preferences are going application and evaluation. not erased upon entering the sanctu­ Preparation ary on Sunday. Likewise, research and experience suggest that in most This adventure in worship took us of our churches, the individual wor­ through several predictable stages: shiper may “dial” only one style of (1) reading and researching the worship. available literature (we also con­ Discoveries The matter of corporate worship ducted surveys, personal interviews, style appears to be a growing chal­ and field trips to other churches). Our exploration and application lenge. Regardless of the age, size, or (2) writing a “textbook” and cre­ yielded several helpful discoveries. location of a church, its worship ating a course of study on worship. Most of our theories were con­ leaders increasingly face the chal­ (3) teaching the essence of the firmed, but we also encountered sev­ lenge of preparing and leading wor­ material to the core of the congrega­ eral surprises. The confirmed cate­ ship for congregants who hold strik­ tion. gory included:

18 H e r a l d o f H o lin e ss 0 ABOUT WORSHIP

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(1) about half of the congregation Surprises preferred a more traditional worship We also bumped into a batch of service, while the other half pre­ T,.HE BLENDED SERVICE surprises. The surprise category is ferred a more contemporary one. shorter, but no less significant: (2) those who attend Sunday HAD ITS OWN School before the morning worship (1) to some, the time of the ser­ vice is more important than the wor­ service did not find 9:30 a .m . too GUARANTEE-THAT early for the first service, nor did ship style. they object to attending Sunday EVERY WORSHIPER (2) many who prefer a more con­ temporary worship style made it School after worship. WOULD BE OFFENDED AT (3) most of the younger, and all very clear that they still wanted a of the more unchurched individuals, LEAST ONCE EACH SUNDAY. “full sermon from the Bible.” prefer to worship at 11 a .m . rather (3) communication was one of the than 9:30 a .m . biggest challenges. One of the sur­ (4) a 30-minute intermission be­ vey respondents was worried about tween the two morning services is the idea of a traditional service, better than 15. thinking it would be “dull and bor­ (5) it is crucial to have musicians majority of the congregation). ing.” Another thought the term “con­ who are capable of leading (vocal (7) having a service in their pre­ temporary service” implied “wild and instrumental) contemporary ferred worship style is important, es­ and weird.” worship. pecially when bringing a guest. We learned from our research that (6) most of those attending the (8) overall attendance has in­ the Wesleys had similar challenges. service of their choice report that creased. They expressed biblical doctrine in they are more satisfied than when the form of poetry, and in order to attending the “blended service” (af­ make their hymns as singable as ter an earlier experiment with a possible, they used contemporary blended service, we concluded that tunes. We also discovered that when we had only managed to offend the Methodism was planted in North

N o v e m b e r 1995 19 America, what developed was a Second, it must be attentive to local context. For us, this means “mostly pragmatic reformation of Protestant tradition. This includes having both a traditional worship worship for American circum­ seating that positions worshipers as service and a contemporary one. It stances.”1 Our research indicated close as possible to the worship also calls for educating the congre­ that Bresee’s ministry reveals a sim­ leader; service times that are suitable gation as to our philosophy of wor­ ilar evolution in worship.2 to the local situation; placement of ship and training all worship leaders In this connection, we found Don the sanctuary furniture so as to re­ in the art of worship. We must also Hustad’s comments to be helpful. mind the worshiper of the centrality be aware of outside influences that He stated, “Music is a cultural lan­ of the preached Word and the impor­ may have a negative effect upon our guage, and what is ‘fitting’ and tance of responding publicly to the worship while staying in tune with ‘proper’ in one culture is not accept­ message; public reading of the Bible the needs of the congregation and able in another . . . [because it] in the vernacular; congregational the cultural changes within our makes sense only in the culture for singing; use of instruments; public community. which it is intended.”3 prayer and sharing; celebration of Having a written philosophy of It became obvious that our con­ the Lord’s Supper; and the sermon. worship, for us, is not an end but gregation contains at least two dis­ Third, it must be appreciative of rather a benchmark for continual tinct worship cultures, traditional Nazarene heritage. This means hav­ improvement. When it comes to at­ and contemporary. Some congre­ ing at least one worship service per tempting to link our gants are only comfortable worship­ week that includes a doctrine-cen­ tradition and her­ ing in their “mother tongue” of wor­ tered sermon and at least one ser­ itage with contem­ ship; others, however, are “fluent” vice that is more evangelistic or porary society in two or more styles. seeker sensitive. Weekly emphasis through corporate Based on our findings, we have on prayer and Bible study is essen­ worship, we are decided to continue two different tial, but not necessarily on Wednes­ striving to be p ra g ­ worship services each Sunday day night and not necessarily at the matic traditionalists. morning. The 9:30 a .m . service will church. Our Nazarene heritage also 1. James F. White, Protestant Worship: Traditions in Transi­ be “more traditional,” and the 11 prescribes special times for focusing tion (Louisville, Ky.: Westminster/John Knox Press, 1989), 173-74. a .m . service will be “more contem­ on revival, stewardship, Christian 2. Roland Feltmate, “Worship Challenges in Canada,” D.Min. porary.” In fact, if there were education, and missions. Dissertation/Project, Nazarene Theological Seminary, 1995. 3. Vic Delamont, The Ministry o f Music in the Church (Cal­ enough who preferred a “more litur­ Fourth, it must be effective in the gary, Alta.: Vic Delamont, 1980), 141. f y gical” worship style, we would offer such a service as well.

W'

Principles

But here is the clincher. We have concluded that regardless of the style of worship, there are several el­ ements essential to a service. First, it must be faithful to the Bible. That is to say, it must be based on divine revelation and a recognition that it is initiated by God; include a faith re­ sponse on the part of the worshipers; involve the act or the attitude of sac­ rifice that celebrates redemption and salvation; feature a place that is con­ sidered significant, not because of geography or structure, but because of the “Holy Host”; give recognition and worth to the character of God as “To keep everyone happy, the first verse will be sung traditional, revealed in Scripture; and make a the second verse will be reggae, the third verse will be rap and the positive difference in the congre­ fourth verse will be sung with a rocking country western beat.” gants’ sphere of influence.

20 H e r a l d o f H o liness What Is Worship?

he most important William Greathouse re­ continued from page 17 activity in any minds us, “We do not go church is worship­ to worship for what we your people have classical tastes or prefer a praise style. T ing God in His holiness. can get, but rather what How rigid are attitudes? Does your church value Glorifying and honoring we can give, to give glo­ spontaneity or stability? Is change an adventure or a God through worship is ry to God, to honor Him, threat? the primary and essential magnify and bless His 6. Don't underestimate the power of tradition. activity of the Church of name ... we do not wor­ Tradition can cause stagnation. But on the other hand, Jesus Christ. The very ship to be entertained or tradition lets people forget the forms and patterns of life of the church flows even educated, but we worship and get more caught up in glorifying God. Tra­ from its worship. With can engage in no activity Jesus as the Head, wor­ more fulfilling or edify­ dition provides stability that allows God to reveal him­ ship is the heart of the ing, or more thrilling, self to generation after generation. Body of Christ. than that of true wor­ 7. Start early—be patient. But what exactly is ship” (Preacher’s Maga­ If the anticipated changes in worship are truly worth­ worship? Since worship­ zine, Dec.—Feb., 1989- while, they will still be important six months, a year, or ing God in His holiness 90). five years from now. Don’t force changes in worship be­ is the essential activity Ralph Martin says fore the congregation can accept them. Wait for the right of the church, we must worship is “the dramatic timing. clearly understand what celebration of God in worship is. His supreme worth in 8. Build momentum. Sometimes, the activi­ such a manner that His It is easy to change the direction of a moving car. It’s ties that are labeled ‘worthiness’ becomes hard to steer a parked one. Likewise, changes become “worship” are actually the norm and inspiration easier to implement when you can ride the forward How entertainment, evange­ of human living” (Inter­ of momentum. If you try to implement changes at a time lism, fund-raising, fel­ national Standard Bibli­ when morale is high, attendance is increasing, and giv­ lowship, church growth, cal Encyclopedia). ing is up, you’ll find making changes to be easier. promotion of programs, What is worship? or other church focuses. Worship is the prime ac­ 9. If possible, change only one thing at a time—move It is too easy for the tivity of the church in forward incrementally. Rapid change characterizes our functions of the church which we glorify God. It society. Church is a place where people long for stability life to become the focus is the regularly sched­ and security. If change can be introduced gradually, we of the church. uled meeting where we permit our people to adopt the initial changes before However, the only le­ declare and redeclare our more are thrust upon them. gitimate focus of wor­ love to God. It is the op­ 10. Work for long-term positive change. ship is God himself. He portunity where those of In the long-term plan to shape services of Christian declares, “I am the us who call ourselves L o r d ; that is my name! I “Christ’s ones” stand worship, the journey is at least as important as the desti­ will not give my glory to and proclaim before God nation. Starting where the people are is the journey’s be­ another or my praise to and others, “We love ginning. And since the worship of God is the work of the idols” (Isaiah 42:8, n iv ) . You, Father.” people (not just the performance of the pastor/worship When God is dethroned —Randy T. Hodges leader), taking our people with us on the journey is the and we idolatrously wor­ sole option. Our goal is to build up persons and to lead ship the programs we them closer to Christ Jesus, not to alienate them from us have created rather than and possibly Him by forcing change upon them. the Creator himself, our The prophet Amos asks, “Do two walk together unless church dies. they have agreed to do so?” (3:3, n i v ) . But when God re­ The obvious answer is matched by the realization that mains the central focus, when we come together neither does a congregation follow the pastor’s leader­ for the sole purpose of ship in worship unless they agree on styles, patterns, and glorifying Him, all the forms. other activities assume But the journey’s beginning is not its end. The wise their rightful places. worship leader carefully and conscientiously shapes the services of worship in a manner that encourages progress together in responsible and effective worship of God. This article is excerpted from A Call to Worship, a new book from Beacon Hill Press. ^

N o v e m b e r 1995 21 WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE ©ID SONGS? by Chip Ricks

miss the hymns. I miss the a dangerous journey to the Holy was still behind the iron curtain, pipe organ’s invitation to Land as their way of taking a the Allan Hancock College Choir worship and the voices of stand for the One whom they from Santa Maria, California, was believers rising in unison adored. Later, in 1620, Moravian invited to sing in St. M ary’s to the words of “O Wor­ believers made their way out of Cathedral in Krakow, Poland. ship the King” and “All Bohemia to what is now Poland When they returned, Glen Mon­ Hail the Power of Jesus’ singing “Fairest Lord Jesus” along tague, their director, said to me, Name.” Don’t get me wrong. I’mthe way. In 1983, when Poland continued on page 24 not asking to go back to the “good Iold days.” I like air conditioning, freeways, and computers. And I like the praise choruses that have become so popular in the last few years. They have a place in the worship service. But I need the old hymns. We all do. They’re part of our heritage—a part we can’t afford to lose. H ym ns Bind God’s People Together Like the Bible, hymns bind us with strong ties to God’s people and His Church. Much of our Bible is the history of the work of our great God among humanity. I got to know persons of faith like Moses, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph by reading the Word written hundreds of years ago. I can almost hear the voice of the prophet Jeremiah when he deliv­ ers God’s word: “I have loved you with an everlasting love” (Jeremi­ ah 31:3, n k jv ). I feel a close kin­ ship with those whose names ap­ pear in the Book of Acts— Aeneas whom Peter healed, Cornelius the devout Roman army officer, Aquila and Priscilla who minis­ tered with Paul. In the same way, I feel a kinship with those German crusaders of the 12th century whom many be­ lieve first sung “Fairest Lord Je­ sus.” These brave men undertook I'fA Tlf^Eb OF THE. OLb HV/AKlS1 22 50METH/NJ6- OO/OTEMPORAft SING TO HIM A MW SONG by Michael Cork

y son Christopher and I this show on in the olden days?” I And what are some of these were watching “Andy asked what he meant. “You know, “more recent Hymns and Gospel Griffith,” one of our fa­ when you were a kid.” I quickly re­ Songs?” vorite TV shows. We minded him that the olden days were 1. “Blessed Be the Name” laughed at Barney and not when I was a kid, but rather 2. “There Shall Be Showers of Opie, whistled the theme when my mom and dad were kids. Blessing” song, and after the pro­ Now those were the olden days. 3. “When the Roll is Called Up gram, Christopher asked, “Dad, was How Old Is Old? Yonder”1 M 1 hear people comment about mu­ Those modern songs of the 1920s sic in the good oT days or the old are songs that we now call old. songs or the great old hymns, and I I have a leather bound Methodist wonder, just how old is old? Episcopal hymnbook dated 1849. Most of us have favorite musical These were the small thick hymn- styles, often based on the kind of books with words only. The singer music we grew up on. “Oldies” sta­ could choose the tune depending on tions now play music from the ’40s, the meter. The foreword of this '50s, and '60s, and keep updating hymnbook says, “The number, vari­ their play list so that songs from the ety, and adaptations of its hymns '70s are now classified as “oldies.” will not require another revision for generations to come.”2 Don McMinn, in his book The The next Methodist hymnal was Practice of Praise, quotes the fore­ published, not generations later, but word of The Modern Hymnal, pub­ lished by Broadman Press in 1926. 17 years later in 1866. The foreword said that the previous hymnal was The Grand Old Hymnals “of found to be “in many respects de­ the other days” have rendered a fective, though otherwise highly great service, and we are glad to prized.” It went on to say, “A num­ pay them worthy tribute. The ber of long hymns and poems, Grand Old Hymns must be pre­ which although choice specimens of served, and the use of them sacred lyrics, have ever been should be encouraged. There are deemed unsuitable for purposes of also many of the more recent general worship, have been super­ Hymns and Gospel Songs which seded by compositions of a more are very serviceable and attrac­ popular cast.”1 tive, because they have been in­ According to hymnologist Ken­ spired by present-day experiences neth Osbeck, “Spiritual revivals and have the blending of appeal­ throughout history have always ingly strong music with the force­ been accompanied by an outburst of fully simple Gospel Message. new song. This was especially true This is a MODERN HYMNAL in of the 16th century reformation Price, in Make-up and in Con­ movement when . . . congregational tents. It is modem in Contents in singing was rediscovered. However, that it meets the present day need by the 17th century, the church was and demand both for the Standard once more cold and non-evangelis- Old Church Hymn and the wor­ thy newer Gospel Songs. continued on page 26 T & JE t O 2 3 PH A CflA/OG-E * WHATEVER HAPPENED? continued from page 22

“When we sang the words of ‘Fairest Lord Jesus’ as our closing number, there was not a dry eye in the crowd.” The hymn was a bond of love between the believers in the choir and the believers in the audience. They were one in Christ. Just a few years ago, I had a similar experience when I wor­ shiped in a Nazarene church in Hong Kong. The language didn’t matter. The music was the same, and my English words blended with those of the Chinese Chris­ tians as we sang together “The Church’s one foundation / Is Jesus Christ, her Lord.” I understood I express my joy in knowing the Hymns Lift Our Hearts in more fully the meaning of the Savior when I sing “Since Jesus Worship, Praise, and Prayer Church that day. Came into My Heart” and my On the 11th anniversary of his The Classic Songs Reflect concern for missions in the words brother’s Aldersgate conversion Our Deepest Emotions of “Rescue the Perishing.” When I experience in 1749, Charles Wes­ One of my dad’s favorite hymns sing “Am I a Soldier of the ley wrote “O for a thousand was “Leaning on the Everlasting Cross?” I wonder in my heart if I tongues to sing / My great Re­ Arms.” When I was only 12 years can stand against strong persecu­ deemer’s praise . . .” His heart was old. Dad gathered my two sisters tion as Isaac Watts stood back in filled with praise and worship. I and me under the big oak tree in 1724 when English dissenters know how he felt. When I think our backyard and told us that broke from the official Anglican what God has done in my life, how mother’s surgery for a brain tumor church. “Am I a soldier of the He has changed me and blessed had left her blind. She would nev­ Cross, A follower of the Lamb, / me, I am thrilled to add my voice er again be able to see. “We’re go­ And shall I fear to own His cause, to that of Charles Wesley. ing to get through this together,” or blush to speak His name?” The Pearl Thieman was almost 90 Dad said. “We’re going to lean on years of age when she first came Jesus. Remember the words of the to our church. She had been an al­ song?” Then in a broken voice, he coholic for most of her life, but sang the words: “What a fellow­ when she met Jesus, she was 100 ship, what a joy divine, / Leaning IsN ’T IT POSSIBLE THAT percent committed to Him. Noth­ on the everlasting arms . . .” My ing else mattered. Her favorite sisters and 1 joined him on the SOME UNBELIEVERS WILL hymn was “How Great Thou Art,” third verse and did our best to TURN TO CHRIST BECAUSE and she told us often that it took a smile through our tears. “What great God to turn her life around. have I to dread, what have I to THEY HEAR MUSIC THAT Pearl had her special place on the fear, / Leaning on the everlasting end of the fourth pew from the arm s?” IS DIFFERENT FROM THAT front, and just before her 95th Who has not felt the comfort of birthday, her friend Joyce brought the Lord’s presence in times of be­ OF THE WORLD? her to the evening service. I can reavement when singing “Abide still see Pearl's radiant face as we with Me”? Henry Lyte wrote the sang the last verse of “her” hymn. hymn a few days before preaching “When Christ shall come with his last sermon on September 4, shout of acclamation / And take 1847. He suffered from tuberculo­ words call me to examine my own me home, what joy shall fill my sis and had difficulty standing at commitment today when my chil­ heart! / Then I shall bow in hum­ the pulpit. But his deepest desire dren are deprived of prayer in the ble adoration / And there pro­ was for the abiding presence of classrooms or a fellow worker claim: my God, how great Thou the Lord Jesus.* curses the name of Jesus. art!” A few days later. Pearl went

24 H e r a l d o f H o liness to be with her Lord, to worship responded to the Savior as the their way into print. And in the and praise Him before His throne. words of this hymn were sung. past 20 or 30 years, some new Some hymns are prayers, words Charlotte Elliott was an invalid, ones have been added. I especially spoken directly to the Lord, person­ unable to walk, when she wrote like Jack Hayford’s beautiful al, intimate. One closest to me was the words in 1819. The words are hymn of worship, "Majesty, Wor­ written in 1932 by Thomas Dorsey, an invitation to come to the Lord ship His Majesty!” now found in a black gospel musician. He was just as we are, poor, lame, blind in many of the new hymnals. Pastor singing at a revival meeting in St. body or in spirit, and He will Hayford wrote the hymn back in Louis, Missouri, when he received make us whole. 1977 when he and his wife were word that his wife and infant son Isn’t it possible that some unbe­ traveling in England. That year had died. A few weeks later, he sat lievers are drawn to a new life in was the 25th anniversary of Queen down at his piano and wrote “Pre­ Christ because they hear music Elizabeth’s coronation, and sym­ cious Lord, Take My Hand.” The that is different from that of the bols of royalty were everywhere. words became my prayer when 1 world? Different in words. Differ­ These caused Pastor Hayford to ent in tune. Different in rhythm. I was told that my husband had can­ reflect on the royalty, the majesty, have a friend who had not entered cer. I had reached the end of my the power of the King of all kings, the doors of a church since she own strength. "Precious Lord, take and a new hymn came into being. my hand, / Lead me on, help me was a child. But a death in the Along with some new hymns, stand. . . .” family caused her to stop and think. She walked into our church many beautiful choruses are being Classic Songs and Hymns Can one Sunday morning. At the end written today. The best will take Draw Unbelievers to the Savior of the service, when we stood to their rightful place in the heritage For half a century. Dr. Billy sing “Have Thine Own Way, we pass on to future generations. Graham has closed his services Lord,” Julie started weeping. “I But let’s not give up the old hymns with the well-known hymn “Just remember singing that song when —our heritage from those who’ve As I Am.” You have probably 1 was a little girl,” she said. Julie gone before us. A blend of the new stood in a packed football stadi­ asked Jesus to have His way in her with the old can enrich our wor­ um, as I have, singing “Just as I life that morning. ship and give glory to our God. am . .. I come! 1 come!” Only Someone has estimated that 'Facts concerning the history of the hymns were taken from Kenneth W. Osbeck’s book Amazing Grace (Grand Rapids: God knows how many hearts have over a million hymns have found Kregel Pub., 1990). Kf-|

Rushing Through Worship

really felt that I had kept about to invite those who whom the Holy Spirit had ent church expressed his the altar open long would give prayer support been working began to ap­ concern that altar invita­ 1enough. Several people to the seekers to come for­ proach the altar until again, tions were so abbreviated responded immediately and ward, dismissing the re­ the kneeling space was that, in his opinion, the spontaneously. The concern mainder of the congrega­ filled. The same thing then Holy Spirit did not have for courtesy to those who tion. Instead, I returned the occurred a second and even sufficient time to intensify had been standing through service to the congregation­ a third time. God was not conviction. the verses of the invitation al leader and went to join finished, and I had almost I certainly understand the hymn was welling up those who were giving made an error due to my contemporary emphasis up­ strong. No one had moved prayer support at the altar. concern for courtesy and on time management, and 1 to the altar during the final Sensitive to the Holy time sensitivity. don’t want to encourage the verse, kneeling space at the Spirit’s guidance, the leader A few days ago, a young practice of wasting people’s front of the church was did not dismiss the service church board member said time. On the other hand, is filled, and personally, I was but asked the congregation to me, “Please ask our pas­ it possible that we have physically and emotionally to be seated. One by one, tor not to race through his been too strongly influ­ exhausted. those who had come to sermons.” He explained enced by the impatient The sermon was longer pray found the assurances that the sermons were al­ voices of a vocal minority? than it should have been. for which they had come ways well-prepared, but — M. V. Scutt, While I believed I had and returned to their seats. time constraints seemed to superintendent, preached the message God Quite unexpectedly, when it force the pastor into a Southwest Indiana District had inspired for the service, appeared that the condi­ breathless delivery style. Church of the Nazarene the expected time for dis­ tions for dismissal were ap­ Several weeks ago, another missal had passed. I was propriate, others with lay member from a differ­ SING TO HIM A NEW SONG I hope we aren’t so busy arguing I believe our worship can and continued from page 23 over whether we should sing chorus­ should include these categories: es or hymns that when we come to tic. Again, God lit the fires of re­ church it doesn’t matter what we PSALMS: Songs of Thanksgiving, vival in the latter half of that centu­ sing because our hearts aren’t fit to Praise, and Worship ry ... in Germany which was simi­ praise God. I hope we aren't so wor­ The Word tells us to “enter his lar to the Puritan and Wesleyan ried about whether we use slides and gates with thanksgiving and his movements in England.”4 transparencies or sing out of the courts with praise” (Psalm 100:4, The great hymns of Charles Wes­ hymnal that we forget to whom we n i v ) . This is where we begin, thank­ ley came out of the fires of revival are singing. I hope we aren’t so con­ ing Him for what He has done and in the 1700s. Just as today, I’m sure sumed with trying not to look like praising Him for who He is. Most of there were those in Wesley’s day the charismatics and explaining our worship choruses fall into this hesitant to jump on the bandwagon away other churches’ enthusiastic category. The simple lyrics and rep­ of embracing “modern” music. But praise that we turn the whole wor­ etition allow us to sing with great God was doing something new, and ship experience into an educational enthusiasm. Don’t let repetition it had to be expressed in a new way. exercise. I hope we don’t focus on bother you—have you listened to Jack Hayford, senior pastor of what we do or don’t do so much that the “Hallelujah Chorus” lately? Church on the Way in Van Nuys, we fail to recognize what God has California, says, “There has been an done and what He wants to do. I HYMNS: Songs Containing awakening of worship and joyous hope we don’t try to turn church into Doctrine and Praise praise in the church over the last a nostalgic trip down memory lane. The hymns we sing have not been quarter century.”5 If this is the case, I hope we don’t settle for just around since Moses or David or the and if spiritual revivals have always singing choruses . . . or just singing Early Church, for that matter. The been accompanied by an outburst of hymns . . . but that whatever we type of hymns we are most familiar new song, then praise God, a revival sing, we sing to the glory of a cre­ with have been around for only of worship is the reason for the new ative God who has redeemed us about 400 years (quite modern in praise music. A new awareness of through the blood of the Lamb. the grand scheme of things). praise is the reason that “worship” Praise His name forevermore! Most are a series of verses fol­ tapes and CDs are in cars as people In the Book of Psalms, we are lowed by a refrain or chorus repeated commute each day. In the 1800s, continually reminded to sing a new after each verse. Hymns like “Arise, people carried their hymnals along song. If something new is happen­ My Soul Arise” or “A Mighty with their Bibles to and from ing in our relationship with God, Fortress” are strong doctrinal state­ church. In the 1900s, people carry there ought to be a new expression ments and should be sung in their en­ their Walkmans, playing the latest of praise to express it. Ephesians tirety to convey the full message. worship tape on their way to work 5:18-19 says, “Be filled with the Hymns like “Blessed Assurance” or while they work out. Spirit. Speak to one another in and “And Can It Be?” combine doc­ What Songs Are We Singing? psalms, hymns and spiritual songs” trinal statements with praise. A song In the 1960s and 1970s, the (NIV). doesn’t have to be old to be a hymn. church became enamored with per­ formance and with the reality that we could produce music as fine as W e T t U d e W U $ the world’s music. About 10 to 12 1 will enter His gates with thank. .. years ago, however, music started my heart, I will enter His courts being produced that didn’t promote an artist but rather focused on praise; I will say "this is the day that f Christ. What a novel idea, music Lord has made.” I will rejoice for He ha- that focuses on Christ, not the per­ made me glad. He has made me gla sonality or talent of a performer. He has made me glad, I will rejoice for Singing was handed back to the He has made me glad. He has made congregation, and the focus was me glad, He has made me glad, I will taken off the stage. rejoice for He has made me glad. I believe we are in the midst of a revival of worship and praise that is sweeping the world. My prayer is that the Church of the Nazarene doesn't miss it. I hope we don’t hang on so tightly to tradition that we miss the new thing God wants to do.

26 fir 4r Whether or not a hymn is great will Psalm 105 gives us a great pat­ awestruck by His greatness and His be determined by time. tern for our time with God: love for us. Revelation 4:8 says the four liv­ SPIRITUAL SONGS: Thanksgiving: “Oh, give thanks ing creatures around the throne nev­ Songs of Testimony to the L o r d ! Call upon His name: Make known His deeds er stop saying, “Holy, holy, holy;” I would put many of the songs in Revelation 5:9 says, “They sang a our hymnal and many popular among the peoples!” new song” (NiV). Revelation 14 says gospel songs in this category. Songs Praise: “Sing to Him, sing psalms all of the redeemed “sang a new like “I Feel Like Traveling On,” to Him.” so n g ” (NiV). R e v ela tio n 15 says “Sweeter As the Years Go By,” and in Worship: “Glory H is holy those who have victory over the “I Woke Up This Morning Feelin’ name” (vv. 1-3, nkjv). beast “sing the song of Moses.” Fine” fit in this category. These But the emphasis is not on the songs are based more on personal To Whom Are We Singing? song that was sung. It is on the One experience. While there are no hard One aspect we sometimes over­ who is on the throne—the One who and fast rules, I doubt if many of look in our services is singing to is worthy to receive power and rich­ these types of songs will stand the God. We often sing songs about es and wisdom and strength and test of time. God or songs that say we have gath­ honor and glory and blessing. ered to praise Him, but we too often These three categories don’t rep­ When we join the multitudes stop short of singing directly to resent a definitive subdivision of around the throne, maybe, just Him. church music, nor does every song maybe, Moses will teach us for a fit neatly into just one of these cate­ After songs of testimony, thanks­ few years his song, “great and mar­ gories. But I think it is helpful to see giving, and praise, we need to wor­ velous are Your works, Lord God that different songs serve different ship by singing directly to Him. Almighty” (Revelation 15:3, nkjv). purposes. I can’t imagine how my wife, Then the next few years we’ll sing, When we sing in church, the im­ Denise, would feel if I took her to a “The soul that on Jesus hath leaned portant question isn’t “Should we nice restaurant to tell her how much for repose, / I will not, I will not sing an old song or a new one?” she meant to me only to never get desert to his foes; / That soul tho’ We’ve already seen that “new” is a around to talking directly to her. all hell should endeavor to shake, / relative term. But we should ask, Maybe I would tell everyone in the I’ll never, no never, no never for­ “What are we trying to say at this place what a wonderful wife she sake.” Then, maybe Fanny Crosby point in the service?” Do we need a was; I could even enumerate all she will stand and lead us in “Re­ song of thanksgiving, praise, testi­ does for me and how I feel when deemed, how I love to proclaim it.” mony, or worship? I’m around her. Everyone would Then Don Moen will step to the pi­ If thanksgiving and praise form probably applaud, and we would ano and start singing, “I just want to the path to God’s presence, and leave the restaurant never having be where You are, living daily in worship is what we do when we ar­ had an intimate moment because we Your presence.” rive, our focus changes as our ser­ never talked eye to eye. Then Thomas Dorsey will have a vice progresses. We begin with Even if we sing boisterous praise dixieland band, and he’ll lead us in songs of thanksgiving. The Psalmist and give testimony to what God has “Precious Lord, Take My Hand.” talks of singing loud songs of praise done, there needs to be a time when Then David will play his harp and with loud instruments. I picture a we sing directly to Him. As verse 3 w e’ll sing, “Oh, sing to the Lord a boisterous celebration. He also tells of Psalm 105 says, “Glory in His new song! For He has done mar­ us to sing a new song. I think he holy name.” Maybe the best song to velous things” (Psalm 98:1, nkjv). tells us this for two reasons: do would be “My Jesus, I love The important question is not 1. If God is doing a work, we Thee; I know Thou art mine; / For who wrote it, when it was written, ought to express it with a new song. Thee all the follies of sin I resign”; or if it is printed in a book or pro­ 2. Sometimes the familiar breeds or maybe the best song would be “I jected on a screen—the important apathy. We sing with no enthusiasm love You, Lord, and I lift my voice / question is, “Does this song give me because our songs are so routine. To worship You, oh my soul re­ an opportunity to give thanksgiving, After we have sung songs of joice”6 or “I worship You, Almighty offer praise to, and worship God?” thanksgiving and praise and possi­ God, / There is none like You.”7 1. Don McMinn, The Practice of Praise (Word Music, 1992), bly shared our thanks aloud through If we are truly going to worship, 88. 2. The Methodist Episcopal Hymn book (1849). prayer or testimony, our hearts are there must be a time when we sing 3. Methodist Hymnal (1866). prepared to worship. Thanksgiving and talk directly to God in an inti­ 4. Kenneth Osbeck, Amazing Grace (Grand Rapids: Kregel and praise are not hoops we have to mate moment. When we finally Publications, 1990). 5. Leadership (Carol Stream, III.: Wide Awake, Christianity jump through to come into God’s stand in His presence, I believe we Today, Fall 1994). 6. Laurie Klein, “I Love You, Lord" (House of Mercy Music, presence, but we are being prepared put down the instruments, cease 1980). to enter His presence. clapping, become quiet, and are 7. “I Worship You, Almighty God” (Integrity Music).

N o v e m b e r 1995 27 In some situations; thankfulness never enters your mind— even on Thanksgiving.

Thank You for My Life

by Lonni C ollins Pratt

e quietly padded down giving, my daughter collided head-on wide, white corridors to­ with a pickup. It’s a Sunday I’ll never ward our d au g h te r’s forget. steel hospital bed. That At church, each of us had an oppor­ Thanksgiving morning tunity to talk about what we were as we pushed open doors grateful for. Jerry walked to the front. to the intensive care Jerry with gray skin hanging off sharp unit, I remembered another bones.Thanks­ Jerry with cancer said, “I thank giving. God for my life.” Then he sat down. WIn the hospital 17 Thanksgivings The whole idea of “give thanks in ago, it was me connected to tubes and all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians monitors when the doctor decided to 5:18, n iv ) has baffled me. I remember take my baby by Caesarean section. hearing one woman say, “We’re sup­ We knew from various tests that I was posed to give thanks for all things. I carrying a girl. thank God for this situation—that my “She’s just in so much distress. It’s son is using drugs and what will hap­ a little early, but I think she’ll be OK,” pen through it.” How hideous, I he said. “By the way, what’s her thought when I heard it. How could name?” anyone believe that God put her son “Andrea,” I whispered. on drugs? Later, I watched through glass Jerry was different, though. He walls my tiny newborn girl, connected didn’t say, “I thank God for the cancer so delicately to life, wave her arms that is killing me.” That’s what I was and kick her feet. thinking about when, someone briskly “Thank you for her,” I prayed walked the side aisle and whispered in against the cold glass. “Give her my husband’s ear. strength to fight for her life.” Seven­ As we left, David explained that teen years later, she was fighting again. the sheriff’s department had called While driving to pick up a friend and needed us to go to the hospital for church a few days before Thanks­ across the street because Andrea had

28 W e c a n b e THANKFUL THAT SHE’S ALIVE. EVERYONE OUT THERE THOUGHT WE’D LOSE HER.”

been in an auto accident on a country road a few miles away. At the hospital, we passed the heli­ copter scheduled to transport her from our small community hospital to a trauma unit in Saginaw, Michigan. We passed a bloody stretcher. A nurse took my husband to sign papers, leav­ ing me to tremble and pray. Thankfulness never entered my mind. When a policeman handed me her tiny black Bible, warped and mis­ shapen from the impact, I collapsed into a pile of tears. “I prayed for her on the scene,” he said. “That’s all we can do. We can be thankful that she’s alive. Everyone out there thought we’d lose her.” Before Thanksgiving morning dawned, we waited through surgery that patched her legs back together, we breathed every labored breath with her bleeding, bruised lungs, and we prayed for every beat of a battered heart. She had survived surgery, but infection, heart and lung damage, or pneumonia were very real threats to her life. Sometimes she would open her eyes and try to form a smile across a

continued on page 38

29 A Thought A thought drifting on the brca A word, elusive, provocative, fi A sigh whispering in the darkness A nudge, gentle, urgent, firm A dream igniting theflame of future A call, silent, stirring, deep God thinking, speaking,

nudging, dreaming, calling. -Mario Michelle Schalesky November 12, 1995

hey give the best years of their lives: far from home, under T strenuous and dangerous conditions, as guardians of our nation. Show them you stand firmly behind them by praying for and recognizing them this MILPAD Sunday and all year long.

Ppreciation Day ^ is City, Missouri 64131 ■ 1-800-, by Gwen Rice Clark

ivorce is transforming and charitable organizations came the lives of American into being. For many and various children. Before World reasons too numerous to list in W ar II, more than 80 this short article. God's plan was percent of children thwarted. And today, divorces, re­ grew up with both bio­ marriages, and extended families logical parents. Today, are a fact of life with which we less than 50 percent will do haveso. to come to terms. Let me When we read statistics like give you four common-sense rea­ D sons (or arguments) for living a this, shouldn't we take another look at God's ideal for the home: lifetime marriage. lifetime marriage? For the Kids’ Sake God instituted marriage and My first argument for a lifetime family long before churches, marriage is for the sake of the Jim Whitmer schools, and social, governmental. children. Pamela Lansden, in her article I had to deal with John’s hyperac­ Safe Sex “Going Home Alone” {Newsweek, tivity (Mom/Dad fed the wrong Recognizing that we all are sex­ Dec. 28, 1992), tells of her seat- foods, too much activity, no rest), ual beings (more or less), my sec­ mate, a little boy, saying good-bye and boastfulness (“Mom/Dad ond argument for a lifetime mar­ to his mother at Kennedy Airport bought me this . . . took me riage is safe sex. to fly to his father in Los Ange­ there”). Or there were tears, de­ Safe sex is a term coined by les—of his sobs and attempts at pression, inattention, a “don’t those involved in AIDS and other bravery. care” attitude because the absent venereal disease research. “This child is one of the many parent didn’t show up to claim the When my husband and I visited who travel solo from one home to child. By the time the behavior a retirement campground in Flori­ another, the lost luggage of par­ leveled off, the weekend arrived da, I was amazed at the number of ents who couldn’t stand each other again and the story repeated itself. older people who stated that if and now have to divide their off­ How could John learn? their spouses died before them, spring between them. “The parents who take care of they would be afraid to marry “Even without knowing all the themselves will be best able to again. The young are not the only story, as I listened to the heart­ take care of their children,” is a ones who fear AIDS. break of this eight-year-old, I quote from a popular 1970s book, An article in the July/August couldn’t help but wonder if the Creative Divorce: A New Oppor­ ’94 issue o f New Choices quotes parents might have tried harder tunity for Personal Growth. This Skip Ciotti, executive director had they seen his pain. of south Florida’s largest Whatever happened to the provider of housing for AIDS old-fashioned notion of patients, as saying “in the past staying together for the I LOVE THE MAN MY HUSBAND two years, our county (Palm kids’ sake?”1 Beach) has seen a 71 percent Barbara Dafoe W hite­ increase in senior citizens head, a research associate HAS GROWN INTO-HE SAYS who are HIV positive.” at the Institute for Ameri­ Who knows when someone can Values, in an article ti­ I’M THE BEST THING THAT EVER has had a one-time casual tled “Dan Quayle Was sexual encounter with a per­ R ight” (The Atlantic, April HAPPENED TO HIM. son infected with the HIV 1993), cites a study by Ju­ virus? The virus can lie dor­ dith Wallerstein, a clinical mant for years. The spread of psychologist. Her staff be­ AIDS has been so epidemic gan interviewing middle- that if you do not know some­ class children at the time of one with the disease now, you their parents’ divorces and docu­ shows the shift from child well­ will eventually. mented their progress in “Divorce being to adult well-being. If you and your spouse are now and Kids: The Evidence Is In.”2 Have we become so obsessed free of this disease, thank God and After 1 year, children seemed to with finding fulfillment in our ca­ stay together, being faithful to be doing worse. After 5 years, reers that we give no thought to each other. Sex, God’s gift to us in more than one-third were experi­ the very short time we have with the framework of marriage, was encing moderate or severe depres­ our children to influence and mold not given for procreation alone, sion. After 10 years, many were their lives, to teach them our val­ but for mutual comfort and de­ troubled, drifting, underachieving. ues? light, making life’s burdens a little easier to bear. After 15 years, now adults, many Sociologist David Popenoe as­ were struggling to establish strong serts, “In three decades of work as Treasuring Memories love relationships. a social scientist, I know of few My third argument for a life­ An editorial in the April 12, other bodies of data in which the time marriage is shared memories. 1993, issue of U.S. News and weight of evidence is so decisive­ When on rare occasions our World Report, citing the 21-page ly on one side of the issue: on the three children get together, Del article in The Atlantic, called at­ whole, for children, two-parent and I enjoy listening to them play tention to the research indicating families are preferable to single­ remember when . . . The oft-quot­ that many children never recover parent and stepfamilies.” Children ed one for Kelly and Tim is, “Re­ from the trauma of divorce.3 in single-parent families are more member the spanking we got when As a first grade teacher in pub­ likely to drop out of school, get Dad caught us jumping up and lic schools for 20 years, I wit­ pregnant as teenagers, abuse down on brand-new mattresses?” nessed the trauma divorce inflicts drugs, and to be in trouble with But my husband and I look at on a child. On Monday mornings, the law. each other and smile through

N o v e m b e r 1995 33 tears, thinking of the year-long and financially. skimping and saving to put good Financial security seems a cold mattresses on beds for growing reason to keep a marriage intact, bodies—of old, second-hand fur­ but the hard facts of life are these: niture used many years so we it takes money to feed, clothe, and could buy a camper and take three educate oneself and one’s chil­ growing-up-too-fast kids out of dren. A nd our children are our the city for vacations. responsibility, not the state's. Shared memories— when Del Monies not paid out for alimony, had lung surgery and his first back child support, or upkeep of two or operation and I tenderly cared for three households can be security him, as he had patiently cared for for both partners in retirement. me through two bouts of thrombo­ Marriage was never meant to be phlebitis. When he had his second the destination but the beginning back surgery, I cared for him as of a journey, ending only at the lovingly as he had cared for me grave. This is a union we should when I had two hip surgeries in not enter into lightly. six months. After we say our marriage Shared memories—the first vows, let us never entertain the mortgage paid off, moving up to a idea of divorce. Hollywood af­ better home, the first new truck, firms the liberating effects of di­ the first child leaving home for vorce and widely promotes it as a college, sorrows borne together, solution to marital problems. tears mingling and dripping off But from the beginning, this chins as two faces pressed togeth­ was not so! Genesis 2:24 states er for comfort. Intimate memories that when a man leaves his father that are ours alone. and his mother and becomes unit­ Over the years, we’ve watched ed to his wife, they become one our children grow, rejoiced with flesh. This does not mean losing them in their successes, wept with their individual identities, but them in their sorrows. And we’ve complementing (one of two parts From the Songs for Spiritual noted the changes in each other. that mutually complement) each When Robert Browning wrote, other. Growth Series, featuring “Grow old along with me! The God thought so highly of the in­ bright, enjoyable songs de­ best is yet to be,” he spoke the stitution of marriage that He im­ signed to help listeners grow truth. I love the man my husband pressed upon the apostle Paul to stronger in the Lord. Thirteen has grown into— he says I’m the compare the relationship of Christ songs with practical, biblical best thing that ever happened to and the Church to the relationship teaching on Christian rela­ him. As an old hymn states, “We of a husband and his wife. “Hus­ tionships. Artists include share our mutual woes, our mutual bands, love your wives, even as Billy Gaines, Vicki Hampton, burdens bear; / And often for each Christ also loved the church, and Guy Penrod, Molly Felder, other flows the sympathizing gave himself for it” (Ephesians and more. Also contains a tear.” 5:25). minibook with devotional Shared memories for our chil­ The secret of a lifetime mar­ readings and complete lyrics dren. As we work at creating a riage: each partner giving himself for all the songs. lifetime marriage (and it is work), or herself for the other— each giv­ we instill in our children memo­ HHTA-4019C Cassette $10.88 ing 100 percent to the union. HHDC-4019 CD $14.88 ries and examples they carry with Through good times and bad, the them into life. There is nothing highs and the lows, sickness and Order from your higher, stronger, more wholesome, health, poverty and riches, till NAZARENE PUBLISHING HOUSE and useful for later years than death us do part, a lifetime mar­ good memories connected with riage is good for you, good for Call childhood. your children, and good for our The Sunset of Life world. 1- 800- 877-0700 My fourth argument for a life­ 1. Pamela Lansden, “Going Home Alone,” Newsweek (Dec. 28, 1992), 7. time marriage is the sum total of 2. Barbara Dafoe Whitehead, “Dan Quayle Was Right," The the previous three— a better re­ Atlantic (Vol. 271, 4, April 1993), 47-82. 3. Mortimer B. Zuckerman, “The Crisis of the Kids,” U.S. tirem ent, emotionally, physically, News and World Report (Vol. 114, 14), 72.

34 H e r a l d o f H o liness In a Wom an’ s V oice

they belonged, she still looked puz­ zled. She was looking at her shorts A Penny for the and rubbing the sides with clenched fists. I said, “Why are you doing that to your shorts? We’ve got to go now, honey.” She wouldn’t budge. She Picture said, “My penny for the picture.” “What?” I asked. She repeated herself talked nonstop. At the opening as­ several times. Only when she sembly, the kids started to relax. They frowned and shouted “I have no shouted back when asked questions pockets!” did wisdom attend me. Her about the story. They were having clenched hands hid two sweaty quar­ fun. When the offering plates were ters. She had raided her money box passed, I handed my two daughters so that she would be prepared to put my pocket change; some older kids something in the offering. The previ­ turned their pockets inside out; sever­ ous morning, the director had shown al quarters spun across the floor, and pictures of the children our collection the plates rolled and pitched and would benefit. This little child was Rebecca Laird is a writer and ordained somehow made it safely down the upset because she needed a place to minister living in Madison, New Jersey. pews without being overturned. put her “penny for the picture.” Soon we were dismissed to our “Here, put it in my pocket,” I classrooms, and like the pied piper pointed. “I can keep it for you until and the village young, we traipsed we get to church.” And so she did. across the sanctuary and headed up­ When we arrived and I met the direc­ L ast summer, I had an intense stairs. One at a time. Hold on tight. tor in the hallway, she was harried. I childhood experience. I agreed to Take turns. Gently now. quickly told her about the “penny for teach the three- to five-year-olds in Once there, in a poorly air-condi­ the picture.” Vacation Bible School. When the di­ tioned room during a midsummer Tears sprang to her eyes. She rector called, the panic in her voice heat wave, we clapped and cut, drew looked away and took a deep breath, was only thinly disguised. She had 15 circles and smiley faces, and acted seeming to breathe in some assur­ prekindergartners enrolled and sever­ like all of Noah’s animals. By the end ance. “That’s why we do this, isn’t al helpers but no teacher. With her as­ of the first day, I decided 1 probably it?” I nodded and hurried to my room. surance that I would not be alone, I would survive the week. said yes. All of the stapling, gluing, On Monday, I set my alarm to get and encouraging was hard up before my kids, review the lesson, work, but these kids were practice the songs and memory great. Then, as the parents rhymes, double-check the craft sup­ came to pick up their She looked away and took a deep plies, and pray, as only one readying charges, one, then two of breath. “That’s why we do this, to face a room full of young children my helpers confessed that can pray. I prayed especially for my unexpected circumstances isn’t it?” not-quite-three-year-old. She would would keep them away be the youngest child to attend, and I the next day. My enthusi­ would be her teacher too. How would asm wilted. she fare as one among many demand­ That night, I recruited a ing my attention? Then I woke my preteen to help who agreed to come if God was at work, building the faith two daughters and did what 1 could to she could spend the night to make of all from the hassled teachers to the speed up the inevitable dawdling. We sure she didn’t oversleep. So the sec­ smallest pupil. arrived in time to prepare the story ond morning I rose even earlier to Deuteronomy 11:19 instructs us to area in the room and set out the simplify everything I had planned teach our children about God’s ways crayons. and make sure all three of the girls “when you are at home and when you When each of my wards for the were ready to go on time. are away, when you lie down and week arrived, most hung by a par­ After breakfast, my not-quite- when you rise” (NRSV). They are lis­ ent’s side as name tags were matched three-year-old stood at the top of the tening. They are watching. Praise be to faces and hellos were shared stairs with her hands full of toys she to God, even when we wonder if any­ around the circle. A couple of the wanted to take with her. After I ca­ thing is getting through, they (and boys started wrestling, and another joled her to return the toys to where we) are learning the ways of faith, rq

N o v e m b e r 1995 35 by Edwin H. Felter

n a cold, wintery night in are not going to enjoy the Lord. We We had no control over whether North Dakota, Dr. J. B. can’t see God to enjoy Him without we would have the condition. We Chapman stood in an old holiness. Holiness is indispensable. were bom with it. store that was owned and Sin separates people from God. God knows our powerlessness to operated by one of his Holiness means the absence of sin. deal with the condition. We come to church members. Like Jesus Christ came into this world to Christ, and He marvelously saves us many, the storekeeper call sinners to repentance. Repen­ and forgives our sins. We begin liv­ seemed to think that religion tance was a is asking God, for Christ’s ing our lives for Christ and begin good thing as an insurance policy sake, to forgive our sins and to turn making the changes necessary for againstO future judgment. Getting too us around toward righteousness. righteous living. It is not long before much of it was like overpaying the At that moment, the sins we have we begin to wonder why it is so premiums on the policy. committed are washed away by the hard to do the right and stop doing That night, with no one else in blood of Jesus (1 John 1:7, 9). the wrong. The apostle Paul ran up the store, the storekeeper asked Dr. These external sins define one as­ against the same barrier. In Romans Chapman, “I want you to 7, we read a very frustrat­ tell me in one sentence ed person in Paul who just how much religion laments doing the things one will have to have to To SURRENDER ONE’S SELF-WILL IS TO BREAK he doesn’t want to do and get to heaven. I do not not being able to do the want a theological an­ THE CYCLE OF SINNING, TO PUT CHRIST ON things that he knows he swer, and I do not want a should do. Sound famil­ sermon. Just tell me in a THE THRONE OF YOUR LIFE, AND TO FEEL iar? Every sanctified sentence, how much reli­ GLORIOUSLY COMFORTABLE IN THE PRESENCE Christian has been there! gion will a man have to Some feel that to deal have to get to heaven?” OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. with the condition, you Chapman’s answer was must grow into the expe­ quick and conclusive. rience of entire sanctifi­ ‘‘The very minimum of cation or, at worst, wait religion that is sufficient until you go to heaven to get a man into heaven is the pect of the nature of sin. The sec­ and are finally and completely re­ amount required to make him com­ ond aspect has to do with the reason deemed. Meanwhile, though, you fortable in the presence of Jesus.” sins are committed in the first place. and I struggle with our failures and I remember well those times as a Acts of sin are a result of a condi­ sins, all the time feeling uncomfort­ child when I knew I had done tion of sin. able in the presence of Jesus. What’s something that my mother or father Jesus called persons first to turn a good believer to do? disapproved of, or they had given from their wicked ways (acts of First, recognize that every act of directions that I had not followed. sin). Jesus was always forgiving sin is performed for the protection More than once, I dreaded for Dad people. All our acts of sin are for­ of self. In the middle of the word to come home. When he would given by Jesus when we humbly sin is the letter “i.” I am in the mid­ walk in, I knew I would be in trou­ seek Him. We are bom again. How­ dle of every act of sin. When the ble. When my slate wasn’t clean, I ever, there is still an inward condi­ Holy Spirit convicted you and me was uncomfortable around my fa­ tion that “leans toward sinning.” that we needed to be forgiven of all ther. That condition is dealt with in holi­ our sins, the condition of “i” still How much religion must one ness and sanctification. You may be existed. The only way the condition have to make him comfortable in forgiven of your acts of sin but not can be cleansed is to surrender one­ the presence of Jesus? Hebrews fo r the condition of sin in y o u r self to God. While it is not the 12:14 tells us to “follow peace with heart. It must be cleansed. For in­ negation of self, surrender is giving all men, and holiness, without stance, you may be forgiven for the God the rights to my will. No which no man shall see the Lord.” act of lying but not for the deceitful longer under the rule of self-will, I Unless we pursue peace with men spirit that made you want to lie. It now am set free to do the will of and holiness of heart and life, we must be cleansed. God through His Holy Spirit. I say

36 H k ra ld o p H o liness with Jesus, “Not my will, but Thine Holy Spirit may give himself fully be done.” to you. C. S. Lewis, in his wonderful The value of surrender is not in book titled The Great Divorce, sug­ what I have given up (self), but how gests that there are only two groups eligible I have become to receive the of people in the world. The first fullness of Christ’s Spirit. There is group says along with Jesus, “Not no sense of worthiness, only eligi­ my will, but Thine be done.” The bility. “In my hand no price I bring; PROFILE second group are those to whom Simply to Thy cross I cling” applies God eventually has to say, “Not My not only to salvation but also to the will, but thine be done. You wanted pursuit of holiness. Jesus said, “If to have your way; all right, you can you then, who are evil, know how to have it—forever.” And Lewis sug­ give good gifts to your children, gests that when God eventually and how much more will the Father give decisively says this to any person, the Holy Spirit to those who ask that is hell. him!” (Luke 11:13, rsv). All you If I do not surrender my will to have to do is ask the Holy Spirit God, then I am always protecting self through acts of sin. To surren­ der one’s self-will is to break the cycle of sinning, to put Christ on T h e r e is n o s e n s e o f the throne of your life, and to feel NAME: gloriously comfortable in the pres­ WORTHINESS, ONLY ELIGIBILITY. James Mellish ence of the Holy Spirit. EDUCATION: In his book titled The Spirit of Holiness, Everett Cattell illustrates B.S., Olivet Nazarene University; B.D., the problem of the coexistence of Nazarene Theological Seminary; D.D., Olivet Nazarene University self and God in one’s life. Pass a who lives within you to take full horseshoe magnet under a sheet of control and sanctify and fill. Surren­ CURRENT MINISTRY ASSIGNMENT: paper on which have been sprinkled der of the will means I desire more Pastor, Warren Woods Church of the iron filings. Looking from above, than anything else to become eligi­ Nazarene, Warren, Michigan. Started one cannot see the magnet, but one ble to be filled with the fullness of the Warren Woods church in August can tell the location of its poles by God’s Holy Spirit. When a person 1964 with about 20 people. Has been the behavior of the filings, which comes to the time and place in life involved in 14 building programs. instantly arrange themselves around where he or she wants God’s pres­ Present membership is 738. the poles and form two overlapping ence and God’s will more than any­ patterns. “In the lives of converted thing else, the Spirit of God will fill ON MINISTRY: men,” suggests Cattell, “there are that heart with His cleansing and My call to ministry came to me when I still two great poles— self and God. empowering presence. was five years of age. My homelife was All of the particles that make up life At the point of eligibility (full centered around the church. My father group themselves around these two surrender), one can do nothing else was a pioneer preacher and farmer. Be­ poles in patterns that are partially but trust God to do the work of set­ ing the youngest of seven children, I self-centered and partially God-cen­ ting apart one’s life unto holiness. was privileged to listen to the prayers of my mother, father, and older broth­ tered. It is conceivable that the par­ Faith takes hold of the fact of God’s ers and sisters; therefore, I got a great ticles where the patterns overlap Word. The promise is that the lesson early in life on prayer. In the have a hard time making up their Heavenly Father will give the Holy ministry, prayer is the key and secret. I minds as to which pole to obey.” Spirit to all who will ask. Faith is am grateful for my seminary training. Paul tells of his experience, “I merely taking God at His word. You My time in seminary changed my life have been crucified with Christ; it must “believe that He is, and that forever. I was influenced by the best of is no longer I who live, but Christ He is a rewarder of those who dili­ professors and leaders. Putting both to­ who lives in me; and the life I now gently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6, gether, a praying family and excellent live in the flesh I live by faith in the nkjv). You surrender and ask; He academic training, makes for a great Son of God, who loved me and cleanses and fills. preparation for the ministry. gave himself for me” (Galatians Holiness is not for a few of God’s 2:20, rsv). chosen saints. It is the normal To invest in the lives of those called into The second thing that must hap­ Christian life God has provided for ministry in the Church of the Nazarene, pen to be at ease in the presence of all His children. Today, if you know please contact: Development Office, 1700 Jesus is to receive the fullness of you’re saved, surrender yourself E. Meyer Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64131 the Spirit of Christ. All this talk of wholly to Christ, and then trust God (816-333-6254; FAX: 816-333-6271). surrender of self has a point—being for the fullness of the sanctifying NAZARENE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY cleansed from selfishness so the Spirit.

N o v e m b e r 1995 37 THANK YOU FOR MY LIFE about a catheter. “I wondered how the continued from page 29 bed could be dry when I didn’t get up in over four days,” she wrote on a Doxology pad. Her throat was still sore from the Praise to the Father face swollen to the size of a basket­ tube, but it would pass and I’d hear ball. But tubes kept it from happening. her voice again. w ho showers His blessings More than once, she weakly signed “I That day I saw the wounds on her down our years love you,” with stiff, puffy fingers. long, young legs for the first time, and as H e, in love, ordains. The smell of death seemed to per­ I cried again. How could legs so shat- meate her ICU room. My eyes locked on each miraculous breath lifting the Praise to the Son sheets over her long, thin body. That’s w ho uses our poor praise where I learned what it is to be thank­ to light the W ord ful for life. G o D DOESN’T ENJOY and free our cold Every breath is a gift. When I watched her chest rise and fall, when 1 MADE-UP THANKFULNESS and m uddled hearts heard the heart monitor beep softly THAT GIVES HIM CREDIT FOR for clear acclaim . and reassuringly, I understood. “Thank you for her life,” David and I BROKEN CHILDREN. Praise to the H oly Spirit cried together. who, walking along beside, Wednesday morning, she went off critical status. That same night, she m oves us to doxologize pulled out her respirator and yanked at o u r d a y s . the rest of the tubes. When we left her tered be put together again? The tests Wednesday night, she was breathing on her lungs and heart showed no per­ Praise to His nam e! roughly and painfully, but without ar­ manent damage. One by one, our —Dorothy Purdv tificial help. worst fears were pushed aside. Her dark eyes, set in a pale face, In the evening, our friends Steve flashed anger. She still couldn’t talk, and Linda brought us Thanksgiving but her lips moved slowly and clearly, dinner. Linda had invited Steve to din­ “I want to go home.” ner, and the two of them shared that of us briefly expressed thanks. David “We’re going to quit using the res­ dinner with us. While she set out prayed, “Thank You for helping us pirator,” the nurse said. “Sometimes plates and dished up dressing, pota­ through this and for touching An­ they know better than we do.” toes, and turkey, we talked. drea.” Thursday, Thanksgiving morning, The last few days all ran together in It was the same question as Sunday five days after the accident, we didn’t my mind. Steve, who is also our asso­ morning. Now, after all this, what was know what to expect when we entered ciate pastor, said, “It’s good to see I thankful for? her room. Andrea looking so well.” Then he Suddenly Jerry flashed in my mind The head of her bed was rolled up. leaned across the table toward me and again. Jerry smiling through the can­ Her long hair was shiny and clean. One asked, “But how are you doing?” cer. I understood. I didn't have to be of the younger night-shift nurses had My husband reached for my hand. I thankful for the accident. I didn't have pulled it off her face in a French braid. looked into the loving eyes of close to be thankful for her pain. God The ventilator tube down her throat friends and thought of the miracle go­ doesn’t enjoy made-up thankfulness was gone, but none of the rest. She ing on upstairs in ICU. “I’m doing that gives Him credit for broken chil­ was getting oxygen through a tiny fine, Steve,” I said. dren and cancer eating up healthy tube under her nose. It seemed almost “Everyone has been wonderful to bodies. unnoticeable in comparison to the us,” David said. “They hardly left us Life itself is a gift. Life exists even ventilator she’d pulled out. alone for a minute.” in the places where death impinges. Andrea smiled tiredly and waved a David was right. Through the worst When awful things happen, God tiny “hi” to us. David and I told her of it, friends and family stayed close, walks through the dark and hideous about the accident at least eight times holding us up, loving us, praying with too. that day. She just didn’t remember. We us. “Thank You for my life,” I whis­ fed her turkey. She sat in a chair for a “We have a lot to be thankful for,” I pered. minute. She had visitors. Her room, added. “Sunday morning I could not I looked at my husband and friends. littered with stuffed animals, began have believed that by Thursday this I heard nurses laughing in hospital looking like a petting zoo. She blinked would look so hopeful.” corridors. 1 thought of Andrea and her off to sleep with little warning. Steve smiled. “You’re blessed.” birthday in two days. Life is God’s She asked me why she didn’t have That night we joined hands and gift to Jerry, Andrea, and me. And life to use the bathroom, and we laughed gave thanks for our food. Then each is good. tfc

38 H e r a l d o f H o l in e s s THE QUESTION 9■ BOX CONDUCTED BY WESLEY D. TRACY, Editor

lations about robbing bird nests, planting two kinds of seed in A pious neighbor suggested that I read Deuterono­ the same field, plowing with a donkey and an ox in the same my 22:5. Since I was wearing jeans while working in my yoke, and building safe roofs. garden when the advice came, I understand that he was Three of the laws had to do with dress. Sew tassels on the telling me that women should never wear jeans. But when four comers of your garments, do not mix wool fibers with the scripture was written, men didn’t wear pants either. linen in weaving, and keep female and male garments distinct. The verse is given without explanation in the Bible. What Though the garb of both men and women was similar in those is behind this prohibition? days, the differences were to be preserved. While this law does not say that a woman must wear a skirt • A woman shall not wear a man's apparel, nor shall a while working in the garden or riding a horse, it does reveal man put on a woman’s garment; for whoever does such that God has indeed created us male and female. Further, He things is abhorrent to the L o r d your G od ( n r s v ) is the verse expects us to appreciate, preserve, and celebrate the distinc­ in question. Almost certainly, it was given to its first hearers tive, God-given gifts of masculinity and femininity. Indeed, as a warning not to adopt the pagan worship of the Canaan- they represent elements in the divine nature of God himself. ites around them. Some of the nearby cults practiced trans- When it comes to guidelines for Christian dress, our Manual vestitism (cross-dressing) as a part of their religious activi­ offers very good counsel on page 38. There we read that our ties. The God of Israel would have nothing to do with such people are to avoid "the indulging of pride in dress or behavior. perversion. . . . [and] are to dress with the Christian simplicity and modesty This ancient verse is frightfully relevant today. At this that become holiness.” For an international church, that is about writing, the number one movie features two of Hollywood’s as specific as a guideline or rule should be. leading men as cross-dressers. Further, the advocates of bi­ sexuality have made the feature pages of N ew sw eek (July 17, The views expressed in the responses in this column are those o f the editor and do not consti­ 1995). tute official statement by or for the Church of the Nazarene. The editor is not able to send The rule against cross-dressing is given in a cluster of sev­ replies to questions not selected for publication. Address: Herald of Holiness, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131. en laws for the Old Testament people. The list included stipu­

COME TO THE Come to the Water G o d ' s C a l l : Fr o m Infillin g t o O utpouring THE INTERNATIONAL NESLEYAN/HOUNESS WOMEN CLER8Y CONFERENCE A p r i l '11- 1 4 , 1-593

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA, Adam’s Mark Hotel

Sponsored by: Plenary Sessions Sampling of Workshops Church o f God, Anderson Resting: Time with God Preaching The Salvation Army Mrs. General Kay Rader Missions Evangelical Friends, International Free Methodist Reflecting: Tune In to God Biblical Foundations Church of the Nazarene, International Rev. Enriquita Monencillo Church Planting The Wesleyan Church Reaching Out: Speak Out for God Social Holiness Rev. Janine Tartaglia Metcalf Personal Evangelism Endorsed by: Christian Holiness Association Responding: Obeying God A Writing Ministry Wesleyan Theological Society Rev. Diana Swoope Cross-Cultural Ministries

TO REGISTER OR FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Susie Stanley, Professor, Western Evangelical Seminary P.O. Box 23939, Portland, OR 97281 (503-598-4348)

N o v e m b e r 1995 39 Nazarene Sets Ohio State Records Eleven-year-old Neal Swearingen won gold medals in nine different events at the Ohio State Wheelchair Games. His age-group medals came in the javelin, discus, shot-put, the slalom race, and races of 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1500 meters. In addi­ tion, he broke three state records. Undaunted by spina bifida, Swearingen has been racing since he was five years old. In seven years, he has won 43 medals and two plaques. Former GIs Gather Three years ago, sponsored by com­ munity fund-raisers, Swearingen won a bronze medal and the “Quickie” award in national competition. He attends Hillsboro, Ohio, Church of the Nazarene with his parents and three brothers.

Neal Swearingen displays his custom racing chair and 45 awards earned over seven years in state and national wheelchair competition.

In July, 150 former military personnel gathered for a reunion celebrating the Wedgewood Pastor Celebrates 25 Years 50th anniversary of the end of WWII. Earlier this year. Pastor Bill Bowers Many of those present helped to pioneer (cen ter) and his wife, Jane, celebrated the “Gl Gospel Hour.” The outreach pro­ their 25th anniversary as the pastoral gram in Manila and Tokyo, encouraged by team at Fort Worth, Tex., Wedge- General MacArthur, evolved into what is wood Church. General Superin­ now known as SEND International. Nazarenes participating in the mission tendent Emeritus William M. effort included (I. to r.): Roy and Bette Greathouse (far right) joined the con­ Hablitzel, Peter and Meryle Burkhart, gregation for the special celebration. John and Ruth Laymon, Chester and Mary The Bowerses have served at Aiyce Galloway, George and Martha Wedgewood since they left Nazarene Privett, and George L. Smith. Theological Seminary in 1970.

1995 Northern California District ordinand class (I. to r.): Rev. J. Vaughn and Becca Gossman, Rev. Joseph M. and Margie Shreffler, General 1995 South Arkansas District ordinand class (I. to r.): Superintendent John A. Knight, Rev. Gary L. and Jenny Reynolds, District General Superintendent Donald D. Owens, Rev. Darren Secretary Jay E. Hunton, Rev. Jongin and Kyung Kim, and Rev. P. Thomas and Dawn Melton, and District Superintendent Russell and Thankam Mammen. Branstetter.

40 H e r a l d o f H o liness ------

Song Aids Bombing Victims New “Train” Mobilized in Cleveland The Cleveland, Ohio, Heaven Train Church commissioned a new bus this past summer. General Superintendent John A. Knight presented the dedication prayer as more than 700 per­ sons gathered during the North Central Ohio District Assem­ bly. The 1995 Blue Bird is equipped with a full-power gen­ erator, a public address system, eight video monitors, a brass After watching the memorial service The new Heaven Train, valued at $107,000, is used train whistle, and digital for victims of the Oklahoma City to provide gospel services to 96 children at a time. chimes. bombing, Charlene Adams (a b o v e ) The 15-year-old ministry reaches services over a three-day period. The was inspired to write a song titled some 2,000 children in inner-city program also includes meals for more “God Is in Oklahoma.” Hoping to use Cleveland each week, according to than 4,000 persons. the song for the benefit of victims’ Pastor Philip Batten. The ministry’s The new vehicle replaces a bus with families, Adams made a few contacts. staff of eight coordinates 20 weekly more than 3 million miles of service. Two days later, Gaither Studios donated unlimited studio time to record the song. World Media Group donated the cost of producing the first Church Hosts Sports Rally 500 copies of the song on cassette. Canton, Ohio, First Church hosted After presenting her song during a their first annual “Sudden Victory ’95” morning service, several members of in conjunction with the NFL Hall of New Castle, Ind., First Church gave Fame weekend this past August. money to the project. It provided Featured speakers during the rally enough to cover the cost of travel to distribute the tapes among the families included former Cleveland Browns of victims and rescue workers. Coach Sam Rutigliano (a t rig h t) and After returning home, she was over­ U.S. Congressman Ralph Regula. whelmed with more requests for the Other athletes joined Pastor Larry tape. To date, 1,500 copies have been White and rally committee chairman made, with all proceeds going toward Wes (Spike) Jones for the day. An Oklahoma relief efforts. ecumenical choir also was featured.

1995 Alaska District ordinand class (I. to r.): General 1995 Upstate New York District ordinand class (I. to r.): Rev. Constance Superintendent John A. Knight, Rev. Janette and Paige, General Superintendent Jerald D. Johnson, Rev. Steven and Linda Wallace Riehle, Rev. Warren and Betty Johnson, and Alcorn, Rev. Darrell and Peggy Frazier, Rev. Robert and Nancy Clark, Rev. District Superintendent Kenneth G. Spicer. Kenneth and Susan Comer, and District Superintendent Charles E. Zink.

N o v e m b e r 1995 41 NEWS OF RELIGION

Evangelicalism to Continue Growth Youth Reach Out Evangelical Christianity will crossing denominational ship, and growth More than 7,500 youth of the continue to grow numerically lines. These beliefs include: McGrath cites several rea­ Seventh-Day Adventist through the next generation, • the supreme authority of sons Evangelicalism is so at­ Church assembled for four according to Alister McGrath Scripture as a source of tractive. These include the days in Maceio, Brazil, this in Evangelicalism and the Fu­ knowledge of God and a failure of liberalism, the summer. The evangelistic ture of Christianity (InterVar- guide to Christian living movement’s commitment to meetings and community sity Press, 1995). Though he service outreach included: • the majesty of Jesus Christ historical Christianity, the predicts increases in academ­ distribution of 500,000 • the Lordship of the Holy movement’s sensibility, and ic, social, and political signifi­ pieces of evangelistic litera­ Spirit an emphasis on the gospel’s cance, McGrath warns that in­ ture, building of five houses, creased acceptance could lead • the need for personal con­ attractiveness. donation of 420 pints of to undue liberalism in Evan­ viction McGrath also points to blood, visitation of 1,000 gelicalism’s future. • the priority of evangelism what he believes are weak­ hospital patients, and collec­ Rather than defining for individuals and the nesses in Evangelicalism, in­ tion of 14,000 pounds of Evangelicalism, McGrath Church cluding guilt trips, burnout, food for the needy. identifies six “controlling • the importance of Chris­ dogmatism, and the rise of convictions” that he sees tian nourishment, fellow- personality cults. New WWW Site Men’s Ministry Grows The Global Online Service Helping Evangelize Nations What began five years ago attracted a total of 278,600. persons with Promise Keep­ (GOSHEN) was recently es­ as a prayer and fasting meet­ This year, the organization ers resources, said Chapman. tablished on the Internet's ing among 72 men reported sought to recruit and train In 1996, Promise Keepers World Wide Web by Media more than 730,000 partici­ 65,000 “point men” and plans to host an additional Management and Religion pants this year, according to “ambassadors,” according to 20 to 30 stadium-based con­ Promise Keepers spokesper­ Chapman. Point men are ap­ Today. The site includes re­ ferences around the U.S. In son Roger Chapman. In the pointed by local church pas­ sources of nearly 200 Chris­ February, the organization is past two years, the organiza­ tors to work in men’s min­ tian ministries and services, tion has grown from 22 full­ istry and to represent men’s planning for 80,000 minis­ with additional links to more time employees with a $4 needs to Promise Keepers. ters to attend “Clergy ’96” in than 200 other Christian re­ million budget to a 300- Ambassadors introduce the Atlanta’s Georgia Dome. Fe­ sources. member staff with a $64 mil­ organization to clergy and male clergy, however, are The site is accessible by lion annual budget. point men in specific com­ being discouraged from reg­ pointing a WWW browser to Last year’s conferences munities, and supply those istering for the conference. .

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42 H e r a l d o f H o liness V ital S tatistics

Deaths 15, Survivors: son, L. Don; daughters, Mack; son, Richard; daughters, Connie KANDI KAYNE BREWER and KIPPER Marjorie Andrews, Betty Laymon, Lois Odom, Brenda Jordan, Beverly Sipes; SHANE HORTON, May 13 at San Diego, DOROTHY ANTHONY, 77, mother of Fearn; 9 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchil­ brothers, Marvin and Richard Webber; sis­ Calif. Eastern Michigan District Superintendent dren. ter, Helen Beebe; eight grandchildren; five CYNTHIA BELLE HENDRICKS and Stephen Anthony, Pontiac, Mich., July 27, ROSE A. HESS, 94, Portland, Oreg., great-grandchildren. PATRICK KEVAN KRYSLER, June 10 at Ok­ Survivors: sons, David, Thomas, Stephen. Sept. 1. Survivors: son, James; brothers, REV. HAROLD S. RICHARDSON, 87. lahoma City, Okla. RUTH E. (WALTERS) ANDERSON, 87, Ralph and Stanley Almquist; two grandchil­ Muncie, Ind., July 16, Survivors: wife, Etta- DENISE JOANN MESSIMER and W inter Park, Fla., Sept. 13. Survivors: son, dren; two great-grandchildren. Mae; brother, Forest; stepson, Eric Bentley; MATTHEW LYNN HOKE, Aug. 19 at Selins­ Philip Walters; stepson, David Anderson REV. WESLEY W. HOECKLE, 71, Corpus stepdaughters, Margaret Cope, Donna Mae grove, Pa. III; two grandchildren; three stepgrandchil- Christi, Tex., July 9. Survivors: wife, Mary; Allen; foster son, Robert Ferrell; nine JANELLE MORGAN and JAY COMFORT, dren; four great-grandchildren; two step- son, Donald; daughters, Sharon Ricketts, grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; July 22 at Bourbonnais, III. great-grandchildren. Cinda Pratt. one great-great-grandchild. JOANN MORGAN and KEVIN ALSVIG, REV. VICTOR C. BATEMAN, 77, Port St. REV. VICTOR R. HOFFMAN, 90, pastor EUGENE ROOD, 83, Lake Wales, Fla., July 22 at Bourbonnais, III. Lucie, Fla,, July 7. Survivors: wife, Ruth; of more than 30 years, Sweet Springs, Aug. 3. Survivors: wife, Nellie; son, Roy; KELLY ANN PONTIUS and JOSEPH daughters, Marilyn Harper, Arlene Mo., July 30. Survivors: wife, Freda; sons, daughters, Helen Leeper, Marilyn Horst; six JOHN BUHAY, Aug. 12 at Selinsgrove, Pa. Rohrbaker; brother, John; six grandchil­ James, John; daughter, Connie Johnson; grandchildren; three great-grandchildren. dren; one great-granddaughter; seven one brother; 10 grandchildren. LAWRENCE E. ROTH, 65, Marion, Ohio, stepchildren. REV. MAC HOLLINGSWORTH, 59, Bak­ Aug, 3. Survivors: mother, Arilla; wife, Anniversaries BETTY BRANSON, 82, Marseilles, III., ersfield, Calif., Aug. 6. Survivors: wife, Jewell; son, Dale; daughters, Beth Bond, HOWARD AND MARY ALVIS, Blooming­ July 2. Survivors: sons, Rev. Grover, Den­ Bunny; sons, Randy, Ron, Greg; daugh­ Kathleen Williams; brothers, Merle, Fred; ton, III., celebrated their 50th anniversary nis, David; four sisters; many grand, great, ters, Wendy Jarrett, Kristine Baldwin; sis­ sisters, Jeanne Martin, Marg Jones; six with an open house Oct. 22. They have 8 and great-great-grandchildren. ter, Kay Lewis; 13 grandchildren. grandchildren. children, 22 grandchildren, and 20 great­ WILLIAM J. BROWNING, 61, Vienna, FANNIE HOPKINS, 84, mother-in-law of ESTHER R. SANGER, 69, founder of grandchildren. W.Va., July 23, Survivors: wife, Joyce; Wisconsin District Superintendent Laurel Quincy Crisis Center, Wollaston, Mass., R. EDWARD AND EILEEN BASS, Union sons, Steven, Eric, Scott; daughters, Cathy Aug. 2. Survivors: son, David; daughters, Matson, Madison, Wis., June 28. Sur­ City, Calif., celebrated their 50th anniver­ Smith, Linda Netherton; mother, Sylvia; Donita Rardin, Heather Rideout; three vivors: daughter, Sharon Matson; son, sary June 16 with an open house reception brother, Don; sister, Peggy Muschera; two grandchildren. David; 7 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchil­ hosted by family and friends at Fremont granddaughters, REV. PAUL F. WANKEL, 66, Many, La., dren. Central Church. PEARL E. (BARR) BRUNETT, 86, De­ July 31. Survivors: wife, Betty; daughters, NONA A. HUMAN, 85, Stillwater, Okla., REV. J. RUSSELL AND IRENE BROWN. catur, III., May 6. Survivor: daughter, Elsie Paula Graves, Esther Weis, Marsha Stoker, July 19. Survivors: son, Gerald; daughter, Boise, Idaho, celebrated their 60th anniver­ L. Marsh. Denise Ward; brothers, Carl, Ralph; sisters, Barbara Thompson; three grandchildren; sary Aug. 25. REV. JAY B. BUDD, 75, pastor and evan­ Dorothy Reining, Alice Wankel; six grand­ four great-grandchildren. REV. A. MILTON AND ELSIE MARSH, gelist of more than 50 years, Reynolds­ children. EDWARD M. KEY, 47, Gladstone, Mo„ Dade City, Fla., celebrated their 50th an­ burg, Ohio, Aug. 24. Survivors: wife, FAYE WEISENBURGER, 52, Rycroft, Al­ Aug. 6. Survivors: wife, Sharon; son, niversary July 15 with a trip to the Barrier Lorene: sons, Leonard, Clair, Philip; ta., June 3. Survivors: husband, Ray; son, Bryan; daughter, Heather; parents, Lester Islands, Outer Banks, North Carolina, and a daughter, Shirley Williams; brothers, Dale, Daryl; daughters, Cheryl, Erin; her parents; and Grace Key; brother, Wayne; sister, dinner hosted by their children, James Jerome, Jim; sister, Virginia Bradley; nine two brothers; two grandchildren. Gayle Cox. Marsh, Sue Johnson, and their families. grandchildren. LYLE DANA WIEGMAN, 81, Canton, ARTHUR R, KNIGHT, 72, Independence, RAY AND CARRIE SIGLER, Nashville, MARY KATHERINE CHASTAIN, 78, Ewa Tex., June 6. Survivors: wife, Emily Marie; Mo., Aug. 13. Survivors: daughter, Carol Tenn., celebrated their 70th anniversary Beach, Hawaii, July 29. Survivors: hus­ sons, Glenn, Chalmer, William, Ralph; Best; brother, Lester; sister, Fern Knight. July 2 with a reception given by their chil­ band, Joseph; son, Jacob; daughters, Jo- daughters, Sylvandia Robertson, Julia REV. SAMUEL E. LEVERETT, 81, Lan­ dren at Nashville First Church. The Siglers line Chang, Beverly Bailey; sister, Ellen Warkentin, Dee Lores Stephens, Wynema caster, Tex., July 21. Survivors: wife, have 4 children, 9 grandchildren, 18 great­ Rogers; five grandchildren. Sims; sister, Christel Christy; brothers, Frances; son, Joe; daughters, Janice grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchil­ ERIC ALBERT COURTNEY-SMITH, 89, Roy, Floyd: 23 grandchildren; 22 great­ Herdeman, Jeanette Hulse, Kathy Peltier; dren. former missionary to Swaziland and South grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; 9 brothers, W. T., Roy. REV. DEAN AND ROXIE WESSELS, Africa, Temple City, Calif,, Aug. 14. Sur­ stepgrandchildren. RUBYE MAY McDANIEL, 75, Denton, Olathe, Kans., celebrated their 50th an­ vivors: wife, Lilian; daughter, Francis; E. E. ZACHARY, 81, former superinten­ Tex., June 21. Survivors: husband, C. L.; niversary Oct. 14 with a reception given by brothers, John and Herbert Smith; sister, dent of the Northern California, Northwest, daughter, Glada Rich; three grandsons; their children at Kansas City First Church. Joy Hearn. Australia, and Kansas districts, Vancouver, four great-grandchildren. The Wessels have two children and six JEWEL NICHOLSON COX, 84, Boise, Wash., Aug. 7. Survivors: wife, Velma HUNTER BRANSON McKAY, 60, Orlan­ grandchildren. Idaho, July 2. Survivors: sons, Chapman, Irene (nee Johnson); daughter, Mary do, Fla., July 4. Survivors: wife, Dale; son, RUSSELL AND HELEN WHITE, Bella David; brother, Noel Nicholson; sisters, Aldrich; sons, Donald, Lane, David; sisters, Darrell; daughter, Heather; one grandson. Vista, Ark., celebrated their 60th anniver­ Elizabeth Baker, Lela Coffer, Mary Tucker; Zana Cooper, Lucy Morris; eight grandchil­ REV. T, T. MAY, 76, Lexington, K y„ Aug, sary Aug. 30. seven grandchildren; five great-grandchil­ 10. Survivors: wife, Bertha; son, John; fos­ dren; seven great-grandchildren. dren. ter son, Max Claypool; daughters, Virginia EVALINE W. DAUTERMANN, 80, Albu­ Morris, Hope Spoonamore; sisters, Mary Births FOR THE RECORD querque, N.Mex., July 13. Survivors: sons, Jo Cook, B. J. Murad, Ruth Brown; 10 to STEPHEN AND CHRISTI (CLIFFORD) Fred, Charles; daughters, Angela Whitaker, grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren. BENNETT, Whangarei, New Zealand, a boy, Moving Ministers Rebecca Riley, Mona Williams, Joanne Mc- L. DOLORES DARNELL MELVIN, 53, James Stephen, May 26 in Whiston, Eng­ GERALD BELL, from Cody (Wyo.) Commu­ Beth; 1 brother; 1 sister; 14 grandchildren; pastor and commissioned evangelist, land nity, to Spearfish (S.Dak.) Hillsview 4 great-grandchilldren. Greenup, Ky., July 21. Survivors: husband, to REV. AND MRS. LEON BLANCHETTE, J. MALCOLM BOLGER, from Colorado REV. ROYAL F. DAVID, 76, pastor of 42 Joe; son, Timothy; sisters, Thelma Cooper, Hendersonville, Tenn., a girl, Emily Noel, Springs (Colo.) Black Forest, to Flo­ years, Vicksburg, Mich., Mar. 2. Survivor: Juanita McGuire; brothers, Walter, Ralph, Aug, 23 rence, Colo. wife, Marilyn. and Lowell Darnell. to CHARLIE AND QUINET (SHOEMAK­ RICHARD BRENNER, from Lake Odessa, REV. U. D. DIBBLE, 87, Chesterton, Ind., ANNA LOU POOL, 95, Torrance, Calif., ER) BRYAN, Boise, Idaho, a girl, Suzanne Mich,, to associate, Ionia, Mich. July 15. Survivors: daughters: Wanita July 18. Survivors: sons, Clyde, Wayne, Quinet, Sept. 6 ROBIN E. BUCKLIN, from Butte, Mont., to Beier, Bonnie Ketterman, Carol Stuffle- and Rev. Paul Simpson; daughter, Mary to BRAD AND MICA (WATTERSON) Rockton, III. beam; 14 grandchildren; 25 great-grand­ Ellen Younger; 2 brothers; 2 sisters; 21 CAMPBELL, Marshfield, Mo., a boy, Clark MICHAEL S. CHAMBERS, from Rome, children; 2 great-great-grandchildren. grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; 11 W illiam, Sept, 6 N.Y., to Bath, N.Y. JOHN M. EBY SR., 85, Bend, Oreg.. Aug. great-great-grandchildren. to THOMAS AND JANEL (HAAS) GOLD­ RONALD L. CHRISTIE, from Puyallup, 7. Survivors: wife, Dorothy; son, John Jr.; MICHAEL SHANE PYLE, 18, Sherman, EN, Waverly, N.Y., a girl, Sophie Corrinne, Wash., to Twin Falls, Idaho daughter, Carolyn Ballard; brothers, Amos, Tex., July 1. Survivors: father, Carroll Jr.; May 12 TIM P. CLARK, from student, MidAmerica Paul, Earl; sisters, Ruth Sumner, Esther mother, Cindy; brother, Chad; grandpar­ to SCOTT AND BETTY SCHOLL, Selins- Nazarene College, to associate, Junction McUne; four grandchildren; two great­ ents, Carroll and Pauline Pyle Sr., Floyd grove, Pa., a girl, Molly Hannah, Aug. 22 City (Kans.) First grandchildren. and Pat Stroud. to ANGELA ZECHMAN, Selinsgrove, Pa., GUY W. COOKSEY, from Harrington, HELEN E. FAUST, 91, Topeka, Kans., WILLIAM RAP, 97, Lincoln, Nebr., Aug. a boy, Austin Ray, Aug. 24 Wash., to Poulsbo, Wash. Aug. 2. Survivors: daughters, Deloris 4. Survivors: sons, Loren, Oren, Willis, MICHAEL COOPER, from evangelism to McGill, Jean Gooden, Mary Lou Ayling; 7 Carlos, and Larry, and their families. Marriages pastor, Drexel, Mo. grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren. DOLLY FRANCIS WEBBER RAY, 68, An­ CAMRYNNE BEADLES and KEVIN SIX, CRAIG COULTER, from Grand Saline, Tex., LEWIS HAHN, 97, Oskaloosa, Iowa, July tioch, Calif., July 18. Survivors: husband, July 8 at Salem, Oreg. to Garden City, Kans.

N o v e m b e r 1995 43 BILLY D. CRANE, from evangelism to pas­ Nazarene Bible College, to pastor, SCHENECTADY (N Y.) CHURCH has be­ JOHNSTON. REV. GORDON and PAT, East­ tor, Jacksonville (N.C.) Faith Sedalia, Mo. gun a Year of Jubilee Celebration to com­ ern Mediterranean, Field Address: PO JAMES DAVENPORT, from Pampa, Tex., to DAVID J. SAMSON, from student, memorate 50 years of holiness ministry. Box 2028, Amman, 11181 Jordan Texarkana (Tex.) North Nazarene Theological Seminary, to pas­ Special events and speakers will be fea­ JOHNSTON, REV. TREVOR and MARY, JOHN MARK DILL, from Berne (Ind.) tor, Omaha (Nebr.) First tured throughout the year, concluding in France, Field Address: 134 Rue de Mount Hope, to Muncie (Ind.) First THOMAS A. SAUNDERS, from associate, March 1996. Former pastors, ENC's A Cap- Champigny, 94430 CHENNEVIERES- TIMOTHY S. DIXON, from Catlett (Va.) Kansas City (Mo.) First, to pastor, pella Choir, and others are scheduled. SUR-MARNE, FRANCE Grace, to Princeton (W.Va.) First Tonganoxie, Kans. Friends and former members are en­ DENNIS DUBENDORF, from North Star, KENNETH W. SOUTHERLAND, from educa­ couraged to take part in as many events as MOORE, REV. RONALD and LAURIE, In­ Mich., to Reading, Mich. tion, Southern Nazarene University, to possible. For more information, contact donesia, Furlough Address: c/o Mr. and STEVEN M. DUPLER, from associate, Lan­ pastor, Dallas (Tex.) Central 2535 Consaul Rd., Schenectady, NY 12304 Mrs. Meeker, 10996 Limekiln Rd., Grass caster (Ohio) First, to pastor, Zanesville JOHN E. STALLINGS, from associate, Den­ (518-372-0445). Valley, CA 95949 (Ohio) First ton (Tex.) First, to pastor, Cedar Hill, NEIDERHISER, REV. RICHARD and LU­ DENNIS ERVIN, from student, Nazarene Tex. Recommendations CILLE, Japan, New Field Address: 101 Bible College, to pastor, Danvers, Maine STEPHEN P. STRICKLER, from Mesa Kobuke Cho, Inage Ku, Chiba Shi, Chiba The following have been recommended FRED FERRAEZ, from evangelism to pas­ (Ariz.) First, to associate, Snohomish Ken 263, JAPAN tor, West Memphis, Ark. (Wash.) Gold Creek Community by their respective district superintendents: NOTHSTINE, REV. TOM and LAURALEE, FRED M. FUNK, from student, Nazarene CHARLES R TONE, from Campbellsville, ERIC J. BOOMER, evangelist, 11 Nuce Madagascar, Language School Address: Theological Seminary, to pastor, Dickin­ Ky., to Felicity, Ohio Rd., Mount Vernon, OH 43050, by Jack R. son (N.Dak.) New Hope BARRY E. VERSAW, from student to asso­ Archer, North Central Ohio District. 7 Jardins Merici, No. 901, Quebec, G1S MIKE GIBSON, to pastor, Lake Odessa, ciate, Eugene (Oreg.) First ROBBIE AND DEBORAH DIEHL, chil­ 4N8, CANADA Mich. MICHAEL A. VINCENT, from student, dren's evangelists, 60 Lester Ave., No., OWENS, REV. DENNY and BETTY, Mi­ MATTHEW N. HAGGARD, from associate, Nazarene Bible College, to pastor, 205, Nashville, TN 37203, by Byron E. F. cronesia, Field Address: PSC 557, Box Mifflinburg, Pa., to associate, Kansas Waltham, Mass. Schortinghouse, Southern Florida District. 1811. FPO.AP 96379-1811 ROBERT DABYDEEN, evangelist, 13 City (Mo.) Saint Paul’s DAVID W. VOLKER, to associate, New Al­ PATNODE, TERRY and DONNA, MAC Re­ PAUL R. HARTLEY, from Okanogan Valley, bany (Ind.) First 37th Ave. N.E., Birmingham, AL 35215, by B. J. Garber, Alabama North District. gional Office, Field Address: c/o 1375 Wash., to Vancouver (Wash.) Central DAVID S. WILLIAMS, from pastor, Cres­ N.W. 97th Ave., Suite 10, Box 571, Mia­ cent, Okla., to student. Nazarene Theo­ KATHRYN J. MARTIN (“Miz Maudie”), KENNETH A. HERDMAN, from Princeton mi, FL 33172-2855 (W.Va.) First, to Madison Heights (Va.) logical Seminary inspirational speaker and country hu­ m orist, 320 N. Sixth St., Panchatoula, LA POWER, REV. RICHARD and VICKI, China Immanuel RONALD W. ZIMMER, from associate, DAVID A. HOFFMAN, from pastor, Duran­ Spokane (Wash.) Bethel, to associate, 70454-3204 (504-386-3030), by Ralph E. Ministries, New Field Address: 1807 go, Colo., to education, Nazarene Bible Kent (Wash.) First West, Louisiana District. Clover Spring, Kingwood, TX 77339 College PRICE, REV. DERYL and BEVERLEY, Nige­ DONALD R. LAWSON, from pastor, Announcements Moving Missionaries ria, Field Address: 121 Hospital Rd., PO Auburn, III., to associate, East Liverpool GAINESVILLE (GA.) FIRST CHURCH will ANDERSON, JOHN and DORIS, India, Field Box 1020, Abak Akwa Ibom State, Nige­ (Ohio) First celebrate its 50th anniversary Jan. 6-7, Address: Wallace Gardens, Flat 2B, 12B ria. WEST AFRICA RICKY McCLAIN, from associate, Oregon 1996. Mandeville Gardens, Ballygunge, Calcut­ SHMIDT, REV. LYNN and SHEARON. City, Oreg., to associate, Olathe (Kans.) Former pastors, members, and friends ta, 700019 INDIA Botswana, Furlough Address: 2016 College are invited to attend. For more information, BALSBAUGH, DAVID and HILLARY, Washington Ave., Findlay, OH 45840 HUGH J. McELROY, to pastor, Buford, Ga. contact 1301 Otlia Dr.. Gainesville, GA Malawi, Field Address: PO Box 5566, TERRY, DOROTHY, Stateside Address: DARREN E. MELTON, from associate, Hot 30506 (770-532-8452). Limbe, MALAWI CENTRAL AFRICA 8200 Pines Rd., Apt. 1005, Shreveport, Springs (Ark.) First, to associate, Cedar OKLAHOMA CITY (OKLA.) CROWN BERG, REV(S). DANIEL and DORIS, ENBC, LA 71129 Rapids (Iowa) First HEIGHTS CHURCH will celebrate its 50th Field Address: Postfach 109, 8201 VORCE, REV. RANDY and ALICIA. Costa TIMOTHY MELTON, from pastor, Drexel, anniversary Nov. 19 with a 10:30 a.m. ser­ Schaffhausen, Switzerland Rica, New Stateside Address: 8722 Cin­ Mo., to associate, Osawatomie, Kans. vice followed by dinner and special after­ BRUERD, DR. CHARLES and YVONNE, HUSTON E. MYERS, from student, noon activities. Papua New Guinea, New Furlough Ad­ namon Creek, No. 115, San Antonio, TX Nazarene Bible College, to pastor, Rotan, Former pastors, members, and friends dress: 6830 Carriage Hill Dr., No. 37, 78240 Tex. are invited to attend or send greetings. For Brecksville, OH 44141 VORE, DR. VERNON and ROBERTA, Papua TIMOTHY D. MILLER, from Decatur, Ind., more information, contact 920 N.W. 46th, BURROWS, REV. CLIVE and GRACE, EN­ New Guinea, New Furlough Address: to Anderson (Ind.) First Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (405-787-5619; BC, Furlough Address: 309 Cardinal Dr., 7111 Kingswood Ct., No. 104, Indi­ VIRGIL MILLS, from Hutchinson (Kans.) 405-524-1903). Olathe, KS 66062 anapolis. IN 46256 First, to Grand Rapids (Mich.) First SAN BERNARDINO (CALIF ) EAST CARDOSA, REV, NATHANAEL and RITA, WILLIS, MARILYN, Africa Ministries Coun­ KEVIN D. NEWBURG, from Lynden, Wash., CHURCH (CORNERSTONE) will celebrate Portugal, Field Address: Rua Castilho, cil, Field Address: PO Box 214, 1710 to Tacoma (Wash.) First 50 years of service to the community on 209-4DTO, 1070 Lisbon, PORTUGAL Florida, Republic of South Africa ROBERT G. OSENBAUGH, from Huntington Feb. 25, 1996, with special tent services CLARK, REV. LOWELL and MARILYN, Tan­ ZURCHER. REV NORMAN and CAROL, (Ind.) Faith Chapel, to Marion (Ind.) Park and a luncheon. zania, Field Address: PO Box 1583, Lynn Pastor Robin Hyde encourages former Arusha, Tanzania Africa Ministries Council— Retired, RUSSELL PEARSON, from student, pastors, members, and friends to attend or CORDOVA, REV. RUTH, Guatemala, New Stateside Address: 1968 Hickory Ave., Nazarene Bible College, to pastor, Qua- send greetings and pictures. For more in­ Field Address: STN, Apartado 2064, Huntington, IN 46750 nah, Tex. formation, contact Pastor Robin Hyde, 903 01901 Guatemala, GUATEMALA J. MARK PENNINGTON, from student, E. Third St., San Bernardino, CA 92401 FERNANDEZ. REV. RUBEN and MONICA, Nazarene Theological Seminary, to pas­ (909-888-1729 or 909-795-5101). Costa Rica, Field Address: Apartado DIRECTORIES tor, Cameron, Mo. SAN FRANCISCO (CALIF.) FIRST 3977-1000, San Jose, COSTA RICA BOARD OF GENERAL SUPERINTENDENTS JOHN E. PIERRE SR.. from student. CHURCH (NEW LIFE CHURCH) w ill cele­ FETTERS, EMMA LOU, Swaziland Inst., Nazarene Bible College, to pastor, brate its 90th anniversary Nov. 12-19. Spe­ Furlough Address: P.O. Box 367, Sar­ Office: 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO Grandview (Mo.) Praise Community cial activities include an inaugural service dinia, OH 45171 64131. Donald D. Owens, chairman; DARRELL R. POEPPELMEYER, from Po­ 10:45 a.m. Nov. 12, 7 p.m. weeknight ser­ FIRESTONE, BRAD and NANCY, Dominican William J. Prince, vice-chairman; James H. tomac, III., to Fort Wayne (Ind.) Fairfield vices featuring former pastors, a youth ral­ Republic, Field Address: c/o Lynx Air— Diehl, secretary; Jerald D. Johnson, John BILLY D. PONDER, from Devine, Tex., to ly Nov. 17, and an anniversary brunch, SD/RD, P.O. Box 5600, Fort Lauderdale, A. Knight, Paul G. Cunningham. Walters, Okla. family communications conference, and in­ FL 33340-5600 JOHN (BUD) PUGH, ,from pastor, Castle ternational banquet Nov. 18. District Su­ GANT, REV. RANDY and LINDA, Kenya, Rock, Colo., to associate, Newport, perintendent Clarence J. Kinzler and Gener­ Field Address: PO Box 20025, Nairobi, GENERAL SUPERINTENDENTS EMERITUS: Oreg. al Superintendent John A. Knight will .Kenya, EAST AFRICA V. H. Lewis, 1406 Cambridge, Olathe, KS J. MATTHEW PRICE, from student to asso­ preside over the festivities. JAKOBITZ, REV. ARLEN and JOYCE, India 66062; Orville W. Jenkins, 2309 W. 103rd ciate, Kansas City (Mo.) Nall Avenue A souvenir booklet commemorating the Church Growth, Field Address: Sharan St., Leawood, KS 66206; William M. ARTHUR R. RENNELS, from Uvalde, Tex., life of the congregation will be published in Apartments— Flat No. 3, 1, High St., Greathouse, 1179 Rosewood Tr., Mount to Whispering Pines, Tex. honor of the occasion. Former members Cooke Town, Bangalore 560 005 Juliet, TN 37122; Eugene L. Stowe, 5555 JAN D. SAILORS, from Corpus Christi and friends are invited to contact the church JOHNSON, REV. JAMES and MARY, Mexi­ (Tex.) Trinity, to Louisville (Ky.) South- for inclusion in this special publication. For co, New Field Address: Adolfo Prieto S. Emporia Cir., Englewood, CO 80111- side more information, contact 300 Ulloa St., 718, Apartado 502-A, Col. Del Valle, 3635; Raymond W. Hurn, 7810 W. 118th, PATRICK SAMPSON, from student, San Francisco, CA 94127 (415-564-7535). 03100 Mexico, D.F., MEXICO Overland Park, KS 66210.

44 H e r a l d o f H o lin ess R hythm s o f the S pirit

and protect me, by the experience of a complete despair of my own powers and abilities.. . . It was the grace God had been offering me all my life, but which I had never really had the courage to accept in full.” The radical optimism of grace frees us Serious About Sin? to live hopefully and invest strategically in a difficult world. At Promise Keepers MORRIS A. WEIGELT faith’” (NRSV). The optimism is also visi­ in Minneapolis in July, I sat next to a ble in Colossians 1:13-14: “He has res­ young man who is living out the opti­ cued us from the power of darkness and mism of grace in an astounding way. He transferred us into the kingdom of his asked me what forgiveness really meant. beloved Son, in whom we have redemp­ When I probed for the reason for his tion, the forgiveness of sins” (NRSV). question, he responded: “Well, my wife What a privilege to trust in a gospel and I have adopted the son of the man that never needs to whitewash sin and its who murdered my wife’s brother, and we effects! So we have the radical freedom to are wondering just how forgiveness oper­ end all forms of denial. We can acknowl­ ates.” I was so moved by this model of Morris A. Weigelt teaches spiritual forma­ edge the damage sin has caused in our forgiveness in action that I could hardly tion at Nazarene Theological Seminary. lives and anticipate the transformation speak. Only the optimism of grace could that comes with transfer into the kingdom free a person to respond so strategically at of light! The radical optimism of grace that level of Kingdom investment. We frees us to recognize the deepest wounds can live with redemptive optimism. We Shortly after publication, I showed a in our lives and open them to the healing can continue to see deep possibilities of copy of The Upward Call to a teaching that God has provided through the Cross. grace in our broken world. colleague in another denominational sem­ A clear-eyed view of grace frees us to The radical optimism of grace frees us inary in Kansas City. A few days later, abandon ourselves to God’s care. At a re­ to live with an abiding joy—even in the she returned with words of affirmation cent conference on spiritual formation, darkest of circumstances. We know the and appreciation. One of her comments the leaders used reflective questions to realities of the spiritual world are more was: “You people certainly take sin seri­ guide each major session. One of the ear­ dependable than those of the world in ously.” ly questions asked: “What trials of life, which we live. Eugene Peterson para­ I received that as a significant compli­ what ‘dark nights of the soul,’ have phrased Romans 8:38-39 as: “None of ment. The Wesleyan understanding of the brought me closer to God?” gospel has frequently been characterized The stories in our small as “the radical optimism of grace.” The group that day were riveting. optimism is radical because it trusts the The next day, the reflec­ gospel message that the problem of sin tive question moved from The radical optimism of grace was decisively solved at the Cross. The the past to the future: “What result is freedom of a radical kind. would my life look like to­ frees us to live with an abiding The first freedom is the freedom to day and tomorrow if I let joy— even in the darkest of take sin seriously. In a world that is going God, once and for all, take increasingly crazy, it is easy to become the lead?” One of the partici­ circumstances. overwhelmed by the violence and the pants began: "If I were to degradation. The gospel, however, offers abandon myself to God us hope in the midst of the pain. In the enough . . . ” All of us were opening chapter of Romans, Paul ac­ immediately struck by the incongruity of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m knowledges the devastation sin creates. any kind of partial or incomplete aban­ absolutely convinced that nothing—noth­ The closing words of the chapter spell out donment. We recognized the nature of the ing living or dead, angelic or demonic, to­ despair in capital letters. risk of such abandonment as well. Only day or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable But Romans 1:16-17 sets the tone for the radical optimism of grace frees us to or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can our optimism: “For I am not ashamed of take that risk. get between us and God’s love because of the gospel; it is the power of God for sal­ In his book He Leadeth Me (Double­ the way that Jesus our Master has em­ vation to everyone who has faith, to the day, 1975), Walter Ciszek testified: “I was braced us” (TM). Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it brought to make this perfect act of faith, That is radical freedom within the radi­ the righteousness of God is revealed this act of complete self-abandonment to cal optimism of grace! That is the gospel! through faith for faith; as it is written, His will, of total trust in His love and Abandon yourself to God; enjoy the free­ 'The one who is righteous will live by concern for me and His desire to sustain dom of letting Him lead!

N o v e m b e r 1995 45 O bserver at Large

daily sacrifices. We are certainly far removed from those ancient days and rituals. We do not worship with burnt offerings. We do not maintain an endless flame within the church. However, 3. What was true for the ancient Tending the Fire priests is true for all of God’s people. The altar for us is no longer a piece JOHN C. BOWLING begin the sacrificial worship, Aaron, of furniture where sacrifices are of­ the high priest, offered the sacrifices. fered, but the altar is our heart where Then he and Moses made their way into we must bring ourselves completely to the Tabernacle, and when they came God. out, “Fire came out from the presence The call of God is not just to believe, j of the L o r d and consumed the burnt of­ but to offer ourselves as living sacri­ fering and the fat portions on the altar. fices to the glory of God and to “fan in­ And when all the people saw it, they to flame the gift of God, which is in shouted for joy and fell facedown” you” (2 Timothy 1:6). Mr i (Leviticus 9:24). The flame of God, sent to the altar of John C. Bowling is president of Olivet The altar was ignited by the presence our lives, is the Holy Spirit. Speaking Nazarene University. of God, and thus the fire remained as a of Jesus, John the Baptist said, “He will visible symbol of His presence. baptize you with the Holy Spirit and The nature of God as revealed in fire with fire” (Matthew 3:11). When the was familiar to Moses. “There the angel Holy Spirit came on the Day of Pente­ T he B o o k of L e v it ic u s describes in of the L o rd appeared to him in flames cost, His appearance was accompanied elaborate detail the beginnings of for­ of fire from within a bush” (Exodus with what appeared to be tongues of mal worship for the people of God. 3:2). When Moses joined the Lord on fire. Tucked away in the sixth chapter is a Mount Sinai to receive the Law, and the Don’t let the fire go out. Whatever passage that describes the duties of the Israelites watched from a distance, “To the pressure, whatever the cost, whatev­ priests. One responsibility stands out the Israelites the glory of the L ord er it takes—tend the fire. How do we among their many tasks. Above all else, looked like a consuming fire on top of tend the fire spiritually? In the same they were to keep the fire on the altar the mountain” (24:17). ways these ancient priests did. from going out. Fire was the visible symbol of God's a. Remove the debris. If we let other Other duties might be deferred, some presence. Throughout the things might be left undone, but the fire wilderness wanderings, the on the altar was not to go out. This is Lord led His people with a seen repeatedly in the passages: “and pillar of fire by night. the fire must be kept burning on the al­ Therefore, to let the fire go tar” (v. 9*) and “The fire on the altar out would be, symbolically, must be kept burning; it must not go to let the presence of God Certain things must be done to out” (v. 12). depart. That’s why the keep the fire burning. And immediately, the message is un­ priests were repeatedly derscored once more in verse 13: “The commanded to tend the fire. fire must be kept burning on the altar 2. Afire left untended continuously; it must not go out.” will go out. The altar, in this passage, was the al­ You don’t have to be a tar of sacrifice for burnt offerings. The Boy Scout to know that a fire, left unat­ things crowd in, the fire of God can be burnt offering was a total offering to tended, will eventually go out. The fire smothered out. God, nothing diverted, nothing held was from God, but certain things had to b. Add new wood. We must take back. Regardless of what was brought be done to keep the fire burning. time every day for spiritual refueling. to the Lord, whether it was a great sac­ a. The priests were to keep the altar c. Live a life of daily sacrifice. rifice or a small sacrifice, it was con­ clean and uncluttered-by removing the "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in sumed completely upon the altar. ashes and debris. view of God’s mercy, to offer your bod­ The fire was important because: b. They were to occasionally add ies as living sacrifices, holy and pleas­ I . Fire was the visible symbol of more firewood. No fire can bum with­ ing to God—this is your spiritual act of God’s presence. out fuel. The priests had to ensure a worship” (Romans 12:1). In Exodus and Leviticus, we read ready supply of fresh firewood. ’ Scripture quotations are from the New International Version that when everything was in place to c. They were to add to the altar the of the Bible.

46 H e r a l d o f H o l i n e s s m arkec^opy^

Notes from an editor’s journal by Mark Graham, Managing Editor November 1995 • Whole No, 3559 • Vol. 84, No. 11

Editor, Wesley D. Tracy An Oldie, but a Goodie

Managing Editor, Mark Graham t was almost 10:30 at night. Joey had don’t do this. Rather, they call for a change just come into my study for the third in behavior—repentance: turning away Administrative Secretary time. He was on the verge of tears. from our sins—as a means of finding heal­ Carolyn S. Hampton “What’s the matter, pal?” I asked. ing and wholeness. “I don’t know, Dad. I’m afraid someone False guilty consciences may at times is going to break into our house.” haunt us because of restricted childhoods Director “Is something else bothering you?” I (ask someone who grew up in a very con­ Division of Communications asked. I am not a wise old bird (ask my servative church about this). But guilt feel­ Michael R. Estep wife), but I do know that ings can also be helpful in kids may be fearful if they pointing out areas where General Superintendents are suffering from guilty “Is something we have failed or by high­ Jerald D. Johnson consciences. lighting sins that need to be John A. Knight “Is there something you else bothering confessed and then flung William J. Prince need to confess to God? If into the sea. Donald D. Owens you do, He has promised you?” David didn’t need a James H. Diehl that He will forgive us and counselor to convince him Paul G. Cunningham cleanse us.” of this. The words of Psalm He told me of something he had done that 32 say it graphically: “When I kept silent, was bothering him. I suggested he ask God my bones wasted away through my groan­ Bible quotations in this issue: for forgiveness. ing all day long. For day and night your Unidentified quotations are from KJV. Quotations Joey prayed, then I prayed. I told him hand was heavy upon me; my strength was from the following translations are used by permis­ sion: God had promised to cast our sins into the sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I ac­ ocean if we confessed them. I asked him, knowledged my sin to you and did not cov­ (NIV) From the Holy Bible, Hew International “How deep is the ocean?” er up my iniquity. I said, T will confess my Versiorf (NIV®). Copyright © 1973,1978,1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of “Pretty deep, Dad—at least two miles.” transgressions to the L o r d ’ —and you for­ Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. I reminded him that the sins he had con­ gave the guilt of my sin” (vv. 3-5, n i v ). (RSV) From the Revised Standard Version of the fessed were now resting well beneath the I know that our Wesleyan theology says Bible, copyright 1946,1952,1971 by the Division waves, never to bother him again. But I also that we don’t have to willfully sin, but I al­ of Christian Education of the National Council of reminded him that when Jesus forgave the so know that sometimes we do. Apparently the Churches of Christ in the USA. sinful woman in the Bible, He told her to go Jesus recognized this when He gave His (NRSV) From the Hew Revised Standard Version of and sin no more. disciples what we call the Lord’s Prayer. the Bible, copyright 1989 by the Divion of Christian I admonished Joey to choose to obey God Maybe we don’t even know how to define Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA. and to seek to live his life doing what he the problem—it could be a mistake in judg­ knows is right. He wasn’t completely cool, ment, an error, a failure to do something we (NKJV) From the Hew King James Version. Copy­ right© 1979, 1980,1982 Thomas Nelson, Inc. calm, and collected, but he went to bed, and know we should have done, or we may rec­ I didn’t hear any more from him that ognize an action as an out-and-out sin. (TM) From The Message. Copyright © 1993. Used evening. Whatever we want to call it, if it has created by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. This little vignette from our family helped a barrier between me and God or between me recognize the importance of parents al­ me and someone else (whether near or far), Herald of Holiness (USPS 241-400) is pub­ lowing their young people to come to them I need to confess it to God and to the person lished monthly by the NAZARENE PUBLISH­ with their problems, mistakes, and sins. Je­ I have offended. Only then will I find peace ING HOUSE, 2923 Troost Ave., Kansas City, sus didn't rub the noses of sinners in their for my soul and regain the vitality needed to MO 64109. Editorial offices at 6401 The past—rather, He forgave and urged them to cope with life. Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131 (816-333- choose a better way. Harsh words were re­ Society says, “Be true to yourself— 7000, ext. 2302). Address all correspon­ served for the Pharisees and other religious there is no such thing as sin," but you and dence concerning subscriptions to Nazarene Publishing House, P.O. Box 419527, Kansas leaders who would never admit their inade­ I know better. The adage “confession is City, MO 64141. Copyright 1995 by Naza­ quacies. good for the soul” is an oldie, but it’s a rene Publishing House. POSTMASTER: Psychologists tell us that our “neuroses” goodie. Please send change of address to Herald of sometimes occur because of the conflict be­ Holiness, P.O. Box 419527, Kansas City, MO tween our beliefs and our actions. Some 64141. Second-class postage paid in Kansas counselors encourage their clients to change City, Mo. Canadian GST No. R129017471. their values to bring about congruency be­ tween the two. Good Christian counselors

N o v e m b e r 1995 47 E ditor’ s C hoice You Never Know...

WESLEY TRACY 101 pounds. How frail she seemed wish I had been a better grandfather. when I hugged her at the Boise airport. I gaze at the ocean and listen to the I wish I had been a better son. night. I pray for Bettye, fighting a virus You will never know that Jesus is all back home in Kansas City. She’s trying you need until Jesus is all you have. to get her strength back before school I become aware of the Presence, starts. In just four days we will cele­ close, hovering, immense, yet personal. brate our 44th anniversary. I’ll get A prayer wells up: home just in time— unless Delta strands “Almighty God, to whom all hearts me one more time. I think of all the be open, all desires known, and from time she has spent alone at home this whom no secrets are hid. . . . ” summer. I’ve had eight PALCONs, The Presence focuses on a point of NYC, and two other conferences since offense in my heart. He has pointed to Ten hours of silence. I have done this May 22. I wonder how many more it before. I raise my hands against the before, seven times already this sum­ summers we'll have. I make a mental night sky and continue to silently pray: mer. I have just left the Tuesday night note not to broker away another sum­ “Cleanse the thoughts of my heart by service at the Point Loma PALCON, mer. I wish I had been a better husband. the inspiration of Thy Holy Spirit, that I along with nearly 400 pastors, to walk I gaze at the ocean and listen to the may perfectly love Thee, and worthily into 10 hours of silence. night. magnify Thy holy name. Through Jesus I have broken the code of silence on­ You never know that Jesus is all you Christ our Lord. Amen.” ly once in eight PALCONs. At Mount need until Jesus is all you have. The point of offense rises as a vapor, Vernon, at 10:55 p.m., I broke the si­ I pray for my daughters, the one in and the ruach of God, so to speak, lence with nine words: the Midwest and the one on the West wafts it out to sea. I wish I had been a “Whopper with cheese, large fries, Coast. I count the months since I have better disciple. I tell God I want to be. medium Diet Coke. Thanks.” seen them. I pray about their gifts and / gaze at the ocean and listen to the Tonight I walk silently to my room in their needs. God knows all about them, night. Wiley Hall. What will I do with another but I remind Him anyway. I wish I had You never know that Jesus is all you 10 hours of silence? I’ve already done been a better father. the “Jogging Monk” exercise that Rick / gaze at the ocean Ryding prepared for us. and listen to the night. I take off my preaching uniform, my You never know that navy blue Hart Schaffner and Marx, Jesus is all you need un­ and put on jeans. Maybe I’ll go gaze at til Jesus is all you have. Ebbing at the shores of my soul the Pacific for a while. I find a secluded I pray for my grand­ spot and try to open my heart to God. daughters, the one with is, “You never know that Jesus is It’s barely dark now. I don’t see any the scampish, laughing all you need until Jesus is all you stars—must be foggy. The sea breeze eyes; the one with the have.” feels good— or at least it makes me feel perceptive look and left- good. It smells good too. handed smile; the one I gaze at the ocean and listen to the with the calm determi­ night. nation to do things right Entering my mind with hardly a rip­ the first time. They stand on the brink need until Jesus is all you have. ple is a line from Listening for God’s of life. So many possibilities; so many I go back to my room. I set the alarm Silent Language by Don Osgood: vulnerabilities. I thank the Lord that I and lie down. In five hours I will arise You never know that Jesus is all you have had time, however short, with and speak to the pastors about spiritual need until Jesus is all you have. each of them this summer. I wish I new beginnings. I can no longer hear I try to pray. I think of my mother, al­ could go before them and shield them the ocean, but ebbing on the shores of most 85. She weighed in at the doctor’s from the storms of life. But I’m already my soul is, You will never know that Je­ office last week in Nampa, clothes, far behind in that department. Where do sus is all you need until . . . welcome, shoes, wristwatch, brooch and all, at you check in for grandparent training? I welcome sleep. q,

48 H e r a l d o f H o l i n e s s NTINUING LAY TRAINING DENOMINATIONAL STUDY February—March 1996 EARL AND HAZEL LEE

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