International •fer Clere 1994
The Power of Narrative Preaching Letters
Year of the pastor sheep." Today He urges His brought out is that the church is the While we are thankful that many undershepherds to do the same.— voluntary association of believers to good pastors are out tending the Samuel C. Young, Silver Spring, proclaim an ideology (unlike the sheep in the field (December 1993), Maryland. state as an involuntary association we cannot possibly ignore the fact of believers and unbelievers). As that many sheep have wandered • Mrs. Babcock's tribute "Hooray such, we need some mechanism for away and are lost. Otherwise there for Human(e) Pastors!" (December defining doctrines preached and would be no need to look them up 1993) reminds me of how fortunate lifestyles tolerated in our ranks. I and have a Homecoming Day I was that I also had been pastored accept some doctrinal disagreement especially designed for them. by three ministers she mentioned. as part of the process of reaching a The reasons for this phenomenon As a teenager I was overjoyed by more biblically enlightened consen are many, but one stands out above the solicitude Buz Menhardt sus (e.g., righteousness by faith in all and is worthy of our attention. In showed the youth of my church. 1888, the adoption of Trinitar- John 10, Jesus told us that He, the As a present member at the ianism). However, I have concerns Great Shepherd, knows His sheep Spencerville church, I am grateful about the idea of reducing the faith and sacrifices for them, and they to Rob Vandeman and his entire to "essential Adventism," which know His voice and follow Him. family, who contribute joyfully an can easily degenerate into "believe But too often we the undershep- abundance of talents to the pro what you want but don't disrupt the herds do not know or do not care for grams of the church. As a coworker unity of the visible church." The the sheep, especially the poor, the with Mike Stevenson, Jr., in the ultimate irony would be the rejec lonely, and the wounded—those youth division, I attest to his tion of a doctrinal creed but em who need pastoral care the most. indefatigable efforts to be available bracing an institutional creed, For this reason tens of thousands of for the young people in our church which raises questions in connec sheep are lost. and school. tion with the reformation doctrine Maybe some undershepherds Because Mrs. Babcock cited two of the church.—Ron Thomsen, need to reexamine their own role of the pastors at Spencerville, I Houston, Texas. perception. Are they supposed to sit want to give public acclaim to our in the office waiting for the sheep third pastor, Dr. Steve Wilsey. He • George Knight observes: "One to come in for counseling, or should and his wife, Allie, have showered suspects that in the process of they also go out and search for the the church with warmth and good preserving Adventism's historic lost? will by their grace and charm. I content, they might actually kill its Too many undershepherds pastor always feel I am the most important living spirit." This comment raises selectively for the rich, the power item on his agenda for the day. He a sharp concern. With respect to the ful, the influential. The visitors, the has never forgotten a name or face, new members of our various newly moved, the immigrants, those and that makes us feel important to congregations, many of whom are seemingly unpromising, and those him. He calls us on our birthdays to converted to Adventism by workers who are not in the "in" circle too tell us how much he appreciates us. who advocate strong conservative often do not get the attention of the That first year, on my son Jamie's views, a spirit of misunderstanding pastor. I personally know that third birthday he left a wonderful has developed between such precisely because of this attitude of message on the answering machine members and the rising and devel benign neglect, several families to which my thrilled child listened oping youth within the church. The have stopped attending church; I five times. Jamie will tell you many apostasy rate could probably be have also witnessed several spiritu things he wants to do when he stemmed if the effort to preserve ally dead sheep loved back into the grows up, but being a pastor like historic content gave way to the church. Elder Wilsey is the most recurring dynamic influence of the Holy It takes a lot of love to love and consistent. That makes a Spirit. This, in my estimation, will those who are unfriendly, unlov mother's heart glad.—Becki Joiner keep the church, especially with the able, different, poor, and unedu Timon, Laurel, Maryland. flood of new converts to this cated. A great deal of patience is wonderful household of faith, alive, required. The pastor, by the grace Dynamic present truth active, and successful in maintain of God, must be kind, not easily The dynamic nature of present ing the Christ-centered thrust of angered (or disappointed), not rude, truth, stressed by Drs. George the gospel to this generation. always protect, trust, hope, and Knight and Woodrow Whidden Thanks for a challenging persevere. He or she can do it only (October 1993), touches on the magazine.—Ebrahim Ishmail, because he/she does it for Jesus. basic question of the nature of the Sedavan, Heidelberg, South Jesus urged Peter to "feed My church. One point that needs to be Africa.
MINISTRY/APRIL/1994 First Glance
Sabbath in Bethesda with Jesus was a glorious experience. 2 Letters Perhaps the next best thing to being there is to hear Dick Duerksen describe what it must have been like to see, hear, 4 The evidence of the grace of God touch—even taste and smell—what happened in old Jerusalem John M. Fowler 2,000 years ago. Dick is one of the most gifted communicators in the Adventist Church. His article can help you tap into his 5 How much diversity can we stand? Spirit-given talent. J. David Newman O Needed: biblical preaching God cannot be mocked is a gripping testimony of a Robert S. Folkenberg mother's faith and her family's faithfulness after her husband was imprisoned during the dark decades of the hammer and O Visions and revisions, part II: sickle. editing the Testimonies Ron Graybill It©s nice to know that our world president has his priorities with the Word. Robert S. Folkenberg shares his vision for 14 Sabbath in Bethesda Dick Duerksen biblical sermons in the first of a three-part serial. .ZU The ministry and the market forces Always count on Ron Graybill to brew up a batch of D. N. Marshall Adventist history that nurtures our knowledge of the way God has led us in the past so we can learn lessons and gain LL God cannot be mocked confidence for the future. See "Visions and Revisions, part II." Michael Kulakov
Thundering across the Atlantic comes D. N. Marshall Ministry Reports Authorr with "The Ministry and Market Forces." Don't miss reading it. L I Lessons from a tragedy James A. Cress 28 Biblio File 31 Shop Talk
Cover illustration: John Williams
Ministry is the international journal of the Sev EDITORIAL SECRETARY: Johannes Mager, Euro-Africa ADVERTISING SALES: MelynieTooley enth-day Adventist Ministerial Association. Dorothea Tone P.O. Box 219, CH 3000 Berne 32, Switzerland SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: Larry Burtnett ASSOCIATION SECRETARY: CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Heikki Silvet, Euro-Asia James A. Cress Carlos Aeschlimann Isakovskogo St. #4, Korpus 1, Ministry, (ISSN 0026-5314), the interna Galen Bosley Stroghino tional journal of the Seventh-day Adventist EDITOR: J. David Newman Sharon Cress 123181 Moscow, Russia Ministerial Association © 1994, is pub James Zachary George Johnson, Far Eastern lished monthly by the General Conference ASSOCIATE EDITORS: 800 Thomson Road of Seventh-day Adventists and printed by John M. Fowler, Martin Weber CONSULTING EDITORS: Singapore 1129, Rep. of Singapore Ellen Bresee the Review and Herald® Publishing Asso Jaime Castrejon, Inter-America ciation, 55 West Oak Ridge Drive, SPECIAL ASSISTANT EDITORS: Floyd Bresee P.O. Box 140760 Gerard Damsteegt Hagerstown, MD 21740, U.S.A. Subscrip Nancy Canwell Miami, FL 33114-0760 tions: US$22.00 for 12 issues worldwide, Miguel Angel Cerna Raoul Dederen William C. Scales, Jr., North America Robert Folkenberg air mail USS39.85. Single copy US$2.25. Eric C. Ward 12501 Old Columbia Pike Member Associated Church Press. Second- Roland R. Hegstad Silver Spring, MD 20904 Karen Holford class postage paid at Hagerstown, MD. This EDITOR EMERITUS: Alejandro Bullon, South America Herbert Kiesler publication is available in microfilm from Caixa Postal 12-2600 J. Robert Spangler Alfred C. McClure University Microfilms International. Call 70279 Brasilia, DF, Brazil Leo Ranzolin toll-free 1-800-521-3044. Or mail inquiry SEMINAR DIRECTOR: George W. Reid Gerhard Pfandl, South Pacific to: University Microfilms International, 300 Rex D. Edwards Angel Rodriguez 148 Fox Valley Road North Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Ariel Roth Wahroonga, N.S.W. 2076, Australia PASTORAL ADVISORY: William H. Shea P. V. Jesudas, Southern Asia Editorial Office: 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Charles Ferguson Russell L. Staples SDA Complex, Post Box 2, HCF Silver Spring, MD 20904. Stamped, self- Dennis Fortin Sally Streib Hosur, Tamil Nadu, India 635110 addressed envelope should accompany un Desmond Francis Richard Tibbits A. David C. Currie, Trans-European solicited manuscripts. Office telephone: 301- Robert Lloyd 119 St. Peter's Street 680-6510. Larry Moore INTERNATIONAL EDITORS: St. Albans, Herts, AL1 3EY, U.K. Dwight Nelson Walton Whaley, Africa-Indian Ocean Postmaster: Send address changes to Eric C. Ward 22 Boite Postale 1764 COVER DESIGN: Trent Traman Ministry, 55 West Oak Ridge Drive, Walton Williams Abidjan 22, Cote d'lvoire, W. Africa Hagerstown, MD 21740. Joel Musvosvi, Eastern Africa LAYOUT: Ann Taylor EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: P.O. Box H.G. 100, Highlands, Ella Rydzewski Harare, Zimbabwe, Africa MARKETING: Mark Thomas Volume 67 Number 4
MINISTRY/APRIL/1994 3 Editorials The evidence of the grace of God John M. Fowler
hen he arrived and saw a higher commission: to turn that Certainly the Holy Spirit was behind the evidence of the grace "Queen of the East" into a global the choice of Barnabas; one can only W of God, he was glad and center for the good news of Jesus imagine what calamitous fallout encouraged them all to remain true Christ. At first the gospel was would have hit the Antioch church to the Lord with all their hearts. He preached only to the Jews (see Acts and the missionary movement on her was a good man, full of the Holy 11:19), but soon the church realized drawing boards had the choice been, Spirit and faith, and a great number that it was a travesty of the highest say, one of the "circumcision party" of people were brought to the Lord" order to limit the good news to a few at Jerusalem. Would that person have (Acts 11:23, 24)* and to restrict the power of the Holy recognized the creation of a new com Spirit to any particular frontier. munity of faith in that great metropo The word "grace" immediately Antioch ranks among the first con lis? Or would he have interpreted the evokes theological images: the way gregations to envision a church with breaking down of the barrier between God acts toward us, the way He has out walls, a global community with the Jew and the Gentile as a threat to chosen to save us, His acts of mercy out confining borders. And so the the uniqueness of the law? Would he as well as judgment. But in this re gospel was preached to the Greeks have rejoiced at the mysterious work markable passage about a remark and to every other ethnic group in ings of God's grace in bringing about able church, inspiration records for that great city. A new creation reconciliation, both vertical as well us a definition of grace that we need emerged. No name could describe as horizontal? Or would he have led to hear again and again, and practice this new community. It was not Ro in a crusade to preserve the historic more often. man, Greek, Jewish, Egyptian, or tradition of the synagogue and pro Phrygian or anything else. A unique tect the carefully detailed and visibly The remarkable church community such as this deserved the identifiable marks of religion such The Christian community at coining of a new name, albeit a con as circumcision? A church leader, Antioch of Syria was founded by temptuous one to begin with: "The without continual reliance on the em believers who fled there during the disciples were called Christians first powering of the Holy Spirit, is an persecution that followed the ston at Antioch" (verse 11:26). awesome risk for the church and an ing of Stephen (see Acts 11:19). A The news of this—so unbeliev invitation to judgment for the indi thriving commercial city, with his able, so startling—shocked the vidual. toric connections to famous names church at Jerusalem. The headquar But Barnabas was "full of the Holy such as Seleucus I, Antiochus IV, ters decided to send a calm, fair, Spirit." As a Levite (Acts 4:36) and and Pompey, and with pride etched dependable leader to investigate the an active anticipant for the Messi in gaining the title "Queen of the Antioch miracle. Could the wall be anic kingdom, the natural thing for East," Antioch provided safety, tween the Jew and the Gentile really Barnabas to do would be to suspect wealth, and security. But the fleeing come tumbling down? the happenings at Antioch and to believers did not settle down in the assert his national cult and racial security of the third metropolis of the The color-blind pastor exclusiveness. Was it conceivable Roman Empire, whose business was The man the Jerusalem church that the great Yahweh would permit money and whose priority was how chose for such a delicate mission was the Jew and the Gentile to come to to make more of it. Barnabas, "a good man, full of the gether as equal partners in redemp- The few believers in that city had Holy Spirit and faith" (verse 24). (Continued on page 30)
MINISTRY/APRIL/1994 How much diversity can we stand?
J. David Newman
n October 1994 we will be com self as the remnant church, which "Evangelical Adventists believe memorating the 150th anniver keeps 'the commandments of God,' that God raised up the Seventh-day I sary of 1844. Today our church and has 'the testimony of Jesus Adventist Church to help prepare the is no longer as simple, specific, and Christ'—defined by the revelator as world for Christ's return by preaching focused as it was back then. As it has 'the spirit of prophecy.' Its mission is this gospel clearly with power. . . . grown in size it has also grown in to take the three angels' messages to Our distinctive Adventist beliefs must diversity. With diversity have come 'every nation, and kindred, and tongue, never be allowed to eclipse the gospel concerns that our church has lost its and people.' The basis for this self- or become the focus of our evange focus, its mission, even its identity. perception and mission is found in lism." What is the Seventh-day Adventist Revelation 14:6-12; 12:17; 19:10." Church today? Progressive Adventism Adventist Today (Vol. 2, No. 1) Evangelical Adventism Another wing of the church is rep recently published four articles each A second view of Adventism is resented by Madelynn Jones- claiming to be the best representation expressed under the title "Evangeli Haldeman (religion professor at La of Adventism. These four articles cal Adventism: Clinging to the Old Sierra University). She writes under represent four significant segments Rugged Cross." Three authors com the rubric "Progressive Adventism: within the church today. bined to write this piece—Michelle Dragging the Church Forward." Rader, David VanDenburgh, and Haldeman states that "a progressive Mainstream Adventism Larry Christoffel, the latter two being Adventist is one who dares to ask Kenneth Wood, former editor of on the pastoral staff of the Loma Linda questions about everything and who the Adventist Review, writes under Campus Hill Church. "Theologically, does not need to have all the answers. the title "The Mother of Us All: Main evangelical Adventists identify the Some in every generation find the stream Adventism." Wood is troubled gospel's meaning and practical im answers of the older generation not by polarization. He says that "true plications as their chief concern. . . . only ineffective but outdated." 'mainstreamers' are troubled by po "Scripturally, the 'gospel' is the She believes that "the acceptance larization within the church, whether 'good news' that God reconciles (jus of and the egalitarian treatment of a it be caused by issues rooted in race, tifies, 'counts righteous,' redeems, person is more important than any gender, or doctrine. To achieve unity, forgives, saves) the lost sinner on the doctrinal teaching." they seek to minimize differences. basis of the substitutionary sacrifice Except where principle or landmark of Jesus Christ when received through Historic Adventism doctrines are involved, they try to faith apart from the works of the law. Ralph Larson, former professor in find common ground on which to stand . . . The inevitable experiential result the then Philippine Adventist Semi with fellow church members." of this belief is a personal relation nary, presents "Historic Adventism: Wood believes that the Adventist ship with God, a dedication to an Remembering to Trust and Obey." Church was "raised up supernatu- ever-deepening understanding of Historic Adventists feel that the rally," and that its purpose is "to give God's will and character, and a trans church has departed from certain vi to a rebellious world God's final lov formation of the heart that produces tal beliefs. These include: people ing appeal to repent. Against the genuine love and concern for others receive weakness from Adam, not background of the cosmic controversy as well as a passion for personal holi guilt; Christ came in the nature of between Christ and Satan, it sees it ness. (Continued on page 26)
MINISTRY/APRIL/1994 5 Needed: biblical preaching
e need biblical preaching. But whatever the type of sermon, the Robert S. "Preach the Word," wrote Word shapes the presentation in bib Folkenberg W;the apostle Paul. "Be pre lical preaching. pared in season and out of season; Biblical preaching means that we correct, rebuke and encourage—with bow before a Higher Authority. The great patience and careful instruc preacher doesn' t try to show how much tion" (2 Tim. 4:2).* These words are he or she knows about a certain topic, my hope and prayer for Adventists doesn't seek to impress by clever today. If they would become a reality words or entertain by amusing anec The General in our midst, our people everywhere dotes. Not the preacher but the Word Conference president would be energized, nurtured, and mo occupies center stage. Ellen White tivated to live for Christ and serve Him. comments: "Let no minister suppose shares his conviction that he can convert souls by eloquent What is biblical preaching? sermons.... Flowery speeches, pleas and concerns in a Biblical preaching puts the Word ing tales, or inappropriate anecdotes three-part serial on at the center, not psychology or cur do not convict the sinner."' rent events, not a story or illustration. But please don't misunderstand preaching. Sometimes sermon illustrations are me. I'm not saying preaching should so captivating that they are all the be dull. I'm not advocating colorless people remember. They take away sermons. Biblical preaching can and the stories but not what they were should be lively, animated, and inter supposed to teach! esting. It can and should grip both No, we must make the Bible and preacher and hearers. The Bible is its authority central to our preaching. alive! It deals with life! And biblical From a sermon's beginning to end, preaching will be down-to-earth, prac from its preparation to presentation, tical, relevant. It will show that it Scripture must be the focus. Only takes the Bible seriously and applies then should we seek illustrations for it to life in today's world. our topic. We shouldn't start with illus trative material and then hunt for a text Why biblical preaching? to give it validity. Such use of Scrip We need biblical preaching for ture is but a pretense for preaching. three reasons. First, because the Biblical preaching is rooted and Word, not the world, must shape our grounded in the Word. It may be ex values, attitudes, and motives. We pository—that is, it may take a par live in a society that bombards us Robert Folkenberg is ticular passage and let that passage with secular, materialistic philoso president of the General Conference unfold point by point, showing its phy. We cannot avoid this all perva of Seventh-day meaning and application to life. Or it sive fallout, no matter how hard we Adventists. may be topical—that is, built around try. The answer is that we must fortify several texts or passages rather than ourselves through studying God's one, but proceeding from the Word, Word. and focusing the Word on a particular The apostle Peter tells us: "For subject. Other sermon forms are pos you have been born again, not of sible, such as the narrative approach. perishable seed, but of imperishable,
MINISTRY/APRIL/1994 through the living and enduring word tongue, and excellent timing move it shapes and molds us, until its view of God" (1 Peter 1:23). The Word their studio audiences and millions of of God and life becomes our view, brings new life. The Word sustains TV viewers to action at their whim. until our spirit resonates with its Spirit. that life. Protected and nurtured by But the power of our preaching There is no other way. There is no the Word, we can stand securely amid must have a different source. "For shortcut. "The preaching of the Word the perils of the last days. Christ did not send me to baptize, but will be of no avail without the con One of the closing chapters of The I to preach the gospel—not with words tinual presence and aid of the Holy Great Controversy is entitled "The of human wisdom, lest the cross of Spirit." 4 Scriptures a Safeguard." In it Ellen Christ be emptied of its power. For Some Seventh-day Adventists White writes: the message of the cross is foolish claim they sense a lack of solid preach "But God will have a people upon ness to those who are perishing, but to ing in some of our congregations. the earth to maintain the Bible, and us who are being saved it is the power Could the reason be that some preach the Bible only, as the standard of all of God.... For since in the wisdom of ers do not spend enough personal time doctrines and the basis of all reforms. God the world through its wisdom did with the Word? Might some preach The opinions of learned men, the de not know him, God was pleased on psychology or sociology or some ductions of science, the creeds or de through the foolishness of what was other "ology" because that is what cisions of ecclesiastical councils, as preached to save those who believe" they know better than God's Word? numerous and discordant as are the (1 Cor. 1:17,21). When our lives are saturated with churches which they represent, the Ellen White explains: "In the ser the Word, it will be at our right hand voice of the majority—not one nor all mons from many pulpits of today there for every situation. We won't have a of these should be regarded as evi is not that divine manifestation which problem to find something to preach dence for or against any point of reli awakens the conscience and brings about, because the Bible supplies an gious faith. Before accepting any doc life to the soul. The hearers cannot endless source of possibilities. trine or precept, we should demand a say, 'Did not our heart burn within us, A great teacher of homiletics once plain 'Thus saith the Lord' in its sup while he talked with us by the way, remarked that all powerful sermons port." 2 and while he opened to us the scrip spring from one of two sources: the We need today preaching that not tures?' (Luke 24:32, KIV). There are preacher's own experience, or some merely encourages Seventh-day many who are crying out for the liv need the preacher has observed in the Adventists to study the Bible, but is ing God, longing for the divine pres lives of the people. Thus strong truly biblical itself. Let the preacher ence. . . . Let the word of God speak preaching is never a theoretical dis model the admonition! to the people." 3 course. It rings with experience with Second, we need biblical preach Biblical preaching leads to which we can identify as the Word ing because we are the church, the changed lives. God works through addresses the hopes and fears, the remnant church. We aren't just an men and women to bring His mes struggles and hurts, of God's people. other charitable organization, or a sages, but the glory and the power Once Seventh-day Adventists were social club for international fellow aren' t from human resources and skill. known as the people of the Book. I ship, or a mere business corporation The Holy Spirit, who gave birth to the don't hear it said of us much anymore, with multinational objectives. We are Word in the beginning, comes to nur and I am sorry for that. May each of us the people of God. Our Chief is in ture the Word as it is brought before determine to reverse the trend! May heaven, and we look for His soon the people. we determine to make the Scriptures return. What has been said of prayer holds central in our lives and study. And The Bible tells us who we are, true for preaching also: much Word, may every Seventh-day Adventist, what God wants us to do, and how He much power. Little Word, little power. minister or layperson, who preaches wants us to live. The Bible helps us No Word, no power. feed the flock with the solid food of establish and maintain our identity in Biblical preaching leaves the lis the Word. • a world that sees reality quite differ tener with a blessing that can be readily ently from the way we do. The Bible recalled to refresh the soul. When a * Unless otherwise noted, Scripture pas keeps us straight, keeps us balanced. preacher holds up Scripture before a sages are from the New International Version. Seventh-day Adventist preaching congregation and applies it to every must build and reinforce the identity day life, the inspiration and instruc 1 Ellen G. White, Evangelism (Washing ton, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1970), of God's people. It can do so only if it tion of the sermon often lasts for years p. 189. comes directly from the Word itself. as individual members encounter the 2 ————, The Great Controversy (Moun And third, we need biblical preach same text in their personal Bible stud tain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1911), p. 595. ing because it alone is power. ies and recall the preacher's message. 3 ————, Christ©s Object Lessons (Wash In American society late-night tele ington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., vision personalities attract large au Becoming biblical preachers 1941), p. 40. diences and command huge salaries. We become biblical preachers only 4 ————, The Desire of Ages (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1952), p. Such people of quick mind, nimble by spending time with the Word until 671.
MINISTRY/APRIL/1994 7 Visions and revisions, part II: editing the Testimonies
oung man, we see no good in best to handle Mrs. White's writings Ron Graybill a third of these changes," the in the face of hostile criticism. Be YGeneral Conference president fore it was over, the project would said gravely. have to win approval from the Gen W. C. White surveyed George eral Conference in session, and the Butler's face, then glanced at S. N. church would declare itself on the Haskell. Obviously, both men agreed. doctrine of inspiration. At age 28, White was 20 years When James White died in Au "There is no younger than the two church leaders, gust 1881, Willie White took over as but he mustered the courage to reply: Ellen White's literary agent, han salvation in bad "There is no salvation in bad gram dling arrangements for the publica grammar," argued mar," he argued. "A thought gram tion and republication of her books. matically expressed is just as good to Early Writings had been one of the Willie White, and reach the hard and sinful heart as if first books issued under his supervi badly expressed." sion. When it came out, G. I. Butler the resultant editing "That may be so," Butler re had unwittingly claimed that it in admirably preserved sponded, "but before your wife makes cluded all of Mrs. White's earliest any more changes in these Testimo writings, unaware that some passages the integrity of the nies, I wish she could go with us into from her visions were omitted.2 meetings with our critics and see Members of the Church of God Testimonies. them attack your mother's writings. (Seventh Day), which had split from They bring forward one edition and the Seventh-day Adventist Church then another, show up changes, and in 1866, immediately attacked Ellen try to make a point of them." White for suppressing some of her "Some of these changes are sim earlier teachings. The controversy ply a change of style," Haskell made the newspapers in Battle Creek chimed in. "Mary and Marian are and in the San Francisco Bay area. substituting their more polished style To spike the guns of the critics, the for your mother's more abrupt and church reissued James White's 1847 simple style. I, for one, love the old pamphlet, A Word to the "Little simplicity."' Flock" containing Mrs. White's ear Early in 1882 it had seemed such liest visions in unedited form. Ron Graybill, Ph.D., Even before Early Writings was is professor of a simple task. The Testimonies were history at La Sierra nearly sold out. Mary Kelsey White, off the press, Willie White had com University, La Sierra, Willie's wife, and Marian Davis, Mrs. missioned the republication of the California. White's secretary, would make a few Testimonies for the Church. He sim corrections, and a new edition would ply assumed that Ellen White's liter soon be off the press. But it was not ary assistants would make grammati that simple. Revising the Testimo cal and stylistic corrections before nies touched off a lively debate over the new edition was set in type. After the nature of inspiration and how all, the book needed far less exten-
MINISTRY/APRIL/1994 sive corrections than the handwrit grammatical corrections as well as "We may prepare ourselves for a ten drafts the literary assistants ed modernized spelling and punctua storm when these books come out, ited every day. Mary White and tion. for it will come, and you and I will Marian Davis began the task early in The work on the third edition went catch it, on the changes but more 1882. By late November they were forward slowly but uneventfully especially on the omissions on ac nearly done with the first nine Testi throughout 1882. Then, late in De count of needless repetition. Our monies, all of which would be in cember, Willie showed the printer's enemies will make great capital of cluded in volume 1 of the new third proofs to George I. Butler and S. N. this, I fear." 8 edition. Haskell and they responded as de Willie confided that he had al The Testimonies originally ap scribed in the opening paragraphs of most "stopped the presses" several peared as a series of small pamphlets, this article. Mary White was shaken times. Under heavy pressure from beginning in 1855. These pamphlets by Willie's report of the meeting. Butler, George Amadon, and Uriah constitute the first edition. By 1864, She confessed that "the fear that we Smith, even he admitted that "while 10 Testimony pamphlets had ap may make too many changes or in the changes add smoothness I should peared, but most of the early ones some way change the sense haunts feel better if two thirds of them had were out of print. At this point Ellen me day and night." 6 not been made." Mary felt that the White decided to include substantial Haskell soon made his own pref first volume would take the most portions of these 10 Testimonies in erence clear in a letter to Ellen White: criticism and hence they might as Spiritual Gifts, volume 4. Omitted "A verbal reprint of your writings well hold to their standards through were "local and personal matters." will do more to shut the mouths of out. But Willie's support was weak Included were "those portions ening: "Now, my dear," he only which are of practical and ~" ^~~~ wrote, "if you will do less work general interest and impor on these books, and correct only tance." 3 very bad grammar and punc After another 10 numbers of The fear that we may tuation, you will receive the the Testimonies appeared be make too many changes blessing of the whole denomi tween 1865 and 1871, James nation." White responded to calls from or in some way change During the ministerial meet church members and repub- ings preceding the General lished a complete unexpurgated the sense haunts me day Conference session in Novem version of the Testimonies. This and night. ber 1883, Willie set about to became the second edition.4 He win the church's approval of acknowledged that since he was the new edition of the Testimo- restoring the previously omit- __ __ nies. He told the church's lead ted passages the books would ing ministers what changes had contain some matters of a "local and one class of evil-minded persons than been made and why. They appointed personal character, which do not have anything else which can be done." a committee of about 30 to look more a direct bearing upon our time." 5 By "verbal" Haskell doubtless meant closely into the issue. The type for numbers 1-16 had to "verbatim." He was used to reading When this committee met the next be reset from scratch, and James Ellen White's letters in her own hand morning in the Review and Herald White took the occasion to make a writing, and he cared little whether chapel, Willie began by reading the few minor changes in wording, gram the printed versions of her writings preface that J. H. Waggoner had writ mar, spelling, punctuation, and capi conformed exactly to the niceties of ten for the new edition. Then he went talization. Beginning with Testimony grammar found in Goodloe Harper through it again, and again, "till they 17, the second edition volumes sim Bell's new grammar textbook.7 all took it in." 9 The crucial passage ply gathered together the original Mary White and Marian Davis in the preface read: "Some gram pamphlets. By 1879 six volumes had continued intermittent work on the matical and rhetorical changes also appeared. Testimonies through 1883, keeping have been made for the sake of changes to a minimum. After all the strength and clearness. In making The third edition editing on the early Testimonies, these changes great care has been It was the depletion of this second which needed the most attention, had taken to preserve every idea, and in edition in 1882 that led Willie White already been completed, they got no case have either words or sen to order the preparation of the third wind of the criticisms of their work. tences been omitted unless as above edition of the Testimonies. This third The first volume was all set in type indicated, to avoid unnecessary rep edition was destined to be the most by October, and Willie White began etition." thorough revision of the Testimo to prepare for the struggle to win the A lively discussion followed. nies. Today's fourth edition, issued approval of church leaders. But first Some bitterly opposed any changes. in 1948, contains a very few further he unburdened himself to his wife: Others accepted the changes in prin-
MINISTRY/APRIL/1994 9 ciple but dreaded the criticism that places in which between two and ten with only 20 places where they could would inevitably follow. "Oh!" words had been deleted. He waited criticize the work of Mrs. White's Willie exclaimed, "how glad I was to in fear and trembling to hear what the literary assistants. 11 After closer ex have a chance to argue the case to others had found. A five-member amination, they backed down on eight them before they became more preju Committee of Reference was set up of these; several others proved to be diced and fully set against our work." to receive the reports from the pairs typesetters' errors; and in ahalf dozen Early that same afternoon, Ellen of readers. other cases they simply wanted de White made a few remarks about the Meanwhile, Willie had to wait, leted words restored. revision. Unfortunately, what she and Mary had to suffer. She wrote They did vote that there were said was not recorded. Whatever it her husband: "I will not attempt to "many transpositions that are not nec was, it didn't discourage the group express my feelings of surprise, sor essary, and some that would give from voting to examine the changes row, and self-condemnation at the occasion for our enemies to think and see if they in fact conformed to result of your brief investigation." 10 that there was a good deal of fixing to the principles set forth in the preface. She told him she wished she could be done," but they cited no examples. The ministers paired off, some bear the blame herself and save Ellen In the end, only about a dozen pas with their wives, and Willie White White and Willie anxiety. sages were revised on the basis of the assigned each team about 50 to 100 The committee appointed to ex committee's suggestions. pages of the Testimonies to examine. amine the Testimonies divided itself The committee's arguments are Willie was careful to assign the later into 18 teams and read more than often more interesting than their spe Testimonies, which had required less 1,000 pages, comparing them word cific criticisms. Their first objection editing, to the ministers who were by word with earlier editions. Amaz was that in Testimony 1 the words of most skeptical of the project. Willie ingly, once the smaller Committee of Mrs. White's angel guide had been himself examined Testimony 4 and Reference had collated all the criti altered: "The word 'shouldst' is was alarmed to find nearly a dozen cisms, they were able to come up changed to 'must' in the new edition.
Inspiration and the 1884 Revision of the Testimonies
The 1883 General Conference practical issues raised by the data of lible revelation on every detail of action on revelation and inspira her writings. history and science was simply not at tion, taken in response to the revi It may also be argued that the 1883 issue in 1883. sion of the Testimonies, is notable action has inoculated the Seventh- Finally, the 1883 action did not because it arose from practical day Adventist Church against any ten resolve what we might call the "wash problems in an inspired text, and dency to defend its doctrine of revela ing machine" issue. In Testimony 14, did not claim to be based on the tion/inspiration with claims based on originally issued in 1868, Mrs. White teaching of inspired writers, ei the original autographs of inspired told of a visit she and her husband ther in Scripture or the Spirit of writers. Clearly, the original auto made to Enosburg, Vermont, during Prophecy. Mrs. White's remarks graphs themselves were not perfect in which their host "exhibited his Com concerning the revision were not this case. Similarly, the 1883 action bined Washer and Wringer before the recorded, but whatever she said, has ruled out excessive emphasis on company." The Whites, she declared the General Conference session the specific words of inspired writ in the Testimony, "could but look with did not choose to cite her as au ings or any form of verbal-dictational favor upon it." The 1883 committee thority for their action. inspiration. had recommended that this passage Some may protest that no Sev be "suppressed, as it is in the bound enth-day Adventist doctrine is Inerrancy? volume [of the second edition, 1871]." based on Ellen White's writings, But it also must be noted that the The issue, simply put, is how to dis and that our doctrine of inspira 1883 action does not resolve the ques tinguish between matters of "general tion is based on Scripture. True, tion of whether inspired writings are interest and importance," and matters the Bible is the only norm for inerrant and "absolutely trustworthy" of a merely "local and personal" na Adventist doctrines. Yet Ellen in all matters on which they happen to ture. White certainly influences touch. The modern debate in the When Mrs. White reprinted selec Adventist understanding of Scrip church over whether inspired writ tions from the first 10 Testimonies in ture, and the 1883 statement on ings are an infallible revelation of Spiritual Gifts, vol. 4, she omitted inspiration clearly emerged from God's will or, in addition, an infal "local and personal matters" and in-
10 MINISTRY/APRIL/1994 . . . Being in the words of the angel it changed in the new to 'the manner or before the vote, White still expected ought not to be changed." This criti the person has not suited him.' The the revisions to be condemned. 13 cism was proved fallacious when it sense is altered. See new edition, Instead, the resolution passed, and was discovered that the pair of read page 228." 12 Once again, the diffi the Seventh-day Adventist Church ers responsible for evaluating Testi culty arose because the critics were staked out an important position on mony 1 had been using the second using the second rather than the first inspiration: edition (1871) to compare with the edition for comparison. Neverthe "Whereas, Many of these testi new edition. In the original first edi less, J. N. Loughborough defended monies were written under the most tion pamphlet (1855), the angel had the criticism, claiming he could re unfavorable circumstances, the writer used the word "must," and Mary and call that the exact reading of the first being too heavily pressed with anxi Marian had simply returned to the edition was the same as the second. ety and labor to devote critical first edition's reading. After all, Mrs. Later, however, the committee voted: thought to the grammatical perfec White was not quoting the exact "The new edition reads, 'The manner tion of the writings, and they were words of her angel guide; she was or the person has not suited him.' printed in such haste as to allow merely reconstructing the gist of the This is correct according to the 1st these imperfections to pass uncor- angel's remarks. In the end the edi edition, Elder J.N.L.'s memory not rected; and— tors decided to use "shouldst" after withstanding. So says W.C.W." "Whereas, We believe the light all, probably because there were more given by God to His servants is by copies of the second edition in circu A position on inspiration the enlightenment of the mind, thus lation, hence preserving its reading Before all these conclusions were imparting the thoughts, and not (ex would raise fewer questions. reached, the whole question of revis cept in rare cases) the very words in Similarly, the 1883 critics com ing the Testimonies was put to a vote which the ideas should be expressed; plained: "The sentence, 'The manner of the General Conference session therefore— of the person has not suited him,' is on November 20, 1883. Just hours "Resolved, That in the republica-
cluded "those portions only" that were sonal matters" and matters of "gen that did not require special revela of "practical and general interest and eral interest and importance"—has tion, but that suited Inspiration's importance." James White restored never been resolved by the Seventh- purpose by being included in Scrip most of the omitted passages in the day Adventist Church. It is an issue ture. second edition, but noted that the that needs to be addressed now in Another analogy would be the books would contain some matters of view of the impending publication of archaeological texts and artifacts a "local and personal character, which all of Mrs. White's personal letters, that shed light on Scripture. Not do not have a direct bearing upon our diaries, and journals on subsequent themselves inspired, it has suited time." Apparently a recommendation versions of the compact disc that cur God's purpose that they be pre for a certain brand of washing ma rently contains only her published served for the light they shed on chine was so obviously mundane that writings. Scripture and the lives of the writ even James White decided to leave it The division cannot be made sim ers of Scripture. out of the second edition. ply on the basis of whether Mrs. White The story of the 1884 revision of published the material in her life the Testimonies leaves Seventh-day The washing machine story time, for clearly she designated some Adventists today with two worth In 1883, under pressure from passages in the first 10 Testimonies as while tasks, one historical, the other church leaders to change as little as being merely "local and personal" theological. The historical task is possible, Mrs. White's literary assis when she chose to omit them from to provide annotations for the Tes tants restored the "Combined Washer Spiritual Gifts. But later she allowed timonies. The theological task is to and Wringer." But when these same their republication in the second and provide ways of distinguishing be church leaders encountered the pas third editions of the Testimonies. Thus tween "local and personal" matters sage while reading the page proofs of the Testimonies themselves contain, on the one hand and matters that the book, they decided it was best as James White said, some matters continue to have "a direct bearing omitted after all. But it was too late: which "do not have a direct bearing upon our time," on the other. But the passage remained and stands to upon our time." even as those tasks are contem day as part of the Testimonies for the One suggestion would be to treat plated, the story of the 1884 revi Church (vol. 1, p. 665). them as we might treat the apostle sion should give every church mem The washing machine issue—how Paul's request for his scrolls and win ber renewed confidence in the in to distinguish between "local and per ter coat (2 Tim. 4:13): information tegrity of the text of the Testimonies.
MINISTRY/APRIL/1994 11 tion of these volumes such verbal sions of the first seven Testimonies changes did not involve grammatical changes be made as to remove the on computer, then used software that errors at all. The changes merely above-named imperfections, as far compares the two versions and pro sharpened the meaning or smoothed as possible, without in any measure duces a composite text with all the the style. Quaint or colloquial words changing the thought." 14 changes marked. were replaced. Mothers were to A committee of five was appointed While it is true that Mrs. White's "teach" their children rather than to ensure that the revisions conformed literary assistants made literally thou "learn" them.22 The tense of verbs to these principles. The 1883 Gen sands of alterations, the majority of was often changed from past to eral Conference ended happily for them involved incidental matters present. "God was displeased" be Willie White. Not only did church such as punctuation and capitaliza came "God is displeased." 23 "I saw leaders approve the revision of the tion. Commas were canceled, added, that it was God's plan" became "I Testimonies, they further reassured or changed to semicolons. Pronouns saw that it is God's plan." 24 The Willie by voting to ordain him to the for Deity were capitalized, while the original past tenses in these sentences gospel ministry. "Enemy" was reduced to lowercase. n referred not to God's displeasure or Chastened by the ordeal through Hyphens were usually removed from plan, but arose from the fact that which they had passed, Willie White compound words so that words like Mrs. White was describing a vision and Mrs. White's literary assistants "eye-salve" became "eyesalve" and that had taken place in the past. were determined that before the books "anti-slavery" became "antislavery." Mrs. White's frequent use of el were released, their editorial work Arabic numbers replaced Roman nu- liptical expressions was eliminated would be above reproach. __ by inserting "that" or "which." Mary White and proofreader ~~ "~"~ Thus "He knows if they do not Eliza Burnham sat down with overcome" became "He knows copies of the first and second that if they do not overcome." 25 editions and marked every Would modern readers Sentences were tightened to change between them; then agree with the church eliminate wordiness. For ex they compared all these ample, Mrs. White originally changes with the ones that had leaders of 1883 if they wrote that "these earthly trea been made in preparation for sures are blessings when a right the third edition, again mark took a close look at the use is made of them." The end of ing every variant. These were actual changes? the sentence was shortened to then placed before J. H. "when rightly used." 26 When Waggoner, one of the editors Mrs. White reconstructed the at the Pacific Press, who criti- ___ __ words of her angel guide in the cally examined every change first edition of the Testimonies, and either accepted or condemned it. merals in Scripture references. the angel often used the King James This "herculean task," as Willie Relatively few changes involved Version's "thee" and "thou." Most White put it, consumed nearly two actual grammatical errors. The origi of these expressions were modern years. 15 It was not until December of nal Testimonies had occasionally ized in 1883. 1885 that the publication of the new linked plural subjects with singular In the preface of the third edition edition was quietly announced with verbs, and Mrs. White had occasion J. H. Waggoner mentioned the fact a discreet ad in the Review and Her ally lost track of the simple subject in that the original initials of individu ald} 6 some of her longer sentences. Thus als were replaced by the generic des she had originally written "little ignations such as "Brother A" and The revisions in today©s perspec things . . . concerns you," which "Brother B" 27 He might also have tive needed to be changed, of course, to noted that some specific place names But how would the revisions made "little things . . . concern you." 18 were also eliminated in the third edi in the Testimonies stand up today? Superlatives were sometimes tion, as when Mauston and Would modern readers agree with changed to comparative—"greatest" Marquette, Wisconsin, were replaced the church leaders of 1883 if they to "greater." 19 In a number of cases, by blank lines.28 He pointed out that took a close look at the actual misplaced prepositional phrases had while the first edition had made fre changes? Did Mary White and Marian to be moved: For example: "I saw in quent use of the expression "I saw," Davis really edit Mrs. White's writ New York the brethren can arise" some of these were deleted in the ings too heavily? Or was their anxi was changed to "The brethren can new edition, since they constituted ety merely the result of church lead rise in New York." 20 "Jesus has no part of what was actually seen. ers' fear of criticism? What sorts of purchased for us redemption" was Sometimes the original Testimo changes did they actually make? To altered to "Jesus has purchased re nies had simply used the wrong word. answer these questions, I placed the demption for us." 21 "Straightened," in a context mean text of the "before" and "after" ver The vast majority of wording ing restricted or narrow, had to be
12 MINISTRY/APRIL/1994 changed to "straitened." 29 Sometimes stood for R. F. Cottrell, and they 10 Mary K. White to W. C. White, Nov. 19, better words were chosen so that could relate the counsel to every 1883. " "Report of Committee on Examination of "love . . . has been gone" became thing else they knew about him. They the Testimonies," E. G. White Estate Docu "love . . . has disappeared," 30 "go had read reports in the Review about ment File 194a. with the tent" became "accompany the difficulties in Mauston and 12 Italics supplied. the tent," 31 "matters of the church" Marquette, Wisconsin, and they 13 W. C. White to Mary K. White, Nov. 20, 1883. became "business of the church," 32 could relate that knowledge to the 14 "General Conference Proceedings," Re and "your testimony will dry up" counsel found in the Testimonies. view and Herald, Nov. 27, 1883, p. 741. was rendered "your testimony will As early as 1882, when Mary 15 Willie White to Brother Olsen, July 11, become powerless." 33 White was just starting her work of 1885. 16 See "Testimonies for the Church," Re Finally, some sentences were split, editing the Testimonies, she sug view and Herald, Dec. 8, 1885, p. 767. others were combined, pronouns were gested to her husband that some ex 17 Compare Testimony for the Church, No. substituted for nouns, and adverbs planatory notes would be helpful. 1, p. 2, with 2nd ed., vol. 1, p. 10, and 3rd and were moved to new positions. Pas 4th eds., vol. l,p. 114. James White had made Today, more than ever, the Testimo this change in the second edition. sive constructions were changed to nies could profit by annotation de 18 Compare Testimony for the Church, No. active, and scores of sentences were signed to help modern readers un 5, p. 26, with 2nd ed., vol. l,p. 140, and 3rd and reconstructed to remove awkward or derstand them as the writer and first 4th eds., vol. 1, p. 204. The modern edition of confusing passages. the Testimonies is the 4th edition but unless readers did. The White Estate favors stated otherwise, in this article the examples Haskell' s claim that Ellen White's such a project but lacks funds to cited were all made for the 3rd edition and original style was more simple will carry it out. carried over to the 4th. not stand up to close examination. Still, today's reader can thank 19 Compare Testimony for the Church, No. 4, p. 20, with 2nd ed., vol. 1, p. 90, and 3rd and Grammatically and rhetorically, the Mary Kelsey White and Marian Davis 4th eds., vol. l,p. 170. work of Mary White and Marian for a job well done, because the basic 20 Compare Testimony for the Church, No. Davis improved the Testimonies for spiritual message of the Testimonies, 4. p. 15, with 2nd ed., vol. 1, p. 84, and 3rd and the Church, making them simpler to and hence the "sense" that matters 4th eds., vol. 1, p. 165. 21 Compare Testimony for the Church, No. read and clearer in meaning at every most, shines through much more 5. p. 19, with 2nd ed., vol. l,p. 132 and 3rd and turn. clearly in today's edition of the Tes 4th eds., vol. l,p. 199. timonies than in the first edition. • 22 Compare Testimony for the Church, No. The sense of the Testimonies 4. p. 5, with 2nd ed., vol. 1, p. 72, and 3rd and 4th eds., vol. 1, p. 157. James White had also But what about the "sense" of the made this change in the second edition. Testimonies! Mary and Marian suc 23 Compare Testimony for the Church, No. 1 Dialogue recreated from W. C. White's 5. p. 20, with 2nd ed., vol. l,p. 133, and3rdand ceeded admirably in preserving the report of the meeting in his letter to Mary "sense" of the Testimonies if "sense" 4th eds., vol. l,p. 199. Kelsey White, Dec. 31, 1882. From originals 24 Compare Testimony for the Church, No. is a synonym for the "meaning" of found in the E. G. White Estate's Silver Spring, 4, p. 23, with 2nd ed., vol. 1, p. 94, and 3rd and the sentences. One is hard-pressed to Maryland, office. 4th eds., vol. l,p. 172. 2 G. I. Butler, "A Book Long Desired," 25 Compare Testimony for the Church, No. find any revision that actually Review and Herald, Dec. 26, 1882, p. 792. 3, p. 2, with 2nd ed., vol. 1, p. 49, and 3rd and changes the basic import of the spiri 3 Ellen G. White, Spiritual Gifts: Important 4th eds., vol. 1, p. 142. Facts of Faith, Laws of Health, and Testimo tual counsel. 26 Compare Testimony for the Church, No. nies 1-10, (Battle Creek, Mich.: Steam Press of 3, p. 1, with 2nd ed., vol. 1, p. 49, and 3rd and But "sense" can also mean the the Seventh-day Adventist Pub. Assn., 1864), feeling one gets for Ellen White as a vol. 4, p. ii. The pages containing the Testimony 4th eds., vol. 1, p. 141. material are numbered separately and some 27 James White had often replaced the origi person and a writer, and for the iden nal initials with blanks in second edition. tity and experience of the first read times designated Spiritual Gifts, vol. 4b. 4 The selections that appeared earlier in 28 Compare Testimony for the Church, No. ers of the Testimonies. Understand Spiritual Gifts, vol. 4, were not considered an 6, p. 34, with 2nd ed., vol. 1, p. 180 and 3rd and ing these factors can often be crucial "edition." 4th eds., vol. 1, p. 232. 5 James White, in preface, to Ellen G. White, 29 Compare Testimony for the Church, No. to a proper application of the Testi 6, p. 24, with 2nd ed., vol. l,p. 169, and 3rd and monies. One's sense of Ellen White Testimonies to the Church,©Nos. 1-11 [2nd ed.] (Battle Creek, Michigan: Steam Press of the 4th eds., vol. 1, p. 224. Also compare Testi as a prophet, person, and writer can Seventh-day Adventist Pub. Assn., 1871), p. 3. mony for the Church, No. 7, p. 13, with 2nded., also influence one's willingness to The publishing history of the Testimonies is vol. 1, p. 221, and 3rd and 4th eds., vol. 1, p. 261. order one's life by her counsels. Yet most fully related in Arthur L. White, Ellen G. White: Messenger to the Remnant (Washing 30 Compare Testimony for the Church, No. this sense of time, place, and person ton, D.C.: Ellen G. White Estate, 1969), pp. 4, p. 13, with 2nd ed., vol. l,p. 82, and 3rd and is sometimes obscured by the smooth, 62-67. 4th eds., vol. 1, p. 164. polished cadences of the revised Tes 6 Mary K. White to W. C. White, Jan. 7, 31 Compare Testimony for the Church, No. 3, p. 9, with 2nd ed., vol. 1, p. 58, and 3rd and timonies. 1882 [sic, actually 1883]. 7 Goodloe Harper Bell, Natural Method in 4th eds., vol. l,p. 148. To modern readers, "Brother A" English (Battle Creek, Mich.: Students' Pub. 32 Compare Testimony for the Church, No. and "Brother B" are obscure, un Comm., 1881). 6, p. 4, with 2nd ed., vol. 1, p. 149, and 3rd and known figures. But the original read 8 W. C. White to M. K. White, Oct. 25, 4th eds., vol. 1, p. 211. 1883. 33 Compare Testimony for the Church, No. ers of the Testimonies could see their 9 W. C. White to M. K. White, Nov. 10, 6, p. 11, with 2nd ed., vol. l,p. 157, and 3rd and actual initials. They knew that R.F.C, 1883. 4th eds., vol. 1, p. 216.
MINISTRY/APRIL/1994 13 Expository Preaching 4 Sabbath in Bethesda
Dick Duerksen "W~ ~f e walked like a man on a handled effectively by telling the I I mission, carefully placing Bethesda story through first- or third- 1. J~ each foot between the sleep person narrative. And there are few ing bodies as He moved toward the limits to your storytelling possibili center porch. ties. I have told this story in the words He was tall, taller than anyone of the healed man, with the emotions else around the sheep gate. Certainly of a disciple who followed Jesus to taller than the bent and broken ones the pool, from within the hatred of an Narrative preaching stacked like sleeping children on the angry Pharisee, and as an interested stone porches. but fearful observer. brings God close by, His face spoke determination and The purpose of this article is to pity. Pity for the dying who waited for describe a process of planning and showing how He a tardy angel of healing. Determina preparation that any preacher can use actively meets our tion to fill Sabbath with new hope. successfully to mine the stories of He stopped above the Old One, a Scripture. With those treasures in hand needs. man broken so long that no one could it is much easier to preach using a remember when he had been brought narrative style, much easier to bring to hope beside the pool. Christianity to life for the people, He knelt, sandals and knees press much easier to show how God makes ing deep into the dust, hands reaching sense. Right now I follow eight steps out to touch the arm of the Old One. in preparing a narrative sermon. Like the Creator waking Adam from the dust of Eden. 1. Seek a personal guide for your study. Narrative preaching activates the You cannot study alone. If you senses of listeners, effectively using open the Scriptures without asking stories to bring Scripture to life. I call the Holy Spirit to guide you into God's it "Making room for two in my san truth, Satan will take over and lead dals," because when I do it right I will you into whatever ugliness and con be breathing the air of Palestine and fusion he chooses to create in your walking in the dust of Galilee. If I mind. So begin by stopping. In that deliver the narrative as if I have "been quiet moment ask the Holy Spirit to there," the listeners will join me in lead your study, to keep your imagi the story, walking with me in my nation sanctified, and to maintain your Dick Duerksen, Ph. D., is the sandals. focus on the needs of your listeners communication The story of Christ healing the and the greatness of God. director of the man at the Pool of Bethesda, for in Columbia Union stance, speaks to several major is 2. Listen as Bible passages beg to Conference of Seventh-day sues. These include "How God re be told. Adventists, Colum sponds to illness," "The role of faith Every chapter of the Bible has at bia, Maryland. in restoration," and "Enjoying Sab least one story begging to be told. bath as God's day of celebration and Some have 20. As you read, those renewal." Each of these issues can be stories will grab you by the heart and
14 MINISTRY/APRIL/1994 shout, "Look here! I speak directly to relaxation, a time when the dust of rifice. An overwhelming odor of wet a major battle your members are fight Palestine's roads collects between my wool permeates the porticoes, its pun ing. Preach me!" toes, when Mediterranean storms blow gency countered by the sharp smells During my "sermon-study" I use through my hair, and when Joab's cry of unwashed human bodies and of the three to five versions of Scripture, of triumph reverberates in my ears. diseases that keep ill ones at the usually NIV, KJV, NASB, the Jerusa It's a time when God and I walk water©s edge. Punctuating these odors lem Bible, and The Message.* You through His stories together, when He are the myriad smells of vegetables, will probably want to add Greek, makes room for me in His sandals. meats, and bread frying, baking, and Hebrew, and miscellaneous computer It's a time for asking dozens of ques boiling over small fires around the study aids. Exploit the power of var tions, each of which opens up another pool. ied translations, noticing the concepts corner of the story and reveals some Beside us a young mother peels a highlighted by each version. Take new morsel of information that will precious citrus fruit for her diseased pages of notes. help me communicate good news to child. For a moment the fruit's fra The study process is much like the listeners. grance overwhelms all other odors, panning for gold in a swift mountain There are several keys to making then a breath of wind moves the air stream. I fill my pan with rich sand, this time Christ-centered and produc and returns the wet wool and break add water, and then begin the slow tive. fast. process of discovering the gold. Many a. Beware of empty imagination. Framing all of these scents is the ideas rise to the surface as potential If you let your empty mind run on crisp freshness of morning, a Sabbath preaching subjects. But, as in __ morning in Jerusalem. gold panning, the Water of Life washes most of those away, Sights: The water is brown, leaving only the valuable nug Every story includes like thick black coffee with a pint gets nestled in my notebook. smell, sight, sound, taste, of cream. An orange sun paints The largest nugget glows so shifting tiger stripes on the stone brightly that I immediately and touch. The "life" of columns that rise above the gray know it will be a future sermon dirt of the porches. topic. It is "begging to be the sermon comes from The Pool of Bethesda is rect preached." what you discover as you angular with wide porches on each One evening I was reading side and a fifth one running across Malachi 4 and considering the carefully walk through the middle. Each porch is littered healing power promised from a with sick people: young, aged, last-day "Elijah message." I've the story. older, and oldest. Some, like the always been troubled with an __ __- Old One, seem alone on their Elijah Message that sounds like mats, others are the center of at Mount Carmel's fiery explosion. The imagined roads in Canaan, you will tention for a knot of family and friends. sermon that came begging that night be tripped up by Beelzebub, Molech, The clothing of the Old One no was the story of transforming grace or Baal. The only safety is to ask the longer reveals the bright colors and that God gently blew to Elijah on Spirit to sanctify your imagination patterns of his hometown. He has be Mount Horeb. and guide you on an accurate and come a resident of the pool, adopting A few weeks later the life of spiritually safe story trail. its nondescript browns and grays as Manasseh called to me from 2 Kings b. Exploit the five senses. This is his own. 21. The result was a narrative sermon the major "secret key" to developing Other sights flood my eyes. A cen on righteousness by faith as shown in successfully a narrative sermon. Ev turion sitting professionally on his God's loving treatment of bad King ery story includes smell, sight, sound, horse just inside the gate, the un Manasseh. Then there are the arrow- taste, and touch. The "life" of the washed sheep that arrived late yes making stories that came begging out sermon comes from what you dis terday, a comforting glow from the of Isaiah 49:2. And dozens more. cover as you carefully walk through breakfast fires. And faces. Faces My favorite sermon about the heal the story, sampling everything picked washed and filthy. Faces clear and ing at Bethesda came begging during up by each of the senses. wrinkled. Faces hopeful and hope a small group study on Jewish Sab For illustration, join me where less. Faces wondering at the eager bath regulations. The result focuses Christ is kneeling beside the Old One determination filling the face of the on Sabbath laws and Sabbath grace. on the center porch. Christ. Faces expectant on Sabbath.
3. Put your feet up and imagine Smells: The pool of healing is just Sounds: Remember, this discov your way into the story. inside Jerusalem©s sheep gate where ery process is the "secret key" to This is my favorite part of sermon Israel©s best animals are bathed, building a "living" sermon. And preparation. It's a time of~ peaceful trimmed, shorn, and prepared for sac- sounds are crucial to the story. Take
MINISTRY/APRIL/1994 15 two minutes and list at least 14 sounds eryone involved in the story. Con you hear as you stand beside the Pool Three Language sider the ill ones, the watching Phari of Bethesda. Be silent. Focus your sees, the shepherds, the cooks, and ears to the tiny clinks, grunts, Rules the centurion. How did each feel at scrapings, and mutterings of morning the beginning, during, and at the end in a hospital ward and sheep pen. Don't be too flowery. Over of the story? Were some of the sick Your sounds should include sheep, blown verbiage may sound good ones angry that Christ had selected hooves of Roman horses, wind, water, somewhere, but not in sermons the Old One? Was there a clamor for breakfast, and the sound of Christ's that are trying to communicate Christ's services as the Old One be voice. eternal ideas. Make sure all the gan to run through the porches? What pictures are ones others can see were the first thoughts of the Phari Taste: What happens to your taste without squinting. sees when the Old One ran into their buds as you stand beside the pool? tightly starched attitudes? On Sabbath! Can you taste the bread that the Don't use any one adjective Are there words that describe the crippled mother is frying for her two more than three times, and never emotions of the Old One? emaciated children? Does your mouth on the same page. d. Write the thesis sentence of your water as the centurion bites into a sermon. To describe the sights and crisp red apple? And how about the Use no words with more than sounds is essential in narrative preach clear sweet water the toothless mer three syllables ing, but the real "life" of that preach chant is pouring into the beggar boy's ing is in the way it speaks directly to clay jar? personal needs. A narrative sermon One used to protect his flesh from the uses words, emotions, and ideas that Touch: When I looked up, Jesus© dirt of the porch. "Get up" The touch the hurts, hopes, and frustra hand was lying softly on the Old One©s Creator©s voice was laced with insis tions people feel each day. It uses wrinkled skin, caressing the frail tent energy "take your bedroll, start great ancient narratives to demon shoulder as if remembering Adam©s walking" (John 5:8, Message). strate how God touches us today. mighty hulk in Eden. Then His hand c. Identify the emotions of the par Quality narrative preaching brings moved tathe rotting blankets the Old ticipants. Relive the emotions of ev God close.
The Tide of
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16 MINISTRY/APRIL/1994 A carefully crafted thesis state • Was anyone really healed by be best resources are in the public li ment is crucial to quality narrative ing first into the pool? brary and my local Christian book preaching. If the thesis statement in • What traffic came through the store. cludes multiple ideas and only hazily Sheep Gate each day? deals with real needs, your sermon • What changes were there in "pool 5. Follow the paths of other story will be hazy, wandering, and dead. If, life" on the Sabbath? tellers. on the other hand, it focuses on a • Where did the sick get their meals Yes, it is still worthwhile to read single concept and shows how that while lying by the pool? what Spurgeon and Peale wrote about aspect of God's character solves a • What might merchants have been the Pool of Bethesda. But it is also challenge being faced by your listen selling around the pool? valuable to read Max Lucado, Calvin ers, you have the foundation for a • What did the pool look like and is Miller, June Strong, Eugene Peterson, quality sermon. it still there today? Gary Smalley, Rebecca Pippert, and Narrative preachers do not come • What did the Old One and his any other author who has dealt with to the Word looking for stories to bedroll look like? the same story. God has given these match their thesis statements, they • WhatSabbathlawsdidJesusbreak writers marvelous insights into the come asking for God to speak to needs. in this story? contemporary practicality of Scrip • Was the response of the Pharisees ture. Take advantage of their gifts. 4. Research the historical ques legal and appropriate? And don't miss the artists. There tions. • What offerings might the man are many books of biblical art, an The deeper my study, the more have taken with him to the cient and new, on library and book historical and factual questions show Temple? store shelves. Look at them, buy a up—for which I have no answers. Sometimes the answers come from couple, and share the dreams of the That truth sends me into books, maps, phone calls to scholar friends. But artists and illustrators. magazines, and videos to search for most of the time they show up in Bible Each thesis statement connects information that will help tell the atlases, Bible dictionaries, Bible en with at least three other Bible stories story honestly. cyclopedias, maps of the Middle East, and a dozen modern tales. So I read For the Bethesda story my list of books on customs and practices in what I call "disconnected authors." historical research questions included: Bible times, magazines on archaeol These are people who have written on • What made the water in the pool ogy, and any other sources I can find. some aspect of the problem I'm deal "move"? Although I own a few of these, my ing with in this sermon. Usually my
Sample Picture Words
From Bethesda Then, notice how the images change as the Old One dances with joy.
Sound—His raspy breathing came like a light wind between Sound—His voice, strong and high, sang out "hosannas" in dry leaves. His voice, like a whispered sigh from the other a tempo that made everyone want to run and dance beside end of a long tunnel. him.
Sight—His skin had taken on the color of yellowed parch Sight—His skin was gleaming with youthful life. His eyes ment, and his once-brown eyes were now faded into empty had changed from empty gray to deep pools of vibrant gray. Sores, the kind that come from lying forever on one wisdom. spot, oozed onto his stringy blankets. Smell— The scent of spikenard, the perfume of the King, Smell—The decay of his clothes and the rottenness of his seemed to billow about him, overwhelming all other odors of sores blended into the pungent fragrance of certain death. the pool.
Touch—To the hand of Jesus, the Old One's skin felt like Touch—Several reached out to touch him and then shouted to crumpled parchment wrapped tightly across protruding bones. their friends, "His skin is like that of a youth! There is life in To the Old One, the hand of Jesus felt like the long-forgotten his bones!" softness of an adoring parent. Taste—"The dryness of fear and revulsion were replaced by Taste—"All hunger fled and my tongue grew instantly dry as a sweet peach in my mouth. Even my taste buds seemed to I imagined making a meal of whatever was in the oily leather dance with his joy." pouch near the Old One's hand."
MINISTRY/APRIL/1994 17 list includes Madeleine L'Engle, is not a time for tearing down but for working space. Charles Swindoll, Phillip Keller, and building up, for fellow shipping with Since the introduction and conclu Calvin, and Hobbes. Sometimes I even the Creator who is 'head over heels in sion are crucial, I write them first, glean ideas from movies and televi love with you. '"' carefully choosing each word to carry sion programs. Although their van Often the freshest phrasings in my the important ideas directly into each tage point is usually different, their narrative come from great Christian listener's heart. The introduction must story lines and solutions are often thinkers who have written the musings be compelling, must draw listeners insightful. of their personal devotions. Those directly into the story, must open the words join ideas and phrases from my picture clearly, and must also state 6. Weave the narrative. own study, each fitting comfortably the thesis of the narrative. At this point I have a vast quantity into a thorough outline for the story. The conclusion is much more than of information and a short time to So the Spirit and I cull away the "less a summary. It is a challenge, a power speak. My challenge is to word the relevant," until only three or four ful impetus for change, and an en tale in compelling language that hooks major ideas illustrate and support the couragement that new solutions will the listeners' interest and then con thesis statement. These I weave into fit old problems. It is also the most nects their own lives with the story. the story at appropriate locations, tak important three to 10 sentences of the "Yes, the Old One has done some ing care to keep the plot flowing to narrative sermon. thing you have decided is wrong. He ward a memorable conclusion. Narrative sermons must be filled has broken your understanding of the with "picture words" (see box) that law. But the law is not about your 7. Picture your story. bring the smells of Bethesda wafting rules, it is about God's love. It is not Now it's time to write. To help fill into the sanctuary, that make people about carrying beds, but about bring in the blank spaces in the outline, I feel terror under the haughty ques ing healing. The Sabbath law is not as use a thesaurus, a dictionary, and a tioning of the chief Pharisee. "Picture much about behavior as it is about place to write "purple picture pas words," carefully selected descrip relationships and celebrations of sages." Since I compose on a com tive adjectives, bring life into every freedom and victory and peace. puter, all of these are on my hard corner of the story. They also give a About reveling in our God-filled, drive. If you aren't using a word real-life feel to the sermon, a feeling love-soaked universe. The Sabbath processor, be sure you have a large that will keep the kids and the aged Elder©s Digest 32-page quarterly resource just for you! Free Book 11 For a limited time receive resource for Preaching US $9.95 to the Times one year by Charles E. elders and subscription Bradford with a paid company subscription. Q Yes, I want to be a charter subscriber to Elder's Digestl Payment is leaders. enclosed; please enter my subscription and send my free book. Payment must be in US funds. Check I money order, Division PO, Visa, or MasterCard accepted. You will find helpful resources in:
18 MINISTRY/APRIL/1994 listening with equal interest. "Picture Christ caught his shoulder, looked * Texts credited to Message are from The words" do not belong in every sen Message. Copyright 1993. Used by permission deep into his soul, and spoke. "Be of NavPress Publishing Group. tence, but I use them liberally through careful. Don't allow anything to keep 1 Brennan Manning, The Ragamuffin Gos out the narrative to keep it alive. you from celebrating God's love. pel: Good News for the Bedraggled, Beat-up, Those who separate from Him are and Burnt-out (Portland, Oreg.: Multnomah 8. Check the sermon against the Press, 1990), p. 165. worse off than you ever were." - See Ellen G. White, Conflict of the Ages videos. There were smiles then. Two Series, a five-volume commentary on God's I have now completed my manu smiles. And Sabbath, once again, was relationship with His children from Creation to the new earth. Published by the Pacific Press script, a narrative sermon that God a day of joyous celebration. • Publishing Association, Boise, Idaho. and I have prepared together for a specific group of listeners. I am al most ready to preach. But there is one more very valuable step in the prepa Sabbath at Bethesda's Pool ration process. I am a Seventh-day Adventist min Sermon Outline ister. That means I believe Ellen White was privileged to live so close to God Thesis statement that He and she had many personal God determinedly counteracts the emptiness of our habits by showing conversations. In those conversations Sabbath to be a day of celebration and praise, a time for reveling in His God gave her pictorial insights into presence and healing. Scripture, insights that she has writ ten to challenge my thinking. Before Introduction I preach the sermon, I read what Ellen Christ meets the Old One at the pool White wrote about the story and dis • describe Christ cover what this passage taught her • describe pool and its environment about God's character. Invariably, her • describe the ill ones and the Old One among them insights add something that brings God even closer. Scene 1—Christ befriends the Old One I use this resource last for two • describe the meeting with Christ reasons. First, because if I used her at • describe the conversation and the Old One's frustration the beginning, the thoroughness of • describe the Old One's need for friends her words would limit my imagina tion and creativity by preanswering Scene 2—Christ offers healing to the Old One. many of the questions my study will • describe Christ's command raise. Second, because I need a trust • describe the Old One's response worthy check on my own creativity. • describe the reaction of others around the pool Her beautifully written commentar • describe the joy of saving grace ies on Bible stories2 provide that and more. Scene 3—The Pharisees accuse the Healed One of breaking We found the Old One in the the Sabbath Temple, on the marble court reserved • describe the pool area for those who come with simple sac • describe the slowly marching Pharisees rifices. In one hand he held a small • describe the laws the Old One was breaking bowl of meal, in the other he carried • describe their self-righteous response to his actions two pigeons in a reed cage. Offerings • follow the conversation on Sabbath laws and of forgiveness and thanks. His eyes Sabbath grace were on the tiles, his head bowed in adoration and thanksgiving. Conclusion Jesus stepped into his pathway. Christ meets the Young One in the Temple Court The Old One stopped and looked up, • describe Christ waiting in the Temple for the healed up into the accepting eyes of His one to arrive healer. His bowl clattered to the • describe the Old One as he arrives marble, spilling the offering. The • describe Christ's meeting with the Old One cage dropped also, freeing the sacrifi • describe the conversation cial birds, who escaped with a thun • describe the attitude of the Old One made young by Christ der of wings. Before the Young One could speak,
MINISTRY/APRIL/1994 19 The ministry and the market forces
he king was dead. His death They spoke to the world the mes D. N. Marshall may have preoccupied Isaiah sage of God evem though they might T more than he cared to admit. have no human ally—one man against What did the future hold for Judah? the world. Isaiah entered the Temple. Per The office of the church pastor haps he expected to see the throne set today is dissimilar from that of the up for the coronation of Uzziah's Old Testament prophet in at least one son. But instead of the throne of way. We cannot assume that a "Thus True gospel ministry David, the prophet saw the throne of saith the Lord" has conferred on us will not succumb to heaven. Not the king of Judah sat as individuals a sort of personal in there, but the King of glory sat upon fallibility. Indeed, many of our prob market forces of it. lems as individuals and as churches The sight was awesome. The are caused by such false assump either theology or throne extended into the heavens like tions. But the office of the pastor and constituency. a New York skyscraper. And the sanc the prophet are similar in that our tuary was filled with just "the train of proclamation to the church and to the his robe" (Isa. 6:1).* world has a prophetic edge. We lose Isaiah would never be the same that edge if we give in to theological again. market forces. We need to detach ourselves from all kinds of intimida The prophetic authority tion. We need to pray for confidence The true prophets of the Old Tes to proclaim the gospel of God with tament had at least one thing in com out ducking and diving, trimming mon. Before they gave out God's and tailoring to every theological message, they did not ask how many pressure group that would seek to people agreed with them, how the intimidate. heavyweights viewed them, what the constituency thought of them, or how Strength to stand the giving out of God's message D. N. Marshall, From whence comes this strength Ph. D., is the editor would affect their chances of a move to stand up against theological mar of Focus and Family to a more prestigious parish or ket forces? From whence comes the Life, published in chances of a promotion within the strength to run forward (as opposed England. hierarchy. They felt no divided re to sit on the fence) and preach the sponsibility. They sought no safety gospel devoid of works-righteous from ridicule. ness phrases so often put in as adver They spoke with an authority that bial clauses to please the intimida- involved no self-doubt, and counte tors? nanced no contradiction. Isaiah's experience provides three
20 MINISTRY/APRIL/1994 helpful pointers: Instead they feel too unworthy; they preaching "a different gospel—which First, we shall stand up for the realize their failure to bring the wor is really no gospel at all" (Gal. 1:6, gospel when we have a personal ex thiness (righteousness) of Christ to 7), regardless of the fears we may perience of God's sovereign maj the souls in their charge. have for our positions, God calls us esty. The impact of that encounter Isaiah was teetering on the raw as individuals to make both a com with the God of glory on His throne edge of terror. But he acknowledged mitment and a testimony, sometimes was burnt on Isaiah's mind for the his unworthiness. And pardon came even to make fools of ourselves in rest of his life. from the place where God's anger the eyes of the world and those who Prophets saw both earthly rulers against sin is revealed: the altar of appoint/elect us. and heavenly angels dwarfed by the sacrifice. The atoning coal was ap Only on the very distant horizon power and glory of a sovereign God. plied to his lips, the focus of his of time was Isaiah given a glimpse of That stiffened their backbone against moral shame. a tiny glimmer of hope in the scat the most inimical intimidator. They Third, we shall commit our lives tered residue of Judah' s dismembered rebuked autocratic kings to their to unambiguous preaching and population: "But as the terebinth and faces. It was a case of "fear Him, ye unstinted service to God when we oak leave stumps when they are cut saints, and you will then have noth have experienced the power of the down, so the holy seed will be the ing else to fear." 1 gospel. stump in the land" (Isa. 6:13). Some The ultimate employer of pastors His sins atoned for, Isaiah could would turn again, accept the gospel is the One to whom they are ulti no longer be overwhelmed by feel of God's grace, and at last be part of mately responsible: the One with nail- ings of personal inadequacy or weak- the numberless multitude on the sea pierced hands and feet, and a of glass (see Rev. 7:9; 4:6).2 spear-riven side. To Him is __ the pastors' first allegiance, God calls us to serve before all other allegiances. God calls us to serve the Unless they know this, pas Word without any inhibiting tors become craven and cave The ultimate employer fear. Our willingness to do this in to theological market pres will be in direct proportion to sures. The winds of doctrine of pastors is the One to our personal experience of God's blowing at a particular mo whom they are ultimately sovereign majesty and of God's ment will sweep them along. atoning grace. This danger is especially responsible. God calls us to stand up and strong in a pluralistic church speak up for His message as with many independent min Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and istries. ___ _^ Daniel did. He calls for the sort Unless they know this, pas of greatness we see in Peter when tors will overreact to so-called he told the Sanhedrin, "We must feedback whether it takes the form of ness. He knew that he owed God obey God, not you" (see Acts 5:29). a church door head-banger or a Mon everything he was, had, and could Supremely, He calls us for the kind day morning letter writer. Pastors ever hope to be. From then on his of individual commitment and un need to know that this is not, in any talents, time, and testimony were ambiguous testimony displayed by event, representative feedback. Over- dedicated for the proclamation of the Master Himself before Pilate reaction to feedback from the fringe God's word. And once the commit when, betrayed, isolated, He said, makes us reactionaries. Pastors ment was made, the prophet was not "For this reason I was born, and for should act, not react. to concern himself with how hard the this I came into the world, to testify Second, we shall stand up for the task or how unyielding the raw mate to the truth" (John 18:37). • gospel when we have personally rial was (verses 9, 10). Of course, we experienced God's sovereign grace. cannot blame Isaiah for asking how '"Woe to me!' I cried. T am ruined! long his mission, seemingly hard and For I am a man of unclean lips'" (Isa. hopeless, would be (verse 11). God 6:5). replied that only events in the long- The cry that came spontaneously term future would vindicate the from Isaiah's lips was not "Wow!" prophet and his message (see vs. 11- but "Woe!" The vision of the great 13). But Isaiah's determination to * Unless otherwise noted, Scripture pas sages in this article are from the New Interna and gracious God did not blow his "go and tell this people" was undi- tional Version. mind—it embarrassed his con minished (cf. vs. 8, 9). science. When pastors come into Regardless of the market pres 1 Nahum Tate (1652-1715), "Through All the Changing Scenes of Life." close quarters with God they do not sures of our constituency, regardless 2 The parallel between Isaiah 6 and Revela experience a psychedelic ecstasy. of the "false brothers" (Gal. 2:4) tion 4 and 5 is obvious.
MINISTRY/APRIL/1994 21 God cannot be mocked
Michael Kulakov s a Russian Christian I have can church leaders demanded an end learned to love and appreciate to what they consider an anti-Chris A America for its spiritual heri tian bigotry in the nation's major tage. The more I study the history of media. Their statement called for the the United States, the more I find entertainment industry to "stop its identity with its first settlers who es unbalanced portrayal of characters caped persecution and built a country depicted as Christians in its movies based upon freedom. Beyond satisfy and television programs. This anti- ing their own yearning for personal Christian bias in movies and programs Lessons from the and spiritual opportunities, they is not acceptable to us, just as it is not fall of European wanted to proclaim the gospel freely. acceptable to all fair-minded Ameri The more I probe history, the more cans. .. . Rarely on programs or mov Communism convinced I am that democracy exists ies cast in a modern day setting are only where the biblical principle of Christians shown in a neutral, much individual dignity is maintained. The less a positive manner."' Statements respect for the individual as a sacred, were sent to NEC, CBS, ABC, and unique being is not rooted in the Fox Television, as well as to Colum French Revolution, Marxism, or any bia Pictures, MCA/Universal, MGM/ other political ideology. Nations loyal UA Communications, Paramount En to such biblical principles—and to tertainment, Warner Brothers, Twen the Author of those principles—will tieth Century Fox, Lorimar, and Walt enjoy prosperity and divine protection. Disney studios. Lew Wasserman, As a child in the Soviet Union chairman of the board of MCA/Uni before the days of perestroika, I had versal, responded by citing the to attend an atheistic school. Morning company's right to free speech: "We by morning after my mother awak do not, and we cannot with any sense ened me and got me breakfast, she of conscience, censor our filmmak- opened her Bible and read me ers." 2 Galatians 6:7: "Do not be deceived, Well, the Lord does not censor God is not mocked; for whatever a them either. Nevertheless, time will man sows, that he will also reap" tell that He will not be mocked. (NKJV). Knowing I would encounter To Christians in Russia and the ridicule, disrespect, and isolation, she other former Soviet republics, it encouraged me by saying, "Since God seemed as if the opposite was true cannot be mocked, Michael, His cause during the seven decades of Commu will triumph in your life and in our nist rule. Destruction of churches fol Michaei Kulakov is country." president of the lowed immediately after the 1917 Zaokski Theological revolution and intensified after Seminary in Russia. Attacking Christianity Lenin's death. Almost every religious At times it seemed as if the oppo structure was demolished, disfigured, site were true, as if the devil were or turned into a warehouse or mu triumphing and God and His cause seum. Antireligious campaigns swept were being mocked—even in the country, with millions cast into America. Christianity Today recently prison camps. During Stalin's purges reported that more than 800 Ameri of the 1930s, more than 7 million
22 MINISTRY/APRIL/1994 people were massacred by their own and fellow citizens. Rather, I want to of evil to prevail forever. government in a time of peace. Our portray the bankruptcy, bewilderment, In my country, institutes of scien historians now publicly acknowledge and agony of emptiness to which tific atheism in huge marbled build that 20 million citizens died under whole nations are driven when God is ings lay abandoned, empty now. No Stalin. That's beyond an additional abandoned. body wants to study scientific athe 20 million who perished in World ism anymore. The Russian parliament War II. Reaping what we have sown voted that all atheistic societies, plus My father as a young Seventh-day "Don't be deceived—God cannot the faculties and departments of athe Adventist minister was imprisoned be mocked," my mother taught me. ism in all national universities, be for a year with a man who received a "We reap whatever we sow." Even in taken off the national budget. 15-year sentence because he said my youth I could see the truth of this At a recent international book fair something construed to be antigov- at work in the Soviet Union, although in Moscow, many Western publish ernment. Overwhelmed with despair for seven decades, millions and mil ing houses featured popular displays at being separated from his wife and lions denied it. Finally reality came. of the best Christian literature. One children, he banged his head against Our society now stands before God American group, however, displayed the concrete walls of the cell. My empty-handed, desperate, and bitter atheistic material. I noticed that the father tried to comfort him with the toward the false gods and corrupt lead least number of people approached hope and peace of Christian faith. ers of the past who brought the coun that booth. Two or three who did went try to ruin. We are starving for repen with a complaint; "Please, don't get Matriarch leaders through the dark tance, forgiveness, God's Word, and offended—but don't bring this rub ness the warmth of His love. bish here. You don't know what it The church itself had no human God will not be mocked; through leads to. We Russians know very well." hope during Stalin's reign. Christians out the universe this principle reflects Few in my country buy atheistic met secretly. When discovered, they as in a mirror the mind of its Creator. books anymore. Almost all the people, were harassed, imprisoned, and even What some call "laws of nature" are, from factory workers to university beheaded. Churches had no organized from the biblical point of view, the professors, want to own a Bible. leadership, no literature, no commu will of God. "Caprice and instability People of the former U.S.S.R. grasp nication with the outside world. In are the marks of finite and fallen every opportunity for spiritual and hundreds of congregations, women creatures; we may not dare to suppose intellectual development. whose husbands were in prison be that these traits can mark the proce In the fall of 1990 I went to the came pastors and leaders without any dure of the infinite and all-holy Cre Siberian city of Novosibirsk on invi formal ministerial training. For de ator. In our blind conceit, we may tation from several universities to lec cades they were God's anointed lead suppose that there is a way of escape ture on the Bible and the history of ers, modeling and fostering fidelity to for us from the stern regularity of His Protestant Christianity. Wherever I God whatever the cost. They brought moral judgement, that we may sin and went, hundreds of students and fac the Bible to life without benefit of not be punished, that we may violate ulty gathered to listen to the gospel visual aids and other teaching tools. I moral laws and escape moral deterio story and the meaning of Christian recall those dear mothers with respect ration, but herein we deceive our faith. Everywhere in my country I and admiration. Their courage, vi selves." 3 have found great spiritual hunger and sion, and faith will inspire Russian an eagerness to accept Christianity. Christians for many future generations. Good news for all How the situation has changed in During the years of darkness, great Thank God, there is good news for the former Soviet Union! During the fires at custom check points consumed us in Russia and the other former seventies, my atheistic schoolmates millions of Bibles and other Christian Soviet republics. It also is good news mocked and humiliated me. Fellow books brought to the border by be for Americans and for every human students threatened to spit in my face lievers from around the world. Al being under the sun. The universe in their hatred toward Christianity. though Bibles were burned to ashes, reveals a mightier law at work than Now faith in Christ is welcomed as the fire in the hearts of Soviet believ God's law of cause and effect; the the only hope for the moral restora ers could not be quenched. apostle Paul calls it the law of Christ. tion of the nation. Recent world events Humiliation and intimidation of Through the miracle of God's love eloquently proclaim that all false gods, Christian children happened on a and redemption, we who have sown forced values, and human theories of massive scale. Parents were threat sin and failure may reap instead the salvation will ultimately collapse. ened with the loss of their little ones reward of what Christ has sown. God Gospel truth will prevail. God cannot if they persisted in teaching them does not desire that any human being be mocked. • about God. Many families were torn or nation reap the consequences of apart. I report this not to arouse ani foolish or arrogant deeds. In love He 1 Quoted in Christianity Today, Apr. 29, 1991, p. 40. mosity toward those hundreds of thou warns us, seeking to save us from our 2 Ibid. sands who persecuted their neighbors sin. And He will not permit the forces 3 Speaker's Bible, on Galatians, p. 91.
MINISTRY/APRIL/1994 23 15-DAYS IN ISRAEL CAESAREA, the Roman Capital of Judea. AND SINAI NAZARETH and GALILEE, the place of August 31 - September 14,1994 Jesus© boyhood and much of His ministry. SINAI, where Moses received the Ten Commandments. Your opportunity to visit BETHANY and walk over the MOUNT OF The JERUSALEM of Jesus© day and the OLIVES to GETHSEMANE. places that evoke His life, death, and The SHRINE OF THE BOOK. resurrection. OPHEL, the City of David, the JEBUSITE MEGIDDO, the site of the ancient battle of waterworks, and the POOL OF SILOAM. Armageddon. GALILEE, see MOUNT HERMON, climb JORDAN RIVER, in which John the Baptist the slopes of MOUNT TABOR and walk baptized Jesus. over MOUNT CARMEL. MASADA, where the Roman army crushed All the costal regions from JOPPA in the the last Jewish resistance. south to CAESAREA in the north. BEERSHEBA of the patriarchs and the fortress of Arad in the Negev desert. BETHLEHEM, the birthplace of Jesus. All for $1145 excludes airfare QUMRAN, where the Dead Sea scrolls This itinerary includes 18 hours of instruction and the equiva were discovered. lent of 11 days of touring. It offers 7 continuing education units.
Actually live in the heart of Jerusalem, minutes from the [ ] YES, send me information/application for the 1994 Jerusalem Itinerary. Ancient Wall and Gethsemane comfortable accommoda tions in the refurbished JERUSALEM CENTER Hostel- Name______advantages of a small group with participants limited to 30. Address_ City__ _ State. _Zip_ Cost includes instruction, housing, meals, excursions Send to: Biblical Research Institute, General Conference (fares and entry fees). Excludes airfares in and out of 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MO 20904 Israel. or call: (301)680-6790 Fax: (301)680-6090 Ministry Reports New associate joins Ministerial Association
hat a privilege it is to introduce Aeschlimann, we began an exhaus department and then as dean of the W Joel Sarli, who was elected in tive search for the best individual to seminary. January to serve as associate secre meet the needs of our ministerial as In recent years he has worked in tary of the General Conference Min sociation staff and to provide excel North American pastoral and televi isterial Association. lent resources, training, and interac sion ministries, first in Toronto where Following the retirement of Carlos tion with the world field. Now I am he assisted in the excellent Portu particularly pleased to announce that guese telecast of Henry Feyerabend, Elder Sarli has accepted the invita and then in New York. Most recently tion of the world church to serve in he pastored the Portuguese Brazilian this new assignment. Church in Washington, D.C. Elder Sarli comes with a rich back Elder Sarli holds a doctorate from ground in pastoral, evangelistic, and Andrews University with emphasis in departmental ministry. He began his church growth and is recognized as ministry in the South American Divi one who can solve problems and fa sion where he served both in pastoral cilitate growth. He preaches and teaches and evangelistic work (he was one of in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. the original Brazilian Voice of Proph Elder Sarli's wife, Margarida, has ecy Quartet singers) as well as minis served as a Bible instructor and is terial association work on the confer active in personal evangelism. We ence, union, and division levels. Later are fortunate to have such a dedicated he served as a teacher of ministerial team joining our ministerial associa students, both as head of the theology tion staff.—James A. Cress
Aeschlimanns honored at retirement
arlos Aeschlimann and his wife, ence ministerial secretary, James A. dent, Robert Folkenberg, had trained C Lorena, were honored for 40 Cress, a commemorative book me under Elder Aeschlimann. Also pic years of ministry on the occasion of morializing the impact their ministry tured (left) is Leo Ranzolin, general his retirement as an associate secre has had on numerous church leaders. vice president who serves as liaison tary of the General Conference Minis Even our General Conference presi to the ministerial association. terial Association. Elder Aeschlimann's ministry can be characterized in one word—evangelism. First in South America, then in Inter America and finally for nearly a decade at the General — Conference headquarters, Elder Aeschlimann's influence fos tered and nurtured motivation for and productivity in soulwin- ning. Elder Aeschlimann was an evangelistic pioneer in Mexico when persecution threatened any who publicly preached the gos pel. In the General Conference Ministerial Association he was world coordinator for Harvest '90. He and Lorena are pictured receiving from General Confer
MINISTRY/APRIL/1994 25 School of evangelism yields How much diversity baptisms can we stand? From page 5 wo hundred eight people were T baptized October 2, 1993, "Mi following a crusade and school :':!"?";i of evangelism conducted in the . *'f:J Adam after the Fall; righteousness by eastern Indian city of Vijayawada. faith, rather than salvation in sin; the John M. Fowler, Ministry associ sanctuary teaching; belief in the Spirit ate editor, and Herbert Kiesler, associate director of the Biblical Research of Prophecy. Institute conducted the program. Prior to the crusade, 15 pastors from the Historic Adventists believe that if South Andhra Section of Central the church does not reform in the India Union held city-wide cot above areas, a "large class who have tage meetings, Bible-marking professed faith in the third angel's classes, and personal studies pre message, but have not been sanctified paring people for the evangelism through obedience to the truth, [will] harvest. While Fowler cared for abandon their position, and join the the preaching sessions leading to ranks of the opposition." decisions, Kiesler conducted a Bj. Christensen, president of training seminar for pastors in Southern California Conference, sums biblical preaching. Daily atten up these four viewpoints under the dance averaged 1,300. title "Dialogue or Ballots?" He says "It is time for us to minimize the differences elucidated by these four views. It is high time to focus on what we can learn from each other, care fully listening, prayerfully consider ing views that differ from our current positions. The synergism of such dia WACO: THE INSDE STORY logue allows for diversity and ad dresses changes of position slowly Why were Adventists among the and thoughtfully. It also avoids the victims? Why did people raised on P the teachings of the Bible follow a static views which have become the r self-proclaimed messiah? Was there battle cry of some." something in their Adventist Where do you stand, pastor? There background that made them is no denying that there are four, and vulnerable to Koresh's teachings? probably more, positions in the Did our church fail in its early Adventist Church today. Should we relationship with Koresh? How do we keep a sense of the end-time embrace all four positions? How much from turning into fear and room is there for pluralism? When do paranoia? Cari Hoyt Haus and differences become so big that they Madlyn Lewis Hamblin present destroy rather than build? Who de fascinating information about cides what the emphasis should be? why this disaster happened and In preparing for our special Octo how we can avoid similar ber issue we want to print your re catastrophes. Paper, 224 pages. US$9.95, Cdn$13.45. sponses to the question "What is the primary mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church today?" Please keep your response to a maximum of 250 To order, call your local Adventist Book Center words. We will pay $25 for each one toll free at 1-800-765-6955 we print. Send to October Special, Note: Canadian prices do not include GST and Ministry, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, may vary according to currency fluctuation. Silver Spring, MD 20904, U.S.A. by July 1. •
26 MINISTRY/APRIL/1994 Pastor's Pastor Lessons from a tragedy
James A. Cress
arthquake! If the word sounds have learned some lessons. what I might select would be far differ ominous, the experience is The first view is usually inaccu ent than if I were given only moments E even more so. At 4:31 a.m., rate. Our assumption that all had es to flee a home that was collapsing about January 17, Sharon and I were nearly caped harm was natural as we pro me. I will long remember the anguished thrown off our hotel bed. During the jected our own experience onto the mother who said all she really wanted next few seconds of horror we simulta whole milieu. Our error, of course, from her destroyed home were photo neously held each other, groped for a was to reduce the total tragedy to our graphs of her children and mementoes light, tried to assimilate what was hap own experience. Because we had no of her marriage. pening and prayed aloud for deliver more than emotional trauma, it was Emergencies bring out the best ance. At times like that, 35 seconds can easy to believe that others were just as (and worst) in people. Los Angeles feel like a lifetime. secure. In retrospect, we realize that abounds with thousands of individuals We have always believed earth we repeat such false assumptions in who saw a need and did something quakes are a sign of Jesus' coming, but various circumstances when we mea about it. Naturally, government and this one seemed like the end of the sure others only by ourselves and our organized relief agencies, including world itself. Surviving the '94 Los own limited experience. Adventist Disaster Relief, moved Angeles earthquake will remain in our There have been earthquakes far quickly to bring aid. But help also memories long after the "city of an more deadly in which thousands have came from individuals. From those who gels" is reconstructed. perished. But because this is the worst opened their homes to shelter others to In those first moments after the we have personally survived, it was those who rescued disoriented pets, tremors quieted, we rejoiced to be alive easy to associate more trauma to this the city's trauma was met by the quiet and unharmed even as we struggled to than to any other tragedy. Perhaps that heroics of ordinary people who under replace items that had fallen to the is what the quipster meant who said, stood that they could not change the floor and to bring about order out of "the only exercise some people get is world, but recognized that they could the chaos surrounding us. Our natural jumping to conclusions." make a difference one person at a time. conclusion was to assume that every With the arrival of full information, Not everyone was helpful. Hun one else was as secure as ourselves. our analysis changed. Our conclusions dreds took advantage of the tragedy, Even television stations initially re formed in fantasy were changed by the gouged prices of basic supplies, or ported that damage was relatively in reality that others had suffered signifi looted the remains of businesses and significant as they projected their own cant loss and that at least 60 lives ended homes. We still live in a world of sin experience onto the whole. Despite on at the very moment we had been pray and, until Jesus restores all things, other going significant after-shocks, the early ing for ours to be spared. crises will reveal those who care only conclusion was that most of Los Ange Things change. No matter what for themselves. Innocents will still suf les had escaped and little lasting dam security we provide for ourselves, no fer and the littlest victims will still age had occurred. matter what caution we might person suffer the most. That is the tragic real Only the dawn and the subsequent ally exhibit, forces beyond our control ity of sin. discoveries of dead bodies and various can swiftly alter the best plans. The Others face greater disasters than tragedies brought the real horror to past few years have demonstrated glo me. Despite returning home to savage reality—a devastating earthquake had bally how quickly governments and cold and a day in the emergency hospi taken another major toll on this metro social structures turn unstable or even tal from falling on ice, I still am blessed politan area that has suffered only re vanish. How correct is the observation compared with those who lost every cently riots, fires, floods, and land that earth's final movements will be thing. My challenges are minor com slides, adding to the usual problems of rapid! pared to theirs. My privilege is to rec crime and destruction rampant in Priorities change. If I were asked ognize their need and to employ my today's urban society. to calmly analyze what I might take resources to bring beneficial change, Having survived this quake, we from my home if I were forced to leave, one person at a time!
MINISTRY/APRIL/1994 27 Biblio File
Revolution in the Church Schantz, eds., Seventh-day Adventist and Muslim Missions," and "Sacrifi Russell Burrill, Hart Research Center, Global Centre for Islamic Studies, cial System—A Viable Approach." Fallbrook, California (619-723-8082), Newbold College, Binfield, Bracknell, 4. The final section, "Evangelistic 1993, 125 pages, US$7.95, paper. Re Berkshire RG12 SAN, England, 1993, Outreach," explores modes of such viewed by James E. Thoreson, pastor, 303 pages, £5.59, paper. Reviewed by outreach to Muslims. Orangevale Seventh-day Adventist Woodrow W. Whidden, associate pro There is a bibliography of basic Church, Orangevale, California. fessor of religion, Andrews University, books on Islam, and there are abstracts Day after day many Adventist pas Berrien Springs, Michigan. of three other papers presented at the tors pray for change in their churches. The Three Angels and The Crescent symposium. They pray for the Holy Spirit to in consists of papers presented at the Sym While the world church moves for vigorate and move their members to posium for Seventh-day Adventist ward to reverse its neglect, this volume active evangelism. But pastoral hearts Islamicists conducted at Newbold Col signals a new resolve to make evange become sad as their well-prepared ser lege in 1992. Sponsored by the Gen lizing the Islamic world a vital part of mons fall on bored, deaf ears. They eral Conference and organized by the our Global Strategy. wonder if change will ever occur. Global Centre for Islamic Studies, the As in any collection of papers, the Such pastors know a revolution is gathering was an important first for the Reader too has an unevenness of qual under way in some parts of North denomination. ity; yet each article is helpful and in America and certainly in the world A brief background of the history formative. My response to this book field, but not in their churches. What of Adventist efforts in Islamic evange falls into three categories: dismay at they may not recognize is that the revo lism might prove helpful. Five years the enormity of the task and the lution is about changing the way we ago the Global Centre was founded to church's failure in Islamic evangelism; "do" church. Russell Burrill has writ explore Islamic issues from a frustration in the context of the cul ten a powerful treatise on the biblical missiological perspective. The purpose tural grip Islam has on its people and understanding of the church and the of the centre is to foster a greater aware their lack of religious liberty; and hope laity, and the task that ministers need ness of the most neglected field in in God, who has ways to bring about a to perform in equipping gifted mem Christian evangelistic work. The breakthrough. bers for ministry. centre's director, Dr. Borge Schantz, a Mitchell Tyner explores the reli Burrill examines ministry in light college teacher and academic gious liberty issue. I find it daunting of early Adventist models formed from missiologist, has experienced Islam that Muslim beliefs on religious lib New Testament descriptions. In these firsthand as a missionary. erty forestall any possibility of con models ministry becomes one of the The papers cover a variety of topics version from that faith, and that most gifts of the Spirit rather than "the gift." by Adventist missiologists Bruce Islamic societies rigidly apply their This paradigm-shifting book returns Bauer, Ton Dybdahl, and others. The views with force. us to a time when ministers worked subjects come under four sections: The chapters on evangelism give us alongside members with the Holy Spirit 1. "Regional Studies" surveys Is an inkling of how to proceed. But the as leader. Revolution in the Church is lamic developments in North America, reader senses a profound need of prayer not a philosophical suggestion—it sets India, and West Africa. and reflection in this delicate process. the groundwork for a change in the 2. "Social Issues" confronts Those with a basic understanding way clergy and laity view ministry. women's rights, religious liberty, and of Islam can dive right into this book, After clarifying the biblical under the ways that Islamic beliefs affect but it would have been helpful had the standing of a Spirit-led church, Burrill agricultural development programs. editors provided an introductory over gives us steps to help churches estab This section addresses ADRA's pos view of Islam for the uninitiated. Those lish Spirit-gifted training of pastor and sible role in building bridges to Islam. pastors concerned about the barrier members. 3. "Theological Issues" talks about Islam has erected against the preach Some pastors already use Revolu "Ellen White and Muhammad," "Dreams ing of the gospel to all the world should tion in the Church as a study consult a good survey text before guide for S abbath morning lead- —— —— tackling this work. ership classes, sermon helps, and church officer training. This The following two books look book is a must for pastors and Christians must provide at different aspects of the media congregations frustrated by quality scripturally based and religion controversy: (1) the spiritual gift seminars that re problem and (2) what we should sult in educated but still com alternatives in the media have done to avoid it as well as placent members. what we can do now. Both are and arts if the Christian reviewed by Merle J. Whitney, The Three Angels and the message is to be effective. pastor, Lakeside Seventh-day Crescent: A Reader Adventist Church, Lakeside, Cali Jonquil Hole and Borge fornia.
28 MINISTRY/APRIL/1994 Remote Controlled: How TV Affects Roaring Lambs, ample, write letters to networks, sup You and Your Family, Bob Briner, Zondervan Publishing porting decent programming. Joe L. Wheeler, Review and Herald House, Grand Rapids (1-800-727- Roaring Lambs can inspire and ac Publishing Association, Hagerstown, 1309), 1993, 224 pages, US$15.99, tivate you and your church. Briner has Maryland, 1993, 191 pages, US$9.95, Cdn$21.50, hardcover. done an excellent piece of work in Cdn$13.45, paper. Bob Briner, president of ProServ following his own advice: "Certainly Joe Wheeler, professor of English Television, has been professionally there's much in this world that is alarm and chair of the English/Communica involved in the media for years. He ing, but I believe there' s a better way to tion Department at Columbia Union speaks with insider authority, yet with do something about it than simply College, Takoma Park, Maryland, has Christian dedication and determination preach against it. The best way to stop done us a service in writing this sub in his challenge to religion. the spread of evil is to replace it with stantial yet accessible book. A good The paradoxical title, Roaring something good." Christians must pro writer, he also demonstrates excellent Lambs, is subtitled A Gentle Plan to vide quality scripturally based alterna research ability. I like the personal tone Radically Change Your World. Briner tives in the media and arts if the Chris of the book as the author expresses his contends that Christians need to speak tian message is to be effective. feelings, adding to the interest and cred up in the work world, in politics, and in ibility of the material. culture for the values they feel impor Peculiar Speech: Preaching to the Facts and figures complement sto tant. They must fulfill Christ's com Baptized ries of life-changing experiences. Pas mand to be William H. Willimon, William B. Eerd- tors will find sermon illustrations and salt. Salt does BOB BRINER mans Publishing Company, Grand even outlines for preaching. Boldface not preserve Rapids (1-800-253-7521 in the U.S. and sidebars with quotes from other au flavor with ROARING Canada), 1992, 124pages, US$10.99, thors give further resources. out penetrat paper. Reviewed by James Ellithorpe, Though valuable to preachers, this ing food. "To pastor, Seventh-day Adventist church, book talks to families. Wheeler con be the kind of LAMBS Providence, Rhode Island. tends that television has become the salt Christ When the senior pastor of Duke primary teacher of values, standards, spoke about University Chapel talks about preach and practice in our society. For many is to be on the ing, pastors should take note. Not only children parents, school, and church cutting edge, is William Willimon one of the best are secondary and ineffective in form in the fray, at preachers today, but his penetrating ing values. The author presents ample the forefront insights in this volume reinforce his evidence showing the secular, often of battle," place in pulpit ministry. blasphemous nature of much of the states Briner. This book is worth reading and re media. Being a roaring lamb "is about every reading in a quiet room with no dis Wheeler then asks who controls day people doing everyday jobs with a tractions. Willimon provides three ser your life—God or the media? He gives very special goal—that of effectively mons that alone are worth the price of us a careful, challenging analysis of representing Christ in all areas of soci the book. the effect of inadequately controlled ety. Our churches should exist for this." The author takes the reader through television on creativity, marriage, edu Briner states that "the culture-shap the theological stages of preaching cation, time usage, and productivity. ing professions are especially salt- within the context of baptism, repen The author helps us understand free." He says, for the most part, Chris tance, and proclamation to pagans (all Western society with its violence and tians have abandoned movies, televi of us), and within society. He can be deteriorating educational system. sion, literature, visual arts, and aca confounding at times, but rescues him Wheeler understands communication deme to the secular world. He does self with illustrations and superior and refrains from writing a diatribe give a few illustrations of Christians homilies. against television. He is too logical to who have made a difference in secular Willimon's sense of urgency, jus be on a soapbox. The author's balance circles in these areas. He suggests ways tice, power, and presence seeps through is evidenced in the book's second sec Christians could and should make an the pages of this book. One can envi tion, "What We Can Do About It," impact in the arts. Briner notes how sion him, like a prophet of old, trum where he offers meaningful resource revolution (or reformation) often starts peting justice, mercy, and salvation to material adaptable for seminars and with the arts and why dictatorial re the outcasts of society—the widow, study groups. gimes have always wanted to destroy the orphan, and the poor. Wheeler closes with a plea for con writers and artists—they influence the Pastors wishing to add depth to their trol of the media in our families. He masses. preaching ministry will gain much from calls us to let our Creator and Saviour The concluding chapter defines the this book. Those who take time to govern our lives and our time that we tone and purpose of the book. It moti digest it will acquire a new perspec may experience the spiritual growth vates while presenting practical advice tive and impetus in their pulpit minis He intended. Briner calls "Action Steps." For ex try.
MINISTRY/APRIL/1994 29 the movements of God are not neces mittee in Jerusalem to set aside their sarily parallel to the purposes and suspicions and reservations and fully The evidence of the the priorities of mortals. Did not accept the call of Saul? Barnabas Barnabas witness the great happen believed that the Holy Spirit could grace of God ings at Pentecost, sell his posses do the impossible: Saul could be From page 4 sions, and bring "the money and put come Paul. it at the apostles' feet" (verse 37)? Did he not also recognize the work The impossible possibility tion, worship, fellowship, and ser ings of the Spirit in the conversion of And Barnabas also saw what the vice? The Holy Spirit had already Saul and risk his reputation by plead Holy Spirit had done in Antioch. The prepared Barnabas to recognize that ing with the church executive com- impossible had become possible. A Jew could accept Christ. A Gentile could accept Christ. Both could claim to follow Christ. But could a Jew and a Gentile come together, shake hands with each other, share a common . . . rekindle the flame meal, worship one Lord, fellowship in the presence of one Spirit? Could the wall really come down? Antioch Freaching showed it could. And Barnabas gave credit to whom credit was due. It was to the not the work of the Jew. It was not the persistence of the Gentile. It was Secular Mind not the combined goodness of both. No. It was the "evidence of the grace of God" (Acts 11:23). A stunning new self-study course God's grace that initiated the cross that answers the questions— and redeems us from the guilt and the power of sin as individuals is the • To whom do we preach in today's world? same grace that enables us as human • What are the characteristics of preaching that will beings to accept one another and live reach the secular mind? together in peaceful harmony. Where • What are the factors of the communication process there is a frontier between person that gain and hold attention? and person, between people and • How do you help listeners appropriate, retain, and people, the power of the gospel of act on the message that they hear? grace has not taken effect. That's the . . . and more! simple lesson from Antioch. A strategy for sermon preparation that keeps both the world of Can such an experience of togeth erness and victory over human divi- the Bible and the world of the modern hearer in mind. siveness face the possibility of re by This course contains a working sylla versal? The answer, unfortunately, homiletician bus, three textbooks—Fundamentals of is yes. In our salvation experience, Preaching by John Killinger, The Homi- we know there is no such thing as letical Plot by Eugene L. Lowry and once saved, always saved. Likewise Present Truth in the Real World by Jan Paulien—and four audio cassettes in creating a fellowship without fron with actual sermons. Earns 2 CEU. tiers, there's the possibility of rever sal. Even Barnabas fell victim to that, and for a moment hugged the grace- Only US$39.95 denying evil of "hypocrisy" (Gal. plus $5.00 shipping and handling; 2:13). There is a crucial difference additional shipping charges may apply between defining grace theologically John C. Brunt, Ph.D. to orders shipped outside U.S.A. and witnessing its powerful evidence experientially. • Ministerial Continuing Education Seminars Unlimited P.O. Box 66, Keene, TX 76059 Information (817) 641-3643; Orders (800) 982-3344 * All Scripture passages are from the New International Version.
30 MINISTRY/APRIL/1994 Shop Talk
Easy reading and discomfort as sources Undershepherd visitation pastor, who through this Occasionally church of challenge and excite Because the pastor undershepherd plan has members tell me that they ment. alone cannot visit every more time to serve the have difficulty focusing 2. Contemplate member frequently, I most critical needs of the on following along with something positive. Take recommend the following members.—Isaac Sarfo, the sermon due to the a mental vacation. undershepherd plan: Kumasi, Ghana. reflection from their Unravel stress with Your territory could be glasses. I have discov pleasant thoughts and divided into zones. The $25 for your ideas ered a product called relax. zones could further be Please send us a "Reflection Free." With 3. Calm down by divided into units, which suggestion about how 99.5 percent light trans counting to 10. Look could also be subdivided pastors can make their mission it offers maxi away. Get up and leave. into families (see sample ministry more effective or mum reduction of reflec In your office or car you chart below). less stressful. If we tions. It also cuts down might be able to cry or Elders and deacons/ publish it, we will send on road reflection while even yell. deaconesses are assigned you $25. If your idea driving on a rainy night. 4. Physiologically, you to, put in charge of, each promotes a product or It makes lenses easier to can, massage stressed zone, unit, and family. service you are selling, clean and more scratch muscles, press on your They should visit each we'll be glad to consider resistant. It is available temples, drop your jaw home under their care at it for publication but from most optometrists.— and roll it left to right, least once a quarter, won't pay you $25! Bill Peterson, Sylacauga, take deep breaths, relax going two by two. Send ideas to Ministry, Alabama. all over, take a hot soak, During the visits, Shop Talk Editor, 12501 move around, and/or experiences are shared Old Columbia Pike, Bible memorization walk listen to relaxing mu and problems are dis Silver Spring, MD 20904. During the worship sic.—Don Tohline, cussed, followed by U.S. citizens, please announcement time, I Jonesboro, Louisiana. prayer. Serious needs are include Social Security invite members to join me reported promptly to the number. in the park at 2:30 that Cutting short a manu afternoon and bring along script sermon a small Bible. There we Suppose the church walk together and memo program is running late, rize Scripture as we go. forcing you to cut your Territorial The first Sabbath about sermon accordingly. How Divisions 20 showed up to begin can manuscript preachers memorizing the book of 2 accomplish this without John. After walking a sacrificing unity and while, we gathered in coherence? Too often small groups to recite to they are unable to cut, one another. Later which leaves congrega Sabbaths we met in other tions not always happy Family! A1 locations of natural with overtime sermons. beauty. One woman who One possible remedy memorized 1 John as well is to prepare an outline of as 2 John recited it from sufficient detail to the pulpit in church. superimpose over the Another woman memo various manuscript Family A3 rized Galatians and sections. This allows the repeated it during Sab preacher to quickly bath school.—Robert summarize some sections McPherson, Lake Elmo, and give more detail in Minnesota. other sections (some may prefer a color code for the Tips to ease tension outline). This way a Bible credits: Texts credited to NEB are from The New English Bible. © The Delegates of the Oxford University Press and the Syndics of the Cambridge University Press 1961, 3970. Reprinted by 1. Adjust your atti shortened manuscript permission. Texts credited to NIV are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright © tude. How you react is sermon can retain clarity 1973,1978,1984, International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Texts credited to NKJV are from The New King James Version. Copyright © 1979. 1980, 1982. Thomas determined by how you and conviction.—Lewis Nelson, Inc., Publishers. Verses marked TLB are taken from The Living Bible, copyright © 197! by Tyndale House Publishers, Wheacon, III. Used by permission. Bible texts credited to RS V are from the perceive a particular Blackwell, Mandeville, Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, 1971, by the Division of Christian stress. You can see stress Jamaica. Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by permission.
MINISTRY/APRIL/1994 31 A Book of Miracles ParentWise If you've ever wondered if God still Family life specialist LenMcMillan writes touches lives today, here's your answer! a wise and witty book for Christian par Charles Mills collected fascinating stories ents (including single parents) who want aboutordinaryAdventistswhohavecome to work smarter, not harder. He shows in contact with God's love in very extraor you how to bring your parenting efforts dinary ways. You'll find miracles and in sync with your child's temperament. more in The Master's Touch, third in the As he surveys the wide landscape of child Paint the World With Love series. behavior, you'll recognize traits shared Paperback, 128 pages.US$8.95,Cdn$12.10 by your own offspring and get insights into the best way to discipline and com- municate with them. Paperback, 138pages. US$8.95,Cdn$12.10
L K N M r M i i
Fatal Beauty Dr. John Hamilton compromised his religion to satisfy a beautiful, controlling wife. Since high school he has loved her—more than their children, more than happiness, more than God DOCTOR, )R Himself. Now, 40 years later, caught TV Zapped in the grip of Discover what TV is doing to you and family crises, he your family in this timely expose by Ad- realizes he has made ventist media scholar Dr. Joe Wheeler. a terrible mistake. He zeroes in on how television affects Doctor, Doctor, by children at different stages in their Helen Godfrey Pyke. development and how to keep their Paperback, 124 viewing under rein. Remote Controlled pages. US$7.95, presents shocking and sobering facts Cdn$10.75 that keep you informed and in control of the tube. Paperback, 160 pages. US$9.95, Cdn$13.45
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