Olivet Nazarene University Digital Commons @ Olivet

Preacher's Magazine Church of the Nazarene

12-1-1990 Preacher's Magazine Volume 66 Number 02 Randal E. Denny (Editor) Olivet Nazarene University

Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.olivet.edu/cotn_pm Part of the Biblical Studies Commons, Christian Denominations and Sects Commons, International and Intercultural Communication Commons, Liturgy and Worship Commons, Missions and World Christianity Commons, and the Practical Theology Commons

Recommended Citation Denny, Randal E. (Editor), "Preacher's Magazine Volume 66 Number 02" (1990). Preacher's Magazine. 608. https://digitalcommons.olivet.edu/cotn_pm/608

This Journal Issue is brought to you for free and open access by the Church of the Nazarene at Digital Commons @ Olivet. It has been accepted for inclusion in Preacher's Magazine by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Olivet. For more information, please contact [email protected]. DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY/1990-91

BENNER LIBRARY Olivet Nazarene Universi K A N K A K E E , ILLINOIS

THE GOD WHO WAITS ^ HOW IT HAPPENS THE WAY DOVJUjmA -

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY IS BORN AGAIN* CHURCH GRO! VERSUS Mjjj^ A PASTORS PRAYER

Heavenly Father, strengthen the bond between Your servant and his people. — Sharpen the vision before us. — Undergird our trust with the reality of Your Word. —Fill us to overflowing with the joy of Your salvation. — Wrap Your almighty arms of love around us and hug us close. And then turn us loose to touch Your world with the abiding presence of Your Holy Spirit. A m en!

— Delbert L. Bieber

SUITABLE FOR FRAMING PASTORAL MINISTRY: THE ARENA OF HUMAN EXPERIENCE by Randal E. Denny Spokane, Wash. iding home alone at mid­ got in my car. I arrived at another Jesus. Seeing the faces of my people night, I reflected on the day. home by 9:45 p.m . Unexpected death in need helps me prepare the mes­ R . The morning hours were had stolen away a mother. She had sage from God’s Word. I am not inter­ spent working on a sermon in thebeen found dead, alone. Official esti­ ested in “making the Scriptures rele­ Psalms— one of six favorites select­ mates placed her death as having oc­ vant,” but in helping my people see ed by my congregation. By noon I sat curred three days earlier. The son the tremendous relevance of the with good friends who proudly and daughter, both married, had Scriptures in the arena of human ex­ showed me their new baby— born at gathered with their families awaiting perience. home. They rejoiced with broad my arrival. There is often that mix­ During my days at seminary, Dr. grins over the arrival of a girl to com­ ture of emotions— sorrow over be­ V. H. Lewis spoke in chapel. A line he plement their three sons. A beautiful reavement and delight in reminisc­ quoted from Milton has stuck with family sharing with me a beautiful ing over a life that had influenced me for all these years: “The hungry event! the family in special ways. I listened. sheep looked up and were not fed.” By two o’clock I sat with a retired Death is reality. People hurt. But, With God’s help, I have tried with couple in their front room. She had once again, the human experience of diligence to feed my “hungry sheep” fallen down a flight of stairs— at the death and bereavement has given me on the nourishing Word of God. church. The bruises and bumps and opportunity to build bonds of love Richard Baxter lectured at Yale Uni­ cuts proved the harshness of her tum­ with my people. I’m not so good with versity long ago with this admoni­ ble. This couple have been faithful answers; but having experienced tion: “Boys, preach to broken hearts supporters of the church and of me, loss myself, I am comfortable just be­ and you will always be up-to-date!”1 their pastor. If the doors of the ing with them. Probably I never feel Perhaps you’ll join with me in the church swing open, they are some of more like an agent of God, His per­ prayer Harry Emerson Fosdick said the first to arrive. Do you need a Sun­ sonal representative, than entering before getting up to preach: “Some­ day School teacher? She’s tremen­ into the dark night of grief to stand where in this congregation is one dous! Do you need a room painted? beside the people I love. person who desperately needs what I He’s a professional— the fastest I’ve In a sense, that was not a typical am going to say; O God, help me to ever seen. We prayed for her soon re­ day. I’ve been a pastor long enough to get at him.” $ covery. learn that there are no typical days. At eight o’clock I stood on the plat­ Yet that one day had brought me into form of the sanctuary with a groom the arena of human experience— and his best friends as we watched from birth to death. Do you know the bride and her father march with what powerful thought struck me as delight down the aisle. The couple I drove home at midnight? I’ll tell are upper-class students at Northwest you! I felt honored to be selected by Nazarene College. It seems God is di­ God himself to tell the best news my recting them toward urban ministry. people w ill ever hear. The good Eight years ago when I came to my news of Jesus brightens the whole church, she was a giddy, talkative, en­ arena of human experience, from ergetic junior high girl. I’ve had the birth to death— and beyond! I don’t NOTE 1. Robert Schuller, Your Church Has Real Possi­ privilege of watching her grow into have enough Sundays left to answer bilities (Glendale, Calif.: Regal Books, a division of Christian womanhood with a sense questions nobody is asking. The Bi­ G/L Publications, 1974), 131. of mission in life. Inwardly I rejoiced ble says, at the powerful symbolism as bride There is a time for everything, EDITORIAL NOTE: and groom lit the unity candle togeth­ and a season for every activity un­ In the section The Minister’s Mate, er— an enactment recalling God’s in­ der heaven: a time to be born and a a letter is printed that I received tent for marriage: “For this reason a time to die, . . . a time to weep and anonymously. The message of the let­ man will leave his father and mother a time to laugh, a time to mourn ter broke my heart. I could not sleep and be united to his wife, and they and a time to dance, . . . a time to that night. The heartache expressed will become one flesh” (Gen. 2:24). be silent and a time to speak (Ec- haunted me. I decided to let you, the After completing the legal mar­ cles. 3:1-2, 4, 7). readers, have an opportunity to help. riage documents and obtaining all My involvement in the arena of hu­ The Preacher’s Magazine will print the proper signatures, I excused my­ man experience gives meaning to some of the important suggestions in self from the wedding reception and God’s call to preach the good news of an upcoming issue.

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1 SUITABLE FOB FRAMING

A Pastor’s Prayer Delbert L. Bieber ifc t ? Preacher's MAGAZINE EDITORIAL Pastoral Ministry: Volume 66 Number 2 December/January/February 1990-91 The Arena of Human Experience Randal e. Denny 1

PULPIT MASTERPIECE Editor Randal E. Denny The God Wfao Waits J. Wallace Hamilton 4 PASTOR, BE ENCOURAGED Assistant Editor Cindy Osso Keep Your Perspective c. Neil strait 7

Consulting Editors PREACHING Bill M. Sullivan, Director Division of Church Growth A Remedy for the Illustration Blues Stanley h. Purdum 8 Church of the Nazarene Wilbur W. Brannon, Director Rehearsing Your Sermon R oiiand r. Reece 9 Pastoral Ministries Church of the Nazarene CHRISTIAN MINISTRY Wayne E. Caldwell, General Editor The Wesleyan Church Recovery and Rehabilitation: Hope for Pastors Who Go Down in Flames! D on ald m. jo y 10 Contributing Editors General Superintendents On the Road Again: Pennsylvania Pastor Church of the Nazarene Eugene L. Stowe Enjoys His Motorcycle Angela Eiweii Hunt 15 Jerald D. Johnson John A. Knight MINISTER'S MATE Raymond W. Hurn William J. Prince A Christmas Gift Thelma M. Chandler 16 Donald D. Owens Superintendents Letter to the Editor Anonymous 17 The Wesleyan Church O. D. Emery PASTOR’S PERSONAL GROWTH Earle L. Wilson Lee Haines He Is Lord-on Monday? Arthur L. Rouleau 18 Harry C. Wilson Fred Wenger Superintendents How It Happens: The Way Down 19 Evangelical Friends Church Jack C. Rea PASTOR’S PROFESSIONAL GROWTH Maurice Roberts Robert Hess Desperate Alan Nelson 20 Howard E. Harmon croft m. Pentz General Superintendent Why Pastors Resign 22 Churches of Christ in Christian Union THEOLOGY Robert Kline The Governmental Theory: An Expansion General Conference Secretary Brethren In Christ Church J. Kenneth Grider 24 R. Donald Shafer CHURCH GROWTH

Do You Take This Church . . . ? David p. Markeii 28 Cover Photo: Mark W. Lisk Wednesday Night Bible Study Is Born Again Alt unidentified Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible. New International Version, copyright © 1973, 1978, Lisa Ausley 30 1984 by the international Bible Society, and are used by permission. EVANGELISM Quotations from the following versions are used by per­ mission. The Making of a Disciple Lee m. Haines 32 The Amplified Old Testament (.Amp.), copyright© 1962, 1964 by Zondervan Publishing House. The Amplified New Testament. © 1958 by the Lockman Foundation. The Sensitivity Of Christ Morris Chalfant 33 The New American Standard Bible (NASB), © The Lock­ man Foundation, 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973, HOLINESS 1975, 1977. The New King James Version (NKJV), copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982, Thomas Nelson, Inc.. Publishers. Staying Pure in an Impure World j. Grant swank, jr. 35 The Revised Standard Version o f the Bible (RSV), copy­ righted 1946, 1952, © 1971, 1973 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION The Preacher's Magazine is published quarterly by Bea­ con Hill Press of Kansas City, 2923 Troost Ave. Kansas City, Little Ones, Come to Me Lois Hoadley Dick 36 M O 64109. Editorial off ices at 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, M O 64131. Address all correspondence concerning sub­ Preventing Sexual Abuse in the scriptions to your denominational publishing house. Sub­ scription price: $7.50 per year. Copyright 1990 by Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City. Litho in U.S.A. Sunday School Classroom John and Dee conion 38

2 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE CHURCH ADMINISTRATION. I Put Your Parish in Print Michael E. Ramming 40 * Rules of Order and the Small Board Ron Dalton 41 * SOCIAL CONCERNS______AIDS— the Christian Challenge | PREACHER’S W illiam O. Harrison, M.D. 42 } EXCHANGE PASTORAL CARE______t God Needs No Defense Mary l. jones 46 J The work of our Nazarene Postfuneral Counseling: * church in West Africa is devel- 1* oping in many terrific ways, What to Do After the Service Victor M. Parachin 47 il One of the really exciting areas ARK ROCKER $ is Nigeria, where we have $ around 9,000 members. The Frumple’s Law 49 work there is the result of a | merger with a group who had CHRISTMAS SEASON______^ desired to be a part of the All Is Bright J. Grant Swank, Jr. 51 * Church of the Nazarene for J many years. Advent Series— the Gifts of God Russell Payne 52 J Under the leadership of a * Nigerian graduate of NTS, Rev. Christmas Message Barbara M. Sutryn 52 * Festus Azubike, the Nigerian SOUNDING BOARD______$ Nazarene Theological College ■I has begun. There are around 40 Church Growth Versus Ministry steven e. Barnes 53 $ students, of which about 25 BIOGRAPHY______$ would be full-time equivalen- f cy. The problem is that we have A. W. Tozer: Prophet at Large James L. Snyder 54 •J, no library. You can imagine ^ how difficult it is for a teacher WESLEYANA______« (even an NTS grad!) to ade- John Wesley’s New Testament Notes— J quately teach when there is no Heirloom of the World Wesleyan Family * library to support his teaching. J We are desperate for books so and Aid for Preachers D avid m p p ______55 * that these men can more effec- $ tively preach the gospel and be FINANCE______* equipped to pastor their Tax Procedures for Congregations $ churches. If you can help, Board of Pensions and Benefits USA, Church of the Nazarene 56 $ books may be sent to: Rev. Festus Azubike, director SERMONS______^ Nigeria Nazarene * Theological College Jesus’ Impossible Commandment, OR * P.O. Box 604 Love Your Enemies? You’ve Got to Be Kidding! J Abak, Akwa Ibom State C. S. Cowles 58* Nigeria, West Africa

it % BOOK REVIEW______61 * $ I am interested in obtaining IDEA MART______$ any published works by Uncle $ Bud Robinson, particularly Terrell Earnest 62 Share Your First Impression items now out of print. If you ^ have any of his works and are SERMON ILLUSTRATIONS______62 ^ willing to part with them, « please write: WORSHIP AND PREACHING HELPS______63 J Midge Stiehl “ 28054 Ann Arbor Trail f Westland, MI 48185 Authors should address all articles and correspondence to Editor, The Preacher's Magazine, 10814 E. Broadway, Spokane, WA 99206. Self-addressed, stamped enve­ * lopes should accompany all manuscripts.

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 3 THE GOD WHO WAITS will of man. We propose, however, to keep it within manageable propor­ by J. Wallace Hamilton tions, at least in an area where we can think the thought. This is the small key to a great mystery: the God who waits for man. The Lord is not slack concerning One of God s See it first in the mystery o f the his promise, as some men count undiscovered truth. Think how the slackness; but is longsuffering to crowning attributes Creator has waited through long cen­ us-ward, not willing that any turies of time for the mind of man to should perish, but that all should is His patience. open, to break through, and to learn come to repentance (2 Pet. 3:9, even a little about the hidden mys­ KJV). tery of creation. All these powerful omewhere along in our study energies here— these here-before- of indirection we begin to see we-got-here things— half-concealed, S that serendipity has some pro­ There were people back in early waiting for someone’s seeing eye and found theological implications.Christian centuries who were trou­ hearing ear. The world was round a While it tells us much about the na­ bled with that; in fact, they were be­ long time before anyone discovered ture of life, it also tells us much ginning to fall away from the faith, it, and it was rich in hidden treasure about the nature of God, the kind of impatient with the slowness of God, long before anybody knew it. The God who could create the kind of the seeming absence of God. He had scientists are the preachers of na­ world in which serendipity is possi­ made certain promises about the fu­ ture’s gospel, and their favorite ble; a world in which man is left so ture, and nothing had happened. theme is the patience of God, al­ much on his own, with freedom to Scoffers were everywhere, saying, though they do not call it that and do search and seek and have dominion “Where is the promise of His com­ not speak His name. With their in­ in creation without being over­ ing?” Things are no better than they credible mathematics they tell how whelmed by its Creator. were. Everything goes on, with no through millions of years the moun­ The writers of the Bible are unani­ sign of God doing anything. The tains were built up, the seas carved mous in the faith that one of the world is as full of evil as ever. What’s out, the great worlds fashioned, crowning attributes of God is His pa­ the good of it? where distance must be measured tience and that His patience is a con­ The writer of this Epistle, whoever by fantastic new yardsticks. The spicuous part of His greatness. He is he was, moved in on that mood. thoughts of God are long, long not the Almighty Dictator, the Grand Speaking to his fellow Christians, he thoughts not scaled to our dimen­ Sultan of the universe, pushing peo­ said: “We have a sure word of proph­ sions. And His ultimate purpose is ple around and snapping His fingers ecy to which we do well to take veiled and shrouded in mystery. to get His will done in a hurry. He is heed. It’s a light shining in a dark They could have had electricity in the God who waits— with infinite place until the day dawns. And we the Garden of Eden, as Emerson once patience. He waits; and it is not easy need to remember this, that the Lord hinted. Nobody invented it; here it for human minds to grasp that. Pa­ is not slack concerning His promise, was, from the beginning of time, tience is a human word with dis­ as we think of slackness. It’s His waiting. All discovery is simply a tinctly human qualities, and it is dif­ patience— that’s it. He is longsuffer­ new grasp of something already ficult to apply it to an eternal Being ing to us-ward, not willing that any there. Uranium has been here a long who is all-knowing and almighty. should perish. He will wait, wait for time, hidden in the rocks, bombard­ How can we reconcile in our minds a thousand years as though it were a ing the universe right under the nose the twin facts that God is power and day. He limits His power by His pa­ of the scientists. Coal! Oil! For long patience— almighty, yet slow to act; tience, and waits for man to choose millennia before man came on earth, and that He is just, yet puts up with and to conquer.” nature has been storing up the cellar injustice? It seems a contradiction. You are as much aware as I am that with fire and fuel for his use; but for But we have to hold these twin ideas we could quickly get beyond our generations he shivered in his cold, in our minds at once, however diffi­ depths in this. Through the years damp houses, not knowing what was cult it is. Part of His majesty is in His there has been endless debate on it: under his feet. Alexander the Great mercy, and part of His power is in His in philosophy, determinism; in theol­ conquered the world and marched patience. ogy, the sovereignty of God, the free his armies over land rich with oil,

4 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE those lands of the Middle East. In would be extremely interested in things happen. In fact, one of the some spots it oozed out of the rocks, seeing how the chemists and as­ most marked moods of our own time polluted the water, lay there on the tronomers and biologists on earth is impatience with patience. We sand. Moses’ mother waterproofed proceed to unlock my secrets. I can’t w ait for things to happen; we his little basket with pitch. Tar, as­ would, of course, remain silent have to make things happen. Mil­ phalt, oil— tons of it in the earth and and give no help. But I would be lions have turned from democracy nobody knew it, and wouldn’t have very interested in watching their because it is too slow. They’ve known what to do with it if they had. discoveries, giving them perhaps a pinned their hopes on the strong In fact, not too many years ago gas­ century or two to pry open my se­ men who make things happen in a oline was a waste product, a by­ crets and think them over and hurry. Many have turned away from product of kerosene. They didn’t work them out. the Christian church, lost all pa­ know what to do with it, and laws So, even to our human minds there tience with it, because God is too were passed to keep refiners from has come some hint of the divine slow. His way of waiting for the law dumping it in the rivers. Illustrations wisdom that remains hidden, seems of the harvest, His way of changing at this point could be multiplied. absent, and waits for man to discover. life from within is long and difficult. Trace the story of research in medi­ We have learned a little, and it has You get there faster by coercion and cine, science, philosophy, and see meant so much. But around us still is mass manipulation. how slow has been the process of the vastness, the mystery that Perhaps a fitting symbol for our knowing about the world, about stretches into infinity; and no matter time is the Polaroid camera: Push the ourselves— here a little, there a lit­ how long man may live upon the button, pull the picture— so typical tle, bit by little bit coming through. earth, he will never lose his curiosity, of our passion for right-now things. And God— silent as the sphinx about never reach the end of mystery. For We can’t wait— nor be patient with it all. No sudden revelation, no nature conceals herself behind a veil, anyone who is. We want right-now breaking in to do what man should and God makes thick the clouds that things, right-now pictures, right-now be doing for himself, no Self­ surround the throne. Not His ab­ riches, right-now solutions, right- advertising; just a hint here and sence, but His patience is the key: there, as though saying, “Here it is, God is forever waiting for man to seek and you shall find.” The God break through to the undiscovered who waits! truth. All discovery I don’t know why the French exis­ Move a bit deeper now; see it in tentialists are so wrought up about the mystery of unconquered evil. is simply a new what they call “the frightening and Clear through the Bible runs the frustrating absence of God.” At least promise of a coming kingdom of grasp of something in one area we’re not wholly in the God’s making, some final issue in the dark about the why of it. A certain hand of God never clearly defined. already there. absence or hiddenness of God is es­ The kingdom of God! Prophets and sential for science and for faith. Too apostles pointed to it; good men in much light, too much divine in­ every age cling to it. And God, said trusion would eliminate both. Who this writer, keeps working toward it now social heavens. Our little mo­ would want to live in a world with­ with an unwearying persistence. He ment is so short that we clamor for out surprises, where every question is not slack concerning His promise, immediate results. And it’s this hu­ was answered, everything done, ev­ as it may seem to some. His slowness man passion for immediacy that erything known, and nothing left to to act doesn’t mean His lack of power keeps alive the idea of the “sultan” discover? God has gifted man with to perform. He is not absent, as some God. We read our moods into His incompleteness, and as urgently as complain; He is patient, beyond all mind; we bestow on Him our wis­ he needs bread for his body he needs our comprehension of that word. He dom, arm Him with our weapons, mystery for his mind— something waits for man, not willing that any and make Him like ourselves. We not yet seen, not yet said, not yet should perish but that all should know, or we think we know, what we known. If we were told we had come to repentance; that is, come of would do if we had almighty power reached the end of discovery, it their own accord and by their own in our hands. There would be a fu­ would discourage us utterly. Dr. Har­ free choice to a knowledge of His neral or two well placed. low Shapley, after a lifetime study of way. George Bernard Shaw was asked the stars, said, “We can’t escape hu­ Of course, this impatient world once what he would do if he had al­ mility. And as groping scientists and has never been at home with such a mighty power. If he could be Noah and philosophers, we are grateful for God. We have never really Chris­ another deluge came, who would he mysteries still beyond us.” tianized our concept of God. We pick among the people of history to Lin Yutang, the brilliant Chinese want Him to be in a hurry because start a new dispensation? He flashed philosopher, after a long excursion we are; patience, in our book, is back, “I would let them all drown!” into agnosticism, has returned to weakness. We want Him to be the Al­ And I suppose he would have. Christian faith. In his autobiography, mighty, the Sultan on the throne, Martin Luther couldn’t understand From Pagan to Christian, he said, throwing His weight around, stop­ how God could put up with man. “If If I were God, and therefore a ping wars, crushing enemies, putting I were God,” he said, “and the world master chemist and physicist, I an immediate end to tyrants, making had treated me as it has treated Him,

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 5 I would kick the wretched thing to simple verses this roundabout way of those books. On the third day she pieces.” And I suppose he would God, this patient way of His of drop­ thought she would like to look at the have. ping a hint, waiting for man to find scenery. So out on the balcony she But God is patient, long-suffering, it; and when at last he makes the dis­ took a rocking chair and looked out and His purpose is not measured by covery, he sometimes takes the credit across the flat lands, pretending she the small dimension of our minds. for himself. was looking at the Vermont hills. The whole Bible is the story of the God is like that— not absent, but Then suddenly she heard voices, patient God, the record of maturing patient. He can wait, trusting with loud voices of her children on the revelation, of His long struggle in the that huge faith of His that man will lawn below. She just couldn’t keep darkness to break through the dull­ come to it after a while, catch on, from looking down, and what she ness of man’s mind— patiently train­ break through, and of his own ex­ saw shocked her. There they were in ing a stiff-necked people to be the perience make the discovery. various stages of dirtiness. One had a people of God, getting them out of I wonder if you’ve noticed how of­ runny nose that hadn’t been attended slavery, getting slavery out of them, ten in His parables Jesus talked about to for a long time. The littlest one putting up with their ignorance and this, about God putting man on his had a diaper that hadn’t been disobedience, often their insolence, own and withdrawing himself, leav­ changed since morning. They were and never breaking in with over­ ing the whole responsibility in hu­ dirty, irritable, quarreling. She could whelming power to drive them to man hands. “The kingdom of heaven just imagine what the kitchen was their knees. But always, like some is as a man travelling into a far coun­ like and the rest of the house. Her elusive shadow in the dark, behind try, who called his own servants, and immediate impulse was to go down. the dim unknown, God is keeping delivered unto them his goods” But then she remembered the bar­ watch, waiting for their minds to (Matt. 25:14, KJV). There they were, gain: She was gone for a week in the catch on, to break through, and on their own; God allowing man to mountains. So she just sat there, rock­ through their own experience make be man and have dominion. In even ing and worrying. the discovery. the greatest parable of the prodigal Along about the fourth day, she son there is no almightiness in the made an important theological dis­ father to break the prodigal’s will. He covery. She felt that she knew a little must, in love and patience, wait for a of what God felt, looking down on a God is so humble rebel son to make the discovery, to spinning earth, and a sinning human “come to himself.” And that certainly race, seeing His children get unclean we do not even brings it within the reach of our un­ and quarrelsome. But because He derstanding, for we are parents too. had made them free, He must let recognize Him A good friend of mine, Dr. Edward them choose their way. He must deny Crothers of New York, passed on to himself the deep impulse of the par­ when He comes. me a story he had found in his read­ ent’s heart to break in and break ing: “When Mother Went to the down the limitations He had im­ Mountains.” A young woman born in posed upon himself. Love that knows the hills of Vermont married a farmer how to wait— that’s what the whole We need to come to terms with from Kansas and lived on a ranch in Bible is about. this: Moral truth, like any other truth, Kansas for 12 years. On that flat prai­ No, not quite all of it. At least an­ comes not suddenly like the light­ rie she was homesick for the moun­ other word must be added that gives ning flash but slowly like the dawn tains and every summer talked about meaning to the rest of it. The infinite — first the darkness, then the twi­ going home and spending at least a patience of God is most vividly seen light, then the dawn. It takes a long week in the mountains. Of course, it in the coming of Christ, in the mys­ time for an idea to break through to was only talk; there was no money to tery of the Incarnation. We see Him the minds of men. And it must always go with or time to get away. One on Palm Sunday; we have called it be their own discovery, arrived at by summer, however, she talked so the Triumphant Entry. Triumphant? A many defeats and repeated failures. much about it that her hardworking Man riding into town, into the city of This perilous gift of freedom— the husband said, “All right, honey, why His death, on the back of a donkey. risk God took in bestowing it! There not pretend? This is a big house, You get it all in this. The Jews were is no almighty sultan on a throne to three stories. We never use the top looking for a king, and God sent to override it. There’s an Almighty Fa­ story. Why don’t you go up there for a them a Carpenter. We can never get ther waiting on His children as we week, get away from the children, over the wonder of this; that God must wait on ours. It took a long time and pretend you’re in the mountains. should take this long way around, for monotheism, the idea of one We won’t go up to you, and you must this way of indirection; that when He God, to be discovered. It took a long not come down to us.” set out to perform His highest act in time for brotherhood, the idea of So she did. She packed a bag with history, when He wanted to reveal man’s essential unity, to be discov­ enough food for a week, took some himself in the fullness of His power, ered. It is taking a long time for the books she had always wanted to read, He did not come with the pomp and way of peace to be discovered, al­ and went upstairs “to the moun­ pageantry of kings but in the lowly though there are many signs and sig­ tains.” On the first day she did what garb of a Workman. Can anyone imag­ nals. people do when they go to the moun­ ine a more risky, unlikely way for Henry van Dyke once put in a few tains— she slept. Next day she read God to come? Not in strength— in

6 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE Pastor, Be Encouraged weakness; not a palace— a stable; not a prince— a Peasant; not a sultan— a Servant; not a conqueror— a Carpen­ ter. Why all this anonymity, this hid­ denness, this “smallness of entry,” Keep Your this veiling of divine majesty and power? “Why doesn’t He land in force?” C. S. Lewis asks. Why did He not come in majesty and power, at least with enough splendor to im­ Perspective press, at least with enough over­ whelming evidence of His almight­ by C. Neil Strait iness that no one could possibly Grand Rapids, Mich. question or disbelieve? If we were launching a program of world con­ other Teresa has spent a However, our response to the un­ quest, we would not do it that way. lifetime encouraging peo­ warranted and invalid critic must be We would at least move from a posi­ ple. Our focus for encour­ one of caution and composure. Cau­ tion of strength to win an immediate Magement in this issue is from thistion No­ in that we do not let it erode the response. Here it is again— the in­ bel peace prize recipient. She said, person we are or the uniqueness of finite patience of God. Power with­ In our efforts to listen to God’s our creation. To change ourselves to holding power in the poignant words to us, we often neglect what satisfy every critic is both destructive drama of the Cross. might be called his “first word” to to us and a wasted appeasement to Watch Him as He sets out to win us. This is the gift of ourselves to our critics. What one will find, if he the world— no show of force to drive ourselves: our existence, our na­ lives long enough, is that some crit­ men to His will, no robes of royalty, ture, our personal history, our ics do not criticize to change or no pressure of prestige, no dazzling uniqueness, our identity. All that make better. They just criticize be­ demonstration of divinity to over­ we have, and indeed our very exis­ cause that’s their nature. So don’t al­ whelm their minds and sweep them tence, is one of the unique and ways do a mad dash to satisfy your off their feet. So great was His respect never-to-be-repeated ways God has critics. For while you are changing, for the dignity of the free soul, He chosen to express himself in space they are retooling for the next chap­ would not use His power to over­ and time ("Leadership, Fall 1989, ter in their addiction to criticism. whelm it. He took the way of indi­ 137). The composure that you and I rection and patiently led them step Every pastor must keep in perspec­ must have is that we do not overreact by step until of their own free choice tive the fact that God has uniquely to our critics. Some are very sincere. they came to it. “Thou art the Christ, gifted and called him into ministry. If Some are right! So our attitude must the Son of the living God” (Matt. the sovereign God saw something in be one of listening, understanding, 16:16, KJV). God is so humble, we you and called you into ministry, and objectivity. do not even recognize Him when He then it is a fact to celebrate and from After each criticism, we must do comes. We expect Him in the spec­ which to draw strength in the hard three things. One, if the critic has a tacular; He comes in the common­ times. point or is right, we must admit it, place. His royalty is His humility; His What erodes this sense of unique­ change what needs to be changed, majesty is His modesty. “Behold, thy ness and personal style is the crit­ and move on with gratitude that our King cometh . . . ; lowly, and riding icism that comes. Such occasions can critic has helped us. Two, if it is un­ upon an ass” (Zech. 9:9, KJV). be devastating, discouraging, and founded or unfair, we must not retali­ It’s such a reversal of all our ideas disruptive. It is for such occasions ate or argue. Simply bring closure of power that the true image of the that Mother Teresa’s words were writ­ and move on. Three, keep in mind, Almighty God is revealed in a Man ten. during the whole process, of who who came to earth through a stable, What each pastor must keep in you are, your uniqueness, your gifts, made himself of no reputation, and mind is that no one is the final word and your relationship to God. Most of died one day on a cross; that He has — or even the best word— on your all, remember that God is the best no might to win except the power of ministry. Criticism all too often is a and final word on your ministry. a love that never gives up and never spin-off from what the critic is feel­ Be encouraged, pastor! God has breaks down. He does not thrust him­ ing or the backlash from some con­ called you and will equip you for self upon us. He does not bind us flict he is experiencing. As such, the ministry in a unique and meaningful with an excess of light. He waits for criticism is neither valid nor right. way. It is ours to bring our critics to us with infinite patience until we Now we must be careful to prop­ the altar of our hearts and let the come to it, until we bend the knee to erly assess valid criticism. One must Holy Spirit help us sort out the facts. Him who is the Lord of life. $ be objective. There are times when Where we have His Word ringing in we are wrong. Where we are, it is our hearts, it is adequate oil for heal­ only the better part of integrity— ing and help. His confirmation and Reprinted with permission from J. Wallace Hamilton, Serendipity (Westwood, N.J.: Fleming H. Revell Co., and wisdom— to admit it and learn instruction silence the sting and hurt 1965). from it. of the critic. $

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 7 Preachin A Remedy for the Illustration Blues by Stanley H. Purdum rustration. That word describes pose you begin reading and saving. Bellevue, Ohio one of the keenest memories After a few days you have five clip­ from my early years of sermon pings on five different subjects. Start Fwriting. 1 would find a text or a file folders for those five subjects theme that was appropriate for my illustration, I clip it out (if it is in a and add others as the need arises. You congregation and that inspired me as magazine or newspaper) and im me­ will be amazed at how fast your file a preacher. I worked diligently get­ diately write on it the category un­ will grow I started mine five years ting my thoughts down on paper and der which I wish to file it. ago, and I now have three file draw­ organizing them in logical form. I For example, a story appeared in ers full of illustrations, thought start­ wrote and rewrote furiously for sev­ our local paper about a man who had ers, quotes, and examples. Also, I do eral hours and drew to the end with a car that was continually plagued not worry about getting everything — frustration. with mechanical problems. Finally filed right away. Gathered illustra­ This annoying feeling came from he became so enraged at the vehicle tions are tossed into a box or big en­ the realization that, though I had ex­ that he took a gun and shot the car velope until opportunity arises to do plained the text and had elaborated several times. I cut this item out, the filing. I find that about one hour the homiletical theme, I couldn’t wrote “Anger” on it, and then tossed every other month or so is sufficient think of the right illustration to give it in a box kept for clippings to be to keep up the file. life and flesh to the sermon. Some­ filed. Actually, this file system saves times I vaguely remembered having more time than it takes to maintain it. read a suitable story somewhere. I Time spent searching for sermon il­ would spend hours searching lustrations is vastly reduced. Scan­ through my personal library to find ning stories and quotes in the file it. Other times I would go to the pub­ pertaining to the selected topic of lic library to use the Reader’s Guide the sermon for that week often to Periodic Literature and the card sparks other thoughts that enrich my catalog, trying to ferret out that sermon. Half of the time, while choice story or example. checking for an illustration in my Occasionally these efforts yielded file, I end up not using what I find an acceptable illustration or two, but but discovering a new line of more often than not I ended up deliv­ thought suggested by some item in ering the sermon without that need­ the folder. ed “clincher.” I would leave the pul­ For those interested in developing pit, feeling that the sermon was in­ an illustration file of their own, here complete. Frustration turned into are some techniques I have found annoyance when, a week or two later, helpful: I would come across the perfect il­ 1. As a general rule, do not save lustration. entire articles or whole chapters I seldom experience that frustra­ from a book. When searching for an tion anymore. At the urging of a If I find an illustration in a book, I illustration, you do not have time to friend, I finally began an illustration use a pencil to bracket the section I wade through the whole article file. Several systems work, but some wish to save. Then, when I have com­ again. Clip just the story, quote, or are more complicated. The simple pleted the book, I photocopy the il­ example you wish to save. key to my system is reading with pen lustrations and write the subject di­ 2. Label anything you save for and scissors ready. rectly on them. your file immediately when you cut Most pastors do a lot of reading, in­ This is neither as difficult nor as it out. This saves having to reread it cluding books, magazines, newspa­ time-consuming as you might imag­ later when you are filing. pers, other preachers’ sermons, etc. ine. First, you are already doing the 3- Always use a pencil when label­ These are good sources of illustra­ reading anyway, so it only takes a mo­ ing a file folder. You will be sur­ tions. The problem is that when we ment or two longer to clip and save prised how often you will end up need these examples, we have for­ the juicy illustrations and exciting consolidating or changing folders. gotten them. quotes. For example, after about a year of fil- Today, however, when I read an Second, you do not need to set up item that strikes me as a good sermon the whole file at once. Let us sup­ Continued on page 27

8 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE Rehearsing Your Sermon

by Rolland R. Reece Akron, Ohio

y wife, Martha, and I often come, the more easily you speak. The with the sentence “Life is difficult.” wondered what kind of more easily you speak, the less effort That hooked me into the next sen­ preacher our friend might the congregation employs in “pull­ tence and the next sentence and fi­ Mbe. So when we received an invita­ing you through” the sermon, and the nally the entire book. tion to visit him one weekend, we ea­ more available thought they can give I wrote a sermon on “Man” begin­ gerly said, “Yes.” It turned out, how­ to the content of your message. ning with the sentence, “Man has al­ ever, to be an embarrassing expe­ Rehearsing exposes grammatical ways had difficulty understanding rience. Our friend stumbled badly. errors. Verb tenses have a way of himself.” In rehearsal that sentence Here and there we caught glimmers changing in midparagraph, and pro­ came across flat. It was more suited of thought, but they got covered by nouns from one person to another in for a term paper. After several other countless “Ahs” as he searched for midsentence. Up to this point in your attempts, the first sentence became his next thought. In place of sharp preparation, you may have been “Man puzzles himself.” It zipped to insights, he offered commonplace looking for these errors. Now they the heart of the problem in three generalizations and uncertainty. will be coming to you through your words. In a sermon on love, as ex­ When he finally sat down, we felt re­ hearing. perienced in childhood, I began lief. Practicing your sermon aloud to an with, “When I was a boy, love was my Many ministers devote themselves imaginary congregation will make father buying me a baseball mitt.” To to hours of hard study, thought, and you less dependent on your written start a sermon portraying a truth I prayer in sermon preparation. But if preparation. As a consequence you came across by the slimmest of they lose what they have attained will be able to give your listeners in­ chances, I said, “It may be hard to from their effort— through poor de­ creasing eye contact. Though my believe, but I found a needle in a hay­ livery and faulty mechanics— what a aunt’s minister regularly produced stack.” loss! The pulpit, by far, is the largest carefully crafted sermons, she was Also requiring attention are transi­ continuing contact point between angry with him because he always tional sentences. If you don’t move pastors and their flocks. It is not the read them. “I wish he would just talk logically and smoothly from one place for a shabby witness. to us once,” she groused. “I get tired point to another, don’t expect your Effective preaching, I’ve happily of looking at the top of his head.” congregation to do it for you. When discovered, is within reach of nearly After rehearsing your sermon four you present clear transitions, you en­ everyone. In fact, many of the prob­ to six times, you will appear to be able the congregation to see the frame­ lems attendant in poor delivery can speaking more spontaneously. The work upon which you have built your be corrected through the simple dis­ less your eyes and mind are depen­ thinking. If you halt after each point cipline of rehearsal. Rehearsal, the dent on your manuscript, the more and need to look for your place, you literal practice-preaching of a ser­ free you become to engage the con­ have some bridgework to do. mon, can be as much a part of the gregation. Your freedom in delivery The last lines of anecdotes need pastor’s preparation as study, will enable worshipers to focus on the same careful attention as do thought, and prayer. what you are saying, not on how you punch lines for jokes. Even if the line W hy Rehearse? say it. is delivered only slightly askew, it Rehearsing enables a preacher to W hat to Rehearse? can render the story pointless. hear if the sermon “hangs together.” Obviously the entire sermon Finally, the closing paragraph and Does it move forward sensibly and needs to be rehearsed, but particular sentence need to be rehearsed with great care. I have practiced closing come to a logical conclusion? The sections call for closer attention. For eye and mind can convince a speaker example, take the opening sentence paragraphs and sentences 10 or more that what is written down (manu­ and paragraph. If you mumble and times to make certain they said what I wanted them to say. Remember, you’re script, outline, notes) will be easily stumble here, you may lose the wor­ streaking to the point. Blubbery words communicated to the listener. But shiper for the entire sermon. Famous when the voice is added and the fo­ persons or great national leaders may and sentences leave a sermon un­ cus shifts from the written word to get away with woolgathering in front resolved and the listener frustrated. While rehearsing a sermon on love attentive faces, that clear line of of an audience. But for most of us in friendship, I decided to take a thought may evaporate as the morn­ who do not have novelty or prestige page from Lee Iacocca (whose com­ ing mist. aiding us, we need to introduce our mercial was getting a lot of play at Hearing your own voice “make thinking with carefully selected sense” is also a great confidence words. The first sentence can’t be too the time), “When life comes to the builder. The more confident you be- lean. M. Scott Peck started a book Continued on page 34

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 9 Recovery and Rehabilitation: Hope for Pastors Who Go Down in Flames!

by Donald M. Joy Wilmore, Ky.

n three small fictional samples I frequently stand with him at the fork first option. Let’s assume the confes­ described three pastors, all in the road. But often he has no idea sion is confidential, penitent, and men, who failed sexually. We where either leads or how to avoid throws the outcome in the hands of need help now or later on dealingthe tragic “external” option. any Spirit-filled listener. That hearer with women in ministry who fail. In a concluding section of this arti­ is then bound to the sinner, the sin, IPublic and local scandals involving cle, I will outline what the rehabil­ and its consequences. In such a role, women leaders and pastors have itation strategies are for each of the you are obligated to declare forgive­ rocked us across my 60 years, but three types of failure I have illus­ ness in the name of Jesus, then con­ these articles are exclusively focused trated: Mark Goodson’s adultery, Lem fidentially to support and guide the on men who fail. Lindley’s fornicating addiction, and penitent to restitution and restora­ Mark Goodson, our first fictional Tony Christensen’s tournament male tion. In no case may you announce case, was a pastor who “loved too care-giving. I defined and distin­ the confidential information to any­ much,” got his ministry mixed up guished the three kinds of sexual dis­ one. You have no choice but to swal­ with his affectional attachment, and orders in the first of these three arti­ low the secret, however serious, and found himself in tragic and painful cles. In the second, I suggested move heaven and earth to stabilize adultery. He was bonded to his wife strategies for congregational recov­ the confessing guilty sinner. The by love and marriage and family. But ery following pastoral failure. Now, secret will go to your grave with you. Pastor Goodson had invested so here are pastoral options, followed No civil or ecclesiastical authority much care with a church member' by three closing custom-fitted reha­ can weasel it out of you. Only the that he found himself “double bilitation strategies: penitent sinner has the right ever to reveal the tragic failure, to whom, bonded” also to her. Two Roads Emerge Lem Lindley, our second case, was and under conditions he alone may There is a Christian tradition as old wounded at the core, and symptoms choose. In many cases you will need as the command of Jesus in John 20 of his compulsive addiction finally to stabilize the confessing person, that runs like this: shut down his ministry when he be­ urging him: “Leave it with me for 1. Whoever confesses sin to you came sexually involved with the teen now. Let me carry the guilt with you. is entitled to forgiveness articulat­ daughter of a single-parent family. You are in no condition now to make ed by you as the Spirit-inbreathed His compulsive behaviors included decisions about ‘next steps’ or who agent of Jesus. alcohol and pornography, as well. must know. Eventually you will be 2. Whoever’s sins must be con­ Tony Christensen’s case was the able to own the truth, but not in sui­ fronted by you is entitled to your “blockbuster.” He was the eminently cidal ways.” Thus stabilized, the per­ straightforwardness and your “re­ successful pastor of a superchurch, son will be ready to move to the next taining” that sin, by the same of which he was the founding pastor. immediate integrity steps. Disclo­ Spirit-inbreathed authority, thus His style was private, and he main­ sure to a spouse, for example, will be holding the person responsible for tained clear boundaries by which his essential in some way at some time, coming to a good confession and authority was maintained in the con­ but not now. accepting consequences. gregation and in his own family. This In the Roman Catholic tradition, If we do not learn how to forgive chain-of-command model of church only the ordained priest could offer sins, we are locked into brittle, phar- growth would never have been absolution. On that tradition all isaic legalism. If we do not accept re­ thought to be maintaining a second Western law was constructed, most sponsibility for confronting sin, we woman with children only an hour’s of which still recognizes the right of indulge either in cheap grace or in drive away from his cathedral. “privileged confession.” Clergy in indifference to the tragedy of failure In this final segment of three arti­ most states remain immune from re­ with its eternal consequences. cles looking at ministers who “go vealing confidential information down in flames,” I want to walk you Dealing Grace: Internal Forum even in a civil court. By the same through two optional paths down This ancient distinction boils principle, any Spirit-filled person— which a failing minister may go. We down to two choices. Consider the clergy or lay— is obligated to con­

10 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE fidential absolution. We call this affair. I thought our marriage was sins you retain, they are retained” supra-Roman doctrine “the priest­ over. But it wasn’t. With your hon­ [see KJV], This implies face-to-face hood of believers,” which means we esty, you don’t need to give up on verification of responsibility and live and move in a community of your marriage or on your ministry. I clear fixing of guilt. Imagine this agents of the Holy Spirit. Dr. Mildred suggest we find a way to hold you confrontation: “I don’t know Wynkoop, lecturing on our campus, steady through this.” whether you are aware of rumors that made the text vivid. I recall my own The episode is now more than 10 are hitting us from every side. I abhor shock at hearing her interpretation years in history. His pastoral ministry gossip, but I treasure you. If there is has been continuous since the con­ of John 20:20-23- This is what I any truth in the gossip, can you find fession, and with continuing contact heard: someone you trust and get yourself with the congregation and with We love the part about Jesus on the way to recovery?” seminarians across the years from breathing on them and saying, “Re­ Shall we admit it? We are appar­ that church, I have never heard a hint ceive the Holy Spirit.” And we es­ ently cowards and dislike confronta­ of scandal. The confession was good, pecially like the part about “As the tion. But a surgical location of truth and the absolution and rehabilitation Father has sent me, so send I you” is essential for the sinner and for the were confidential— and it happened [see KJV], But we have to admit community. For the sinner it pro­ with a board! that we cannot choose the parts of vides an opportunity to seek out in­ In contrast, the more typical Mark the passage we like. We will have ternal forum grace. It is urgent for us Goodson scenario is that he opens to take it all or let it go. to send gossipers back to confront his heart to a traitor who reports at If Mark Goodson had made a vol­ the sinner before repeating the story once to ecclesiastical authority to untary confession, where might the again. Could we at least do some­ cover the coward’s own reputation. road called “internal forum” have thing like this: “Have you confronted We may have in this criminal behav­ taken him? I saw one of my distin­ the person about what you are tell­ ior a test of “on whom the Holy Spirit guished former students take that ing me? If you have eye-witness evi­ has been breathed.” The instinct for road once. Robbie and I were week­ dence, you are obligated to go to the confession is in any healthy person, end guests in the pastor’s home. Fol­ person, to offer him a chance to re­ even a sense of needing to expiate or lowing the Sunday morning service pent, and to take responsibility for pay for our sins. Left in isolation, this and the conclusion of my responsi­ his sin. So don’t talk to me or any­ need for expiation can become para­ bilities for the weekend, we were to body else until you talk to the person noid, even suicidal. Professional sui­ be their dinner guests. But the pas­ you are reporting on. There are many cide is a sudden death that seems just tor’s wife disappeared after church. more degrees of freedom open to sin­ to the screeching, shame-filled sin­ We found her an hour later, alone, ners who can take responsibility and ner. So we make a good confession. walking out her silent devastation in report their own failure than for We select the most trusted and re­ a village park. The pastor blurted out those who have to suffer natural con­ spected spiritual adviser we know. the awful truth that his wife had just sequences.” We open our hearts. discovered: He was sexually involved We are desperate to bind people to But in this worst case scenario, we with a woman in the church. forgiving and healing grace. But if are betrayed: “I feel for you, of By late afternoon Robbie and I they rebel or refuse to come to the course, but I will have to phone the were on our way back to Kentucky. truth, we must bind them to their re­ bishop, or I will be guilty of shield­ He was going to convene the govern­ sponsibility: “I release you to Satan,” ing you from the consequences.” And ing board to resign the next day. I was with all of its sounds of utter aban­ we are, as we say, dead in the water. in deep grief, trying to give him up to donment, may be Paul’s formula for The self-confessing, humiliated sin­ any future ministry. Imagine my sur­ fixing responsibility. His bottom line ner will be publicly exposed, likely prise when he phoned to say the was a breath of hope. He yearned that expelled instantly from vocation, res­ board refused to accept the resigna­ Hymenaeus and Alexander would idence, work, and income. In most tion and asked him not to notify his “be taught not to blaspheme” (1 cases, the trauma of betrayal with its bishop: “You need some time away, Tim. 1:20). If the “image of God” has string of falling dominoes wreaks but we will not let you resign. We been invested in the combination of such devastating effects that the pas­ will meet with the woman and her sexes, “male and female,” as Gen. toral marriage does not survive. husband, and we will meet with both 1:27 says, then any failure involving you and your wife regularly. We will Grace That Binds: External Forum our core of sexuality is ultimately take responsibility with you for your Now look at the second option. not sin; it is worse: it is “blasphemy.” failure. You will never get away with When moral failure breaks out into So rebellion, when confronted about this kind of failure again. But we are the public arena and the second- or sexual disorders and failures, consti­ asking that you not call the bishop or third-hand reports break into a cre­ tutes blasphemy. take any steps to go public or to re­ scendo of gossip, the sinner and the In a similar line in 1 Cor. 5:1-5, a sign from this pulpit.” sin make up a veritable cyclone of persistent fornicator was also handed The leadership for the move came scandal. So what will happen when over to Satan “so that the sinful na­ from a man who followed his pastor’s scandal rocks the community? ture may be destroyed and his spirit terrified penitent confession with If we take the external forum road, saved on the day of the Lord.” Such these words: “I know some of what we are obligated as Spirit-breathed- binding to truth is the Spirit-filled you are feeling. When I was almost on people to confront the person Christian’s last resort and is appropri­ exactly your age, I got involved in an with the alleged sin. “Whose soever ate only if there is no repentance, no

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 11 restitution, and no acceptance of cretion and confidential account­ list who was humiliated on the six radical personal accountability for ability offers the double blessing! o’clock news: “If you will go public immediate and continuing obedi­ (1) The congregation and commu­ with your rehabilitation, you will ence to Jesus. When we delay con­ nity are not shaken by scandal, and minister to hundreds of thousands of frontation, we reduce the possibility (2) healing occurs as ministry con­ your supporters who also suffer from of the sinner coming to full confes­ tinues. Any treatment program that compulsive addictions.” I had been sion and finding restoration. requires the pastor to be absent can offended by his compulsive preach­ But if we blow the whistle on be represented for what it is: an af­ ing. Once, when he was railing fective disorder complicated by pas­ someone who has confided in us, we against Rahab the harlot, I murmured toral stress, and requiring inpatient ourselves have retained sin when we Shakespeare’s old line about the per­ treatment. A stress leave of absence should have forgiven sin and bound son who “doth protest too much, me- to enter a clergy retreat center with ourselves to confidential support therapy programs for pastoral cou­ thinks.” I grieved with the whole and recovery assistance. And what ples, for example, carries the com­ world but was not surprised when may be sinful in a deeper way, we mitment of the supporting congrega­ his compulsive sexual failure was may have turned an honest and ap­ tion and the expectation of a health­ documented in external forum for all propriate confession into a global ier pastoral couple on their return in to see. But I suspected then and now scandal. four to eight weeks. that his most ardent supporters A third road may fork off into an­ Because we are more often clumsy around the world are wounded, other dark woods. Independent and frightened, we tend to turn a shame-based, compulsive Christians. churches, because there is no track­ case of authentic internal forum into I wrote to him in the hope that he ing system on deviant leaders, and tragic external scandal by our mu­ could demonstrate to his compulsive some mainline Protestant systems, tilating the sinner and scandalizing supporters how to be healed from because they assume that “forgive­ the community. In any case when the the lifelong, shame-driven motor of a ness means never having to repent,” story explodes, the way we drop nest full of addictions. are likely to turn wounded and Humpty-Dumpty makes it virtually Pull the Plug bleeding pastors loose to heal them­ impossible to put him back together “Call the bishop. He’s unfit for selves. They frequently open yet an­ again, and we often succeed in shat­ ministry. Impound his credentials. other chapter of their failure at a new tering his marriage and family like Empty the parsonage. Bring on the location. The parsonage may be sud­ eggs spilled along the wall as well. fumigator and the disinfectant.” denly empty, creating only a vacuum Here are our options, in descending These “sudden death” impulses of speculation about the sudden de­ order of hope. move typical congregations into per­ parture of the minister’s family. The manent states of denial. They com­ independent congregation has saved Shoot the Preacher! monly get lodged in Stage Two of the itself any liability for pastoral recov­ Ministers who handle truth and an­ grief ladder: Anger. They become ery healing but has turned the nounce the standard of righteousness rude to each other and within their wounded loose on the streets with and all things holy should be killed families. Divorces often lace the con­ only a more complicated sexual dis­ by lightning if they fail sexually. And gregation. Youth groups scapegoat order. The mainline system, with its if God doesn’t strike them dead, the new pastor’s teen. Denial is a potential for “laundering” a tainted leave it to us! Oddly enough, congre­ tragic state that must be a foretaste of pastor, tends to relocate him with a gations often gloat over their “suc­ hell. Blame and shame control every­ nzive sense of grace and of sexual cessful pastor” and are sure that “the one, the innocent and the guilty disorders. “Heal thyself” (Luke 4:23, blessing of God is proof of his moral alike. KJV) simply does not work when purity.” Let us accept a basic premise sexual failure has occurred, so a new that is quite different: There is no Discipline That Restores congregation is often unwittingly necessary correlation between pu­ If we are Christians, then we know put at risk. The pastor’s family in rity of heart and ministerial or any how entrapping sin is; we once lived such cases survives by hardening of other kind of worldly success. In­ within its grip. Therefore the recov­ emotions and by fear of future hu­ deed, a compulsive preacher often ery of a failing pastor becomes the miliation when he fails again in a covers his moral failure by working acid test of the validity and the vital­ new place but with an old rerun of harder— by creating a smoke screen ity of our congregation’s and our de­ the former episode. of success. We shouldn’t be surprised nomination’s theology. Don Baker’s Unfortunately we rarely mount the that moral-failing compulsive pas­ Beyond Forgiveness offers both case courage to act on a careful John 20 tors take the “success theology” one and strategy for bringing discreet version of internal forum, and our step further: “God’s ‘blessing’ during confession and accountability out of sinners become our wounded vic­ my affair or my porno binging is external forum failure. By that pat­ tims. Death by firing squad would be proof of His approval. I will continue tern, the recovery setting was the merciful compared to the way we to denounce the sin for ordinary peo­ congregation in which failure oc­ tend to torture our screeching, guilty, ple, but I am above the law. I write curred. The accountability involved voluntarily confessing sinners. the law.” An omniscient arrogance is congregation and leadership. And flowering where humility and repen­ the healing was completed with a When Tragedy Breaks tance should have been nurtured in public commissioning of the re­ E x te rn ally an honest man. stored minister to accept a pastoral Internal forum handled with dis­ I wrote to a prominent televange­ position in a new location.

12 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE If we object that “some sins are un­ weep with those who weep” (Rom. Any of these or a combination are so forgivable,” then we are living in a 12:15, RSV). The confidential devastating to endure and to hear cloud of ultimate denial and have no “priest” or the support network in a about that we have a tendency to concept of the uniqueness of Christ’s congregational external recovery “call the ecclesiastical police” with­ death and resurrection. And anyone plan as outlined in Beyond Forgive­ out diagnosing the case and seeing who arrogantly assumes that any pas­ ness must nurture the recovery from that the criminal is also the victim! tor cannot be rehabilitated has not deep loss and not trivialize it. And when the root is compulsive, the present failure that prompted the recently held up the mirror to him­ Eradicating Roots of Addiction self while reading Paul in Colossians confidential confession is often only 3, or Jesus’ words to the woman Lem Lindley’s compulsive set of the tip of an iceberg of a whole set of caught in the very act of adultery, as behaviors, which finally brought compulsive behaviors. Workaholic, recorded in John 8. “And such were him down in external forum dis­ “successful” pastors are often acting some of you” (1 Cor. 6:11, KJV) or grace, presents a disorder requiring a out a compulsive addiction simply “You used to walk in these ways, in healing plan immensely more com­ expressing their devastated self-re - the life you once lived” (Col. 3:7) plicated than simple and painful spect in compensatory ministry. are Paul’s serious cautions. grief over loss. And if you are the for­ When a person is healed at the core, tunate person to whom a compul­ when the hole in the cup of self- Three Disorders: sively sexual pastor confesses, know respect is restored and whole, we Three Ways Home this: The recovery plan is long and will see a new energy source driving Grieving a n d Healing rigorous. But with confidential inter­ ministry and all of life, and it will be from Adultery nal forum, the recovery can best be a very different person than we knew Mark Goodson’s attachment to the done on the job. before. parishioner that compromised his In the first article I outlined the Now watch the diagram. Remem­ sexual bond with his wife was adul­ cycle of addiction and offered a dia­ ber that Shame produces devastation tery. Adultery can only happen with gram of the devastated self-respect of Self-esteem. And Shame occurs af­ a pastor who places a high value on that is both the motor and the result ter each compulsive behavior epi­ people, is empathetic, and genuine­ of addictive behavior. Now let me of­ sode. The healing trajectory requires ly cares. fer a healing cycle diagram and de­ that a confession occur as a result of So a confession of such an affair scribe the steps out of compulsive Shame. Shame-based confessions, must be drawn through a counting of addiction disorders. Typical sexual however, are self-protecting, partial, the cost of “slaying the lover” and failures are almost always rooted in but are often accompanied by emo­ knowing she can never live again. It compulsion and include pornog­ tional devastation, tears, and per­ means the end of an important rela­ raphy, promiscuity, adult bookstore sonal or professional suicide tenden­ tionship. Such losses bring on de­ services, massage services, pros­ cies. It is urgent, as you listen, to pression when they are honestly titution, and homosexual activity. coach the person into transforming faced. Denial, anger, and bargaining are stages of getting to the clear-eyed Recovery from the reality: “Life on this planet has ended CYCLE OF ADDICTION in any recognizable form for me.” Elizabeth Kubler-Ross’s landmark work on stages in grief is as helpful a grid as any to understand recovery from adultery. Bargaining frequently wants to ne­ gotiate from adultery to friendship. But no relationship that has once been sexual can move immediately into a nonsexual friendship. Death of the relationship is the only way. So the recovery plan for the adul­ terer, defined in this sense, is the simplest of the three disorders we face, but it is laced with the deepest pain. The recovering minister needs support in ventilating the grief and loss, and “having a good grief.” Only those who can own the pain will be healed. Our tendencies to shame them for their feelings only prolongs the agony or drives them into denial and sets them up for later failure. The first principle for all ministry is to “rejoice with those who rejoice,

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 13 Shame into Guilt. Guilt is not self- healing community can easily be impossible. If he crashes and burns, protective and partial but describes a found among the continuing staff it will be somebody else’s trick, a long history of the disorder, takes re­ and congregation in which his reha­ trap, or a grave injustice he did not sponsibility for being a dangerous bilitation is being supervised. Once deserve. He was framed. His motives person and feeling out of control, external, it is unlikely that he can re­ were pure. He is misunderstood. If and wants to unpack the story of yet main in visible leadership, and his we only understood, we would not other parts of life that are out of con­ emotional healing will be length­ blame him. trol. ened in direct proportion to the ex­ Unfortunately pastoral ministry, by tent of his public humiliation. Forgiveness offered for a Shame- virtue of its frequent isolation, likely Compulsive disorders of all kinds, based confession tends to give no cultivates the tournament male im­ rooted as they are in devastated self- lasting relief. Here is the scenario. pulses. If he does pastoral counsel­ respect, need lifelong care. “I am a Every pastor and many laypeople ing, he has to hear stories of abuse recovering alcoholic” is a truthful have been the listeners: The person is and abandonment. He listens to a statement of a person who has been in trouble and comes to us, trusting woman tell how she has been sexu­ off of alcohol for years. “I am a recov­ us with terrible truth about an imme­ ally scorned or frustrated for her en­ ering compulsive person” is likely diate failure with its embarrassment tire marriage. Every generous rescue true of many more of us. Indeed, the or his fear of being caught. We jump impulse in him is challenged to rise bottom line for the truly holy has to at the opportunity to pray with a cry­ to the occasion. He can right the read, “I am a recovering sinner.” ing or emotionally distraught per­ wrongs, show her the tenderness and Sanctification is both the cure and son. So we do our “evangelism pack­ love she has missed for all these the process. “Humans are born bro­ age” and “lead the person to Christ” years. He will be her “savior” in a tan­ ken,” Eugene O’Neill put in the in repentance for sin. We offered re­ gible and sensuous way. mouth of his character in a famous lief for immediate Shame but did not If he crashes and bums, he may play; “they spend their lives mend­ stabilize the person and assure con­ look again at Scripture and discover ing.” And “The grace of God is the fidentiality while the longer task un­ that his dominance is predicted in glue.” folds. “I’ll pray with you now, but we the curse but never justified. “He Recovery to a “control” state can have more ground to cover. Let me shall rule over you [the woman]” in come instantly, but the network sup­ assure you on the basis of your hon­ Genesis 3 is not God’s order for mar­ port needs to be in place for the long esty that God’s grace is undergirding riage or for congregations; it is a term, best on a weekly meeting basis. you. I’ll carry your load with you, but curse and a consequence of original Most of our churches would be well let’s get the whole story out. And I’ll sin. And men tend to dominate every­ served by a Sunday School class de­ have words of forgiveness for you a thing in sight. Recovery for the tour­ voted to biblical grounding for those little later. You are doing the right nament harem pastor is possible, but of us needing help with compulsive thing, and I’ll need to see you/hear the process follows all of the com­ impulses having to do with food, from you every day this week to get pulsive addiction recovery steps af­ money, power, success, and sex. Our you on our way to total recovery.” ter the theological earthquake shakes vulnerabilities are pervasive! In my Unfinished Business: How him down from his high tower of om­ a Man Can Make Peace with His Bringing Down the Monarch niscience and omnipotence. There Past, I offer a sanctified version of Tony Christensen is no Humpty- will be an extended grief process the Alcoholics Anonymous Twelve Dumpty; he is king of the mountain. over wasted years, wrong teaching, Steps. The program began as a spiri­ This chain-of-command, lonely-at- and doing restitution to those he has tual renewal strategy but became the-top commanding general of the shaped in his own image across the popular in a secularized form. The universe is without peer. He reads years of his pastoral leadership be­ good confession required for Twelve Scripture through the lens that justi­ fore the fall. Steps involved reconstructing the en­ fies his authoritarian style of pastoral Now, in three articles I have traced tire story of the history of the prob­ leadership. He appoints, names, and the tragedies pastors and congrega­ lem. In our eagerness to administer otherwise manages to have his own tions face when ministers fail sexu­ “quick grace,” we have liturgized way in everything beneath him: his ally. I gave suggestions in the second public invitations until we provide wife, his children, his congregation. article to congregations, their recov­ very few settings in which any re­ And on every committee to which he ery, and their role in pastoral recov­ penting person can make a full con­ gives time, he manages to have it his ery. Now in this article I have out­ fession. way. lined alternative paths a pastor may The compulsive addict will need a Because of this high point from take in entering the rehabilitation support network of three to five which to rule and view the universe, and recovery route. I have not de­ highly committed people. In inter­ he is discreet, secretive, and con­ scribed pastors after humiliation, ex­ nal forum confidential restoration, vincing in his seduction. “But I can pulsion, and unfrocking. But finally, these may not be readily and locally afford it, and what I do with my own I have offered brief scenarios to show available. If they are not, then private money is no concern of anyone else, the very different recovery patterns compulsive addiction therapy, not even my wife.” needed to bring men back from adul­ which includes therapist-led group Recovery for the tournament male, tery, from compulsive sexual forni­ support, is a second choice. who justifies his harem on the basis cating, and from collecting multiple If the failing pastor has been ex­ of his own philanthropy, his resourc­ women in the style of Old Testament posed through external forum, the es, and his righteousness, is virtually kings and patriarchs. $

14 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE On the Road Again: Pennsylvania Pastor Enjoys His Motorcycle

by Angela Elwell Hunt Largo, Fla.

ou may have seen them on bike years ago, they had no intention course then I don’t dress as a motor­ the interstate: Riding their of becoming bikers. “My wife was cyclist but as a pastor. Sometimes I hulking motorcycles like working, I was working and in get some stares, but I’ve gotten used Y sultans of the open road, they sitschool, im­ and we simply needed an­ to it now.” periously on black leather seats, other vehicle,” recalls Reese. “We When he is not visiting his church their black leather jackets blazing bought a small motor scooter from members, he and his wife are out on with emblems. They are all blue- Sears and Roebuck; I didn’t know a the open road for their own relax­ jeaned; the men are bearded, and the thing about it, and neither did the ation and enjoyment. They now ride women ride with their faces tilted up salesman. As I rode the scooter on a l,200cc 1984 Goldwing, and toward the sun and their tanned arms home, I got it in the wrong gear go­ last summer they took a 3,000-mile casually resting on legs booted to the ing up a grade, and it reared up just trip that was the cyclists’ equivalent knee. Sometimes single file, some­ like a horse, knocked its chain off, of Huck Finn’s cruise down the Mis­ times two abreast, they ride in an and cut my leg. I ended up pushing it sissippi. They traveled to a New Jer­ awesome pack that can intimidate a to a gas station.” sey state park on an island, got off solitary automobile. They are a mo­ It wasn’t a good beginning, but their bike and swam in the cool wa­ torcycle club. soon the entire family had mastered ters, and left at their leisure to visit a You’ve probably given them a the motorcycle. Reese found it to be daughter and son-in-law who are also more generic name: Hell’s Angels, an invaluable aid in his ministry. It motorcycle enthusiasts. gang of bikers, bunch of hoodlums. was portable, inexpensive to run, The next week the Reeses took the But no matter how similar their ap­ and it fulfilled its purpose. Delaware Ferry across Delaware Bay, pearance, all motorcycle clubs are During the summers when the then rode down Route One through not the same. One particular group is family worked on a Christian ranch, Ocean City, Md. They rode the length very different. Reese and his family took the bike of Assateague Island, home of the The Ready Riders, a local Pennsyl­ out into the woods to find unex­ wild ponies, then continued on to vania chapter of a national organiza­ plored fishing spots. Reese was able Chincoteague Island. They then ex­ tion, the Christian Motorcyclists As­ to lead one young fisherman to the plored the man-made tunnels under sociation, was founded in 1981. Lord on such a trip. “My wife and I and through Chesapeake Bay. Wayne Reese, who pastors the Vic­ and he and his wife would go into They visited their son in Virginia, a tory Baptist Church in Lehman, Pa., the woods to fish and fellowship,” pastor friend in Tennessee, a cousin rides with the club as often as he can. says Reese. “That’s why he began to in Indianapolis, and then drove He and his wife, Charmaine, began grow in the Lord. The Lord uses times across the Blue Water Bridge across riding bikes years ago, and neither is like these to help people.” Lake Huron. On the Canadian side, ready to stop. Reese has pastored the Victory they stopped to swim in Lake Huron, Reese, 58, believes the admoni­ Baptist Church for 10 years, and he in the “clearest blue water you ever tion of 1 Cor. 10:31 — to do all things finds his church’s members accept saw.” to the glory of God. “I’d like to be their bike-riding pastor. “You might While on the road they were not able to lead people to Christ through think that motorcycling would be a lonely The Reeses had each other, motorcycling,” he says. “I know the hindrance to a pastor, that people and they had good fellowship. As Lord has used it before in people’s would think you’re a Hell’s Angel,” they sat inside a Denny’s restaurant in lives. We know a man who began a he says, “but we have never found Michigan, a fellow biker came in, Christian ranch because he loved that to be so. We’ve had people in our and the Reeses noticed his CMA horses. People came to the ranch to church buy motorcycles, and we patch, which is embroidered “Riding ride horses and had a chance to ac­ travel with some of them. Not only for the Son.” They invited him to eat cept Christ. Motorcycling isn’t on have I used the motorcycle as a plea­ with them and had an enjoyable time that scale, of course, but it is the sure vehicle, but also I use it when together. same principle.” weather permits in home visitation, Members of the Christian Motor- When the Reeses bought their first hospital visits, and wherever I go. Of Continued on page 31

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 15 Minister's Mate A Christmas Gift by Thelma M. Chandler Pastor’s wife, Rockland, Maine

couldn’t mail them, since I didn’t have the cash for stamps; but with our other troubles, mailing cards wasn’t really important. We had almost lost our car insur­ ance several times, but God had al­ ways supplied the premiums. What had happened this time? My husband felt that it was irresponsible to drive without insurance. “I can’t go out and pick up all those boys and girls for Sunday School without insurance to protect them,” he said. “Take our salary check, and have the insurance reinstated.” “If God wanted the insurance reinstated, He would have sent the money,” I retorted. “And if you spend the whole check on insurance, you can’t pick them up anyway. You need gasoline.” “I can’t believe that God will fail us now. Pay the insurance,” he de­ manded. I paid the insurance and waited for disaster to strike. My heart was heavy. God had never allowed us to go so far under before. hen my husband and I But God took care of us in such a The very next day, we received a moved from Kansas to beautiful way that I must share it. letter from a friend whom we had not Maine to pastor a church We had been so short of money heard from for over a year. It con­ W on the East Coast, I had plannedduring on November that I only had tained a check for $100, the exact working to supplement his small sal­ $5.00 each week for groceries. De­ amount of our salary. My husband ary. God had a special plan for using cember found us just as short, and my was gracious enough not to say, “I our lives to show His keeping ability, daughter and granddaughter were told you so,” but he was grinning and my working was not part of His coming to visit for a week right after from ear to ear. plan. We felt strongly that we were Christmas. What would I feed them? The rest of that week, enough not to work outside the church for at Our life insurance and car insurance money came in from different friends least one year. That one year has had been canceled for nonpayment. to fix the chain saw, pay the dentist stretched into three and a half, and Then my husband’s two front teeth for a good smile, and buy much- the green light for outside work has broke off, and he looked awful. On needed bathroom and laundry sup­ never yet been given. top of that, the chain saw needed plies. When an aunt sent me $20.00 I It has been difficult at times to be about $60.00 worth of repair work. felt enough confidence that God was continually short of money. I have (We cut our own wood for winter indeed supplying our needs to mail not always been able to soar on ftiel, and our chain saw is absolutely my cards. wings of faith. Sometimes I feel essential for survival.) One of our local public officials frightened, even though God has al­ Some of my family had given me brought over nine bags of groceries ways rescued us. We reached our Christmas cards, knowing that I to divide among the most needy lowest point just before Christmas. would not have money to buy any. I folks from our congregation. Since

16 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE we were as needy as anyone in our ing when we heard a knock on the luscious enough to have stepped out church, God assured ray heart that it door. The Salvation Army folks of a magazine menu! It was hot, would be all right for us to receive a walked in with a big tub of groceries stuffed and ready to eat, and accom­ share. We set up a table and began to just for us. We hadn’t expected help panied by salads, vegetables, gravy, sort everything into stacks. I gave from that direction but were happy and two hot pies. We were over­ careful thought to the division so to have it. I had the most wonderful whelmed at her kindness and God’s that we would not keep more than a surprise when I went through the goodness. There was far too much fair share. There were many things tub. Among the many other good food for just two of us, so we had the that would help me feed my coming things, there were a 2 M>-pound can of pleasure of sharing with some of our company, and I was truly grateful. beef stew, a can of Spam, 2 pounds of people. There was a two-and-a-half-pound spaghetti, and a 10-pound bag of po­ During the Christmas season we can of beef stew that I started to tatoes. Everything that I had started received a tower of goodies from keep, then decided another family to keep but had shared with some­ Swiss Colony, a box of mixes and syr­ needed it more. My husband likes one else, God had returned to me, ups from the Wisconsin Cheese man, Spam but, after debating, we passed even down to the same brand! You a box from my old group from work it to another’s stack. There was a two- may call that coincidence, but I be­ (I couldn’t believe they remem­ pound package of spaghetti that I lieve that God was showing me that bered, I’d been gone so long), a knew I could use, but we decided to He is in control even when I can’t al­ cheese assortment, a dried fruit tray, pass it on, as well as a five-pound bag ways see it. candy, cookies, and too much to even of potatoes. I don’t know when I A couple of nights later, a lady in a mention. Many of the things were far have enjoyed anything so much. God neighboring village called up and nicer than I would have bought my­ was not only supplying my need but told us to fix a kettle of mashed pota­ self. What appeared to be our bleak­ also allowing me to help bring cheer toes, and she would be right over. We est Christmas turned out to be the to others! puzzled over it while we boiled the biggest shower of blessings that I My husband had just finished de­ potatoes. When she arrived shortly could imagine. God is teaching me livering the groceries the next morn­ thereafter, she carried a roast turkey that I can safely trust Him. $

Letter to the Editor

Editor’s Note— be more optimistic, it’s nearly dead. The pastor is very nice, but his ser­ Pastors and wives, please read There’s only a handful of members. mons are rather shallow. I don’t think the following letter. What would Most of them are senior citizens. All he has spent much time on them. But you say to its author? What advice of them seem very complacent. I’ve I’m sure he’s very busy. Our small could you offer? been going there for nearly four church can’t pay him much, so he Please send your reply to: years. The church hasn’t grown. And must work at two other jobs. THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE now I’m dying spiritually too. I long for deep preaching, out­ 10814 E. Broadway The people are good. They’re very reach ministries, and spiritual fel­ Spokane, WA 99206 kind to me, and they love the Lord. lowship. I have some friends who go I have a feeling she is not alone. Also, they’re very tolerant of my two to the Baptist church. I have visited children, just about the only little there, and I like it. But I can’t agree children that attend. And I am the with their doctrine. Dear Editor: only young mother. I wish you could give me some ad­ I want to tell you about my church. It is a chore for me to get my girls vice. I really don’t know what to do. It’s gotten so that I hate Sundays and ready for Sunday School each week. I have considered looking for an­ dread going to my church. I usually Often I’m too tired or discouraged to other church, but that is not feasible, cry before, during, or after the ser­ take them on Sunday and Wednesday you see. I’m married to the pastor. vice— or all three. nights, but I feel guilty when we stay You see, my church is dead. Or, to home. Name withheld by request 0) 73 DOM'T SIOO THINK. AT CHRISTtAAS I CERTAINLY DO. WITH ALL 73 TIM E CREATURES <>K00LD STOP VEARTO PRACTICE WE OO&UT PRACTICING &REED, PREJUDICE, T O h a v e T H O S E t h i n g -s c£ AMD INJOS'UCE'? p e r f e c t e d ! v.

•*-> C c2

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 17 Pastor's Personal Growth the computer technician to drives, chips, and programs. All enter the week by the door called Monday. Each one must face the realities that He Is Lord— include “thorns” with the roses. There will be “thorns”! But we are not alone! on Monday? Jesus is Lord of Mondays! He knew no padded pew in a sanctuary with by Arthur L. Rouleau stained-glass windows. No choirs Garden Grove, Calif. lifted His spirits. No pastor inspired Him to new heights of faith and ser­ hoir and congregation in unity filled the gap left by the departed vice. He prayed in a garden, on a mountaintop— wherever. of spirit and unison of voice burden. We knew something good rise to heights of spiritual would follow. The little book The Practice o f the C Presence of God' has blessed be­ joy as the words to “He Is Lord” fill My spirits soared during the Sun­ the chapel or sanctuary. The Holy day morning service. The anointing lievers for several hundred years. It is a collection of letters and recorded Spirit descends and condescends to of God’s Spirit prevailed. A man in fill human cups to overflowing. his 70s had been visiting our church. conversations of a Carmelite monk. The joy doesn’t end then and there. His wife had requested prayer for Brother Lawrence, as he was called, served in a monastery. Central to the After church doors are locked and him on several occasions. He was a little book is his emphasis on prac­ families gather around the table for good husband and a good moral man. ticing God’s presence at all times— Sunday dinner, the chamber of the And now, with the invitation to come including the most menial tasks. heart still echoes the words. Some­ to Christ extended, he made his way Brother Lawrence detested kitchen times the impulse to voice the words down the aisle to meet Jesus. again cannot be constrained: “He is One man in his 70s. One study re­ work, but in the monastic life such Lord.” An awesome quiet prevails vealed that out of a 1,000 Christians, tasks are shared by all. with the realization that the Lord is 526 had found the Lord before 20 The kitchen, to the edge of old present. His wounds became even years of age. After 60— only 1. age, was his realm, hot, smoky, un­ more precious. God condescended to let A. B. and perturbed, and unpreoccupied.2 But tomorrow is Monday. I share in the great miracle of inter­ It was the same in the kitchen to What is the matter with Monday? cessory prayer. which he had a strong natural aver­ Nothing. My heart sang! sion, but he trained himself to do Mondays are great when He is But God, in His wisdom, places everything there for the love of Lord. But Mondays usually initiate checks and balances in many congre­ God.3 the test: “Is He Lord?” Outside the gations lest a pastor forget he is made With the practice of God’s pres­ walls of the sanctuary we are not pro­ of the same clay as other men. That ence, the good brother found joy in tected from worldly distractions. The morning, greeting the departing con­ the turning of a pancake or even the church family separates to embrace gregation at the door of my church, most demanding task— scrubbing the day without the collective influ­ my “thorn” grasped my hand. the floors. The difference was in the ence. Each disciple must face the test “Pastor,” he began in his most fu­ fact that he wasn’t alone. The glory of alone: “Is He Lord?” nereal tone. I braced myself. “Pastor! God’s presence affected a miracle in Several decades ago some minis­ Do you know that you forgot to pray Brother Lawrence and his loathed ters in the Southwest devised a news­ before you preached this morning?” work. The thorn of a menial task was letter called Monday Morning Mad­ He had me. He was right. In my rel­ transformed into a rose. ness. It was an appropriate name for ish for beginning the sermon, my Perhaps Paul and Silas were in the newsletter because Mondays can customary prayer that precedes it prison on Monday! Though their feet be terrible testing days for pastors. was neglected. I wanted to tell him were in the stocks, their hearts were Someone has said that more minis­ that A. B. and I had prayed half the full as they sang. They practiced ters resign their churches on Monday night before while he was watching God’s presence. The prison shook, than on any other day of the week. wrestling matches on TV. I wanted to the doors swung open, “and every A. B., as he was called, came to my point to God’s answer to prayer that one’s bands were loosed” (Acts church study on Saturday nights to far outweighed my momentary ne­ 16:26, KJV). A guard met the Savior. pray with me. As a pastor of a church glect. But “He is Lord,” and He would Monday’s adversity may turn into in unusually difficult circumstances, have me love and pray for the man. great opportunity if “He Is Lord” of I welcomed that partnership in Then came Monday. The words Monday by practicing His presence prayer. One Saturday night we prayed “He is Lord” were still there, but the in the power of His Spirit. $ through our prayer list but still felt a music had evaporated like the air burden that we couldn’t put into from a perforated balloon. I had to NOTES words. We continued to pray as best deal with those feelings in order to 1. E. M. Blaiklock, The Practice o f the Presence o f we could, with much praise, until regain the lost inner music. God— Brother Lawrence (Nashville: Thomas Nel­ son, Publishers). late in the evening when the burden On Monday, the teacher returns to 2. Ibid., 11. on our hearts at last rolled away. Joy her class, the mechanic to his garage, 3. Ibid., 23.

18 THE PREACHER S MAGAZINE fessed that he didn’t realize that he had been so angry until we looked at it honestly together. After getting in touch with his deep resentment, he took another step and redefined the How It Happens: whole problem as “ours” instead of “hers.” I don’t know if he ever told his wife. But I know he began changing The Way Down in desirable ways. I recall with ten­ derness the day he shared, “You by Fred Wenger know, lately I’ve been preaching a lot Parsons, Kans. on God’s unconditional forgiveness. It has meant so much to me in a more personal way than ever before.” I gently probed to see if he knew everal years ago a pastor gave able.” He asked what he should do why. His face lit up as he replied, “I ! me permission to tell his about it. story; he added, “If it would We explored the options of some­ think it began the day I told you the S worst about me, and you didn’t con­ do anyone any good.” As I hear ofone in his denomination to whom he demn me. You accepted me. That brothers in the ministry who fall into could talk. We agreed that for the sin, I feel a burden to share this anon­ moment he needed to do at least two must be how God does it too.” During our last meeting together, ymous pastor’s experience. things: first, to stop the sinful behav­ we spent time talking about the per­ The man talked about coming to ior; and second, to seek the forgive­ sonal work of the Holy Spirit in our see me at my office for a month or ness he had preached to others. I lives. My friend was beginning to see more. One day, when he mentioned thought he would seek that forgive­ the Holy Spirit at work. it again, I pulled out my appoint­ ness then and there, but he left with­ This anonymous pastor has gone ment book and asked, “How about out saying anything more. forward in ministry. He communi­ setting a time?” We agreed on a date. In subsequent visits, we examined cates with me every so often. He re­ He came to the chaplain’s office, and how he had gotten himself into such ports that he is doing well. I’m thank­ we made ourselves comfortable in a mess. Not excusing himself, he ex­ ful to God that I had been there for the matching overstuffed chairs. He plained that he and his wife had him. I only regret that he didn’t real­ talked about one thing and another. never had a satisfactory sexual ad­ ize that I had been there for him be­ Actually, he didn’t say anything that justment. At their young age, they fore he went astray. His experience seemed very significant to me. He in­ didn’t want another child. However, taught me a most important lesson: I dicated that he’d like to have another they didn’t want surgery to eliminate must know and face my feelings, or appointment at the same time next that possibility either. Ordinarily his they will get repressed and come week. I was willing. After he left, I wife should have been invited for back to haunt me in ways that are not wondered why he had come and why joint counseling. But he hadn’t con­ as much under my conscious control. he wanted another meeting. fessed to her yet. We counseled to­ Perhaps this is what happens when a The second session seemed similar gether without the benefit of her pastor gets involved with his secre­ to the first. We set another time to get presence and involvement. Even tary or a counselee. If the attraction together. Before he left, I ventured, with this handicap, he was making is there, whether he has a strong mar­ “I want you to do one thing before progress. riage relationship or not, it’s time to you leave. I want you to bring to In the next several appointments mind the worst, most embarrassing he realized how he first admitted refer the counselee to someone else and seek understanding of oneself. thing you know about yourself. I that his needs were not being met. Until he knows, “Why am I so attract­ want you to think in terms of some­ He had decided it was his wife’s ed to this person at this time?” he is thing that would be very difficult to problem, and he had built up strong in a highly dangerous situation. One tell me or anyone else. Simply bring resentments toward her for being sex therapist told ministers, “When I it to mind.” stubborn and inflexible. When bad­ find myself looking forward to our He reacted as though I had hit him. gering her failed to win what he de­ next appointment, then I’m on thin He not only knew what it was imme­ sired, he let the problem fester in his ice.” diately, but he began telling me. I spirit. Soon he had rationalized: “She Awareness of one’s own feelings is tried to delay him and told him to owes me sexual satisfactions as my the best defense against ending up share it anytime he was ready. He told wife. If she won’t pay, then I have the me, “I want to share it now!” right to do what it takes to be satis­ on the ash heap of failure. Though it may be scary to admit, I’d rather seek Then, in a few minutes, he blurted fied. Besides, doing it my way won’t a counselor to discuss why I’m sexu­ out his awful story. He felt guilty be­ hurt anybody, since nobody w ill ally attracted to a counselee than to cause he had been to big cities alone know about it.” have to seek forgiveness and restora­ on two separate occasions for the While his evil thoughts had fes­ tion of my life and ministry because I purpose of buying sexual favors from tered within, the idea had gained a sex parlor. He said, “Only God and some plausibility— at least it seemed had ignored the first warning signs. I know, but that’s almost unbear­ so to him at the time. My friend con­

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 19 Pastor's Professional Growth

200 after one year. But at two years, when we became fully organized, our numbers were still around 110 in Sunday morning worship. Sure, I was studying small groups, worship, and leadership concepts. Yet my frus­ trations increased. We had done ev­ DESPERATE erything but stand on our heads, but the growth wasn’t continuing. We by Alan Nelson did telemarketing, direct mail, news El Toro, Calif. ads, community involvement, Friend Days with celebrity guests and Mrs. Field’s Cookies (the cookies worked the best). The messages were posi­ Our Pastor’s Desire for Church Growth Led Him to Prayer tive, practical, and popular. We tried to convey excellence in all we did. f one thing epitomized Alan Nel­ Orange County. (I think I’ll vow Yet it was not enough. son, it was a desire for success never to be a millionaire!) When you compare your church to — ministerial success, “holy” After wrestling in prayer and fast­ smaller ones, you’re tempted to be­ success. Following graduation froming, God vividly opened the doors come egotistical or apathetic. When Olivet Nazarene University, I com­for us to move to Saddleback Valley, you look at big church numbers, you Imitted the next five years of my life the area between Saddleback Moun­ become jealous and/or depressed. I to an informal investigation of tain and Laguna Beach, 20 minutes was the latter. I signed up for Fuller achievement principles. I cataloged south of Disneyland, depending on Seminary’s “Breaking the 200 Bar­ over 500 spiral notebook pages full what time of day you’re driving. This rier” seminar, which proved very in­ of key points from the plethora of was it! As a student of success, I be­ sightful. However, during a two- self-help books, tapes, articles, and came a “church growth” junkie. I month span, God was doing some­ seminars I consumed. I always hopscotched around the country, at­ thing else in my life. I was burned sensed a call to the ministry, a “spe­ tending “How I Grew My Church” out on hearing the techniques of cialness” God had for me. I thought conferences, and I read the right church growth and leadership, al­ I’d be another Billy Graham. books. West Coast Church was des­ though they are important. Some­ I traveled as a speaker during and tined to be an overnight hit. thing else seemed to prevent our after college until a pastor in Thou­ Eleven weeks after moving to Mis­ growth. sand Oaks, Calif., called my wife and sion Viejo, we had accumulated a to­ During the Fuller seminar, I spoke me to be youth ministers. From there tal of 15 men, women, and children to Dr. Peter Wagner. He said, “I’ve I finished graduate work and was to begin our first public service. Be­ been using your quote in a news arti­ prepared to be a Zig Ziglar for cause the area is so new and ex­ cle for my classes, where you say, churches, preaching the gospel of pensive, nearly half the churches ‘We’re not a small church; we’re a big self-improvement and success. My wife joined the staff at Skyline Wes­ leyan Church in San Diego, where During this wilderness period, John Maxwell is the pastor. The first year there was the worst in my life. God replaced my dreams with His. My speaking ministry dwindled. The beautiful principles lay dormant in three-ring binders. No one would meet in schools or rented spaces. We church just starting.’ ” I chuckled. He publish my books. I felt washed up. I would start in the cinema at the La­ said, “How about lunch today with worked at a department store that guna Hills Mall, the highest traffic my wife, Doris, and me?” I respond­ Christmas season selling sweaters to area in the valley. Our Christmas Sun­ ed, “Well, I’ll try to fit you in my make ends meet. day service had 192 people, netting schedule.” (Kidding, of course.) During this wilderness period, I a core of 50 regular attenders from As we ate lunch, I revealed the realized God was replacing my which to grow. Within 6 months our church’s growth and my frustration. dreams with His. Only three things average attendance rose to 100. We Dr. Wagner asked me about prayer; have I vowed never to do: “I’ll never were thrilled; I could visualize the “God seems to be especially working be a youth pastor, never have chil­ megachurch already. Maybe I’d have through prayer these days.” I had dren, and never plant a church.” Our a church growth conference, too, sensed a leading this way for several first ministerial position was a ful­ someday. weeks and had begun a morning filling youth pastorate. We have a Then it hit: the infamous plateau. prayer time. But I was nearly the only beautiful son with child number two Like a marathoner’s wall, we vacil­ one there. Then Dr. Wagner said, on the way. And God was clearly call­ lated between 100 and 130 for the “How would you like to meet Larry ing us to begin a church in South next 18 months. Our goal was to run Lea?” I had just read Lea’s book

20 THE PREACHERS MAGAZINE C ould You Not Tarry? “I’d love to,” I that ‘Except the Lord build the Saturday evening service in a nearby replied. house, they labour in vain that build suburb. “Larry Lea feels a call to the Los it’ (Ps. 127:1, KJV); or, in the words Every few months, I meet with Rev. Angeles area for prayer, and we’re of Zechariah, ‘Not by might nor by Tim Timmons and bounce ideas off having a luncheon at Fuller for pas­ power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord him. Last week I said, “What role do tors and megachurches in southern Almighty’ (4:6).” you attribute to the Holy Spirit in the California. We’ll send you an invita­ In that seminar, I did not learn a tremendous growth of this church?” tion,” Dr. Wagner said. technique, but rather a life-style. It He said, “He is the key. We try to be The next day at the seminar, John was as if the covers were pulled back, wise in our management, but God Maxwell suggested we have lunch. and I could see the skeleton, the true seems to choose certain works and He invited Carl George, who was structure of dynamic ministries. It is various times to bless.” turning 50 that day. I knew God was the power of the Holy Spirit, usually Next, I asked with a little bit of an­ working, since I had not pursued working through an anointed leader ger, “Then why do so many pastors put lunch with any of the three speakers. who is seeking God and hearing Him. on church growth seminars, giving My wife, Nancy, and I had been in I was beginning to fear I was a techniques: ‘Here’s how we do it’?” discipleship groups with Ray and Anne Ortlund the previous year. Dr. Ray Ortlund called and asked us to Human skills are not enough be their prayer partners at a Forest Home pastors’ retreat. The theme of to build God s Church. the conference was prayer and wor­ ship. At the Fuller Seminary lun­ “Christian leader” groupie. Perhaps I Rev. Timmons smiled. “I think it’s cheon, Larry Lea shared how God had had sought their presence but not because humanly we’re still in the transformed his life and called him caught their essence. God showed numbers game. And in our Western to prayer. me that He had brought these indi­ culture, we want to be able to ex­ A few weeks later, I took a group of viduals my way so that I would brush plain it and package it.” It made our church’s leaders to a seminar. We against them and learn what He sense. arranged to meet Jack Hayford, who wanted to teach: pray and obey. What I have learned is that there is emphasized prayer and worship: Someone said, “You can do more no key technique to church growth. “The primary thing that releases than pray, but you cannot do more Most of these leaders have, at times, leadership is the breaking of our own until you have prayed.” Another been very receptive to God. The perceptions and our own sense of the helpful quote is, “Prayer is not pre­ Holy Spirit has provided unique in­ need to verify who we are. Not in an paring to do the work. Prayer is the sights into how He wanted to work in arrogant or conceited way, but in the work.” My desperate desire to see our their specific situation. For some, it sense that every leader is constrained church grow has driven me beyond was slick promotional big days or by circumstances, by his own constit­ my own talents and strategies to good preaching. For others, it may uency, to somehow prove his lead­ helpless pleading at the Cross. God have been buses, evangelistic cam­ ership. We are raised to prove that by seems to be saying that human skills paigns, or quality worship music. being strong or unlike something we are not enough to build His Church. Some honestly admit that they have fear. The main thing happening in I now agree that if I’d experienced no idea. the Body of Christ right now is that such rapid “success” with such an at­ My type-A driven behavior is fleet­ the Lord is bringing the whole titude, I’d soon cave in like a hollow ing now as I spend more time in Church face-to-face with the fact that Easter bunny. prayer. I’ve been pretty consistent in you cannot be neat, slick, sophis­ During this time, we began a for­ my commitment to invest one to two ticated, and have the power of God. mal prayer ministry. Every week a hours minimum in daily prayer, seek­ You cannot.” group of 20 people committed to ing God. My intentions have always Tommy Barnett, at Phoenix First pray receives an updated “praise and been good, but not good enough. I Assembly of God Church, said, “God request” report. We held a prayer life need to pay the price. Instead of ask­ cannot use you until you’re broken.” seminar also. Every Sunday prior to ing God to bless what I’m doing, I’m Each of these achievers was saying our service, we have the “Hour of seeking God to show me what He’s the same thing. Power” in the teachers’ lounge at the blessing. Although I believe God has The frosting on this spiritual les­ school where we meet. This time is called me to a vision that will attract son came during a premier Fuller for concentrated group prayer by the the masses, I no longer need to be Church Growth Institute seminar on prayer team. We phone intercessors the pastor of a big church. I am still prayer. They hit the nail on the head with urgent matters. occasionally tempted to look over when someone quoted J. Herbert As soon as we began this focus, our the statistics and hope for a Pente­ Kane: “The proponents of church attendance jumped 25 percent with cost-type growth spurt, but prayer growth, with very few exceptions, no promotion, ads, or Mrs. Field’s humbles my fleshly compulsions. I have emphasized the human factors Cookies. We had 300 on Easter. New came to realize that kneeling before and all but overlooked the divine fac­ people visit weekly. Soon we’ll go to the altar was not enough. God tor. We need constantly to remember two services, and we’re beginning a wanted me on the altar. ^

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 21 Why Pastors Resign

by Croft M. Pentz Cranford, N.J.

ill Johnson pastored First As­ were too quick in making the selec­ Don’t resign, thinking you will sembly of God for 10 years. tion, permitting personality and cha­ find a better situation in the next The church enjoyed a steady risma to rule instead of seeking God’s church. People are basically the Bgrowth. Under his leadership it wentwill. same wherever you go. The grass may through two building programs. Fi­ There are exceptional cases when seem greener on the other side, but it nances were at an all-time high. He God may use a pastor for a few years is just as hard to cut. was loved and appreciated by the in a given church. Study your people carefully. Speak membership. However, most will have to agree to God about them. Seek the wisdom The church board was stunned that the average pastor resigns too God has promised if we ask (James when he read his resignation in the quickly and too often. 1:5). monthly board meeting. Asked why Why Do Pastors Resign? At all times use proper ethics. Be he was resigning, he simply replied, “1 just feel it is time to move on.” Because o f People consistent. You may compromise in The board encouraged him to give Some pastors have difficulty un­ policy but never in principle. Always it more thought and prayer. Within a derstanding and getting along with be courteous even to those who op­ few weeks he changed his mind and people. They take any disagreement pose you. Never be rude to anyone. remained as pastor. The past few personally. In some cases the wife Don’t resign when everything is years have been the best years of his does not relate to people, and this going well. Don’t resign when every­ ministry. eventually leads to problems. thing is going wrong. Resign only Churches have been hurt by the Communicating with people is an when you know without a doubt it is untimely resignation of the pastor. art the pastor must develop. Since no God’s will. Beware of feelings that Some of these have struggled on for two persons are alike, he needs di­ can be deceptive, causing you to feel months without a shepherd. Atten­ vine wisdom and understanding in you should move on. dance and finances have dropped dealing with his flock. Because o f Problems drastically. People’s moods can change as of­ Sometimes a pastor creates his Of course, there are cases where ten as the weather. Studying human own problems. Not knowing how to pastors are square pegs in round nature is a course from which one handle people and situations prop­ holes. They just don’t fit. Perhaps never graduates. Some basic courses erly as a qualified leader, he fails to they were hasty in accepting the pas­ in Christian psychology might be solve the problem but rather be­ torate. Or maybe church members helpful. comes part of it.

22 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE Certain difficulties if left alone tle is the Lord’s. Don’t fall prey to the not be able to accept this. More than will work themselves out. However, mistake some make of building their one pastor has been forced to resign others we must confront and seek to own kingdom. because of such privation. work out. In every church there are people What a great reward awaits the Some pastors are fearful in at­ and factions that create stress. You members of families who were will­ tempting to settle problems. They can never avoid this. How you deal ing to endure these privations! play politics, not wanting to hurt with it determines how long you re­ Because of Pain anyone. A true leader makes the deci­ main as pastor. It also determines Regardless of how you sacrifice, sion as to what is right and lets the how long the pressure remains. work, and help people, some will chips fall where they may. Because of Privation turn on you and hurt you. God has given proper tools for set­ Privation and sacrifice are a vital The axiom “People you help the tling problems: spiritual gifts of wis­ part of the ministry. All God’s ser­ most often hurt you the most” is so dom, knowledge, and discerning of vants are required to make sacrifices. true in being a pastor. spirits (1 Cor. 12:8, 10, KJV). The ministry is not a profession, it’s a Christ was made King on Palm Learn to depend upon divine wis­ calling. Sunday as He rode into Jerusalem. dom and guidance. You will have less 1. Social privation. God has not However, probably some of those problems, and those you do face will called you to be a friend, pal, or who made Him King on Sunday were be much easier to solve. Remember, buddy He has called you to be the there to shout, “Let Him be cruci­ this is God’s work, and these are spiritual leader. fied.” God’s people. Though the pastor and his wife The prophets were faithful ser­ Always be firm and fair. Deal with deal with people daily, the ministry vants of God, yet they were mis­ problems in love. can be a lonely life. treated by those they served. The dis­ Of course, the greatest help in 2. Financial privation. In recent ciples suffered and gave their lives solving problems is a systematic years the pastor’s salary, retirement for the sake of the gospel. Jesus was method of preaching God’s Word, ex­ benefits, and housing allowance perfect, yet He was crucified. pository style. W ith this type of have increased considerably. Still the How you react to those who hurt preaching each week, God’s Word average pastor is not in the same you determines the difference be­ does the speaking. league with the businessmen of his tween success and failure in the pas­ Keep in mind, no churches are free church. torate. Most never see the person of problems. How you as a pastor Some churches cannot afford a who strikes the first blow. When you deal with them will determine their large salary and benefits. Home mis­ retaliate, the whole church sees. removal or growth. sions, inner-city, and special minis­ Sometimes you may be the whip­ Because of Pressure tries churches cannot afford salaries ping boy for your members who are The late Harry S. Truman said, “If and benefits equal to the established expressing their feelings toward the you can’t stand the heat, stay out of congregations. Thank God for those previous pastor. They were hurt by the kitchen.” If you cannot live with who will serve in these areas for him. Now they are directing their pressure, you don’t belong in the years without adequate salaries and feelings toward you. This you will ministry. benefits. have to overcome. Sometimes the pastor is not qual­ God will be a debtor to no one. He ★ ★ ★ ified to live with pressure. There­ will more than make up for the sacri­ Before you resign your church, ask fore, instead of relieving the tension, fices. If you work overtime, remem­ yourself these questions: he only adds to it. ber, God keeps good records. 1. Are people causing me to re­ At times pastors fail to practice 3. Physical privation. Many pas­ sign? If I understood them better, equality; then concessions are made tors must labor overtime to accom­ would I still leave? to those who provide financial back­ plish God’s work. 2. Are problems causing me to re­ ing. Standards are lowered. There is They will have to rearrange their sign? Should I not stay and work out compromise. This leads to pressure. schedule often. It will mean extra the problem? If I resign prematurely, Out of pressure emerges the real hours of work. Here is where the will will not the problems only increase? you. Pressure can help you mature or of God becomes more real than ever. 3- Are pressures causing me to re­ discourage you. Pressure causes If the ministry were a profession, few sign? Have I allowed the pressures to many to resign. It causes some to would work the extra hours without overcome me, instead of overcoming leave the ministry. pay. the pressures? There are various ways to relieve 4. Domestic privation. Though it 4. Are privations causing me to re­ pressure. Hobbies, sports, exercise, is necessary for the pastor to take sign? Does material gain mean more or a vacation may be the answer. time with his wife and family, some­ than the call and will of God? Someone has said, “If you don’t come times family plans must be rear­ 5. Is pain causing me to resign? apart and rest awhile, you will go to ranged and canceled. Have the unthoughtful acts and speech pieces and rest a long time.” The sudden death of a member, of some caused me to give up? O f course, the best way of re­ the urgent call to the hospital, the Of course, there is a time to resign. lieving pressure is to cast all your responsibility of comforting the fam­ But be sure beyond doubt it is God’s care upon the Lord (1 Pet. 5:7). ily of a runaway youth— these needs will. Leaving prematurely will hurt Keep in mind, the church you pas­ cannot be rearranged. not only the church but also God’s tor is not yours— it is God’s! The bat­ Some members of the family may work. $

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 23 Theolo The Governmental Theory: An Expansion by J. Kenneth Grider Professor of Theology Nazarene Theological Seminary, Kansas City

ardly any area of Christian doctrine is more teaches that Christ suffered for us, not that He was p u n ­ widely misunderstood among the holiness ished for us. The KJV states 27 times that Christ suffered movement’s clergy than the doctrine of the for us.2 The NASB has the same number;3 the NIV has 1 HAtonement. I have had whole seminary classes raise their more.4 The RSV uses some form of the word “suffering” hands, signifying that they believe Christ paid the pen­ for what Christ did for us 26 times.5 alty for us. It is also widely understood that Christ’s death The reason why Scripture teaches that Christ suffered paid the debt we owed to God. Also, it is sometimes for us instead of being punished is, in part, because He thought that, in this area, we can use a smorgasbord of was sinless and therefore guiltless. It is also in part be­ theories. cause God the Father really does forgive us, whereas, if As I understand Scripture, though, it teaches what Ar- He punished Christ instead of us, He could not then have minians have called the governmental theory, when that forgiven us. In Christ’s substitutionary punishment, jus­ theory is expanded to make room for such matters as ran­ tice would have been satisfied, precluding forgiveness. som and love and God’s holiness (as emphasized by P. T. Forsyth). One cannot both punish and forgive; surely a parent could not. The governmental theory of the Atonement is at its base the view that Christ suffered for us so that the holy The other aspect of the atonement theory that the gov­ God could forgive us and still govern us justly The seeds ernmental theory cannot incorporate into itself is An­ of this theory are in the teachings of James Arminius selm’s satisfaction theory’s main aspect: that Christ’s death paid a debt for us. Even as one cannot punish and (1560-1609); but it was first taught, as an Atonement view, by one of his students, Hugo Grotius. Late last cen­ then also forgive, one cannot accept payment for a debt tury it was explicated quite thoroughly by Methodism’s and still forgive it. Roman Catholics teach, even make a John Miley in his Atonement in Christ. 1 sacrament of, the doctrine of penance. This is the doc­ trine that we do not receive sheer forgiveness, but that we The theory will be discussed first by showing what it cannot incorporate into itself, and then by treatment of must first do various disciplinary penances in order to what it can and does consist of. receive forgiveness. So Anselm’s satisfaction view suits Roman Catholic teaching but not Protestant doctrine. What It Cannot Incorporate Protestants do not understand that Christ paid a debt for The governmental theory can incorporate into itself us. That is, we do not formally and ideally believe it, everything that Scripture teaches about the Atonement. It although the idea creeps into Protestant practice— as can incorporate into itself, therefore, the salient aspects through the Elvina M. Hall hymn, “Jesus paid it all; All to of several Atonement theories, such as the classical ran­ Him I owe.” We might even think of Christ’s paying a debt som and moral influence theories. These matters will be for us because of the Scripture passage that reads, “You discussed presently. are not your own; you were bought at a price” (1 Cor. At the same time, it is not so eclectic that it has any 6:19-20). This no doubt means that we are bought with affinity for the main elements of two of the major Atone­ the price of Christ’s suffering, not by a debt being paid for ment theories: the payment of a debt in the satisfaction us. And the hymn can be sung with a similar understand­ theory; and Christ’s being punished, as in the p u n ish ­ ing. “Jesus paid it all” can mean that He paid the cost of ment theory. suffering, and that we owe Him everything because He, Whereas Calvinists boldly teach that Christ paid the the altogether sinless One, suffered on our behalf. Yet penalty for us— that He took our punishment— and be­ many Protestants no doubt interpret both the Pauline lieve their view to be biblical, it is altogether opposed to statement and the Elvina Hall hymn according to the Ro­ the teaching of Scripture. Neither the Hebrew Old Testa­ man Catholic teaching that Christ’s death paid the Father ment nor the Greek New Testament ever teach this view. a debt on our behalf. But again, as with punishment, so The NIV, translated by Calvinists in the main, renders the with this teaching: Neither a human being nor God can Hebrew m usar in Isa. 53:5 as “punishment” (reading accept payment for and still forgive the same debt. And “the punishment that brought us peace was upon him”), forgiveness, sheer forgiveness, is unique to Christianity whereas the KJV uses “chastisement.” The KJV, also trans­ of all the religions and must be protected. lated by Calvinists as a matter of fact, does not once use It might seem to some people that there is scriptural any form of the English word for “punishment” to de­ basis for Christ’s paying our debt in the Bible’s saying that scribe what happened to Christ. Always the word is “suf­ Christ gave His life as a “ransom” (e.g., Mark 10:45). But fering,” or certain synonyms of that word. Scripture payment of a debt and ransom are different. This is partly

24 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE because the debt was thought of as paid to God, whereas God basically is. And it is because of this, for Forsyth, that Christ’s giving His life as a ransom redeems us, buys us God had to bring judgment upon sin by Christ’s atoning back, from the slavery to Satan that sin had gotten us into. death, before being able, as holy, to forgive sin. Sin defied Thus Halford E. Luccock says that Christ’s death as a ran­ God as the “Holy One.” We would not even respect a God som is “the price by which people have been delivered who told us that our sins were simply being overlooked. from bondage.”6 In the Atonement, the holy God himself became an offer­ What It Can Incorporate ing for the whole race, judging sin, making it possible for While the governmental theory cannot incorporate himself to forgive sin without sin’s being appraised into itself the understanding that Christ paid the penalty lightly. This is similar to the governmental theory con­ for us, or that He paid a debt for us, it can indeed incorpo­ cept of John Miley and others. It is even more profound, rate into itself all the various teachings of Scripture and though, than Miley’s theory that Christ’s death makes it numerous understandings promoted in the other major possible for God to forgive the sinner and still maintain Atonement theories. His governmental control For one thing, it can incor­ over us, since we will see porate into itself Peter For­ that sin is serious since Jesus syth’s emphasis on how Christ suffered for us, had to die before it could be God’s holiness figures in the forgiven. Forsyth says that Atonement. The basic ele­ not that He was Jesus had to go to the Cross ments of P. T. Forsyth’s un­ because God could not oth­ derstanding of the Atone­ punished for us. erwise forgive us and still be ment can be— and should the Holy One. Miley’s view be— incorporated into the is biblical, and Forsyth’s is governmental theory. One of also biblical. Forsyth’s un­ Forsyth’s contributions, in his great book on the Atone­ derstanding is more profoundly biblical and theological ment, The Work o f Christ, is that in this deed, God him­ than Miley’s, and it should be incorporated into the gov­ self made the “offering.” Forsyth says, “The real objective ernmental theory. element in atonement is not that something was offered The governmental theory can incorporate into itself to God, but that God made the offering.”7 He similarly the emphasis on Christ’s ransoming us as in the classical says, “God made the atonement.”8 This is a profound un­ ransom theory of the Atonement. Christ did indeed ran­ derstanding. som us from Satan, as Scripture teaches us. Christ did Forsyth also says that the Atonement was “something indeed “give his life as a ransom for many,” as we read in actually done, and not merely said or shown, by God, Matt. 20:28 and Mark 10:45 (also see Heb. 9:15). The something really done from the depth of God who is the Greek word for ransom is lutron, and it literally means “a action of the World.”9 So God actually did something for means of loosing.” Here the accompanying preposition is us. Some interpreters have suggested that, since Forsyth anti, meaning that Christ gave His life as a means of loos­ was saying things like this in 1910, he might well have ing us from Satan’s bondage— “instead of” those who ac­ influenced Karl Barth’s emphasis on the deeds that God cept Him giving their own lives over to Satan’s con­ actually did on our behalf. This understanding, which tinuing bondage. emphasizes what is concretely historical and actual, in Paul uses the ransom figure the only other time it is distinction from what is merely ideational and ethereal, found in the New Testament in 1 Tim. 2:5-6, where he or conceptual, can and should be incorporated into the speaks of “the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a governmental theory ransom [antilutron] for all men.” Here the preposition A kindred emphasis in Forsyth that should also be in­ “for” translates the Greek huper, “on behalf of.” Instead corporated into the governmental theory of the Atone­ of His doing this for “the many,” as in the Matthew and ment is that it is not quite that “Christ and His death Mark statement (which might conceivably suggest that it reconciled God to man,”10 but that in that death we have was done for the elect, but probably refers to the ones “God reconciling himself.”11 He means to say that there who accept the benefits), Paul here says it was done for was no “third party” who reconciled God and man, but “all,” “indicating that the ransom was provisionally uni­ that God himself did it. versal.”14 Forsyth also viewed the Atonement as something done Moreover, the governmental theory incorporates into for the race, somewhat as Olin Alfred Curtis had done in itself the emphasis on God’s love that is the main point in his Christian Faith of 1905. This racial concept can also the Abelardian m oral influence theory. As long as we are surely be incorporated into the governmental theory. For­ not talking about an emphasis on God’s love so extreme syth says, “The first charge upon Christ and His Cross was as to deprecate His holiness and man’s sinfulness and the reconciliation of the race, and of its individuals by other important Christian emphases, a governmental the­ implication.”12 Surely Paul had something like this in orist may and should include an emphasis on God’s love. mind when he spoke of the racial significance of both John 3:16 excites Christians commonly, where we all Adam and Christ (Rom. 5:12-21; 1 Corinthians 15). read, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one Perhaps the single most basic aspect of Forsyth’s Atone­ and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not per­ ment view is his emphasis on God’s holiness. Indeed, that ish but have eternal life.” Christ’s own love spelled out emphasis is part and parcel of these other matters. For­ for us in drops of blood from five bleeding wounds is also syth says, “What is meant by the holiness of God is the common to all Christians, for we all read, “For Christ’s holy God.”11 Holiness is more than an attribute. It is what love compels us, because we are convinced that one died

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 25 for all. . . . And he died for all, that those who live should a fellow worker, uncomplainingly after the worker has no longer live for themselves but for him who died for been too drunk on the weekend to return to the work­ them and was raised again” (2 Cor. 5:14-15). Christ’s place, it commands the worker’s attention and can be­ love— displayed so vividly on the Cross, when He did not come redemptive. When a Christian husband suffers have to die but did, when He could have called for more through a wife’s unchristian practices and still cares for than 12 legions of angels to deliver Him from His ene­ her as the prophet Hosea did, the suffering can be re­ mies but did not do it— compels us to turn to the Father demptive. Such instances of suffering can occasion a for forgiveness. The RSV, instead of “compels,” translates straying person’s turning to the God of suffering love for it with “controls us.” The Greek word there means “shuts the forgiveness that He offers. us up to a given course,” so that we can hardly do any­ The governmental theory is also substitutionary. Ac­ thing else but respond to such a Golgotha deed. cording to this theory, what Christ did became a substi­ Moreover, the governmental theory includes the vicari­ tute for something else that would otherwise occur. In ous aspect of the Atonement. That is, it includes the un­ the punishment theory, His punishment is a substitution derstanding that Christ did something on behalf of us. for the punishment the elect would have received in hell. Here the preposition is huper. It is used in Scripture nu­ In the satisfaction theory, Christ substituted the payment merous times for what Christ did. It is translated “on be­ of a debt man owed to God by His meritorious death— half of,” and it means that Christ’s death was “on behalf earning points since He was sinless and therefore did not of” us. This is the special basis for our understanding that deserve it. But there is substitution also in the govern­ there is a vicarious element in the Atonement. Not only mental theory— substitution of a different sort. Here was it something done as a substitute for something else, there is a double-dimension substitution. There is substi­ but also it was done vicariously for us, or on our behalf, tution in the sense that something Christ did substituted so that its benefit can be transferred to us. The use of this for something that would have been required of the fi­ word huper means that the worth of His substitutionary nally impenitent. But then, there is a substitution of the suffering can be transferred to our account, if we repent guiltless Christ’s suffering for the punishment that those and believe. who repent and believe would have received in eternal hell. Scripture speaks of some form of substitution. This It Has Wide Applications is when Scripture uses the preposition anti, “instead of,” Since Christ’s suffering on everyone’s behalf is pro­ as when we read, “The Son of Man did not come to be visionally redemptive, our present suffering on behalf of served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for others is also provisionally redemptive. This might be the [anti] many” (Matt. 20:28; Mark 10:45). inmost kernel of truth of the Christian faith: that suf­ Surely then, we Arminians, in our preaching and teach­ fering is provisionally redemptive. And its application is ing, are not to tell people that Christ paid the penalty for wide-scoped. It means that when we suffer for others, it us or our debt. And surely we are to expand the theory of can become a means of their turning to God to receive our tradition to include whatever is scriptural, particu­ the benefits of Christ’s suffering love on the Cross. larly its teaching of the ransom figure, of God’s love in it, This is why Paul says, “For it has been granted to you on and of God’s holiness. $ behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have” NOTES (Phil. 1:29-30). The word for “granted” here is ec- 1. John Milcy, The Atonement in Christ (New York: Hunt and Eaton, 1889), haristhe, from charidzomai, meaning “to give . . . gra­ 167 ff. ciously as a favor.” It means that the Philippians had been 2. These are: suffer (Matt. 16:21; 17:12; Mark 8:31; 9:12; Luke 9:22; 17:25; 22:15; 24:46; Acts 3:18; 26:23), suffered (Luke 24:26; Acts 17:3; Heb. 2:18; 5:8; gifted with the privilege of suffering on Christ’s behalf. 9:26; 13:12; 1 Pet. 2:21,23,3:18; 4:1), suffering (Heb. 2:9), sufferings (2 Cor. 1:5; Paul is more clear still about the redemptive value of Phil. 3:10; Heb. 2:10; 1 Pet. 1:11; 4:13; 5:1). our suffering when he says to the Colossians, “Now I re­ 3. These are: suffer (Matt. 16:21; 17:12; Mark 8:31; 9:12; Luke 9:22; 17:25; 22:15; 24:26, 46; Acts 3:18; 17:3; 26:23; Heb. 9:26), suffered (Heb. 2:18; 5:8; joice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my 13:12; 1 Pet. 2:21; 4:1), suffering (Acts 1:3; Heb. 2:9; 1 Pet. 2:23), sufferings (2 flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, Cor. 1:5; Phil. 3:10; Heb. 2:10; 1 Pet. 1:11; 4:13; 5:1). for the sake of his body, which is the church” (1:24). It 4. These are: suffer (Matt. 16:21; 17:12; Mark 8:31; 9:12; Luke 9:22; 17:25; 22:15; 24:26, 46; Acts 3:18; 17:3; 26:23; Heb. 9:26), suffered (Heb. 2:9, 18; 5:8; might seem strange that something is lacking in Christ’s 13:12; 1 Pet. 2:21, 23; 4:1), suffering (Acts 1:3; Heb 2:10), sufferings (Rom. 8:17; suffering, which Paul says he makes up for through his 2 Cor. 1:5; Phil. 3:10; 1 Pet. 1:11; 4:13; 5:1). own sufferings. Yet that is what he says. And what is lack­ 5. These are: suffer (Matt. 16:21; 17:12; Mark 8:31; 9:12; Luke 9:22; 17:25; 22:15; 24:26, 46; Acts 3:18; 17:3; 26:23; Heb. 9:26), suffered (Heb. 2:18; 5:8; ing in Christ’s afflications is that they were done a long 13:12; 1 Pet. 2:21, 23; 4:1), suffering (Heb. 2:9, 10), sufferings (2 Cor. 1:5; Phil. time ago and a long way off. They are of infinite worth, of 3:10; 1 Pet. 1:11; 4:13; 5:1). course, but there is much space and time difference be­ 6. Halford E. Luccock, exposition of Mark 10:45 in Geo. Buttrick, ed„ The Interpreter’s Bible, vol. 7 (Nashville: Abingdon), 818. tween His sufferings and the life situations of specific 7. P T. Forsyth, The Work o f Christ (London: Independent Press, 1910), 99. people today. But when we suffer for them, when we 8. Ibid. stand right up in front of people and suffer on their be­ 9. Ibid., 100. 10. Ibid., 103. half, it commands their attention. When a mother suffers 11. Ibid. for an erring son, not sleeping until he gets home at 12. Ibid., 99. night, praying for him, it commands his attention. When 13. Ibid., 131. 14. W.E.Vine, Vine’s Expository Dictionary o f Old and New Testament Words a Christian factory worker does his own work, plus that of (Old Tappan, N.J.: Fleming H. Revell, 1981), 247.

26 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE A Remedy for the Illustration Blues Continued from page 8 ing, I discovered I had started sepa­ Conflict mons, such verification is necessary. rate files for “Faith,” “Trust,” and Conscience 8. Illustrations can be found ev­ “Doubt.” It made sense to consoli­ Consequences erywhere. Publications like Guide- date these. I erased the titles on two Contentment/Dissatisfaction posts and Reader’s Digest are lit­ folders and was able to reuse them. Cooperation tered with them. Some of the freshest 4. File both positive and negative Courtesy illustrations are often found in the sides of the same topic together. This Covenant, Promises daily newspaper and weekly news­ not only saves folders but also makes Covenant Services magazines. However, I have found sense, since both sides of an issue Creation, Creationism good illustrations in sources as di­ usually enter into a sermon. For ex­ Creativity verse as a prison ministry newsletter, ample, I have files for Faith/Doubt, a personal letter from a friend, my Cross, Good Friday, Tenebrae Providence/Fate, and Loyalty/Be­ own notes from seminary, a police of­ Cults trayal. ficers’ guide for homicide investiga­ Culture (Modem), Life-style, 5. As a general rule, use the posi­ tions, free public information pam­ Secularity tive aspect as the key file word. In phlets, and, in one case, even a slo­ other words, the Loyalty/Betrayal 7. I encourage you to note the gan from a tea bag tag! Anything you folder is filed under L, not B. source and date of each illustration read is potential fodder for your ser­ 6. Don’t worry about what topics directly on the clipping (such as Ga­ mon cannon, even if you use it only to file. As you start saving illustra­ zette, 1/3/88, p. 2). Some real-life as a negative example of your thesis. tions, each one will suggest its own stories are so odd that someone will 9- Most important of all, don’t topic. After a short time, similar ones ask where you heard such a thing. wait until you need an illustration to can be clumped together. My own You can back up your illustration start hunting for one. Start saving file now has over 400 topics, but I with a source reference. More impor­ those good ones you find now. You find that most illustrations fit into tant, however, should you ever will be glad you did. one of those categories. At this point choose to publish any of your ser­ Scissors in hand? Start reading, it in the process, I add only two or three new topics each time I file. My entire list of topics is too long to in­ clude in this article, but as a sample, here are my Cs: D Called of God, Chosen Capital Punishment Cause and Effect Causes, Crusades Change Charity Child Abuse Children Choice, Decision Making Christian Growth Christian Living and Practice Christianity Defined Christmas, Incarnation (The) Church, Community Church History Church-State Separation Comfort Commencement Committees Communication Communion Communism Complacency Complexity Compromise, Lukewarm Confession “Some snowstorm we had last night, eh, Reverend?”

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 27 Church Growth

Do You Take This Church . . . ?

by David P. Markell Greenville, III.

'fyou really love your church, fits not otherwise available. Many of it’s time to take those mem­ these are parallel to joining a church. bership vows. / Identification “So what’s in a piece of paper? The An obvious benefit of marriage is important thing is that we really love that of identification. Two people each other.” Where have we heard that before? You’re right, but I’m not now belong to each other. In most talking about marriage or living to­ cases, they take the same name. They gether. I’m talking about joining the have an identity as a couple, a family. Along with the identity come church. Obviously, two people liv­ ing together without being married several rights and privileges. Each partner has an equal vote in the af­ is not in the same moral league as fairs of the family. Financial and legal regularly attending a church without matters now pertain to the couple. joining it. But at the relational, emo­ Children born into that family take tional, intellectual, and spiritual lev­ their identities from their parents, els, there are some parallels. Our culture has done something to who are legally obligated to care for them. our idea of joining things. Somehow it has made us leery of linking our­ What’s in it for us to be identified as “Free Methodists”? To just be asso­ selves to anything that will require more commitment of us than we ciated with the church without actu­ think we can give. It has also eroded ally joining it may be nice and safe, the value of membership in any­ nondemanding and comfortable. But thing, causing us to feel that the what happens when such a person “piece of paper” really isn’t a big begins to get active in the fellow­ ship, using his spiritual gifts in ser­ deal. Commitment on the emotional level ought to be enough without vice as all Christians should? Sooner making it concretely official. or later an issue comes up for consid­ If you are being urged to join the eration that affects them and calls for involvement on their part in decision local church you are now attending, you are most likely looking for rea­ making. They have no official iden­ tity with which to participate in the sons to do so beyond the fact that it’s the expected norm. You want to process. When a crisis hits their fam­ ily, the base of support is automat­ know what’s in it for you. You want to know if you can honestly assent to ically limited to their local church the beliefs and values, the standards because there is no identity to attract the attention of a broader network of and procedures of a denomination. You want to know what level of com­ help. The full rights and privileges of membership simply are not there. mitment will be required of you. Let’s go back to the analogy of a S ecurity marriage. In taking the Another benefit of a legal marriage vows and in signing is that of security. Part of it comes the paper, we from the identity of the marriage. But gain some a bond is established that cannot be bene- easily or frivolously broken. There is a legal obligation for provision and protection, which, if violated, will result in legal action to cor­ rect the problem. There is a place to run to when one needs a comfort zone. There is the security of not

28 THE PREACHERS MAGAZINE being alone, of having a safety net When I joined the Free Methodist still do not want to identify with underneath when the bottom falls church, I made a commitment to it, them. It puts me in an awkward posi­ out of life. and it made a commitment to me. Its tion emotionally, owing a debt to In joining a church, we receive the commitment to me is part of my se­ them I am not willing to settle. benefit of care and protection from curity base. But I also need to have a Are there ever good reasons not to that church. That church is obligated commitment to the church in order join a church? There may be honest to care for us in many ways. Ideally, to keep me accountable and chal­ theological differences preventing that church is there to support its own lenged to live outside my own pro­ people from embracing the beliefs of when crisis comes; to not let its mem­ tective cocoon. a church. To join a church is to ac­ bers walk off the plank spiritually or Many people have become gun-shy cept and live by its beliefs and stan­ morally; to affirm its people with a of commitment because they are dards. If that is the case, then all love that brings emotional security. afraid of getting hurt or of being let ought to agree that the level of fel­ This is not to say that some mea­ down by people or organizations. So, lowship will of necessity be limited, sure of security won’t be available for out of fear, they become self-cen- but it should never exclude the ex­ nonmembers. But they limit them­ tered and protective. But that’s not pected kind of love and support the kind of life Jesus called us to live. selves from the full extent of what is Jesus wants His followers to extend If I were not a member of my to all fellow believers. available to them. church, there would be nothing In my own crisis of health, I have C o m m itm e n t other than friendship to push me to needed my church. And as God has A third benefit is that of commit­ extend myself to serve others. Doing blessed me with more to give ment. I committed myself to love, things for friends is easy, but serving through what He has done in my life, honor, and support my wife through those I don’t know or don’t like be­ my church needs me. The give-and- thick and thin. When we have differ­ comes a matter of obedience to take is free. The sense of identity be­ ences or are frustrated with each Christ. The obligation of my commit­ comes richer, the security becomes other, when as in all marriages the ment keeps me where I need to be deeper, the commitment level in­ emotional commitment is tested, spiritually. creases. I expect that, in the end, the there is still that legal, willful com­ Suppose I begin attending a kingdom of God w ill spread and mitment to one another that we will church without intending to join it. strengthen because of the benefits see everything through together. Friendships develop and opportuni­ all the way around of my belonging As our relationship deepens, so ties to contribute to the lives of oth­ to the church. does our resolve to go the distance ers are constantly available. It feels The piece of paper really matters! for one another regardless of the good to give what little I can. But 1 cost. Without that willful commit­ imagine that I get in a bind and ment, sanctioned legally, any kind of church members come to my rescue. This article originallyappeared in Light and Life mag­ commitment is on shaky ground. I receive their love and help, yet I azine. Used by permission.

Ten Important Books on the Small Church by Steven E. Burt Bethel, Vt.

Sometimes small churches need Activating Leadership in the Beyond Survival: consultants. Other times they simply Small Church: Clergy and Laity Revitalizing the Small Church need resources— ideas, newsletters, Working Together James R. Cushman articles, organizations, and especial­ Steven E. Burt (Parsons, WVa: ly books. Here are 10 helpful books. (Valley Forge, Pa: Judson Press, 1988) McClain Printing Co., 1981) This book has nudged up to its The author has done a nice job de­ Developing Christian Educa­ third printing and is required read­ scribing the historical foundations of tion in the Smaller Church ing in many U.S. and Canadian semi­ the small rural church. The book Carolyn Brown naries. It is one of four books in Jud- makes a very significant contribution (Nashville: Abingdon, 1982) son’s “Small Church in Action Se­ to the corpus of good “small church” This books seems to have become ries,” which includes Christian Edu­ literature. Technically out of print, a classic. The sections on finding and cation in the Small Church, Devel­ there may be a few copies left, avail­ training teachers are very helpful as oping Your Small Church’s Poten­ able direct from Dr. James Cushman, is the section on what to expect from tial, and Money, Motivation, and Presbyterian Church USA, 100 Wither­ a “small church” pastor. Mission in the Small Church. spoon Drive, Louisville, KY 40202. ( Continued on page 66)

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 29 Wednesday Night Bible Study Is Born Again by Lisa Ausley Gulf Breeze, Fla.

ednesday night Bible that God’s dream became theirs too. By the time Bible study began, study at the Aquilla UM And naturally, they wanted to be part much talking, greeting, “catching Church was pathetic. of the healthy body for which we up,” and even laughter had taken W Rather than being a healthy, vigorouswished. place. Each one was seated com­ body of believers, it was more like a The next days of brainstorming, fortably in a rocking chair, sofa, or on candidate for the intensive care unit idea building, and praying brought the carpet. A time of interchange and at the medical center. us to our chief conclusion: We must singing led to the study. If a piano Driving toward the small, wood- change the image of Wednesday were available, simple choruses to frame church in our little Southern night Bible study. The study needed familiar hymns were sung. If not, out community carried with it emotions more than a face-lift. It was a corpse came the guitar. Choruses were that might accompany one upon en­ that needed to be buried and then taught; Scripture songs were learned; tering a morgue. The same two cars resurrected to new life. action songs for the younger, more The first change needed for this were parked on the grass that had limber folks were enacted. Babies new life was new people. We had to cooed from their blankets in the mid­ been parked there every Wednesday attract the unreached. Bible study dle of the circle, with the little chil­ night since one could remember. As had been at the church house for dren joining in the singing and, later, my husband and I trod morosely to­ years, and people weren’t coming to exiting to the back bedroom for play ward the one glimmering light in the us there. So we decided to go to during the study time. sanctuary window, study books un­ them. By the time the study began, the derarm, our disappointment was After announcing in advance the group was at ease and cheerful— a once again confirmed. birth of our new adventure and mak­ necessary preparation for our change Three dear gray heads posed com­ ing it sound as interesting and pro­ in image. Unless the study material placently on the front pew. Every vocative as possible, we scheduled was well chosen and carefully pre­ church has them. The saints. The the kickoff night in the home of a pared, interesting and response-arous­ ones who will be at the church door popular young couple. Their invita­ ing, it would fail. Hours of personal every time it is open. Bless their tions by telephone to all the church study went into those first lessons, hearts. The only reason we came was members were not invitations just to which centered on the Book of Phi- that my husband was the pastor. But the study, but rather to their home. lippians. Thought-provoking dis­ what compelled them to come week That first night we had six. Success! cussion questions got the people after week to this Wednesday evening Our group had doubled! into participation— thinking and session of lethargy? After two consecutive weeks in a sharing. Then we focused on the Somehow this feeble fellowship home, we moved to another volun­ text: asking questions, making obser­ did not fit into the vision we had for teer residence. And with the move, vations, and seeing what the author our first church. In seminary we had we had a chance for a new couple to said. A time to discover the impli­ envisioned an excited, robust group invite, once again, all the members cations of the biblical material fol­ of young Christians starved to grow in the church. Some who didn’t lowed. Finally application was made. to maturity in Christ. But the reality come at first now came, simply be­ This method might involve writing of our first appointment and our first cause it was at the home of a friend. down a meaningful truth and sharing Wednesday night Bible study quickly In the beginning some people came it with a partner, or closing in prayer dispelled our naive idealism. out of obligation to their friend or centering on how that scripture If Bible study were to be the vi­ relative. So we had to have some­ touched each one, or drawing a pic­ vacious, healthy organism we had ex­ thing to keep them coming. ture to describe improvements we’d pected, then we would have to create Our time together had to be cre­ like to see in our lives. The more cre­ it! ative and new, something they would ative the better.1 Our first treatment was to bathe talk about when they’d gone. We had Responsibility rested upon the the patient in prayer. For three weeks to create a warm, welcoming atmo­ leader. He needed to be sensitive to we prayed and dreamed, dreamed sphere. each member, to carefully plan each and prayed. Our goal was to envision A change in the host home every question to bring appropriate re­ the kind of fellowship that Christ few weeks helped. Hosts naturally sponses, to tug gently to bring each would desire for our little country welcomed the guests into their person into the group action. Most church. We turned to our three faith­ home. We, the leaders, tried to arrive important, he needed to center the ful ladies and asked them to join us first in order to speak a word with study on the Bible and to meet prac­ in this prayer effort. It was important each person as he walked in the door. tical needs of the group.

30 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE To conclude the evening, the host Philippians concluded, a list of study friends for Jesus. It has served as a would provide a table of “share and books were brought by the pastor for catalyst for changed, converted, and snack” goodies, encouraging 15 to 45 our evaluation. The group chose its committed lives. Most encouraging, minutes of unstructured fellowship. own direction from this carefully it has brought new life to our entire The creation of this good feeling screened listing of topical studies. church. along with discussion-oriented Bible With this came the second require­ Sunday attendance has increased, studies began to put our little fellow­ ment, the reading of each week’s se­ programs are expanding, giving has ship on record as the “big happen­ lected chapter and corresponding risen to new heights. Because of Bi­ ing” of our church and community. scripture. Discussion increased as ble study? No, but since that study It worked. After four weeks, our each one came excited about the has helped transform lives, it has group had grown to 10 people, then truth he had gleaned that week from ushered in a new spiritual climate to to 15. After six months, 80 percent his own study. our church. of our Sunday morning adult attend­ After six months of alive and vi­ Bible study started with three ees go to Bible study. brant study, Christians from other de­ white-haired women. It started with As the momentum increased, we nominations began to come. Thus we prayer. It started with a pastor dream­ initiated personal growth in various changed the Bible study to Tuesday ing God’s vision. $ areas. The leader began to require night to enable others to attend. Our 1. We are greatly indebted for the success of our each member to come with a mem­ study group has been an outreach for studies to Lawrence O. Richards’ book Creative Bible ory verse to recite. After the study of Christians wishing to touch their Teaching (Chicago: Moody Press, 1970).

On the Road Again: Pennsylvania Pastor Enjoys His Motorcycle Continued from page 15

cyclists Association often travel to church. “Seeing a young couple in risk. We don’t ride at night anymore, motorcyclists’ meetings and, like our church turn around from their and we don’t like to ride in the rain. many other “special interest” groups, former life-style to be drawn closer It’s just too dangerous.” they set up booths and distribute to the Lord Jesus Christ has been a A few days after their return from gospel tracts. The CMA members at great blessing,” says Reese. “The hus­ their 3,000-mile trip, the Reeses first glance aren’t any different from band has become activities director were involved in a serious accident other motorcycle club members. of our youth group, and he is begin­ — in their car. A man ran a stop sign Their beards are just as windblown, ning to arrange activities and give and rammed into their automobile. their faces just as tanned, and their devotions. It’s just a great pleasure to Reese suffered a broken rib; Char­ blue jeans just as faded and worn. see people’s lives change. There are maine had two broken ribs and a Only their triangular “Riding for the also some older ladies in the church cervical sprain in her neck. For Son” patches and belt buckles visibly who have been struggling with can­ several months she had to wear a set them apart. cer— they have been a great blessing “But when you get among them, to me.” hard collar to support her neck. their talk is a lot different,” explains During their thousands of miles on But nothing has stopped the Rees­ Reese, smiling. “Most Christian mo­ only two wheels, the Reeses have es. “It’s relaxing to have the wind in torcyclists greet each other with a only had one close encounter. One your face— although with the wind­ hug, and they are very open about af­ day last year they had a near collision shields on bikes today, you don’t ac­ fection for each other and their love with a car, which sent them sliding tually have the wind in your face,” for Christ.” over the gravel and pavement. Reese says Reese. “But on a bike you do feel CMA also sponsors trips, many of recalls the sliding sensation, “and the changes in temperature much which revolve around rallies where then I looked up and saw Charmaine more readily than you would if you evangelists give invitations to re­ rolling in front of me and the motor­ were walking or in a car. Smells come ceive Christ. “Of course the idea is to cycle sliding in front of her. Our to you more quickly too— fresh coun­ try to get people who are interested boots were torn and scraped, and we try air or unfresh country air.” in the same thing you are acquainted were bruised, but we weren’t hurt Skunks? “Yes,” he laughs. “They’re with Christ,” explains Reese. Among that badly. We were able to get back out there.” the staff and representatives of CMA on the bike and ride home.” For how many more years do the are eight staff evangelists and three “It was the closest call we’ve had, Reeses plan to ride together? “As lay evangelists. but we know we have to be careful. long as we’re able,” he says. “We Being involved with CMA and the You have to be careful on any vehi­ know a couple who are in their 70s Ready Riders is a great pleasure for cle, but you’re more exposed on a and still riding. We are a little more Reese, but his greatest pleasure in motorcycle, and you have to choose careful and wiser than we used to be, the last year has come from his whether or not you want to take that but we still love the motorcycle.” $

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 31 Evangelism

he Church’s primary responsi­ He looks not for what he can gain but bility as set forth in the Great for what he can give. T Commission is to “make dis­ A Christian disciple evidences his ciples” (Matt. 28:18-20). A decision discipleship by his love— an agape for Christ is important as an early love that loves even those who are step toward the discipling process. unlovely, those from whom there is But it is the lifelong task of disci­ no response of love, even those who pling to which the Church is called return hate for love. This love is the and in which it must engage for its badge of his discipleship to the own survival and fulfillment. world. Before Jesus came, there were A Christian disciple is a witness to other teachers or masters who had the person and claims of his Master. disciples. But He and His followers During Jesus’ earthly ministry a disci­ took the word disciple and gave it ple was to be an eyewitness to His new content and meaning. ministry, His teaching, His miracles, A Christian disciple is not self­ and eventually His death and resur­ selected or self-made. In the New rection. Those disciples added after Testament era Jesus called His disci­ His ascension were to be living wit­ The ples. Today He has charged the nesses to His continuing work in Church, in the power of the Holy their own lives and those of others. Spirit, to make disciples. The disciple’s task is not to argue or A Christian disciple’s primary com­ convince so much as to tell who mitment is to the person of Jesus Jesus is and what He has done. Making Christ, not just to a set of ideas or to As the Church faces an ever­ a pattern of thought. His relationship growing multitude of billions of to his Master is one of faith, of per­ people across our world who desper­ sonal trust. ately need to know and serve our Christian discipleship is a per­ Lord, our hearts cry out for some way manent condition or relationship. to reach them and to evangelize of a Other teachers attracted disciples them. We struggle to develop a pro­ who expected in time to become gram of evangelism and to train evan­ teachers who would attract their gelists. But we cannot meet this chal­ own disciples and excel their earlier lenge on a superficial level. We are teachers in fame and glory But a called to evangelism in depth— to Disciple Christian is a disciple forever. He discipling. We ourselves must first be does not seek his own disciples but disciples in the full sense of the only disciples for his Lord. word— in a trusting, obedient rela­ A Christian disciple is not, strictly tionship to our Master, in a loving, speaking, a learner nor a student but even suffering ministry to others, by Lee M. Haines rather a servant or even a slave. His telling, always telling about Him. Superintendent, The Wesleyan Church response to his Master must always And then in the power of the Holy be obedience. Spirit we must call others into disci­ A Christian disciple, responding to pleship and make them disciples. his Master’s call, discovers that it is a Our Lord has called us to this task. call to suffering. Just as Jesus’ radical And the Great Commission also re­ commitment to Godlikeness led to minds us that He possesses all au­ His being denounced and eventually thority in heaven and on earth, and arrested and crucified, so His disci­ He will be with us to the very end of ple will suffer reproach and even the age. His authority and His pres­ persecution to some degree. ence are given to enable us to carry A Christian disciple is turned in­ out His Commission. We need only side out as far as his priorities are Him! With Him we shall succeed! concerned. As he trusts his Lord and t obeys Him, he follows his Master in

self-sacrificing service to his broth­ Reprinted with permission from The Wesleyan Advo­ ers, his neighbors, even his enemies. cate.

32 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE The Sensitivity of Christ by Morris Chalfant Norwood, Ohio

boy excitedly entered a bar­ members had little wealth, no social my heart. For I could wish that my­ ber shop and shouted, “Mr. prestige, and no help from Christian self were accursed from Christ for my A Arnold! Mr. Arnold! Your institutions. They were without priv­ brethren, my kinsmen according to store is on fire!” ileges and advantages such as we the flesh” (Rom. 9:1-3, K JV ). Paul With this a man leaped from a have today. But they were possessed could not give up his spiritual ex­ chair and ran wildly out the door and with a passion to save people. perience as a sacrifice to see others down the street. Then he stopped Study the lives of great Christians, saved, but he could dedicate his life and said, “What am I doing? My name and you will notice the great themes to that cause. isn’t Arnold!” A silly story? Yes. But that characterized their ministries. The best mechanics that soul- here was a man sensitive to danger. George Whitefield preached, “Ye winning courses offer will not mo­ Jesus was sensitive to the tragic must be bom again” (John 3:7, KJV), tivate a congregation to win souls. plight of mankind. This sensitivity so often that many people criticized But a heaven-sent revival will! We impelled Him to reach out and lift him. When asked why he used the need a revival that will shake us out up fallen humanity. This sensitivity same text over and over, he an­ of smug, churchgoing complacency superseded defeats and disappoint­ swered, “Because you must be born while lost souls are passing into hell ments. It conquered hate, prejudice, again!” at the rate of scores each minute. doubt, and death. To “put on Christ” Jonathan Edwards often empha­ Instead of asking the easy ques­ (Gal. 3:27, KJV) means to put on the sized God’s judgment. Billy Sunday tion, “What is wrong with our evan­ sensitivity of Christ. It means con­ stressed, “Be sure your sin will find gelism?” we should ask, “What is cern, compassion, and passion for you out” (Num. 32:23, KJV). Gipsy wrong with our hearts? Where is the the lost. Smith’s forte was the beauty of Jesus. passion, the burden-—the urgent We do well to compare our com­ On A. B. Simpson’s heart was world mood, the ‘evangelistic expectancy’ passion and concern for others with evangelization. that made our evangelism joyous, that of Jesus. How long has it been D. L. Moody also had a major spontaneous, and effective, not only since you wept over the community theme. He printed the words “God is in revivals but in our regular ser­ in which you live? How long since love” on every light in the old Moody vices?” you wept over the spiritual needs of Church. His personal study of God’s The “mood” of evangelism cannot your church? How long has it been love evoked the response, “I just be manufactured. That “evangelistic since you were so disturbed that you couldn’t help loving people.” A ser­ expectancy” cannot be organized were unable to sleep? mon on God’s love ministered to him into people. Compassion can never Jesus’ deep, yearning, compassion­ so completely that tears would be compelled. Passion is never a ate love for men drew them to Him. stream down his face. matter of pressure or promotion or To the extent that love and compas­ But each of these had in common a program— regardless of how sincere sion motivates us, we will make our passion for souls. Their fervent de­ the pressure, or smooth the promo­ testimony of grace felt. Everyone un­ sire to see people come to Christ tion, or slick the program. derstands the language of love on made the difference. Evangelism as a passion is con­ fire. Most Christians are touched occa­ cerned primarily with souls. Evan­ Even though I believe in using the sionally with the need of reaching gelism as a promotion is concerned most up-to-date methods in the most the lost. If the sermon is right, if the chiefly with statistics. aggressive way possible, I strongly emotional involvement is sufficient, Evangelism as a passion is used by believe there is one all-important we tell ourselves that we really must God to advance His kingdom. Evan­ requisite, which, when missing, do something about winning lost gelism as a promotion is used by men does more to hinder our work than souls to Christ. to enlarge an institution. anything else. It is a passion for But this passion for the lost should When evangelism is a passion, joy Christ, spiritual realities, and eternal dominate our lives. This passion for and exhilaration pervade the per­ verities. The attitude of complacen­ the lost caused Paul to write, “I say formance of its task. When evan­ cy does much to hinder the Church. the truth in Christ, I lie not, my con­ gelism is a promotion, pressure and The Early Church was born in an age science also bearing me witness in strain affect the performance of its of corruption, when every moral law the Holy Ghost, that I have great duties. was violated without conscience. Its heaviness and continual sorrow in When evangelism is a passion, wit­

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 33 nessing is spontaneous and urgent. Christian life goes for a vision House from financial insolvency dur­ When evangelism is a promotion, that is sane, yet seemingly in­ ing her crisis years, and it kept him witnessing must be coaxed and sane. busy in the work of Jesus wherever he coached. II. He must have an activity that found work that needed to be done. Evangelism as a passion is a spiri­ is superhuman. How is the world to be won for tual exercise of the caring heart. III. He must have a passion that Christ and His kingdom? Jesus said, Evangelism as a promotion is a re­ partakes of the nature of ma­ “Go ye into all the world” (Mark ligious gimmick to achieve ecclesias­ nia. (And mania means crazy.) 16:15, KJV). Go where? “Into all the tical success. In the proper sense, he was driven world.” That means next door, the next God declared in His Word a long by a holy zeal that exemplified the block, or Africa or India. It means time ago, “Where there is no vision, “mania” or “craze” he spoke about in speaking to the person working at the people perish” (Prov. 29:18, this sermon. That “mania” to preach the next machine or bench or desk. KJV). One of the primary elements of Christ, to insist on scriptural holi­ Passion! That is our need. As minis­ vision is a passion for souls. Unless ness, to advance the kingdom of God, ters we need holy passion. We need a we have a genuine burden and pas­ drove him to organize more than 250 heavenly vision with all its accom­ sion for souls, we will never have a churches during his ministry. It com­ panying passion as characterized the vision of our field and the task to be pelled him to inspire and challenge Early Church. We read of those Chris­ done. A passion for souls is born in the members of his first pastorate to tians: “They that were scattered the place of prayer. give more money for missions that abroad went every where preaching My father, Dr. E. O. Chalfant, year than all the other churches on the word” (Acts 8:4, KJV). If we served as a pioneer district superin­ the district combined. It motivated 20th-century Christians were called tendent for the Church of the Naza­ him to help raise the money that upon to face a scattering as this, what rene in the state of Illinois from helped save Olivet College from would the record be? Those early 1922 to 1952. His first sermon as bankruptcy and extinction in 1917, New Testament Christians had the district superintendent, preached at and give 37 unselfish years as a mem­ spirit of their Master, of whom it was Chicago First Church of the Naza­ ber of her Board of Trustees, without said, “The zeal of thine house hath rene in 1922, was typical of his spirit ever accepting a cent of pay or a dol­ eaten me up” (John 2:17, KJV). Paul and emphasis as a preacher and ad­ lar of expense money It drove him to caught the same spirit. He said, “It is ministrative leader. His outline was: assist in the financial campaign that good to be zealously affected” (Gal. I. A man who succeeds in the helped save Nazarene Publishing 4:18, KJV). $

Rehearsing Your Sermon Continued from page 9 bottom line in a friendship, what mission I turn them into people in the into your preparation?” My answer other act [love] is there?” Even more pews and earnestly address them with only mildly surprised him. I revealed to my liking are sentences that sum­ my sermon. Up to this point they have that it was the Holy Spirit who led marize the sermon theme, such as-. made no attempt to escape. me to this discipline. Up to that time “Losers hide. Winners are coura­ I time the last several rehearsals. In I was “winging” sermons and as a geous.” “In pleasing Christ, we shall, the parishes I have served, 20 min­ consequence was repeating myself at last, please ourselves!” utes was the ideal length for a ser­ and failing to establish a central How to Rehearse mon, with 25 minutes being the point. The Holy Spirit made it clear To improve your delivery, practice limit. No one complained if I ran un­ that I could do better. your sermon using one or more of der 20 minutes. On a television show recently a the following: tape recorder, video If at all possible, rehearse the ser­ producer of commercials described camera, or mirror. Once you witness mon from the pulpit where it is to be all the effort that goes into a 30-sec- your weak and strong points, you given. This allows you to fit the ser­ ond “spot.” The cost, the attention to will be motivated to correct the mon to the place of delivery. Then detail, and the thoroughness are stag­ weakness and enhance the strength. when you actually give your sermon, gering. So are the number of takes. A minister friend confessed she you will feel at home with your mes­ The producer keeps shooting until didn’t believe how many times she sage. This is another confidence he reaches as flawless a production adjusted her glasses and straightened builder. I like arriving at the church as possible. He goes far past six her stole in the course of a sermon. an hour and a half ahead of the first times, which I have suggested for ser­ Her husband had told her, but she event. I can usually preach my ser­ mon rehearsals. He has a product to discounted his criticism until she mon twice before any early attenders sell, and frequently millions of dol­ saw the tape revealing her behavior. appear. However, occasionally some­ lars ride on the outcome. Technique, When you rehearse your sermon, one enters the sanctuary ahead of time hopefully, will never replace con­ select a place where you’ll not be and is greeted with my thunder. I don’t tent, but it can make the content interrupted. Imagine the congrega­ know which of us is more surprised. more easily understood. tion in front of you, and preach to One of my clergy friends, after lis­ So you and I rehearse, rehearse, them. The way my study is arranged, tening to me expound on the bene­ rehearse— for we have far more than I preach to my word processor and a fits of rehearsing sermons, asked, millions of dollars riding on the out­ shelf full of Bibles. Without their per­ “Where does the Holy Spirit come come. $

34 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE Holiness

Creating a holy home Staying Pure Here are some ways holiness can be exemplified in your home: 1. See to it that the magazines in an Impure World and books in your home could be read by Jesus. Subscribe to those by J. Grant Swank, Jr. publications that promote biblical Walpole, Mass. values. Read aloud to your young children to train them in the reading e unpacked our suitcases ness, the flesh warring against the habit. and looked longingly at Spirit. Paul pointed to victory one 2. Keep a careful watch on your the motel pool. It would could get by setting one’s mind on television. Note what the children W be pleasant after a long day’sthings drive. above. He wed the accent on are viewing. Set time limits on TV We would also visit some friends in the head with Jesus’ accent on the watching. (We have a half hour a day the area. heart. for our children.) Do not use TV as a Later that evening we prepared for Paul stressed the free will of the baby-sitter. a sound sleep. Before turning off the believer, instructing Christians to set 3. Train fam ily members to talk light, I flicked on the television to their minds on the Spirit. That means with a clean tongue. Point out the catch the late news. On that channel consciously working out personal sal­ vulgarity that sometimes comes into were naked bodies in an orgy. vation in fear and trembling by refus­ so-called good TV programs. Instruct I turned the television off prompt­ ing to have anything to do with sin. them that such language is not be­ ly; but I was left with such disgust, This underlines the need for devel­ coming to a Christian. such anger at sin, that I was in no oping holy habits. Being holy does 4. Screen a ll videos. As a parent, mood to rest. I was ready for battle. not happen automatically. It results know what is in that video from start How can a Christian stay pure in an from a disciplined life, one rooted in to finish. Check out what videos are impure world? Jesus said, “Blessed the Scriptures and determined to shown in your children’s friends’ are the pure in heart: for they shall pray through to triumph over evil. homes. see God” (Matt. 5:8, K JV ). If He said Paul also wrote: “Those who are in 5. Discuss the matter of evil in it, it must be possible. the flesh cannot please God. But you our world at family gatherings. Be In our own strength we cannot be are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, realistic and open. Get to the matters holy. Therefore, His Spirit must em­ if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in of values and holiness standards in power us with such righteousness. you” (Rom. 8:8-9, NKJV). the Christian home. Explain why Jesus accented the heart. He went Paul contended with those who these standards are held by conscien­ to the heart of the matter of holiness testified of the Spirit’s presence but tious parents. when He focused on the center of did not live up to the profession. Not 6. Allow plenty of fun times in our longings. Our core of commit­ only is holiness a testimony, but it your home. Plan family doings. Make ment must be so aligned with Jesus must be a daily reality time for the children— older as well that the impurity encircling us does Paul continued: “Those who belong as younger ones. Do not simply pro­ not lodge in us. to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh hibit this and that; provide that We must furnish the heart’s desires with its passions and desires. If we live which is conducive to pure living. with Bible reading and prayer. We by the Spirit, let us also walk by the 7. Make friends with believers. must fellowship with those who like­ Spirit” (Gal. 5:24-25, NASB). Introduce your children to families wise hunger for more of Jesus. Jesus calls us to live holy, even in who agree with your standards of Determining to know more of the an impure world. Believers must cru­ righteousness. Spirit of Jesus in practical holiness is cify the flesh with its passions and 8. Cooperate with your church to “see God,” Jesus promised. That desires. As we look about us at a de­ leaders in youth activities. Drive means seeing God now. caying world, we give God thanks the car or make the brownies or When we separate ourselves con­ that we have hope in Jesus. Our ties chaperone the events. Everyone is sciously from the evil in the world, are not here. But in the meantime, we needed to keep Christian youth on we must likewise separate ourselves have a work to do. It is the work of the right track. unto the purity of Jesus. The more we purity. God “chose us in Him before 9. Pray with your family regu­ walk and talk with Jesus, the more we the foundation of the world, that we larly. Have Bible reading and prayer see Him with the vision of our hearts. should be holy and blameless before after a meal when the family is Paul wrote: “Those who live ac­ Him” (Eph. 1:4, NASB). around the table. Emphasize that the cording to the flesh set their minds What a privilege to live today. We holy life is the way of fulfillment and on the things of the flesh, but those have the glorious opportunity to be contentment. who live according to the Spirit, the God’s salt of the earth, His lights of 10. Set the example. Let those in things of the Spirit” (Rom. 8:5, NKJV). the world. your home see you reading the Bible, Wickedness never takes a vacation; Place your heart in the Bible. Pray. praying, attending church faithfully, it was loose in the first century. It was Fellowship with the saints. Keep talking like a Christian, and relating necessary for Paul to preach about your eyes on Jesus. With all that go­ to others in a Christian manner. $ separation from evil to righteous­ ing for you, you need never fall.

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 35 Christian Education Little Ones, Come to Me

by Lois Hoadley Dick little boy, hearing the story Mark says that Jesus was “indignant Newton, N.J. of Jesus’ love, asked his and pained” over the incident (Amp.). A Christian father if he could It was not enemies of Christ who let Jesus come into his heart. tried to forbid the children, but dis­ “You’re too little,” came the abrupt ciples and perhaps some parents reply. who held little hands too tightly. “Jesus promised to carry the lambs In all three accounts, f o r b id in His arms,” the child persisted. “I comes from the Greek root koluo, am just a little boy. It will be easy for meaning “dock or clip.” Forbidding Jesus to carry me.” children to come to Jesus, one mu­ The father could not argue against tilates them spiritually, keeping such faith. He led his son to the Lord. them from becoming whole. The story of Jesus receiving little It is a strange contrast that in Juda­ children has been recorded in the ism a child, trained and qualified by first three Gospels, its importance age 12, becomes bar mitzvah, a son emphasized by repetition. of the law, responsible before God What does it mean to “permit” lit­ and man. However, in Christian cir­ tle ones to come to the Lord Jesus cles, a child is often ignored until Christ? What does it mean to “forbid” them? In Matthew and Luke the Greek word for perm it is aphiemi, meaning “to let go,” almost carrying the sense of abandon. Some parents hang on to their children and do not want God to have them. They fear the claims of Christ. They do not want older chil­ dren to become committed Chris­ tians for fear the foreign mission field will be the next step. According to the story in Mark’s Gospel, the Greek word for perm it is epitrepo, meaning “to commit, en­ trust.” Is it accidental that two differ­ ent Greek words are used for perm it, bringing out different shades of mean­ ing? Both words stress the importance of giving our children to the Lord so that His will might be done in their lives. The disciples may have said in re­ buke, “Jesus is too busy,” “The chil­ dren are too little to understand,” “Children are not as important as the grown-ups waiting to see You.”

36 THE PREACHERS MAGAZINE age 12, which the church has de­ ery time she laid me in my crib, upon the [minds and] hearts of your cided is old enough to begin learn­ ‘Jesus loves you.’ Later, in my own lit­ children” (Deut. 6:7, Amp.). ing spiritual things. tle bed, I heard it every morning and “Teach them thy sons” (Deut. 4:9, In 607 B .C ., four royal children, night. ‘Jesus loves you.’ ” KJV). Teach what? What is “them”? young princes, were taken out of Teach Bible verses to little ones. Church history! In preceding verses, their orthodox homes to the pagan Memory is greatest in childhood. Moses mentioned the righteous stat­ nation of Babylon. Daniel and his Take them often to church. One utes and judgments and law Teach three friends are referred to as “chil­ mother used to bring her newborn Old Testament history to the little dren,” though they were no doubt in baby in a washbasket and put him ones. Teach the Reformation. Tell their late teens or early 20s because neatly under the pew while she at­ stories of heroism and Christian ad­ they were “cunning in knowledge, tended a Bible study. venture from other lands. and understanding science” (Dan. Make music a part of their babyhood The church needs to rethink its at­ 1:4, KJV). Their childhood training — good music, gospel songs, great titude toward little ones. A young is not mentioned, but their later lives hymns of the church, and classical doctor in the 18th century was asked witness to it. Parents and teachers music. Better still, play an instru­ how he was coming along in his must have influenced those young ment. Let young children handle it. study and practice. “I’m learning,” he lives! Start them early, and they will love said. “I don’t have the knowledge or Solomon relates how when he was good music. experience yet to treat adults, so I’m a young child, his father taught him Tell little ones about miracles and beginning with babies.” to think highly of wisdom and under­ answers to prayer as did the wise fa­ No modern doctor would make standing and to seek them (Prov. ther in Deut. 6:20-25. such a statement. We know now that 4:3-7). Later, as a young king, he “Teach . . . when thou sittest in the field of pediatrics is a specialty; pleased God greatly by asking for thine house, and when thou walkest only the very best of physicians those two qualities. by the way, and when thou liest should treat little ones. Samuel lived in God’s house from down, and when thou risest up” But does the church understand the time he was very young. He (Deut. 6:7, KJV). This training goes that? learned respect for the place of wor­ beyond formal teaching. Parents The church needs to be most care­ ship, despite many bad examples taught their children in friendly con­ ful in teaching and training little around him. versation, in the outdoors where ones. Patient and loving teachers, As a child, Timothy knew the Holy God’s wonders could be seen, as the with an understanding of the child’s Scriptures. As a lad Isaac was offered children played around the house, nature, should teach the littlest ones. to God. As a child, David composed early in the morning, and late at The curriculum, simple though it and sang songs of praise to God. night. must be, should lay a good founda­ The lives of these Bible children The command to train children is tion for later learning. demonstrate that we should allow repeated in Moses’ farewell address David was not considered impor­ children to come to Jesus, and we (Deut. 11:19). How is the nation to tant enough to appear before Samuel. should refrain from hindering them. be kept united, separate, and pure? “Are here all thy children?” (1 Teach them, from babyhood up, By teaching each new generation Sam. 16:11, KJV), asked Samuel the even before they understand. Barby while they are still young. prophet. Jeanne Murk, youngest of the Murk This is more than routine reading “All but the youngest.” Family Musicale group, tells how she and rote learning of God’s words. How surprised they must have been first heard of Jesus’ love. “It is the “You shall whet and sharpen them, when the youngest one turned out to earliest thing I remember. My mother so as to make them penetrate, and be the greatest, the best-loved king, the says she whispered it into my ear ev­ teach and impress them diligently man after God’s own heart! $

Pontius' Puddle

SMOW IS LUCE PORE > OMSPOlLED, THEN IT FALLS THE NEW YEAtf. FOLL OF HOPE INTO THE HANDS IT BEGrl^S US A AMD PROtA\SE. OF MANKIND. GIFT FROtAGrOD--

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 37 Preventing Sexual Abuse in the Sunday School Classroom by John and Dee Conlon Leavenworth, Kans.

we open our doors to both the good ers, a screening process should be es­ and bad. But, in the spirit of love, we tablished to review applicants ex­ have a responsibility to demand that pected to work with young children: the children placed in our care are 1. Ask all applicants to list past kept safe at all times. experience and personal refer­ Parents trust their children to the ences. superintendence of the church 2. Review all statements on the while they worship. Parents assume application. Note lapses of time or that their children receive quality discrepancies. care in a safe environment free from 3- Check out all references in physical and emotional injury. writing. If there is not a response “Preventative maintenance” is a in a reasonable length of time, call term that the church needs to apply the references. Make any notations Awmmiiim* to policies of obtaining volunteer about information given, even the and paid children’s workers. So often fact that the informant was hesi­ the staff of workers is spread so tant to give certain information. 1 . , . | k ; :iiili;iliii thinly that when a warm body comes 4. Conduct interviews with the forward, he is sent to “stand in the most promising applicants. Ask oors of the sanctuary are not gap” with little more than his word the applicant about questionable barriers against those who to verify his character. information. sexually abuse children. Is it sacrilegious to question an ap­ 5. Check for a history of child DCarmen Berry relates that “nearlyplicant’s 90 profession of faith, or ask abuse. percent of all sexual abuse occurs for evidence of character? James did Once workers are obtained, con­ between two people who know each not think so. He said, “Shew me thy duct training sessions to teach work­ other. . . . Sometimes the offender is faith without thy works, and I will ers about child abuse. Emphasize its a friend of the family .. . a trusted shew thee my faith by my works” prevalence— even among Christian member of the church.”1 (James 2:18, KJV). communities. Identify the symptoms Mothers and fathers send their We are not expected to simply be­ and signs of abuse. Ensure that each children to the church, trusting fully lieve everyone who comes to us. We worker understands reporting pro­ in the integrity of its child care, Sun­ are to examine them and test the cedures if child abuse is suspected. day School, and youth programs. word of faith by the fruits of their Review and strengthen church poli­ They base their trust on the philoso­ lives. cies regarding child care procedures. phy of the church to develop solid We have had enough scandals. We In addition to training, close su­ moral character through religious need to know for sure that we can pervision of workers ensures that ideals of purity and integrity. trust workers in our Sunday Schools, both the children and the workers How can pastors ensure that sex­ Caravan ministry, and Youth Depart­ are protected. Care should be taken ual deviants and maladjusted persons ments. to have more than one worker sched­ are prevented from working their It is the church’s responsibility to uled for any group of children. This ways into positions of ministry and care for the people involved in min­ procedure will cut down on the pos­ teaching within the church? Who istry. Approximately 30 percent of an sibility of a child being abused. It will screen candidates for teaching average church’s attendance is made will also provide an extra pair of positions among children? up of children. The church ministers hands in case of emergency. There The apostle Paul exhorts Chris­ to strengthen families and meet their should always be at least two spon­ tians to avoid even the “appearance needs. sors for all youth events, preferably of evil” (1 Thess. 5:22, KJV). The To do an effective job of providing both male and female. church is vulnerable to evil because the best child caretakers and work­ A common misconception among

38 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE workers is that because they are in the church, everyone accepts what they do as aboveboard and innocent. This is not the case. Church work­ ers must take the same precautions to avoid suspicion as other workers. Ac­ cusations of wrongdoing are as much a hazard in ministry as in corporate business. Children should not be left unattended in the church setting. Small children need to be protected to ensure that strangers do not have opportunity to take advantage of un­ supervised situations. The church’s responsibility to care for children is not limited to teach­ ing children’s workers only. But training and support groups should be offered to parents as well. Par­ enting is one of the most critical jobs for an adult. However, there is very little training to prepare young peo­ ple for parenting. Some of the minis­ tries that the church could provide include: parent support groups, pre­ natal programs, prenatal bonding, and parenting skills. Parent educa­ tion workshops should include “how to” topics such as: child develop­ ment, appropriate discipline, ways to deal with stress, how to cope with families, and perpetrators. Human the problem. We need to implement a new baby in the house, and how to resource personnel such as health stringent administrative measures to teach children about personal safety. care, day care, legal experts, teach­ screen and identify potential prob­ Educational programs for children ers, and other caring individuals lems. We must take proper steps to should also be offered as a part of the should be identified to assist in the preclude even the hint of evildoing. personal safety included in Caravan restoration process. Workers are scarce in churches, curriculum. Personal body safety The church is not in the business but it is better to have no worker at might be taught in the light of other of “witch hunts.” Pointing accusing all than to accept someone without safety issues such as water safety, fire fingers at people without sufficient knowing and find out too late that safety, and traffic safety. cause destroys many innocent lives. the person is a child abuser. As pro­ Church staffs should be aware of But to turn a blind eye toward the fessionals, we must not ignore warn­ qualified Christian psychiatrists, psy­ possibility of sexual abuse and to fail ing signals. $ chologists, counselors, therapists, to take appropriate preventive mea­ 1. Carmen Renee Berry, “Family and Sexual Vio­ and other community service profes­ sures is unforgivable. The most im­ lence: What the Church Needs to Know and Do,” Her­ sionals available to help victims, portant thing is that we are aware of ald o f Holiness, March 1990, 17.

Pontius' Puddle I TOLD OOR CHILDREN'S CLASS THE. WOW'D THE. 0 CHRISTMAS STORY--HOWTHE WISE MEN KIDS RESPOND? WERE LED BY A STAR, AND WOW THE SHEPHERDS SAW THE SKYkFILL WITH LICtHT AND H E A R D T H E ^ ^ VOICES OF L S .y

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 39 Church Administration

gather all the necessary informa­ tion by answering the five key jour­ nalistic questions: Who? What? Where? When? Why? Get the accu­ rate, specific details down on paper for each question, and ensure that all Put names are spelled correctly. Careful selection and use of action verbs and colorful adjectives will make for in­ teresting reading. And if you want to get fancy, use some quotations from Your individuals who have planned or par­ ticipated in the event to help answer the five key questions. Now you are ready to write. Second, when drafting the article, Parish follow basic newspaper reporting technique by summarizing a ll the necessary information in the firs t paragraph. Use the next paragraphs to explain, expound, or enlarge in Print upon the information in the lead paragraph. Make certain that the least important information is at by Michael E. Ramming the end of the article. When space San Francisco requires an editor to trim an article to fit, cutting begins at the end of the story. The second and third para­ graphs of an article should give more eeing a church written up in ful campaigns, awards, retirements, details about the story. Here is a good ! newsprint is a real tonic! It anniversaries, and special visitors— place to expound on “why” this story S lifts the spirits of the members to name but a few— are often news­ item is so important or interesting. to see their church’s name in print.worthy. Nothing gets into print, how­ Use of quotations from individuals is Knowing that the successful parish ever, unless the article is drafted, the very effective at this point. The re­ program will be read about enhances picture taken, and the material sub­ maining paragraphs can be used to the committee’s sense of accom­ mitted. It is not difficult to get your elaborate on the story with colorful plishment and satisfaction. Informa­ parish into print. It simply takes a lit­ and interesting details, historical in­ tion on unique or exceptionally ef­ tle planning and follow-through. formation, and participant reactions. fective activities, when shared There are some simple guidelines Finally complete the article by in­ among churches through the print that help bring about a successful cluding photos with captions that media, lends encouragement and of­ program of parish journalism. Just re­ explain what is going on in the pic­ ten sparks fresh ideas and actions member that: ture. Name everyone shown and from others that bring about un­ — Future events require lead check for correct spelling. Create a foreseen, yet rich benefits. time for information distribution title for the story, but don’t feel badly To serve up some of this tonic for (4-5 weeks). if the editor changes it. The editor your parish, direct some effort into wants your article to be an eye- — Reporting past events means newsprint publicity. Appoint an in­ catcher, and the editor is “the pro.” terested volunteer to serve as parish getting the material in to the pa­ Give the editor a point of contact to information coordinator. Compile pers as soon as possible. telephone if additional information addresses for local, denominational, — Include captioned a c tio n is needed, type the article double­ and organizational newspapers, and photos/portraits with the story. spaced and m a il it right away. Send keep this information handy. Encour­ — Provide complete, accurate the same story material simulta­ age your parish leaders to “think information. neously to every paper you think publicity” by anticipating stories; — Provide a point of contact might be interested in running it. taking pictures; jotting down infor­ should the editor need more infor­ The more you create and submit mation on events; drafting articles mation. articles, the better you will become about programs, activities, unusual at getting your church and her suc­ — Follow basic reporting tech­ occurrences, and significant events; cesses in print. One last thing: Keep a and submitting them to the parish in­ nique. file of the stories submitted, to formation coordinator for distribu­ Being a successful reporter is not whom sent, and copies of the news­ tion. Such items as special future difficult if you remember the basics. paper items as printed. The file will events, unusual approaches to com­ It can be as easy as one, two, three. be helpful in tracking and evaluating mon projects, exceptionally success­ First, before drafting the article, your publicity successes. $

40 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE you good at parliamentary L A procedure? Most people are JL JL. not too well acquainted with Robert’s Rules of Order (we’ll refer to them as ROR). In most Rules church groups and denominations, ROR are the standard format for do­ ing business as decision-making bod­ ies. Learning and using this detailed set of rules of procedure is no small of Order challenge. Many leaders have looked for help to the less bulky guidebook, Parliamentary Procedure at a Glance, by O. Garfield Jones. Since the complex procedure feels too and the cumbersome and stilted for some people, church boards often “dis­ pense with the rules” and handle business in a more “folksy” style. This results in a decision process that has no rules to guarantee fairness for Small Board all its members. ROR, fortunately, of­ fers us another alternative for doing by Ron Dalton business when the size of the board Cincinnati or committee is around 12 members or smaller. The small board should not have to boards do not have to stand to speak without a motion’s having been in­ do business in the same style re­ or to make a motion. troduced.” The vote taken this way is quired for assemblies and large On the small board, motions do no different than usual, except that groups. If your committee or board is not have to be seconded. A person the first vote on a smaller board may around 12 members or less, ROR al­ may make a motion and a vote be taken be taken by a show of hands. Extreme lows you to do business on a more without a second being required. care must be taken here, especially if informal basis and still be following The chair is still responsible for en­ the vote is by common consent. The proper rules for procedure. These suring the propriety and legality of requirement is that there be com­ special rules intended for small the motion. This modification may plete clarity on the issue. This is not boards are found in S48 of ROR. not be as helpful or as timesaving as a license to “slip something One special rule has to do with others. Seconds to a motion are sel­ through,” for that is outside the discussion. Generally, no discussion dom hard to obtain, and they may norms of Christian conscience and is allowed until a motion is on the give some indication of the board’s ROR. Louise Bereskin, a well-known floor properly made and seconded. interest in the motion. So the board parliamentarian, once suggested that In a small board, informal discus­ may wish to require a motion to have ROR is basically a codification of the sions are permissible even when no a second before acting on it. It is golden rule for business. motion is pending. In the more infor­ their privilege, however, to dispense In the small board, the chairperson mal small board, you may have dis­ with the requirement of a second. does not have to remain the neutral cussion before the motion is for­ The usual limit to the number of party. The chairperson of a small mally made. The discussion could times a member can speak to an issue board may participate as a regular bring about a carefully reasoned and is also changed under these special member of the board without the agreeable motion that is clear to ev­ rules. There is no limit to the num­ usual requirement to temporarily va­ eryone. Therefore the motion can be ber of times a person may speak to a cate the chair. The chairperson can more easily passed without the usual question. The importance of this lib­ speak to an issue and can usually lag of debates or amendments. This erty is underscored by a corollary make motions and vote on every is­ allows the board to work efficiently change. Motions to close or limit de­ sue. with an idea until a clear and agree­ bate should not be entertained. In a The use of these special rules able motion is made that is ready to smaller board, time is not as much an should conserve time and encourage be put to a vote. issue as when there are many people participation by eliminating certain Normally, a member must first ad­ trying to debate. So the rule is mod­ encumbering rules that are useful dress the chair and receive recog­ ified to allow full time and scope for only when large crowds are involved nition from the chairperson. In the discussion. in the decision-making process. These small board, this eliminates a rule At certain times a vote may be adaptations to the rules of order for that would be too stilted and dila­ taken when no motion is on the the small board are not obligatory. tory. A person is free to speak up as floor. Let me quote from ROR: The important issue is consistency. long as he is not violating other “When a proposal is perfectly clear The board should adopt a format and members’ rights. Members of small to all present, a vote can be taken stay with it. $

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 41 Social Concerns the Christian Challenge

by William O. Harrison, M.D.

he media has presented a She chose what she thought was a Case 2 plethora of information wise course and joined the navy. The Rick is 50 years old and the arche­ T about the AIDS epidemic, navy furnished her with child care, typal successful businessman. He much of which is untrue, half true, training, and a salary. Eventually she had founded his own business and or contradictory. On the one hand, became a technician. Life was look­ become independently wealthy by there are articles that state that the ing bright for her. Then her ship’s age 45. In the process of so doing, he epidemic is clearly becoming a het­ company was tested for antibody to had also gone through a bitter di­ erosexual one and that much of the HIV. Evelyn was positive. vorce. After being divorced by his world’s population is at risk. On the When she entered my office, she wife, he became severely depressed. other hand, such respected medical was angry. She said, “This is a big mis­ During that time, he met a young journals as Cosmopolitan and Pent­ take. I’m not homosexual, and I’ve lady who offered to provide him house say that the heterosexual risk never used drugs. I’ve only had two with sexual comfort. He had a brief but torrid affair. The young lady told is overstated and that there is only sex partners in my entire life. Your him that she needed to have sex on a minimal risk to heterosexuals. test is wrong!” regular basis and that she had sex Whether that is in fact the case is ir­ But it wasn’t a mistake. She was with multiple partners. After ap­ relevant to the Christian health-care positive; and, in fact, the night sweats, proximately six months, he moved to practitioner because our responsibil­ persistent yeast infections, and skin another part of the state and lost con­ ity is to all patients, regardless of rash that she had noted for the pre­ tact with the young woman. their life-styles. vious three months were the earliest Approximately two years later, he Based on patients seen over the stages of AIDS-related complex began to have recurrent bouts of past three years, I believe that in the (ARC). Evelyn’s baby was also posi­ “bronchitis” and was treated on mul­ United States AIDS is becoming more tive for antibody to HIV. tiple occasions over a four-month pe­ widespread in the heterosexual com­ We were able to contact her former riod with antibiotics, decongestants, munity. Three case reports illustrate boyfriend, and although he was not and antitussives. While on a business that point of view. willing to be tested for HIV, he did trip he developed pneumonia and Case 1 answer some questions. He said that was hospitalized at a university Evelyn was 19 when she presented he was sexually active with multiple teaching hospital. He was diagnosed for evaluation to the navy’s HIV treat­ partners; he did use drugs and on oc­ as having pneumocystis carinii pneu­ ment unit. Her story was typical of casion shared needles with other monia; his HIV serology was strongly teenagers in the U.S.A. She had be­ drug users; and he did not use con­ positive. He was a devout member of come sexually active at age 14, al­ doms when having intercourse. a fairly rigid religious organization though she was not promiscuous. It was clear that Evelyn had ac­ and, except for the six-month affair, She had only one partner throughout quired her infection from her boy­ had had sexual contact only with his her junior high school. When she en­ friend. In addition to impregnating wife. He denied homosexual or bi­ tered high school, she met a 21-year- her, he also infected her with HIV. sexual activity, intravenous drug use, old man and began a sexual rela­ Approximately one and a half years blood transfusions, or use of blood tionship with him. Eventually Evelyn later, Evelyn has AIDS, and her prog­ products. After being informed of became pregnant. At that point her nosis is poor. Her baby has not yet the diagnosis of AIDS, he sought to boyfriend disappeared, and she was shown any manifestations of the dis­ contact the young woman with left as a high school dropout, with no ease, but the chances are about 90 whom he had been sexually active, training and minimal prospects for percent that she will develop AIDS only to learn that she had died of the future. before age five. AIDS some six months previously.

42 THE PREACHER S MAGAZINE Case 3 years previously. Nevertheless, it is The place of the Christian health­ Steve is a 28-year-old blue collar clear at this point that the epidemic care practitioner in this epidemic worker who noted a 30-pound weight has gone beyond the homosexual/bi- should be clear. We have a great re­ loss, night sweats, and swollen sexual/intravenous drug user groups sponsibility, not only to diagnose ac­ lymph nodes at age 26. He sought of high-risk behavior and has begun curately and treat compassionately medical attention for this, and his to enter into the heterosexual com­ those individuals who are infected HIV serology was positive. He re­ munity. but also to speak out vigorously for fused any further medical evaluation How many individuals are cur­ standards of conduct that we know to for approximately 2 years until he rently infected in the general popu­ be appropriate. When individuals are treated for sexually transmitted developed a severe outbreak of her­ lation? Unfortunately there is no easy pes zoster. At that point, he was way of knowing or even making a ra­ diseases, for example, it should not be enough to tell these persons that noted to have a T4 lymphocyte count tional guess. Estimates by the Cen­ they need to be more careful in their of 300, a T4-T8 ratio of 0.3, and sig­ ters for Disease Control vary from 1 behavior. We should forcefully state nificant anergy on skin testing for to 1.5 million infected individuals, to each of these individuals that pro­ cell-mediated immunity. but the officials at CDC admit that miscuous sexual activity not only When questioned, he denied ho­ this is speculation based on the most puts them at risk for getting gonor­ mosexual or bisexual activity, blood meager of facts. The rate of HIV sero- rhea, syphilis, herpes, chlamydia, positivity among 18-year-old men hepatitis B, and other STDs but also and women volunteering for military puts them at risk for AIDS. service ranges from 0.5 per thousand Our responsibility Most of the population, especially to as high as 10 per thousand, de­ young people, even though they see pending on the ethnic group and res­ is to all patients, the media presentations about AIDS, idential location of those tested. still do not incorporate into their These individuals, however, may not regardless of their consciousness the fact that each one be representative of the general pop­ of them is at risk. Even when these ulation. life-styles. individuals have friends who have The rate of seropositivity among acquired AIDS, they still have diffi­ navy and Marine Corps personnel af­ culty in believing that they are ter the first servicewide screening in equally at risk. Strong statements by transfusions, intravenous drug use, 1986 was 2.5 per thousand, or ap­ medical professionals pointing out or use of blood products. He did say proximately five times the rate to them the facts in a clear and non- that he had had approximately 75 among potential recruits. If one ex­ judgmental fashion frequently have sexual partners between ages 18 and trapolates from a rate of 2.5 per thou­ the effect of making the individuals 25, including prostitutes in most ar­ sand in the navy and assumes that more circumspect in their sexual ac­ eas of the Pacific Basin and casual that group is representative of the ci­ tivities. “one-night stands” in many cities on vilian population, a figure of more One concern of practitioners as the West Coast. His current spouse than half a million infected individu­ well as patients is whether AIDS will was tested for antibody to HIV and als becomes a possibility. Whether inevitably develop once an individ­ was negative. His first wife was in the number is 500,000 or 5 million ual is infected with HIV. In fact, good health, but Steve had not had is irrelevant. The vast majority of there are no data to show that 100 the courage to tell her that he was these individuals are sexually active; percent of individuals infected with positive or to ask that she be tested this is the method by which they ac­ HIV will develop AIDS. Data from for antibody to HIV. quired the infection. Most of them the navy screening program indicate These three cases have in common continue to be sexually active. The the transmission of HIV between het­ majority of these men and women do erosexual partners who were not in not know that they are HIV positive; the usual high-risk groups. Tracing therefore they take no precaution to Chances are about the infection back more than one prevent the spread of the infection. If generation is difficult because of the each of these individuals transmits 90 percent that she multiple sexual contacts, but there is the virus to one additional person in strong evidence that these individu­ a year’s time, and each of those in­ will develop AIDS als acquired the infection through fected persons transmits the virus to exclusively heterosexual contact. In an additional individual in the subse­ before age five. many of the cases that I have evalu­ quent year, simple arithmetic indi­ ated, there is a history of intravenous cates a burgeoning of the number of drug use, blood transfusion, or ho­ HIV seropositives over the next dec­ that at initial identification as sero­ mosexual contact at some prior ade. Whether this will happen or positive, only 2 percent of individu­ point in the chain of transmission. It whether the virus is much less easily als have AIDS or develop AIDS within is probable that many of the early transmitted by conventional hetero­ the first six months. An additional 8 heterosexual infections in the sexual activity is something that re­ percent have some evidence of im­ United States can be attributed to the mains to be proven. What is clear is mune suppression at their initial introduction of HIV into the fast- that effective efforts to alert groups evaluation. This means that fully 90 track homosexual population some at risk are lacking. percent of the individuals who are

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 43 HIV positive are not immune sup­ Another response that has been practice or internal medicine or in­ pressed and show no evidence of common is fear, both fear of the un­ fectious disease or venereology prob­ serious sequelae of HIV infection. known and fear of the patients them­ lem. Each one of us must become in­ These data are from individuals who selves. Since science knows very lit­ volved. We each must be available to were identified during the first tle about the epidemic, fear causes see and deal with AIDS patients. The round of military HIV testing. Many us not to want to deal with the prob­ complications of AIDS are such that of these individuals have been in­ lem or the patients, and so our re­ every subspecialty in medicine will fected early in the onset of the HIV sponse is avoidance. Many of us have be involved. We all need to take an epidemic, some eight years pre­ unresolved feelings about homosex­ active part. We should be known in viously. Over the intervening three uals— fear, loathing, and other nega­ the professional community as will­ years since being identified as posi­ tive emotions— and until each of us ing to see and care for AIDS patients, tive, more than 70 percent of these comes to grips with our own nega­ and we need to work actively within individuals have remained asymp­ tive feelings and develops a ther­ our communities to provide all the tomatic and without immune sup­ pression. apeutic position with regard to ho­ benefits of medical care for AIDS pa­ mosexual behavior, the effectiveness Unfortunately, in order to tell tients in the same way that we strive of our ministering to individuals whether some people can be infect­ to ensure that medical benefits are ed with HIV and not develop im­ who are sexually active homosexuals available to all our patients. mune suppression or AIDS will re­ will be blighted. The same idea ap­ plies to drug users. We can hate the M oral quire 20 to 25 years of observation. sin while still loving the sinner. The third aspect of this epidemic The indications are that individuals for which the Christian is uniquely who are basically healthy, who have fitted is the area of morals. There has solid immune systems initially, and been a great deal of discussion about who do not abuse their bodies by Significant “safe sex,” and how to avoid being means of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or caught in the epidemic. Not enough life stresses will continue to stay numbers of AIDS has been said publicly about the healthy. patients are moral principles involved. OUR RESPONSIVENESS Anyone who has studied the HIV epidemic realizes that sexual pro­ E th ica l turning to miscuity is one of the major causes of The response of the Christian phy­ this epidemic. It doesn’t make any sician to the AIDS epidemic can be false religions. difference whether this promiscuity divided into four separate catego­ is heterosexual, homosexual, or both ries. These are not necessarily of — multiple sexual partners and ca­ Another concern that has blunted equal importance. some individuals’ response to the sual sex contacts place a person at The first of these is medical ethics. high risk for becoming infected. AIDS epidemic is economics. Very The response so far among most Rather than promulgating the idea simply, patients with AIDS, particu­ health-care practitioners has been larly those with later stages of the that there is such a thing as safe pro­ straightforward. It has been to evalu­ miscuity, there needs to be a very disease, require a great deal of care. ate the problem and to respond to it strong emphasis on the idea of absti­ Many of these individuals have lost as befits one whose primary purpose nence before marriage and monog­ medical insurance, and consequent­ is to serve. There have, however, ly caring for them requires resources amy after marriage, inis w iflbe the been notable exceptions to this re­ ultimate solution to the AIDS epi- without recompense. Some prac­ sponse. titioners have been unwilling to care demic. Some Christians have been judg­ for AIDS patients simply because The popular press, the medical mental of individuals infected with press, and medical spokespersons they may receive no remuneration HIV and adopted a position that for such care. Another aspect of this , ) have been reluctant to be forthright these individuals are simply incur­ particular problem is seen in areas about this. The popular wisdom is ring the natural consequences of where the practitioner depends on that monogamy is good and absti­ their own actions. Therefore, they public goodwill for patients. Partic­ nence is good, but human nature don’t merit empathy or any other won’t follow such recommendations. ularly in some smaller towns the fear than minimal care. Another response is present that if the practitioner be­ Thus they stress only “safe sex” and has been that such patients shouldn’t safe behavior. comes known as an individual who be taking up valuable and limited takes care of AIDS patients, other pa­ It should be strongly stressed by medical resources. There have been tients will not seek care from that Christian practitioners that there are suggestions by practitioners and stu­ very definite moraLprinciples in­ practitioner because of the fear that dents alike that the amount of re­ they may somehow acquire AIDS in volved and that sexual promiscuity Is sources used to care for AIDS pa­ the office. not in and of itself a life-style to be tients should be limited because the sought after. We should be very open disease is fatal. Therefore, don’t waste Professional and clear in stating that neither is sex time, effort, and resources in caring for A second aspect of this epidemic is before marriage, in God’s plan nor is these patients. They should be al­ the professional one. None of us can it particularly safe, and that monog­ lowed to die quietly and quickly. sit back and say that this is a family amy after marriage is clearTyThe-mast"

44 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE ideal way to avoid not only AIDS but of us should have a referral network also from uninformed church peo­ all the other sexually transmitted of pastors, counselors, psychologists, ple, as a result of caring for AIDS pa­ diseases that are rampant. There is no and social workers whom we trust to tients. I have, on a number of occa­ penalty For saying this. We may be provide this kind of input to our sions, noted a response from someone criticized for not understanding hu­ AIDS patients. with whom I have just shaken hands man nature, but these principles are In addition, the church and the who expresses concern, after discov­ very clear. Possibly the major good Christian practitioner should ac­ ering that I care for AIDS patients, that we can achieve from this epi­ tively work to establish hospice care that they may have acquired the AIDS demic will be from a very clear em­ for AIDS patients. AIDS patients re­ virus just by shaking hands. Some­ phasis on these moral principles. quire frequent and sometimes pro­ times this is in jest, but usually it is a longed hospitalizations. As we see S p iritu a l true concern. UntiLthe-e-ntire world more and more AIDS dementia oc­ is well educated as to the epidemi- The final aspect of the epidemic is curring, it becomes clear that some one in which the Christian prac­ patients will require long-term cus­ subtle ostracism will occur. titioner is again uniquely qualified. todial care but not necessarily acute Another risk that we face is having This is the spiritual arena. As people care. Therefore, the hospice is ide­ our motives misunderstood, or more who are infected with HIV come to ally suited for AIDS patients in the deeply, our life-styles. Because I grips with their own mortality and realize that they are likely to die much earlier than under ordinary cir­ cumstances, they becoinevery open We should be an example for these men to spiritual discussions. Unfortunate­ ly, the holistic religions, Eastern mys­ and women of how God feels toward them. ticism, and a number of other cult activities have stepped in to fill this breach, and significant numbers of last months and weeks of their lives. relate well with my patients and they AIDS patients are turning to false re­ Just as the church in previous eras trust me, and because I attempt to ligions in the vain hope that this will provided leprosaria, tuberculosis achieve everything that can be somehow either extend their lives or sanitoria, and other long-term care achieved in terms of benefits for my fit them for life and death. facilities as a part of its ministry, so patients, I have become somewhat of As Christian physicians, we should we need to become involved in these a hero to the homosexual commu­ not be loath to open up spiritual dis­ same activities with AIDS patients. nity in my town. This has led certain cussions with our patients, and we This may well be the opportunity for individuals to conclude that because should discuss with them the basic the church to become active again in I interact well with homosexual tenets of our faith. We should begin the mainstream of medicine. men, I must therefore be homo­ with the fact that God loves them Risks sexual myself. This attitude has been just as much as He does anyoneelse. expressed on a number of occasions Finally, it needs to be said that this Their HIV infection is not, as~soIffe both passively and openly. This kind kind of commitment to the AIDS epi­ televangelists would have us believe, of prejudicial behavior will happen demic is not without risk. The most a sign of God’s displeasure wiihlhem more often as more and more indi­ obvious problem is the risk of infec­ but rather a natural consequence of viduals become infected. We need to tion. It is clear that there is a certain their life-style and possibly an indi­ be aware of it and to take it into ac­ risk entailed with caring for AIDS pa­ cation that God is attempting to count. We should evaluate this atti­ tients. There are well-documented reach them for deeper spiritual ends. tude for what it is and discard it, just situations where practitioners have We should manifest God’s love to as Jesus dealt with it. become infected through contact these individuals. Instead of being Not only are the risks there, but so with their patients. This is simply a harsh, judgmental, uncaring, and un­ are the rewards. There is almost noth­ matter of becoming exposed to feeling, we should be an example for ing more satisfying to the practition­ blood or body secretions in a vulner­ these men and women of how God er than to have a patient come to him able way. Needle stick accidents, sur­ feels toward them. and say, “Thanks, Doc. You were gical accidents, contact with blood If a practitioner feels uncomforta­ there when I needed you.” $ ble in counseling patients with AIDS and blood products in situations and discussing their eventual mor­ such as emergency rooms and dialy­ sis units are all clear risks for medical William O. Harrison, M.D., has been responsible for tality, or discussing spiritual ideas the education and evaluation of the majority of the with them, there should be a referral practitioners. But it should not be HIV-infected active duty naval personnel in the Pa­ to Christian psychologists or social the case that we refuse to care for cific theater. He is on the CMDS Board of Trustees and is a clinical professor of medicine at the University of workers. In a busy family practice or AIDS patients because of the risk. In California School of Medicine, San Diego. He is inter­ surgical clinic, if there is not time to preantibiotic eras, the risk of dying nationally respected for his research in infectious dis­ sit down and talk with the patients from an infection transmitted from a eases. patient was always present and did about what they will do with their Reprinted by permission from the Christian Medical remaining time, then opportunity not deter physicians. and Dental Society Journal, 20, No. 3 (Fall 1989) : should be afforded for interaction A second risk that we face is ostra­ 7-10. The Christian Medical and Dental Society is a fellowship of Christian physicians and dentists repre- with someone who does have the cism. We may well find disapproval, sentingjesus Christ in and through medicine and den­ time and the counseling skills. Each not only from our medical peers but tistry. P.O. Box 830689, Richardson, TX 75083-0689-

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 45 Pastoral Care God Needs No Defense by Mary L. Jones Houston

he quickened steps and re­ “The doctors need to talk with you. hand and listened to his labored strained attitudes of the doc­ They are in the room past the nurses’ breathing. T tors and nurse sent a message station. We’ll stay with him.” Rev. George, the chaplain, asked, more clearly than any words they The doctors only confirmed what I “Who made us able to cry?” could have spoken. The shallow knew was happening. The procedur­ “God, of course,” I replied some­ breathing of Albert, my husband of al instructions were helpful, and the what angrily, wondering why he 47 years, as he lay quietly on the hos­ concern in their voices was com­ asked a question with such an obvi­ pital bed, was an echo of their un­ forting. ous answer. spoken message. When I returned to Albert’s room, “Then why don’t you?” Rev. George Only a few minutes earlier the Arleeta said, “Are you sure that I can’t said. doctor had said, “He appears to be call someone? I could call the chap­ “Because— ” The words were swal­ stable and should have a comfortable lain.” lowed by a sob, followed by more night. You may go down to the “I don’t really need anyone. My sobbing as Rev. George provided the waiting room. It is against hospital pastor’s line was busy when I called, welcome Kleenex. rules for you to stay in his room to­ so someone else needs him. Perhaps “God is God. He needs no defense. night.” you could call the chaplain to have He is God whether you stand or not The mercurial changes in Albert’s prayer with me,” I replied. — or whether any of us stand. Noth­ condition were following the pattern “I’m not sure which chaplain I can ing changes God. He has said, ‘I of the last three months since lung get at this hour, but I can get some­ change not, and that is the way it is. cancer was diagnosed. With the help one,” she said. He made us able to cry, to release the of friends and volunteers, he had re­ “As long as he knows Jesus as God’s sorrow within so that we can be mained an outpatient until 4 a .m . Son, anyone is acceptable,” I said, healed and go on with life. Now we Thursday when a friend came to take wondering why the night seemed so can have a prayer, but not for what us to the emergency room of the hos­ long. you asked,” Rev. George said, as he pital well known for its treatment of The chaplain, a big man with dark looked across the bed behind me. cancer patients. The day had been eyes and an air that seemed almost The comfort of prayer by one who spent keeping him as comfortable as defiant, entered, introduced himself, walks closely with God cannot be mea­ possible, talking with him when he and sat quietly for a few moments, as sured. To have a need met that we indicated a desire to visit. if sizing up the situation. aren’t even aware of yet is God’s way. Our son had driven down from San Expecting him to take the lead, fol­ The sound of a quick, shortened Antonio, visited, and returned home low an accepted routine, and be on breath drew my attention, causing to keep an appointment, since no un­ his way, I was taken by surprise when me to hold Albert’s hand more close­ expected changes were indicated. he asked, “What did you want me to ly. But I knew it was a desire to place Arleeta, the dark-haired nurse with pray about?” our hands in God’s, accepting His sensitive, childlike, enormous, After a moment of thought I re­ plan to give and take away. brown eyes reflecting her concern, plied, “That I will continue to stand Rev. George said, “I must go now. said, “Is there anything I can do for strong throughout this time of chal­ Someone needs me. Remember, God you; anyone I can call?” lenge.” needs no defense.” My reply, “No, thank you,” seemed His brief reply, “Why?” pierced my No doubt Arleeta, who appeared to puzzle her as she left me sitting on defense even more. instantly, had given an unspoken the edge of the bed. When she re­ “Because for many years, my family message. She asked, “Is someone turned, I told her I really did not and friends have recognized that God coming for you? We’ll take care of the want to leave the room. She assured is the center of my life, that I believe necessary things. You will be called me that I did not have to leave, re­ He supplies all our needs, giving tomorrow, since you have agreed to gardless of hospital rules. strength as needed,” I replied, almost the autopsy. May I help gather your The blanket and sweater brought defensively. things? You are so brave.” by friends for use in the waiting “Yes, and what about it?” asked the A caring nurse and a wise chaplain room during the night lay on the chaplain. made a fact of life— death— a shared chair, which seemed too far away “Well, I must stand strong, show­ experience that has made the follow­ from my husband. I knew that noth­ ing God does what He promises; I ing days, weeks, and months more ing I did would really change any­ can’t be weak and cry and let God worthwhile, enabling me to share thing, but it seemed necessary to try. down. I must stand.” The words hur­ with others the great truth, “God Arleeta reentered the room to say, ried from me, even as I held Albert’s needs no defense.” $

46 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE Postfuneral Counseling: What to Do After the Service by Victor M. Parachin Villa Park, III. ecently a faith community the loss without being silenced or literature is written to provide both was shaken when one of judged. Therapy and listening are understanding and comfort. R . their families suffered a ter­ synonymous terms. This type of hear­ It may surprise the clergy to know rible blow The mother, aged 32, anding is called “listening with the third that their own local funeral director her twin daughters were killed sud­ ear” or “listening with the heart.” often has such materials readily denly as a result of an automobile ac­ Know that people want to talk about available at the funeral home. Vari­ cident. The funeral, which was at­ their loss. Encourage them in this. ous funeral associations publish ex­ tended by nearly 1,000 people, Do very little talking yourself, just a tensive materials on bereavement, displayed three caskets— one, a full thoughtful word or gentle question. which are purchased by local funeral adult size, surrounded by two chil­ A positive example comes from homes for distribution to the be­ dren’s caskets. this encounter between a man and reaved. Sooner or later every clergyper- his chaplain. The father’s son com­ 3. RESPOND WITH EMPATHY. son’s nightmare becomes a personal mitted suicide, and the chaplain was When it is time to speak, do so sim­ reality and a pastoral responsibility. quite effective in helping during the ply and softly. By using helpful state­ According to the U.S. Census Bureau grieving period as reflected in the ments such as the following, you can there will be nearly 7,000 deaths ev­ man’s comments. help someone in grief cross over ery day this year in the United States. “Unlike my wife, I don’t have as from the shores of despair to the land That figure translates into 8 million many close friends, and I don’t have of understanding and growth. new “grievers” each year. her support system. But I was very How can I be of help? And for almost every family af­ fortunate to have a chaplain who Tell me how you are feeling. fected by death, the second call they came to see me every week for It must be hard to accept. make, after the one to a funeral direc­ several months. During his visits he That must be very painful. tor, is to a clergyperson. More than said very little and always asked, I ’m sorry. any other professional it is the cler­ ‘How are you doing?’ I didn’t have to I wish I could take the pain away. gyperson who is in a unique and a lie to him and say, ‘I’m feeling fine.’ I t ’s OK to be angry with God. pivotal role to help with grief recov­ With the chaplain I could be emo­ All of these statements convey ery. tional and angry without ever having both feeling for the person in trauma When tragedy strikes and loss is him make me feel badly for that. He as well as acceptance of the individ­ experienced, ministers and priests always accepted me and my moods ual. The last statement is particularly can play a powerful role in facili­ whatever they were.” important because one of the com­ tating a hurting person to recover, 2. PROVIDE LITERATURE. Infor­ mon reactions during a difficult time heal, and reenter the mainstream of mation is power. Insights about is to be angry with God. living. mourning always help to normalize “On Mother’s Day, I awoke alone in Following the funeral service, the process for the bereaved. Con­ a silent house, angrier than I’d ever there are eight ways a clergyperson sequently, they generally welcome felt before. ‘It’s Mother’s Day,’ I can help the grieving recover and re­ opportunities to hear and read about stormed at God, ‘and You’ve killed enter the mainstream of living. the experiences of others who have my husband and children and injured 1. LISTEN CAREFULLY. In sup­ losses. me beyond hope of ever having a porting those who have suffered a This means that religious profes­ family again. What do You want from loss, theologian Paul Tillich’s state­ sionals should become well ac­ me that You haven’t already taken ment ought to be a guiding credo: quainted with books and pamphlets away?’ The fact is most grieving peo­ “The first duty of love is to listen.” on grief. Some excellent books are: ple experience anger and rage with One of the most common complaints How to Survive the Loss o f a Love, God and need to be assured that God and frustrations among the bereaved by M. Colgrove, H. Bloomfield, and P. can handle all of our emotions in­ when they refer to a loved one is that McWilliams; Tracks of a Fellow cluding anger.” they are told, “You’re being morbid,” Struggler, by John Claypool; and But 4. AVOID CLICHES. These are or, “Let’s not talk about that,” or else I Never Thought He’d Die, by Miriam never helpful because, for the be­ the subject is abruptly changed. Baker Nye. reaved, they minimize the loss. Some In the months following a funeral, In addition, exceptionally good sentences to avoid are: the greatest need that grievers have is pamphlets are published by Abbey It’s God’s will. to talk honestly and candidly about Press, St. Meinrad, IN 47577. Their I know how you feel.

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 47 Time heals a ll things. expressed. Do not rebuke. Do not 7. BEWARE OF SETTING DEAD­ She/he led a fu ll life. change the subject. Be as under­ LINES. Establishing deadlines for You w ill marry again. standing as you can be. grief usually comes in these forms: You can have other children. 6. RECOMMEND KEEPING A “It’s been a year now,” or, “Don’t you Your child is now in heaven. JOURNAL. Writing on a daily or think you should be over this by Statements such as these serve weekly basis is highly therapeutic in now?” only to further frustrate someone in two ways. One mother, whose son died from grief. First, it frees one to be in touch leukemia after a four-year struggle, For example, while doing some with his deepest feelings and emo­ says: “There is no timetable for grief. No one need feel ashamed if getting banking, I observed that one of the tions. Susan Forward, Ph.D., and au­ bankers seated behind a desk was thor of Men Who Hate Women and over a traumatic loss is a long, com­ plex business. The pressure out­ crying softly. Approaching her, I in­ the Women Who Love Them, often siders sometimes put on families to troduced myself, explained I was a invites her clients to write “letters” return to ‘normal’ is deplorable. minister, said I noticed that she to people who have caused them There’s nothing wrong with a family seemed upset, and wondered if I pain. The letters are never mailed. that remembers, cares, and cries, could help. She told me that day was However, the writing is an effective even years after a loss.” the second anniversary of her son’s means of getting in touch with anger, Thus a key concept in helping death due to cancer. As she talked, resentment, and hostility. She sug­ someone through grief is to be pa­ she told me how many family and gests that the letters be structured tient with him and for him. Know friends had been truly helpful fol­ around these types of statements: that grieving can take anywhere from lowing the funeral. • This is what you d id to me. three to five years. However, she recalled one person • This is how / fe lt about it. One mother whose daughter died saying to her: “God must really love • This is how it affected my life. describes the diminishing of her your son to have taken him.” That She also advises her clients not to pain as taking place after “a thousand statement infuriated her and only worry about the tone but to simply sunsets,” or nearly three years. At that caused more pain and frustration. let it all pour out without holding time she wrote the following in a 5. PRACTICE UNCONDITIONAL anything back. Dr. Forward states: journal: LOVE. This means accepting what­ “Expressing repressed anger in a safe One night about a thousand sun­ ever feelings emerge from the be­ and controlled environment is one of sets after Laurie’s death, I put my reaved. Feelings of rage, anger, frus­ the best antidotes to feeling like a tration, and guilt are not always helpless child.” hands on my heart. I’m surprised it’s not raw and bleeding anymore. pleasant to observe or hear, yet need Second, a daily or weekly docu­ There is just a big scar. I move my to be expressed. menting of feelings, moods, and arms and legs and they don’t feel One man, whose wife died sud­ thoughts allows an individual to fo­ like lead weights anymore. . . . denly of a brain aneurysm, lamented: cus upon the positives in his life. No Now I have a scar. The bleeding is “Many of my friends have let me matter how great the loss, keeping a gone but not all the tears. down by being intolerant of my feel­ journal will become an ideal place to 8. SUGGEST PROFESSIONAL ings. They have made it clear that my record dreams, fantasies, and goals. HELP. Sometimes people do get emotional expressions make them Doing this keeps a person a little stuck in one place and are unable to very uncomfortable and are unac­ more objective about himself and his move through the loss and grief. A ceptable.” situation. Shakti Gawain, author of young mother anonymously wrote Unfortunately, friends failed to Creative Visualization, recom­ the following to a newspaper col­ create a safe environment for him to mends the writing of “affirmations” umnist: freely express the entire range of his for people who feel particularly vul­ feelings without being judged, iso­ nerable and negative about them­ I need help. I lost a two-month- lated, and left feeling abandoned. selves. The affirmations could take old daughter in February 1983. I know the doctors did an autopsy Psychologist Nancy O’Connor, these forms: and said it was crib death. Sudden Ph.D., and author of Letting Go with • I accept myself completely here Love: The Grieving Process, advises a n d now. Infant Death Syndrome. But I know family and friends of those in grief to • I accept all my feelings as part o f I did it. Yes, me. She was in our bed when I rolled over in my sleep and accept unconditionally whatever myself. killed her. Now I’m going through emotions surface. She writes: • I am beautiful and lovable how­ If the mourner doesn’t feel like ever I am feeling. this nightmare over and over. The talking, don’t force conversation. • I am now willing to experience death certificate and coroner’s re­ port said it was SIDS. How can I Silence is better than aimless chat­ all my feelings. ter. The mourner should be al­ • I love myself when I express my prove they are wrong? I know what happened. I remember waking up lowed to lead. When suffering feelings. and checking her. She was warm, spills over in words, you can do the She states: “Writing affirmations is but her eyes were still and hard one thing the bereaved needs a very dynamic technique because when I looked at them. Para­ above all else at that time— you the written word has so much power can listen. Is he emotional? Accept over our minds. We are both writing medics worked on her for a long that. Does he cry? Accept that too. and reading them at the same time, time. . . . Why won’t anyone be- . . . Accept whatever feelings are so it’s like a double hit of energy.” Continued on page 80

48 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE THE ARK ROCKER, Frumple’s Law

jmple has done it again. With we may be certain that when the dis­ tain Frumple’s Law makes your disci­ his unusual gifts of profound trict or conference is uneasy about plinary work. Behind every critique insight and concise articu­ something leadership has done or aim ed your way, behind every u p ­ Flation, he has at one and the samenot done, some malcontent or per­ rising of any sort, in your jurisdiction time put into useful form the here­ sonally ambitious reverend is egging or on your watch, there must be an tofore felt but unspoken opinion of it on; and when our college students unseen egger. You can narrow your leadership, given us a truly memo­ engage in questionable social behav­ search and keep your press releases, rable principle to live by, and re­ ior, especially behavior of the sort as it were, scientifically elegant. And solved an ancient theological ques­ that creates problems between ad­ it undoes the damage done by your tion. I’m perfectly willing to dub it ministration and constituency, we folks when they taught you to accept Frumple’s Law. may be certain that some faculty responsibility and even feel guilty I heard Frumple himself annunci­ member, for goodness knows what once in a while. ate it in a preachers’ meeting, as one subtle and complex reason, is gener­ Of course, I do have a question or point among several concerning life ating it all. two. As a pastor, I am generally in among his fellow clergy, but I hear Obviously, clarifying insights like agreement with the analysis of con­ that he has also presented it in aca­ this simply do not come along every gregational troubles. But I feel a lit­ demic, administrative, and local set­ day, and since we need all of them tle uneasy about the generalization tings, with appropriate adjustments, that we can get to help us analyze concerning us reverends. And I am so it has wide application. And it has our situations accurately, one is re­ plumb confused with the insistence met with grateful approval among luctant to tinker with it. But I got to that there is a faculty member be­ the pooh-bahs of several ranks. thinking that we need to state it more hind any student social misbehavior The academic version of the law is positively— and more palatably. that threatens the peace and order of probably the one easiest to expound There is, after all, a very bright side the campus. upon in a preachers’ magazine, so to all of this apparently rather nega­ I have found congregations to be that’s the form we quote: “Behind ev­ tive rule of thumb, and that side very gullible and easily misled by ery threat to the campus social order should be duly noted. some scheming soul, but on the is a scheming faculty member.” First of all, on the bright side, whole they really are quite innocent Now the form of it may put you off Frumple’s Law indisputably implies and pure. I credit that to the splendid a bit. But consider this law’s genius. that congregations are of themselves work of my predecessors—all but It meets perfectly the requirements too pure, the pastors on a given con­ the very last one, who would have of valid scientific explanation: It is ference or district are too near abso­ wrecked them if he hadn’t left and I simple, it is universal in application, lute sainthood, and the students are come at just the right moment. So and it can be tested with reasonable too innocent ever to engage in cri­ Frumple’s Law holds there, I think. expectation of exactly the same or tique or rise to dispute. That some of I do find the law just a bit harder to functionally the same results. More­ our best analyzers, having looked accept when it comes to us rever­ over, theologically, Frumple’s Law things over so carefully, have come to ends. In the first place, I’m uneasy solves the age-old puzzle of the pre­ such a cheering, though unspoken because I’m not sure that Frumple, cise nature of original sin. At least, it and merely implicit, conclusion re­ and others like him, really believe solves it insofar as it has anything to ally encourages me. And when you that it is true in our arena. These do with congregations, districts or put this spirit-lifting implication folks w ill p u b licly say, “See, the conferences, and denominational ed­ with the second one (also indisput­ whole fuss was simply a matter of ucational campuses. Whenever a able)— that of infallibility and abso­ one guy trying to mislead all of these congregation questions pastoral lute inculpability, if you are a leader pure, innocent reverends.” But pri­ leadership, we may be certain that —you cannot but be deeply heart­ vately, they believe that complaints the original impulse for it came from ened and motivated to throw your­ about the way in which the confer­ some unsanctified member who is self into the work with abandon. ence works (or doesn’t) are often probably continuing to stir the pot; Consider how simple, clean, and cer­ Continued on page 80

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 49 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE Christmas Season

All Is Bright by J. Grant Swank, Jr. Walpole, Mass.

he Christmas wreaths were ing as they pondered the forlorn panes warned of more days of frigid still hung on the walls of the mood of the room. Certainly this was temperatures. front meeting room, but it a far cry from what they had enjoyed Several times our group was inter­ Twas evident that the season’s mirthin their own homes during the rupted by outsiders who had come to had ebbed away. school vacation. the home to visit a relative or friend. Some of us from the church had HOLIDAY GREETINGS still hung As the passersby traipsed through, gone to the convalescent home to in huge red and white letters from they cut into what flimsy attention bring Advent’s good cheer. Since the ceiling’s beams. At least they we had mustered. other organizations had clogged the were doing their job in reminding us Some days are like this, I whis­ home’s December calendar, we that someone had thought enough of pered to my soul. Just keep on keep­ stepped aside from our usual first the Christmas joy to tack up the usual ing on; be patient in well-doing. Sunday afternoon of the month to opt saying. One of the church women had for January’s first Sunday. But how secular it all was. Even on brought along a large box of fresh “Even though Christmas is over, the shelves there were only Santa oranges. It was now time for the boys we will still sing the carols,” some­ figurines— not a hint of the Nativity and girls to hand a couple of oranges one suggested, with the rest of us scene. Yet surely a num ber of these to each of the residents in atten­ unanimously agreeing. Therefore, elderly folk had church backgrounds dance. with carol books in hand, we greeted and had at one time worshiped faith­ As the children wove in and out of our elderly friends. fully in some sanctuary. the wheelchairs, going around the One of the women was not very at­ To my right there was a resident several tables and then returning to tentive to our being there. She kept who insisted in calling out gibberish their own seats, I watched their pushing the tablecloth over the edge while we gave forth with “Hark! The young faces. They wore smiles that while another resident yanked at it Herald Angels Sing.” How noble of reached up into the older ones’ eyes. from another direction. Both were the church people to courteously ig­ Their little hands touched the wrin­ too senile to understand what they nore her clamor in favor of the tradi­ kled ones. were doing. tional Christmas strains of gladness. One old woman took hold of a lit­ Across from those two was another The staff is to be commended for tle girl’s arm and drew her near. No woman who was strapped to her taking care of these poor people day doubt it had been months since she chair so that she would not fall on in and day out, I concluded. I won­ had touched a child. the floor. Nevertheless she kept lean­ der if we are making any impact on “The children do make a differ­ ing forward as if to defy the strength their tethered minds, I thought fur­ ence,” I said in between verses of the of the cloth straps. As we sang forth, ther. carol. Several nodded in agreement. she mumbled under her breath, evi­ “Let us give it our best!” I cheered Finally it was time for some dently not at all happy with her state. on as I announced that “Joy to the prayers. But it was difficult to hear More women than men populated World” would be our next carol. That the prayers, for some of the nursing that nursing home, so that when we upped the decibels somewhat, but home folk kept breaking in with were able to get even a couple of men not all that much. Thank the Lord for their nonsense. Such a pity to attend services, we felt quite elated. loyal church people who would at These people were once babies So it was that one of the men had least sympathize with the pastor in and then toddlers. They once folded his arms as if in defiance, shoul­ feeling with him what no one want­ romped as boys and girls, sliding dering himself against our presence. ed to put into words. down back slopes and climbing ap­ This is a pitiful sight, I thought to Outside, the frosted earth gave us ple trees. They had fallen in love, myself as one of the laymen read no warmth to encourage our falter­ married, and had children of their aloud from Luke 2. I wondered what ing attempts in communicating the own. They had held jobs, paid bills, the children in our group were think­ gospel story. Frost on the window- and worried about world events. But

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 51 now they were lined up in a front room, hardly knowing what was go­ ing on at Christmas. Advent Series The Christmas tree lights kept blinking off and on, oblivious to the surroundings. the Gifts of God “Now we are going to close with probably the most favorite Christmas by Russell Payne carol. Let us all sing ‘Silent Night’!” Hillsdale, Mich. A sigh seemed to gently breathe from my own as they realized that TITLE: The Gift of God’s Grace they had been faithftil workers for TEXT: Eph. 2:8 the Lord. The battle waged against I. God’s grace is undeserved— a the contradiction of the season’s wondrous gift. weariness was soon to be won by a II. God’s grace is unconditional benediction. — available to all. Yet the marvel happened before III. God’s grace is unending— our eyes. Whereas no one from the available for eternity. TITLE: The Gift of God’s Way for My home had sung one syllable of any IV. God’s grace is unfathomable Life previous carols, as one they joined in —who can understand it TEXT: Isa. 64:8 on the hallowed hymn. Slowly but completely? I. God’s way is the way of Peace. surely the minds came together, alert II. God’s way is the way of Hope. and touched by some spell from III. God’s way is the way of Life. without. IV. God’s way is the way of Holi­ “Silent night! Holy night! . . .” ness. Lips that had seemed glued shut V. God’s way is the way of Vic­ were now moving, singing, gladly. TITLE: The Gift of God’s Care tory. They did know what we were up to, TEXT: Phil. 4:19; Psalm 23 why we had come. They were dis­ I. God’s care is available in all cerning the meaning of Christmas joy of life’s vicissitudes. for one more year. It was that es­ II. God’s care is there w hen we pecially familiar carol that had un­ are least aware of it. locked their awareness. III. God’s care is there w hen we The two women stopped pushing are most in need of it. CHRISTMAS at the tablecloth. The other one quit IV. God’s care is available when pulling at her straps. One by one the we pray. MESSAGE elderly were coming together with by Barbara M. Sutryn those from the church. By the time Montoursville, Pa. we sang the last verse, the whole Picture five points far over­ mood had changed. One could sense head; that with the tree’s lights our hearts TITLE: The Gift of God’s Son A baby hushed on a makeshift were also set aglow. TEXT: John 3:16; Isa. 9:2-7; Matt. bed; It has been worth it after all, I 1:18-25 A shepherd tending his drowsy thought. God has honored our being I. God’s Son is the focal point of flock; here. His Spirit has reached into the the world. A wise man, wise man, wise gloomy hearts of those too often for­ II. God’s Son is the focal point of man . . . gotten by the rest of the world for God’s child. most of the year. III. God’s Son is the focal point of Symbols of a Savior bom— “You people have sung so well on the church. Cards, religious, assorted that hymn that I think we should sing IV. God’s Son is the focal point of dozen? it again as a prayer to the Christ heaven. Or musings of a restive mind child,” I offered. With that, the On the scene of an Advent voices reached the ceiling as one Sunday morn? smiling face responded to another. A wreath of cheer had come down Faces of mesmerized worship­ upon all. ers quicken As I closed with prayer, I could TITLE: The Gift of God’s Eternal As the white-robed chorus lifts think of no other words so appropri­ Life its voice, ate to the occasion than those from TEXT: John 17:3; Matt. 19:16-22 Releasing them, with the an­ the carol: “All is bright.” Certainly in I. Eternal life cannot be earned. gels’ song, the gathering together in His name, II. Eternal life is God’s gift. From a lofty sermon gone on His glory had embraced us and the III. Eternal life will be spent too long. season once again. $ w here Jesus is.

5 2 THE PREACHERS MAGAZINE Soundina Board

Church Growth Versus Ministry

by Steven E. Barnes Stevenson, Wash.

here are times when I ques­ Every year I am held accountable for and the church grows. For them, tion my church. Perfect love how many calls, services, baptisms, church growth is not by taking peo­ is certainly not what I feel etc., that I have done. Yet the bottom ple from a different congregation but Twhen I get the mail and find moreline is really CHURCH GROWTH! by professions of faith. Here in North church growth seminars advertised That’s what the monthly newsletter America we don’t do it that way. We on glossy paper announcing “big” emphasizes. That’s what the awards attempt to attract people with bigger names in the church world as speakers. at district assembly are given for. and better programs, paved parking Before you jump to the wrong conclu­ That’s what is lauded and applauded lots, fancy buildings, and the trap­ sion, let me assure you that I am the — and that’s what comes in the mail. pings of success. At best, we are mov­ pastor of a grow ing church. As a But that’s not w hat I was called to do! ing people from one congregation to matter of fact, my church has grown I AM CALLED TO MINISTER! another. fivefold in the last five years. But I CHURCH GROWTH IS THE RESULT We’ve tried bigger buildings with still get upset when I open my mail. OF EFFECTIVE MINISTRY OVER A better programs, and I’m not op­ As I analyze my emotions about PERIOD OF TIME, BUT MINISTRY IS posed to either. But let’s try minis­ this, I don’t find anything carnal— a NOT A RESULT OF CHURCH tering to people and see if that works relief to my congregation and my dis­ GROWTH OVER A PERIOD OF TIME! as it has in the past and does in other trict superintendent. But I do feel In our desire to be effective, we have areas of the world. You may think like a cat being stroked the wrong di­ put the cart before the horse. Statis­ that rich Americans have no needs. rection. I wasn’t called to “church tics show that it’s not working very But you are wrong. One in four girls growth.” I was called to minister! Let well. We have rationalized that the in the U.S. are sexually molested me explain the difference. more people in church, the more against their will by the time they are When God called me to pastoral people to whom to minister. We have 18 years old. Approximately one in ministry, He had some expectations become so preoccupied with getting nine U.S. adult males is a sex of­ of me, as did the denomination that them and keeping them that we have fender. The number of Americans licensed me to preach. The local not had time and energy to minister with drug and alcohol problems is church that called me to be its pastor to them. Let me illustrate. staggering. The number of single par­ also has some expectations. How­ In nations beyond the United ents approaches the number of mar­ ever, everyone must keep in mind States and Canada, where most of ried parents. In rich America is a that I am a minister of the gospel of church growth is taking place, the chronic problem with homeless peo­ Jesus Christ. My call is to ministry, church uses a completely different ple, even in small towns. not church growth. To me there is a strategy than is commonly used in In recent years I have been greatly difference. North America. On the mission field, encouraged to see more and more Ministry is composed of such it is common to minister to physical publicity about what’s happening in things as preaching, baptizing, coun­ needs of the people. Then, explain­ some of our inner-city ministries. My seling, calling, conducting funerals ing their spiritual need, Jesus Christ discouragement comes from two di­ and weddings, and caring for phys­ is presented as the answer. Time has rections. First, most people think ical and spiritual needs of my com­ proven that this method works. The that ministries are only needed in munity. Not all of these things result church sends out missionary doctors, large cities. Second, people keep in church growth, but all of them are missionary farmers, missionary sending me these glossy church ministry and fall within my calling. teachers, missionary builders, etc., growth ads. $

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 5 3 A. W. Tozer: Prophet at Large by James L. Snyder Glen Burnie, Md.

omeone observed, “Fortunate words of others were but echoes. ture and perhaps read through or is the person who has a Tozer There were times when Dr. Tozer softly sing a few hymns. As he re­ book in hand when going stood alone on certain issues, which leased his spirit into God, he would Sthrough a dry period spiritually.” never intimidated him in the least. soon be enveloped in His presence. That person may have had in mind He was never concerned about who Ideas would begin to come. He The Pursuit o f God, or The K now l­ stood with him on an issue. His con­ would pick up his pencil and write edge o f the Holy, or perhaps one of a cern was always with the truth. He as fast as he could to keep up with dozen other books from the pen of was fearless in his denunciation, what was being poured into his soul. Dr. A. W. Tozer. Although he died in which made enemies rather quickly. Within an hour sketches of two or 1963, his ministry continues He once criticized a popular new Bi­ three editorials would be before through his many books. ble translation. “Reading that new him. Later he would painstakingly Many are familiar w ith the writings translation,” Tozer said, “gave me the polish these sketches for publica­ of Dr. A. W. Tozer, but few know same feeling a man might have if he tion. m uch about the man. Even during his tried to shave with a banana.” Tozer’s forte was his prayer life. He lifetime few could rightfully claim Dr. Tozer’s ministry, whether writ­ often said, “As a man prayed, so was to know Dr. Tozer in any degree of ing or speaking, always m inistered to he.” His preaching as well as his writ­ familiarity. By choice and design he those hungry for God. He never dab­ ings were but extensions of his walked alone. This in itself proved to bled in religious nonsense or trivia prayer life. What he discovered in be the source of his spiritual strength but always dealt with issues of para­ prayer soon found its way into ser­ and ever-widening influence in the mount spiritual importance. A per­ mons, then articles and editorials, evangelical community. Many re­ son came away from Dr. Tozer’s min­ and finally into his many books. garded him as an eloquent preacher, istry with the haunting sense of The great care with which he pro­ while others thought of him as an having been in the presence of God. duced his books established him as a outstanding writer. But these were In 1950 Tozer was elected editor devotional writer of a classic nature mere products of a life consecrated of the A lliance Weekly, later A lli­ who will long be read when his spo­ to God. Dr. Tozer was first and fore­ ance Witness and now Alliance Life, ken ministry is forgotten. He labored most a great Christian. official magazine of the Christian diligently to develop a style and Aiden Wilson Tozer was born April and Missionary Alliance. Under To­ strength of expression that contin­ 21, 1897, in the mountainous region zer’s leadership the magazine ually attracted attention. His motto of western Pennsylvania. He was con­ quickly doubled in circulation. was, “Hard writing makes for easy verted to Christ at the age of 17 and Someone observed that the Alliance reading.” in 1919, without any theological Witness was the only magazine sub­ One of the areas Dr. Tozer had to training, began his ministry with the scribed to solely for its editorials. watch was his humor, and he strug­ Christian and Missionary Alliance. Many people unfamiliar with the gled to keep it under control. He was For 44 years he labored in a variety of Christian and Missionary Alliance not a storyteller or joke-teller, but in ministries, his longest and most subscribed to the Alliance Witness the turn of a phrase, a sharp obser­ known ministry being the Southside simply for Tozer’s racy editorials and vation through satire, or a grotesque Alliance Church of Chicago from insightful articles. There usually was illustration, he got his point across 1928 until 1959- He was pastor, au­ a strain of controversy in what Tozer most tellingly. Raymond McAfee, thor, editor, and Bible conference wrote. longtime associate of Tozer in Chi­ speaker. As editor, Dr. Tozer was required to cago, said, “I could always tell by the During his lifetime, Dr. Tozer write an editorial for each issue. This content of humor in his preaching earned the reputation as a 20th-cen­ put a drain on his creative and spiri­ just how tired he was. If the audience tury prophet. He saw through the fog tual energy. At times he would come was convulsed by his discourse, he of modem Christianity, pointing out to his study facing editorial dead­ was tired, his guard was down, and the rocks on w hich it might flounder lines “as uninspired as a burnt shin­ humor sneaked through.” if it continued its course. Able to ex­ gle,” as he would say. Tozer would Tozer’s own hunger for God even­ press what he saw in a beautiful, sim­ get his Bible and a hymnbook and tually led him to the study of the ple, forceful manner, Dr. Tozer was kneel by his couch and begin to wor­ Christian mystics. He discovered that often the voice of God when the ship God. He w ould read some Scrip­ Continued on page 80

5 4 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE John Wesley’s New Testament Notes— Heirloom o! the World Wesleyan Family and Aid for Preachers by David Tripp West Midlands, England

e live in the next valley to not solely an exegetical commentary, pared it for us, and gives us the ear­ the one in which Francis giving the sense of the text in an ob­ nest and foretaste of it in our Asbury was bound ap­ jective way; nor are they solely a de­ hearts. W prentice, and in sight of the votionalchurch commentary, responding on Verse 4. When Christ— The where Richard Baxter, one of the a personal level to themes in the text. abruptness of the sentence sur­ great Puritans w ho paved the way for They are both! They are designed to rounds us with sudden light. Our the 18th-century revival, preached be read as a studious exercise leading life— The fountain of holiness and his first sermon. So this brief study repeatedly into prayer. g lo ry . Shall appear — In th e comes from John Wesley’s homeland W ith the Notes before us, we read clouds of heaven. as a greeting across the Wesleyan the text first—very close to the King Verse 5. Mortify therefore— Put family, with love. James Bible, but not the same. John to death; slay with a continued John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes Wesley corrected the translation stroke. Your members— W hich upon the New Testament first ap­ throughout. Next, look down to the together make up the body of sin. peared in 1754. He continued re­ notes, finding that the key phrases Which are upon the earth— Where vising them for many years. They are repeated and followed by com­ they find their nourishment. Un­ were intended for the use of all seri­ ments. To make full sense of his com ­ cleanness— In act, word, or thought. ous Bible students, especially those ments, we have to look up again at Inordinate affection—Every pas­ without opportunity to study the the text to see how the comments sion which does not flow from and languages of the Bible, and specifi­ flow out of the whole text, taking up lead to the love of God. Evil desire cally for Mr. Wesley’s preachers who what went before the passage and —The desire of the flesh, the desire were expected to read them daily. In stimulating us to ask the questions of the eye, and the pride of life. the British Methodist tradition, they that will be answered in the next Covetousness—According to the retain officially, but rather nomi­ verses and chapters. We are taken derivation of the word, means the nally, the status of a confessional into the flow of the inspired words, desire of having more, or of any document that they have not usually so that the experience of the writers thing independent of God. Which had elsewhere in the Methodist is reproduced in us, the readers. is idolatry— Properly and directly; world. But his notes remain a central Mr. Wesley brings in principles of for it is giving the heart to a crea­ document of the Wesleyan tradition, Trinitarian orthodoxy and urgent ture. a precious heirloom of the Wesleyan problems of daily ethics. The text is Such close reading is impossible branch of the Christian family. Like made sharp and demanding and unless it becomes and remains a many heirlooms, they tend to be un­ promising. We can only bear this humble, questing dialogue with dervalued, hidden away, and left to kind of reading if we allow it to be­ God. In his rule for the daily reading gather dust. But like the best heir­ come a conversation with God, ask­ of his preachers, Mr. Wesley was giv­ looms, they deserve to be brought ing at each uncomfortable or un­ ing them— and us— a rule of prayer. out, dusted off, and shared. expected turn: “Is this really what His Notes form part of the Wesleyan Mr. Wesley gave these Notes a high You meant? Is this really w hat You version of what other Christian tradi­ status, not because he had any great want of me now? Will You really do tions call the “divine office,” the confidence in his powers as a com­ this for us? Forgive, please! Help, daily respects that the church de­ mentator, but because he had com­ please! And thank You.” lights to pay to the Triune God. plete confidence in God’s power to For example, follow John Wesley’s Whether or not we use the Notes make the Bible a transforming instru­ treatment of Col. 3:1-5: themselves for this purpose these ment of love in every generation. Verse 1. If ye are risen, seek the days, we need some similar exercise Can John Wesley’s Notes be used things above— As Christ, being to open ourselves to what the Word today? Yes, if we use them in sym­ risen, immediately went to hea­ promises and to let God mold us, our pathy with Mr. Wesley’s intentions ven. praises and petitions, our sermons and with even more sympathy with Verse 3- For ye are dead — To and our works, according to the im­ the Author of the Bible! I write as one the things on earth. And yo u r real, age of His divine love. who has used the Notes from time to spiritual life is hid from the world, I would plead for occasional use, tim e over the last 30 years since I was and laid up in God, with Christ— at least, of the Notes in this way by a high school student. The Notes are Who hath merited, promised, pre­ Continued on page 80

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 55 Finance

Tax Procedures for Congregations Part 1 Board of Pensions and Benefits USA Church of the Nazarene

he federal tax information that secretaries and janitors, are lay em ­ 3- staff members who are follows is offered only as a ployees. Any other employees also n ot ordained or dis- g u id e lin e to help local are considered lay employees by the trict-licensed ministers Tchurches cope with the legal IRSre­ and must be treated as such for 4. ordained or district-li- quirements of being an employer tax purposes. Where an ordained or censed ministers who and is intended to provide some re­ district-licensed minister is perform­ are not serving in a sources for further investigation. No ing “nonministerial” duties (such as ministerial capacity attempt has been made to cover state custodial services, etc.), the church These distinctions may not be con­ and local income tax situations or should carefully consult with their sistent with the way the role of the Workers’ Compensation, which tax adviser to determine the tax sta­ individual is seen in the local would differ for each local church. tus and obligations for that particu­ church. However, they are important Federal Unemployment Tax is not to understand, for they are based lar individual. Generally such an in­ discussed here either, since churches upon the IRS guidelines. dividual serving in that capacity are generally exempt from this tax. w ould not be considered a minis­ THE MINISTERIAL CLASSIFICATION OF terial employee by the IRS. EMPLOYEE EMPLOYEES The following chart may be help­ The issuance of Form W-2 does Since legal and tax obligations of ful: n ot affect the way a ministerial em­ the church board as employer differ Self-employed: ployee pays his estimated income tax for the lay and ministerial employee, itinerant evangelists and song and Social Security (SECA) (using it is very important that the classi­ evangelists w ho are not incor­ the self-employment tax rate) on fication of each of its employees is porated Form 1040ES. It is still the individ­ accurately determined. The church Em ployees: ual minister’s responsibility to make may have employees who are consid­ A. Ministerial: these estimated quarterly payments ered to perform ministerial functions 1. pastor who is an or­ in advance to th e IRS. The local by the church board, but who are ac­ dained or district- church is under no obligation to tually defined as lay employees by licensed minister withhold federal income tax or So­ IRS definitions. 2. staff mem ber who is cial Security for the ministerial em­ Most churches will have at least an ordained or district- ployee. However, each church will one employee, the pastor. This is licensed minister and need to check their own state and usually a ministerial employee, who is performing community rules regarding state in­ since most pastors either are or­ ministerial duties come tax or city earnings tax. Under dained or district-licensed ministers. B. Lay: special arrangements, a minister and Staff associates who are ordained or 1. pastor who is not or­ church board m ay agree to a w ith­ district-licensed ministers are minis­ dained or district- holding of the income tax portion. terial employees as long as they are licensed However, this should only be done performing ministerial functions. 2. church secretaries and following the careful directions and Additional paid employees, such as janitors advice of a tax consultant.

56 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE While many church boards pay the WHAT IS TAXABLE FOR employee cannot choose to file esti­ minister’s Social Security, it is an al­ FEDERAL INCOME TAX mated tax on a quarterly basis as a lowance to the employee for a per­ PURPOSES? minister does. The employer must se­ cure Form W-4 on which the em­ sonal expense. A Social Security al­ For the ministerial employee, lowance is taxable income, and it ployee claims any exemptions for taxable income consists of cash sal­ himself and dependents. The amount must be reported as a part of cash sal­ ary paid as compensation, any cash ary on Form W-2. withheld is then determined by us­ bonuses, automobile allowances, ing the charts provided by the IRS in THE LAY EMPLOYEE and Social Security allowances. It Publication 15, “Circular E— Em­ Upon hiring a lay employee, the does not include car expenses reim­ ployer’s Tax Guide.” church assumes the obligation to bursed under a qualifying arrange­ Care must be taken with lay em­ withhold income tax and Social Se­ ment, housing allowance, tax- ployees to withhold on the basis of curity (FICA) from the employee’s sheltered annuity, business expense all taxable income, including the salary and likewise to report that sal­ reimbursements, reimbursed profes­ value of housing and utilities pro­ ary and withholdings to the IRS and sional fees, and any other tax-free vided in lieu of cash compensation. also to the individual. Failure to benefits allowed by IRS. Clearly the comply can result in penalties and SOCIAL SECURITY greatest exclusion for the ministerial WITHHOLDING serious problems, which should be employee is the value of housing and carefully avoided. For example, in a For the ministerial employee, utilities provided for him, or that federal court ruling, four church of­ the church cannot w ithhold for So­ cash compensation designated as ficers were each held personally re­ cial Security as it does for lay em­ housing allowance and which is used sponsible for over *200,000 of the ployees. The law provides that pay­ for that purpose. church’s unpaid payroll taxes. (You ment be made directly by the minis­ will want to check your local situ­ For the lay employee, taxable in­ terial employee for this purpose. The ation to see if withholding require­ come consists of cash salary paid as tax is based on the current self- ments also include state and city compensation, any cash bonuses, au­ employment rate even though the income taxes.) The obligations, pro­ tomobile allowances, Social Security minister is technically n o t self- cedures, and tables for withholding allowances, and housing allow­ employed. This rate must be applied federal income tax and FICA (Social ance. It d o es n o t include reim­ on taxable income and housing al­ Security) are explained in IRS Publi­ bursed car expenses, tax-sheltered lowance (whether a cash allowance cation 15 “Circular E— Employer’s annuity, business expense reim­ or the value of housing and utilities Tax Guide.” bursements, reimbursed professional provided in lieu of cash). Many Since January 1, 1984, lay em ­ fees, and any other tax-free benefits churches provide to the minister a ployees (both full- and part-time) allowed by IRS. The cash housing al­ Social Security allowance equal to are automatically covered by Social low ance or the fair market rental the full amount of this tax. That al­ Security under the FICA plan. This re­ value of a parsonage and utilities lowance in turn becomes taxable in­ quires withholding part of the tax must be reported as taxable income come. from the employee, paying an amount for lay employees. Only ordained or For the lay employee, Social Se­ from the employer’s own funds, re­ district-licensed ministers performing curity laws changed January 1, 1984. mitting the hinds to the proper de­ ministerial duties may claim the Since that time, lay employees (both pository institution, and reporting housing exclusion provided by Sec­ full-time and part-time) are auto­ this total to the IRS at least quarterly. tion 107 of the Internal Revenue Code. matically covered by Social Security The amount of salary paid and the under the FICA plan. Therefore, amounts withheld for income tax INCOME TAX WITHHOLDING church employers MUST withhold and FICA tax must be reported quar­ For th e m inisterial em ployee, it for FICA at the current employee rate terly by the employer on Form 941, is not the employer’s responsibility from the lay employee’s wages that otherwise, there are penalties. to withhold any income tax. This is are subject to Social Security (in­ because of a special exception in the cluding any “salary-reduction” TSA THE EMPLOYER federal income tax law. The minis­ contributions) and pay an addi­ IDENTIFICATION NUMBER terial employee will file his esti­ tional amount from their own (EIN) mated tax, quarterly, along with his church funds. This total amount is Your congregation is required to Social Security (SECA) payments. then paid to the government for the report employment taxes (federal in­ However, if the ministerial employee individual. It does not matter if the come taxes and Social Security taxes and the church agree to income tax lay employee is full-time or part- withheld) and give Form W-2 tax withholding, it can be done just as it time. Many churches may want to statements to employees, including is done for any other employee ( but give an allowance to the lay em­ the minister, whether or not any no withholding for FICA is possible ployee equal to the full amount taxes are withheld. Therefore, your for the minister). withheld. Of course, such an allow­ church probably already has a fed­ For the lay employee (both full­ ance becomes taxable income. $ eral Employer Identification Number time and part-time), the employer (EIN) and in some states a state iden­ MUST withhold income tax accord­ The information contained in this article is of a tification number. Your congrega­ ing to the provisions of the tax law. general nature. It is not offered as specific legal or tax “advice.” Each person, local church board, and dis­ tion must use the EIN on all items There are fines and penalties pro­ trict should evaluate their own unique situation in sent to the IRS. vided for failing to comply. The lay consultation with their local legal and tax advisers.

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 5 7 Sermons Jesus’ Impossible Commandment or Love Your Enemies? You've Got to Be Kidding! by C. S. Cowles Nampa, Idaho

Matt. 5:43-48

feel a bit like an ad I read this leader ever uttered anything so bi­ the distinction between right and week: “Chain saw for sale. Runs zarre, so impractical, so impossible wrong, between good and evil, and it terrible. Cuts crooked. Excel­ as that! Of all the “hard sayings” of is to risk com prom ising the truth. We I lent loaner. Always returned. NobodyJesus, none are harder than that! must draw sharp lines, take a firm asks to borrow it again!” Peter Cartwright was a Methodist stand. There are, after all, matters of New Testament scholar F. F. Bruce circuit-riding preacher back in the principle at stake! To go soft on ene­ has written a book titled The Hard days when our nation was young and mies is to encourage them in the er­ Sayings o f Jesus. None of Jesus’ say­ expanding westward. He was a top- ror of their ways. Furthermore, how ings are more difficult for us to deal ranked prizefighter before his con­ will the enemies ever change if we with, and yet more important for us version. In a town where he was try­ do not deal with them severely? to face, than what has been de­ ing to organize a Methodist church, Deanna, our youngest, was in the scribed as Jesus’ Third Great Com­ he was accosted by the town tough, fourth grade. One night she said to mandment, or the Impossible Com­ who said, me, “Dad, I’ve made a Christian out mandment. Jesus said to His disciples: “I’ve heard that you Methodists be­ of Bobby.” You have heard that it was said, lieve in entire sanctification.” “Marvelous,” I replied. “Tell me “You shall love your neighbor, and “That’s right.” about it.” hate your enemy.” But I say to you, “And that entire sanctification so “Well, Bobby was the meanest boy love your enemies, and pray for fills you with perfect love that you’ll in my class at the beginning of the those who persecute you in order not fight.” year. And he cussed all the time. But that you may be sons of your Father “That’s right.” since I made a Christian out of him, who is in heaven (Matt. 5:43-45, “That means that if I slug you, he has been so nice. And he hasn’t NASB, italics added). you’ll not hit me back.” said one bad word!” “LOVE YOUR ENEMIES”? “That’s right.” “Great, but how did you do it?” I You’ve got to be kidding! But before the man could hit Cart­ asked. “I beat him up!” Love God? Sure! Love your neigh­ wright, the preacher jumped in, Second, reason says, We have a bor? Of course. Not only Jesus but grabbed the fellow by his collar, and psychological need to clearly iden­ also Moses said that. But love your said, “But pity thy poor soul, brother, tify our enemies. enemies? Neither Moses nor any of if thou shouldst inadvertently dis­ We define w ho and w hat we are by the prophets of Israel ever said any­ cover that I am not entirely sanc­ declaring passionately who and what thing like that! Neither Confucius tified.” we are not! How better may I declare nor Buddha nor any other religious With all due respect to Jesus, I want to first speak concerning reason. myself a red-blooded patriot than to be militantly against the enemy? I. REASON SPEAKS IN PRAISE I did not become a member of the OF HATING ONE’S ENEMIES Church of the Nazarene until I was in AND DEALING WITH THEM SE­ college. Wanting to find out what VERELY (v. 43). kind of a church it was that I had First, reason says, We have a m oral joined, I read what was then a newly responsibility to take a strong released book titled Why I Am a stand against enemies. Nazarene. The first eight chapters To mollycoddle enemies is to blur were devoted to “Why I am not a

5 8 THE PREACHER S MAGAZINE Mormon,” “Why I am not a Jehovah’s hold, the day of the Lord is coming, aim. I thrust with a “Thus saith the Witness,” “Why I am not a Seventh- cruel, with fury and burning anger, Lord.” And I twist it. Oh, does that Day Adventist,” and so on. The final to make the land a desolation; and He feel good! To strike a mighty blow for chapter answered the question “Why will exterminate its sinners from it” righteousness’ sake! I am a Nazarene.” It is much easier to (Isa. 13:9 ff-, NASB)? The enemy staggers. Stumbles. declare what we are not than to de­ In Jesus’ day, Jews would stand up Falls. Mortally wounded! Hallelujah! fine who we are. Psychologists tell us in their synagogues and denounce Righteousness has triumphed! Truth that our self-image receives its sharp­ Gentiles, denounce Samaritans, de­ has won! Justice has at last been est definition over against the people nounce the hated Roman oppressors, served! we dislike! denounce the immoral, and de­ But wait a minute. Who is that We are somewhat like the woman nounce all the enemies of God. What stranger kneeling beside the enemy? who told a friend, “I ran into an old better way to identify yourself with Wiping his forehead, binding his high school classmate yesterday. God’s cause than to expose and de­ wounds, giving him water to drink? Couldn’t believe it. She looked ter­ nounce His enemies. And what bet­ Something familiar about Him. Im­ rific! Didn’t have one wrinkle. Hadn’t ter way today for us to affirm our de­ print of nails in His hands. Impress of gained an ounce. So I ran into her votion to the true gospel than to thorns on His brow. again!” expose the manifold errors of the It cannot be! It is! Jesus! “But Jesus, Third, reason says, Our survival Catholics, the cultists, the kooks, the what are You doing down there? Be­ depends upon taking a strong charismatics, the feminists, the abor­ side the enemy!” stand against our enemies. tionists, the liberals, the satanists, I look again. What is that? A sword Our enemies are enemies pre­ the pornographers, and of course the lodged in His heart? I study it. I am cisely because they are out to destroy secular humanists—whoever they shocked! It is my sword! Jesus looks all that we value, prize, and believe m ight be. To be on God’s side is to be at me. Tears are in His eyes. He in. They are enemies simply because against whomever God is against. doesn’t have to say a word. It whis­ they are seeking, night and day, to do Oh, I know all about how good it pers in the deepest part of my being, us in! Destroy our country! Divide “Inasmuch as you do it unto the least our church! Compromise our faith! of these, you do it unto Me!” (See Hence, we must take a strong stand Matt. 25:40, KJV.) and be ready to strike back with a I am devastated! My heart is bro­ swift and terrible sword, or we will Jesus commands ken! be eaten alive! People of God, no matter how bi­ Those clean-cut young men us to love our zarre, no matter how impractical, no dressed in black suits are not riding matter how impossible, if we are their bicycles up and down our enemies because serious about following Jesus, we streets seeking to win people to an have no choice but to take with ut­ evangelical understanding of Christ. He loves them. most seriousness what He had to say. They must be exposed, discomfited, Jesus commands us to love our ene­ and resisted in the strongest terms. mies because He loves our enemies! Fourth, reason says, It feels so The misguided, the wrong, the un­ right, so good, to do in one’s ene­ principled, the devious, the danger­ mies and deal with them severely. feels to burn against one’s enemies. ous, the divisive— even the ungodly. Winston Churchill was accosted There’s nothing so calculated to fo­ He loves them all! by his arch-political enemy, Lady As- cus the mind and stir the passions as tor, at a social gathering. Said Lady to becom e exercised over some great II. JESUS SPEAKS IN PRAISE OF Astor, “Sir Winston, you are drunk.” wrong that has been done, some ter­ LOVING ONE’S ENEMIES AND DEAL­ “Lady Astor,” he replied, “you are rible evil that has been perpetuated. ING WITH THEM MERCIFULLY (v. ugly. The difference between you I never feel more right, more 44). and me is that tomorrow morning I keenly perceptive than when I burn First, Jesus teaches that we m ust will be sober.” against enemies, against those who love our enemies because God loves Oh, that feels so good! are a threat to the faith, to the His enemies! Fifth, reason says, God hates ene­ Church, to all that is decent and holy. This is the radical, new revelation mies and deals with them severely! I search the Scriptures and arm my­ about God brought to us by Jesus of Did not God send floodwaters to self with 1,000 verses. I mount my Nazareth! Jesus says that if we are to destroy a wicked world during great white horse named Righteous­ be true sons and daughters of our Fa­ Noah’s generation? ness and Truth. I march to battle con­ ther in heaven, we will treat enemies Did not God rain fire and brim­ vinced that God and His Word are like He does. He loves enemies (w. stone from heaven upon corrupt firmly on my side. The band strikes 44-45)! Sodom and Gomorrah? up. The flags unfurl. The trumpets But you say, what about the Old Did not God command Joshua to blow The music plays. Angel choirs Testament and its statements about destroy the degenerate Canaanites sing. I mount up with wings as ea­ God hating enemies? down to the last crippled old lady gles. Jesus opens a window to let us see and newborn child? I unleash the sword of the Lord. I something about the character of Did not the prophet Isaiah say, “Be­ find a vulnerable spot. I take careful God that was not fully perceived by

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 59 the holy men of old, nor by any other cheek, and said, “Gordy, I love you!” spect. Even though he knew that Ju­ religious leader in history: namely, That’s God’s kind of love! das had already stabbed Him in the that while God hates sin, He loves Second, Jesus teaches that retribu­ back, He did not expose him or hu­ the sinner! “For God so loved the tion doesn’t work! miliate him in front of his friends. He world, the whole world, the ungodly The Mosaic code of “an eye for an let him stand tall. as well as the godly, that he gave his eye and a tooth for a tooth” never And in the garden, Jesus greeted only begotten Son . . (see John solves any problems or heals any His betrayer by calling him “Friend”! 3:16). wounds. Not only does retribution Do you want a good definition of Nowhere do we see this radical escalate hostilities, but also it sets hell? It is to turn your back on Jesus love of God expressed as clearly as in the enmity in concrete. and go through eternity with Jesus’ the cross of Christ. In Jesus, we see a Have you ever been told off, for last word to you ringing in your ears, God who would rather be destroyed your own good, by a friend? Have you “Friend, friend, friend.” at the hands of sinners than destroy ever received a scathing letter? When Do you want a good definition of sinners. you see that person, what is the first heaven? It is to hear Jesus say to you, In Jesus, we see a God who would thing that comes into your mind? throughout eternity, “Friend, friend, rather be hung by heretics than to Retribution often misfires! I heard friend.” hang heretics. about a woman who bought a news­ Fourth, Jesus taught that in loving paper and a Kit Kat candy bar on a our enemies, we are released from Seattle ferry. She laid the candy bar the terrible burden of hatred, re­ down on the bench beside her as she sentment, and bitterness. Those began to read the paper. Then she things eat at the core of our spirit God's radical love reached down for the candy bar, only like cancer, robbing us of God’s joy to discover it wasn’t there. The man and peace. for the enemy is sitting next to her had it in his hand Lee Iacocca, in his best-selling au­ and had begun to eat it. tobiography, shouted out for mil­ lions to read that he hated Henry That really frosted her! She Ford II. He says of his former mentor clearly expressed in grabbed it out of his hand, picked up and friend who unceremoniously her paper, and stormed to the other the Cross. side of the ferryboat. She finished off the candy bar. Then, still very angry, she got up and began to pace up and down. Right at the corner of the gangway, she ran smack into that Jesus treated same man, who had just bought a In Jesus, we see a God who would hamburger. She grabbed it out of his Judas with rather die than damn, and who did! hand, took a big bite out of it, gave it It was a tragic accident about a back to him, and stormed off, feeling kindness and dozen years ago. Four Point Loma so good! She’d really taught him a les­ students were on their way to New son! respect. Mexico. The driver fell asleep. The As she was waiting to drive her car car plowed into the back of a parked off the ferry, she opened her purse. truck. Ester Frampton died instantly. Guess what she found lying there? A Elizabeth died 10 days later. Kit Kat candy bar! fired him as president of Ford Motor Jerry W hite was the pastor at San Can you imagine what that fellow Company, “I hate Henry Ford, not Diego First Church at the time. He said to his colleagues at the office only for what he did to me, but for conducted both funerals. He said the next day? the pain and suffering he caused my that following the service for Eliza­ Third, Jesus taught that in loving wife and two daughters. For what he beth, after the friends had paid their our enemies, the enmity is de­ put them through I’ll never forgive respects, there was only the immedi­ stroyed in that we make them our him!” ate family in the sanctuary and one friends. Ironically, when he fired 25 of heavily bandaged young man, his leg Suppose, however, that the enemy Chrysler’s vice presidents shortly af­ in a cast. He was the driver of the will not be reconciled to us. What ter taking over leadership of that death car. He had just been released then? company, he showed not the slightest from the hospital to attend this fu­ Let’s look at what Jesus did when sensitivity to the pain he was causing neral. Painfully he got his crutches Judas refused his Master’s gentle over­ wives and daughters of those execu­ under him and hobbled down to the tures of reconciliation and friendship. tives. casket, where he looked on what re­ He invited him to supper. He gave No wonder when Lee Iacocca’s mained of his fiancee, Elizabeth. him the place of honor. He presented face appears on our television Betty Frampton, the girls’ mother, him with the first and largest serving screens, there is a hard set in the ex­ quietly came up and stood beside of food. He offered Judas, before any pression of his face and a steely cold him. As he wept, she put her arm others, the cup of forgiveness. Jesus glint in his eyes. How can he exhibit around him, kissed him on the treated Judas with kindness and re­ warmth and joy when he is carrying

6 0 THE PREACHERS MAGAZINE around the dead corpse of Henry how the Lord delivered him from an things about Japan, but I could Ford wherever he goes? unforgiving spirit and set him free to not. I began to weep. A deep si­ Oh, what a glorious release it is to love his enemies. lence filled the audience of minis­ be set free from all hatreds, all re­ I was born in a difficult time in ters. I then looked up and con­ sentments, all grudges, all anger and Korean history. We were not a na­ fessed how I felt. hostility until there is absolutely tion. We were under the oppres­ “I must confess that I hate you nothing in our soul but the love of sive hand of Japan. Against their all. I don’t hate you personally, but God for everyone, friend and enemy will millions of Koreans were car­ I hate the fact that you are Ja­ alike! ried as slaves to Japan. We were not panese. I know that this is wrong, When asked, “What is the essence allowed even to speak the Korean but this is the way I honestly feel. of entire sanctification?” John Wesley language. So, as a child, I grew to Won’t you please forgive me? I am responded: hate the Japanese. repenting of my sin and ask you to “The heaven of heavens is love.” Eight years ago, the Holy Spirit pray for me.” With those words There is nothing higher in re­ started dealing with me about Ja­ spoken, I simply bowed my head ligion; there is, in effect, nothing pan. 1 told the Lord, “Dear Lord, I and began to cry aloud. When I else; if you look for anything but know that my attitude toward the looked up, I saw that all of the more love, you are looking wide of Japanese people is not correct, but ministers were crying also. After a the mark, you are getting out of the I can’t help how I feel.” Yet the few minutes, one of the ministers royal way. . . . Settle it then in your Lord had a special way of healing stood on his feet and said, “Dr. heart, that from the moment God me. I was invited to minister to a Cho, we as Japanese take full re­ has saved you from all sin, you are group of Japanese pastors. sponsibility for the sins of our fa­ to aim at nothing more, but more Arriving in Japan, I felt very un­ thers. Will you please forgive us?” of that love described in the thir­ easy. This was the land that had Then I came down from the plat­ teenth of the Corinthians. You can taken away our name and lan­ form and threw my arms around go no higher than this, till you are guage, had punished our patriots, the man who had just spoken. “Yes, carried into Abraham’s bosom had burned our churches and mas­ I forgive you and I commit myself ( Works 11:430). sacred our Christians who had re­ to pray for you and Japan.” I in­ Conclusion: mained faithful to their religion stantly felt healed of the bitterness Dr. Paul Cho, of South Korea, pas­ and nation. When I got up to that I had felt since a child. I was tor of the w orld’s largest church, tells speak, I tried to say some nice free (More than Numbers, 118).

Today's Books for Today's Preacher

TWO GIANT STEPS AND THE ROAD BACK by Wilbur T. Dobson Indianapolis: Wesley Press, 1989 PA089-827-0707 86.95

In his introduction, Wilbur Dob­ good visual aid in presenting the ogy behind the concept being pre­ son gives the theme of his book: Just truth of his theme. sented and are springboard for the as mankind took two major steps The remainder of the book is a se­ practical chapters. away from God, so individuals must ries of homilies dealing with the In reading the introduction, one’s make two major steps back to God in theme or with one of the many as­ appetite for a theological develop­ reverse order. Man’s first step away pects of living out holiness in our ment is whetted. But that hunger is was to desire to commit evil. The daily lives. The hom ilies can be stud­ somewhat unfulfilled as the book be­ second step was the carrying out of ied individually with their own em­ comes a series of sermons on living the desire in actual acts. To return to phases. Each one gives sound, in­ the sanctified life. However, on the the Father, man must retrace his sightful, practical advice in some positive side, chapters are beneficial steps. First, by seeking forgiveness area of Christlike living. While inter­ for seed ideas for sermons that one for his committed sins. Then he must esting and helpful, they give more a could expand in his own private seek to return to a pure heart rela­ pastoral approach to the two steps studies or for his own devotional tionship with God. back than a theological treatment of benefit. Dobson says many of the old Dobson proceeds to diagram this the subject. The first few chapters of truths about living the Christlike life idea on pages 14-15, which gives a the book present some of the theol­ in interesting and helpful ways. — Jerry Warren

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 61 Sermon Illustrations

by Blair F. Rorabaugh Uniontown, Ohio by D. Schuster glanced up at the cable that was sup­ SOURCE: Gunnar Mattsson tells Pietermaritzburg, South Africa porting us and about 30 other chairs about his romance with the woman and then looked down at the ground who is to become his wife in his SOURCE: Personal experience some 100 feet below us. book The Princess. The thought went through my TRUTH/CONCEPT/DOCTRINE IL­ TRUTH/CONCEPT/DOCTRINE IL­ mind, If that cable breaks, we’re LUSTRATED: Our prior knowledge LUSTRATED: The value of faith­ dead! However, I remembered the of what God has done puts our minds fulness in marriage at peace, knowing that just as He was time when I was an apprentice work­ able in the past, so He is able today ing for an elevator firm and had to The author quits dating others be­ know by heart the breaking strain of SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE: Heb. cause “married happiness is like a 13:8 different-sized cables. tree; it has to grow before you can This particular cable had a break­ enjoy its shade. And it doesn’t grow if My wife and I were visiting the city ing strain of between 25 and 30 tons. you don’t take care of it but run of Durban (RSA) and took a ride on My mind was immediately at peace, around admiring other plants. It what could best be described as a ski knowing that I was safe, and I could takes many years. If you concentrate lift. once again enjoy the view. your love on a single tree and wait, As we were enjoying an unrestrict­ My previous knowledge gave me you can see it grow, and there comes ed view of the ocean and beaches, I comfort. a day when you can lean against it and find coolness in its shade.”

Idea Mart

Share Your First Impression by Terrell Earnest Guymon, Okla.

To help visitors reflect on the wor­ ship service, create a memory, and SHARE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION help form a bond with our church, I 1. How did you find out about the Church of the Nazarene? send a follow-up letter with a self- ______Yellow Pages ______N e w s p a p e r______Drove By addressed, stamped “Share Your First Impression” card enclosed. In my ______Personal Invitation______O ther letter I ask the visitors to reflect on 2. When you arrived, what did you notice first? their time in our service and return 3. Did you feel welcome? ____ Yes _____ No the completed card to us. We pur­ posely left no place for their name 4. Please share the three most important factors for you in choosing a and address on the card, as it was in­ church home: tended to be a positive, nonthreat­ a ening opportunity. b. I receive approximately one out of c. five “Share Your First Impressions” cards back. The feedback is bene­ 5. Do you plan to attend again? ficial, and I find that visitors are en­ couraged to know that the church Thanks for your help! welcomes their opinions.

6 2 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE WORSHIP & PREACHING HELPS

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 6 3 December/January /February 1990 Prepared by Aubrey D. Smith

INTRODUCTION Preaching is exciting; it is studying and sharing the Word of God. Not one of us can share adequately without availing ourselves of the collective wisdom of others across the ages. However, the ultimate presentation must come from the “spark” of our own talk and walk with God. In turn, what we share with our congregation must be according to our insight and perceptions into their hurts, needs, and longings. My prayers are with you in this glorious endeavor. The sermon thoughts herein offered are prescribed as a series of three miniseries. Hopefully you will sense a flow of intended direction and purpose for your congregation. However, adaptation and even indepen­ dence for your needs are of utmost importance. Therefore, the material can be used as scheduled or in any independent variation. Worship should turn man’s attention to God. The worshiper should go away with new hope and comfort, even if holy conviction has been God’s instrument for healing. The structure of the service is not what provides the healing; God alone is able to transform the inner spirit. However, the human functions of the service are definite tools of God to perform His mission. The service should have smooth flow that makes it easy for the people present to be attentive. There should be variation that creates interest, but in such a style that does not make the people uncomfortable or more involved with the system than with the Spirit. Above all, the service is not performance or even presentation— not even the preaching— but overflow. When the preacher, choir members, musicians, singers, ushers, etc., are overflowing vessels, beautiful and powerful transformations take place among individ­ uals present in collective worship.

THE PREACHERS MAGAZINE “WHERE IS HE?” by Aubrey D. Smith Matt. 2:2 Dec. 2, 1990 SERIES INTRO: II. Aloneness Is a Form of Absence Christ’s presence is an answer to the loneliness that A. It is frightening to know that we are alone, that plagues us, especially at Christmastime. there is no one with whom we can share, no one to help The Psalmist wrote (103:2-5) that our God is One who us. None of us is often all alone. Though other people are forgives our iniquities, heals our diseases, and desires to around, sometimes we feel alone. Many social organiza­ crown our lives with loving-kindness and tender mercies. tions are created for the purpose of helping people avoid Isaiah prophesied concerning the coming Messiah being alone. Many other organizations thrive on the need (61:1-3) that He would be One of compassionate re­ of people to be with someone. And yet, on a busy street demption. In 53:4-5, we hear Isaiah telling us that this corner of a crowded city or in a congregation of people, One that is to come will bear our griefs, carry our sor­ we can feel all alone. rows, and that by His stripes we can be healed. Malachi B. Man has been so created as to be incomplete with­ (4:2) speaks of the One that shall come with healing in out God. Even God wanted fellowship and love; thus He His wings. created man for His pleasure. The coming of Christ brought a renewal of these same promises. In Luke 2:10-20 we find, first, the angels bear­ III. Absence Is Missing the Most Important ing glad tidings, and then the shepherds glorifying and One praising God. In Matt. 2:10 we find the wise men coming A. Loneliness does not usually spring from having with exceeding great joy. When Christ came, He did not nothing or no one. At Christmas we are usually sur­ fall short of the prophecies nor disappoint those with rounded with many people and activities, but their pres­ expectations. However, we do find a message in the story ence only enhances our agony. Psychologists tell us that of the shepherds, wise men, and others that no one can this joyous season is one of greatest trauma for many be­ seek Him for us. They can tell us about Him, but no one cause it reminds them of inner emptiness and loneliness. can take our place in the quest to find Him. For the small child whose pet is missing, the number of INTRO: mongrels roaming the street is no comfort. For the woman searching for a precious heirloom handed down ILLUS. The newspaper article was one of grief. It told how the Christmas presents were still wrapped and in the for generations, a similar piece or new present is not sat­ attic. They were not under the tree this year or the pre­ isfactory. ceding year. The little girl of the home, while sitting in a B. No one but Jesus satisfies this emptiness. He was car in the shopping center of one of our cities, had been born to be our King, Friend, Healer, Redeemer, and Sav­ abducted. No word had been received; the parents had no ior. We may have material things and increased abun­ knowledge after 12 long months of suffering and agony. dance during this time of year. We may have friends Christmas would never be the same again. around us but be without our truest Friend. We may have There are many different searches in our world and in parties, fun, and thrills, but be void of the peace for our lives. Some are important, some are rather unim­ which we long. portant. We misplace some things of insignificance; other ILLUS. The songwriter penned “Only Jesus Can Satisfy things we lose that represent life-and-death issues, such Your Soul.” as a missing loved one. Loneliness is the symptom of something missing. It is CONCLUSION: represented in various forms of absence. The Bible gives examples of the search for true mean­ I. Emptiness Is a Symptom of Something ing: Mary Magdalene, in all of her mental anguish, look­ Missing ing for happiness; the soldiers in Gethsemane seeking Christ for wrong reasons; the Greeks coming to Philip A. Emptiness is not having what we need. It represents seeking Jesus; Mary and Martha at the death of Lazarus the fact that something should be there that isn’t. A glass sending word for Jesus; blind Bartimaeus crying out. may not be scientifically empty because it is filled with The magi searched to find Jesus. The shepherds found air. But we consider it empty because the glass was cre­ Him, but they had to choose to look for Him. Come and ated and designed to hold not air but a cool drink of look, not because Jesus is hiding. To the contrary, Jesus water or beverage. reminds us that the Good Shepherd seeks the lost sheep. B. We are vessels—created to hold the presence of He stands at the door of our heart and knocks. We must God. We may be full of all else, but we are em pty if we are open up before He will come in (Rev. 3:20). John re­ without Him. The Scriptures remind us that our body is minds us that we can walk in the light with Him (1 John not our own; it belongs to God. We are the temple— 1:7). dwelling place— of the Holy Spirit. It also reminds us To each of us Jesus promises, “Come unto me, all ye that we should be vessels of gold and silver, the very best that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” of containers for His presence. (Matt. 11:28, IQV).

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 65 SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER Ten Important Books Preservice Welcome and Ministry Reminders (Service theme of the day, Announcements, Prayer re­ on the Small Church quests, etc.) Continued from page 29 Prelude Choral Invocation Making the Small Church Effective Hymn “Come, Thou Long-expected Jesus" Hymn “Trust and Obey” Carl S. Dudley Preparing Our Hearts in Prayer (Nashville: Abingdon, 1978) Chorus “Because He Lives" One of the first in the small church movement, this Pastoral Prayer Open Altar book is now a classic and considered by many to be the Chorus “O Come, Let Us Adore Him” Our Joyful and Obedient Stewardship “Bible” of small church literature. Reading from God’s Word Matt. 2:1-10 Worship in Special Song Unique Dynamics of the Small Church Message “WHERE IS HE?" Carl S. Dudley Matt. 2:2 (Washington, D.C.: Alban Institute, 1977) Personal Response to God’s Word Hymn “How Firm a Foundation” Though only a slim pamphlet, this is a gem. It fo­ Prayer of Consecration and Faith cuses on the “single cell” nature of the small church. Postlude Entering the World of the Small Church: A Guide fo r Leaders Creative Worship Ideas Preservice and Beginning Anthony G. Pappas Between Sunday School and morning worship, while (Washington, D.C.: Alban Institute, 1988) the choir is gathering, talk informally to the congrega­ This is the most significant contribution to the liter­ tion. Let the musicians continue to play softly. During ature in a long time, particularly for its important work of this time there can be announcements, welcome of vis­ itors, mention of prayer requests, and the setting of the bringing together the small church and Robert Redfield’s theme of the service. concepts from “The Folk Society.” The people can then be brought into a spirit of med­ itation to prepare their hearts for worship. A chorus, Small Churches Are the Right Size scripture reading, silent prayer, or silently looking at a special hymn can add reverence and condition the David R. Ray mind for true worship. (New York: Pilgrim Press, 1982) Christmas worship ideas Favorable to small churches, Ray’s book affirms their —This can be done during the evening service. Pro­ uniqueness and their worth. vide an informal setting. Families or representative groups can come and each turn on a light. Then every­ one sits in the glow of the tree, singing, giving testi­ The Small Church Is Different! mony, etc. A children’s story around a mock fireplace Lyle E. Schaller can be added. The message of the symbolism of the (Nashville: Abingdon, 1982) tree can be used as a meditation (i.e., beauty, ever­ green, place of gifts, light). Throughout the season, as It is one of the best for its insights into the workings people see the lit tree in the sanctuary, it will remind of the small church. them of the message and purpose. —Advent Wreath/Candles and “Hanging of the Greens” have been used by many with excellent re­ The Pastor and the People sults. The local library or Christian bookstore should Lyle E. Schaller carry informational sources. (Nashville: Abingdon, 1973) — Gifts for the Christ Child. Use this time of focus on This is one of the real contributions Schaller has the Christ child to help other children. Make a list of nursery items needed, then allow them to be pur­ given to the church. chased, wrapped, and placed under the church Christ­ mas tree. These may be donated to a local shelter or New Possibilities fo r Small Churches someplace where needy children are provided for. Douglas Alan Walrath, editor (New York: Pilgrim, 1983) Two chapters stand out in this book by small church experts: Walrath’s “Possibilities for Small Churches To­ day” and Dudley’s “The Art of Pastoring a Small Congre­ gation.”

Many other good resource books are available.

66 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE “ARE YOU THE ONE WHO IS TO COME— OR DO WE LOOK FOR ANOTHER?” by Aubrey D. Smith Matt. 11:3 Dec. 9, 1990

INTRO: poor and very much in love. Each had one unique pos­ Our belief in Christ does not always come from a session: Della’s hair was her glory, long and flowing like “Mount of Transfiguration” or from an empty tomb. Like a robe. Jim had a gold watch given to him by his father. John the Baptist, we often face the trial of our faith in the The day before Christmas Della wanted to buy Jim a gift midst of crisis. Our questions are legitimate. but had little money; she cut her hair and sold it for money, which enabled her to buy Jim an expensive chain I. “Jesus, Are You the One?” for his watch. Jim had sold his watch in order to buy Della A. Pilate asked if Jesus were indeed King. Phillip asked an expensive set of jeweled combs for her hair. Each had if any good thing could come out of Nazareth. sold his prize possession to express love to the other. God B. With world religions invading our communities, we gave His Son to show His love. Jesus gave His life to dem­ must answer for ourselves if Jesus is indeed the One. onstrate the Father’s love. We must accept His love and C. O ur hurts, conflicts, and confusions test our faith to offer our love. identify Jesus as the Supreme Comforter.

II. “Or Do We Look for Another?” SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER A. John the Baptist looked for verification. He had Preservice Welcome and Ministry Reminders been a true and faithful proclaimer of the coming of A Christmas Story Christ. He reminds us that we must know and believe in Choral Invocation Jesus before we can commit ourselves and trust Him. The Hymn “Jesus Is All the World to Me” Jim Jones mentality will not suffice. Jesus is more than Hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” the creator of a new cult. He is the Foundation of our Opening Our Hearts to Christ Chorus “Oh, How He Loves You and Me" lives. Open Altar Prayer Season B. When Jesus asked His disciples if they, too, would Chorus “He Is Lord” leave Him, Peter responded, “To whom shall we go? Thou Choral Praise hast the words of eternal life” (John 6:68, KJV). The apos­ Our Joyful and Obedient Stewardship tle Paul said, “I know whom I have believed, and am Worship in Special Song persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have com­ Message “ARE YOU THE ONE WHO IS TO COME mitted unto him against that day” (2 Tim. 1:12, KJV). — OR DO WE LOOK FOR ANOTHER?” III. A Legitimate Question Deserves an Matt. 11:3 Answer Personal Response to God’s Word Hymn “Joy to the World” A. “And Jesus answered them, ‘Go and tell John what Prayer of Consecration in Faith you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the Postlude lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them’” (Matt. 11:4-5, RSV). Creative Worship Ideas B. The world does not want a theological answer, but Christmas worship ideas hope and help. — Recruit several laypeople and assign them to study a particular character from the Christmas story. C. Our witness centers in what we have seen and At the appointed time in the service, have these people heard. The world can argue against doctrine, but not come together, dressed for their parts, to be inter­ against lives transformed by the grace of God. viewed as if they were those characters. Try to make D. We need to experience Jesus’ answer so that we can the questions and answers as realistic and relevant as share it. Our relationship with Jesus must be vital and possible. It is interesting how much the participants will learn from their study and how captivated the audience vibrant. Only an up-to-date walk with Christ convinces will be. Character options: Shepherd, Magi, Innkeeper, the world. Joseph, Mary, Elizabeth, Simeon, Herod. CONCLUSION: — Explanation of Christmas symbols, decorations, and traditions. Old copies of Ideals magazine give good “He came unto his own, and his own received him not. information on these. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to — Sponsor a home mission pastor and family on the becom e the sons of God” (John 1:11-12, KJV). We must district. Gifts can be given, and the pastor and family follow Jesus. could share in an evening service, followed by a time of ILLUS. In O. Henry’s moving story titled The Gift o f the fellowship. Magi, a young married couple, Della and Jim, were very

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 6 7 “ARE YOU GREATER THAN OUR FATHER JACOB?” by Aubrey D. Smith John 4:12 Dec. 16, 1990

INTRO: Jesus offers that which is perfect, eternal, and inde­ To entrust our lives to someone means that person structible. No one can take away the forgiveness, cleans­ must be trustworthy. The Samaritan woman questioned ing, peace, and joy that Jesus gives. Jesus to see if He were greater than the one who repre­ The apostle Paul wrote that nothing can separate us sented for her strength and authority. She asked sincerely, from God’s love and power (Rom. 8:37-39). Inner peace “Are you greater than Jacob?” Her ancestor, Jacob, created is not dependent upon people or circumstances. Corrie the well where she stood. Could Jesus be greater than ten Boom could write about her inner peace during the Jacob? atrocities of a Nazi concentration camp.

I. Jesus Confirms God’s Truth Intellectually CONCLUSION: Jesus is God’s Son. “And w hat about the well that Jacob The Samaritan woman’s question reflected her con­ dug? Who made the earth in which to dig? Who provided fusions, her longings, her searching. But she reached out the water for his well?” That answer would lead to God. for hope. Jesus offered hope to her. Today people ask, “Is Jesus greater than physicians ca­ She accepted His word and experienced peace. She pable of transplanting various organs within man’s body? told others about Jesus, and they, too, found Jesus as God’s Is Jesus greater than engineers who build computers, Anointed One (v. 42). send crafts into space, and light up the night as day?” Jesus is greater than our sin, greater than our burdens, The God to whom we entrust our lives must be worthy greater than our needs, and greater than our weaknesses. of our trust. People can fool each other. Powerless gods have been offered to mankind. Who created knowledge to be stored in computers? SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER Who created space wherein man can fly? Who separated night from day wherein light shines? Each question Prelude Praise in Special Song brings us back to God! Jesus was God’s Son. Opening Our Hearts to God in Prayer The comparisons of Jesus and Jacob give answers to her Chorus “Fill My Cup” question. Jacob was wealthy. As the Son of God, Jesus Pastoral Prayer owns all. Jacob was powerful; Jesus is omnipotent. Jacob Hymn “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” Hymn “There’s a Song in the Air” was the son of Abraham; Jesus is the Son of God. Jacob was Prayer Season a spiritual leader; Jesus is our great High Priest and Inter­ Open Altar cessor. The covenant of Abraham was carried on through Chorus “O Come, Let Us Adore Him” the descendants of Jacob; Jesus fulfilled the covenant. A Witness to the Blessings of Giving (layman) Our Joyful and Obedient Stewardship (Received by II. Jesus Confirms God’s Truth Experientially same layman) Reading of God’s Word John 14 Jesus speaks to experience. John the Baptist sent his Choral Praise “The Crystal Fountain” disciples to ask Jesus if He were indeed the promised Message Messiah. Jesus answered: “Go and tell John what you hear “ARE YOU GREATER THAN OUR FATHER JACOB?” and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, John 4:12 lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are Choral Invitation “Ho! Every One That Is Thirsty” raised up, and the poor have good news preached to Personal Response to God’s Word them” (Matt. 11:4-5, RSV). Benediction

III. Jesus Confirms God’s Truth Eternally Creative Worship Ideas Christmas worship ideas Jesus built His answer on the logic of the woman’s — Family Home Idea pamphlets can be obtained in­ knowledge. He spoke to her personal experience. Jesus expensively through Focus on the Family. Distribute reminded her that Jacob’s provisions were limited, falli­ these to the church families. ble, and temporary. Jesus offered her that which was last­ — An all-church Christmas dinner or all-adult ban­ ing, permanent, and eternal. quet. Everyone being together fosters the “church fam­ ily” feeling that needs to be encouraged. People’s offers have limitations. They may give guaran­ —A letter to individuals who have lost loved ones tees, but they break down. Lifetime warranties fade, dis­ during the past year can be a real ministry by the pas­ solve, or cease to function. Man’s greatest inventions have tor. The first Christmas without that loved one is pain­ limits. A multi-million-dollar, highly sophisticated sci­ ful. The poem by Albert Simpson Reitz, “My First entific project can fail because of one very small, inex­ Christmas in Heaven,” can be helpful. pensive component—a bolt or a nut.

68 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE “ARE YOU KING?” by Aubrey D. Smith John 18:37 Dec. 23, 1990

INTRO: C. Jesus did not respond to Pilate’s question. Neither Jesus came to provide salvation. The angel told Mary did Jesus resist the wishes of the people. Only they could that His name would be “Jesus, because he will save his decide what place would be given to Jesus. Jesus said, people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21). The angel an­ “For this cause came I into the world” (John 18:37, KJV). nounced to the shepherds good tidings of great joy, for a ILLUS. I have seen a game played at Christmas parties Savior was born (Luke 2:10-11). John the Baptist pre­ wherein as gifts are passed around, individuals with a pared the way of the Lord. John preached about Jesus’ called number have the opportunity to either choose a coming. gift yet unwrapped or to take a gift from someone else The Christmas season reminds us of our responsibility already opened. This swapping of gifts can become quite toward God. People w ho relegate Jesus to the closet most hilarious. However, we must not swap Jesus around, de­ of the time are confronted at Christmas with Him. At pending on our whims and wishes at the time. We must Christmastime, it is hard to ignore Jesus. We see ourselves refuse to exchange loyalty to Jesus for misplaced prior­ reflected in Pilate. We must ask ourselves these ques­ ities and pleasures of the moment. tions. CONCLUSION: I. If Jesus Is a Kina, Why Do You Want to Jesus is God Incarnate. He had the power to cancel the Know? tragic act of crucifixion. But God grants to us the power of accepting or rejecting His love and the Lordship of A. What does Jesus’ Kingship matter if you do not al­ Jesus Christ. low Him to be your Savior? Where Jesus leads doesn’t Someday Jesus will be our Judge, but He can be our matter if you do not follow Him. Master in life only by choice. We crown Him or crucify B. If you do not allow Jesus to be Immanuel (“God Him, love Him or leave Him. The choice to accept or with us”), it doesn’t matter whether you celebrate Christ­ reject Jesus is ours. mas. To crown Him King means to sincerely grant Jesus rul- ILLUS. In 1988 and 1989, two cities in Pennsylvania ership of our lives. Will you allow Jesus to be your King? were legally challenged concerning Christmas scenes on government property— Pittsburgh and Bethlehem. Beth­ lehem, founded by Moravians, has become known as SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER Christmas City, U.S.A. It caused quite a community con­ Preservice Welcome and Ministry Reminders troversy when city fathers made some compromises in Prelude ’89 concerning the Christmas scene. They added whim­ A Christmas Story or Choral Uplift sical figurines such as elves and snowmen to the Nativity Hymn “O Worship the King” scene to offset the spiritual emphasis. But it is more im­ Hymn “What Child Is This?” portant that Jesus be displayed in your lives. Pastoral Prayer Chorus “Alleluia” II. If Jesus Is a King, of What Is He King? Our Joyful and Obedient Stewardship Hymn “Angels, from the Realms of Glory" A. Pilate confronted the question of Jesus’ Kingship (v. Worship in Special Song “Down from His Glory” 36). The real question for Pilate is, Would Jesus be his Message “ARE YOU KING?" King? John 18:37 Personal Response to God’s Word B. Will Jesus be accepted as King? Jesus taught His dis­ Hymn “Crown Him with Many Crowns" ciples to pray, “Thy will be done in earth, as it is in Prayer of Accepting Christ as My King heaven” (Matt. 6:10, KJV). In heaven Jesus had full au­ Postlude thority. Will you give Jesus full authority in your lives? C. God’s kingdom exists in His people, not only over a kingdom of angels. Creative Worship Ideas Christmas worship ideas III. If Jesus Is a King, Will You Make Him Your — Communion at the Manger. Arrange the front of King? the church as the manger scene. Have a couple dressed as Mary and Joseph. Serve Communion to the A. Pilate referred to Jesus as King, but he did not honor people in some setting close to the manger. Jesus as King. The soldiers crowned Jesus as King in — Christmas Lighting Service. So much can be done mockery (John 19:2-3), but they did not give Him the with dim lights, devotional music, meditations on the reverence due a king. “Light of the World,” and the opportunity for individuals lighting personal candles. The meaning of light and the B. The people rejected Jesus as King. If we reject the sharing of that light is significant, and the visual effect Lordship of Jesus, we yield that position to someone or enhances the message. something else.

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 6 9 “WHY HAVE YOU SO DEALT WITH US?” by Aubrey D. Smith Luke 2:48 Dec. 30, 1990

INTRO: Helen Steiner Rice says, “No one ever sought the Father The feeling of Jesus’ absence in your life is not always and found He was not there. And no burden is too intri­ due to personal rejection or sin. Sometimes godly people cate to be lightened by a prayer” (source unknown). feel that Jesus is absent. Our sorrow turns to joy when we seek Jesus and know Mary and Joseph traveled to Jerusalem to fulfill a sacred that He is there. Joyful triumph came out of sorrow for rite. They were endeavoring to doing the right thing. Joseph, the Hebrew children, Daniel, Peter, and Paul and Mary and Joseph were caring parents. They may be held Silas. Mary and Joseph discovered Jesus at work and we will also. accountable for human error, going so long without checking on Jesus. But the mistake was one of human We do not always understand life’s events. But each frailty. event can teach us more about Jesus and His ways. “Mary What is our response when we perceive that Jesus is kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart” not obviously present? From this story we gain an under­ (Luke 2:19, KJV). standing. CONCLUSION: I. Though Appearing Absent, Jesus Was at Work Doing God’s When Jesus does not seem present, make sure that we Will have not left Him behind. Then we must trust Him to Not knowing where God is during our tough times can walk faithfully with us. In time, He will reveal His pres­ be frightening. ence. Alone in a dark well and later in prison, Joseph could not see God. Facing a fiery furnace, the Hebrew children ILLUS. A well-known poem talks of a man who one had no outward assurance of God’s presence. In a den of night had a dream that He was walking along the beach hungry lions, Daniel appeared to be alone. Chained be­ with the Lord. But when the last scene of His life flashed tween two prison guards, Peter seemed to be forsaken. At before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. midnight in a Philippian jail, Paul and Silas appeared to He noticed that at times along the path of his life there be abandoned. was only one set of footprints. Those times seemed to correspond with the saddest, darkest times. This both­ ILLUS. Of the disciples’ fear on a storm-tossed sea, ered him. He questioned God as to why He had left him Mary A. Baker wrote the words of the hymn “Master, the alone when he needed His help so desperately. Tempest Is Raging.” The Lord replied, “My precious child, I love you and I In each situation, we can look back and see God was at would never leave you. During those times of trial and work. In the fiery furnace God’s presence was demon­ suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was strated through His power. God has not abandoned us. then that I carried you.” Isaiah gave God’s promise: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God” (41:10, KJV). Mary and Joseph could only see that Jesus was absent. SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER But He was doing the will of His Father. While we cannot sense His presence, Jesus is at work on our behalf. Preservice Welcome and Ministry Reminders Prelude ILLUS. A songwriter declared “He Was There All the Trumpet of Praise Time.” Call to Worship Will H. Thompson writes in another hymn “Jesus Is All Scripture Ps. 40:1-5, 13 Chorus “God Is Still on the Throne” the World to Me.” Invocation of God’s Blessings Hymn “Be Still, My Soul” II. If We Keep Searching, Jesus Will Be Hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness" Revealed Choral Praise “My Faith Still Holds” When Mary and Joseph could not find Jesus in their Our Joyful and Obedient Stewardship Reading of God’s Word Luke 2:39-52 company, they began a diligent search. They went back to Worship in Special Song where they had last seen Jesus. It is wise to make sure that Message “WHY HAVE YOU SO DEALT WITH US?" we have not walked away from Jesus. We can find Him Luke 2:48 waiting at the point of our departure. Personal Response to God’s Word Jesus will be found by those who seek Him. Jesus said, Hymn “Does Jesus Care?” “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” (John Open Altar 6:37, KJV). Prayer of Consecration in Faith Postlude ILLUS. Johnson Oatman, Jr., has written “No, Not One.”

7 0 THE PREACHER'S MAGmZINE REDEMPTION IS A CHANCE TO START OVER by Aubrey D. Smith Isa. 9:2 and 2 Cor. 5:17-21 Jan. 6, 1991

INTRO: V. Redemption in Jesus Creates a New Walk ILLUS. In ’31 he failed in business; in ’32 he was de­ A. We are spiritually buried with Christ, but in Christ’s feated for the state legislature; in ’34 he failed in business resurrection we are also raised up (Rom. 6:3-4). There­ again; in ’41 he suffered a nervous breakdown; in ’43 he fore we walk with Him in newness of life. We are respon­ tried for his party’s nom ination for Congress and failed; in sible to walk a different path, now that we walk with ’55 he ran for the Senate. He failed again. In ’58 again he Jesus (8:1-5). ran for the Senate and failed. In ’60 he finally succeeded. In I860 Abraham Lincoln campaigned and was elected B. We must leave behind the sinful walk. We look for­ president of the United States. ward to the opportunity of experiencing a new walk in One of the greatest privileges of life is to be allowed to Jesus Christ (1 John 1:6-7). start over after failure. The apostle Paul referred to a hope even more glorious ILLUS. W hen my older son was preschool age, he used than new, human opportunity. We can bring our failures, to play with his cars in the dirt of our flower bed beside shortcomings, mistakes, improper actions and reactions, the driveway. He only had one problem with his fun— he even our sins to God. He is willing to wipe our record hated to get dirty. He would cry, running to his mother, clean, allowing us to start over. asking to be cleaned up. Then soon he would be back in Jesus promised Nicodemus that he could begin again. the dirt again, wanting to be cleaned up. To let Christ It is the experience of a new birth. clean us up, we must walk with Him, and His grace will keep us clean. I. Salvation in Jesus Gives Me a New Record A. A new record means that I have a fresh start. My sins CONCLUSION: will never be remembered against me. We have opportunity for a fresh start through the for­ B. My sins have been justified by God. He does not giving grace of Jesus. condone my sins of the past, but He clears my record. ILLUS. W hen a young man, Bev Shea struggled over Justification means “just as if I had never sinned.” what to do with his life. His mother knew that the deci­ II. Redemption in Jesus Gives Me a New God sion had to be his. She placed a poem by Rhea Miller on his piano. One day, after reading those words and strug­ A. No one but Jesus can give true satisfaction and secu­ gling over his decision, Bev sat down at the piano. His rity. fingers casually ran down the keyboard as he composed B. God brings me peace, joy, and hope. We have hope music to the words of Mrs. Miller’s poem. It has become that our future can be better. the well-loved song “I’d Rather Have Jesus.” God wants to give us a fresh start. III. Redemption in Jesus Gives Me a New Experience A. This new experience brings joy, fulfillment, and SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER peace. This experience comes from God who guides me A Personal Witness “A Call to Newness of Life” and helps me overcome. We will be “more than con­ Men’s Quartet “A New Name in Glory” querors” (Rom. 8:37, KJV). Hymn “Arise, My Soul, Arise” Hymn “And Can It Be?" ILLUS. I remember the night Jerry was saved. He had Reading from God's Word 2 Cor. 5:8-17 tried everything—wine, women, song, and the drug Prayer Season scene. But nothing had satisfied. He testified a few weeks Choral Praise Medley after receiving salvation, “Life is so different; I can’t be­ “Grace Greater than Our Sins/My Burden Is Gone" lieve it. Now I love people that I used to hate, and life is Our Joyful and Obedient Stewardship fun.” Message “REDEMPTION IS A CHANCE TO START OVER” IV. Salvation in Jesus Creates a New Nature Isa. 9:2 and 2 Cor. 5:17 A. Salvation enables me to keep that new record clean. Personal Response to God’s Word In Ezek. 36:26-27, God promises to place a new spirit Hymn “Jesus, I Come” or “I Am Resolved” and a new heart within us. Prayer of Consecration and Transformation B. I am made different. I have now a spiritual heredity. Creative Worship Ideas I have been reborn with Christ’s nature within. By God’s Music help I can live in His likeness (Rom. 8:14-16). The term Special choirs for Sunday evening service may in­ regeneration means “made over” or “made anew.” clude senior citizens, teenagers, men only, women only, ILLUS. Madelaine Miller calls regeneration in Jesus a children, Sunday School class, etc. “reestablishment on a better basis.”

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 71 SICK OF BEING SICK — BREAKING THROUGH TO VICTORY by Aubrey D. Smith Mark 5:21-34 Jan. 13, 1991

INTRO: C. Healing came in response to the diligence of her effort. She said, “If I may touch but his clothes” (v. 28, A. In Mark 5 Jesus was on His way to minister to Jairus’ KJV). Hers was not an effortless endeavor, but a signifi­ daughter. cant, sacrificial, struggle. She sought victory at all costs. 1. Jesus desires to meet our needs (Matt. 8:1-3 and Mark 8:1-3). III. She Was Deliberate 2. Jesus never forces but is always willing to help. A. An accidental touch was not enough. Many others B. Jesus stopped for a needy woman (Mark 5:22-24). touched Jesus, as suggested by the disciples’ statement. But her touch was one of deliberate desire and action of 1. Jesus does not set priorities or exclusions in help­ faith. Salvation requires personal action and deliberate ing people as we do. choice. 2. Jesus was on His way to the home of a wealthy and influential person, but He stopped to meet the need of an B. We may “brush against Him,” even in group wor­ obscure, penniless, outcast woman. ship. However, it is the determined, desperate, and delib­ 3- She did not expect Jesus’ help. She only knew she erate touch that transforms. Like this woman, we must needed His help. break through our fears and obstacles to find victory in Jesus. 4. She had tried all else. Jesus was her only hope. ILLUS. The songwriter rejoiced when he wrote the CONCLUSION: hymn “The Solid Rock.” The woman was delivered from her illness (v. 34). God 5. Her condition was growing worse. Our spiritual was faithful to provide His healing power in response to maladies grow worse until we bring them to the Great the diligent quest of a needy person. Physician. WHAT CAUSED THIS WOMAN TO RECEIVE JESUS’ HEALING TOUCH? SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER Preservice Welcome and Ministry Reminders I. She Was Determined Prelude Choral Invocation “There’s a New Song in My Heart” A. She recognized and admitted her need. We receive A Call to Newness of Life no help until we come to the point of admitting our Chorus “He Touched Me” need. A Witness of Transformation Hymn “My Wonderful Lord” B. Obstacles did not stop her. Her own weakness did Hymn “Blessed Assurance” not keep her from pushing through the crowd. What oth­ Prayer Season ers thought about a defiled woman did not keep her from Praise in Special Song seeking help. The fact that others had unmet needs did Our Joyful and Obedient Stewardship not weaken her faith. Reading of God’s Word Mark 5:21 -34 Choral Jubilation “The Comforter Has Come” C. She did not excuse herself because of her obstacles. Message “SICK OF BEING SICK— BREAKING Who could have blamed her for giving up and turning THROUGH TO VICTORY” back? But she would have missed the victory. We can al­ Mark 5:21-34 ways give excuses as to why we do not experience God’s Personal Response to God’s Word Choral Invitation “Only Trust Him” full blessings, but that does not meet our needs or bring Prayer of Consecration for Victory victory. Postlude II. She Was Desperate Creative Worship Ideas A. She was “sick of being sick.” No doubt others had as Music great a need and had suffered as much and long as she. Seasonal hymns out of season can be a blessing. But no one was as dissatisfied with his condition as she. Christmas hymns such as “Come, Thou Long-expect­ ed Jesus” and “Joy to the World” offer a message of B. The discomfort of her malady pressed her to find a hope anytime. What a tragedy to lift the sounds of solution. We must become so dissatisfied with the status praise such as “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come” and quo and spiritual malady of our era that we cannot live “We Gather Together” only in November. without remedy.

7 2 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE NEVER TOO OLD FOR A FRESH START by Aubrey D. Smith Joshua 14 (Caleb) Jan. 20, 1991

INTRO: climbing over the ruins of Jericho’s fallen walls. Faith is holding on to the dream until it becomes reality. Caleb is not among prominent names of the Old Testa­ ment. No book bears his name. He is not listed among the Caleb held on to God’s promise for 40 years. He spent kings, judges, prophets, or leaders of Israel. However, all those years in the wilderness, believing that someday Caleb serves as one of the most beautiful and powerful he would dwell in Canaan. spiritual examples of Sacred Writ. Caleb maintained his faith because he was confident of Caleb served as one of the 12 spies sent by Moses to his commitment to God. check out Canaan. W ith Joshua he spoke against the other 10 spies who turned the hearts of the people to fear and IV. Caleb Did Not Expect God to Do All the rejection of God’s will for conquest. Work (vv. 1-12) Caleb’s spiritual life was witnessed to from three sources: (1) his own personal testimony (v. 8); (2) the We can abuse the privilege of prayer in an effort to get testimony of others about him (v. 9); and (3) the testi­ God to do all our work and to wage all our wars against mony of God concerning him (w. 10, 12, 14). sin. God seeks to work with us. We are led to believe that we are stuck in our ways and We must work to fill classrooms and pews. We must do cannot change. We begin to think that the promise of a our share of work to present the gospel to our family and new life will not materialize. Caleb shows us how a fresh neighbors. We must boycott, picket, and stand up against start becomes reality. evil in society. Then God brings victory— even if mira­ cles are needed. I. Caleb Did Not Become Bitter Because of Caleb faithfully fought the battle, confident that God Others (vv. 7-8) would bring victory. One sad result of sin is that innocent people often share the burdens of sin’s consequences. Caleb had been CONCLUSION: faithful to God. Returning as a spy, he courageously stood against the odds to defend the right. With Joshua, he pled Like most godly people, Caleb faced numerous cir­ to follow God’s directions. Because others lacked faith, cumstances that would hinder him from entering a new Caleb spent 40 more years in the wilderness. Forty years land and starting a new life. Powers of evil will always of insecurity and turmoil, when he could have lived in a tempt us to be bitter, jealous, and unfaithful. However, by land “flowing with milk and honey” (Exod. 3:8). yielding to that temptation, we lose the fulfillment of our glorious dreams for a fresh new start. Caleb did not allow bitterness over circumstances, oth­ ers, or God to keep him from the promise of a new life. We must harbor neither bitterness nor resentment. SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER ILLUS. E. Stanley Jones explains the accuracy of the old Preservice Welcome and Ministry Reminders expression, “Blind with rage.” Some doctors experi­ Choral Invocation “There’s a New Song in My Heart” mented with rats. They found that after the rats had been A Witness to Newness of Life (Someone saved later kept angry for an extended period of time, opaque films in life) came over their eyes. Their sight was affected. Op­ Hymn “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” tometrists say that they cannot examine the eyes of an Hymn “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” angry man, for “he cannot see straight.” Pastoral Prayer “Because He Lives” Our Joyful and Obedient Stewardship li. Caleb Did Not Grow Jealous over God’s Worship in Special Song Blessings to Others (v. 6) Message “NEVER TOO OLD FOR A FRESH START” Joshua 14 Caleb was one of only two faithful spies that had ear­ Choral Adoration Salvation Medley lier entered Canaan. He had been faithful, yet no book in “I Know Whom I Have Believed/The Solid Rock” the Bible bears his name. He had been as true as Joshua, Personal Response to God’s Word but Caleb was never appointed coleader of the Israelites. There is no indication that Caleb allowed any tempta­ Creative Worship Ideas tion of jealousy to stand in his way of a fresh start in a new Music land. His prime desire was to possess the fulfillment of A closing hymn of triumph can send people away God’s promised blessings in his life. with renewed confidence to face the coming week. It causes the service to end less abruptly and helps to III. Caleb Maintained His Faith (v. 6) increase faith after an invitation without visible re­ sponse. Faith is more than marching across a dry riverbed or

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 7 3 LEARNING TO LOVE by Aubrey D. Smith John 20:1-17 Jan. 27, 1991

INTRO: B. Mary Magdalene loved Jesus because He accepted The possibility and power for a changed life and a fresh her as she was. Yet He offered her power to be trans­ start is available in Christ. formed. No one appears more faithful to love Jesus during His CONCLUSION: crucifixion than Mary Magdalene. She had been a faithful follower and supporter (Luke 8:1-3). She stood by the ILLUS. In Hans Christian Andersen’s classic story, an Cross (John 19:25), followed those who took Jesus’ body ugly duckling was despised and laughed at. Later it be­ to the tomb (Mark 15:47), brought spices to His grave came a beautiful swan. A great transformation took place (16:1), and was willing to care for His body (John in Mary Magdalene’s life. It happened not through growth 20:15). and age but in an instant, by the grace and power of Jesus. No one received a greater response of love from Jesus She was changed much like an ugly duckling being trans­ than did Mary Magdalene. She was the first to whom He formed into a beautiful swan; like a caterpillar into a revealed himself (John 20:16). She was the first to bear lovely butterfly; like a frog from the fairy tales, kissed and the news of His resurrection (v. 18). She serves as a sym­ changed into a handsome prince. Mary was miraculously bol of the love and grace of Jesus Christ in transforming changed, different, new. lives. The apostle Paul reminds us that Christ has the power to make us a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17). Like Mary, we I. How Did Mary Love Jesus? can be changed; we can experience new life in the love of Christ. She represents our need and Jesus’ transforming A. She loved Jesus completely and continually. From power. the beginning of her conversion, she followed faithfully: before the Crucifixion, after His death, and following His resurrection. SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER ILLUS. Jerry Self says that at the tomb, Mary was not Preservice Welcome and Ministry Reminders alarmed by thoughts of guards or the presence of angels; Prelude she was looking for Jesus. Choral Praise “Hallelujah, We Shall Rise” Hymn “Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee” B. She loved Jesus unselfishly. It was not what Jesus Hymn “O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go” gave her, as it was with others (John 6:26). It was what He Coming to God in Prayer meant to her: a Savior and a Transformer. She gave as a Hymn “O, How I Love Jesus” steward to Him. While others were hiding in self-preser­ Pastoral Prayer vation and self-pity, she thought only of Jesus. Repeat Chorus Our Joyful and Obedient Stewardship C. She loved Jesus genuinely. She was not ashamed to Worship in Special Song be known as His follower. She was willing to bear the risk. Message “LEARNING TO LOVE” Her love was deep enough to compel her, even when in John 20:1-17 Personal Response to God’s Word His death, Jesus could not respond. Hymn “Wonderful Savior” Open Altar for Prayer of Love to God II. Why Did Mary Love Jesus? Hymn “My Jesus, I Love Thee” Postlude A. Jesus represented what Mary wanted to be. Her trau­ matic, immoral life had brought her many companions, Creative Worship Ideas but she was lonely. Her life afforded financial gain, but Stewardship she was a pauper in spirit. Jesus held no formal claim to Train our people that the “time of tithes" is a form of fame, was of the common class, and possessed no wealth. worship. Avoid ideas or terminology that focus our Yet she longed for what He had and for what He offered. hearts on money. Rather, encourage the understanding Her life that had appeared so full was empty. of tithing as an expression of love and obedience. ILLUS. Janis Joplin, rock star of the ’60s, before her suicidal death, once said, “I make love to 25,000 people on stage, and then I go home— alone.”

7 4 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE MOTIVATIONAL HINDRANCES TO A FRESH START- G O ING FORWARD OR LOOKING BACK by Aubrey D. Smith Genesis 19 Feb. 3, 1991

INTRO: As Lot realized that leaving was their only means of survival, he tried to take the easy way out. God pointed The story of Lot and his family is both familiar and him toward the mountains— symbols of the place of wor­ relevant. We face change and the challenge of how we ship in spiritual heights. But Lot looked for places close will allow change to affect us. by, places more like that to which he had become accus­ From “Marriage Enrichment” comes the axiom, tomed. Like Lot, too often we want our changes to be as “Change is inevitable and automatic; growth requires de­ convenient as possible. liberate action.” Some changes we desire; some we do Cherishing the town and the plain (v. 20), Lot followed not. Some changes are pleasant and exciting. Other the route of rationalization, compromise, and half­ changes invoke fear and dread. Our challenge is to face heartedness. Do we rationalize and halfheartedly com­ each change with promise and use change for personal promise in responding to changes that God requires? growth. To use changes as growth opportunities requires God instructed Lot and his family to go forward to a deliberate and positive effort on our part. The story of Lot new life, and not to look back at the old. and his family draws a parallel and reminds us that: Lot’s wife looked back, the direction of her longing. She liked the past. She had enjoyed living for her own I. Change Is Difficult satisfaction. She did not want to separate herself from her God told Lot to get out of Sodom and Gomorrah. Part of former life. sin’s tragedy is its addiction. If Satan is allowed to gain Christians can fall prey to the temptation of holding on control of any part of our lives, it is extremely difficult to the past and failing to move forward to new and better for us to have the courage and discipline to break free. days in God’s plan. The new convert may be tempted to hold on to past ILLUS. Florence Nightingale was a young lady who had sins when God reveals a new and better way. lost hope. She assumed she was on her deathbed. It seemed that the end was near. But through a change of CONCLUSION: circumstances, she decided to get up, try life again, and to fulfill her goal. In so doing, she started one of the In Phil. 3:7-14, the apostle Paul spoke of counting greatest ministries, and her name has become synony­ what he had given up as loss and forgetting the things of mous with nursing. It was, however, her willingness to the past in order to reach for the new and higher prize in make changes in her life that made things different for Christ Jesus. her and many others.

II. Growth Is Difficult SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER Preservice Welcome and Ministry Reminders Lot and his wife did not wish to change their situation. If change is hard, growth is even harder. With God’s help, Hymn “He Leadeth Me” we can walk toward new horizons and experience a new Hymn “Higher Ground” Praise in Special Song and better life. A Testimony of Vision ILLUS. He was a Scotsman and a member of a rebel Our Joyful and Obedient Stewardship cause in his day. Considered a fugitive, he was hunted by Reading from God’s Word the law. Finally he fled to America because he had spent Chorus “Have Thine Own Way” much of his young life in prison. He did not want to re­ Pastoral Prayer turn to jail. In America he started a fresh life. Instead of Choral Meditation “Sweet Will of God” being a rebel, he found himself involved in law enforce­ Message ment. Turning his energies to defending the right, he set “MOTIVATIONAL HINDRANCES TO A FRESH STA R T- up an honest law enforcement organization. GOING FORWARD OR LOOKING BACK” Genesis 19 People came to him because he would help in an hon­ Personal Response to God’s Word est and upright manner. He was dependable. Known far Hymn “All the Way My Savior Leads Me” and wide, he set up legitimate organizations of law en­ Prayer of Consecration for the Vision forcement across America. This man allowed a change to take place in his heart that brought positive growth. Be­ Creative Worship Ideas cause of it, his name became synonymous with security Stewardship and law enforcement. His name was Pinkerton! Occasionally sing a hymn of thanksgiving, praise, or Lot and his family were satisfied with the status quo. consecration as the offering is being taken. For them comfort took priority over God’s purposes.

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 7 5 MATERIAL HINDRANCES TO A FRESH START— DETERIORATION OF A RELATIONSHIP by Aubrey D. Smith Malachi Feb. 10, 1991 INTRO: Third, they lacked objectivity. They blamed the deteri­ Nehemiah, the great revivalist, was called back to re­ oration of their relationship on God. port to Artaxerxes, the king. Apostasy had set in among When our relationship with God deteriorates, it is evi­ dent in prayerlessness, failure to tithe, neglected witness the people of Israel. Ezra died and the revival of his time for Jesus, faultfinding with people. had waned. W hile Nehemiah had been away, spiritual dis­ obedience among the people had increased. At this time III. Israel Wanted to Receive Much but Gave God raised up a prophet by the name of Malachi to help Little Nehemiah preach to the people about restoration and Israel said, “It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it revival. Malachi challenged the apostasy of Israel. His that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked message is needed today. mournfully before the Lord of hosts?” (Mai. 3:14, KJV). Israel and God had a very special relationship. God had Though Israel wanted to receive much from God, they claimed them for His own. There existed a unique bond wanted to give little in return. Their offerings were either between them. As in any relationship, there must be a nonexistent, partial, or inferior (1:12-14). conscious effort for its continuation. From Malachi, we IV. Israel Placed the Blame Elsewhere see Israel falling away from God. Let us look at some warning signs of breakdown in our relationship with The Israelites had profaned the altar of the Lord with God. polluted sacrifices (1:12). Their attitude reflects the hypocrisy of a deteriorated I. Israel Questioned the Value of the Partner relationship. They offered polluted sacrifice, then de­ in the Relationship nied that it was polluted, then complained when left Do I appreciate the other person as a friend? with that same polluted meat. In the book Psychology of Love, the author suggests CONCLUSION: that a partner must be valued so that one recognizes that The Israelites questioned God’s love while being un­ he could not get along without the partner. You want to faithful with their love for God. However, God graciously foster that relationship because of your dependence and offered redemption and renewal (3:10-11). need for the relationship. In a strong marriage, each per­ Let us not follow the same pattern of deterioration. We son needs and desires the support of the other. For a must recognize our guilt and accept God’s gracious offer strong relationship with God, we must realize that we of revival. need Him. The people of Israel had begun to question the value of their relationship to God. They openly practiced idolatry. SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER They no longer felt that they needed God. Preservice Welcome and Ministry Reminders II. Israel Challenged the Love of the Other Choral Invocation “Pentecostal Fire Is Falling” Hymn “I Will Praise Him” Party Hymn “A Heart like Thine” God said, “I have loved you” (Mai. 1:2). Yet the Is­ Opening Our Hearts in Prayer raelites responded, “How have you loved us?” Pastoral Prayer Chorus “My Desire” They questioned God’s love. There are three symptoms Reading from God’s Word Mai. 3:1-10 that take place: suspicion, ingratitude, and lack of objec­ Worship in Special Song “The Giving Song” tivity. The people had lost their love for God, then they by Lanny Wolfe questioned His love. Suspicion arose and then ingrati­ Message tude. After all that God had done for the Israelites, they “MATERIAL HINDRANCES TO A FRESH START— were ungrateful and disobedient. DETERIORATION OF A RELATIONSHIP” Malachi ILLUS. Winston Churchill told the story of the little Personal Response to God’s Word boy that was drowning. A sailor happened by in the park Bringing Our Complete Offering to God and saw him. He jumped in and rescued him, saving his Hymn “Take My Life, and Let It Be” life. Later the mother of the young boy saw the sailor and Prayer of Complete Consecration said, “Sir, are you the one that rescued my little boy?” The sailor was embarrassed, thinking that he was about Creative Worship Ideas to receive great praise, and replied modestly, “Yes, Stewardship ma’am.” Ask a layperson to testify about the joy and blessing She looked at him with anger in her eyes and said, of giving. This can be a powerful “sermon” before the “Well, tell me something, sailor. Where is my boy’s cap?” offering is taken. Ingratitude is inconceivable.

7 6 THE PREACHER'S MAGmZINE ATTITUDES AS A HINDRANCE TO A FRESH START- LIVING BENEATH OUR MEANS by Aubrey D. Smith Luke 15 Feb. 17, 1991

INTRO: son lived beneath his means, missing out on that which Our attitudes concerning life’s circumstances can hin­ was so abundantly available. der a new life. Like the elder brother we can miss out on God’s special provisions. ILLUS. Several years ago in Hollywood, Fla., an elderly woman passed away. She had moved there after the death I. We Must Not Let Our Spiritual Life Become of her husband. She lived in a run-down house and had no Mundane car. She depended on neighbors to take her to the super­ If our walk with Jesus becomes mundane, we will lack market every week. joy. If we avoid spiritual conquest, then we miss out on a The widow died suddenly. Upon her death the police fresh start and a new life. God has planned a glorious ordered an autopsy and a search of her house. During the victory. search, police found stuffed in shoe boxes $1 million and receipts for another $1 million in the savings and loan II. We Must Not Live on Past Victories association. The autopsy report came back, listing mal­ III. We Must Not Surrender to Petty nutrition as the cause of her death. Grievances In Luke 15, Jesus told a story known as the parable of If we allow the climate of our spiritual life to be deter­ the prodigal son. The account spoke of his rebellion and mined by actions of other people, we will be the losers. riotous living. He squandered his inheritance and even­ The elder brother’s attitude was not justified. His own tually returned to his father, penniless and shameful. But attitudes caused him to miss the feast. By his own admis­ he found welcome and forgiveness and was given a feast, sion the celebration was the greatest event that had taken a robe, and the family ring. place in their household. No previous celebration could All of us can identify with the prodigal’s waywardness. match it. No other time of merriment and joy could com­ But we rejoice in God’s gracious forgiveness and recep­ pare. But his petty attitudes caused him to miss it all. tion into our Heavenly Father’s family. CONCLUSION: Another character is mentioned in the story, the older brother (w. 25-32). The prodigal son had broken his fa­ Resentment caused the eldest son to miss what had ther’s heart, carelessly spent a portion of the family always been available to him. His father reminded him wealth, and left his older brother to do all the work. The that his provisions had been there all along. The son had older brother had worked faithfully. He had carried the only to claim the father’s provision. burden of the estate. Suddenly the prodigal is being given Often we Christians miss spiritual blessings and long a feast and royal welcome. The older brother vents his for the new convert’s joy. But our Father loves all His chil­ feelings to his father. dren equally. Our circumstances may not be the same, Have you ever felt this way? Have you ever done the but God offers equal and full provision of His blessings work and someone else got the credit? Has someone else for all. He is preparing a great celebration for us all. received the promotion you deserved? Has someone less deserving been elected to the position you wanted? Within your family, have you cared for the aged parents, SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER but another member of the family received the praise— Preservice Welcome and Ministry Reminders maybe the inheritance? Prelude A Call to Worship in Special Song ILLUS. A few years back an immigrant purchased a Hymn “This Is My Father’s World” ticket for a voyage on an ocean liner. He had saved for Hymn “A Child of the King” years in order to come to America and had managed just Prayer Season enough for his ticket. During the voyage he longed to eat Open Altar in the ship’s beautiful dining room, but he had no money. Chorus “Fill My Cup, Lord” Therefore, each day he ate from his previously bought A Testimony of the Blessings of Stewardship supply of cheese and crackers, which soon became ran­ Our Joyful and Obedient Stewardship cid and soggy. Only near the end of his journey did the Hymn “Count Your Many Blessings” Choral Worship immigrant discover that the purchase price of his ticket Message had entitled him to three meals a day in one of the ship’s “MY ATTITUDES AS A HINDRANCE TO A FRESH dining rooms. He could have eaten whatever he wanted START— LIVING BENEATH OUR MEANS" and as much as he wanted. Luke 15 When his father invited him to the banquet, the elder Personal Response to God’s Word “Jesus, I Come” brother refused because he had never received such spe­ Prayer cial treatment. Yet the feast was celebrating the return of Postlude his wayward brother. In all three of these stories the per­

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 7 7 MY DECISIONS AS A HINDRANCE TO A FRESH START- CONFRONTATION BETWEEN CONSCIENCE AND CONVENIENCE by Aubrey D. Smith John 18— 19 Feb. 24, 1991

INTRO: with Jesus . . .?" We must confront that question today. Each one must make the choice for a new life. After theoretical and theological questions have been de­ Conscience represents truth— that which is right, just, bated, after finishing our doctrinal discussions, and after and best. Convenience represents that which is easier, our ceremonies have ceased, we must stand before God often more appealing, and seemingly more satisfying— and decide, “What shall I do with Jesus?” but wrong. Like Pilate, we will confront this conflict of B. This important question is not answered without a choice. But also like Pilate, we must choose whether or struggle between our desire for convenience and our not to follow what we know to be right. Pilate said to conscience, which cries out for us to choose the right. Jesus, “Do you not know that I have power to release you, Look at Pilate’s struggle: and power to crucify you?” (John 19:10, RSV). John 18:31 “Take him yourselves.” Each one of us has the power to choose. Though we 18:33 “Are you the King of the Jews?” may not be a monarch or a government official, we have 18:35 “Am I a Jew?” (So how should I know?) the power necessary to reject Christ or to release Him to 18:37 “So you are a king?” be our Lord and King. In their confrontation, Pilate asked 18:38 “What is truth?” three questions equally relevant for us. 19:4 “I find no crime in him.” 19:6 “Take him yourselves.” I. “What Is Truth?” (18:38) 19:10 (Answer me.) “I have power . . .” A. Truth is the realization of the difference between 19:12 “Pilate sought to release him.” right and wrong. A spiritually sensitive conscience iden­ 19:14 “Behold your King!” tifies truth for us. (All verses from RSV) B. Truth is the awareness of the right. The Holy Spirit CONCLUSION: faithfully guides us into all truth. Pilate struggled to place his responsibility for choice C. Truth is the acknowledgment that I must choose on others. He tried to get Jesus to give an answer. He tried between right and wrong. Most of our struggles come, not to cleanse his conscience by washing his hands. His ac­ at the point of knowing the right, but at the point of tions were of no avail. choosing to follow the right. There is no greater struggle than the struggle of the unsurrendered will. It involves confronting truth— desir­ II. “Are You the King?” (18:33, 37) ing the right, but refusing to choose. ILLUS. The Rosetta Stone was discovered in 1799 and New life can be a reality through Jesus’ power to for­ bore inscriptions in three languages, one of which was give, cleanse, and renew. However, we must release Him ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. The scholar trying to to be King. decipher the meanings surmised that names of the king and other royalty were connected. He was right. Their names became the key to translation. Likewise, when a SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER German scholar was deciphering cuneiform, the ancient Preservice Welcome and Ministry Reminders Near Eastern writing system, he guessed that certain signs Prelude were referring to King Darius. In both cases, the king’s Hymn “He’s a Wonderful Savior to Me” name became the key to unlocking the language. There is Hymn “Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus” Worship in Special Song another king whose name unlocks the answer to life’s Pastoral Prayer most troubling questions. His name is Jesus, and He wants Chorus “Spirit of the Living God” to be King of our lives. A Witness to God’s Transforming Grace A. King equals Master and Lord: the One who is Sov­ Reading from God’s Word John 19:1-10 ereign over our lives. Choral Meditation “Room at the Cross for You" B. Jesus responded to Pilate that he must decide the Message answer to the question himself (w. 34, 37). It is not the “MY DECISIONS AS A HINDRANCE TO A FRESH START — CONFRONTATION BETWEEN omnipotence of God that determines whether He is King, CONSCIENCE AND CONVENIENCE” but our own personal choice. John 18— 19 III. “What Shall I Do with Jesus ...?” (Matt. Personal Response to God’s Word 27:22, RSV) Hymn “I Am Coming, Lord” Prayer of Repentance and Redemption A. This important question is the climax of the pre­ Postlude vious questions. Pilate had to decide, “What shall I do

7 8 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE A HAVEN OR HELL— IS MY HOME A HINDRANCE TO A FRESH START? by Aubrey D. Smith 3 John 4 INTRO: it is a sign of joy; it is a sign of experiencing the positive. Satan tries to use our home relationships to hinder a Laugh, even in tough times. Teach children to laugh at fresh start. themselves; teach them to laugh with others, not at oth­ No relationship affects us emotionally, socially, eco­ ers. nomically, and even spiritually, as our relationships at ILLUS. Abraham Lincoln said, “Most folks are about as home. Thus the home may serve to hinder our hopes and happy as they make up their minds to be.” efforts for a new beginning. No institution can bring such joy into our lives; none has more capacity to create heart­ IV. Home Is Not a Haven Where There Is No ache. Deity Our home can be a haven— a place of peace, serenity, and inner security— or it can be the closest thing to hell A. Reemphasize family altar and influence. on earth. ILLUS. According to a study released a few years ago, if ILLUS. Charles Hembree tells the story that during a Mom and Dad attend church regularly, 72 percent of the battle in Vietnam, two young men were in the thick of the children will remain true to the church. If Dad only at­ fight. Bullets were flying about, shrapnel bursting over­ tended regularly, 55 percent of the children remained head, and occasionally a grenade exploded nearby. One faithful; if Mom only, 15 percent. If neither attend, only 6 of the terrified young men gasped, “Isn’t this awful?” percent remained true. The other soldier replied, “Oh, not really. It reminds ILLUS. We are told that the typical church-related me of home.” child is under the following influences per week: tele­ Though the story brings a smile, its reality bears no vision, 40 hours; school, 35 hours; home and others, 35 humor. Four answers help determine whether a home is a hours; church, 2 hours. haven or hell. B. Reemphasize faithfulness to God. Our faith affects I. Home Is Not a Haven Where There Is No how we respond in tough times. Our personal faith Discipline shapes conversation— how we talk and reflect our thoughts; character— how we act and react; conscience A. The home needs firmness with children. When chil­ — how we think responsibly. dren run wild, all is confusion. W hen children are uncon­ trollable, chaos results. CONCLUSION: B. The home needs fairness by parents. Be fair in rela­ Home, a haven or hell! Our home should not be a hell; tionships, and be fair in example. Dr. James Dobson re­ it should be a haven. It ought to be a haven! The choice is minds us that values are “caught” more than taught. ours, but it takes continual and deliberate effort.

C. The home needs a family altar. To maintain an effec­ tive family altar requires the discipline of parents. SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER Preservice Welcome and Ministry Reminders II. Home Is Not a Haven Where There Is No Prelude Dedication Choral Uplift Children’s Choir Hymn “0 Perfect Love” A. The home needs family time with the children. Hymn “I Would Be True” Pastoral Prayer B. The home needs fidelity to spouse. Playboy philos­ Choral Praise ophy and TV role models create a sense of insecurity. Our Joyful and Obedient Stewardship Parents, let your children know that you love each other. A Teenage Witness for Christ Reading from God’s Word C. The home needs faithfulness to God. (Jointly read by husband and wife) III. Home Is Not a Haven Where There Is No Worship in Special Song “May Those Who Come Delight Behind Us Find Us Faithful” Message A. Delight in having fun. Play together— games, pic­ “A HAVEN OR HELL— IS MY HOME A HINDRANCE TO A FRESH START?” nics, etc. 3 John 4 B. Delight in having fellowship. In the home, bring Personal Response to God's Word others into the circle of your family. Teach children to Hymn “A Christian Home" care, love, and enjoy other people. Prayer for All Homes Postlude C. Delight in having frivolity. Teach children to laugh;

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 7 9 A. W. Tozer: Prophet at Large Continued from page 54

these great saints were uncontrolla­ After the Bible the next most This was his pattern year after year. bly in love with God. “These peo­ valuable book for the Christian is a Toward the end of his life Tozer re­ ple,” Tozer would say, “know God, good hymnal. Let any young Chris­ marked, “I have found God to be cor­ and I want to know what they know tian spend a year prayerfully m edi­ dial and generous and in every way about God and how they came to tating on the hymns of [Isaac] Watts easy to live with.” For almost 50 know it.” He had his favorites like and [Charles] Wesley alone, and he years Tozer lived in God. He once re­ Fenelon, Faber, Tersteegen, and Lady will become a fine theologian. quested of his congregation: Julian. Then let him read a balanced diet Pray for me in the light of the Tozer was a great lover of hymns, of the Puritans and the Christian pressures of our times. Pray that I and in his study he maintained a col­ mystics. The results will be more will not just come to a wearied lection of old hymnals. Tozer offered wonderful than he could have end—an exhausted, tired old this advice to young Christians: dreamed. preacher, interested only in hunt­ ing a place to roost. Pray that I w ill be willing to let my Christian ex­ perience and Christian standards cost me something right down to Postfuneral Counseling the last gasp! Continued from page 48 On May 12, 1963, A. W. Tozer’s earthly labors ended. His faith in lieve me when I tell them I killed By following these eight steps, God’s majesty became sight as he en­ her? ministry will become a healing fac­ tered into the presence of God. Even It is very sad that this young tor. Through good pastoral care, the though his physical presence is far mother has been immobilized by grieving will be helped to move from removed from us, Tozer will still grief and tormented by guilt. Sug­ hurting to healing and from futility continue to minister to those who gesting professional help might eas­ to faith. $ are thirsty for the things of God. $ ily have helped her see that it was highly unlikely she smothered her child and that, in any event, the au­ topsy would have shown that were it trne. Frumple’s Law Other signals that a person needs Continued from page 49 more help are: severe depression matters of consensus. Frumple ence that gives me my really impor­ from which there is seldom any re­ knows that the consensus, with its tant reason for having doubts about lief; suicidal thoughts that are fre­ usual courage, simply left some guy, the applicability of Frumple’s Law to quent, recurring, and very dominant who thought to speak his mind pub­ us reverends. No class of persons on (NOTE: Most people experience licly, to twist slowly in the wind, by earth is better equipped than we to some suicidal feelings following a himself. So when Frumple or his co­ recognize the infallibility and abso­ loss; however, these are usually pass­ believers get their hands back on the lute inculpability of leadership im­ ing and temporary); excessive use of levers, you know that they do not be­ plied in Frumple’s Law— an ability prescriptions, drugs, or alcohol. Re­ lieve in the innocence and purity of made even sharper by the innocence ferring people on for longer and in- the vast majority. In fact, they trust it and purity that the law recognizes. depth counseling by a therapist is less with Mouthpiece gone than they Yet we do not seem to see it where not disloyal but an act of wisdom and did when he was still around. we are supposed to. The only legiti­ love. But it is another level of experi- mate conclusion that I can draw from this is that we reverends are not as pure and innocent as Frumple’s Law John Wesley’s New Testament Notes says we are. I leave it to you to the­ orize on where lies the sin in the Continued from page 55 camp. every preacher of Wesleyan descent. ans in these Notes. And as to my confusion concerning More important, with our modern re­ 3- To check out our perceptions the law’s applicability to academic sources of biblical study, follow the of the Word with our companions. faculties, I would simply say that it principles that motivated John Wesley: The Notes, as we learn from the Jour­ arises from current practice. They 1. To use the most exact scholar­ nal, are a team effort, though John tell me that it’s the in thing now to ship available. took responsibility. give faculty rank to folks like Frum­ 2. To learn from other Christians 4. To let the Word move us along ple. That really broadens too much with complete openness. John Wes­ in its direction, not ours, and at its the circle within which one should ley borrowed heavily and gladly speed, not ours. That will mean al­ look for the source of trouble. from Anglicans, Puritans, a Lutheran, lowing God to take us where He wants, But enough of this quibbling. I say, Congregationalists, and Presbyteri­ by whatever way He chooses. $ “Three cheers for Frumple!” $

8 0 THE PREACHERS MAGAZINE FROM TEXT TO SERMON

Biblical Resources for Holiness Preaching

Editors H. Ray Dunning and Neil B. Wiseman provide a comprehensive collection of holiness sermon resources. Drawing from the experiences of 28 esteemed theologians and preachers, Biblical Resources for Holiness Preaching presents a contemporary expositional focus on various holiness scripture passages. Each chapter is complete with exegesis and practical applications.

Edited by . H, M Y DUNNING & N EIL B. WISEMAN

DIVISION TITLES AND CONTRIBUTORS

Holiness as Renewal in the Image of God Holiness—the Divine Standard T. C. Mitchell, Henry W. Spaulding II, C. Neil Millard Reed, H. Ray Dunning, Robert W. Smith Strait Holiness and Ministry Holiness as Perfection Tom Findlay, Alex Varughese, Daniel Spross Stephen Green, Floyd Perkins, Oscar Reed Holiness as God's Provision Prayers for Holiness John M. Nielson, Wilbur Brannon, C. S. Cowles Richard S. Taylor, Bruce Petersen, Melvin McCullough The Holy Spirit—Agent of Sanctification Arnold Airhart, Neil B. Wiseman, Hal Perkins, J. Holiness as Love Kenneth Grider Paul Bassett, Don Dunnington, W. T. Purkiser Holiness as Response to the Gospel D Roger Hahn, Hal Cauthron, Dan Boone PM083-411-3392 $29.95

ORDER FROM YOUR PUBLISHING HOUSE A card from ______the pastor can PASTOR'S mean so much X DEMEMBRANCE JL *L» I J s I J%J A systematic method of recognizing those special days in the life of m members anaand friends in your congregation

Your Pastor Says ...

Warm, friendly designs in full color coupled with meaningful selections of prose, scripture, and prayerettes beautifully express the interest and love of a pastor. Space optional for personal message. Lithographed in four colors on a MYSTERY high-gloss stock. 4 Vi" x 6". Matching envelopes.

NOTE: Suggested quantities for a church of 150 in attendance, 150 Birthday; 50 each of Anniversary, Get Well, and Bereavement. PAG-916 U 5T A p ag-911 BIRTHDAY (adult) p ag-9 1 2 ANNIVERSARY A /QCKSMI O R S t k : From Your IU- from Your Pastor p ag -9 0 3 GET WELL on Your HHHUHHHI PAG-904 SYMPATHY A p ag -9 1 5 BIRTHDAY (children) p ag -9 1 6 GENERAL PASTORAL p ag -9 1 7 BIRTHDAY (teen)

PAG-912

PAG-903

< m M dcom w riqhtml. i j

“ Ml 0 ( not I’ljtlM- Your Pastor Says i |In’ moon Ifh H i0- m W nitl l>lj ON YOUR MARK | HwfnwnKnil-. HeniffmyM GET SET.., : nfi. iHfl [iml B m W W ^ ___ r n m '1 Iff O f 1 PAG 917 PAG-911

Package of 10 (identical cards) ORDER BY NUMBER IDENTIFYING INDIVIDUAL $3.95 PAG-904 CARD Prices subject to change without notice. f A ...... 'iCAK...... ,...■ Mission Achievement in Portland A Beyond

*» 1 ■ U f r

**■ £ i S a t e II S l.£ mm

- ..W l m What comes after the Sabbath Year? . ; , THE FRONT LINE

HOW LEADERS GROW

row in the grace and level of a leader can be improved t t knowledge of our through increased knowledge. G Lord and Savior, Jesus Knowledge essential to growth may Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). Plain advice be acquired through reading and per­ from the Apostle Peter. Followers of son-to-person interaction. Seminars Christ who want to progress in their and conferences are common means of faith, must grow in experience and conveying knowledge about leadership. knowledge of the Lord. For knowledge to become learning, But how do Christian leaders grow? it needs to be practiced. Christian Leadership assignments are often leaders will grow as they muster the placed on persons who must stand on courage to put their knowledge into tiptoe to be equal to the task. The practice. continuation of the job requires Constantly learning and continu­ growth. ally practicing will develop Christian A Christian leader needs to grow leaders of high competence to the spiritually. Immersion in God’s Word glory of God’s work on earth. and fellowship with God in prayer are essential to growth. Knowledge is important for Chris­ tian leaders. There are various degrees of effectiveness as a leader. The skill

To contribute to the advancement of God’s kingdom by fostering growth in the Church of the Nazarene. To promote aggressive evangelism in all its many forms M ission throughout the denomination. o f C h u rch G row th To create an awareness throughout the church regarding the necessity for planting new churches, including D ivision the mission potential among cultural minorities. To increase participation and effectiveness in a reproductive ministry that is engaged in Christian mission.

GROW / Winter 1990 Mission Achievement in Portland and Beyond Caravans Open Hearts for New Church in Small Town

Planter Leads Caravans Four Nights Each Week

U sing Caravans as a church lead each new Caravan group them­ Masonic Lodge Hall. Pastor Spencer planting strategy in a small selves in their own home on four dif­ recalls, "W e brought in the Lamp- Oregon coast town sounds ferent afternoons. lighter Quartet from Portland and ran unusual — or perhaps amazingly in­ The talk of the town soon publi­ an ad in the local newspaper. We also credible. In September 1987, George cized their purpose. Contrary to most had support from Astoria Nazarenes, Spencer and his wife, Donna, started small-town gossip, these rumors were who sent two families to each of our Caravans in their family room as a first four services. We had 27 people first step in establishing a new con­ in the first service and continued to gregation in Warrenton, Oregon. The average 18 to 25 through the spring o f town, economically supported by The talk of the town 1988.” lumber and fishing, with a population On the first* weekend of March, the of 2,650 people, is influenced by six publicized pastpr felt compelled to phone par­ established churches. ents of Caravan children to invite Since their fifth-grade daughter, their purpose. them to church. He reports, "As I Christy, had a cluster of friends, they made calls that Saturday night, the started with a Girls’ Adventurer group Lord gave me a boldness that I had for fourth through sixth graders. absolutely accurate — this beginning never felt before. To my amazement, To suit family schedules, the first church was especially interested in all the parents 1 invited came to group decided to meet after school on children and families. church that morning, and every one Thursdays. Six weeks after beginning the first of them is part of our congregation Because no lay leaders existed, the Caravan group, the church started now.” That Sunday, attendance pastor and his wife were forced to services on October 14, 1987, in the reached 32.

IA Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship i Mission Achievement in Portland and Beyond Caravans Open Hearts

People’s attention was captured by his financial support so he could cut Growth continued throughout the other factors, too. Pastor Spencer back to fifteen hours at the grocery fall and winter months; 90 attended took a job at the local grocery store store. Forty children attended that the Christmas program. soon after he moved to Warrenton, first Vacation Bible School — in a By April 1989, the attendance working 30 hours per week. In no reached 60; 92 people attended wor­ time, everyone was acquainted with ship on Easter. Then, a new emphasis the new pastor who so kindly helped on ministry to others started so the people in the grocery store. Near the The Lord gave me church began tithing its income to start of the work, the pastor and his a boldness care for the needs o f others and began wife canvassed the town and left paying church budgets, although none pamphlets that he had printed at a that I had yet been assigned. That summer, neighboring church. And the pastor’s the church sent 20 children to district concerns for families, in a town with never felt before. camp, started a nursing home minis­ almost no other ministry for children, try, and added a teen group. The work also created interest and appreciation. flourished in the fall and early winter. In August 1988, the pastor adjusted church less than one year old. In the A new high attendance of 120 was his outside work schedule as Vaca­ fall, Caravans expanded again, to fol­ reached on Christmas Sunday 1989. tion Bible School time approached. In low up on those who had attended The ministry continues to stabilize. response, the small church increased Vacation Bible School. Warrenton church was officially or-

c h uf' t rct h SBBIBfi■ . , e f the

^ l A R E N E U . °NE BLOCK .SU«04y SCHfHH WORSHIP SERVICE

PA;, TOR (,

GROW / Winter 1990 , ganized on January 14, 1990. Ninety- five persons were present. Pastor Spencer now gives full time and energy to his ministry. This new church gave $30,000 for all purposes last year. Seven teens were sent to Mexico on a Work and Witness project. A Family Enrichment Week, something half­ way between a family camp and a rev­ ival meeting, was held last summer,

The church began tithing its income to care for the needs of others. emphasizing personal spiritual growth and the Christian home; attendance never dipped below 65. W hen GROW staff asked Pastor Spencer why they come, he answered,

"It’s hard to say why the Lord has turn on Sunday night. Not surpris­ blessed us the way He has, but I know ingly, 80% were reached through the this: Our people love the Lord. And Caravan ministry. At press time, three when they gather, they come to wor­ more families, all parents of Caravan ship. If we had a motto, it would be, children, began attending. And the ’Lord, make me a blessing.’ And my fifty children who take part in Cara­ prayer is that people will see our vans each week provide fertile soil for 'works’ and glorify our Father Who is a continuing gospel harvest for the in heaven.” kingdom through the Warrenton Still meeting in a lodge hall, an Church o f the Nazarene. average of 80 people gather to wor­ —by Neil B. Wiseman ship each Sunday morning. Half re­ with George Spencer

I A Journal of Church Grotvth, Evangelism and Discipleship i KEYS FOR CHURCH GROWTH By Louie E. Bustle

"This book" says Dr. Bill Sullivan, "is characterized by spontaneity and is written by a 'producer' of church growth."

The author's basic premise is that "Church growth is more than a strategy—it is a way of life. It is just as natural for a church to grow as it is for a person to breathe."

Order From Nazarene Publishing House P.O. Box 419527 • Kansas City, MO 64141 Growth Markings & Main Points

Jesus’ instruction to wait for the Holy Spirit is significant. It indicates beyond all question that we will not, even cannot, obey the Great Commission apart from the Spirit’s power. J. E. Conant

T h e Christian in whose heart Christ dwells inclines toward brotherhood as water runs down a valley. Donald McGavran

m he pastor fulfills his leadership role in evangelism in three ways: by teaching and preaching evangelism from the Scrip­ tures, by modeling evangelism in his life and ministry, and by organizing the congregation for evangelistic thrusts in the community. ° T0JS1 M mi... ot^E M3U t o CUT t M e uiiTnlessif&S- Roger S. Greenway '/ou'it a i l a < w t 'iOuA a u > f t e r ."

F h e nature of evangelism is the communication of the Good News. The purpose of evangelism is to give individuals and groups valid opportunity to accept Christ. The goal of evangelism is to persuade men and women to become disciples of Jesus ■ aul evidently views Antioch of Syria, Antioch of Pisidia, Christ and to serve Him in the fellowship of His church. Ephesus, Philippi, Thessalonica, Corinth, Athens, Rome, and Lausanne Covenant other metropolitan areas as evangelizing centers. From these radiating points, the gospel could penetrate an entire region (1 Thessalonians 1:6-8). Paul Benjamin

I n a growing church, the method is never to be considered as important as the task. Under God, a healthy church possesses a growth conscience which prompts it to "outreach at any cost” and then finds the methods which will prove successful. O. C. Emery

A N ainy r churches have failed to grow because they have not understood this simple rule: Organizational expansion always precedes numerical increase. David Womack

I he greatest mobilizers, like John Wesley, are persons who live near their maximum capacity not just for a few moments, but for MAY.es years — not just for fame or wealth or sport, but for meaning. . . . vAKlt) WWAT YOU So SURE. \'M tfOT <6£0ullkib All they have to offer is themselves, but that is more than others IKl LORD"? " give to anything. Dean M. Kelley

Mhe Church Growth Movement feels that it is not legitimate to set quantity against quality in church growth. No church growth advocates that I am aware of would deny the need for high-quality churches. Peter Wagner

I n the early days of a new congregation, there will be few mate­ rial or human resources. The pastor of an infant organization must be persuasive and adept in evoking the best in people and enabling the early members to do many tasks for which they may not have had prior training or experience. Ezra Earl Jones

%0hurches grow as they identify people with needs that the church can minister to, either by extending ministries already in place or building new ministries. George G. Hunter

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 5 Content

How Leaders Grow by Bill M. Sullivan inside front cover Caravans Open Hearts to Start New Church 1 Growth Markings and Main Points 5 The Gospel Creates Contrasts for Homeless 7 Ministry Team Plants Church 12 What Comes After the Year of the Sabbath? by M. V. Scutt 17 Rooted in Christ by C. S. Cowles 21 On a Holy Day in May by Carl B. Clendenen 27 Every Church Starts as a Church Plant by Gerald E. M anker 29 "I Was There for the Explosion” by Ernest McNaught 31 The Oregon Plan Moves Into the ’9Os by David Leavenworth 33 An Evangelist’s Contact With God by Nina Beagle 37 Evangelist’s Directory 43 Victory Reports 46 Thrust to the Cities Progress Report 48 Church Plant Receives 230 Members 49 Research and Trends by Dale E. Jones 55 Changed Lives 59 God Uses a Personal Witness 60 Evangelism Produces Fruit by Neil B. Wiseman inside back cover

6 GROW / Winter 1990 \ THE GOSPEL CREATES CONTRASTS FOR HOMELESS

Mission Achievement in Portland and Beyond Mission Achievement in Portland and Beyond THE GOSPEL CREATES CONTRASTS FOR HOMELESS A NEW LIFE SOMETIMES FLOWS FROM COMPASSION

MINISTRY TEAM: David Wheeler and Steven Johnson.

O peration care, a min­ istry to the homeless and needy in Portland’s inner- city and sponsored by the Oregon Pa­ cific District Church of the Nazarene, is led by Rev. David E. Wheeler. OP­ ERATION CARE is a cooperative min­ istry done by many people which flows from the heart concerns of the Oregon Pacific District, area churches, Nazarene Compassion International, Church Growth Division, and volun­ teers from Nazarene churches who pro­ vide food, clothing, friendship, and authentic models of Christian witness. Contrasts describe how the Gos­ pel affects people. The long list of biblical contrasts includes light for darkness, life for death, and salvation from sin. While walking the streets of Portland, Oregon, any morning just before dawn, one sees the despair of the homeless as they leave abandoned buildings and crawl from under card­ board blankets to search for food. But the Care Cottage, in the same city, provides a vivid contrast and a silent witness of the transforming power of Christ. The Care Cottage is a place

GROW / Winter 1990 where a homeless person is offered a starting over, such as a weekly friend­ pebbles dropped into a pond. warm bed, a simple meal, a second ship meal with volunteers from area OPERATION CARE, in the name of chance, a family he does not have and, Nazarene churches, alcoholics’ victory the caring Savior, offers life-changing most of all, the old story that points support group meetings, Bible stud­ contrasts such as hope for despair, the way to new life in Christ. ies, and individual counseling. The food for hunger, salvation for sin, Care Cottage, a trans-shelter home plan offers men a place to live while new beginnings for old failures, and for single, homeless men opened in they get established in a job and be­ friendship in place of isolation. 1986, provides a variety of helps for come self-sufficient. Steven Johnson, resident host and ministry director, is uniquely qualified for ministering to homeless men because of his bachelor’s degree in criminology from Southern Oregon State College, his ministerial training from Nazarene Bible College, and his military service in Vietnam. Similar ministries have been offered in Solace House, for single women, and children, and Grace Cottage, for homeless teen-age girls. In resident programs, continued witness, week- by-week friendship, and patterns for Christian living can be established over time. A new and growing ministry of OPERATION CARE is the Job Find­ ers Workshops. This program trains lay leaders in the churches to help the unemployed and underemployed ac­ quire meaningful jobs. Rev. Andy Hanners directs this project, which recently trained 27 persons to lead Job Finders Workshops and also as­ sisted 20 job seekers to find useful employment. MICHAEL O’BRIEN PREPARES TO 4EAL PREPARATION: Cooking and Contrasts created by the Gospel LEAVE: Michael was recently baptized by leanup shared by residents and staff. keep expanding like the ripples from Steven Johnson.

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship I One M in u te F rom You Ca n P repare T h em F or E t e r n it y Join World Mission Radio in bringing How can we do it? Through the gifts of faithful God’s Word to lands where it may never Nazarenes like you. before have been heard. $25 will buy a minute of air time We’ve a story to tell to the nations. Behind the somewhere in the world that will Iron Curtain. Into the Arab-speaking world. last someone an eternity. Throughout Third World countries. Beyond The goal of World Mission Radix) is to borders and boundaries long closed to the raise $1,000,000 a year to develop pro­ Gospel. Today, World M ission Radio grams and purchase air time to broad­ reaches millions with the saving mes­ cast God’s message to Russia, to Arabic sage of Christ—reaching men, women nations, to Asia, to Latin America, and children who until recently have Africa and developing Third World been considered unreachable. countries. Never before have Christians had With a $25 gift from you, World such an opportunity to share the Gospel The Soviet people have an immense spiritual hunger and World M ission Radio can air one minute of Mission Radio has an unprecedented opportunity to feed them. of Jesus Christ to so many people, in Bible teaching somewhere in the countries where the Word of God has never been broadcast. world. Won’t you take a minute right now and write a check Never before have Nazarenes had such a challenge to pro­ to ensure that someone on the other side of the globe will vide Christian programs to so many people. hear the Good News? The Iron Curtain has lifted and a window A special free audio cassette tape has been prepared for you by World Mission Radio featuring a report on the of unprecedented outreach has opened to new broadcasts to Russia along with an update on the situa­ World Mission Radio. tion in China. In addition, you will hear testimonies from Recent policy changes in the Soviet Union provide a recep­ people around the world whose lives have been changed by tive climate to outside spiritual influence. Perestroika and hearing the Gospel of Jesus Christ through radio. Glasnost is creating unprecedented opportunity—and great Along with your free cassette, you will also receive a uncertainty—for the church in the Eastern bloc countries. free four-page brochure that provides additional informa­ And signs indicate immense spiritual hunger among the tion about World Mission Radio. Soviet people. To get your free brochure and cassette, fill in the cou­ Now is the time to penetrate the Soviet bloc and bring pon below and mail today. the life-changing truth of Jesus Christ to millions. There may never again be such an opportune moment. The har­ vest is ripe with opportunities to bring the Gospel of Jesus World Mission Radio Christ to more people than ever before. _____ 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, Missouri 64131 Will we do it? By God’s grace and working together we will MlsJ9 N Rmdiing the Unreachable \------1 Yes! I want to turn a minute into an eternity. □ Enclosed is my gift of □ $25 □ $50 □ $100 □ $______for air time. Send me my free cassette and information packet today. □ I want the information packet and cassette first, please. Rush them to me today.

Name______Address _ City___ State. -Zip. - Church. Pastor _ We’ve a story to tell to the nations and recent political changes as well as advancements in Mail to: World Mission Radio, 6401 The Paseo radio communications make it possiblefor World Mission Radio to broadcast in lands Kansas City, Missouri 64131 J* • never before open to the Gospel. John 4:35b, n iv Mission Achievement in Portland and Beyond MINISTRY TEAM PLANTS CHURCH IN UPSCALE SUBURB NEW CHURCH STARTED IN OREGOH’S FASTEST GROWING COMMUNITY

new church thrives in T ua- latin, Oregon — the fastest growing community in the A state; 55% of the population are between the ages of 25-45. The Tualatin Fellowship Church of the Nazarene reported 65 members, 38 new Nazarenes, and 81 in worship attendance to the 1990 Oregon Pa­ cific District Assembly, only 14 months after the church held its first service in March of 1989. And the church continues to grow. Several unique factors have con­ tributed to the impressive beginning and continue to impact the church’s continuing growth. LEADERSHIP of the church start­ ed with a three-member ministry team composed of David White, pastor; Chris Conrad, associate pas­ tor; and Lee Hart, minister of music. The team dream came to White and Conrad as they prayed about the Father’s plan for their ministry near the completion of their studies at Nazarene Bible College. A ll three have tent-making skills to assist in earning their support. FIRST CONTACTS came through telemarketing. 23,000 phone calls were made with the help of Portland First Church members and friends. A second series of calls introduced the church to thirty more families. THE OPERATION CENTER is a suite of offices in a business com­ plex where phone ministry, Bible studies, and counseling are done. This gives a sense of permanence to the work and provides space for weekday ministry, a missing com­ ponent in many church plants.

METICULOUS CARE is given THREE-PERSON MINISTRY TEAM: Chris Conrad, Lee Hart, David White. to every detail in preparation for the

GROW / Winter 1990 Sunday services at Tualatin Ele­ It Was by Faith the mentary School. This makes all who Ministry Team Came Together attend feel like someone has been The church was Chris and Vickie Conrad and my getting ready for them all week. wife, Leslie, and I moved to Oregon in Details include a welcome center, a officially organized August 1988 to begin the planter book table, name badges, potted church. Lee and Cathy Hart, minis­ plants at the platform, worship fold- as a Church ters of music at Pompano Beach (Flor­ ers, and stately recorded music to ida) First Church, resigned their as­ help set the mood for worship. of the Nazarene signment and joined the ministerial FIRST-CLASS GRAPHICS and with 65 members. team. Each family came without the quality printing show in newslet­ promise of housing or full-time ters, bulletins, and promotional jobs. God has been faithful to meet mailings. Everyone appreciates this those needs, though not always as we quality, especially those who are anticipated. interested in being a part of a church LET PASTOR DAVID WHITE A home Bible study was begun in that appears to be headed for TELL THE STORY IN HIS OWN the pastor’s home in October 1988. greatness. WORDS: From this foundation, contacts into SUNDAY SERVICES are tradi­ The writer to the Hebrews tells us the community were made and the tional enough to make traditionalists that "faith is being sure of what we anticipation of starting the Tualatin feel comfortable and welcomed, but hope for and certain of what we do Fellowship grew. contemporary enough to attract the not see.” It is this faith that has car­ From this core group of excited unchurched. ried us from the beginning to this people, and with the help of volun­ PERSONAL SPIRITUAL DE­ point. The past two years could be teers from Portland First Church, a VELOPMENT stands at the core described as the most exciting and two-month telemarketing project of the ministry; it is encouraged in certainly the most challenging years (23,000 phone calls) was imple­ the public services, the weekday of our lives. The Lord’s blessings and mented in January 1989. This project Bible study, and individual conver­ His faithfulness have been real and resulted in 177 in attendance at our sations with the ministry team. never-ending. first service on March 5 in the Tua-

I A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship i 13 Mission Achievement in Portland and Beyond MINISTRY TEAM PLANTS CHURCH IN UPSCALE SUBURB ■tsGttummmm

WORSHIP: Lee Hart and Pastor White lead worship service. PREPARATION: Chris Conrad checks to see that the school is ready for visitors. latin Elementary School — a church It Was by Faith We Achieved was born. Our first annual meeting was held Because many who began attending on April 1. Reports were read and were not acquainted with the Church emotions ran high. Elections were of the Nazarene, a pastor’s class, en­ held for various positions of leader­ titled "Foundations of the Fellow­ ship, and delegates to the assembly ship,” was held, discussing philos­ were elected. Prior to this time, an ophy of ministry, doctrines, and advisory committee, consisting of church history. On April 30, 1989, three people from the congregation, 40 people were received in member­ the three pastors, and two business ship of the Fellowship. Our first bap­ consultants, served to steer the church tismal service was held May 28 at Port­ through its infancy. At this annual land First church, and eight believers meeting, the members elected a church were baptized. board of eight dedicated persons who It Was by Faith the have a true love for Christ and who Church Was Organized strive to see His vision for the church. On October 29, 1989, the church At the close of the first district as­ was officially organized as a Church of sembly year, our average attendance the Nazarene with 65 members. Also was 81. At the 1990 Oregon Pacific in October, a second telemarketing District Assembly, the Tualatin Fel­ project was carried out and, on No­ lowship Church received the Evangel­ vember 19,30 new people discovered istic Honor Roll, Honor Sunday the Fellowship and decided to make it School, Great Commission Fellow­ their home. ship, and All Budgets Paid awards. March 4, 1990, we celebrated our The Lord has blessed our church with first birthday. After one year, we were fantastic laymen who support, not walking on our own without help only the staff but each other in times of need, with words of encourage­ SPONSORSHIP: Pastor Gary Henecke from the district and had seen growth motivated Portland First Church to sponsor numerically and spiritually. To God ment and actions of love. ___new church.______be the glory!______GROW / Winter 1990 It Is by Faith We building funds continue to grow, we Minister to Needs continue to look for the right location As you might expect in a family at the right price. church, approximately one-third of God enabled the faithful at Tua­ the congregation is under twelve years latin to give $58,671 for all purposes of age. That means children’s minis­ this last fiscal year. One year ago, the tries are a key part of our work in church voted to support its senior ministries like Sunday school classes, pastor part time, and the church ea­ vacation Bible school, backyard Bible gerly awaits the time when it can have clubs, puppets, and Bible quizzing. all its pastors in full-time ministry. Youth, singles, and adult ministries are headed by laymen who responded It Is by Faith W e Face the Future to interest surveys. Other needs have The Lord has proven Himself faith­ been met through S.A.V. (Substance ful in the past, He is proving Himself Abuse Victories) and a Big Brother faithful in the present, and He will program to assist single moms raising continue to be faithful in the future. young sons. Seminars have been of­ The Psalmist tells us that the Lord is fered on "Prayer” and "Traits of the "faithful in all He does.” Happy Married Couple.” While the figures and history of this young church express some of the It Is by Faith We exciting aspects of His work, the high­ Anticipate Adequate Facilities light of ministry comes when the one Facilities continue to be a goal of hurting soul turns to a loving Christ the church. While the elementary Who understands and forgives. May school provides room for growth, it is we continue to be the people God has a temporary meeting place, and as called with "a heart for the commu­ nity — His heart.”

TEAM MEMBERS: Vickie Conrad, Cat/vy Hart, Leslie White.

TENTMAKING: Chris Conrad and David White some­ times work as trash collectors to support their families. 15

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

Fort Worth/Tarrant County Convention Center Fort Worth, Texas WHAT COMES AFTER THE SABBATH YEAR?

e had our attention. No one knew just what to plines of holy living. I just want to encourage any of you to expect as the man started up the platform steps intensify your praying and find this happy experience of and headed for the pulpit. The service was over spiritual growth.” Hand the pastor was about to pray the benediction. This The occurrence is not as rare as it sounds. Some are unusually long silence had prompted those with eyes saying that the church is, at this time, experiencing the closed in reverence for the expected prayer to look around greatest prayer movement in living memory. God appears for the cause of the strange delay. Hundreds of people to be inviting people personally, and individually, to a new stood, puzzled, but without the tension that might be initmacy with Himself. The movement is spontaneous and expected in this unconventional proceeding. The quiet growing. It is not bound by denominational distinctions, confidence of the pastor made many wonder if the whole and it moves through all cultures, worldwide. God- thing might have been previously planned. appointed intercessors are spending hours in prayer, and He moved on to the pulpit. The pastor gently slipped the number of intercessors continues to grow. his arm around him and asked, "Do you have something The influence of this move of God has impacted us. A to say to us this morning?” The spontaneous nature of the wave of affirmation seemed to move across the General situation became apparent to everyone. Extremely large Assembly in Indianapolis during the report of the Board of congregations seem to develop intimacy groups, so only a General Superintendents. Dr. Jerald Johnson announced comparative few of those present really knew the man. that 1990 would be "The Year of the Sabbath” in the The uneasy silence was profound. Church of the Nazarene. The audience welcomed the "I really don’t want to do this,” he began, quietly, announcement with enthusiasm. The denomination humbly, "but I promised the Lord I would share my seemed to be ready for the emphasis. A general hunger for new-found level of spiritual fulfillment.” Gripped with spiritual renewal seemed to prevail. This "Year of the emotion, he continued, "A few months ago, it seemed that Sabbath” would give the church opportunity to pull away God was calling me to a new life of prayer. I have been from frantic activity and focus upon prayer and matters of devoting my early mornings to God. I don’t mean to say spiritual importance. that I didn’t pray before, but my hunger for intimacy with God calls his people to greater intimacy with Himself God has drawn me to prayer in a way 1 have never pre­ for a purpose. His interest is not simply that of restoring or viously known. I am experiencing an exciting spiritual affirming empty rituals and exercises of religious pose. growth and the Lord is revealing new and wonderful disci­ People who draw close to God begin to see things as God

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 17 WHAT COMES AFTER THE SABBATH YEAR? Canada will establish its own goal for new Nazarenes "Each Nazarene member may know during the campaign. I believe a reasonable cumulative the power of the Spirit.” goal for those districts would be at least 100 new Naza­ renes per day, a total of 36,500. The HARVEST NOW! sees them. Intimacy with God opens one’s heart to God’s campaign will be the focus for the entire denomination. view of the world and His attitude toward prevailing cir­ Regional directors in world areas outside the United cumstances and conditions. Those who draw close to God States and Canada have enthusiastically agreed to partici­ develop an awareness of His heart and His concerns. The pate. They are now involved in the goal-setting process for current prayer movement is not an end; it is the avenue their areas of the world. through which the Father will reveal His priorities and We have suggested that district superintendents allow stimulate urgency for the accomplishment of His will. each local church on the district to establish its own goal. God has brought periodic renewal to the church This should be a year in which every activity of the church throughout history. Every revival has resulted in the same will be evaluated by this question: What contribution dynamic: the church stirred and readied for a new advance does this activity make, enabling the church to accomplish or battle. When "The Year of the Sabbath” was an­ the objective of winning the lost to Jesus Christ? This is not nounced, no one knew exactly where God would lead. a contest, and there will be no losers. Every soul won to the Where this spiritual emphasis has been reverently ob­ Lord is a victory, and victories should be celebrated. No served, an identical awareness has been developing. God is region, district, or local church will be in competition with giving His people a new vision of lost souls and a renewed another. The self-established goals will be the only mea­ hunger for evangelistic results! surement for the campaign. The Board of General Superintendents, sensitive to this Monthly reports will be gathered through the Sunday divine guidance, has directed the church to make the year school reporting mechanism, and the results will be pub­ following "The Year of the Sabbath” a year of all-out lished each month in the Herald of Holiness. Since periodic emphasis upon evangelism. Evangelism Ministries, chal­ reporting is difficult or impossible in many world areas, lenged to give form to the emphasis, has developed the the international regions may not be able to report each campaign named: month. Those reports will be published as they are received. A total goal for the international church will be HARVEST NOW! announced upon receipt of the goals from regional direc­ "That the world may know — GO” tors and district superintendents in the United States and Canada. The goal of the campaign is to win the lost and disciple This international focus upon evangelistic outreach them into church membership. A secondary goal is that of should become the consuming interest of every region, seeing every active church win at least one new Nazarene district, and local church. It should be the motivation for during the year of the campaign. I believe the Lord will every missionary effort, every educational institution and help us to receive more new Nazarenes during the every church program. Each Nazarene member may know HARVEST NOW! campaign than during any previous the power of the Holy Spirit in a new resolve to be an year in our history. active witness and soul-winning Christian during this year Since we agreed to engage in no promotion during "The of harvest. Year of the Sabbath,” the campaign will not run on a "The Year of the Sabbath,” properly observed, will calendar year schedule. We will use the first three months result in spiritual renewal for the church. Let’s join in of 1991 to introduce the campaign and distribute mate­ prayer during these final days of the Sabbath year, asking rials, and the campaign will run from Easter 1991 through God to show us how the renewal He has given may find its Easter 1992. Each district within the United States and fruit in a bountiful harvest of souls for His glory. —by M. V. Scutt, Director, Evangelism Ministries, Division of Church Growth

18 GROW / Winter 1990 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. JOHN 3:16

lO V C L O O K S

A REASO N To & V 6

TITHING — Cod's plan for His people Chaplaincy Ministries has set up a memorial trust fund in honor of Chaplain Gilbert Spencer who died in battle in World War II, and Chaplain Byron Lee killed in ac­ tion during the Korean War. You may have family members or friends who also gave their lives in war to preserve the peace and de­ fend freedom; or there may be those who have served or are presently serving whom you would like to honor.

It would be fitting to perpetuate their memory through a gift to as­ sist other young men and women called to the chaplaincy. In order to officially open the trust fund we must acquire $25,000. The interest each year will be used primarily to fund scholarships for students at Nazarene Theological Seminary who are preparing for ministry as chaplains.

A memorial certificate suitable for framing and inscribed with the name of the honoree will be sent to those who have lost loved ones. Please make your check payable to Norman O. Miller, Treasurer, and at the bottom left corner designate "Chaplaincy Trust Fund."

You may send your gifts to:

Director of Chaplaincy Ministries Church of the Nazarene 6401 The Paseo Kansas City, MO 64131 R gdted

Personal Growth Helps for Leaders

ointment, bandaged wounds, and then mother, ran down the aisle, went up on A Servant’s Heart gave each a pair of clean, new socks. the stage, climbed onto the piano bench After changing the water, she went on and began to plunk with one finger WEEK ONE to the next, and the next. While she "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” Before A SERVANT’S GENTLE TOUCH worked, she softly sang Christmas car­ the embarrassed mother could retrieve ols. Those men, most of whom had not him, the great pianist parted the cur­ "If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, felt a warm human touch in months tains, came over and sat down by the washed your feet, you also ought to and years, were too moved to say any­ boy, reached his arm around him, and wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14) thing. Yet the tears coursing down began to play right along with him. The It was Christmas Eve. Snow was heavy weathered cheeks said it all. Dean tes­ boy, now utterly engrossed, played his on the ground outside. The wind howled, tified that he had never felt so much the song over and over again. Rubenstein’s but we cared not as our family huddled presence of Jesus as he experienced that variations transformed that simple tune around a roaring fire in a mountain frigid, wintry night when Nurse Ann into a concerto that filled the concert cabin. All of my grown children, with literally followed Christ’s example of hall with such beauty and grace that the their spouses and children, had come servant-love. audience was brought to its feet in home to celebrate the holidays. enthusiastic applause. What a poignant In accordance with our family tradi­ demonstration of an encourager. tion, we had a worship time centering WEEK TWO in the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper prior to exchanging gifts. Dean, our THE SERVANT AS ENABLER WEEK THREE oldest, shared with us a scene that "Therefore encourage one another, unfolded before his eyes just before THE FORGIVING SPIRIT leaving his inner-city mission to fly and build up one another, just as home. They had just opened a day-care you also are doing” (I Thessalonians "But I say to you, love your enemies, center for the homeless. He chanced to 5:11) and pray for those who persecute you look in on the lounge area. Nurse Ann, Whatever the form of ministry, the in order that you may be sons of your who gave a half-day a week to the cen­ goal of servanthood is to encourage and Father who is in heaven ...” (Mat­ ter, was on her hands and knees, wash­ build up people in Christ. The Greek thew 5:44) ing the men’s feet. word Paul uses here for "encourage” is The date was May 13, 1981. The Dean was astonished. He had never paracletos, which means "alongside of.” place, St. Peter’s Square in Rome. A before witnessed such a ritual. He An encourager is one who helps people pistol shot rang out that was heard stood in the doorway and watched as to feel better about themselves, to around the world. Pope John Paul II she knelt before each man, threw away stand tall, to look good. lurched backwards on his chair, face the rotten socks, bathed his feet in Just before Arturo Rubenstein was frozen in shock as blood soiled his warm epsom-salts water, trimmed toe­ to begin his concert at Carnegie Hall, a white robes. nails, anointed sores with healing five-year-old boy got away from his Ordinarily, such spasms of senseless

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 21 ROOTED team and led them in a cheer. He then m m ran out of the dugout onto the field to congratulate the boy who, in the last game of the season, finally succeeded savagery recede in time, retreating to a drop at a time, over a period of several not only in hitting the ball but in catch­ vivid and ugly memory. But Time mag­ days, until she was strong enough to ing it, as well. Thus, that coach pre­ azine headlined a most astonishing se­ chew dried seal meat. He took her to served the greatest day of one young quel over two years later, in its January live with his people. She grew and blos­ boy’s life. 9,1984 issue. On the front cover was a somed into a beautiful teenager. Ano Christ’s servants care little about picture of the Pope with his arm around fell in love with her and took her to be who wins or loses, but they are more the would-be assailant, Mehmet Ali his bride. than willing to bear the cross of lost Agca. The lead article reported, "In a Several years later, his people suf­ games, lost incomes, lost leisure time in bare, white-walled cell in Rome’s Re- fered a terrible winter famine. Ano left order that others might be saved, lifted bibbia prison, John Paul tenderly held home in a desperate search for food. By up, and made to feel good about them­ the hand that had held the gun that was the time he had located fresh seal meat selves as children of God. meant to kill him. For 21 minutes . . . and returned three weeks later, most the two talked softly. . . . The Pope had perished, including his wife. As he forgave him for the shooting__ It was unwrapped her body, frozen on a snow a startling drama of forgiveness and ledge in the igloo, he found his four- WEEK SIX reconciliation__ The meaning of John year-old son, alive and surprisingly THE TENACITY OF THE SERVANT Paul’s forgiveness was profoundly strong. He checked his wife’s arms. As Christian. He embraced his enemy and he suspected, she had literally poured "We are afflicted in every way, but pardoned him.” out her own life’s blood in order that not crushed; perplexed, but not de­ It was shortly after this widely pub­ their son might live. spairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; licized demonstration of the forgiving Jesus revealed his servant heart by struck down, but not destroyed ...” spirit that Pope John Paul made a tri­ pouring Himself out unto death for our (II Corinthians 4:8-9) umphant return to his homeland, sakes. Can we do less than pour out our Glenn Wasson tells how, while in Poland. And it was that event, more lives in servanthood love in order that the woods, he swatted a pesky bee to than any other, that initiated the roll­ others might live in Him? the ground and crunched it into the back of Marxist Communism and be­ sand with his boot. He was startled, gan the unraveling of the iron curtain. moments later, by a minor explosion of But what can Marxism do to withstand WEEK FIVE sand at his feet. His tormentor emerged a great host of Christians whose only with its wings buzzing furiously. This strategy in dealing with enemies is ser- A SERVANT’S AWARENESS time, he stood up and ground it into the vanthood and whose only weapon is sand with all of his 210 pounds. "If any one wishes to come after me, let forgiving love? Once more, he sat down to finish his him deny himself, and take up his cross, lunch. After several minutes, he noticed and follow me” (Matthew 16:24) a broken but living bee feebly digging WEEK FOUR Jeffrey Zazlow tells the story of a Lit­ out of the sand. Intrigued by its surviv­ tle League coach of eight-year-olds. He al, he got down on his hands and knees THE POURED-OUT LIFE had several excellent players and some to survey the damage. It was bruised who just couldn’t get the hang of the and bloody. The left wing was crum­ "I will allot Him a portion with the game. They hadn’t won a game all pled like tissue paper. Nevertheless, it great... because He poured out Him­ season. began to groom its sand-encrusted thor­ self to death” (Isaiah 53:12) It was the last inning of the last game. ax and abdomen. Next, it began to Farley Mowatt, in his collection of His team was down by a run. He had smooth its crushed wing by running its Canadian Yukon stories, The Snow one boy who had never been able to hit legs down the length of it. Gradually, Walker, tells about Ano, who came the ball — or catch it. With two outs, it the wing’s gossamer veins began to fill upon a snow house nearly buried under was his turn to bat. He surprised the and harden. After each session, it buzzed a terrible winter blizzard. He dug down world by getting a hit. He made it to it as if to test its lift. This hopeless through the roof to find it a tomb, filled first. He was so excited! cripple thought it could still fly. with Indians who had starved to death. The next batter was the team slugger. Wasson was a pilot. He knew that He was about to crawl back out when At last, there was a chance that the team the bee was finished. No way could it he noticed something moving under might win one. The slugger connected ever fly again. But it kept on grooming the rotting hides. Incredibly, there was and, as the boy on first ran toward its damaged wing. With an audible a little girl, skin hanging on delicate second, the line drive came right at buzz, it actually lifted off a few inches, bones, too weak even to cry but eyes him. Not being sure of baseball’s rules, only to hit a rise in the sand, tumbling burning brightly with life. he reacted instinctively. He caught it — end over end. It righted itself and con­ Ano knew what he had to do. He cut barehanded. Final out! Game lost. tinued its repair work. Again it lifted a vein in his arm and fed her his blood a The coach turned to his stunned off, this time flying six inches before

22 GROW / Winter 1990 crash-landing. More grooming and test WEEK EIGHT cake walk. Servant ministry does cost. flights until finally it cleared the sand, Getting involved redemptively in peo­ dodged the trunk of a tree, gained alti­ THE SERVANT COMMUNITY ple’s lives is risky. tude, and finally disappeared into the "And He went up to the mountain It was the middle of the third cen­ forest. and summoned those whom He Him­ tury. The church was under siege, suf­ Servants of Christ are like that bee, self wanted, and they came to Him. fering persecution from without and according to Apostle Paul — knocked And He appointed twelve, that they schism from within. It was during the down, but not knocked out; dying, and might be with Him” (Mark 3:13-14) darkest hour that Cyprian, a bishop yet continuing to live by many resur­ who was soon to be martyred for his rections from the dead. A cartoon strip caught my eye. It was faith, wrote a letter to an unbelieving lunch hour. Teams were being chosen friend, in which he testified: on the school ground. Up the first-base It is a bad world, Donatus, an line, one captain called out, "Harry.” WEEK SEVEN incredibly bad world. But I have dis­ Up the third-base line, the other cap­ covered in the midst of it a quiet and RADIANT LOVE tain called out, "Bobby.” As each name holy people who have learned a great was called, my attention was drawn to secret. They have found a joy that is a "And it came about when Moses was one little fellow whose sagging shoul­ coming down from Mount Sinai ... thousand times better than any plea­ ders and sad eyes conveyed that it was sure of our sinful life. They are de­ that [he] did not know that the skin of going to be another one of those days his face shone” (Exodus 34 :29) spised and persecuted, but they care when nobody would want him on his not. They have overcome the world. British television journalist Malcolm side. These people, Donatus, are the Chris­ Muggeridge made a trip to Calcutta in It was the last choice. The captain tians — and I am one of them. 1968 to do a documentary on Mother paused, surveyed the pitiful group hud­ Teresa and her Sisters of Charity who, dled around home plate, and then Many have asked Sir Edmund Hil­ up until that time, were unknown to called out the greatest name that one lary, the first to conquer Mount Ever­ most of the world. The centerpiece of little fellow could ever have heard: est, how he did it. His stock answer is, their work was the House for the "CHARLIE BROWN.” The last frame "Just one step at a time.” So it is that Dying. Every day, the Sisters gathered showed a boy, with tiny legs pumping, servants of Christ carry out their minis­ up dying people from off the streets mitt swinging, face beaming, running try, just one step at a time, until that and brought them into their old, con­ down the third-base line. Underneath day when Jesus Himself shall say, "Well verted warehouse so they could die in was this caption: "Happiness is being done, good and faithful servant . . . dignity and in sight of a loving face. chosen to play on the team.” enter into the joy of your master” Most did die, but some recovered. One of the greatest joys of being (Matthew 25:21). Muggeridge wanted some film shot Christ’s servant is that we never walk inside. Ken, the camerman, said it was or work alone. We are surrounded and impossible: there was not enough light supported by a great company of fellow WEEK TEN and no electricity for photo lamps. servants. Paul’s favorite way of describ­ Muggeridge told him to go ahead and ing the church was to speak of it as the THE SERVANT’S REST shoot anyway. By way of insurance, "body of Christ” (it appears 31 times Ken shot some scenes of recovering in his letters). It is more than a human "For by grace you have been saved people lounging in a sunlit courtyard. organization: it is a divine organism. through faith, and that not of your­ Ken was shocked to discover, when And from its life, we derive our lives, selves, it is the gift of God, not of he developed his film, that the pictures which enables us to serve others in [servanthood] works lest any man he shot inside the dark, cavernous hos­ Jesus’ name. Happiness is being chosen should boast” (Ephesians 2:8) pice were perfect. It appeared as if the to "play on the servanthood team.” Hal Perkins tells about growing up in room was bathed in a kind of etherial a small church. Since there was no jun­ glow. How to explain this "technologi­ ior church, he had to sit with his par­ cal miracle”? Muggeridge developed a WEEK NINE ents. More often than not, unable to theory. He suggested that there was so "be good” throughout the whole ser­ much love flowing for those dying THE SERVANT’S JOY vice, he would be subjected to his people that it created such a radiance mother’s shushes, pokes, pinches, and that the photographic film could pick it "Therefore . . . let m run with endu­ frequent spankings after church for up even when the light meters could rance the race that is set before us, being "naughty.” not. fixing our eyes on Jesus . . . who for One Sunday, he sneaked a bag of An even greater miracle occurred, the joy set before Him endured the marbles to church in his pocket. Alas, however. That radiant love penetrated cross” (Hebrews 12:1-2) when he pulled them out, the top burst Muggeridge’s atheistic heart. A short It is easy to begin a race. It is exhila­ open. The marbles bounced off the time later, though in his sixties, he rating to finish a race. The difficult part pew, crashed onto the sloping wooden became a confessing Christian, was is the long, hard pull between the floor, rolled noisily to the front, re­ baptized, joined the church, and has beginning and the end. Jesus never bounding off the wooden altar. The since become a vocal witness. promised that servanthood would be a pastor stopped preaching. Every head

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 23 'm u Coming of Christ to see people bend the ROOTED III CUR! SI knee before Him in the obedience of faith. We don’t have to wait until the end to hear people confess that "Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father” (v. turned, and every eye fixed upon him. the schema of human nature, He likewise 11). It is happening daily, all around us. He knew that judgment day was at adopted the schema of a servant. Thus, And we can enter now into the joy of hand. when exalted by God after His resurrec­ seeing Jesus highly exalted as we exhibit, On this particular Sunday, however, tion (w . 9-11), He left behind both His in Jesus’ name, the heart of a servant. his father happened to be sitting be­ outer human form and His servant role. tween Hal and his mother. Instead of That is, until I happened to notice that pinching or scolding him, his dad delib­ morphe schema Paul uses and not to de­ WEEK THIRTEEN erately put his arm around his son’s scribe Jesus’ nature as servant. In other shoulder, gave him a squeeze, and then words, when Jesus assumed the schema of THE SERVANT’S REWARD began to pat him gently — all the while a man, He revealed the morphe, His essen­ staring straight ahead, as if nothing had tial nature, that of a servant. He exhibited "Well done, good and faithful servant; happened. After church, his dad inter­ for us to see what He had always been and you were faithful with a few things, I ceded with his mother on Hal’s behalf, forevermore shall be: a Servant-Lord, will put you in charge of many things; saying, "Boys will be boys.” One Who rules and reigns — not with enter into the joy of your master” (Mat­ "It was at that moment,” confesses coercive might, but in the power of suffer­ thew 25:21) Hal, "that I learned the meaning of ing love. The place was Manchester, England. grace.” We were about ten weeks into our sab­ As Christ’s servants, we need to batical when I awakened in the middle of rediscover that our standing before WEEK TWELVE the night with the first major attack of God does not depend upon our com­ homesickness I had ever experienced. I pulsive activity, but upon God’s grace. WHERE IS JESUS BEING EXALTED? missed my children terribly. I yearned to see them so gready that I lost all interest in "Therefore also God highly exalted the European tour still on our schedule. I Him, and bestowed on Him the name shared my feelings with my wife the next WEEK ELEVEN which is above every name. . . ” (Philip- morning and she nearly burst into tears. I pians 2:9-11) A SERVANT’S SENSITIVITY headed straight to the nearest office of I had always assumed that this final British Airways, only to discover that I "Have this attitude in yourselves which movement in Paul’s eloquent "Christ­ would have to pay full fare if we changed was also in Christ Jesus, who, although hymn” referred to Christ’s exaltation in our return date. Since I didn’t have the He existed in the form of God... emp­ heaven, that great and glorious day to money, we endured our tour of the conti­ tied Himself, taking the form of a come when "every knee shall bow... and nent to its bitter end. bondservant . . . being found in the every tongue shall confess that Jesus Finally, our Boeing 747 touched down appearance (form) of a man ...” Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the at Boston’s Logan Airport. We sped (Philippians 2:5-8, NASB, italics Father” (w . 10-11). across the country. It was 10:30 p.m. added) I began to think more deeply about when we crested a rise on the freeway. I made an astonishing discovery re­ this, however, in the light of discovering John Denver just happened to be singing cently, while working through this great that the heart of Jesus — hence, the very over the car radio, "I’m going home,” as "Christhymn.” Paul uses two Greek heart of God Himself — is that of a ser­ the lights of our city burst into view. The words for "form” in this great confession vant (see previous devotional). If that tires squealed as our car leaned into the of faith. Morphe, "inner essence,” de­ insight is true, then it raises this question: comers. As we drove up to our house, lit scribes that about a person which never Where is it that Jesus is being highly up like a Christmas tree, painted on changes. Schema, "outer existence,” de­ exalted? The answer can only be: Jesus is butcher paper and stretched across the fines that which does change. The morphe being highly exalted wherever we are front, we saw a sign which shouted, of a man, for instance, his essential nature exhibiting His servant heart in deeds of "Welcome home, Mom and Dad!” as a particular human being, never compassion, love, and witness. Doors flew open. Arms embraced. Tears changes, but his schema passes through It began to dawn on me that God is flowed. many changes: conception, birth, infan­ bestowing on Jesus "the name which is One of these days, Jesus — the Lord of cy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, above every name” wherever we are the Church — is going to call us home. death. engaged in servant ministry. It is as we Across the front of heaven’s gate will be When Jesus became a man, he emptied give a cup of cold water to a little one in displayed a great sign: "Welcome home, Himself of His divine attributes but not the name of Jesus that He is being highly children!” Better still, Jesus Himself will His divine nature, His morphe. He was exalted. It is as we feed the hungry, clothe greet us and say, "Well done, good and God in the flesh. What did change was the naked, visit the sick and those in pri­ faithful servant.” When that day comes, His outer form. He took upon Himself son that the name of Jesus is being lifted it will have been more than worth it all. the schema (form, appearance) of a man. I up. always assumed that, along with assuming We don’t have to wait for the Second —by C. S. Cowles

24 GROW / Winter 1990 JOIN THE TEAM!

For more information contact: o rk itness International Coordinator of Work & Witness W W Church of the Nazarene • 6401 The Paseo • Kansas City, MO 64131 • 816-333-7000

“This has been one of our best “We will have no problem raising our “Work and Witness has increased years for missions. I attribute much General Budget now that we have our giving . . . and the pleasure of of it to our emphasis on Work and seen how important it is to the mis­ giving. It has not interfered with Witness, for it has broadened the sion of our church.” General Budget but has made it base of our giving and challenged Gordon Stuart, layman come alive. (It) has added spiritual our people at new levels.” Mason, Mich. depth and a new dimension of faith Janet Stiefel and vision.” District NWMS President Pal Wright, District Superintendent Oregon Pacific District Joplin District AN OREGON PLAN CHURCH PLANT Florence Church — Pastor Michael Arnold 86 Members • 62 Worship Attendance • Organized 1981 Pastor Michael Arnold fulfills his ministry through the Florence Church, where he has served since 1986. , This growing resort town, located on the Pacific coast 60 miles west of Eugene, receives its economic support mostly from lumber and tourists. Increasingly, retirees, moving from Cali­ fornia, are adding to the reachable people groups in this area. At present, the church is experiencing sig­ nificant spiritual renewal as a result of an emphasis on holiness. Last year, the church received ten members by profession of faith. About 15 charter members are still active in the life of the church. Unlike many beginning churches, this congregation has its own building. Florence Church is especially effective in min­ istry to teens and their families. New members testify that the church is a happy, caring, loving group that ministers to the whole per­ son and the entire family. Rebecca and Michael Arnold______"We are willing to try new things to attract new people.” AN OREGON PLAN CHURCH PLANT Harrisburg Church — Pastor Wes W ornell 20 Members • 26 Worship Attendance • Organized 1981 Pastor Wes Wornell builds friendships with the people of Harrisburg, population 1,800, by serving on the volunteer fire department, working in the town’s only hardward store, and coaching fifth-grade girls’ basketball. His wife, Marjory, also works with the fire department. A remodeled funeral home on Main Street houses church and parsoflage. Though the spacious building is well located, it badly needed repairs and reno­ vation. Groups and Sunday school classes from area Nazarene churches, including Salem First Church and Eugene First Church, helped remodel and refurbish the building. Now, the facility looks like something important happens there — and it does. After ten years in the Army, Pastor Wornell felt called to the ministry. In response to that call, he returned to his hometown, Nampa, Idaho, to pre­ pare for the ministry at Northwest Nazarene College. He completed his degree in 1988 and moved with his wife and their three children, Becky, Benjamin, and Emily, to Harrisburg to begin serving this baby congregation. M inistry at Harrisburg is hard work.o but God is enabling this parsonage family to make a signifi- Marjory and Wes Wornell cant°difference in their town. "Wherever I was0, the preacher appeared” veqop won in Review

Oregon Plan Started on a Holy Day in May $400,000 Pledged in One Service to Plant 23 Churches

azarene church planting took Next, they shared their findings ministry for years were ready to pay a giant leap forward when a and vision with district boards, pas­ any sacrifice as they caught the vision visionary plan was launched tors, and local church boards in area for lost people of Oregon. Until it Nat the Oregon Pacific District Assem­meetings. Then came tough questions: happened, no one dared believe such bly held in May 1979. Now that a How to generate a ground swell of a response was possible from those decade has passed, the Oregon Plan enthusiasm and participation among being asked to go into new communi­ bears eternal fruit — new converts, the existing 62 churches? How to ties with no Christians to help evan­ church plants, and rekindled outreach unlock financial resources for starting gelize the lost, disciple the converts, in sponsoring churches. The Oregon churches? How to select, train, and and gather them into new congrega­ Plan, though not intended as a pattern place the right people, at the right tions. What a challenge! What a for other settings, is filled with useful time, at the right place, to assure suc­ commitment! ideas for extending the Kingdom. cessful church plants? It started with a heart concern for Subsequently, those who attended 64% of the state’s population who earlier meetings were asked to pray in were unchurched. At the beginning, keeping with our Lord’s instruction, The mind District Superintendent Carl Clen- "Pray the Lord of the harvest to send denen called seven people to study forth laborers.” Then Nazarene Theo­ of the Lord with him to determine what might be logical Seminary, Nazarene Bible Col­ was sought. done to increase evangelistic effec­ lege, and Northwest Nazarene College tiveness in western Oregon by inten­ were visited. The vision was shared tionally evangelizing the many com­ with graduating students who were Pressures mounted to develop effec­ munities without a Church of the invited to consider this ministry with tive strategies to put these 23 in place. Nazarene. no promise of salary, church build­ The mind of the Lord was sought. On a district made up of 62 churches, 23 sponsoring churches were enlisted. Training programs were developed The Oregon Plan bears eternal fruit — for planters, sponsors, and district leaders. And means had to be found new converts, church plants, and to bring 23 church planters from far­ away places like Kansas City, Colo­ rekindled outreach in sponsoring churches. rado Springs, and Nampa to the dis­ trict assembly at Bend; buses had to be chartered and plane trips financed. After searching the Scriptures in ing, or church members. At that time, Frightening unknowns had to be faced several meetings, a strategy began to the district had no financial resources — where to get the money, where to revolve to research 85 communities; for this effort, but it did have many house the planters, and how to gain they hoped to determine possible communities who needed the Lord. rank-and-file support of energy, response and support potential for Miraculously overwhelming is the money, and prayer for this effort. establishing new congregations. Two only way to describe student reponse. The Friday evening of the assembly teams gathered information from Twenty-three graduates, most with was to be the key moment. Presiding many community agencies to formu­ families, committed to the costly General Superintendent V. H. Lewis late a research document for each tar­ church planting dream. Men and preached. The music was moving, the geted location. women who had been preparing for congregation expectant, and the build­

A Journal of Church Grourth, Evangelism and Discipleship 27 ing overflowed with more than 1,300 and inspiration went from the close of to each planter family for moving people. The church planters, most the assembly on Saturday to the 62 expenses, rental deposits, health insur­ entirely new to Oregon, were seated churches on Sunday. Those churches ance, utilities, and a small salary. with people who had hosted them experienced miracles of challenge that Apartments and houses were rent­ thoughout the day. resulted in pledges of additional re­ ed. Meeting places for beginning con­ Then, a modern day Pentecost took sources. The Oregon Plan had more gregations were located. And spon­ place. Following the inspiring mes­ support and more resources than any­ soring churches offered prayer sage, District Superintendent Clen­ one could have imagined. support, visitation, teaching materi­ denen told how the vision had devel­ als, chairs, pews, hymnals, altars, of­ oped. He informed the people that 23 fering plates, office equipment, and families had put themselves on the finance for leasing worship facilities. line. Then he asked the delegates and Fifty-seven One year later, 500 converts from friends from the 62 existing churches these church plants were introduced if they would like to meet these peo­ senior adult to the district assembly. At the fol­ ple. They expected to see slides and lowing assembly in 1980, over hear recordings. But when invited, ministry groups $250,000 was raised to support 16 twenty-three church planter families more church planter families to go to started to move to the platform from on the district 16 new communities. During 1980- all over the sanctuary. To the plant­ were asked to pray. 85, 5,500 new Nazarenes were ers, Clendenen said, "You are at received. home. These people are now your Dr. Carl B. Clendenen, now retired, family.” To the congregation, Clen­ summarized the results: "Churches denen challenged, "These are your Now the plan had to be imple­ that sponsored new starts or who had children who are now becoming a mented. Fifty-seven senior adult min­ part in supporting new works began part of the Oregon family.” istry groups on the district were asked to grow. Churches that were in de­ to pray. In every church, food collec­ cline or had plateaued experienced tions were organized on the assump­ new life as they showed interest in tion that 10,000 Oregon Nazarenes church plants. Finances climbed to "You are at home. (about 4,000 families) could feed 23 nearly $9 million for all purposes.” church planter families by bringing He continued, "Of course, we had These people one food item each week. $400,000 some heartaches; not every volunteer made it possible to provide basic help was able to gather a group of new are now Christians, but everyone who wanted your family.” to try was given an opportunity with loving support. Many pastors report­ ed their churches became more vital as they assisted in evangelizing the Holy pandemonium broke loose. unchurched of Oregon. God gave the The crowd clapped and shouted. Men dream, but it was dedicated Oregon stepped to the platform to hug plant­ Nazarenes who invested in the vision.” ers’ children. Women embraced the Clendenen concluded with this so­ young mothers and wives of the plant­ bering thought: "I believe God has ers. When Clendenen requested fi­ scores of young couples across the nancial support, people immediately church who are ready to accept the began pledging cash, cars, trucks, challenge of new communities who campers, and land. $400,000 was need the gospel.” committed to support the Oregon Shouldn’t they be given an oppor­ Plan before the service closed. The tunity to make that vision a reality? Plan’s motto, FROM VISION TO REALITY, was already taking place. —by Neil B. Wiseman Like contagious measles, blessing with Carl B. Clendenen Manker Calls Church Plants Emerging Bodies of Believers Every Church Starts as a Plant

# # W ■ ow does it feel to in- How we need them! And how we the flock scattered. I do not think this ^ herit a failed system?” need to help churches with similar would have happened had I at that J L JL is a curious question I potential break the 200 barrier. And time had sufficient home mission was asked a few months after I became we need to provide the tools to help money to have placed a pastor in the superintendent of the Oregon Pacific many of our churches go beyond field to have cared for the flock. I do District. "single celledness” to become multi­ not know at this writing whether we Apparently at least one person ple ministry churches. will be able to again bring them to­ thinks we failed in church planting be­ Where did these multiple-celled gether and set things in order for an cause some of our attempts did not churches come from? And where effective work.” continue. will they come from in the future? That was 1919 and we seemed to Maybe that line of reasoning goes Step back with me into our district have failed in Eugene. We had almost like this: Since we are an accepted history for a moment. nothing; it was scattered. Then 20 denomination with established The 1919 edition of the District years later in 1939, we had 85 mem­ churches, strong colleges, and a world­ Journal for the first assembly of the bers. This year, Eugene First reported wide missionary program, why get in­ North Pacific District contains inter­ 546 members, averaged 433 in morn­ volved with this difficult business of esting facts. The first thing I learned is ing worship and raised $428,164. the proliferation and continuance of that this district in its early days began Church planting for Nazarenes new church plants? as a church planting district. On page is not a failed system. Rather, it Let me explain why. Because of 22, we find this report: "We your drives us back to our roots and takes our church planting efforts, we now committee on ways and means recom­ us into our future. It is the stuff of our have 26 churches started since 1979; mend that the district superintend­ history. It is where we came from and 24 are fully organized at different ent,]. T. Little, be empowered to raise from whence we will continue to stages of development. I like to call funds for the establishment of new impact the harvest. It is hard. I wonder them "emerging churches” because works in new fields and for the sus­ how many have found Christ because they are alive and developing. taining of same until they shall become we planted in Eugene? A church growth specialist might self-supporting. ’ ’ Where do great multiple-celled call them single-cell units—new jar­ Here are some interesting member­ churches come from? They come from gon for small churches. But whatever ship comparisons: church plants. This week I read a they are called, they are caring, loving, phrase that stays in my thinking: growing, developing bodies of believ­ 1 9 1 9 1 9 3 9 1 9 9 0 "The clapper of urgency has hit the ers—viable congregations at work Albany 17 15 139 bell of reality.” gathering their part of the harvest for Ashland 31 108 119 The urgency is that we live in what God. Many of their members are new Portland First 195 226 935 is the second most unchurched state believers. At assemly time, these (organized with 35) in the country; we have an incredible churches had a membership of 893. Salem First 55 374 2393 harvest field to impact. Last year, they received 90 new peo­ (organized with 8) W ill you pray with me that we will ple by profession of faith, raised find additional resources? W ill you $666,519, and gave $37,561 to gen­ On page 24 of the same Journal, pray with me that the Lord of the eral budget/specials. Brother Little reports, "We have or­ harvest will send us laborers? I praise God for Salem First, Port­ ganized two new churches this year, land First, and other large churches one at Eugene, Oregon, and one at —by Gerald E. Manker, that are developing much needed mul­ Kalama, Washington__ The church district superintendent, tiple ministries for our diverse society. at Eugene has been broken into and Oregon Pacific District

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 29 AN OREGON PLAN CHURCH PLANT Sandy Church — Pastor Fred Tau 49 Members * 51 Worship Attendance • Organized 1982

Pastor Fred Tau leads Sandy Church of the Nazarene, located in a scenic community at the base of Mount Hood. Sandy has an area population of 30,000. Fred and Marcella Tau, along with their four children, came to Sandy in September 1989. Fred reports he found a group with°concern for each other, a desire to impact their area, and a dream of having their own facilities on the 3Vi-acre_ tract on a growing H utu ie % o»ie of edge of town. SANDY A group from the congregation w ho met with the m of nr \m m GROW staff described their church as "friendly, THEm u caring, hard-w'orking, and a place where the pres­ cAkmw, N0W MEETING IN ence of the Lord draws people to Himself.” sandy seventh day a d v e n t i s t In 1982, the church started with fifteen charter members, sponsored by the Gresham Church of the Nazarene located in a nearby town. At present, Sandy Church shares facilities with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, an arrangement that gives them room to grow and offers space for Sunday school and other church-related ministries. Everyone in the Nazarene family at Sandy is enthu­ siastic about the possibility of having their own church building. Fred and Marcella Tau ______o______"I want to develop discipleship and outreach ministries to win new people.” ' AN OREGON PLAN CHURCH PLANT Junction City Church — Pastor Harold Parry 126 Members • 122 Worship Attendance • Organized 1980 Pastor Harold Parry, Junction City’s third pastor, began ministry to this congregation in July 1988. Having started with only a small group of five or six people in 1979, the church

Pastor Explains the Spirit and Goals of the Oregon Plan “I Was There for the Explosion”

t was over a barbecue dinner with a population of 800 or more that I first learned about the have a holiness witness. To accomp­ "Oregon Plan.” The recruitment lish this goal, the Oregon Plan called for IIt was a delicious barbecued beef of these churches to be developed in stages. dinner! It was an intriguing idea! I These stages were 1) Bible study, 2) enjoyed both in a Kansas City restau­ prospective planters preaching point, 3) chapel, 4) and rant with Kent Anderson and Paul was done fully organized church. Each plant Schwada, two key players in the begin­ was to be evaluated for progression ning of this innovative plan for reap­ on the basis of from one stage to another as they ing the harvest. were able to demonstrate their ability During that dinner conversation, I no financial support, to be self-supporting (defined as listened with great interest to the ever- no people, and that particular body wished to define developing plan. The part of the plan it; i.e., bi-vocational pastor who held given to me as we enjoyed the good no buildings. a full-time secular job, part-time secu­ barbecued beef revolved around grid- lar employment, supported by being ding off the city of Eugene into geo­ self-employed, or fully paid by the graphical areas. Bible studies would ilies, who had responded to an invita­ plant), self-governing (that there be be started in as many areas as possible tion to come to Oregon and help reap enough adults to form a board), and with the hope that a preaching point the harvest, made a lasting impres­ self-perpetuating (that they dem­ could be established shortly thereaf­ sion. A pioneer spirit of sacrifice per­ onstrate the ability to win the lost and ter. I learned later than this gridding meated the assembly. add them to the church). plan was only one small portion of the The recruitment of these prospec­ Shortly after this epic district as­ Oregon Plan. tive planters was done on the basis of sembly, I was appointed to the district I moved to Oregon to become pas­ no financial support, no people, and Church Growth Committee, from tor of the Hillsboro church in Feb­ no buildings. The resulting enthusi­ which came the original Oregon Plan. ruary of 1979, just before "the ex­ asm was contagious. The assembly In those initial days following the plosion.” It was during the district responded to this unselfish display of assembly, the committee scrambled assembly of 1979 in Bend that this dedication with a spontaneous offer­ to accommodate the surprising abun­ explosion happened, with 23 pros­ ing which enabled the district to pro­ dance of prospective planters and pective planters indicating their de­ vide moving costs, health insurance, their families. We were thrilled at the sire to come to Oregon. The next few and some support for housing and number of families who responded, months would reveal in a very dra­ food. A number of "item” gifts were but a little unprepared for them as matic way how the plan on paper also given, such as cars, tires, food, they came on the district. would be actually implemented. and clothing. Being new to the district and not The 1979 assembly is a clear mem­ The major goal of the Oregon Plan having the history of the development ory. The choir loft full of planter fam- was that every community in Oregon of the plan, I was fascinated with the

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 31 regor) no„ in Review

interest in the evangelistic mission of the church created by this bold at­ tempt. Because of the willing sacrifice Because of the willing sacrifice of the original wave of church plant­ ers, a renewal of evangelistic fervor of the original wave of church planters, struck almost every church on the dis­ a renewal of evangelistic fervor trict. I am convinced that the entire district benefited because the Oregon struck almost every church on the district. Plan forced every local church to examine its individual success rate in reaching unsaved people. terns. Several new and helpful ideas helped with their tuition in exchange were implemented. for a commitment to give time to the We also began to realize the plants district in church planting following would reach a certain size due to the graduation. The major goal initial enthusiasm, but that most In my opinion, the Oregon Plan tended to plateau quickly. There was should be labeled successful. If one of of the Oregon Plan a need to help these plants develop the major tasks of the church is to win beyond the planting plateau. the lost and bring the unchurched was that We also looked carefully at where into her fellowship, then church plant­ every community we might have failed to give adequate ing in almost any format should be moral support to planters and their called successful. There might have in Oregon families and were greatly concerned at been a bit of "building our wagon as with a population the apparent casualties that sometimes we rode in it,” but the re-evaluation happened in the process. This led to of basic Kingdom essentials by the of 800 or more finding better ways to help planters entire district as a result of the church have a understand their gifts before they planting direction of the Oregon Plan came to the district. We developed a had a very positive overall effect. May holiness witness. screening process with the coopera­ the spirit of the doctrine of the har­ tion of some Bible college personnel vest continue to motivate every and others. After students demon­ church. strated planter gifts, they were inter­ A great deal of energy was expended viewed as prospects for the District —by Ernest McNaught, pastor in the planting of new churches. This Church Planter Scholarships, which Hillsboro, Oregon energy resulted in more people join­ ing the church by profession of faith than any other method that had been tried to that time. The number of new converts in the plants were readily visible. The renewed evangelistic com­ mitment on the part of the existing church was not as easily measurable. Since the initial launching of the plan in 1979, the Church Growth Committee has grappled with a num­ ber of difficult issues. For example, the committee grappled intendy with how to balance the emphasis on church planting against the need to assist the existing churches in their growth pat­

32 GROW / Winter 1990 regoi? won in Review

The Oregon Plan Moves Into the ’90s Winning People Is Primary Objective of Church Planting

n interesting event took place posed to be doing” comes from cen­ •Redmond Our church in Red­ at Universal Studios in Cali­ tral casting .. . THE LORD OF THE mond, planted in 1979, is healthy fornia while they were pro­ CHURCH. It is our firm conviction today due, in part, to Doyle and Patti A ducing a TV program. It was allthat dark our primary objective is winning Scroggins. Doyle and Patti were living in the studio . . . the cameras were men and women to Jesus. New church­ life on the fast track going nowhere up rolling . . . the actors were doing their es have been and will continue to be until five years ago. Involved in a local craft . . . when suddenly the door planted as a result of that objective. rock ’n’ roll band in central Oregon, opened, flashing the room with out­ However, a church will never exist they were beginning to experience the side sunshine and thereby ruining the if we, like the young man above, emptiness that accompanies a life film. In burst a fledgling young actor. forget who we are and what we are to lived without God. Realizing that their marriage and family were in desperate need of help, they began thinking seriously about God. Patti remem­ bered that she had attended a Naza­ It is our firm conviction rene Sunday school as a child and the two of them decided to visit the local that our primary objective Nazarene church the next Sunday. The following Monday, the pastor is winning men and women to Jesus. visited them in their home and, before he left that day, he had the thrill of introducing Doyle and Patti to Jesus. Pastor Hank Allmand says that today He said, "Sir, I’m to be in this scene.” be doing. Our harvest field, western they are a vital and vibrant part of the The director turned and said, "Who Oregon, has more winnable people Redmond church. They and their are you?” The young man responded than ever before. But, as the late three teenage children, Jodi, Stacy by giving his name. "No,” said the Donald McGavran often said, "It is and Jason, are all involved in the min­ director, "I don’t mean that . . . I possible to come out of a ripe field istry of the church. don’t want to know your name . . . empty-handed.” Therefore, we are I want to know what part you are to forever reminding ourselves that our •Florence Dan Bones, a single play!” The young man said, "Well, primary task is winning men and young adult man on the Oregon Coast, sir, I don’t know.” Then the director women to Jesus. If we fail at this was hopelessly caught up in the drug said the most interesting thing: point, we will ultimately fail at the and alcohol scene that so permeates "YOUNG MAN, YOU HAD BET­ resulting objective of planting new our society today. But Dan became TER GO TO CENTRAL CASTING churches. the target of the loving and ceaseless AND FIND OUT WHO YOU ARE The Oregon Plan is continuing into prayer of the Florence Church of the . . . AND WHAT YOU ARE SUP­ the 1990s because people who have Nazarene. Having been planted in POSED TO DO HERE!” been won to Jesus are now involved in 1981 and currently pastored by Mike When writing of the continuing winning others to Jesus. Samuel Gor­ Arnold, this church has always be­ challenge that drives the Oregon Plan don said, "The way from God to a lieved in the double-barreled power into the future, I am reminded of the human heart is through another hu­ of prayer and outreach. Pastor Arnold above story. We on the Oregon Pa­ man heart.” We are finding examples challenged his people to begin praying cific District feel that the answer to of that truth lived out all over western for unsaved relatives. Dan’s sister-in- "who we are” and "what we are sup­ Oregon. law, Kathy, began to do just that.

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 33 Plan in Review

Life Magazine once released a photo story about a midwestern farmer and The Oregon Plan continues — his family who lived next to a massive wheat field. The first photo showed one person at a time coming to Jesus. the farmer and his wife panic-stricken as they realized their young son was missing — nowhere to be found near the security and safety of the farm Before too long, Dan accepted the gon Plan is alive and well because of house. invitation to attend Sunday service. It people . . . committed people. Our The second photo indicated that was at the conclusion of one of those greatest resource is people — indi­ the news of the missing boy had services, after having felt the persist- viduals who are wholly committed to spread to the community. Neighbors ent tug of the Savior, that Dan invited God and are unreservedly available to had come to help search for the boy. Jesus into his life. Today, Dan is lead­ be used by Him in western Oregon. In The photo showed the confusion and ing the church’s Young Adult Minis­ her book Call to Commitment, Eliza­ distress of the people as they wan­ try, is actively involved in the Men’s beth O’Conner states this truth so dered with no direction, seeking to Ministry, and this past summer took a well: find the lost lad. week of vacation to work in the dis­ trict’s summer Kids’ Camp. Pastor "Whenever we sit down to ask The third photo showed that some­ Mike says of Dan, "He’s got an unusu­ ourselves what is wrong or why it is one had taken leadership after hours al hunger for the Word of God.” that a project with so much poten­ of fruitless searching. The small rural tial cannot get off the ground, the community had been organized into a • Lakeview In 1980, the Lake- answer is always that lack of human chain, each person locking view Church of the Nazarene was inspired people who can channel hands with another and together planted. Today, Craig Clause is ac­ to others the life of God. And sweeping up and down the rows of tively walking with Jesus because of always, where there is renewal and tall, ripe wheat. Each person assumed the church’s loving, caring outreach growth in the church . . . one finds responsibility for the area immedi­ ministry. Craig is well known in this ately in front and to each side of him. small southern Oregon community as They now had a plan in searching for the kid most likely to cause trouble. the boy. He had grown up in Lakeview, and "I only wish The last photo expressed heartbreak everyone knew Craig and knew that and sorrow. The father was pictured he could get along with no one. Con­ we had kneeling over the body of his son as stantly in trouble, he was a "biker” those in the search party looked on in who cared about nothing and no one joined hands sad disbelief. Yes, they found the boy, but himself. However, in God’s per­ but their effort in partnership oc­ fect timing, Pastor Larry Owens sooner.” curred too late. He had died from moved to the Lakeview Church of the exposure. Nazarene. Pastor Larry is an "ex- The only words in this photo fea­ biker” himself and God used his spe­ a person with fire burning in his ture were those of the grieving father cial sensitivity to reach out to this bones who can say with Jesus, 'I as he looked up at the others. "I only young man and his family. Today, came, not to be ministered unto, wish we had joined hands sooner.” Craig is a part of the Lakeview Church but to minister.’ ” The Oregon Plan continues to be of the Nazarene. Craig’s wife, Jackie, Churches are being planted all over effective today because hundreds of says, "Craig is a completely different pastors and laypersons have joined individual since he met Jesus.” western Oregon . . . 24 have been organized in the last ten years. Those hands and have entered the harvest The Oregon Plan continues — one churches have been planted and are field to work together toward our person at a time coming to Jesus. continuing to thrive because commit­ primary objective: WINNING MEN Churches are being planted in the ted pastors and laypersons have AND WOMEN TO JESUS! large urban population of Portland, in never lost sight of the primary objec­ —by David Leavenworth, small rural towns, and in large cities tive of the Oregon Plan: WINNING assistant to the superintendent, throughout western Oregon. The Ore­ MEN AND WOMEN TO JESUS. Oregon Pacific District

34 GROW / Winter 1990 AN OREGON PLAN CHURCH PLANT Creswell Church — Pastor Ron Halvorson 32 Members • 35 Worship Attendance • Organized 1985 Pastor Ron Halvorson loves to be a pastor and loves to build. As a licensed general contractor, he adjusts time between ministry and construction as spiritual needs of his congregation require and financial ne°eds of his family demand. Halvorson thinks his bivoca- tional responsibilities help church members feel a deeper commitment to the details of ministry and al­ low him to understand better "how the real world functions.” » Creswell Church was started by Halvorson shortly after he graduated from Nazarene Bible College in 1983. At first, the church met in a home, then moved to the VFW Hall, and now worships in the high school. Creswell is a small.town, population 1895, where most of the people commute to work in Eu­ gene, Oregon. More than half of the original charter members are still in the church. In May 1986, Halvorson left to serve on another district, but felt constrained to accept the call to re­ turn in May 1989. The pastor says°he is grateful for the opportunity of servinjfthe second time around to help make the dream into a reality. At present, the Creswell congregation is constructing a church on a two-acre site, now at the drywall stage, which they hope to finish debt-free. Ron and Debby Halvorson______"I believe we can have 200 ijti attendance in five years.” ■ AN OREGON PLAN CHURCH PLANT Crow-ApplegateChurch — Pastor Terry Thompson 49 Members • 67 Worship Attendance • Organized 1980 "At 29, after a series of traumatic problems, I came to grips with the fact that I had never given myself 0 completely to God. I surrendered all in my pickup truck as I was driving alone in Eastern Oregon.” 0 Pastor Terry Thompson, in spite of a hereditary hearing handicap, leads the Crow-Applegate Church near Eugene. o To supplement his income, he teaches instrumen­ tal music in the local school district, where the eight-member band has swollen to 37. He is the only hearing-impaired band, teacher in Oregon — and maybe in the nation. After ten years of teaching, he studied at Nazarene Theological Seminary and graduated in 1984. That same year, Terry and Kathy Thompson began their pastoral service at Crow-Applegate. Now the church has an annual worship attendance of 67; only seven attended the first service. This congregation, which meets in a Grange Hall, has accumulated $30,000 toward funding a church Kathy and Terry Thompson site. "Visibility at school makes the community aware of our church.” NAZARENE WORLD MISSION SOCIETY

Take an Active Role in Kingdom Building

O ne hundred percent of all monies given which these buildings stand. Work and W it­ to the Alabaster fund is used in the ness and Alabaster function together in some building of churches, schools, hospitals and world areas, with Alabaster buying the land, clinics, missionaries’ and national leaders’ and sometimes providing the foundation, for homes, as well as the purchase of land on buildings finished by Work and Witness teams.

. m M m

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

To be given in your District NWMS Convention to churches that overpay General Budget by e ith e r 3 percent or a minimum o f $ 1,000.

Studies show that growing churches engage in positive reinforcement. The Nazarene World Mission Society wants to be generous in its thanks.

We praise God and affirm those who “also ex­ cel in this grace of giving.” (2 Cor. 8:7) AN EVANGELIST’S CONTRACT WITH GOD COUNTRY SINGER LEAVES BIG-TIME

y middle name should have injured at work and died the next day, been "Kinigo” because, like leaving Mother with seven boys to most little boys, I didn’t raise. Fortunately for Mom, not all wantM my daddy and his tank-like ’36 her boys had their heads run over. Buick to leave the premises without This one gave trouble enough. How me. I was at his heels or chasing the she kept seven strapping hulks fed car pleading, "Kin 1 go? Kinigo?” and clothed on the meager $200-a- But one unfortunate day when 1 was month insurance I’ll never know, but two years old, my father jumped into I soon stood 6 feet, 3Vi inches in spite the car and, not hearing the familiar of everything. "Kinigo,” assumed that he would get I went to Coolidge High School in away without me this time — but he Arizona, 60 miles from anywhere, out was wrong. in the middle of the desert. I was The car knocked me down as he probably the most holey boy in that backed out. As I tried to crawl out, school. I had holey shoes, holey Levis, my head was run over by the front and holey shirts. The problem with wheel. My mother insists it had noth­ being tall was that when Mom bought ing to do with their having eleven new jeans for the oldest boy, by the children, that my father was a right­ time they got to me, I had grown so eous man and it was all an accident! that the holes my brothers wore at the The tire went right up the side of knees became high-thigh holes for my head and skidded off the top, tak­ me. It was embarrassing enough to ing my scalp with it. My father rushed have holes at the knees, but holes at me to the hospital, but it looked as the thighs — oh, my! though I had said my last "Kinigo.” However, holes were the least of The doctor said, "He won’t make it my problems in high school. I can through the night. There’s too much laugh now — but I wasn’t laughing damage. Half his scalp is gone.” was the same. I was barely alive. At much then. I had problems! The My Christian father answered, "Sir, 7:30 they came back and, to their worst was that I couldn’t talk. you do the best you can, and I’ll go to amazement, my head had returned to I had very few dates in high school the Great Physician. With the two of normal size, the bandages falling loosely because by the time I asked a girl to you working together, my son’s going around it. I had come out of the coma. g-g, g-g-g-go, gggo, g-go, g-go, it was to make it.” God had performed the first of sev­ time to take her home. In the dark of the night, Dad eral miracles in my life. Mother wanted to help me, so went to the pastor’s house and roused When I was nine years old, my she said, "Honey, I think if you took him from his bed to pray. The pastor father’s crippling arthritis forced him drama it would help you.” called the board members and togeth­ to sell his farm in Michigan and move "Okay, I’ll ttttttake drama, Mom. er they had an all-night prayer meeting to sunny Arizona. It was 118 degrees Nnnnnno p-p-problem.” on my behalf. when we arrived there, and I thought It was the drama teacher’s first year For three days I was in a coma, my dad had surely made a wrong turn at Coolidge. She was standing at the under intensive care. The nurses kept somewhere — but that hot sun some­ door greeting her new students when I a vigilant check every 15 minutes. how cooked the arthritis right out of walked up to her and said, "H-h-h-h- Actually, they were coming in to see if his body. In a year’s time, he had hi, I want to ttttttake, I want to I was dead yet. My head had swollen thrown away his canes and played on ttttttake ppppppp ddddrama.” like an over-filled balloon, and each the church’s softball team. For one She wiped her glasses, stared at me, time they’d be surprised to find that I year, he enjoyed himself. and said, "Young man, anyone who was still alive. Dad was planning to quit his job takes drama has to be in one high On the third day, they did their and buy a farm, but before he could school play or I will flunk him.” She regular check at 7:15 p.m. Everything implement his plans he was critically thought that would scare me away,

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 37 EVANGELIST’S CONTRACT WITH GOD would say. Or, "Hey, ddddd —Jimmy. Hey, if you’re going to talk to me, look at me.” All these problems caused me to try very hard to be accepted. I learned that if I couldn’t do it any other way, I could make people laugh. Things be­ gan to take a turn for me when I invited my friend, Dwayne Eddie, home with me to play music. He played guitar and I played guitar. Dwayne became famous and was known as "Mr. Twang Guitar Eddie,” but while we were both unknowns in high school, we were Dwayne Eddie and Jimmy Delbridge. We practiced together every chance we got, and finally he said, "Hey, Jimmy, beings how I play the guitar better than you, y’know, why don’t you play the piano?” "What are you, some kind of a nut?” I’said. "I don’t play piano.” "Well, how did you learn guitar?” "All by myself. I just picked it up and found some chords and I played.” but I’ve been run over by a Buick and The teacher came out and said, "Well, then, play the piano the I don’t scare easily. "You’ve ruined the play.” same way.” "Thatttt’s okay. I’ll bbbbbe in "Ma’am,” I said, "it’s the comedy Never one to turn down a chal­ one,” and 1 walked away. of the year. They’re holding their lenge, I finally found three chords on 1 knew she was thinking "That sides laughing out there.” Well, she the piano. I got up every morning at kid’s got a problem,” but after the had the audacity to ask me not to take 7:15 and, dodging tennis shoes and third day, she realized that she had the the second semester, anyway. whatever my brothers threw at me, I problem. She loved drama, especially The second problem was that when sang every song I knew, in the same love stories. She tried to find a part the car ran over my head, it messed up key. Then I’d come home from school for me in a high school play, but if she my face. It also messed up my left eye at noon and play some more. My gave me a half-decent part, it would so that it wanders. Do you know how brothers ate and I played piano. I got tttttake th-th-th-three hours to do it. embarrassing it is in high school to very skinny through high school. So she made up a part for me; it had look at a girl and ask her for a date, three words in it. Now, if I was going and have the girl next to her accept? to star, I had better do it quickly. But That’s embarrassing. the three words she gave me were I could hardly wait to drive a car. "What about Buderdeen?” I was 16 when I begged my brother, Now, you don’t give a guy who "Just let me drive it by myself, just stutters a word like Buderdeen. He’ll this once.” He warned me to be care­ kill it. I took those three words home ful and gave me the keys. Two blocks and memorized them overnight, just down, I had a head-on collision. I was like that. Come time for the play, half so mad at that guy that I jumped out the town turns out. All through it, I’m of the car and said, "Why don’t you waiting for my one-liner. I will never watch where you’re going?” forget the moment I walked onto that "W hy don’t you go where you’re stage with five other guys. They had looking, fellow?” he said. big parts; I was waiting for my one- Another problem was that when liner. The plot had thickened and, Mother gave me a haircut, big, old when my part came, it was supposed scars showed up on my head. In those to be serious. I said, "What about days, I got only two haircuts a year B-dddddd, what about Bb-ddddd, B- (whether I needed them or not), but b-ddddddd,” and the curtain was those G.I. cuts left a lot of skin. At coming down. I never got the third school, the kids got their jollies mak­ word out. ing fun of me: "Hey, scar-head,” they

1 M 1 GROW / Winter 1990 By the time I was 19,1 struck out on my own because my schedule was get­ ting heavier as I became well known. I was on four TV channels in one week, and I had made some recordings with Rev Records, a small company in Arizona. The record had hardly made the stands when someone called me one night at the nightclub where I was singing and said, "Jimmy Dell?” "No, sir,” I said, "my name is Jimmy Delbridge — D-E-L- B-R'I'D'G'E.” "It’s not anymore,” he said. "This is Steve Schultz, owner of RCA Vic­ One day Dwayne said, "I believe tor Recording Company, the biggest we’re gettin’ good enough to go to the in the world. We just paid $15,000 Coolidge radio station and audition.” for your contract today and went to "Hey, man,” I said, "that’s big time. ”1 was a court and changed your name to That must be a five-watt station.” Jimmy Dell. Okay?” "W ell,” he said, "we have a 50/50 country singer, "Sir for $15,000, you can call me chance.” but they gave me Harvey Badbreath and I won’t care,” I "How do you figger?” said. "They can say yes or no — 50/50. a rock ’n’ roll song. I was a country singer, but they That’s not bad odds, y’know.” gave me a rock ’n’ roll song for my You’d never guess who the disc first record. It was the stupidest thing jockey was when we went to audi­ I ever heard — "Teeny Weeny, I love you, yeah. Teeny Weeny, love me, tion — Lee Hazelwood. He wrote Mom had always made us go to "These Boots Are Made for Walkin’ ” church three times a week — no ex­ too, uh-huh” — with a lot of noise, for Nancy Sinatra and "Going to cuses. I told her, "I just don’t think I music, hollering and screaming, and Jackson,” sung by Johnny Cash and need to be in church as often as you hand-clapping in the background. The go, and I might not be going — stupid thing sold 300,000 copies the his wife — No. 1 on Your H it Parade. He wrote a song for Dean Martin depends on how I feel.” first six weeks. It was after that that I called "Going to Houston (hie), "Fine,” she said. "Where will you went on tour with Johnny Cash and Houston (hie), Houston.” Even­ be living? If you aren’t going to church guys like Paul Anka, the Everly tually, Hazelwood would help me with me, then you split out of here Brothers, Frankie Avalon, and Fabian. make my first hit record. and get your own apartment, pay Even though I had left God out 1 worked hard at being an enter­ your own utilities, buy your own of my life, I never got into drugs or tainer because I had learned that was food and clothes, and do your own alcohol. I spent ten years in bars and one way to gain acceptance. Dwayne washing and ironing.” I wasn’t dumb. nightclubs, six nights a week, and I and I went through a lot of antics, and I stayed. don’t know what beer tastes like. I when we got through auditioning, Hazelwood said, "You guys are weird, but we want something different, and you guys are different,” so he put us on the air. KCKY 1150 was the only radio station in Coolidge. I’ll never forget dragging Main Street in Dwayne’s dad’s car during that 15-minute show, waving at the kids who had KCKY blaring over their car radios. "I’m going to make these people in Cool­ idge real proud of me,” I vowed. However, after my first hit record was out, I made a trip home and told them I was going to travel with Johnny Cash, and it was like, "Who cares?” I tried so hard to please my friends, and I found out they didn’t care much.

I A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship I 39 EVANGELIST’S CONTRACT WITH GOD ing jokes about me and the cross in your nightclubs, thinking you’re so always felt if it took alcohol or drugs We had been married less than a smart. Let me tell you something, to make you feel like somebody, you year when I was driving down the Jimmy Dell —you’ll never do that weren’t anybody in the first place. I’d road one day, singing and having a again. You’re rotten to the core, but I promised my mother I wouldn’t drink good time. Suddenly I was singing, love you, and I want to forgive you.” or take drugs. I loved my mother, and "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound "God, I can’t get saved,” I said. I kept my promise. that saved a wretch like me. I once was "My wife will leave me. You know I met Judy at a bar one night. I lost, but now I’m found, was blind, that.” thought she was pretty, so I danced but now I see.” Big old tears were "I’ll take care of Judy.” with her. We went together for about running down my cheeks. There’s no use trying to con God, six months and I asked her to marry I slapped my face', wiped my tears, so I finally asked Him to give me a me. She accepted, so I took her home and tried to concentrate on some of week because my brother was coming to meet my family. That was a mis­ my rock ’n’ roll songs. from the West Coast to preach in our take — or so it seemed then. All of a sudden, there was "Amaz­ church in Coolidge. I promised God I’d be there. When I got inside, I made up my mind that I wasn’t going to the altar under my brother’s preaching. I put my coat on during the singing of "Just As I Am,” and God said, "Jimmy Dell, I have chosen tonight, July 19, 1964, for your salvation.” "What about your wife?” the devil asked. "She’ll leave you, and you worked ten years to get where you are. You’ll never see that much money if you get saved. You’ll starve to death. . . ” He was really making a strong case against my salvation. "You want a contract?” God asked. "Honey, I can’t marry you,” she ing Grace” again, and tears gushing "I’ll give you a contract — eternal life.” said on the way back. "Your family — like a waterfall. I couldn’t see, so I I looked at my wife. She saw the tears they’re nuts! All they talk about is pulled off the road. I was shaking like and threatened, "You go to that altar 'Oh, how I love Jesus. God is so good. a cement mixer. It seemed like some­ and I’ll leave you so fast it’ll make your It’s so wonderful to have Jesus.’ body opened the door and came in head swim!” But I went — and she left They’re sick!” and sat beside me. My heart was going me. When I explained that they were boom, boom, boom. I prayed for my wife for three years Christians, she insisted she was one, too, but that she didn’t go around all before she, too, was saved. Then God day long saying how much she loved called me to preach. Me! "God, I can’t God. She wasn’t going to marry me if preach; I can’t even talk. You know how I stutter. I’ll sing for you, but I I was going to be like them. We "Oh, God, can’t preach.” argued for a while about what a Chris­ tian is, then I promised her if she’d save Jimmy.” "Jimmy, I’ll take care of that,” He marry me, I’d never serve God. I had said, and the first time I stood behind been ten years out of the church and, the pulpit, He touched my tongue. without my realizing it, sin had taken The problem was gone! control of my life. I’d been in church enough to know I signed that contract with God. I’m keeping my part. I’ve been on the "Okay, I’ll marry you on those that I couldn’t run from the Holy road for Jesus for 20 years now as a grounds,” she said, "but if you become Spirit. What I didn’t know was that registered evangelist and song evangel­ a religious nut, I’m going to divorce my family had been gathering at the ist in the Church of the Nazarene. I you.” church nearly every Saturday night know this contract won’t run out. Things went fairly well for a while. I for nine years, about a dozen of them, God said it was for eternity. He’ll bought her expensive clothes because praying, "Oh, God, save Jimmy.” keep His part — He’s never broken a I wanted her to know she had married God said to me, "Jimmy Dell, I’m contract. somebody important. I was a phony. sick of your sin. I’m tired of your —by Jimmy Dell They teach you to be a phony in show using my name as your favorite cuss- with Nina Beagle business. word. I’m sick and tired of your mak­

40 GROW / Winter 1990 I PASTORAL MINISTRIES

Pastoral Ministries offers several resources to help busy pastors realize success in ministry. FLAME Fashioning eadership Authority for Mission Engagement Designed to help the pastor establish his spiritual leadership among his congregation, this series focuses on five areas that serve as "mod­ ules for action." Each of these may be used alone, or in relationship to each other Areas of concern are the pastor as: spiritual commu­ nicator; leader; planner; priority manager; and conflict manager.

MINISTRY INTERNSHIP Blending the enthusiasm of youth with the wisdom of experience, Ministry Internship is building stronger pastors for effective ministry. Young, new pastors are linked to mentor pastors in a mutually re­ warding covenant relationship that builds competence in ministry. $10.95 (GRS-100)

ASSOCIATE MINISTER MONOGRAPHS Six monographs on the associate ministry, written by experts in the fields. Monographs examine asso­ ciates in youth (GRBL10), music (GRBL14), children's ministries (GRBL15), Christian education (GRBL13), administration (GRBL12), and associate pastor (GRBL11).

Welcome to the Church of the Nazarene: Introducing Our Family is an exciting, 30-minute video designed for use in membership l c o m e classes or as a tool to introduce TO THE CHURCH OF new offenders to the church. A companion book and leader's THE NAZARENE guide are also available. $29.95 (GRVA-5995)

Available from NAZARENE PUBLISHING HOUSE CONTEMPORARY ISSUES SERIES

1 AM I MY BROTHER’S The A ID S Crisis and the Church By Michael Malloy. As the AIDS epidemic spreads across the nation and around the world, this deadly disease will touch the lives of nearly everyone. The Church cannot remain isolated; she must plan for min­ istry to victims and families. GR083-411-3295 $6.95 ■ A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH Bioethics and the Christian By A l Truesdale. How should Christians respond to today’s tough questions about mankind’s involvement in life-and-death issues? Dr. Al Truesdale deals pointedly with the toughest of bioethical questions: the right to health care, infant euthanasia, human experimentation, abortion, genetic engineering, and more. GR083-411-3287 $5.95 ■ UNTANGLING THE SEXUAL REVOLUTION Rethinking Our Sexual Ethic By Henry Spaulding. Perhaps the first momentous moral dilemma faced by anyone involves sexuality. The sexual revolution raised many significant issues: teenage sexuality, marriage and divorce, the role of the church in sex education, and the role o f culture in shaping Chris­ tian faith. Dr. Henry Spaulding presents a clear picture o f the struggles and solutions encountered in today’s postrevolution society. G R083-411 -3058 $6.95 I NO! The Positive Response to Alcohol By Jerry D. Hull. Alcohol is replacing baseball as the favorite Ameri­ can pastime. This new sport saturates society. Everywhere we look, magazine, television, and billboard advertisements declare alcohol as an essential ingredient of good times. With all the evidence about al­ cohol pointing to potential destruction for its users, the question still arises, “Should we drink socially?” Jerry Hull calls for society to change its attitude about this deadly drug. GR083-411-3015 $5.95 ■ THE 15-MINUTE MARRIAGE Principles fo r Living “Happily Ever After” By Robert Drummond. The cornerstone of Christian marriage is com­ mitment. Loyalty and fidelity are the pillars on which it grows strong, and effective communication is the catalyst holding the marriage to­ gether. Dr. Robert Drummond show how couples spending 15 min­ utes twice a day in effective communication can drastically improve their relationship. GR083-411-3244 $4.95 Pnces subject to change without notice Plus postage

Order toll-free Nazarene Publishing House 1-800-877-0700 Box 419527 • Kansas City, MO 64141 EVANGELISM MINISTRIES vCLAY, D. E 400 S. Edgewood Rd, Box 142, Mount Vernon, OH I 43050 vCLAX M. E P.O. Box 526, S t Marys, OH 45885 vCLIFT, NORVIE O. 25440 Guitta Ct, Hemet, CA 92344 •COBB, BILL t TERRI. (R) P.O. Box 761, Bethany, OK 73008 CODY, JAMES. (R) Box 245, Dilcon School, Winslow, AZ 86047 ♦COFFEY; REV. t MRS. RUSSELL E. (C) 1841 128th Ave, Hopkins, Ml 49328 EVANGELISTS CONDRY, CONNIE. (R) 1732 Fish Hatchery Rd, West Columbia, SC 29169 CONGER, DELOSS. (R) 4737 Dresden Ct, Jacksonville, FL 32257 CONRAD, BYRON. (R) 7151 Franusich Ave, Sacramento, CA 95828 COOK, DANNY. (R) 506 N. 6th St, Weatherford, OK 73096 DIRECIORY COOK, DAVID. (R) 757 S. Bosart St, Indianapolis, IN 46203 •COOK, JAMES. (R) 418 West Ridge Dr, Fostoria, OH 44830 vCOOK, LEON G. 2418 Maple, Wichita, KS 67213 COOPER, DALLAS. (R) Rte. 1, Box 57, Okemah, OK 74859 EVANGELISM MINISTRIES, CHURCH OF THE •COOPER, DONALD & DOLORES. (R) 905 State St, Pekin, IL 61554 CORESON, KEN t PATTI’S MINISTRIES. (R) P.O. Box 3216, Soldotna, NAZARENE INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS AK 99669 vCOTTAM, T. W. 2011 Palm Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80918 COVINGTON, NATHAN. (C) 724 W. Knollwood, Broken Arrow, OK — ...... ‘ BOUGH, ALICE. (R) 638 Oxford, Valparaiso, IN 46383 74011 ABNEY, JOHN It (R) R.R. 1, Box 214, College Grove, TN 37046 BOWDEN, A L (C) 6760 Belfast Ave, Cocoa, FL 32927 v CRABTREE, JAMES C. 3436 Cambridge Dr, Springfield, OH 45503 •ABRAMS, KATHY (R) Rte. 1, Box 126, Rose Hill, IA 52586 •BOWERS, LUCILLE. (C) 701 N. Buchanan, Little Rock, AR 72205 CRANDALL V. E. t BARBARA. (C) 11177 S. Indian Lake Dr. E, Vicksburg, Ml 49097 ADAMS, VERNON R. (R) 2731 Clintonville Rd., Paris, KY 40361 BOYNTON, RICHARD. (C) 6312 E. 98th St, Fishers, IN 46038 ADKINS, JEFFREY A (R) 108 Janet Rd., Marrietta, OH 45750 BRAATEN, DANIEL W. (R) Braaten Family Ministries, c/o Evangelism ♦CRANE, BILLY D. (C) Rte. 5, Box 447, Parkersburg, WV 26101 VCREWS, H. F. Box 180302, Dallas, TX 75218 VAGNER, J. C. Rte. 1, Box 2570, Lee, FL 32059 Ministries' ALBRIGHT, WAYNE L (R) RO. Box 184, Chapman, KS 67431 •BRADFORD, KIM. (R) 6750 Woodview Dr, No. 200, Fort Worth, TX •CRIDER, JAMES t JANET. (R) PO. Box 284, Shirley, IN 47384 vALDRIDGE, DAVID J. 8079 Elmlawn S t N.E., Louisville, OH 44641 76112-8622 •CROFFORD, DON. (R) 151 Pond Rd, Honeoye Falls, NY 14472 VALLEN, ARTHUR L 2440 Castletower Ln„ Tallahassee, FL 32301 •BRALEY PAUL (R) 1878 Lake Hill Cir, Orlando. FL 32818 •CROFFORD, TODD. (R) Crofford/Parker Ministries, c/o Sarah •ALLEN, JAMES. (R) 2803 Jonathan. Texarkana, TX 75503 •BRAND, MARGARET. (R) Box 10332, Fort Wayne, IN 46851 Parker, Box 42, Bath, NY 14810 vALLEN, JIMMIE A. 205 N. Murray, No. 244, Colorado Springs, CO BREWINGTON, JANE. (R) 717 Oakland Park, Livingston, TN 38570 •CROSWAIT, MILDA. (R) 33 Edgecombe Dr, Milford, OH 45150 80916 BRICE, GLEN W. (R) 3115 Mission St, Colorado Springs, CO 80909 V CURTIS, H. M. 1709 E. 17th, Ada, OK 74820 ALLEN, NELSON B. (R) P.O. Box 87, Mowrystown, OH 45155 VBRIGHT, MERLE. 5316 E. St. Clair, Indianapolis, IN 46219 vANDERSON, GEORGE R. 3335 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland, FL 33803 ♦BRISCOE, JOHN B. (C) Box 78, Canadian, OK 74425 D ______ANDERSON, GERALD W. (R) 2451 215th PI. S.W.. Brier. WA 98036 BROUGH, NICOLAS. (C) P.O. Box 1813, Temple City, CA 91780-7813 v DABNEY FRANK. 1890 17th St. N.E, Salem, OR 97303-1110 APPLE, DALE. (R) 1128 S.W. 32nd, Oklahoma City, OK 73109 BROUGH, NORLYN. (R) RO. Box 1813, Temple City, CA 91780-7813 •DAFOE, RAY. (R) 7873 Hickory, Vicksburg, Ml 49097 ARCHER, ALFRED N. (R) 1505 N. Linder, Chicago, IL 60651 BROWN, FRED D. (C) 3174 Bowdoin Cir, Columbus, OH 43204 vDAGGETT, TROY J. 208 West Due West Ave, Madison, TN 37115 •ARCHER, RONALD E. (R) 4304 N. Peniel. Bethany. OK 73008 •BROWN, LOWELL (R) 4618 Bostick Cir, Tampa, FL 33614 VDALE BENNIE. 717 Proctor PI, Midwest City, OK 73110 AREY DONALD. (C) Arey Evangelism Ministries, RFD 1, Anagance BROWN, MARK. (C) 6209 W. McArthur Ln, Muncie, IN 47304 ♦DALE, TOM. (C) 911 Florence, Nampa, ID 83686 Ln, Wolfeboro, NH 03894 •BROWN, ROGER N. (C) Box 724, Kankakee, IL 60901 v DANIELS, DR. M. BERT. P.O. Box 75412, Oklahoma City, OK 73147 ♦ARMSTRONG, LEON li LINDA. (C) No. 10 Foxcroft Dr.. Blue Ridge, BROWN, RON. (C) Rte. 2, Box 230, Ironton, OH 45638 V DANIELS, M. HAROLD. P.O. Box 470, Littleton, CO 80120 VA 24064 BROWN, SAMUEL R. (R) 1557 Jeffords St, Clearwater, FL 34616 vDARNELL H. E. P.O. Box 929, Vivian, LA 71082 ARMSTRONG, ROBERT W. (R) P.O. Box 187, Skowhegan, ME 04976 BRYANT, GROVER. (R) P.O. Box 200, Carthage, MO 64836-0200 v DAVIS, HAROLD C. P.O. Box 189, Choctaw, OK 73020 ATKINSON, DEAN t PAT. (R) Atkinson Family Crusade, P.O. Box 517, VBUDD, JAY B. 1385 Hentz Dr, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 vDAWS, LEONARD J. 3286 Wyoming Ave, Xenia, OH 45385 Newcastle, OK 73065-0517 VBURKE, OWEN. 3400 S. Ironwood Dr, No. 196. Apache Junction. DAWSON, JAMES A. (R) R.R. 1. Box 189. Wapakoneta. OH 45895 AZ 85220 vDAYTON, WEBSTER. 201 Suffolk Ave, Colonial Heights, VA 23834 B ______♦BURKHALTER, PAT t DONNA. (C) P.O. Box 801, Atlanta. TX 75551 v DEBOLT, TED t DOROTHY. 203 Swan Lake Dr, North Fort Myers, v BAGGETT, DALLAS. 1313 Fletcher Ave. S.W., Decatur, AL 35601 •BURNEM, ANN. (R) 103 New Hampshire Dr, Ashland, KY 41101 FL 33917 •BAILEY, TONY t TRICIA. (C) 207 Edgewood Rd.. Eureka. IL 61530 BURNES, DONALD E. (R) 1105 Darla Ave, Altus, OK 73521 •DECKARD, KENNETH. (R) Gloryroad Quartet, 3227 Washington BAKER, HOWARD. (R) P.O. Box 604. Bargersville. IN 46106-0604 VBYERS, CHARLES t MILDRED. 2121C S. Ingram Mill Rd, Spring­ Ave, Bedford, IN 47421 ♦ BAKER, RICHARD C. (C) 3590 Coal Fork Dr, Charleston, WV 25306 field, MO 65804 •DECKARD, STEVE. (R) R.R. 14, Box 459, Bedford, IN 47421 BAKER, SAMUEL (R) 617 East Wood Ave, Raymondville, TX 78580 DELBRIDGE, GENE. (R) 3340 A St, Washougal, WA 98671 BALIS, DONALD E. (R) 120 S. Roberts, El Reno, OK 73036 c______♦DELL JIMMY. (C) 4802 E. Mitchell Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85018 vBALLARD, DON. 7231 German Creek Park, Memphis, TN 38125 CANEN, DAVID. (C) Rte. 2, Box 12B, Adrian, GA 31002 DeLONG, RUTH. (R) 410 S. Pantano Rd, Tucson, AZ 85710 BALLARD, GARY D. (R) Rte. 4. Box 201 -AB, Summit MS 39666 CANFIELD, DAVID. (C) 503 Short White Oak, Russell, KY 41169 DENNIS, JAMES A. (JAMIE). (R) 166 N. Sugar St, Chillicothe, OH BALLARD, JUNE. (R) 327 King St, Chadron, NE 69337 vCANNON, DURWOOD. Rte. 2, Box 280, Gallion, AL 36742 45601 vBALLARD, OLIVER H. 7113 S. Blackwelder, Oklahoma City, OK •CARATHERS, DELORIS. (R) 9823 Cherry Tree Ln, Indianapolis. IN ♦DENNISON, MARVIN E. (C) 1208 S.E. Green Rd, Tecumseh. KS 73159 46236 66542 BAPTISTE, MATHIEW-JEAN. (R) 3715 Eastview Ave, West Palm vCARPENTER, R. W. (Bob). 4805 Airport Rd, Nampa. ID 83687 vDEPASOUALE, JAMES. P.O. Box 5462, Bellingham, WA 98227 Beach FL 33404 CARPENTER, VERNON. (R) 3800 E. Hampden, Englewood, CO DEWEY; KENNETH. (R) Box 636, Rte. 2, Spring Hill, TN 37174 BARNES, JACK. (C) Rte. 1, Box 150-A, Chapel Hill, TN 37034 80110 ♦DICKSON, RICHARD J. (R) Living Way Gospel Team, 821 Lonsvale v BARNES, PAUL E. 405 Christopher Cir, Fort Valley, GA 31030 •CASWELL GERALD. (R) 2258 Wise Rd, North Canton, OH 44720 Dr, Anderson, IN 46014 vBARTZ, JAMES. 3006 Euclid Ave, No. 9, Helena. MT 59601 vCAYTON, JOHN. 16 Southworth St, Lakeville, MA 02347 VDISHON, CLARENCE. 2555 Carmine Rd, Venice, FL 34293 BASS, WARREN G. (R) 801 Central Ave, Roanoke. AL 36274 CERRATO, R. J. (R) 11210 Cherry Ct, No. 526, Palos Hills, IL 60465 vDISHON, MELVIN. 936 Shive Ln, Lot 184, Bowling Green, KY 42101 •BEHA, LUCILLE A. (R) 3908 Ninth Ave, Parkersburg, WV 26101 VCHALFANT, MORRIS. 860 Bunker Hill, Bourbonnais, IL 60914 vDIXON, GEORGE i CHARLOTTE, c/o Evangelism Ministries' •BELL, JEAN. (C) P.O. Box 776, Bethany, OK 73008 vCHAMBERLAIN, DOROTHY H. Rte. 21, Box 28. Mobile Park, DOCTORIAN, SAMUEL (R) 2020 Kinclair Dr, Pasadena. CA 91107 BELZER, DAVE 4 BARBARA. (C) Box 32. Miller, SD 57362 Carmichaels, PA 15320 DODDS, JOHN. (C) 272 Jack Oak Rd, St. Marys, OH 45885 BENDER, TIM. (C) The Tim Bender Family. 1278 Smith Chapel Rd, vCHAMBERS, LEON t MILDRED. 218 Regan Dr, Magnolia. MS •DODDS, LARRY W. (R) Rte. 5, Box 385, Burlington, IA 52601 Shelbyville, TN 37160 39652 DODGE, KENNETH L. (C) 1150 W. Winton Ave, No. 221, Hayward, CA •BENNETT, ROBIN. (R) 2899 Eldon Dr, Uniontown, OH 44685 vCHANDLER, WILLIAM. 705 Meadow Lark Ln, Durant, OK 74701 94545 vBERRIAN, HAROLD F 186 Highland Ave, Pennsville. NJ 08070 •CHANEY, BARBARA. (C) 4070 Monza Dr, Richmond, VA 23234 •DOLE, VERA. (R) 22210 Salt Fork Rd, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025 •BERRY, CHARLES. (R) 2524 Brierwood Dr, Albany. GA 31705 VCHANEY REEFORD. 4070 Monza Dr, Richmond, VA 23234 •DOOLITTLE, KEVIN. (C) 866 N. Main St. Ext, Meadville, PA 16335 •BERTOLET, GRACE. (C) 2770 S. Garden Dr, Bldg. 21, No. 308, VCHAPMAN, W. EMERSON t LOIS. Rte. 1, Box 87, Miltonvale, KS DOROUGH, WILLIAM M. (R) 219 Oak Hills Dr, HHH, Mabank, T X Lakeworth, FL 33461 67466 7 5 1 4 7 •BICKFORD, BERNADETTE. (R) 1521 S. Harrison St, San Angelo, CHASE, FRANK. (R) Lake Country, Box 25, Mannford, OK 74044 •DOWNING, ANN. (C) Box 767, Hendersonville. TN 37075 TX 76901-4322 ♦CHEATWOOD, HENRY t PHYLLIS. (C) Rte. 4. Box 96. Kissee Mills. DOWTX PAUL (R) Rte. 3, Box 741, Broken Bow, OK 74728 BIRD, LANCE. (R) 1001 Laurel Hills Ct„ Haines City, FL 33844 MO 65680 DRESSLER, R. H. (R) Box 750177, Duncan, OK 73573 ♦BLUE, DAVID i DANA. (C) P.O. Box B, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217 CHENAULT, WILLIAM D. (R) 6980 Woodcrest Dr, Greenfield, IL 46140 DRYE, J. T. (R) 5130 Trinity Church Rd, Kannapolis, NC 28081 v BLYTHE, ELLIS G. 7731 S.W. 10th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32607 CHIPR VERLIN E (C) 127 S. State St, Indianapolis, IN 46201 DUNCAN, HERSCHEL (R) 350 Birch Dr, Charlestown, IN 47111 BOCK, DON. (C) Box 412, Washington Court House, OH 43160 •CHIZUM, DENNIS. (R) 53569 C.R. 7 N, Elkhart IN 46514 DUNLAP, BARRY L (R) 5742 Pennock Pt. Rd, Jupiter, FL 33458 •BOGGS, JERRY (R) 203-A Linden Ave, South Point OH 45680 CHOATE, KIRBY. (R) P.O. Box 61. Raymondville, TX 78580 •DUNMIRE, RALPH i JOANN. (C) 202 Garwood Dr, Nashville, TN BOHANNON, WILLIAM. (R) 542 Maple St, East Alton. IL 62024 CHRISTNER, JACK. (R) 1560 Newark Rd, Mount Vernon, OH 43050 37210 •BOICOURT-SHANK, MARLA. (R) 1413 Willow Dr, Olathe. KS 66062 vCHRISTOPHER, CHRIS C. 343 Kenlock S.E, Lot 66, Grand Rapids, DUNN, DON. (C) P.O. Box 132, Bartlett, OH 45713 ♦BOND, GARY i BETH. (C) 410 S. Clay St, Sturgis, Ml 49091 Ml 49508 DUTTON, BARRY t TAVIA. (C) P.O. Box 119, Clarksburg, MD 20871 BOND, RICHARD D. (R) P.O. Box 4444, Overland Park, KS 66204 CLACK, ROBERT J. (R) 10584 Caminito Clenellen, San Diego, CA BOOUIST, DOUG i DEBBIE. (R) c/o 16001 Glen Rd, Mount Vernon, 92126 E______OH 43050 CLARK, RON. (R) 1522 Hwy. 261, Newburgh, IN 47630 •EBY, PAUL t MARTHA. (R) P.O. Box 100924, Nashville, TN 37224 •EDWARDS, BOBBY (R) 1080 Jameson Ct. New Castle, IN 47362 (C) Commissioned (R) Registered ♦Preacher & Song Evangelist »Song Evangelist EDWARDS, CHARLES. (C) 19924 Teresa Way, Cerritos, CA 90701 VRetired Elders in Evangelism •EIFERT, FRANK t JO. (R) 18424 Dakota Rd, Odessa, FL 33554 'Evangelism Ministries, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131 V ELLIOTT, CLELL B. Rte. 2, Box 90A, Franklin Furnace, OH 45629 vEMRICK, C. ROSS. 8000 M-68. Alanson, Ml 49706 A n adequate budget for evangelism at the beginning of each church year is imperative for each congregation. ♦ESSELBURN, A. C. BUD. (C) The King's Messengers, 28241 S.R. A revival savings account is useful in building toward adequate support for the evangelist. 60 N, Warsaw, OH 43844 EVERMAN, WAYNE. (R) 109 Cox St, Box 377, Stanton, KY 40380 EVANGELISM MINISTRIES

F ______HEATON, K. D. (C) 14 Martinsburg Rd, Apt. A, Mount Vernon, OH •LAXSON, WALLY 4 GINGER. (C) Rte. 3. Box 118. Athens. AL 35611 43050 •LAYCOCK, ERIC L (R) 146 Wendover Dr, Hamilton, ON L9C 5X5 ♦FADER, WES & MARY (C) Quail Ridge Dr., Rte. 17, Box 310, HECKATHORN, JIM. (C) 713 Lake Lowell Ave, Nampa, ID 83686 CANADA Salisbury, MD 21801 ♦HELMS, MIKE 4 GLORIA. (C) c/o Evangelism Ministries' LEAF, JOHN D. (R) Rte. 1, Box 300, Dover, OH 44622 VFARLOW, T. J. Box 1145, Robertsdale, AL 36567 VHENDERSHOT, HARVEY. Rte. 4, Lakeview Dr, Mount Juliet TN ♦LECKRONE, LARRY (C) 403 E. Main, Morenci, Ml 49256 v FARRIS, A. A. 1503 Orchard Ct, Science Hill, KY 42553 37122 LEIDY, ARNOLD G. (C) P.O. Box 124, Moriarty, NM 87035 FARRIS, GARY E. (R) 113 Christian Ave, Corbin, KY 40701 vHENDERSON, LATTIE. 3006 Liberty Rd, Greensboro, NC 27406 vLEMASTER, BENJAMIN D. 813 N. Tyler Dr, Santa Maria. CA 93454 FAULK, A. RAY. (C) HC 67, Box 872, Many, LA 71449 vHERMON, THOMAS M. 936 Ave. T S.E, Winter Haven, FL 33880 v LEONARD, J. C. 1410 Armory, Chariton, IA 50049 •FELKNER, MR. I MRS. BUTCH. (R) 173 Heartz, Coppell, TX 75019 vHESTER, JAMES C. 1 Red Oak Ct, Mansfield, TX 76063 LEONARD, LARRY L (R) 6910 Interbay Blvd., No. 2, Tampa, FL •FIGHTMASTER, ANTHONY. (R) 198 Convent Bourbonnais, IL vHICKE, S. F 4923 Forest Ct, Oak Forest, IL 60452 33616-2637 60914 HICKS, JOHN DAVID. (C) 240 Daniels St, McMinnville. OR 97128 V LESTER, FRED R. 7404 Ed Rice, Mesa, AZ 85208 VFILES, GLORIA R. 1102 N. Peniel Ave, Avon Park, FL 33825 ♦HIGGINS, CHUCK 4 MARGE. (C) 8471 N. 54th Ln, Glendale. AZ ♦LIDDELL P. L 4 JUNE. (C) 3530 W. Allen Rd, Howell, Ml 48843 vFISHER, C. WILLIAM. No. 1, Antigua Ct, Coronado, CA 92118 85302 vLINN, HERMAN. Rte. 6, Box 178, New Castle, IN 47362 vFISHER, CLAIR H. RD 1,103 Valley View Rd, Phoenixville, PA VHILDIE, DWAYNE W. 3323 Belaire, Cheyenne. WY 82001 v LISTON, CLARENCE D. P.O. Box 23576, Tuscon, AZ 85734 19460 V H ILL WILLIAM G. & KATHRYN. 6600 Hitler Rd, No. 2, Circleville, vLITTLE, HAROLD N. 7045 S.W. Hyland Way, Beaverton, OR 97005 FLEMMING, FLOYD O. (R) 1192 Roosevelt Dr, Sherrodsville, OH OH 43113 LOHR, DONALD. (C) P.O. Box 7056, Charleston, WV 25356 44675 vHINKLE, FRED C. Rte. 1, Box 102, Tishomingo, OK 73460 LOMAN, LANE. (C) 137 Timber Ridge Dr, Nashville, TN 37217 FLETCHER, RAY (R) Box 6225, Elgin, OK 73538 HINES, RAYMOND L (R) Box 114, Nocatee, FL 33864 •LORENZEN, LINDA. (C) Rte. 3, Box 231A, Blanchester. OH 45107 FLINT, ROBERT. (R) 11388 Rte. 36, Marysville, OH 43040 •HISE, RON. (R) 2035 Hancock, Demotte, IN 46310 LOUGHRIDGE, WILLIAM. (R) Rte. 2. Box 38, Wister. OK 74966 FORTNER, ROBERT E. (C) 908 S. Buchanan, Monticello, IL 61856 HOECKLE, WESLEY W. (R) 642 Vaky, Corpus Christi, TX 78404 LOVE, ROBERT. (R) 6425 Nanette, Colorado Springs, CO 80907 FOSTER, A. D. (R) 1017 N. 20th St, St. Joseph, MO 64501 HOLDER, SYBIL (R) 249 Winthrop St, Brooklyn, NY 11225 •LOVING, BECKY. (R) 1101 S. Park Rd, Texarkana, TX 75503 VFOSTER, HALLIE S MARTHA. P.O. Box 375, Stonington, IL 62567 HOLLOWELL, JERRY. (R) P.O. Box 2, Paris, TX 75460 vLOWN, ALBERT J. c/o General Secretary's Office vFOSTER, J. R 1805 N. Union, Decatur, IL 62526 HOLSINGER, MARK. (C) 9231 E. Aero Dr, Pico Rivera, CA 90660 LYBARGER, EVERETT. (C) P.O. Box 1534, Conway, AR 72032 •FOSTER, MARY. (R) 1805 N. Union, Decatur, IL 62526 v HOLSTEIN, J. TED. 11619 Hanover Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45240 FOSTER, STEVEN C. (R) P.O. Box 11, Troy, OH 45373 HOOTS, BOB. (C) 309 Adair St, Columbia, KY 42728 V FOWLER, IRA E. Rte. 3, Box 345, Hollywood, MD 20636 •HORNE, ROGER 4 BECKY. (R) P.O. Box 17496, Nashville, TN 37217 M ______FRANK, RICHARD A. (C) c/o Evangelism Ministries' vHOUSE, JOHN W. 2503 Division St, No. 200, North Little Rock, AR MACK, WILLIAM M. (C) 106 Youpon Dr, Hubert, NC 28539 •FRASER, WILMA. (R) 305 High St, Brilliant, OH 43913 72114 MADDEN, JOSEPH. (R) 704 Golden Arrow Dr, Miamisburg, OH 45342 FREEMAN, MARY ANN. (R| P.O. Box 129. Gas City, IN 46933 vHOWARD, DICK. 7901 N.W. 28th Terr, Bethany, OK 73008 •MADDOX, HOMER 4 MARTHA. (R) 1917 Wilkens St, Indianapolis, FREY, DENNIS. (R) 291 Avant, Hazelwood, MO 63042 vHUBARTT, LEONARD. 8612 Timbermill PI, Fort Wayne, IN 46804 IN 46221 •FREY, DONALD. (R) The Frey Family, 509 Sturgis Ave, Sturgis, Ml HUBBARD, JEFFIE. (R) 3213 W. Ave. T Temple, TX 76504 •MAHANEY, PATRICIA. (R) 1400 Iris Ave, Oakdale, CA 95361 49091 HUGHES, JOYCE. (C) 4524 Ashland City Hwy, Clarksville, TN 37043 vMANGUM, PAUL D. 416 Ivy St, Nampa, ID 83686 VFRODGE, HAROLD. Rte. 1, Geff, IL 62842 HUNDLEY, JOHN D. (C) P.O. Box 764, Nashville. GA 31639 MANLEY, STEPHEN 4 DELPHINE. (C) Box 522, Upland, IN 46989 FULKS, DAVID, JR. (R) 9430 Cleveland. No. 124, Kansas City. MO vHURRY, CECIL P. P.O. Box 667, Lynn, IN 47355 ♦MANN, THURL 4 MARY KAY (C) 90 Sycamore Ln, Fort Myers, FL 64132 HUXMAN, MILTON. (R) 215 Iris St, Broomfield, CO 80020 33908 v FULTON, CECIL 6413 Gateridge Cir, Garland, TX 75043 v MARLIN, BENJAMIN F. P.O. Box 5572, Deltona, FL 32728 I ______v MARSH, A. MILTON. Box 234, Remington, IN 47977 V MARTIN, LEON. Rte. 3, Box 242A, Bonham, TX 75418 G______VICE, CHARLES 4 BETTY. 702 S. Malcolm, Chanute, KS 6 6 7 2 0 MARTINEZ, JOSE M. (R) 4794 Poseidon PI, Lake Worth, FL 33463 •GABEL JIM. (R) 5028 Burma Rd. W, Mobile, AL 36609 VIOE, CHARLES. 1796 52nd S t S.E, Grand Rapids, Ml 49508-4987 MATTER, DAN 4 ANN. (R) 2617 Carew St, Fort Wayne, IN 46805 vGADBOW, CLINTON. 1207 S. 2nd St, Marshalltown, IA 50158 INGLAND, WILMA JEAN. (R) 1170 Princeton Rd, Monroeville, PA vMAX, HOMER L Rte. 3, Box 217, Knoxville. IA 50138 GADBOW, DONALD C. (R) 49 Julie Ln, S t Peters, MO 63376 15146 GALVEZ, MARCO. (R) 316 N. Lincoln (Rear), Barnesville, OH 43713 VMAY JOHN. Rte. 1, Box 17-SG, Colliers, WV 26035 •MAYNARD, WAYNE. (R) 1830 -E" St, Bedford, IN 47421 GAMBLIN, C. LEE & WILMA. (R) 613 Ellis Ave, P.O. Box 1245, J ______MAYO, CLIFFORD. (C) P.O. Box 345, Dickens, TX 79229 Ottumwa, IA 52501 JACK, GLORIA JEANNE. (R) 701 Kenwood Dr, Russell, KY 41169 vMAZE, KENNETH, Rte. 9, Box 102, Parkersburg, WV 26101 GARDNER, JOHN M. (C) 4102 Carlisle Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813 McADAMS, DOUGLAS D. (R) Rte. 4, Box 140-D, Huntsville, AR 72740 GAWTHORR WAYLAND. (C) Rte. 1, Box 97AA, Crowley, LA 70526 •JACKSON, PAUL 4 TRISH. (C) Jetstream Ministries, Box 739, ♦McCALLIE, JAMES. (R) Rte. 6, Box 254, Columbus, IN 47201 vGERBIG, BERNICE ROEDEL. 315 N. 8th St, Boonville, IN 47601 Meade, KS 67864 •GESSNER, DON SHIRL (C) 103 N. 8th St, Sunbury, PA 17801 JACKSON, THOMAS. (R) Rte. 1, Box 242, Flemingsburg, KY 41041 McCANDLESS, MARION L (C) P.O. Box 97, Midway City, CA 92655 t MCDONALD, CHARLIE E. (C) 920 W. Olive St, West Monroe, LA vGHOLSON, LAWRENCE. 2918 Berkshire Dr, Mesquite, TX 75150 V JAMES, R. ODIS. 323 Winter St, St. James, MO 65559 GOLAY, GEORGE. (R) 4450 Midway Dr. N.W, Cedar Rapids. IA 52405 JANTZ, ORLANDO. (R) HCR1, Box 185, Minneola, KS 67865 71291 v MCDONALD, G. RAY 720 Carroll Wood Village, Apt. 305, Gretna, vGOODLETT, NELSON C. Rte. 2, Box 400, Sallis, MS 39160 ♦JANTZ-OWENS, MARJORIE. (C) P.O. Box 6864, Kokomo. IN GOODWIN, LESLIE. (R) 12181 Rich, Loveland, OH 45140 46904-6864 LA 70056 JAYMES, RICHARD W. (R) 617 W. Gambier, Mount Vernon, OH 43050 •GORDON, BOB. (C) 1628 Rutland Dr, No. 21, Austin, TX 78758-6003 vMcDOWELL DORIS M. 540 Sierra Madre Blvd.. No. 6, Sierra •JEFFRIES, JEFF & JAN (R) 21308 120th St. E, Apt B, Bonney Lake. Madre, CA 91024 •GORMAN, CHARLES AND ANN. (R) 12104 Linkwood Ct, Louisville, WA 98390 McELFRESH, RONALD. (C) 1964 Osage Cir, Olathe, KS 66062 KY 40229 v JENNINGS, LEON. 7107 N.W. 30th Terr, Bethany, OK 73008 vMcELVEEN, ROUND T. 667 Powell St, Rock Hill, SC 29730 GOULD, LOREN W. (C) 4479 Hialeah Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23464 ♦GRABKE, RONALD & MARTHA. (C) 225 Pleasantview Dr, Brain­ v JENNINGS, PAUL R. 722 N.W. 32nd, Lawton, OK 73505 McGEE, JERRY. (C) 3115 Goldmine Rd, Monroe, NC 28110 tree, MA 02184 •JEWETT, LARRY 4 PATRICIA. (R) 1441 Robin Hood Dr, Seymour, McGUFFEY, JAMES. (R) 1580 Cape Charles Ct, Cicero, IN 46034 vGRANT, COOLIDGE. P.O. Box 31, Glens Fork, KY 42741 IN 47274-1949 •McKINNON, JUANITA. (C) Box 126, Institute, WV 25112 vGRAY, C. PAUL. 4016 Riverside Dr, Bethany, OK 73008 JOHNSON, ALBERT. (R) Rte. 2, Box 217, Kenbridge, VA 23944 •McMAHAN, W.TI MARGARET. (R) 1015 E. Southport Rd, JOHNSON, BOB. (R) 3135 Oro Blanco, Colorado Springs, CO 80917 ♦GREEN, JIM I ROSEMARY (C) Box 385, Canton, IL 61520 Indianapolis, IN 46227 V JOHNSON, COMER, P.O. Box 668, Excel, AL 36439 GREEN, KYLE L (R) 2838 Pennsylvania St, Evansville, IN 47712 vMcVEY, V. L 173 E. 2nd St, Fond du Lac, Wl 54935-4463 JOHNSON, DONALD EUGENE. (R) Box 196, Ogden, IL 61859 •GREEN, SHARON. (R) The Gospel Sounds, P.O. Box 66, Lithopolis, McWHIRTER, STUART. (C) P.O. Box 458, Corydon, IN 47112 OH 43136-0066 v JOHNSON, EVERETTE A. 410 Pargoud Dr, Monroe, LA 71202 VMEADOWS, NAOMI C. 2626 Washington Ave, Lot 65, Vincennes, GRIBBEN, GEORGE. (R) 1 Parkview Dr, Mount Vernon, OH ♦JOHNSON, RON. (C) 3208 Eighth St. E, Lewiston, ID 83501 IN 47591 43050-1972 v JONES, BERT. 1926 Lakeside Dr, Erie, PA 16511 vMEEK, WESLEY E. 5713 S. Shartel, Oklahoma City, OK 73109 MEENACH, CHRIS. (R) Rte. 2, Box 80A, Franklin Furnace, OH 45629 GRIMES, ANDY. (C) Andrew Evangelistic Ministries, 110 Copperfield JONES, GRACE L (C) P.O. Box 251, Leming, TX 78050 •MEHR, BETHANY (R) Box 37, South Lyon, Ml 48178 Dr, Chillicothe, OH 45601 ♦JONES, TERRY 4 LAQUITA. (C) 2002 Judy Ln, Pasadena, TX GRIMM, HUGH. (R) 5845 Kentview Ave. N.W, North Canton, OH 44720 77502 •MELICK, RANDY. (R) 8705 Countryshire, No. 1, Kansas City, MO GRIMSHAW, MICHAEL E. (R) 1307 Wheaton Way, No. 307, Bremer­ •JONTE, JOHN. (R) 3905 N.W. 56th PI, Oklahoma City, OK 73112 64138 ton, WA 98310 JORDAN, JOSEPH R. (C) 42 W. Hunter St, Logan, OH 43138 MELVIN, DOLORES. (C) HC 60, Box 224, Greenup, KY 41144 •MEREDITH, DWIGHT NORMA JEAN. (C) 315 E. 8th St, Box 1. •GRINDLEY, GERALD 1 JANICE. (R) 414 W. Oliver, Owosso, Ml ♦JUSTICE, MEL 4 DONNA. (C) 142 King Ave, Columbus, OH 43201 4 48867 Harper, KS 67058 VMEYER, VIRGIL DOROTHY. 3112 Willow Oak Dr, Fort Wayne, IN GROVES, C. WILLIAM. (C) 3986 Cypress Ave, Grove City, OH 43123 K ______4 46809 GUNN, CLYDE T. (R) 601 N. Hendrick Ave, Marion, IN 46952 KEENA, EARL (C) 2160 D St, Oroville, CA 95966 ♦MICKEY BOB. (C) 504 N. Sixth. Umar, CO 81052 GUNTER, WILLIAM. (R) 12609 29th PI. W, Everett, WA 98204 KEETO, MARSHALL (R) P.O. Box 158, Mentmore, NM 87319 MILBURN, GARY (R) P.O. Box 475, Braddock Heights. MD 21714 KELLER, GREGORY. (R) 9 Canyon MHP, Morgantown, WV 26505 MILEY, TROY J. (R) 102 Nazarene Dr, South Charleston, WV 25309 VKELLY R. B. 4706 N. Donald, Bethany, OK 73008 H______VMILLER, BERNARD F. 514 E. Crawford St, Van Wert, OH 45891 •KIDDER, KERMIT. (R) 516 Flamingo Dr, Lakeland. FL 33803 •HAAS, MR. I MRS. V. WAYNE. (C) 3508 S. 10th St, New Castle. IN VMILLER, NETTIE A. 1313 14th St, Apt 801, Columbus, GA 31994 VKING, J. HARMON. 3001 24th Ave, Valley. AL 36876 47362 vMILLER, PAULINE 0 .307 S. Delaware St, Mount Gilead. OH 43338 ♦KIZZEE, JOHN. (R) Rte. 2, Box 65-C, Junction City, KS 66441 ♦HAINES, GARY. (C) c/o Evangelism Ministries' MILLER, RICHARD S. (R) 2727 Sugar Tree Rd, Bethel, OH 45106 vKNIGHT, JOHN L 4000 N. Thompkins, Bethany, OK 73008 HALL CARL N. (R) P.O. Box 7086, Clearwater, FL 33518 MILLHUFF, CHUCK. (C) Box 160, Olathe. KS 66061 KOHR, CHARLES A. (C) Rte. 2, Box 360, Brookville, PA 15825 HALL DAVID. (R) 3220 N. Wildan, Springfield, MO 65803 MILLS, CARUON A. (C) P.O. Box 260728, Tampa, FL 33685-0728 vKONKLE, DONALD A. 2908 Moore Rd, Anderson, IN 46011 vHALL, HADLEY A. 2105 Juniper Dr, Plant City, FL 33566 MITCHELL MARCIA L (R) 835 Valencia. Walla Walla. WA 99362 KONKLE, MICHAEL C. (R) 2576 E. 200 S„ Anderson, IN 46017 HANCOCK, TIM (R) 416 S. Edgewood Rd, Mount Vernon, OH 43050 vMITCHUM, C. R. 1225 Rockport Rd, Apt 342, Boonville, IN 47601 vKRATZER, RAYMOND C. 4305 Snow Mountain Rd, Yakima, WA •HANKINS, GEORGE W. (C) 3 E. Buttonwood St, Wenonah, NJ •MOATS, MARILYN. (R) 617 W. Oak St, Carmi, IL 62821 98908 08090 vMODESITT, BRUCE. 1114 Henley St, Decherd, TN 37324 vHARCOURT, HAROLD C. 1301 Newbury Dr, Norman, OK 73071 ♦MONCK, JIM. (C) 971 Madrone Ave, Chico. CA 95926 HARRINGTON, MILTON. (R) 4005 Little Rock Dr, North Highlands, CA L ______MOONEY, MARCUS LEE. (R) 5762 S.E. Windsong Ln, Stuart FL 95660 LAING, GERALD t MARCINE. (C) 11436 East St, Vicksburg. Ml 34997 HARRISON, ROBERT. (R) 7215 Acacia, Leander, TX 78641 49097 MOORE, NORMAN. (C) Box 1630, Chandler, AZ 85244 v HAWKINS, RAY. 1615 Kickapoo, Pueblo, CO 81001 VLAMBERT, J. WILMER. 710 Chaffin Ridge, Columbus, OH 43214 MOORE, RUDOLPH. (C) P.O. Box 56, Fortville, IN 46040 HAYES, ALVIN a (R) 15812 W. 129th St, Olathe, KS 66062 LAWSON, WAYNE. (C) c/o Evangelism Ministries' vMORGAN, EARL L. 494 Meadows Rd. S, Bourbonnais, IL 60914 HAYNES, CHARLES 4 MYRT. (C) P.O. Box 3563, Cleveland. TN LAXSON, KIP. (C) 675 Harding PI, G-6, Nashville, TN 37211 MORGAN, GERALD L. (R) P.O. Box 495, Eaton, OH 45320 37320-3563 EVANGELISM MINISTRIES

MORLEY, FRANK. (C) 4080 Pedley Rd, No. 151, Riverside, CA 92509 ROSSITER, LARRY (R) 9867 Shellbark Ln, Cincinnati, OH 45231 vTHOMAS, HOYLE C. P.O. Box 72, Nampa, ID 83653-0072 vMORRIS, CLYDE. P.O. Box 938, Eleanor, WV 25070 ROTH, RON. (C) 2645 E. Cozy, Springfield, MO 65804 VTHOMAS, J. MELTON. 3619 Skyline Dr, Nampa, ID 83686 MORRIS, JAMES. (R) 141 Dutch Rd, Charleston, WV 25302 ROWE, GENE. (R) P.O. Box 1022, Cherokee, NC 28718 THOMPSON, L. DEAN. (R) P.O. Box 963, Carl Junction, MO MORSCH, J. V. (R) 9924 Bay Vista Ests. Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819 ♦ROYSE, C. E. (R) 2105 Taylor Ave, Racine, Wl 53403 64834-0963 MOSER, THOMAS W. (R) 555 Barts Church Rd, Hanover, PA 17331 RUARK, JAMES. (R) 2014 Northcliff Dr, Columbus, OH 43229 •THOMPSON, ROBERT It TERESA. (R) P.O. Box 21467, Chat­ •MURPHY MARK. (R) 410 S. Clay St, Sturgis, Ml 49091 RUFF, ROY. (R) 10 Bell Dr, Garden City, SC 2957fe tanooga, TN 37421 ♦MYERS, HAROLD k MRS. (C) 575 Ferris N.W, Grand Rapids. Ml RUNYAN, DAVID W. (C) 419 Butcher, Bethalto, IL 62010 ♦THORNTON, REV. k MRS. WALLACE. (C) 1200 Grundy Rd, 49504 RUSSELL DOUGLAS J. (R) 3644116th Ave, Edmonton, AB T5W 0W6 Somerset, KY 42501 CANADA vTHRASHER, OREN D. 2414 High Pine Dr, Louisville, KY 40214 N ______vRUSSELL J. REYNDAL 3809 San Ramon Dr, Arlington, TX 76013 •TINSLEY, MARVIN k DENISE. (C) Rte. 1. Box 215A, Waldron, IN vNAJARIAN, BERGE k DORIS. P.O. Box 50904, Fort Myers, FL 46182 33905 s______VTOLBERT, WILLIAM A. P.O. Box 85-7935, Port St Lucie, FL 34985 vNASH, FORREST. 725 W. Cedar, Olathe, KS 66061 SCHMELZENBACH, DENNIS R. (R) 1713 N. Glade Ave, Bethany, OK ♦TOOLEY, JIM. (C) 2108 Burlington Rd, Rte. 4, Oskaloosa, IA 52577 NASH, JACK W. (R) 8840 Oakdale Ave, Northridge, CA 91324 73008 •TRAMMEL JERRY. (R) 21 Stanwood Loop, North Little Rock, AR •NAYLOR, EDWARD. (R) 6 Rubydale Gardens, Weston, ON M 9L1B3 vSCHMIDT, MILFORD. Rte. 3, Box 268, Clinton, MO 64735 72118 CANADA s c o n , SR., DR. WILLIS R. (C) 1926 Tindaro Dr, Apopka, FL 32703 TRIPP, HOWARD. (C) 4218 Lazaid St, Chattanooga, TN 37412 •NEFF, LARRY k PAT. (C) 625 N. Water St, Owosso, Ml 48867 •SCRIVNER, VICKIE. (R) 5818 Floyd, Overland Park, KS 66202 vTRUE, IRA L. 500 W. Santa Maria, No. 77, Santa Paula, CA 93060 VNEES, L GUY. 181 Lawrence Ln, Kalispell, MT 59901 TSO, ALVIN. (C) P.O. Box 1541, Page, AZ 86040-1541 vSELF, ERWIN. 11397 Main St, Vicksburg, Ml 49097 NEWTON, DANIEL (R) P.O. Box 323, Fairland, IN 46126 TUCKER, RALPH WILLIAM. (R) R.R. 1, Box 55, Woodbine, IA 51579 SEXTON, JACK A. (R) 2615 Ontario St, Cincinnati, OH 45231 NEWTON, TYREE. (R) 4326 Briarwood Dr, Richmond, VA 23234 SEYMOUR, J. KEVIN. (R) 97 Grant, Newark, OH 43055 TURNER, BEVERLY (R) 709 Holbrook, Lebanon, OH 45036 •SHADE, HAZEL (R) P.O. Box 24368, Huber Heights, OH 45424 ♦TURNOCK, J. JAMES. (R) Rte. 2, Box 365, A-1, Williamsport, MD 0 ______•SHARP, ALBERT. (C) 8760 W. Adams Rd, Elwell, Ml 48832 21795 vOLIVER, L S. 5115 N. Carefree Cir, Colorado Springs, CO 80917 SHARP, R. H. (R) Rte. 2, Rock Falls, IL 61071 vOLIVER, W. CHARLES, c/o Kansas District Office, 1919 N. Amidon, •SHEPHERD, WILEY (R) 1324 Gen. MacArthur Dr, Brentwood, TN u______Suite 220, Wichita, KS 67203 37027 VULMET, ALECK. 63 Hope Dr, Bella Vista, AR 72714 ONEY, HOBERT. (R) 3832 Chah Dr, Zephyrhills, FL 33541 •SHIREY, DWIGHT. (C) 38092 Butcher Rd, Leetonia, OH 44431 UMSTEAD, CLAIR E (R) P.O. Box 7, East Charleston, VT 05833 OVERTON, BILL k DOT. (C) Family Evangelists and Chalk Artist c/o SICKENBERGER, ARDEN. (R) 3803 W. Walnut Yakima. WA 98902 Evangelism Ministries' •SIMMONS, IRVIN. (R) 3216 N. Peniel, Bethany, OK 73008 V OWENS, DENNY G. (C) 6802 N.W. 45th, Bethany, OK 73008 SIMPSON, EDWIN C. (R) 10 Wimbledon Way, Tabernacle, NJ 08081 WARCE, PAUL H. 621 2nd Ave. N.W, Waverly, IA 50677 ♦OYLER, CALVIN k VIRGINIA. (C) P.O. Box 727, Wellsville, KS 66092 SIRES, M. DEAN. (R) 1213 S. 7th St, Oskaloosa, IA 52577 •VERTREES, MARK S. (R) Rte. 1, Box 152, Cunningham, TN 37052 vSISK, IVAN L. P.O. Box 17555, San Diego, CA 92117 VIARS, V. DALE (R) 5896 Karen Ave, Largo, FL 34644 P ______vSLATER, HUGH L 1120 Cedarcliff Dr, Glen Burnie, MD 21061 VSMITH, C. HASTINGS. Box 937, Bethany, OK 73008 •VICE, MARK. (R) 315 ‘S' St, Bedford, IN 47421 PALMER, NORMAN. (R) 200 W. Branigan Rd, Franklin. IN 46131 vSMITH, DOYLE. Rte. 2, Box 1050, Wrightsville, GA 31096 VPARIS, WENDELL O. PO. Box 159, Henryetta, OK 74437 ♦SMITH, DUANE. (C) c/o Evangelism Ministries' w______vPARSONS, T. O. 4025 Gossett Dr, Wichita Falls, TX 76308 SMITH, GEORGE E (R) 9378 Watson Rd, Wolverine, Ml 49799 VPASSMORE, A. A. Passmore Evangelistic Party, P.O. Box 202, •WADE, E BRUCE. (R) 3029 Sharpview Ln, Dallas, TX 75228 vSMITH, HAROLD ORPHA. 3711 Germania Rd, Snover, M l Snydertown, PA 17877 k •WALKER, BRIAN k DEBI. (R) P.O. Box 25964, Colorado Springs, CO 4 8 4 7 2 80936 •PASSMORE, DOROTHY. (C) P.O. Box 202, Snydertown, PA 17877 •SMITH, JERRY k BETH. (R) 3629 A Helen Ln, East Ridge, TN 37412 •WALKER, REV. & MRS. EARL J. (R) 3650 Roswell Dr, Columbus, PATTERSON, ROBERT k FRANCES. (R) 373 Richlandtown Pk„ ♦SMITH, LARRY. (C) 547 Kiely Blvd., No. 4, San Jose, CA 95117 OH 43227 Quakertown, PA 18951 vSMITH, EUGENE k LANORA. The Singing Smiths, 205 Drayton St, VWALKER, LAWRENCE LAVONNA. Rte. 1, Box 368 B. Interlachen, PAYNE, DAVID. (R) P.O. Box 16013, Colorado Springs, CO 80935-6013 k Winnsboro, SC 29180 FL 32148 PEAL DONALD. (C) P.O. Box 518, Rowlett TX 75088 vSMITH, OTTIS. 60 Grant St, Tidioute, PA 16351 v WALLACE, J. C. PO. Box 2183, Plant City, FL 33566 ♦PENDLETON, JOHN. (R) 1116 S.W. 72nd, Oklahoma City, OK 73139 •SMITH, RICKY STERLING k JOANN. (R) Rte. 2, Box 786, Hawkins, WALTON, JAMES. (R) 203 E. Bond, Patoka, IL 62875 PERDUE, NELSON. (C) 1559 Grimes Ave, Urbana, OH 43078 TX 75765 •WARD, DAVID. (R) 6900 Stillmore Dr, Englewood, OH 45322-3746 PFEIFER, DON. (C) Evangelistic Team, 661 S.R. 220, Piketon, OH SNELLGROVE, HENRY G. (R) 3587 Thornhill Dr, Jacksonville, FL WARNER, C. LEROY. (R) 926 Summit Ridge Dr, Brandon, FL 33511 45661 32211 PFEIFER, MARK. (C) 910 Briar Ave, Washington Court House, OH vWARNOW, ROBERT E. 701 Grand Ave, Rear Apt, Aliquippa, PA SNYDER, BILL G. (R) 9935 Columbus-Cincinnati Rd, South 15001 43160 Charleston, OH 45368 VWATKINS, FRANK. P.O. Box 715, Banning, CA 92220 VPHILLIPS, JACK. 7328 Yarberry Ln, Little Rock, AR 72209 SOMMER, MICHAEL. (R) Mesa Ministries. 6416 Harris. Raytown, MO PHILPOT, LARRY. (R) 117 Kay Dr, Middletown, OH 45042 vWATSON, LOY. 3412 N. Flamingo Ave, Bethany, OK 73008 64133 WEBB, SHARON. (R) P.O. Box 61, Waco, KY 40385 PHIPPS, TILLIE. (R) 301 S. Lamar Blvd., Oxford, MS 38655 SOUTHERLAND, SAMUEL (R) 4404 Clinton Ave, Jacksonville, FL WEBSTER, KENNETH. (R) 5608 G Villas Cir, Montgomery, AL 36116 ♦PICKERING, ROLAND. (R) Box 160102, Altamonte Springs. FL 32207 •WELCH, MRS. DARLENE. (R) 8302 Laverne Dr, Louisville, KY 40299 32716-0102 SPARKS, JONATHAN D. (R) 11323 S. W. 165th Terr, Miami, FL 33157 •PIERCE, CATHERINE. (C) 1427 Meitzler St. Danville, IL 61832 vWELCH, FRANCES M. 10338 Carreta Ct, Santee, CA 92071 ♦SPEARS, DAN. (C) Visual Ministries, Rte. 5, Box 400, Conway, AR vPITTENGER, CLAUDE E. 2027 Woodhue Dr, Spring, TX 77386 ♦WELLS, GENE k NANCY (C) Rte. 1, Box 174B, T h o m pso n *, IL 72032 PITTENGER, TWYLA. (R) 413 N. Bowman St, Mansfield, OH 44903 62890 •SPEER, BROCK. (C) The Speer Family, 5318 Anchorage Dr, WELLS, LINARD. (C) P.O. Box 531527, Grand Prairie, TX 75053-1527 POSEY, WARREN. (C) 433 Monroe St, Fortville, IN 46040 Nachvillfl TN WX\A WESLEY, E. RUTH. (R) Rte. 1, Box 143, Springport IN 47386 v POTTER, HAROLD J. 2926 Randa Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34235 v SPORTS, LALA L. 314 E. Jackson, Douglas, GA 31533 vWEST, EDNA M. 130 S. Front St, No. 1512, Sunbury, PA 17801 ♦POWELL FRANK. (R) 13579 Colter Rd, Caldwell, ID 83605 SPRAGUE, VERNON F. (R) c/o Evangelism Ministries' vPRICE, JACK L P.O. Box 395, Waxhaw, NC 28173 WHEELOCK, GEORGE E. (R) P.O. Box 126, Petersburg, IL 62675 SPURLOCK, W. EARL (R) 511 W. Palmetto St, Wauchula, FL 33873 VPRICE, JOHN. Rte. 4, Box 326-1, Muldrow, OK 74948 •WHITE, JANIE. (C) Rte. 2, Box 775, Hawkins, TX 75765 STALLINGS, RICHARD. (R) 1708 Plum Creek, DeSoto, TX 75115 •WHITWORTH, MARCUS l< DONNA. (C) 1513 W. Santa Fe, Olathe, vPRICE, ROSS E. 1540 Hiawatha Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80915 STANIFORTH, KEN. (C) 44566 3rd St. East Lancaster, CA 93535 KS 66061 •PRINTUP, JUANITA. (R) 1207 Scott Ave, Fort Wayne, IN 46807 V STANLEY, HARRY T. 1111 Highgate St, Kalamazoo, Ml 49007 PURSLEY, PHILIP. (R) 3345 S. Fork Terrace Rd, Glasgow, KY 42141 WILCOX, WALTER. (C) Rte. 2, O'Leary, P.E.I. COB 1V0 CANADA •STANTON, TED k DONNA. (R) P.O. Box 722, Sarasota, FL 34230 WILDER, EDO. (R) 3859 Hazelwood, Muskegon, Ml 49444 vPUTNAM, ROBERT E. 319 Humphrey St, Dracut, MA 01826 STARK, EDDIE. (C) 6906 N.W 36th, Bethany, OK 73008 •PYLES, RICK. (R) 309 N. 7th St, Upper Sandusky, OH 43351 vWILKINSON, LLOYD. 2840 18th St, Columbus, IN 47201 STEENSLAND, JUDITH. (R) 1608 Clark, Ames, IA 50010 •WILKINSON, MARGARET. (R) 2840 18th St, Columbus, IN 47201 STEVENSON, GEORGE. (C) 4021 Pebble Dr. S.E, Roanoke, VA 24014 WILLERSON, BILLY. (R) 1113 Cambell Ct, Virginia Beach, VA 23456 Q------STEWART, ORVILLE. (R) R.R. 2, Box 658A, Hawesville, KY 42348 WILLIAMS, C. PHILIP. (R) 259 W. 5th St, Winona, MN 55987 •QUALLS, MAE. (R) 5441 Lake Jessamine Dr, Orlando, FL 32809 •STONE, LOIS. (R) 618 N. Lockwood, Chicago, IL 60644 vWILLIAMS, E. VERBAL. 4925 Cypress Garden Rd, Lot 22, Winter ♦STONE, PAUL. (R) Lakeland Manor, Shell Lake, Wl 54871 Haven, FL 33880 R ______STREET, DAVID. (C) Rte. 1, Ramsey, IN 47166 •WILLIAMS, EILEEN. (R) 21 Robert E Lee Ln, West Chester, OH STRICKLAND, DICK. (C) 1141 Woodhaven Ct, Springfield, OH 45503 vRADEBAUGH, B. D. 1608 S. College, Tulsa, OK 74104 45069 STROUD, GLENDON D. (R) P.O. Box 638, Auburndale, FL 33823 VRAKER, W. C. Rte. 1, Box 213, Lewistown, IL 61542 WILLIAMS, LAWRENCE. (C) 6715 N.W. 30th Terr, Bethany, OK 73008 VREAZIN, LAURENCE k LEONE. P.O. Box 130162, Tyler, TX 74713 SULLIVAN, DAVID P. (R) P.O. Box 1836, Ashland. KY 41105-1836 WILLIAMS, R. T„ JR. (R) 326 Elmington Ave, Nashville, TN 37205 vSUMNER, ROBERT L 3005 St. Charles Dr, Tampa, FL 33618 REED, DOROTHY. (C) P.O. Box 814, Hannibal, MO 63401 WILSON, ARNO. (R) 3918 State Rte. 46, West Harrison, IN 47060 •SUMWALT, JOSEPH It VIRGINIA. (R) Box 8, Warren, IN 46792 •WILSON, CHARLES. (R) 909 S.W. 45th, Oklahoma City, OK 73109 REED, SHERMAN R. (C) 1232 Oakwood Trail, Indianapolis, IN 46260 SUTTON, BILL (R) P.O. Box 164, Bamberg, SC 29003 REID, JR, DOUG. (R) 15453 Landon Rd, Gulfport MS 39503 •WILSON, J. BARRY. (R) Rte. 1, Box 182R, Temple, TX 76501 v SWANSON, ROBERT L 1102 Glenwood Dr, Yukon, OK 73099 REID, WILLIAM D. (R) 1531 12th St. Tell City, IN 47586 WILSON, RONALD. (R) 421 College Hill Ave, Oskaloosa, IA 52577 RICHARDS, JERRY. (R) 612 N. Grant, Chanute, KS 66720 vWITHROW, JAMES. P.O. Box 4424, Charleston, WV 25364 •RICHARDS, LARRY k PHYLLIS. (C) 2310 Appleton Dr, Indianapolis. T ______WOFFORD, DAVID L (R) 118 Fairdale Rd, Albertville, AL 35950 WOLFGANG, DONALD D. (R) P.O. Box 541, West Branch, Ml 48661 IN 46227 •TACKETT, GAYLE. (R) 2700 Priest Lake Dr., Nashville, TN WOMACK, PAUL W. (R) 2831 Harrison, Quincy, IL 62301 RICHARDSON, KEN. (C) 1621 31st St, A, Moline, IL 61265 37217-4115 WOMACK, ROBERT. (R) 14 Dunham, Texarkana, TX 75503 RICKEY, HOWARD. (C) 1827 Stone Rd, Xenia, OH 45385 TAYLOR, BOB. (C) Box 669, Dayton, OH 45409 vWOOD, DENVER. 3 E. 41st St, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 VRIFFLE, BRADY 0 . 4154 Bowman Hill Rd, Huntington, WV 25701 TAYLOR, BOBBY L (R) Evangelistic Team, Rte. 1, Box 477-B32, South VWOOLMAN, J. L. P.O. Box 616, Tuttle, OK 73089 RISNER, SUSAN L (R) 6610 Brooklyn. Kansas City, MO 64132 Shore, KY 41175 WOOTEN, D. J. (C) P.O. Box 262, Cambridge, MD 21613 ROBERTSON, IAN. (R) 236 E. Walnut, No. H, Monrovia, CA 91016 TAYLOR, CLIFE (C) Family Evangelist, E. 619 32nd Ave, Spokane, WA vWRIGHT, AUSTIN, 1198 Jamaica Rd, Venice, FL 33595 vROBERTSON, JAMES H. 2014 Green Apple Ln. Arlington, TX 99203 WRIGHT, E. GUY I, LIL (C) 1531 Cranbrook Dr, Charleston, WV 76014 vTAYLOR, EMMETT. 2724 S. Independence, Oklahoma City, OK 25311 ROBISON, ROBERT. (R) Heaters. WV 26627 73108 vWYRICK, DENNIS. 603 Reed Dr, Frankfort, KY 40601 VROEBUCK, L H. 1280 Lakeview Rd, Lot 241, Clearwater, FL 33516 vTAYLOR, MENDELL 1716 N. Glade, Bethany, OK 73008 vROGERS, WARREN A. c/o Josephine Dukes, 3215 Adeline, Oak­ TAYLOR, RON. (C) Rte. 1, Box 265, Johnson Rd, Chickamauga, GA land, CA 94608 30707 Y ROSE, WAYNE. (C) 705 S. Mahaffie, Olathe, KS 66061 THICK, RONALD. (R) 2513 Olive St, Racine, Wl 53403 YOUNG, DALE H. (R) 30 Cain Rd, Chelsea. AL 35043 God Helps Nazarenes Plant New Works Everywhere

TRINITY COMMUNITY CHURCH CHURCH STARTS WITH NOTH­ MERGES WITH CHURCH OF THE ING IN MOORE, OKLAHOMA: NAZARENE: Brentwood Trinity Church on the Hill Church of the Church of the Nazarene (Tennes­ Nazarene (Southeast Oklahoma Dis­ see District) was organized February trict) was organized with 27 members 11, 1990, with 49 members. Forty- on September 10, 1989. Pastor one persons joined by profession of FIRST TAMIL-SPEAKING CON­ Harold Blankenship reports, "We faith. District Superintendent W. Tal- GREGATION IN THE WESTERN started with nothing — no names, no madge Johnson reports, "Brentwood HEMISPHERE ORGANIZED: members, no meeting place. We vis­ Trinity Church came into being by Tamil Church of the Nazarene ited door-to-door, advertised, started providential developments which led (Canada Quebec) was organized in in homes, and later worshiped in a to the union of Trinity Community Montreal on March 12, 1989. Dis­ converted garage. We are now meet­ Church with the Church of the Naza­ trict Superintendent Harry A. Rich ing in a day-care center. We offer a rene. Trinity was an independent reports, "Rev. Yeghia Hajian full line of services. From the begin­ church led by David Erickson and a attended their prayer meetings and ning, we have given 10% for world group of laymen who were primarily Bible studies. At the appropriate mo­ mission. Our people are warm, lov­ won through its ministry in the ment, they asked him to be their pas­ ing, caring, compassionate — a Brentwood community. The union tor, although he is Armenian/English friendly fellowship. was effected following months of speaking. One of the group is the meaningful dialogue, study of the associate pastor until we find a regular INDO-PAKISTANI CHURCH Manual, and unanimous actions by Tamil-speaking preacher. The group ORGANIZED AT LAMB’S IN the Tennessee District Advisory started with twelve charter members.” MANHATTAN: On December 18, Board and the Trinity Community Tamil is the language of the Dravid- 1989, the Manhattan Indo-Pak Church Board. The organizational ian people of Southern India and Cey­ Church of the Nazarene (New York meeting was attended by 80 persons. lon that is spoken in India from Mad­ District) was organized with a mem­ Rev. David C. Erickson was named ras southward and in Ceylon on the bership of 22 in a meeting room at the pastor of the newly formed church. north and east coasts. Manhattan Lamb’s Church of the

46 GROW / Winter 1990 I

Nazarene. Pastor Qamar Bhatti re­ rene Bible College at Colorado ports, "The Lord is moving and there Springs. Dr. Yeghia Babikian, direc­ is a tremendous awakening here. tor of the Bible college extension, Many people are coming. A church serves as founding pastor. Attend­ choir has been organized. The congre­ ance has reached 90, with a constit­ gation is enthusiastic and spiritual.” uency of 170. Dr. Babikian reports, "A spirit of HARRISON CHURCH WORSHIPS brotherhood, love, and fellowship IN STORE BUILDING: Harrison prevails at all age levels. The United Church of the Nazarene (West States of America could not have wel­ Virginia North District), sponsored comed these immigrants in a better by the district and area churches, was way than by the Gospel of the Naza­ organized on November 5,1989, with rene. The annals of Armenian history 26 charter members. The church prove that the charter members of meets in a store building. The first our church were renamed NAZA­ services were started as a Bible study church started as a Bible class in RENES after their first Christian fore­ in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Roger October 1988 with seven persons in fathers. In 451 A.D., 150 years after Cole, members of St. Marys church, attendance. Pastor Charlie Yam is the Armenians accepted Christianity on May 24, 1987. Later, a home mis­ the pastor. The Torrance Community as their national religion, the Persians sion revival was held by Rev. Guy Church provides all facilities and threatened to massacre the Armeni­ Wright in the summer of 1988. Regu­ babysitting. ans if they did not deny Christianity lar services as a church-type mission and accept the Mazdean heathen reli­ started on July 24,1988. Rev. Randy MONTREAL CHURCH OPENS WITH 70 IN ATTENDANCE: gion. The Persian Grand Vizier wrote Dillon serves as pastor. Grace to the Armenian leadership saying, Church (Canada Quebec) was organ­ 'Be it known to you that every man NEW CHURCH FOCUSES ON THE ized April 29, 1990, with 38 charter who dwells beneath the heavens and POOR: New Promise Church of members. Now, the church meets in holds not the Mazdean religion is deaf the Nazarene (Alabama North) was Laurentide Elementary School, hav­ organized with 15 members on De­ and blind and is deceived by the devils ing started in the pastor’s home. Dis­ of Ahrmen. . . . Do not believe your cember 17,1989. Pastor Terry Gra­ trict Superintendent Harry A. Rich leaders, whom you call Nazarenes, for ham shares the vision, "Our church reports, "This church opened with an they are deceitful.’ ” was formed out of a need for a church outstanding public-relationship pro­ with ties toward the youth and poor gram and a topnotch advertising blitz He continues, "Praise the Lord, of this community. Two families from was conducted. The church started God saved the Armenian Nazarene the Vernon church started a satellite with 70 and attendance is staying at leaders of our nation. And today, the church which grew to 15 members. that level.” Rev. Carlton Harvey North Hollywood Armenian Bible We are aiming at the poor people like serves as the church planting pastor of Church of the Nazarene perpetuates the first Nazarenes did early in this this new work. the name and the spirit of their century. Pray that we may exercise forefathers.” our faith to its full potential.” EIGHT PROSPECTIVE CITIES Seven other Southern California IDENTIFIED FOR ARMENIAN cities with the following characteris­ TORRANCE CHINESE CHURCH CHURCHES: North Hollywood tics have been identified as targets for GROWS OUT OF BIBLE STUDY: Armenian Bible Church of the Armenian congregations: 1) more Torrance Chinese Church (Ana­ Nazarene (Los Angeles District) was than 200 Armenian congregations; heim District) was organized with 27 organized April 22, 1990, as a church 2) no Armenian church of any denom­ charter members on November 19, planting ministry of the Armenian ination, and 3) the present existence 1989. The foundation for the new Bible College — an extension of Naza­ of an established Nazarene church.

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 47 THRUST TO THE CITIES New Churches: Goals and Results

GOALS FOC CTM LBC EBC ESS Pf* CP TOTALS

C hicago '86 30 15 0 3 0 0 0 0 18

Mexico City '87 100 11 9 0 0 0 17 19 56

New York '88 23 27 8 3 0 0 0 0 38

Los Angeles -88 30 17 8 11 2 0 0 0 38 Future Cities: Paris '89 10 0 5 1 0 0 0 0 6 Calcutta ’93 Sao Paulo 89 30 15 36 0 85 Houston ’94 0 0 21 157 Nairobi ’95 Toronto ’90 27 3 7 0 32 8 0 0 50

Seoul 91 70 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 2

San Francisco 92 37 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

TOTALS 357 89 74 18 119 8 17 40 365

GOALS—Number of New Churches; FOC—Fully Organized Churches; CTM—Church-Type Missions; LBC—Language Bible Classes; Points; CP—Contact Points

—Report by Michael R. Estep Mission Achievement in Portland & Beyond

Church Plant Receives 230 Members in Ten Years

Junction City Ministers to 85 Families

Four generations have been forever impacted by Junction City Church.

Church at Worship: (Upper right): Wor­ ship team Member Kay Becham leads praise chorus; later, (lower left): Flo Murkin, Jody Larson, Dennis Larson, and George Mur­ kin lead the Junction City Church in worship; as a result, (lower right): worshipers reach out to God and each other. Mission Achievement in Portland and Beyond

Church Plant Receives 230 Members inTenY ears

unction City church, only ten Rotating teams of four to six per­ years old, ministers to 85 families sons lead worship; 22 different sing­ in a community of 4,000 people. ers and instrumentalists take part in J this ministry over a three-month pe­ _ast year, 11 persons were received riod. This program, intended to in­ by profession of faith; 230 new Naz- volve laity in leading worship, en­ arenes have joined during the courages and creates amazing variety. church’s brief history. At the tenth Sometimes more than one person anniversary celebration, an amazing leads congregational singing consist­ rippling effect of ministry was dis­ ing of traditional hymns and worship covered; 90% of those who moved choruses. Often special music is pro­ because of job transfers after joining vided by the team. Pastor Parry trains the Junction City congregation have all team members in the meaning and associated themselves with other purpose of worship. The spin-off Nazarene churches nearer their new means everyone either leads worship homes. or is closely associated with someone Even with these moves, the church who does. All of this decreases spec- is still strong and growing stronger. tatorship at worship. At the 1990 district assembly, Pastor Community impact: The power­ Harold Parry reported 124 members, ful influence found in a smaller church 122 average worship attendance, and cannot be overlooked when one gets an income of $100,964. acquainted with the Junction City Environment: Junction City feels story. The profession of faith record, Four Generations Impacted and looks like Small Town, U.S.A. as has been stated, is outstanding, and by Church: (Upper right, The area population, whom the continued faithfulness of transfer church considers to be its spiritual front row): Flo Murkin, Be­ members in other Nazarene churches atrice Record, Jody Larson, responsibility, is 12,000. Economic is impressive. support for the city comes from two But there is more. In the first year and baby Alyssa; (back row): custom motorhome manufacturers, of its existence, Junction City gave George Murkin and Dennis farming, and lumber. Many people four families to plant the nearby Har­ Larson. (Lower left): Flo are employed in nearby Eugene. risburg church. And in a community Worship: Free, spontaneous, and Murkin teaches a children’s that has ten established churches, Sunday school class. (Lower participative worship makes Junction Junction City Nazarene, even without City church an inspiring place to its facilities, is respected for its active right): George Murkin attend. This spirit of joyful adoration attendance, aggressive ministry, and teaches an adult Sunday in the Sunday services has to be a key community involvement. school class in a home near factor in the church’s growth and Facilities: Junction City church is attractiveness. the church. Web evangelism. George and Flo Murkin are inspiring examples of web evangelism at its best. Soon after the church started in the pastor’s home, Flo was invited by her young sister to attend the Church of the Nazarene. Because of the ministry of the church, Flo soon renewed her faith. George, with childhood Salvation Army roots, later reestablished his relationship to Christ. Flo’s sister and her husband, James and Ruth Kis- coan, were won. Another sister, Mary Lou Reed, is also actively involved in the life of the church. Jody, Flo and George’s daughter, was in military service when her par­ ents began attending Junction City Church of the Nazarene. In response to advice from her parents, "Go to a Nazarene Church,” she found a spir­ living proof that a church can keep itual home among Nazarene^ in Spo­ growing without owning facilities. Started in a home, this church later kane. Later, she returned to Junction moved to a Grange Hall and now wor­ City, where she met and married ships in a Seventh-day Adventist Dennis Larson. Now Jody, Dennis, Church. Without their own building, and baby daughter, Alyssa, are part of these believers do ministry with one the Junction City church family. pastor and a secretary who works ten Subsequently, Flo’s mother, Bea­ trice Record, joined her family in this hours per week in rented office space. To keep growing, they take some venture of faith. In ten years, four Sunday school classes into homes generations have been forever impact­ each Sunday. ed by Junction City church, and three generations (Alyssa is a little young) Last year, 22 Vz acres were purchased are now involved in active service as as a building site for their own facili­ board members, Sunday school teach­ ties. Involved in a three-year capital funds campaign, the congregation con­ ers, greeters, worship team, and what­ ever else needs doing. tributed $40,000 above its regular giving in the first year of the program. Focus. Pastor Harold Parry works To provide additional financial re­ hard to keep his church focused on Pastor and Mrs. Harold the needs of people. His commitment sources, this property will be divided Parry (upper left) serve as and some of it sold; the church expects to lay ministry shows in the worship to retain at least seven acres. Site third pastor of Junction City team concept. His eagerness for bal­ preparation has already begun. A Church. Pastor Parry and ance can be seen in his call to a serious three-phase building program has Kathy Heckart (lower left) effort to be a worshiping, evangeliz­ ing, discipling and shepherding been designed. lead worship team. church. His interest in serving the whole person can be observed in the developing lay-pastor ministry, which shares the work of pastoral care with responsible leaders. And the church’s long-term investment in ministry can be seen in their plans to construct facilities to house their growing ministry. Every indicator points to the likely probability that the future of Junction City Church of the Nazarene will be even stronger than its victorious past. No one involved in planting the Junc­ tion City Church of the Nazarene could have dreamed of such far-reach­ ing results. A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 51 STEWARDSHIP GOLF! SERVICES GCLF DEPOSIT FORM l Yes, I want to help build new churches to PIP VOU SAV reach the lost while at the same time ex­ ercising sound stewardship by investing GOLF2 in the General Church Loan Fund— U.S.A. I understand that you will send me an of] ficial General Board Note, which I will keep with my valuable papers to "cash in" for the return of my principal plus inj terest.

NAME OF DEPOSITOR

ADDRESS (Street or P.O. Box)

(City) NO, WE SAID “GCLF” (State) (Zip Code) ‘General Church Loan Fund: Bring your personal stewardship up to par by making a deposit in the General Church Loan Fund. You always know that your money will be PHONE NUMBER invested in a cause you can support: Building new Nazarene churches for Kingdom expansion. GCLF fits your values and SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER commitments, while earning interest on your investment.

Put GCLF at the FORE o fyou r commitment! DISTRICT

CHURCH

am enclosing a check for $_

to be deposited___ year(s) a t ____ %.

___ Send interest semiannually

THE GENERAL CHURCH LOAN FUND ___ Hold interest to accumulate 6401 The Paseo Kansas City, MO 64131 Phone: (816) 333-7000, Ext. 339 SIGNATURE *6% ON 1-YEAR DEPOSITS *7% ON 2-YEAR DEPOSITS *8% ON 5-YEAR DEPOSITS

'Deposits are made by purchasing General Board Notes in the amount of $100 or more. Notes withdrawn before maturity will be adjusted to 5%. Interest rates are subject to change without notice. INTEREST COMPOUNDED SEMIANNUALLY JUNE 30 AND DECEMBER 31 WHAT A GROUP THEY WERE! More than 75 elected student leaders from our Naz­ arene colleges, universities, and seminary met this spring on the campus of ONU to FOCUS on their leadership role among their fellow students. In preparation for the annual “delegate confer­ ence” a steering committee met at MANC. Prayerful but lively discussion centered around the selection of a proper theme for the conference. Finally it came into FOCUS— DARE TO LEAD...AS SERVANTS! And so in April they met—to pray, to share testi­ monies of Christ’s love, to plan campus “fast days’’ ON OUR when students would forego their meals so that the money saved could be shared with others, and to FOCUS on topics like NAZARENE Leadership and Servanthood Servanthood and Humility Servanthood and Integrity STUDENTS! Agape and Servanthood And so, student leaders on all of our campuses this year are focusing on CHRISTLIKE SERVANT­ HOOD. Their FOCUS brings into FOCUS our need to FOCUS on providing a Nazarene college educa­ tion for every Nazarene young person. We are grateful that our church does this through faithful budgetary support, by encouraging young people to attend their Nazarene college, and by daily m m m m HI■mBH* prayer for those who faithfully serve on the faculty and staff of our Nazarene educational institutions!

m m

1990-91 Nazarene student leaders pose at ONU during 1990 Nazarene Student Leaders' Conference DARE TO LEAD... AS SERVANTS! CHURCH GROWTH

THE CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE THE CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE A Denomination of A Denomination of Small Churches Large Churches Nearly two-thirds of our congregations worldwide More than one-third of our membership worldwide is have fewer than 75 members, and less than one- in churches with at least 200 members, and nearly tenth have 200 or more members. When planning three-fourths are in churches of 75 or more. When resources for local churches, we must keep in mind planning resources for Nazarenes, we must remem­ that our churches are small. ber that most of them are in good-sized churches. The chart below shows the percentage of our The chart below shows the percentage of our mem­ churches in each size category. bers in each church size category.

NAZARENE CHURCHES BY SIZE NAZARENE MEMBERS BY CHURCH SIZE WORLDWIDE WORLDWIDE 1 9 8 9 1S89 2 %

M em bership Size

400+

200-399

Total Churches: 9,294 75-199 Total Members of Churches: 815,001 0-74

This is a good example of how the same data can yield designed for churches with good human resources and arguments on both sides of an issue. It is also a good better-than-average financial strength. example of how different perspectives can help us under­ Rather than using statistics to prove a point, the stand one issue better. Church Growth Research Center is trying to help us Naz­ When you talk to pastors about churches, it is obvious arenes understand ourselves better. By looking at both that most are talking about smaller churches. They are sides of an issue, we can see the other person’s point of understandably concerned about helping a church with view. Together, we can move forward to build God’s king­ fewer resources, whether the resources are human or fi­ dom. nancial. Whether the issue is programs for various church sizes However, talk to a group of laymen from across the or which communities are likely to respond to the holi­ district, and chances are good that most are from ness message, the Church Growth Research Center is churches with over 100 members. They expect programs ready to analyze the data.

May we help you? Contact the Church Growth Research Center, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131 Provided by Church Growth Research Center Dale E. Jones, Manager

Birth Birth rates in the U.S. are beyond expectations ... January 1989 govern- Rates Up ment report gave the year 2002 as the first possible year for total births to ex­ ceed 4 million.. . but births this year will exceed that figure. Sign that adults are willing to invest themselves in a future generation... good news for society. BUT materialistic emphasis can make it hard for parents to stick to their commitment... some calls are already being made to reestablish orphanages for children whose living parents are unable/unwilling to support them The church, w ill need to provide practical helps ... training, counseling, day­ cares, schools, recreational opportunities ... as well as moral and spiritual support to families in the future.

Immigrants Immigration to the U.S. is also up... 600,000 legally admitted in 1989... Need Christ 20% higher than projected One-half were from Asia... one-third from Latin America. Churches in California and New York have best opportunities for reaching these newcomers. Some speculation that Eastern Europe may provide next wave of immi­ grants ... skilled workers facing economic dislocation may choose America. If so, expect good opportunities for ministiy in traditional East European havens... cities of Northeast and Midwest... though growing cities elsewhere may get substantial numbers, too.

Large Church 50% increase in numbers of large Nazarene churches over the decade... 35 Growth churches ran 500 or more in worship in 1980 ... in 1989,52 did so. In 1980, 7 congregations reported at least 1,000 in worship average ... in 1989,11. Today, 10% of Nazarene worshipers are in congregations of 800 or more. And half are in groups of at least 125.

Small Church BUT most churches run well under 75... Nazarenes, as well as Methodists, lealities Southern Baptists, others. Means the majority of pastors lead small churches... but most members are in larger churches. Calls for understanding between groups. A program designed to help pastors should be designed with the small church in mind

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 55 Medium Sized Good growth in medium-sized churches throughout U.SA. 15 Nazarene Churches churches in Canada and the U.S. have grown from less than 100 to over 150 Move to 200 since 1978... not counting newly planted churches that have grown well. Some in growing states like California, Texas... hut 2 in Ohio and Missouri... and 1 each in Indiana and Pennsylvania. Most in urban areas of 100,000... but 2 or 3 are small-town churches. Most of the 15 had enough momentum to pass 200, as w ell... demonstrates importance of passing growth barriers quickly in order not to fall back to previous levels.

Profession Preliminary reports from Canada/USA. districts show most professions of off Faith faith are among non-Nazarene households. Some concern among researchers that much, evangelical growth is children whoVe grownup in the faith ... an important means of growth, but not the quickest way to convert a lost world Nazarene pastors were asked to report professions of faith by type ... those who are children of current members and those who are not. Less than one- third of the professions are reported among non-adult children

Inactive Also newly reported . . . inactive members. Again, only preliminary data Nazarene available at press time . . . but two-thirds of Canada/U.SA. churches report Members some inactive members. Often as high as 25% of current members are on the inactive list. Compares with some other evangelical groups . . . Southern Baptists estimate up to half of their members are inactive.

New When the Pastor’s Report forms change, not all newly requested data has Reporting been kept during the previous year. Two-thirds of our pastors were able to System answer these questions the first year... even better response rate than 1976, Thanks when we started tracking AM. Worship Attendance. Special thanlcs to pastors for their cooperation!

56 GROW / Winter 1990 LIFE INCOME GIFTS SERVICES Puzzled by Estate Planning

How m any B B i i P of the 25 words

relatingre la to your estate planning can you find? find (Words may be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, backward, or forward.)

We Have the Answers Most of us like to solve puzzles. But planning your estate is no time to play games! We have an office staff of trained professionals and field representatives to help you get the right answers for your estate planning needs. So if you’d like to have one of our representatives visit your church, or if you’d like us to help solve your personal es­ tate planning puzzle drop us a line or give us a call. We’re here to serve you! LIFE INCOME GIFTS SERVICES D. Martin Butler, Director 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131, (816-333-7000, Ext. 334)

•aji| ‘ j s r u j ‘anp ‘X a u j o j j i ? ‘jjnoa ‘ui^j ‘job ‘iiBid ‘Xof ‘pjog ‘sip ‘pnqa Miaq ‘ajBqoJd ‘x b j ‘ajqBOOAaj ‘a|qeaoA aaJi ‘jsnjjiun ‘jsnj} ‘X j i n u u B •qajnqo ‘y ;8 ‘aiuoaui ‘a j B j s a ajij ‘H !*1 ‘uibJJ ‘jsA avbj ‘ajnaaxg . s j s m s u v EVANGELISM MINISTRIES Personal Evangelism Advance Training Leader’s Manual and Trainer’s Study Guide by Beverly Burgess

Teach laypersons how to explain to their friends what it means to be filled with the Spirit.

ip a y ■ j # '"V r V ^ This manual is a companion to the Personal Evangelism Training IBooks by Beverly Burgess, to be used in the second year of training. Personal evangelists can tone their skills in presenting the gospel and learn how to present “sanctification” to new converts as an es- /ith the Lord.

Order materials from: Nazarene Publishing House P.O. Box 419527, Kansas City, MO 64141 CHANGED LIVES Converts Share the Joy of Salvation

These testim onies w e re giv en at the Personal Evangelism Banquet at Kan­ but a lot of things brought me to that sas City First Church. The annual banquet is sponsored by Nazarene Theological point. I went to church during my Seminary and cooperating churches in the Kansas City area. For information on growing-up years. I went occasion­ personal evangelism training in your local church, area, zone, or district, contact ally as an adult, but my ears were Evangelism Ministries, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, Missouri 64131, or call closed to spiritual issues. One day, toll-free 1-800-821-2154. shortly after moving to this area, I came home from a shopping trip to FAMILY PROBLEMS ARE MUCH someone would talk about Christ, I find a packet of materials left by BETTER. "Rhonda and I turned our would say to myself, 'I'm not ready to First Church. I decided to give First lives over to Christ on February 23, join the church yet; I am not through Church a try — never heard of the 1989. Jeff Hawkins came to our house partying.’ Then I found myself on a Nazarene Church before. I heard to present the Gospel, and it was a day dead-end street. I found myself finan­ Pastor Wright preach, and the cur­ we will never forget. Since that time, cially poor, in debt, living in sin, with tain parted a bit that day. I came we have been able to handle our stress a child out of wedlock, and depressed back to the Christmas program. and family problems better. We are that I had made all the wrong deci­ Then the church was having a reviv­ much happier as a family because of sions. Then I agreed to allow Pastor al with Gary Henecke, who preached Jesus. I feel a lot of gratitude toward Lott and an evangelism team to come that in coming to Christ all I needed people at the church. Words just can­ to my house. That night, they present­ to do was accept Him through faith not express the changes Christ has ed the Gospel and I accepted Christ and I would be saved. I never heard made in our lives.” Jim Tellson, and His wonderful gift of eternal life. I that in all the years I had been printer; St. Paul’s Church knew something had happened to me, attending church. I began reading but I neglected to go to church im­ the Bible; it was now more than just EMPTINESS FILLED BY CHRIST. mediately. After a few months, I start­ words to me. I started attending "Before I met Christ, my life seemed ed attending church on a regular Bible study sessions. Laura Moore empty and had no direction. A per­ basis. I became a member of the was my teacher; bless her for her sonal evangelism group came to my church in October of 1988, and I was insights. I am grateful the Lord house and shared their personal tes­ baptized in April of 1989. Also in brought me to this community and timonies. 1 could see Christ in them April, I was sanctified and experi­ to this church.” Nancy Crowley, and the love that they had for the enced the fullness of the Lord. I am accountant; Kansas City First Lord. I knew they had something determined to continue to follow Church that I wanted. That night I was Christ.” Karen Richardson, pho­ saved. Philippians 4:13 says I can tographer; Blue Hills Church do everything through Christ Who Let us hear your story. If you wish to share your conversion story, the GROW staff would gives me strength. I am going to be happy to hear from you. Your testimony keep trusting God so I can grow and MANY INFLUENCES DREW ME should be typewritten, less than 100 words, delight in His greatness and in His TO CHRIST. "I accepted Jesus as giving specific details, and your occupation. love.” Julie Gentry, nurse; Cen­ my Savior on April 29 of this year. I Please include your name, address, phone tral Church was guided to Him by a group led number, and date of submission of testimony. by Dr. Shaver with Don Harris and Material should be sent to Editor, GROW, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, Missouri 64131. FAST-LANE LIVING LEADS TO Gail Harris. They came into my Because of the press of publishing deadlines, DEAD-END. "Before I accepted home and talked with me about testimonies cannot be acknowledged or re­ Christ, I lived in the fast lane. When Jesus. I accepted the Lord that day, turned. Neil B. Wiseman, editor.

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 59

God Uses a Personal Witness

Steven Johnson, Care Cot­ began to confront me with the tage resident minister, was led Gospel. Susan asked me, "If to Christ by a fellow student Christ could really make a posi­ A NEW LIFE tive difference in your life, would in a dorm room at Southern it not be worth it to give Him that Oregon State College. The chance?” rocky journey toward a qual­ Sometime during this conver­ ity life of righteousness has sation, I asked her this question: taken him from Milwaukee BEGINS AT 3 2 "What if you find out that your through Vietnam, Las Vegas, pastor is a crook, or that your Ashland, and Colorado church is teaching false doc­ Springs to ministry in Port­ trines?” She answered, "Steve, land’s inner-city. FOR STEVE that would bother me, but not to Oswald Chambers is right: "You cannot meet with the the extent that you might think. You see, Steve, my faith is Savior and walk away the same person.” At about 1:30 a.m. not in my pastor, as much as I respect him, and my faith is not on June 3, 1980, in a dorm room at Southern Oregon State in my church, as much as I appreciate the Church of the College, a fellow student led me to Jesus Christ. I left that Nazarene, but rather my faith is in Jesus Christ.” dorm room a different person. Susan challenged me to ask Jesus into my life. I was think­ I was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I was five ing that she was a nice girl, but crazy. I remember the thought years old when my mother was killed in a car accident. I was coming to my mind that "she really believes this stuff.” She eight years old when my father committed suicide. After my told me to "thank God for forgiving me for my sins, and to father’s death, I became increasingly more difficult for my ask Jesus Christ into my heart as my personal Savior.” I relatives to manage as I rebelled against authorities. When 1 started to stumble through this prayer: "Jesus, if You are real, was fifteen, I had already been expelled from the Milwaukee if indeed You are the Lord and Savior, I desire that You show Public School System, St. Thomas Military Academy, and Yourself to me. If You are Who Susan and others have Norris Farm, a detention facility for juveniles. claimed You to be, I want to know You and want You to be When I was seventeen, I signed up for four years in the my Lord and Savior and my Shepherd, and I will follow Marines. When 1 received orders for Vietnam, I felt great that You.” I could be part of something important. But I eventually That was the beginning of my relationship with Jesus. I received a court martial and spent four months in the Camp became involved in the Ashland Church of the Nazarene. Allen Brig in Norfolk, Virginia. I was fortunate to be dis­ God placed me in a wonderful, loving body of believers with charged with a General Under Honorable Conditions. a wonderful pastor. After my discharge, I moved back to Milwaukee. Two I took off pretty fast in my Christian faith, but eventually I years later, I married Nancy, and we had a son, Eric. Within became aware of some inner struggles. I was hanging in there, two-and-a-half years, we were in divorce court. After our but hanging in there is not the same as living a victorious life. divorce was final, 1 decided to move to Las Vegas. Of course, My forward progress was stalling out. Mediocrity was setting my problems followed me to Vegas because they show up in. wherever 1 go. I lived in Vegas for four years, after which I felt I had been a Christian about six months when my pastor it was time for another geographical change. This time, I asked me if I’d like to be baptized. He explained the signifi­ moved to Ashland, Oregon, and I found much more than I cance of the baptism sacrament. I told him that I would like to could have anticipated. be baptized. Six of us were baptized that night. When it was Not just anyone could have led me to Christ. It took the my turn, I knew God had more for me, so I made a new right person, at the right time; of course, God knew that. At covenant with Him that things were going to be His way. My the time of my conversion, I was at a place where God was will was going to be that His will be done in my life. able to get my attention. I was 32 years old. I was beside myself. I was tired of running and lying to myself. 1 was afraid Later that year, I left for Colorado Springs and the Naza­ to die and afraid to live. rene Bible College. At the college, entire sanctification was It was Monday night of finals week; I needed to work on explained to me thoroughly, and I realized that I had received several papers that were due in two days. The dorm was that second work of grace at my baptism. noisy. My alcoholic buddies were bugging me to join in with For the past three and a half years, I have served Christ them. I wanted to, but I knew I needed to get those term through Operation Care, an outreach ministry of the Church papers done. Susan offered refuge. She said I could use her of the Nazarene to the inner-city of Portland, Oregon. I have room to work on my assignments. been in charge of the Care Cottage, a transitional shelter for During the course of this evening of study time, Susan homeless men. —Steven E. Johnson

I A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship 61 TAX HELP IS ON THE WAY For all active ministers in the U.S.: As usual, in Jan­ uary the Board of Pensions and Benefits USA will mail complimentary copies of Conrad Teitell’s Minister’s Guide for 1990 Income Tax. It will give current information on how a minister should report income expenses when preparing the 1990 income tax forms. Any active minister who has not received the booklet by February 10 may request one by writing to the Pensions office. For local churches: Up-to-date church management memos were mailed at the end of November to all U.S. church treasurers and their pastors by the Board of Pen­ sions and Benefits USA. Memo No. 3, Tax Procedures for Congregations, includes information on how to complete the new Form W-2, which has been changed for 1990 by the IRS. For U.S. district offices: In January, the Pensions office will send to U.S. district offices a complimentary copy of Richard Hammar’s Church and Clergy Tax Guide along with a set of three audiocassettes on taxes. Districts will be encouraged to use them as a lending library resource and in zone workshops with pastors and church trea­ surers. News releases: Additional information and an endorse­ ment of other tax helps was given in the October issue of P&B News Notes, the newsletter produced by the Pensions office and mailed quarterly to all active U.S. ministers. The tax information will be updated in the Jan­ uary issue. CONTINUING LAY TRAINING DENOMINATION-WIDE STUDY

SPEAKS TO ME ABOUT MY SERVICE AND MISSION

BSliPlsS; PHYLLIS H. PERKINS

The Bible Speaks to Me About My Service and Mission takes servanthood off the pedestal of idealism and sets it free to roam the corridors of consecrated living.

Here is a book full of insights that challenge the conven­ for every small group in your congregation. Order it today. tional wisdom of secular culture. Grounded in scripture, GR083-411-3597 Pupil Book $5.95 and referenced with godly wisdom, this CLT study will 10% CLT discount on 5 or more nudge you toward the simplicity of the Savior. Give your church a compass heading toward new vision. grlg-37 Leader’s Guide $1.50 This study is for the whole church. It is excellent material Prices subject to change without notice. Plus postage. Nazarene Publishing House 1-800-877-0700 Box 419527 • Kansas City, MO 64141 YEAR 3 • FEBRUARY-MARCH 1991 for *«f t*?*4

"Thou shall call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.’

GROW — A JOURNAL OF CHURCH GROWTH, EVANGELISM AND DISCIPLESHIP Volume 1, Number 4, Winter Issue, 1990, $4.00 Bill M. Sullivan, Director, Church Growth Division, International Church of the Nazarene • Neil B. Wiseman, Editor

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

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

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

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

64 GROW / Winter 1990 Authentic Evangelism Produces Lasting Fruit

Imost everything seems to be breaking Gospel. Though Fortune 500 companies may build for down or tearing apart these days. a decade or a century, our work is for eternity. The Consider technology. In spite of many advanc­ outcomes of our outreach march across generations, es, one stalled car on a Manhattan bridge makes thou­ centuries, culture, and a thousand real and imagined sands of commuters late for work. A malfunctioning hurdles. The most obvious example is the impact of the switch delays a jet for hours on a San Francisco runway, first disciples on their world, an impact which continues making travelers miss their Denver, Chicago, and Lon­ with vigor to this very day. don connections. One northern Minnesota community Attraction is another basic ingredient of fruitbear­ was forced to get along without electricity for most of a ing. The genuine Christian, like fruit in the orchard at night last winter with no heat, no lights, no power. harvest season, has a fascinating winsomeness that draws Lightning struck our office phone system last summer others to Christ. This beauty creates a natural curiosity causing communications problems for most of a week. for those who seek a quality life. One transformed per­ Think, too, of the many relationships falling apart son is a powerfully attractive advertisement in the midst around us. In a day or week, divorce, death, or desertion of brokenness, despair, and sin. destroys a whole network of relationships. One act of Ambassadors are the spokespersons for authentic sinful passion destroys a person’s life forever and causes evangelism. The preacher, whether he be an evangelist or lifelong misery for everyone close to them. In our city, an pastor, is an important part of the whole picture. But apparently harmless flirtation between a man and woman every believer must speak for God, too. Though meth­ at the health club was the first step that led to murder, ods will vary with changing situations, every Christian is destruction of two homes, everlasting damage to young obligated to speak for Jesus as God provides opportuni­ children in both families, angry injury to ties. The world has to know that we have relatives, neighbors, and fellow church connections in high places. It is our task to members, and two long-term jail senten­ communicate in ways they understand. ces for the guilty parties. Excellence is needed as a way of life to In less dramatic situations, friendships produce lasting fruit. Though an effective break down because of careless gossip. gardener works hard at planting, cultivat­ Churches are divided over demands for ing, and pruning, he keeps asking himself, selfish control by either laymen or pas­ "How can I do it better?” tors. Little remains the same anymore. Good enough is not good enough. To In such a world, it is difficult to think borrow from management specialist Tom about permanence, endurance, and stead­ Peters, quality comes from people (start­ fastness. But enduring results from our ing with the janitor) who care and believe evangelistic efforts are exactly what Jesus expects. He that everything can be done better than it is. Think of wants eternal fruit to flow from our Christian service and what this possibility of infinite improvement in every godly example: "You did not choose me, but I chose you Christian worker would do to our churches and our to go and bear fruit — fruit that will last” (John 15:16, world. Consider, also, the sheer joy vineyard laborers NIV). Apparently, shortcuts, manipulative techniques, would enjoy. belief without repentance, and surface relationships will Resources flow from the Vine. Disconnected branch­ not accomplish what He wants done. es never bear fruit because fruitbearing is the natural Jesus speaks of fruitbearing seven times in 16 verses in result of the life of Christ in us. Jesus precisely states the John 15. Since lasting fruit is significant to Him, it must need for connectedness, "Apart from me you can do become important to us. Fulfilling His intentions for nothing” (v. 5). Ineffective evangelism, discipleship, and enduring results revolves around five issues. church growth can be observed wherever this Christ Permanence is both required and possible. Com­ connection has been severed. Unconnected cleverness, mentators offer two possible ways of viewing this experience, charm, or even talent does not produce last­ remaining fruit idea in John 15. Some think it is the ing fruit. Jesus explains His enablement, "If a man natural outflow of the Christian life so others see lasting remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit” (v. effects of the Gospel in our lives —to use Paul’s idea, it is 5). the fruit of the spirit. Other Bible authorities believe it is Jesus says, "I have chosen you to go and bear the visible, enduring results of our efforts for Christ. fruit — fruit that will remain” (v. 16). And He promises Why not combine both? Solid, dependable, life- the gates of hell will not prevail against us. changing, eternal issues determine the agenda of the —NEIL B. WISEMAN Editor, GROW

A Journal of Church Growth, Evangelism and Discipleship "A sanctified life is a delight to Jesus, a joy to the soul, a bene­ diction in the home, a power in the church, a terror to sin, and a continual disappoint­ ment to the devil.,, —Phineas F. Bresee