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9-1-1978 Preacher's Magazine Volume 54 Number 01 Neil B. Wiseman (Editor) Olivet Nazarene University

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A Pastors Prayer Our Heavenly Father: We seek Thy face at this early hour on our Lord’s great day. Above all else, we need Thy melting grace and a sense of Thy divine presence among us. Even now, give us the humility of faith and the inner assurance of Thy enabling power. Our own reserves seem very low this morning. But we trust Thee now for all we need.

Even as our Lord himself admonished Peter so long ago, help us to “feed the sheep” entrusted to our care. Rather readily we detect many cares and conflicts that surround those we serve. But often we do not read their deepest needs except on their downcast countenances and by their wistful glances.

In Thy house, be pleased to speak through us today. We offer Thy people Thy Word to feed their hungry souls. They are thirsting after “the water of life” ; may we not proffer them our own “soft drinks” of current opinion, even when sweetened with a dash of humor. We cannot truly analyze their real needs except by Thy Spirit’s penetration. We dare not reach for the crannies or dark places of their souls by ourselves. Let the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, do its work in our midst today. We dare not dull those sharp edges by our careless paraphrasing, no matter how popular the trend.

Some see Thy way as good, but like a faraway mountain pass —so high and too difficult to climb. Let Thy Word afford us the needed clarity and reassurance. Help us this morning to fling a whole bundle of Thy promises at their feet in the nick of time. Let our knees bend at truth proclaimed, and may our hearts melt in genuine contrition. Grant that our unashamed cries for succor shall be heard in Thy house today. Enable many to learn that Thy Word is both Light and Life.

We promise Thee in the quiet of our own heart this morning our sincere praise for all Thy mercies. We will be careful to give Thee—and Thee alone—all the glory. Hear our prayer, for we ask it sincerely in the name of Him “who sacrificed himself for us, to set us free from all wickedness and to make us a pure people marked out for his own, eager to do good” (Titus 2:14, NEB).* Amen Samuel Young

*From the New English Bible, © The Delegates of the Oxford University Press and The Syndics of the Cambridge University Press, 1961, 1970. Reprinted by permission. EDITORIAL

MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE PREACHER S MAGAZINE

by Neil B. Wiseman

Little boys on their way to becoming grown men “ Laurie” DuBois was a courageous pioneer youth experience crushes. I was captured by my first executive. He was also my trusted advisor, reader crush on Miss Watson, my third grade teacher. Then of my M.Div. thesis, and, for a time, my landlord. there was my first awareness of little girls and then We worked together on many projects and commit­ the teen years. I even remember the 19c valentine tees when we pastored neighboring churches in sent back inscribed, “sender unknown—let’s keep Denver. I never knew him to be on the wrong side it that w ay.” of an issue. But when I was 15, I was smitten by a new crush. The Bible says, “iron sharpens iron, and one man I developed a strong attraction to the P re a ch e r’s sharpens another” (RSV).1 In this m anner, my Magazine. My pastor, Robert A. North, introduced fr.iend, Norman Oke, sharpened my ministerial de­ me to it. He bore with an awkward adolescent velopment. The “iron” of his helpful editing sharp­ through the first glimmerings of a call to preach, ened my love for the Preacher’s Magazine. His affirming my aspirations in significant ways. He resignation as editor to accept a pastorate in Wash­ made time to talk with me. He gave me books to ington, D.C., came too early for me. Later we read and a class to teach there in our little church worked together on the pioneer faculty at Nazarene in Detroit. When he introduced me to the P re a ch e r’s Bible College at Colorado Springs. I pastored a M agazine, it was love at first sight. My pastor and nearby church and taught part-time; he was the the Preacher’s Magazine taught me those primer academic dean. His unique writing style and his love lessons on what the Christian ministry is all about. for preachers are qualities I still admire. As soon as I could get my own subscription, I Richard S. Taylor is my special friend, and when began to save every issue. As time permitted, I he became the pilot of the Preacher’s Magazine, indexed the articles and sermons on 3 x 5 cards. I knew the object of my long affection was in good As the years rolled on my Preacher’s Magazine hands. The holiness movement could hardly have index became a bountiful resource to which a busy gotten along without his writing, preaching, and young pastor turned again and again to meet the teaching. There are some fine points on which we rigorous demands of preparing spiritual meals for have agreed to disagree. But last week I had a letter growing parishioners. I preached better then and I from him consisting of a delicate blend of admoni­ preach better now because of the Preacher’s Maga­ tion and affection which closed with those warm zine. words, “I love you a lot.” My love affair with the Preacher’s Magazine put Then I owe so much to the gentle strength of me in touch with some of the giants of the holiness James McGraw. True, I loved him because he was movement. How could I keep from being strength­ my wife’s uncle. But I loved him too because he ened by editors like J. B. Chapman, L. A. Reed, was my friend. Though we did not see each other and D. Shelby Corlett; and writers like C. B. Jerni- often, our conversations always picked up just gan, Floyd W. Nease, C. E. Cornell, H. Orton Wiley, where we left them the last time. He was a teacher/ and Charles W. Carter? preacher and peacemaker. By training, experience, The last four helmsmen of the Preacher’s Maga­ and intuition he saw things from a pastor’s perspec­ zine —Lauriston J. DuBois, Norman Oke, Richard tive. Though he loved his major assignment of train­ S. Taylor, and James McGraw—have enriched my ing preachers in his seminary classroom, he was life not only by insightful editing, but by personal always eager to be involved in the frontline local acquaintance, love, and respect. ministry of the church.

1 My love affair with the Preacher’s Magazine co n ­ istry. The idea that devotion plus excellence pro­ tinues through my present associations in this effort. duces effective ministry will be heard often through I welcome Wesley Tracy as managing editor. He is these pages. my trusted friend, an experienced pastor, and a All my professional instincts are pastoral. More gifted teacher. His incisive pen has a way of cutting than 15 years of my ministry have been in the pas­ to the heart of an issue. Then, too, denominational torate, and I have been training pastors in the class­ leaders in the Churches of Christ in Christian Union, room for the last six years. I see myself as an igno­ Evangelical Friends Church, Wesleyan Church, and rant parish priest. Being ignorant (that’s not the the Church of the Nazarene are my advisors. The same as stupid), I can learn. And I have a deep con­ Preacher’s Magazine is fortunate to have Stephen viction that every holiness preacher can grow and Miller as office associate. Steve is a second year learn along with me. Being a priest, I see things from seminarian, a journalism graduate from Kent State the perspective of a pastor who is trying to bring University, and a Christian education major who God and man to intersection. Being a p a rish priest brings creative skills to the Preacher’s Magazine. causes me to look at Kingdom efforts from the view And I am grateful to our publisher, Mr. Bud Lunn, of a local church—the center of spiritual life. who keeps pushing the Preacher’s Magazine to Your new editor is no match for the stalwart greatness with new ideas and massive economic greats who edited the Preacher’s Magazine from subsidies. its inception in 1926, but the development of both My affection for the Preacher’s Magazine grow s your ministry and mine is important to me and I when I think of our 15,000 readers plus their will give you my best. My special thanks for allow­ spouses—all committed to scriptural holiness. In ing me room to grow with this new assignment. a time like this, perfect love and Christian holiness Your comments, criticism, and prayers are always fits the needs of contemporary man. To you our welcome—especially the latter. readers, I pray that the Preacher’s Magazine, under 1. From the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyrighted 1946, my editorship, will significantly influence your min­ 1952, © 1971, 1973. Used by permission.

THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE— THE OLD AMD THE MEW

What a year! The winds of change have brought carefully considered for publication. While 2c per my 45th birthday, the editorship of the P re ach er’s word paid for articles will not encourage anyone to M agazine, my father’s retirement, the “teening” of become a full-time writer, the joy of helping shape my children, the death of my last grandparent, and another’s ministry provides reason enough for sub­ the son of my best high school friend is a college mitting your writings. freshman. To add to my dilemma, two former young About half of each issue will be built around a “free spirits”—my lifelong friends—are now district theme; a six-person editorial board which changes superintendents. All of this reminds me that I stand personnel with each issue will advise the editorial between what was and what is to be. The P re a ch e r’s team. To provide balance, the other half of each M agazine stands there too. And so do you. issue will publish regular departments and re­ The commitment to proclaiming Christian holi­ curring features. Format changes move from 48 ness is as old as the 1926 beginning of the P reach­ pages of 6 x 8% to 64 pages of 8V2 x 11; from six er’s Magazine and as new as tomorrow’s headlines. issues per year to a quarterly. That emphasis will continue. Word studies from Veteran pastor and evangelist Archie I. Wood­ both the Old and New Testament will continue. Book ward, my lifelong friend, put it well, “New methods reviews with a wider group of reviewers will be in­ help people climb and even conquer mountains cluded, and preaching helps will appear in each more efficiently. But we still have the rock, altitude, issue. wind, rain, snow, and the blistering sun to consider.” Reader feedback will continue to be received He is right. The needs of our congregations are still with appreciation. Carefully written free-lance the same, but our methods can and should improve. material of 750, 1,600 or 2,400 words dealing with Through these pages we seek to proclaim the Christian holiness, preaching, pastoral care, evang­ changeless message of holiness and at the same elism, personal ministerial growth, leading effective time change our methods as our times demand. public services, staff relationships, and other sub­ May God help us all to know the difference be­ jects of interest to pastors and evangelists will be tween the changeless and the changeable.

2 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE Proclaiming Christian Holiness

Volume 54, Number 1 September, October, November, 1978

EDITORIAL My Love Affair with the Preacher’s Magazine 1 Neil B. Wiseman

PREACHING Preaching in Your Corner of the Globe 5 Neil B. Wiseman Jesus Came Preaching—and His Called Servants Still Do 6 Oscar F. Reed, Professor of Preaching, Nazarene Theological Seminary What Is Christian Preaching? 10 William M. Greathouse Whatever Happened to Doctrinal Preaching? 12 T. E. Martin, Director, Nazarene Information Service Let the Man Preach 15 Sherwood E. Wirt The Preaching of Two Television Giants 18 Wesley Tracy One Man’s Weekly Voyage 22 Randal Denny, Pastor, Los Angeles, Calif. Sermons Can Communicate 24 Harry Russell, Professor of Communications, Mid-America Nazarene College But When Life Tumbles In, What Then? 26 A classic sermon by Arthur John Gossip Preparing to Preach from Acts 15:6-11 30 Frank Carver, Professor, Point Loma College

CHURCH ADMINISTRATION Preaching and Church Growth 34 Dennis Johnson, Pastor, Overland Park, Kans.

PASTORAL CARE The Power of Pastoral Counseling as the Work of the 35 DeForrest Wiksten Holy Spirit

EVANGELISM What Does It Take to Preach Evangelistically 40 Lawrence H. Bone, Evangelist, West Covina, Calif. —and Effectively?

STAFF MINISTRIES Interpersonal Relationships of the Ministering Team 42 John W. Clark, Professor of Religious Education, Mid-America Nazarene College

THEOLOGY Gleams of Immortality 43 W. B. Walker, Evangelist

THE MINISTER’S MATE New Fulfillment for the Pastor’s Wife 45 C. S. Calian, Professor, Iowa University

THE MINISTER’S PERSONAL GROWTH The Devotional Life of a Minister 48 Mendell Taylor, Professor of Church History, Nazarene Theological Seminary

WESLEYANA John Wesley and Romance 50 Donald Metz, Dean, Mid-America Nazarene College

THANKSGIVING Unthankful Thanksgiving 51 Lauriston J. DuBois, past editor of the "Preacher's M agazine”

HOLINESS HERITAGE Wesley on Miracles 52 Donald D. Wood, Pastor, Greensboro, N.C.

BIBLICAL STUDIES Old Testament Word Studies 60 Charles Isbell, Professor of Old Testament, Nazarene Theological Seminary New Testament Word Studies 61 Ralph Earle, New Testament Scholar

A Pastor’s Prayer Cover Samuel Young

ALSO: The Ark-Rocker—4; Clergy Quiz—62: Please Talk to Us—64; Preachers’ Exchange—57; Seen and Noted—63; Sermon Craft—54; Sermon Outlines—55; Cartoon Feature—16-17; Today’s Books for Today’s Preacher—33.

Neil B. Wiseman Wesley Tracy Stephen Miller Editor Managing Editor Editorial Assistant

Published quarterly for Aldersgate Publications Association by Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City, 2923 Troost Ave., Kansas City, MO 64109. Subscription price: $3.00 a year. Second-class postage paid at Kansas City, Mo. Address all correspondence concerning subscriptions to your denominational publishing house. CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Send us your new address, including “ZIP” Code, as well as the old address, and enclose a label from a recent copy. Authors should address all articles and correspondence to Editor, Preacher's Magazine, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131.

3 THE ARK ROCKER

The Prophet on Madison Avenue

Madison Avenue threatens to singer of Israel, finds it almost pastor referring all problems to replace Mount Carmel. The fa­ impossible to locate a disc com­ God as a master psychiatrist and mous New York center, symbol of pany to produce a record for him. then assuring the congregation selling by publicity and advertis­ He is told that songs that express that God is fully alert to their ing, gains followers while the praise and devotion, that exalt situation. altars of prophetic fire and prayer God’s law and personal right­ The prophetic sermon must lose appeal. The mantle of Elijah eousness, that appeal to a quiet also be recycled. To declare “thus gives way to the method of the devotional response, simply do saith the Lord” sounds too dog­ promoter. The pastor-promoter not sell. There is some encour­ matic. Persuasion must be used challenges the pastor-prophet. agement, however. If David will instead of proclamation. Sermons The prophet creates little en­ jazz up his harp to produce 115 on self-discipline, self-sacrifice thusiasm on Madison Avenue. decibel sound effects, insert and “bearing the cross” must be Publicity experts have difficulty some wiggles and waggles about avoided like the Russian flu. Es­ in glamorizing teary-eyed Jere­ how we feel, what we think, and say-type sermons on human po­ miah, weeping for his people. how we react, then he may find tential fit the promotional pattern. Madison Avenue prefers the re­ a sponsor. The inspirational sermon be­ ligious promoter with a congenial The prophet on Madison Ave­ comes more remote while the personality who fits in everywhere nue learns that the traditional program-centered appeal moves from a pizza party to a sensitivity pastoral prayer in the Sunday to the front. The devotional ser­ session. Rustic and blunt Amos morning worship service must be mon becomes a special day doesn’t get past the receptionist revamped. No longer need the address as the practical problem­ in the glittering publicity office. pastor serve as a priest to lift his solving formula grows in popular­ He is advised to improve his ap­ people into God’s presence for ity. pearance and to take at least edification and blessing. The pro- “ I wonder,” mused the prophet, three public relations seminars. moter-pastor regards the prayer “isn’t it true that we subdued Isaiah’s lofty vision of a high and as an occasion for mass counsel­ kingdoms, wrought righteous­ holy God puzzles the promoter. ing. We are reminded that we all ness, obtained promises, stopped What sells on today’s market is a have problems. If we don’t have a the mouths of lions . . . waxed benign, handyman God, or a God problem, we must invent one in­ valiant in fight, and turned to with a magic wand to perform stantly so that we can be included flight the armies of the aliens? miracles on demand. in the prayer. The prayer resem­ Can Madison Avenue match Even David, the country/folk bles a conference call with the th a t? ” fo b

4 PREACHING PREACHING IN YOUR CORNER OF THE GLOBE by Neil B. Wiseman

Preaching. What does the word trigger in your adequately communicate the message, everyone mind? loses. Without clear speech, eternal truth cannot Is it fun or frustration? Is it sweaty, hard work or be applied to life. Doctrine becomes obscure. Be­ merely a time slot to be filled? lievers are puzzled. Sinners remain unsaved. Con­ Are you anxious—even eager—to preach next gregations think their preacher knows little about Sunday? Or do you dread your next preaching God or life. And the church meant by God to pros­ assignment? per, withers to bland mediocrity. Solid biblical The renewal of preaching is being widely dis­ preaching, meaningfully applied to life, is not all cussed and even prayed for by ministers and lay­ a church is called to do, but it is foundational to men. But the renewal of preaching can never come everything else. by a theoretical discussion of the matter. Nor will • Preaching is measured by change. It appears it come by the mere reading of more books in that the church’s reward systems—if she has any hermeneutics and homiletics. Renewal of preach­ —do not seem to give many points for good preach­ ing can come only by better proclamation in every ing. To preach well demands weekly time invest­ preaching event where you and I preach. ments and serious devotional commitments. Then, too, parishioners often give us preachers their • Preaching is mandated by the Scriptures. God sleepy nod or passive approval as if to say, “It will means for preaching to be at the center of the all be over in a few minutes.” All of these factors Church’s life. Without effective preaching, the and a thousand others tend to make the preacher Church is stunted in her growth and hindered in question whether preaching is as important as he her witness. True, most organizations can survive once believed. without authoritative communications by their But let’s think again. In our most serious mo­ leaders. The service club needs only a cause and ments, we know that the life-giving Word of God a group of people to work in united efforts toward changes people. Where else can contemporary that objective. A school needs only pupils and man check both his life-style and his thoughts teachers committed to student learning. A business against God’s will? Where else can the shifting needs only a proprietor, a customer, and a product. moral values of modern times be checked against But while the Church has all of these, it is also the changeless truth? Where else can people of this communicator of the “eternal gospel.” age, with their loneliness and hopelessness, hear The Word of God is the content of our preaching. a fresh word from God? Either they hear it from To use Billy Graham’s well-worn phrase, we preach the preacher or they likely do not hear it at all. what “the Bible says.” From Bible times to the Could it be that modern man is not tired of present, the church has been shaped by her preaching but wearied by the irrelevant harangue preachers. And those preachers must live with the sometimes called preaching? Like all of the work mandate of Paul’s probing question ringing in their of God through the Church, we must have faithful­ ears, “How shall they hear without a preacher?” ness in preaching. But faithfulness is not enough. • Preaching is muted by religious gobbledygook. Our preaching must do something. Our preaching Sound doctrine, if it is to have any effect, must be must call into question the attitudes, actions, and communicated in words people understand. The activities of our hearers. It must be both positive talk of Canaan may bless the experienced saints, and negative. It must be pastoral and evangelistic. but it is a foreign language to the sinner and the It must be prophetic and affirming. But the final new convert. Theological concepts which never measure of our preaching is whether or not people get beyond the level of a kind of spiritualized smog become more Christlike. may satisfy the speaker but never set the sin-slave Preaching. What a work! What a mystery! Who free. Religious goofy dust sends people away hun­ is worthy of such an assignment? Who can achieve gry and confused. it? You can. With His empowerment on your best Fog, goofy dust, gobbledygook, and biblical smog efforts, you can restore preaching to its influential are not humordus. When we preachers do not place in your corner of the globe.

5 JESUS CAME PREACHING— AND HIS CALLED SERVANTS STILL DO

by Oscar F. Reed

Good and bad news hover above the preacher the gospel is and to discipline themselves in prepa­ in today’s world. The good news is that there is a ration. renewal in proclamation 1 accompanied by fresh Perhaps the most serious consideration is the unction attending preaching as “event.” The bad confusion of roles which plague the pastor-preacher news is that there are forces minimizing the func­ —and the problem of self-identification formed in tion of preaching in the Body of Christ—the Church. the question—who am I? The seeming contradiction is not novel. It has been Samuel W. Blizzard, in a study of 700 ministers, so in nearly every generation of Christian preaching observed, in one form or another. During an average work day of ten and a half “All that I can say and feel is, that by the change hours these men spent an average of only thirty- of times the pulpit has lost its place.” The com­ eight minutes preparing to preach. The time spent on administration was seven times more than spent plaint sounds contemporary, doesn’t it? The quota­ on preaching. These men declared that preaching tion was taken from the writings of the premier ought to be their primary function, but they had preacher Frederick W. Robertson in 1851. reduced it to a very weak fifth-rate role in actual In every generation the preacher struggles with performance.2 “the fall”—the sense that preaching isn’t what it Now the study could well prove the minister’s lack once was or that it does not hold the primary place of understanding of the role of ministry within the in ministry that it once did. The observation led Body of Christ. It may well be that he is trying to Gene E. Bartlett in the Lyman Beecher Lectures at play seven roles instead of engendering coopera­ Yale to designate the ministry as the “perplexed tion, with everyone in the congregation discovering profession.” their own task through spiritual gifts. But it could That idea moves among us with “the greatest of also mean that he has neither understood the role ease.” The only difference between 1851 and 1978 or nature of preaching within that body and is is that there are more beckoning fingers to lure wasting his time on peripheral tasks. us away from the importance of proclamation and the skills that attend it. The Ephesian Complex Donald Miller cites one ministerial student: “I I am not ironical when I suggest that rediscovery consider preaching as a necessary evil. I shall do of Ephesians 4:11-13 has revolutionized the evan­ as much of it as my position demands in order to gelical community. As a result, the work of the qualify for the other important tasks on which my contemporary church has expressed itself in many heart is set. But I could well wish to avoid preaching differing modes within the Body concept. I am almost entirely” (Fire in Thy Mouth, p. 14). willing to accept the biblical understanding of The discrediting of preaching is one of the moods ministry with prophecy (forthtelling) as one of its of our times. It comes from all kinds of church roles. In this respect, the “call” is a call to all men specialists, and uninformed laymen who seem to of the community, accepting their gifts as the Spirit tie into every secular movement and use it as a “apportions to each one individually as he wills” means to church growth. It also comes from preach­ (1 Cor. 12:11, RSV).3 Preaching is the first of the ers who are unwilling to pay the price to know what several gifts listed which are given to make up the

6 Neither body life, personal evangelism, nor even church growth science can replace the primacy of preaching. proper functioning of the Body of Christ. (See Rom. us to keep our priorities in line. I am convinced 12:6-8 or Ephesians 4:11 where Paul has no “ax to after a lifetime of “church-watching” that if we are grind.”) In 1 Corinthians where Paul is contrasting to develop an informed people, intelligent in their prophecy with glossolalia, he begins his exhorta­ faith and instructed in truth, that we must give tion by urging the Corinthian church to “pursue attention once more to the proclamation of the love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especial­ gospel through skillful and dynamic biblical preach­ ly [mallon de hina —but rather that] that you may ing. prophesy [preach]” (14:1, NASB ).4 It is amazing that the differing emphases moving The Renaissance of Preaching across the church tend to minimize preaching either In spite of all that has been said, there are strong overtly or by omission. For example, with all of the indications that ministry is awakening to the im­ exciting work that is done by “church growth” ex­ portance of preaching. perts, very few of them emphasize preaching as one One sign is the increasing emphasis on preach­ of the essentials to church development. And while ing in American seminaries. For example, at Naza­ McGavran, Arn, Wagner,5 and others will orally af­ rene Theological Seminary the entire faculty and firm the place of preaching in the growth pattern, staff have banded together in every discipline to their work has little or nothing to say about preach­ enforce the task and nature of proclamation. ing as proclamation. In fact, however, the very Theology, philosophy, Bible, history, religious edu­ churches these authors cite as examples of church cation, pastoral care, missiology, music, evange­ growth are churches with strong, superlative pul­ lism, and administration are all united in creating pits. I am not arguing on pragmatic grounds—God a disciplined environment for superlative procla­ forbid! I am only suggesting that any expression m ation. of community must include all that the Bible in­ At the last meeting of the American Academy of cludes in its understanding of what the Body of Homiletics in Princeton, N.J., I saw nearly 80 repre­ Christ entails. And while I do not object to the sentatives from nearly as many seminaries work sociological categories that are used in proposing together in class and program to improve the growth strategy, I have the “sneaking notion” that spiritual vision and task in preaching among stu­ God’s grace intervenes in spite of “homogenous dents. units.” The church growth movement will strengthen Another sign of the renaissance is that outstand­ its hand when it confidently proclaims the place of ing pastors “dare to lock their office doors in order skilled biblical preaching as an integral part of to pray, to study, and to prepare sermons.”6 church growth. They are encouraged to believe that when they I have no doubt that fellowships can grow when find messages from the Lord, people will rejoice they meet human need through care, inspiration, to hear those messages. They dare to believe that discipling and “incessant” celebration. But can people will excuse them from many aimless activi­ the church of Jesus Christ grow apart from procla­ ties which plague the modern preacher if they are mation? Graham Pulkingham, in the January issue busy finding God’s message. of Sojourners, has put the whole issue in perspec­ Another sign is the “heart hunger” of laymen for tive when he concludes: pastors who are preaching the Word. Again and again, I hear laymen say, with conviction, “Please A vision of parish renewal must include credible forms of evangelism, apologetics, and the proclama­ feed us!” After every strategy has been used to tion and teaching of God’s Word. It must include get people within the church doors, and after they strong and relevant pastoral care in matters of hu­ have involved themselves in “body life,” they still man integrity and interpersonal relationships, and await the proclamation of the Word. in expressions of worship and service. It must in­ clude a prophetic ministry for ease in creative Preaching Is Primary change, correction, group recall, and public witness. What does the “primacy of preaching” mean? And it must encourage leadership and stimulate A minister has a hundred and one tasks and func­ challenges of individual commitment in order to tions during the week. Putting preaching first means administer and effectuate all of these things. that the most important of his tasks is to be an I have purposely overstated my case and risked oracle of God. It is fascinating to see how master­ misunderstanding. But a proper vision of Ephesians ing the preaching task prepares a man to meet his 4 alw ays includes the prophetic. A church is less other obligations. than a church if it does not include all the functions Every preacher may not become renowned or of the Body of Christ—and I thank God for them famous, but he can take the “stance of the prophet” all. As victims of the Fall, however, it is difficult for to proclaim the gospel. Primacy in preaching means

7 Preaching is the central, decisive function of the church.

that he does not speak for himself, but for another RSV). This Christ knew and proclaimed. Whenever —even Jesus Christ—as ambassador for the King. the Word is preached, understood and believed, it To my mind, the first and greatest work of the cleanses sinful men from all their impurities (John man in the pulpit is to preach the W ord. If God has 15:3), revives those who are spiritually dead (John called him at all, He has called him to do just that. 5:25), and sanctifies the believers (John 17:17).10 Nothing else should come before it. Nothing else Mark authenticates the urgency of proclamation can take its place. Almost every other work in the by quoting the Savior, “Go into all the world church can be accomplished by laymen or lay- women, but preaching is still the preacher’s job and preach the gospel to the whole creation,” and (H. C. Brown).7 closes with these words: “And they went forth and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the Christian martyr of World preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with War II, speaks eloquently to the primacy of preach­ them and confirmed the message by the signs that ing. Bethge, Bonhoeffer’s student and biographer, attended it” (Mark 16:20, RSV). insists that for Bonhoeffer, discipleship, suffering, The apostles were supremely conscious of their silence, did not take the place of the sermon, but responsibility in preaching. Paul could never forget served for its enthronement. He never doubted (in his charge given at Damascus “to further the faith the helplessness of his time) “the coming of the of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth new enthronement of the Word under which the which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal world would be renewed and transformed.” His life . . . manifested in his word through the preach­ concern for the sermon was not a matter of fearful­ ing with which he has been entrusted by the com­ ness but of confidence in the ultimate value of the mand of God our Savior” (Titus 1:1-3, RSV). sermon. He stood upon the “irreplaceability of the The apostles demanded absolute authority for the preaching of Christ.”8 word of truth, submitted to it, and expected others His practice bore equal witness to his confidence to submit themselves to it unconditionally. in the sermon: Bonhoeffer loved to preach. When a “ For I would have you know, brethren,” said Paul, relative discovered that he might have only months “that the gospel which was preached by me is not to live, he wrote: “What would I do if I learned that man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from man, nor in four to six months my life would reach the end? was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of I believe I would still try to teach theology as I once Jesus Christ” (Gal. 1:11-12, RSV). did and to preach often. . . .” In the day before his The word preached in the Holy Spirit is the very death Bonhoeffer preached one more time, without power of God (1 Cor. 1:18). It produces the fruit of ornamentation, liturgy, or religious trappings for a God (Col. 1:6); it regenerates through the “good few Protestants, Catholics, agnostics, and atheists.9 news which was preached to you” (1 Pet. 1:25, RSV); Word, church, and world became the German it is the instrumental cause of faith (Rom. 10:12-17); Lutheran’s dominant concepts, with proclamation it teaches us to be renewed in the Spirit . . . true the unifying concern of each. This may be what righteousness and holiness (Eph. 4:20-24). It con­ this article is all about! Whatever else we do, pro­ fers the hope of heaven (Col. 1:5) and works ef­ clamation must be the “unifying concern”—thus fectively in all those who believe (1 Thess. 2:13). its primacy! It enriches in the gifts of God’s grace—no gift being withheld (1 Cor. 1:4-7). Whenever the Word is Example and Command preached, the gospel bears wholesome fruit (Col. Questioned by Pilate, Jesus summarized the 1:6).11 reasons he had come to earth. “For this I was born Even when men resist the Word it proves to be and for this I have come to bear witness to the an instrument of power (2 Cor. 2:14-15). truth” (John 18:37, RSV). Christ bore this witness, “Can such a word and work ever be praised too fulfilling the work of the prophet through the itiner­ highly? Will it ever be sufficiently exalted and glori­ ant preaching of the Word of God. Speaking to the fie d ? ” No! It must be proclaimed! disciples “he said unto them, Let us go into the next The Word is upright (Ps. 33:4), proves true (Ps. towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore 18:30), is well tried (Ps. 119:140), is sweeter than came I forth” (Mark 1:38). honey (Ps. 119:103), sharper than a two-edged Isaiah has said, “So shall my word be that goes sword (Heb. 4:12), is spirit and life (John 6:63), and forth from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, abides forever (Isa. 40:8; 1 Pet. 1:25). That is why but it shall accomplish that which I propose and “secular eloquence can only veil beneath the im­ prosper in the thing for which I sent it” (Isa. 55:11, purity of its intentions the splendor of the gospel

8 The Word of God, preached and taught, is the most powerful means of promoting the salvation and sanctification of men.

and weaken its power. The gospel should be ing his heart out to a dozen “street people” who preached with fear, weakness, and trembling .”12 were under the influence of drugs. A young man It does not call upon the wisdom of men, personal touched me on the shoulder and said, “I used to feelings, or adaptations of our day. It calls upon be one of the ‘street people,’ but this man and our fidelity to scripture for “the word [preaching] his friends touched me with the gospel, took me of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but home with them and got me a job.” to those who are being saved, it is the power of God” “But,” I replied, “isn’t he preaching to people (1 Cor. 1:18, RSV). What more can be said? who will never respond?” Preaching the word of God is not an invention of The young man replied, “But our call is to preach the Church, but a communion which she receives. the gospel and allow the Holy Spirit to take care of She cannot, therefore, validate this communion. the results!” Having received it, she can only repeat it, obey it There are many beckoning fingers speaking to and demonstrate her obedience. Preaching is the the preacher today. The pragmatic injunction is central, primary, decisive function of the church.13 always before him—what will work? What will The Witness of History build? And I suppose that in our world, every op­ The teaching of Scripture is confirmed by the portunity for building the “body” is in order if we history of the church. Where the Word of God is follow the scriptural guidelines for the growth of absent the testimony to the saving power of Christ the “body.” through His Spirit is also absent. History has proved But I can’t help but listen to the echoings of 20 time and time again that Christian faith “develops centuries as Paul in another day declared: in proportion to the extent to which revealed truth For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek is given and diffused among the people.” . . . For, “every one who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.” When truth was corrupted by the speculations But how are men to call upon him in whom they of philosophy, when a certain “reserve” was in­ have not believed? And how are they to believe in jected into preaching, according to the famous him of whom they have not heard? And how are doctrine of econom y, and when liturgical practices they to hear without a preacher? And how can men took the place of proclamation, then the shadows preach unless they are sent? . . . So faith comes of darkness engulfed the church until truth and from what is heard, and what is heard comes by the light were almost totally obscured. preaching of Christ (Rom. 10:12-17, RSV). The Reformation brought a “resplendent sunrise” to preaching. When the Bible was handed to the 1. I am using the term “proclamation" in its historical sense as “preach­ in g .” translators and printers, and the preaching of the 2. This discussion, for the most, is taken from Brown, Clinard, and Word authorized, the gospel was received with true Northcutt, Steps to the Sermon, pp. 8-12, Nashville: Broadman Press. faith, light, freedom, and the Christian faith pre­ 1963. 3. From the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyrighted 1946, vailed proportionately. 1952, © 1971, 1973. Used by permission. There have been wide fluctuations in the Protes­ 4. From the New American Standard Bible, copyright © The Lockman Foundation, 1960, 1962, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975. Used by permis­ tant faith proportionate to the faithful preaching of sio n . the Word. When it was neglected, decadence set in 5. It is unfortunate that Orjala, in Get Ready to Grow, says nothing about preaching as an integral part of the church growth other than listing and Christian life died. When it was preached with “prophecy" as one of the spiritual gifts. Orally, he affirms its place. fidelity, the eternal flame of spiritual life flamed 6. Brown, p. 11. into vivid expressions of salvation, sanctification, 7. H. C. Brown, Jr., “A Modern Prophet" in Messages tor Men, G ra n d Rapids: Zondervan Publishing Company, 1960, p. 80. and discipling. 8. Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Gesamelten Schritten. ed. Ebehard Bethge, 5 The Word of God, preached and taught, is the vols. (Munich: Chr. Kaiser Verlag, 1961), III; 11-12 as quoted from Clyde E. Fant, Bonhoeffer, Worldy Preaching, Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1975, p. 3. most powerful means for promoting the sanctifica­ (with Bonhoeffer's Finkenwalde Lectures on Homiletics). tion and salvation of men and for answering their 9. Clyde Fant, p. 4. temporal and eternal well-being. Such is the unani­ 10. Cf. Luke 5:1; 11:28; Matt. 7:24; John 8:31; 14:23; 5:24; 5:38; Matt. 15:6; John 15:22; 12:47 f; Matt. 24:14; Luke 24:47; Matt. 10:7. mous testimony of scripture and history.14 11. Quotations are from the RSV. An excellent source for this discussion is Pierre Ch. Marcel, The Relevance of Preaching, tr. by R. R. McGregor, The Pragmatic Trap Grand Rapids, Baker, “Commission and Witness,” pp. 1-24. Cf. 2 Cor. 2:17; 1 Thess. 4:8; 2:13; 1 Tim. 2:5-6; Col. 1:5; Acts 20:25; 1 Seven years ago, as a visiting professor at the John 1:2: 1 Pet. 1:12; 1 Cor. 3:1-3. Graduate Theological Union, I stood outside the 12. Pierre Ch. Marcel, p. 16. Cf. 1 Cor. 1:17-18: 2:1-5, 12-13; 4:20; 2 Cor. 4:5; 11:4; 2 Tim. 3:14. student union of the University of California at 13. Ib id , p. 18. Berkeley listening to a bearded young man preach­ 14. Ib id , p. 24.

9 Everything that proceeds from a pulpit is not necessarily Christian preaching.

w h a t is CHRISTIAN PREACHING?

by William M. Greathouse

Modern homiletics owes more to Aristotle and Ci­ through the “folly” of proclaiming “Jesus Christ and cero than to Peter and Paul. “The sermon as we him crucified,” not casually, to be sure, “but in know it was not what happened in the New Testa­ demonstration of the Spirit and power.” Such was m en t.”1 Current persuasion theory has heightened Paul’s theocentric view of preaching. the contrast between today’s sermon and New Test­ This is graphically illustrated in Galatians (3:1-3). ament preaching. Many homileticians make the Before their very eyes Paul’s converts had seen preacher’s goal twin to that of the secular persuader “Jesus Christ publicly portrayed as crucified” —to elicit the desired response from the listener us­ (RSV).5 Literally, the Crucifixion had been “ placard­ ing whatever rhetorical devices it takes. ed” before their vision. So vividly had Jesus’ death Modern persuasion technique has become quite been painted that each had believed “the Son of sophisticated. Psychologist James McConnell is God loved m e and gave himself fo r m e ” (cf. Gal. quoted as claiming, “The time has come when if you 2:20)! Thus hearing the gospel “with faith,” they give me any normal human being and a couple of had “received the Spirit” and been saved (3:6-14). weeks . . . I can change his behavior from what it But now these New Testament Christians were now is to whatever you want it to be, if it’s physically being “bewitched” by false teachers who were possible. I can’t make him fly by flapping his wings, trying to “ perfect” the work of God “by the flesh” or but I can turn him from a Christian to a Communist “by human efforts” (NIV).B and vice versa .”2 This may overstate the truth, but Duane Loftin cites an actual case where a vocal The Foundation of Christian Preaching athiest was “converted” by secular hypnotists to a The basic axiom of Christian preaching is that serious church attender. The research was stopped salvation from the moment of its incipiency to its when the investigators decided the situation was un­ final consummation is by the Spirit who comes e th ica l.3 through the preaching of Christ. Such preaching, we This raises serious questions for the preacher. shall see, includes not simply the Cross, but the total Would it be possible to create a Christian “believer” Christ-event in all its implications for life. But this is by hypnotic suggestion? If by persuasive technique to anticipate. Let us now return to the word of the I “convert” a person to Christ, is he truly a Christian? Cross. Paul has a radical word for us. Referring to his Paul was absolutely sure of the reality and power preaching in rhetorically-oriented Corinth where of the gospel message. It was not the product of hu­ persuasive speech was extremety popular, he man reason but the gift of divine revelation. “For wrote, “My message and my preaching were not in since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration God through wisdom, it pleased God through the of the Spirit and power, that your faith should not folly of what we preach to save those who believe. rest in the wisdom of men but the power of God” (1 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, Cor. 2:4-5, NASB).4 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to The apostle is disclaiming any use of human rhe­ Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are toric and persuasive technique, or reliance upon hu­ called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of man wisdom in any form, for bringing others to God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of Christ. Rather, he was controlled by the admittedly God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is “scandalous” notion that God himself saves men stronger than men” (1 Cor. 1:21-25, RSV).

10 Preaching is making known to others an historic and consoling Spirit whom He gives to the Church. fact. It is heralding the crucifixion of Jesus of Naza­ From the Father’s right hand He shall return in the reth—which occurred in the city of Jerusalem in the triumph of God’s kingly reign, judge the world, and year 29—as the very deed of God for the salvation of consummate the salvation of those who are His own. all mankind. This so-called “scandal of particularity” Christian preaching moves out from this biblical is part and parcel of the gospel. To be saved one understanding of the centrality and supremacy of must believe this. Yet one cannot believe until he Christ, to touch every area of human sin and need. has first h e a rd of Jesus’ death. But when this “word With Christ as the Center and Norm of our message, of the cross” is preached “in demonstration of the preaching becomes as broad and deep as the hu­ Spirit and power,” a climate of faith is created in man situation. But we never range so far as to forget which it is possible to repent and believe the gospel. that in Christ, and in Christ alone, “are hid all the “So faith comes from what is heard, and what is treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col. 2:3, heard comes by the preaching of Christ” (Rom. RSV). No one “makes a prey” of us through phi­ 10:17, RSV; read vv. 5-17). losophy, or psychology, or sociology “according Luther once remarked, “If a thousand Christs had to human tradition, . . . and not according to Christ” been crucified and no one said anything about it, (Col. 2:8, RSV). As Christian preachers we “take what use would that have been? We must draw this every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5, deed into history and divulge it to the whole world.” RSV). We exhaust every available source of human The gospel itself therefore becomes an integral part knowledge and bring this to bear upon the needs of God’s saving action (the meaning of Rom. 1:16). of people, but we never forget that Jesus Christ is When Christ is preached, He is present in His the Way without whom there is no going, the Truth saving power. This led Dietrich Bonhoeffer to say, without whom there is no knowing, and the Life "The proclaimed Christ is the real Christ.” without whom there is no growing. All this is true because the Crucified lives. Be­ The Message Is Urgent tween the death and resurrection of Jesus from the dead a unique relation prevails which forbids that And, yes, there is urgency in this business of Christian preaching! Preaching is not dry, unemo­ one event be viewed in isolation from the other. The tional, detached speech. The messenger himself crucified Jesus has been raised to living fellowship becomes a part of the message. Remembering with the Father and makes it known that He lives. Peter Bohler’s advice to John Wesley, we may at Put to death by men, He now lives by the power of first preach faith until we have it; but then, because God. This is the reason His death is our justification we have faith, we will preach it! We speak as the (Rom. 4:24). This, too, is why He is present in the oracles of God. The truth which has transformed us message of His death. The power of God’s love possesses us betimes with a holy ecstasy. We have which triumphed in the powerlessness of the Cross not truly preached until we have proclaimed Christ is released through the preaching of Christ. This “with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven” (1 Pet. love becomes God’s power to salvation for everyone 1:12). And no one has really heard the gospel, as Dr. who believes. The death of Jesus is proclaimed be­ James B. Chapman used to say, until he has heard it cause the Crucified lives; the death of Jesus is pro­ “in demonstration of the Spirit and power." claimed because the C ru cified lives. Some of Paul’s hearers accused him of being “be­ The crucified Jesus who lives is He “whom God side himself.” “If we are beside ourselves,” he could made our wisdom, our righteousness and sanctifi­ only reply, “it is for God; if we are in our right mind, cation and redemption” (1 Cor. 1:30, RSV). Through it is for you. For the love of Christ controls us” (2 Christ, who is our salvation, God has completely re­ deemed our human situation. Jesus Christ has be­ Cor. 5:13-14, RSV). Gospel urgency grows out of this possession by Christ’s love, along with the con­ com e o ur w isdom from God: the true and saving viction that “all things are of God, who hath recon­ disclosure of God to the human heart and the one ciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to true source of our own self-understanding. He has us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Cor. 5:18). In been made our righteousness before God: our per­ performing this ministry of reconciliation we “be­ fect Guilt Offering through whose Blood we have seech” (v. 20) our hearers. Yet we depend, not on pardon and cleansing of conscience. He has been made our sanctification: our Purifier from sin and our persuasive techniques or human wisdom, but on the converting and transforming power of the Restorer to the lost likeness to God. As the suffering Spirit. “We have renounced disgraceful, under­ Savior, His blood heals our diseased souls; and as handed ways; we refuse to . . . tamper with God’s the risen Lord, He lives and reigns within us through word, but by the open statement of the truth we the sanctifying Spirit (Rom. 8:2-4). And Christ has would commend ourselves to every man’s con­ become our redemption: our indwelling “hope of glory” (Col. 1:27). science in the sight of God” (2 Cor. 4:2, RSV). 1. D u a n e L o ftin , Christianity Today, Feb. 4, 1977. By His incarnation, Jesus sanctified every stage 2. Ib id . and dimension of our human existence, becoming 3. Ib id . what we are that we might become what He is. By 4. From the New American Standard Bible, copyright ©The Lockman Foundation, 1960, 1962, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975. Used by permis­ His obedience He fulfilled God’s righteousness and s io n . made possible our acceptance before Him. By His 5. From the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1946, 1952, © 1971, 1973. Used by permission. exaltation He has been glorified as Lord and Christ; 6. From the New International Version of the New Testament, c o p y rig h t He has now received from the Father the sanctifying © 1973 by the New York Bible Society International. Used by permission.

11 i/LrJ^LJie MU U l»

w m a s m m

by T. E. Martin

The apostle Paul advises his fore all things, and in him all things rehearsing dogma without any young disciple Timothy to watch hold together,” for “all things were sense of urgency. his life and doctrine closely. “Per­ created through him and for him” I would like to suggest that doc­ (Col. 1:17, 16b).2 severe in them,” he says, . . by trinal preaching involves much doing so you will further the sal­ Here is an eloquent appeal for more than repeating theological vation of yourself and your hear­ preaching doctrine from one who premises or conclusions. It is ers” (1 Tim. 4:16, NEB).1 It was his last year was voted one of the 10 more than explaining what has conviction that preaching doc­ most influential churchmen in been held as authentic. Rather it trine was redemptive both for the America. He makes it because he is ministering to the contradic­ preacher and the hearer. This is is convinced that the times re­ tions of what is seen with what is good advice for any time, and quire it. His appeal renews the in­ not seen, in the conviction that especially ours. To do it may not spired claim of the apostle made “the things which are seen are be easy with all the popularity of to Timothy. It gives weight to the temporal; but the things which are 15- to 20-minute sermons. But talk of a return to biblical preach­ not seen are eternal” (2 Cor. the need and the promise of such ing. For as Paul reminds Timothy, 4:18b). Doctrinal preaching preaching tower above the prob­ this is one of the purposes of in­ means the honest but joyous dec­ lems involved. This is a day for spired Scripture—it is “profitable laration of truth even when it ap­ renewed emphasis, or “attend­ for doctrine” (2 Tim. 3:16). pears unlikely, as Habakkuk did: ance,” on doctrine. Such calls for doctrinal preach­ Although the fig tree shall not blos­ One of the most articulate ob­ ing will challenge some and dis­ som, neither shall fruit be in the servers of the religion scene in turb others. It has often been vines; the labour of the olive shall American today, Dr. Martin Marty, claimed that doctrinal preaching fail, and the fields shall yield no meat, the flock shall be cut off from describes our times as moving to­ is dull and pedantic. “People will the fold, and there shall be no herd ward a “settleddownness.” He be­ not listen to doctrine,” it is as­ lieves in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the serted, “it bores them.” Perhaps Lord, I will joy in the God of my sal- settleddownness implies a genera­ much that purports to be doctrin­ vation. The Lord God is my tion of dug-in ministers who, under al is just that, boring. But doctrin­ strength, and he will make my feet the low ceilings and within the con­ al preaching soars above the dull like hinds’ feet, and he will make text of narrowed expectations, still and pedantic when the preacher me to walk upon mine high places dream the dreams and see the vi­ (Hab. 3:17-19). sions. They and the people by himself has been grasped by the whom they are served and whom truth he attempts to proclaim, This is not “triumphalism” they serve will be working out when he preaches from an inner which equates prosperity with more implications of Paul’s dizzy­ demand. Too many preachers blessing. It is rather demanding ing claim that Jesus Christ is “be­ have settled for reciting creed or against the contradiction of the

12 apparent, “Let God be true, but ly not relevant to my daily life, and makes known His purposes when every man a liar” (Rom. 3:4). how I live it, nor would I live it dif­ He wills. We do not have the com­ Isaiah is describing the heart of ferently if I felt differently about mission to forecast, but rather to these beliefs. Perhaps my ideas doctrinal preaching when he explain afterwards that He is at would change again if there was writes, w ork. someone I could talk to in depth, Preaching in general, and doc­ The voice said, Cry. And he said, rather than in passing.5 What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, trinal preaching in particular, is After citing these remarks, Martin and all the goodliness thereof is as defined in the B ible as a man Marty comments, “Ministers to­ the flower of the field: the grass speaking for God—an ambassa­ morrow will have to get into deep withereth, the flower fadeth: be­ dor. It is not saying what the discussions about faith .”6 If they cause the spirit of the Lord bloweth preacher thinks God ought to say upon it: surely the people is grass. do not, more young minds will fall nor what he would say if he were The grass withereth, the flower away and ministers themselves God. It is speaking in w ords and fadeth: but the word of our God will lose their chance to speak for symbols what God has said shall stand for ever (Isa. 40:6-8). God. Of course to talk “in depth” through the written Word, the Doctrinal preaching does not requires that one live in depth. Bible, and through the Living offer easy solutions. It does not Word, Jesus Christ. prate about simple formulas. It does not even profess to fully un­ Doctrinal preaching is speaking derstand its own message. In­ the truth in love. It is declaring stead it rings with certainty of faith reality against fantasy. Malcolm in the face of despair. It declares Doctrinal preaching Muggeridge, who says of himself the truth of God which sounds soars above the dull that he has come “belatedly and forth from His Word even though and pedantic when the reluctantly to see in Christ the only reality in a world increasingly facts of current experience ap­ preacher has been pear to deny it. given over to fantasy,” says that grasped by the truth he Good and Evil are the only essen­ But the preacher does not do proclaims, when he tial themes of mortal existence. this glibly. He faces up to the con­ preaches from an inner He compares them with the posi­ text in which the Word of God is tive and negative points which to be heard. His preaching strug­ demand. generate an electric current: gles with the hard exigencies of “Transpose the points, and the existence. It probes the depths of current fails. . . . It seems to be reality with fear and trembling. It clear beyond any shadow of strives for answers without ever doubt that the darkness which is losing sight of the revealed truth falling on our civilization is due it has been summoned to utter. There is a lot of shallow and precisely to the transposition of Like Paul, with chains rattling on spectacular preaching today Good and Evil.”7 He hails Alex­ his wrists and ankles, he must which scratches itching ears while ander Solzhenitsyn as one who testify, “I was not disobedient un­ it claims to be doctrinal about came to see this in a rather to the heavenly vision” (Acts “end time.” The books of Daniel, strange way. This exiled Russian 26:19). Or like Martin Luther, Ezekiel, and Revelation are fre­ writer diagnoses the sickness of trembling before the political quently quoted as prophecies of the West to come from our having powers of the entrenched church, current events. Jesus said, “But lost our awareness of Good and the doctrinal preacher must con­ of that day and hour knoweth no Evil. Because of this loss we are fess that his conscience is captive man . . .” (Matt. 24:36). But there powerful and prosperous with no to the Word of God. Declaring are some who think they do. Such avail. He blesses his imprison­ that to go against Scripture is speculation at best creates inte­ ment because: neither safe nor right, Luther rest in what the Scriptures really cried, “Here I stand, I can do no say and at worst it feeds the It was only when I lay there on the rotting straw that I sensed within o th e r.”3 He later testified, “If I had anxieties of our day. I do not see myself the first stirring of Good. this as doctrinal preaching at all. heard that as many devils would Gradually it was disclosed to me set on me in Worms as there are It is spectacular, to be sure, but that the line separating Good and tiles on the roofs, I should none is, I fear, only giving scorpions Evil passes, not through States, the less have ridden there .”4 to people who ask for eggs. In not between classes, nor between Our generation awaits that kind fact Jesus told his disciples, political parties either, but right of certain word. A young person “These things have I told you, through every human heart and in Manhattan’s Yorkville recently that when the time shall come, ye through all human hearts.8 explained to a survey-taker his may remember that I told you of Our generation of ministers must falling away from his church them . . .” (John 16:4). Doctrinal preach to people who have lost (Catholic) with these words, preaching about end time is not sight of this line. They must be The fact of God’s existence, and to predict but rather to remind brought to see again how twisted w hether Christ is G od’s son, is real­ men that God controls history and the current value systems are. But

13 they will do it in the full knowledge the secrets of his heart are laid Walk about Zion, and go round that such corrective action im­ bare. So he will fall down and wor­ about her: tell the towers thereof. plies conflict. ship God, crying, “God is certainly Mark ye well her bulwarks, con­ Doctrinal preaching thrusts the among you!” (1 Cor. 14:24-25, sider her palaces; that ye may tell hearer into controversies of the NEB). it to the generation following. For this God is our God for ever and mind and soul which force con­ Doctrinal preaching need not ever: he will be our guide even frontation and struggle. It will not be complicated or argumentative. unto death (Ps. 48:12-14). end until the hearer sees the fan­ Its strength lies in its authority. To speak to men the words of tasy of the sensual and the reality Listen to this kind of preaching in God is to give them more than of Christ. For the modern mes­ the New Testament. just answers. It is to have shown senger, like his earlier counter­ And when neither sun nor stars them the One who will be with part, declares, “He hath shewed in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope them, and who will bring them at thee, O man, what is good” (Mic. that we should be saved was then last to the harbor safely and on 6:8 a). taken away. But after long ab­ tim e. How can this be done? In both stinence Paul stood forth in the Finally the preacher who Ezekiel and Revelation there is a midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye speaks of doctrine disassociates very insightful symbol given. The should have hearkened unto me, himself by his very message from angel gives the messenger a book what Peter calls “this crooked with an admonition from God to generation.” To them he con­ eat it. The promise accompanies fesses that he is a pilgrim on a the admonition that it will be journey. And the writer of He­ sweet to the taste but bitter when Doctrinal preaching brews pens, digested. This is the way with For they that say such things de­ preaching doctrine. To hear the thrusts the hearer into controversies of the clare plainly that they seek a coun­ Word of God as it relates to man’s try. And truly, if they had been problems and hopes is sweet to mind and soul which mindful of that country from hear but what a fire it kindles! force confrontation whence they came out, they might Doctrinal preaching arises from and struggle. have had opportunity to have re­ saturating one’s mind and heart turned. But now they desire a bet­ with the Word of God. It is musing ter country, that is, an heavenly: on it until, like the Psalmist, the wherefore God is not ashamed to fire burns. It is more than know­ be called their God: for he hath ing what it says. It is allowing prepared for them a city (Heb. 11:14-16). what it says to become so much and not have loosed from Crete, a part of oneself that it must be and to have gained this harm and The preacher feels the loneli­ spoken. loss. And now I exhort you to be of ness of his eternal commitment, good cheer: for there shall be no Let me hasten to suggest that it is true, but he also has the joy of loss of any man’s life among you, by musing I include the corrective having spoken a redemptive word but of the ship. For there stood by in a troubled time. He can be con­ and supportive discipline of the me this night the angel of God, fident that the One who has called thinking of the body of believers whose I am, and whom I serve, him is not ashamed of the ap­ through the years. The truth of Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must pointm ent. God’s Word, amplified by the be brought before Caesar: and, lo, struggle of the prophets in every God hath given thee all them that 1. F ro m th e New English Bible, © The Dele­ time, is true doctrine. Paul coun­ sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be gates of the Oxford University Press and The Syndics of the Cambridge University Press, sels that “prophets” should be of good cheer: for I believe God, 1961, 1970. Reprinted by permission. subject to the judgment of proph­ that it shall be even as it was told 2. Martin E. Marty, “Getting Up for Ministry in me (Acts 27:20-25). a Settled-Down Time,” the Christian Ministry, ets. The first leaders of the Nov., 1977, p. 10. Church said, “It seemed good to The preacher in this kind of 3. Martin Luther, speech at the Diet of Worms, ministry is telling what God has April 18, 1521; inscribed on his monument at the Holy Ghost and to us” (Acts W o rm s . 15:28). Paul promised that if this shown him in his hours of waiting 4. Luther's Sammtliche Schriften (1745), XVI, upon Him. The news is good, only 14. was done, 5. Marty, "Getting Up,” p. 8. the visitor, when he enters [the as­ the vehicle will be lost. The in­ 6. Ib id .. p. 9. sembly], hears from everyone exorable purpose of God moves 7. Malcolm Muggeridge, speech delivered to the 35th Annual National Religious Broadcasters something that searches his con­ on. He is doing what the Psalmist Convention, January 24, 1978, W ashington, D.C. science and brings conviction, and advises: 8. Ib id .

“If we read the secret history of our enemies, we should find in each man’s life sorrow and suffering enough to disarm all hostility.” —Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

14 LCT TH€ M/IN PRCdCH

by Sherwood E. Wirt

Not long ago it was our plea­ reason to expect a thrilling, sure to go to a conference and life-changing proclamation. hear some great preaching. Let us look at some of those The preaching was done by reasons: ( 1) the authority of the men we had never heard of: Word of God, (2) the power men who have never written and relevance of the gospel books, or built a “public im­ of salvation, (3) the convicting age, or achieved national work of the Spirit of God, (4) status. It was a m agnificent ex­ the desperate condition of con­ perience. The conference was temporary man. There is a full set on fire by their eloquence. quiver for any preacher’s bow! Every Christian went away with Instead of being made into a a new sense of the presence of check-out counter where facile God. Right before our eyes the observations about the hang­ church was renewed. ups of supermarket existence Whatever is wrong with the are spooned out, the pulpit Church today, it is nothing that should be a flying buttress of cannot be cured by good the kingdom of God, from preaching. The layman who is whose sacred ramparts life unhappy about his church is belts are pitched to drowning the layman who has not been men and women. The power of stirred lately by a powerful God to penetrate every facet of gospel message. Many execu­ a man’s being, to strip him and tives are sitting in denomina­ drench him and dry him and tional board rooms wondering clothe him—this is preaching why the graphs that were going fare! Our congregations need up for so long are now begin­ to be shaken until the pews ning to tilt downward. Their groan with the knowledge of church membership statistics the wickedness of sin, and until are dipping and threatening to the floors creak with the traffic cascade. They wonder, Is there of people heading for the front too much emphasis on this, to get right with God. and not enough on that? If a minister is not preaching To such leaders we would with power, it may be that he say: Look to your preaching! has allowed himself to doubt Get your ministers excited that God “cut him out” for such about the gospel. Burn into work. If so, he has skimped on them the conviction that God’s spiritual preparation and power is waiting to be re­ shortchanged the pew. He has leased. See to it that each con­ deluded himself into thinking gregation is on tiptoe from that program is more impor­ Sunday till Sunday, wondering tant than proclamation. what kind of spiritual feast is Christ said His preached going to be set when the Bible words would live forever. Let’s is opened and G o d ’s W ord is put the Church back on a bibli­ proclaimed. cal foundation. Let’s have There is no excuse whatever some great preaching! for consistently poor execution F ro m Decision, © 1970 by the Billy Graham in the pulpit. There is every Evangelistic Association.

15 An Abbreviated Lecture on Hoi

If you have spent Saturday night watching TV instead of preparing your sermon, whispering is very important.

16 Preach Effective Sermons

It is always important to look the congregation straight in the eyes.

Alternate yelling and whispering makes for an alert congregation.

Gordon Watt

F ro m th e Christian Ministry, copyright 1978, It is important to keep the stance casual and relaxed. Be chummy with Christian Century Foundation. Reprinted by per­ the people in the pews. m is s io n .

17 An analytical look at the television preaching of Rex Humbard and Robert Schuller may help us sharpen our own preaching—at least we can profit from their strengths and weaknesses. It is not our purpose to praise or blame, support or condemn either man, but rather to analyze their preaching.

THE PREACHING OF TWO TELEVISION GIANTS

by Wesley Tracy

Not “Charlie’s Angels” . . . His days as itinerant evangelist ended in 1952 Not “As the World Turns” . . . when he founded his church in Akron. In 1958 the Not even “Kojak” congregation moved into the Cathedral of Tomor­ tops the tally of the program aired on the most row, built by a $2.1 million loan from James Hoffa television stations around the world. Rex Hum- and the Teamsters Union. The church along with bard’s telecast from his super-church in Akron, several Humbard commercial investments have Ohio, out-video’s them all. grown into a vast empire. Not too far behind is Robert Schuller and his sun­ Robert Schuller was born on a farm in Iowa in drenched “Hour of Power” from Garden Grove, 1927. He graduated from Hope College, Holland, Calif. Every week, each of these men preaches to Mich., and from Western Theological Seminary in more people than Jesus and His apostles did in all the same city. In 1955 he started the Garden Grove the years of their collective lives. Thus an inquiry Community Church in a drive-in threater with 158 into the quality of their preaching is timely. persons. By 1967 it was the largest congregation in Before taking a close look at a television sermon the Reformed Church in America. Now they have preached by each of these men, let us look at the outgrown their $3 million sanctuary and are soon to men behind the sermons. construct the Crystal Cathedral which has a price tag of about $15 million. Bits of Biography A staff of nearly 100 full-time persons and more Alpha Rex Emmanuel Humbard was born August than 1,000 volunteer workers direct the church's 13, 1919, in Hot Springs, Ark. to Evangelist A. E. ministries. Humbard and his wife Martha Bell Childers Hum­ bard. Rex was the oldest of six children. As a teen­ The Setting of the Sermons ager, Rex was leader of a gospel singing group The sermons under consideration here were which performed four radio broadcasts per day out parts of one-hour color television programs. For of Dallas, Tex. He also traveled with the Humbard both Humbard and Schuller, the televised sermon family evangelistic team, finally becoming its busi­ was one of three or four delivered the same day. ness manager. At 19, Rex finished high school. His A sermon can be enhanced or murdered by the formal training ended there. Up to this time Rex had events which precede it. Both sermons were pre­ been a singer. Now he added “preaching” to his ceded by elaborate musical production. The Hum­ repertoire. He observed “I hadn’t time to get any bard telecast featured six musical offerings an­ formal training at a seminary, but I did gain experi­ chored by Maud Aimee’s (Mrs. Humbard) rendition ence under the greatest of all teachers, the Heaven­ of Amazing Grace just before the sermon. The pre­ ly Father.”1 sermon events also included an elaborate cere­ Describing his ordination he says simply, “It was mony of prayer for “unsaved loved ones.” A healing decided that I should be ordained .”2 Thus one night service and commercials for olive-wood Commu­ after a revival service at the Gospel Tabernacle in nion cups and trips to the Holy Land and Hawaii Greenville, N.C., Rex was ordained. were also part of the pre-sermon setting.

18 Schuller’s sermon was preceded by no fewer than B. The Key to Personal Happiness Is to Dis­ nine musical items. Tom Netherton and Norma Zim­ cover God’s Plan for Your Life (This is the mer were featured soloists. Prayer, scripture read­ thesis or proposition of the sermon.) ing, announcements, and the offering were I. GOD HAS A PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE interwoven with the music. Also viewers were of­ A. The Bible Reveals that God Loves You and fered a “gift” if they would “write.” The gift was your Has a Plan to Guide Your Life choice of two versions of the Bible—one for 1. Prov. 3:6 “blacks” and one for “whites.” The pictures in the 2. Ps. 32:8 books indicated which race they were for. 3. Prov. 2 :9-10 4. Ps. 139:16 The Structure of the Sermons 5. Isa. 46:34 The following outlines were constructed from the B. Problems Regarding God’s Will transcriptions of the sermons. 1. Some never discover God’s will. Title: “The Day of Prosperity and the Day of Adver­ 2. Some do not want to find God’s will. sity,” by Rex Humbard 3. Happiness will not come outside of God’s Text: Eccles. 7:14 will. INTRODUCTION C. A Woman Who Discovered God’s Plan: Fran­ A. Adverse Conditions in the World Today cesca Cabrini 1. Financial crisis 1. Her limitations 2. The population explosion 2. Her triumphs 3. N atural disasters 3. She is an example for us; nothing can stop 4. S tarvation you when, like her, you live in God’s will. 5. Scarcity of the knowledge of Christ II. GUIDELINES FOR THE HAPPY, FULFILLED LIFE B. Proposition or Thesis of Sermon: True relig­ A. Pray ion is good in adversity and prosperity. B. W eigh I. WHAT IS PROSPERITY? C. Obey A. Prosperity Includes Material Things D. Pay B. Prosperity Includes Physical Health E. Stay C. Prosperity Includes Friends III. THE FIRST STEP TOW ARD THE GOOD LIFE IN D. True Prosperity Counts the Favor of God as G O D ’S W ILL P rim ary A. Free Yourself from Locked-in Thinking 1. A personal illustration B. The Titanic Tragedy: An Example of Locked- 2. Bible testimony: Matt. 16:26 in Thinking 3. The rich young ruler CONCLUSION II. THE DANGERS OF PROSPERITY A. Are You a Locked-in Thinker About God’s A. The Danger of Self-sufficiency Will? B. The Danger of Pride (Nebuchadnezzar) B. Accept Christ as Your Personal Savior and C. The Danger of Leaving God Out Begin a New Life 1. Texas chain-store owner Both men follow the traditional design of three 2. Florida real estate man main points. Humbard religiously sticks to this plan D. The Danger of Failing in One’s Responsi­ even though his dual subject lends itself naturally bility to Give to Support the Gospel of Christ to a two-point development. 1. Various scripture passages invoked. Humbard, in accordance with tradition, began 2. Application: Support the worldwide min­ with a Bible text. Also, traditionally, he departed istries ot 4Uie Cathedral of Tomorrow. from it—expository remarks were brief. Schuller III. W HAT IS ADVERSITY? started with a relevant introduction and gave the A. Lazarus a Case Study in Adversity sermon a Bible base by referring to five scriptures B. Jesus Suffered Adversity in the first main point. C. Death in One’s Family Brings Adversity Both men clearly state the proposition of the D. Adversity Comes Because of Sin, or to Test sermon in the introduction. Schuller appears to stay Us. with his stated thesis better than Humbard. E. Eventual Victory over All Adversity Is Sure R egarding p ro p o rtio n or time structure, Schuller CONCLUSION used his time in this manner: “Trust and serve God both in prosperity and in Total Speaking Time . . . . 18 m inutes, 34 seconds adversity.” Introduction ...... 1 minute, 17 seconds Title: “Now You Can Succeed in Your Search for B o d y ...... 16 minutes, 32 seconds Personal Happiness,” by Robert Schuller C o n c lu s io n ...... 45 seconds INTRODUCTION Humbard’s time chart looks like this: A. It Is P ossible to Be H appy Total Speaking Time . . . . 19 m inutes, 15 seconds

19 Reading and explaining including insanity, failure, disease, trouble, re­ the t e x t ...... 1 minute, 30 seconds verses, sorrow, and eternal damnation. How dif­ Defense and promotion of ferent from the injunction of Humbard’s own Bible travel tours ...... 3 minutes, 20 seconds text, “In the day of prosperity be joyful” (Eccles. Pre-sermon prayer ...... 25 seconds 7:14). How opposite from his own assertion that God Introduction ...... 2 minutes, 10 seconds wants to prosper persons! B o d y ...... 12 m inutes, 4 seconds The major argument in the sermon is deduced C o n c lu s io n ...... 46 seconds following the inductive establishment of the prin­ ciple that prosperity brings all kinds of calamities. Logical Argument The deductive argument may be expressed in this Saint Augustine long ago reminded preachers disjunctive: that logic was not invented by men, rather it has its Prosperity will be used either for selfish pur­ o rigin in God and men have m erely discovered it. poses or godly purposes. The preacher must carefully gather his evidence, It must not be used selfishly. and weave it into a cogent, consistent whole. In Therefore, you must give the fruits of your pursuing this goal he has two logical “hounds” to prosperity to God’s work. unleash and put on the trail of the valid conclusion: Or it could be expressed this way: ind uctio n and dedudtion. Prosperity is perilous to all men Using the inductive model, the preacher collects Your personal wealth puts you in peril. sufficient facts, instances, and examples to estab­ Give your money to the Rex Humbard world­ lish a general truth. wide ministries. When the preacher uses the deductive model he The logical argument in Schuller’s sermon is begins with a general truth and step by logical step much more clearly developed. The inductive pro­ he applies it to particular cases. cess is seen in three examples from the life of Humbard’s hounds of induction and deduction Mother Cabrini. After example one he said, “But get lost in the forest. The sermon is a logical mud-, physical handicap cannot stop a w om an w ho is die. Early in the sermon he lays down an overarch­ dedicated to God’s calling for her life.” ing deductive principle, but soon takes a strange The second example is underscored with “But path in the “yellow wood” and spends the main part disappointment cannot stop a woman who is dedi­ cated to God’s calling for her life.” Example three of the sermon spinning a series of six inductive examples which seem to deny the original deduc­ had the tag line: “But re je ctio n ca nn ot sto p a woman who is dedicated to God’s calling for her tion rather than support it. Careful listeners must have been confused by the clashing flow of evi­ life .” Over all obstacles she climbs to characteristic dence. He asserts that people are to enjoy pros­ joyfulness and deserved sainthood. Culminating the perity. Further, he strongly states, “Some people think that God wants people to live in poverty. . . . series of specific instances Schuller proclaims the generalization: That is not true! God wants to bless you.” He then cites the text, “In the day of prosperity be joyful.” Show me a person who has discovered God’s calling, G od’s will, and they move in it. Believe me, nothing— He then proceeds to develop a strong argument by nothing can stop them. For they have the very powers inductive examples which contradicts his previous of heaven behind them and legions of unseen angels assertion. The idea that prosperity is dangerous support them. And their bodies may be weak, and they and damning is given more extensive treatment may be spitting blood, and they may be dying in their than anything else in the body of the sermon. organs, but get out of their way. The secret of personal First, using the biblical example of Jesus and a happiness? Discover God’s calling for your life and storm at sea, he threatens that God may fling ad­ then move on with it! versity at the comfortably prosperous. Then he cites If Schuller’s sermon were reduced to a deductive the example of proud Nebuchadnezzar who pros­ syllogism it could be expressed: pered and was rewarded with insanity. Following All men seek happiness. these Bible examples he tells about the Texas Those who dedicate themselves to God’s will chain-store operator who got rich and died in fin d it. sorrow, describing himself as a failure. Next comes Give yourself to God now. the example of the prosperous real estate man for whom prayer was offered by his pastor to reduce The Use of the Bible his income because he wasn’t giving enough to the Humbard made 26 references to the Bible. His church. short explanation of his text (Eccles. 7:14) was his Two other examples of the same tone are also most effective use of scripture. Several other times included: the rich young ruler who lost his soul he referred to what “the Bible says” without citing because of his wealth, and Naaman, the prosperous particular references. At other points he lumped Syrian who was plagued with leprosy. together a series of “near quotes.” In one series The conclusion in d u ce d is that all sorts of dire Matt. 25:30; 16:26; and Mark 8:36 are given in calamities are sure to fall upon the prosperous, rapid-fire succession—all slightly misquoted.

20 One could also question his use of scripture at whole body (a sort of ecstatic quiver), turning of the the point of isogetical inaccuracy. The Pauline head, raising eyebrows, smiling, and acting out cer­ phrase “godliness with contentment is great gain” tain aspects of his examples. (1 Tim. 6:6) is wrested to mean one should give to Two gestures, however, seem to dominate Schul­ the Humbard religious enterprises. Humbard makes ler’s delivery. The smile and the stance of raised 3 John 2: “I wish above all things that thou mayest open arms. Both are positive gestures, the smile prosper and be in health, even as thy soul pros­ showing friendliness, and the open arms suggesting pered,” mean that people should “catch the vision” openness, honesty and affection. It sometimes and “share their benefits.” seems that he is reaching out to embrace the vast Schuller made fewer references to the Bible. audience. Nevertheless, he skillfully builds a biblical founda­ Humbard used fewer gestures. He employed: tion for the sermon. He begins, “Let me share with pointing with one finger, pointing with the hand, you a few words from the Bible. Listen. Now the palms down, patting of the chest or heart when words you will hear . . . are not the opinions of referring to himself or emotions of the heart, enu­ Robert Schuller . . . [they] are the words of God. merating on his fingers, one hand raised, clenching Listen.” Then he emphatically reads Proverbs 3:6. of the fist or fists, movement of the whole body, Next he says, “Listen (loud whisper) Psalm 32, and a spanking gesture acting out a description of verse 8, God is speaking. Listen.” That verse is God punishing a person, and the use of eyes (look­ read and before going on he says, “Listen to Prov­ ing down on pitiable Lazarus). erbs 2, verses 9 and 10.” This selection is read The most dominant gesture by Humbard was twice. Psalm 139:16 and Isaiah 46:34 are given pointing the finger. He used this gesture no fewer similar emphatic treatment. than 116 times. This is a rate of six times per min­ After building this biblical foundation, Schuller ute. Add-to this 24 gestures of pointing the hand or builds a topical sermon on the theme. Though much using the clenched fist and quite a negative picture of Schuller’s preaching looks strangely like Peale’s emerges. Humbard gave dictatorial, accusative, self-help positive thinking out for a stroll in a leisure and aggressive gestures at the rate of more than suit, this sermon is effectively Bible based. seven per minute. Even when speaking positively, the gestures are negative. When he reaches the The Use of Emotion conclusion of the sermon where he shines a beam Persuasion seldom occurs without involvement of hope upon the audience, his voice changes to a of the feelings. Humbard piles negative example benedictorial tone but his gestures do not. Speaking upon negative example and produces emotions of of “heaven with day [as opposed to hell’s night] and fear, dread, guilt, shame, self-effacement, submis­ health, and joy and life eternal” he accents “day,” sion, loneliness, and condemnation. Then in the “health,” “joy,” and “life eternal” with the gesture conclusion he tries to change the direction with of a brandished fist as each word is stated. one flick of a conclusion (46 seconds in length). The inflection, tone, or accent of the voice can From the accusatory tone which dominates the change or even reverse the meanings of words. sermon, Humbard adopts a tender compassionate Variety and imaginative use of the voice can rescue tone for the conclusion. a speech from boredom. The rate at which words The universal hunger for personal happiness is are spoken, and the distinctness of pronunciation the emotional focal point of Schuller’s sermon. He affect the outcome of the speech event. How did promises, “You will be captured by a peace of mind Humbard and Schuller spend the voice riches at and a confidence and a courage that nothing else their disposal? can bestow.” Feelings of faith and confidence are Schuller’s total speaking time was 18 minutes, encouraged. In his two major illustrations (Mother 34 seconds. During that time he delivered 2,410 Cabrini, and the Titanic) these feelings are stirred: words. His rate of words spoken per minute was sympathy, pity, shared adversity, admiration, love, 130. suspense, tragedy, alarm, fear, and outrage. Humbard spoke for 19 minutes, 15 seconds. He used 3,471 words. His rate of words spoken was The Delivery of the Sermons 180 per minute, 50 words per minute more than Though many things relate to the delivery of ser­ S chuller. mons we shall take time only for gestures and Part of the difference here may lie in the fact that voice. when Humbard reaches a point of impact he tends Schuller’s delivery is a study in constant move­ to rush his words and overwhelm the audience. ment. He uses the hands, the arms, the face, the Schuller tends to slow down and let every word head, the eyes (in spite of glasses) and the whole soak in at the points of impact in his sermon. body. He uses some 20 distinct gestures during the Humbard speaks in a loud camp meeting preach­ sermon, including open hand, open hands, palms er’s monotone. When he steps behind the pulpit down, hand raised, both hands raised, whole arm he seems to shift into “the preaching voice.” Pitch raised, both arms raised, clutched hands, folded and modulation are generally the same throughout arms, clenched fist, pointing hand, pointing finger, turning the whole body, ecstatic movement of the (Continued on page 58)

21 gjgjg mwe> mmcx?

by Randal E. Denny

For the pastor, each week is a voyage from start sermon. The title and scripture is printed on the to finish—ready or not! label of the folder. New labels are put over old labels There was a time when I fearfully faced the ques­ when a sermon has been completed and preached. tion, “What will I preach next Sunday?” Today, how­ It is amazing how much material one can find for ever, that weekly voyage is enjoyable. In fact, the se veral sermons while reading and preparing for curiosity of the trip starts on Sunday night at the one. Notes and clippings for an upcoming sermon close of a long day. It’s like peeking ahead to see can be filed long before the sermon is used. The what happens in the next chapter. files should be kept in a convenient place for ready “To preach” means “to make publicly known!” access. Therefore the preacher is like a translator of ideas— In the early part of the week, the biblical passage taking God’s Word and translating it into the hearts should be read many times, comparing different and lives of the people. It is no casual assignment. translations, and working through the Greek text if For me, consecutively preaching through Bible possible. (Hooray for the Interlinear!) One should books has proved invaluable. For pastor and peo­ prayerfully search for the “big idea” of that selection ple, there is a sense of progression and accomplish­ of scripture. One should ask: “Why is this passage ment as they study, share, and walk through a book in the Bible?” “What practical good for my people of the Bible. Progressively working through the Bi­ comes out of this scripture?” ble provides variety to biblical preaching, touches The quest for the “big idea” continues until the all the biblical bases, and handles the material in outline emerges from the scripture. The enlightment proportion to biblical emphasis. It is a well-bal- of the Holy Spirit enables one to see the direction of anced diet for spiritual nourishment. Such a plan the sermon. It is exciting to live with a passage until avoids the pitfalls of one man’s pet themes and it speaks to one’s spirit in a practical way. w him s. I have developed certain expositional steps. Con­ Each year I take a standard-sized manila folder sidering each of the three or four major points of a and draw enough horizontal lines to make 13 sermon, I develop each point in the following man­ spaces on each of the four faces of the folder. That ner: makes a four-page calendar for the year, each page (A) The statement of the idea. This is a major representing one quarter of the year. Each page is point: “God is love!” It should be worded as simply made into 3 columns: “Sunday Morning,” “Sunday as possible. Avoid complex sentences. Evening,” “Midweek.” The one folder serves as a (B) C larify! What do you mean, “God is love”? sermon planning guide, making it easy to see the Explain the statement. progression of my preaching subjects and scrip­ Benjamin Franklin had quite a flair for fancy ture lessons. words. One time he told his mother, “I have imbibed The folder is a simple tool to encourage me to an acephalous molluscus!” plan ahead. In a study through the Book of Acts, the Frightened out of her wits, she forced a huge dose paragraphing and subheadings in the New In te r­ of castor oil down his throat. When he admitted he national Version of the Bible served as guides in had only eaten an ordinary oyster, she whipped him organizing preaching segments. By anticipating the for deceiving her. usual Christian calendar events, scheduled revivals, Franklin resolved never again to use big words and guest speakers, I mapped out more than six where little ones would do. That’s good advice for months of preaching in the Book of Acts. the preacher. Planning ahead saves the preacher from those desperate, evening-before searches to escape play­ (C) Expand. The general development of the ing the role of Plato’s fool who is pegged in this per­ statement takes place in many forms such as word ceptive quote: “Wise men talk because they have studies, and the tracing of theological concepts and something to say; fools, because they have to say biblical background. something!” (D) Illustrate. A study of the great preachers— After setting up the calendar of sermons and including Jesus—will reveal the tremendous impor­ scriptures, I assign a similar manila folder to each tance of proper illustration. Illustrations serve to

22 “bring home” and dramatize the truth one has al­ more in a shorter time. Leo Bickmore saw nine ready developed. drafts of one of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s (E) Application. Here is the searching question: speeches. The first was rough. The second showed “So what?” Practical application of a point, as well improvement. The third evidenced greater improve­ as the entire sermon, makes the difference between ment. The ninth differed from the eighth draft by a lecture and a sermon. “God is love—so what?” only one word. The diligent writing by Roosevelt was What difference does it make? The preacher must one of his keys to success as a public speaker. face this with rugged honesty. There is no point in One significant advantage of the written sermon is giving answers to questions that don’t matter. If one that one has the full scope and meaning of the ser­ cannot make application of the truth he has worked mon for later use. Many times skimpy outlines can­ so hard to develop, he will make no impact on his not be recalled enough to be used again. people. Saturday night is reserved for a complete rewrit­ Once I have developed my own general outline, ing of the sermon. This second copy is done on the next step is to study the commentaries on the regular typing paper folded like a bulletin, single­ scriptural text. In anticipation of the study on Acts, I spaced. The rewriting is a learning process. The wrote to college and seminary professors and re­ second copy is placed in an envelope afterward, spected preachers asking for suggestions about the having been used as a delivery copy. The envelope best commentaries on the Book of Acts. also serves as a container for any new ideas, il­ Thursday is set aside for research through the lustrations, and quotes that might fit well with the commentaries and other books in my library. I have sermon for later use. The envelope is filed under sections such as: Pastoral, Evangelistic, Holiness, Promotional, Seasonal, Special, Doctrinal, and Youth. By keeping original manuscripts at home “Wise men talk because they have and the second copies for delivery at the church, something to say; fools because they fires and floods would not destroy one’s past ser- have to say something.” Plato monic materials. Sunday morning is the pastor-preacher’s great­ est day of opportunity. What a privilege! What a responsibility! Yet, what a joy! Strong churches are a simple 3 x 5 card file that is indexed by scripture. not gathered around weak pulpits. If I am preaching from John 3:16, the card for John I read a book entitled Great Adventure in Small 3:16 is pulled. On it is listed every book in my library Boats. It was filled with stories of men who have that deals with John 3:16. The author, name of the ventured on pilgrimages at sea in small boats. An book, and page numbers are listed. In a matter of a exciting but exhausting chapter about thunder­ few minutes every available book can be placed on storms at sea closed with a penetrating conclusion. the desk with a page-marker at the appropriate These words are especially applicable to the pastor- place. This enables my whole library to assist in preacher as he begins a voyage every Monday sermon preparation. morning, with the hopes of arriving safely at port by I also maintain a file of the outline notes gleaned Sunday night. Let these words speak for all preach­ from other speakers, along with outline ideas from ers: my own inspirational moments. The file is kept on It is at this point that the somehwat waterlogged 4 x 6 cards, and is indexed by topic and scripture. reader may well begin to wonder why . . . anyone On Friday, with title, outline, and research notes would want to put to sea in a small craft, and how on hand, I turn to the illustration file. Illustrations those who went through these storms had the heart taken from books, newspapers, magazines, and to go on with the voyage. Perhaps the only answer is other sources are placed in a file that is indexed by to be found in the words of the voyagers them­ subject. The problem is no longer in finding illustra­ selves. tions, but in being selective. I never use an illustra­ Robinson, at the very height of the Mediterranean tion for more than one sermon—unless by accident. storm which he describes . . . gives us the result of After an illustration idea has been used, I throw it his introspection. away so I do not duplicate it elsewhere. I was in one of my rare moods of doubt. Why By Friday night I have typed a complete outline. should I choose such a life, I asked, and called my­ The sermon could be preached at that point. I set self every kind of a fool, while all the time I knew that Saturday aside for writing the sermon in full. The I would yearn for it all again when I had been a little manuscript is typed on 8V2 x 11 paper, double­ while on shore. Something makes me want to fight spaced. The sermons are collected at the end of the elements, to endure hardships, to feel the luxury each pulpit year and bound into a permanent book of sailing into a strange and beautiful port when it is form with appropriate indexes by titles and scripture all over. . . . And so the ship strained on, the seas references. These become an invaluable source of crashed overhead, and I lay there and knew that I material as the years go by. love d it!1 Writing in full helps to avoid pet words or phrases, 1. David Klein and Mary Louise King, Great Adventures in Small Boats and clarify thoughts. It also makes it possible to say (New York: Collier Books, 1963), p. 194.

23 The efficient use of atten- tion-getting techniques, idea sequences, and verbal support material will help the audience identify with and remember the min­ ister’s sermon.

by Harry Russell

Many ministers build sermons made evident by comparing op­ port, the sermon’s content can by a rigid set of prescriptive rules. posing ideas. A sense of uncer­ be made meaningful to the lis­ It is true that follow ing a single tainty or incompleteness often is tener. method for sermon construction followed by a sense of suspense. simplifies our job. A single, sim­ Because people seem to attend Sequencing Ideas ple method of sermon building ideas with which they are fam iliar, To determine the appropriate and delivery, however, conspires one may associate ideas and feel­ sequence for ideas in a sermon, against meeting the changing ings with those the audience is answers should be sought to one needs of the persons in the con­ believed to hold. or more of these questions: How gregation. The topic can be shown to be do I want my audience to respond Although the discovery of what near the listener either in time or to my message? How much does can and should be said to an au­ space as in the statement, “The my audience already know about dience is in itself an interesting person I’m speaking of might be my topic? Do I expect the audi­ topic, space does not permit its your next door neighbor.” People ence, generally speaking to like, being discussed here. Instead, also give attention to ideas shown dislike, or be apathetic toward the following comments will be to be vital to their lives. It is best to me or my message? How can I directed toward the choices we be specific rather than general. best achieve my purpose in de­ have in organizing our ideas so That is, d on ’t call it a tree if it is livering the message? that they will be clear, strong, and known to be a weeping willow. If Chronological Sequence: Using appropriate. The efficient use of the listener is relied on to supply this sequence, one will deal with attention-related devices; the ap­ his own detail, each listener will ideas in the order in which they propriate sequencing of ideas; likely fill in different detail, thus occur. For example, in a sermon and the wise use of verbal sup­ changing for each person the about the life of Christ, one might port material should help build speaker’s intended meaning. talk about His Birth, Ministry, and sermons that are interesting and Humor is perhaps the most Passion because they occurred in effective. misunderstood means for holding that order. The order helps the attention. Use it sparingly. The listener remember the ideas. One Getting Attention point of the humor should be weakness of this sequence is It is pointless to address an evident because, unless directed that in emphasizing chronology, audience of people without first toward the topic, humor will draw one may fail to properly empha­ having their attention. Since peo­ attention to itself. Used judicious­ size any cause or effect inherent ple are known to attend in ly, however, this method will not in the topic. response to a variety of phenom­ lose its appeal. Space Sequence: T h is s e ­ ena, it seems that professional While these features are an aid quence can be used to describe speakers might be interested in to professional speakers, they something as it appears. For ex­ knowing what some of those phe­ alone do little more than help the ample, a three-point sermon nomena are. listener attend what is being said. might include three places where By its nature, activity, or the Structure is needed for the con­ Christ ministered. Remember that verbal suggestion of activity will tent. If placed in a logically the direction of the sequence is attract attention. C onflict can be related sequence and given sup­ not as important as its consist­

24 ency. It is the system atic a rra n g e ­ no real-life examples from which Restatement: This is the sim­ ment of ideas that helps the to draw. Examples are useful plest way to expand an idea. To audience remember them. The mainly in making ideas clear and use restatement one need only arrangement might be from top vivid. paraphrase something already to bottom, right to left, front to Illustrations: Different from ex­ said. Assuming that the original back, or inside to outside. The amples, illustrations are useful statement should warrant its be­ sequence is most valuable when in pointing out specific charac­ ing paraphrased, the paraphrase the purpose is to explain or give teristics, functions, or integral should be at least as clear and information. parts of ideas. It is seldom the vividly stated as was the original. case that all listeners will, with Cause-Effect Sequence: Som e Testimony (quotations): This equal sensitivity, understand an phenomena are best understood means the verbatim (or at times idea. Therefore, while it will not when viewed from the perspective paraphrase) of another person’s prove, the well chosen illustration of one condition being a cause statements. Like many of the will illuminate those portions of an or effect of another. Even the other idea-expanding devices, idea that may be unclear. often quoted scripture: “The there are certain rules that govern wages of sin is death” exemplifies Statistics: Statistics, often the the proper use of testimony. a cause-effect sequence. Al­ most conclusive kind of evidence, 1. The quotation is best if it though most often used to advo­ are numbers of any sort used to comes from a relatively un­ cate the restriction of certain amplify or prove an idea. The biased source. Audiences conditions, this sequence can be function of statistics is to show are quite good at detecting used to advocate that certain con­ how many instances support the a biased source. ditions are desirable causes. For point. Aside from the importance 2. One should document the example, daily devotions can be of documenting the source, there source of the quote. Some seen as a desirable cause of a are other questions that should variation of “According to deeply devout life. be answered prerequisite to using a recent article in the New Problem-Solution Sequence: a statistic: York Times, this statement Like causes and effects, other —Are there enough instances was made . . .” will serve phenomena are best presented included in the statistics to war­ nicely. from the perspective of one con­ rant the conclusion to be drawn? 3. Som e significant point in dition constituting a problem and —Do the statistics truly repre­ the message should be evi­ another condition constituting a sent the whole problem, or only dent in the quote. Be sure to solution. While it is important to a minor portion of it? establish the point either present solutions as being both —Were the statistics gathered before or following the practical and desirable, the solu­ by people who were biased? quote. tion should not introduce any new —Finally, do the statistics mea­ problems of its own. sure what they claim to measure? 4. Choose a quote that is fairly The value derived from se­ Could another type of measure easy to understand. quencing ideas seems to be serve as a better index of the Because Christians enjoy read­ largely that of helping the listener phenomenon? ing the Bible and hearing it read, process and retain information. A nalogy: This supporting de­ scripture serves as a readily avail­ The sermon’s content, of course, vice is different in that it com­ able source of quotes. In addition is information carefully chosen pares two objects or events. One to scripture quotes, however, it and strategically placed in sup­ point of comparison is something adds to the speaker’s credibility port of the major ideas to be ex­ the audience probably knows to be heard quoting from current­ pressed. Devices, called verbal little about. The other point of ly published literature. support material, are intended to comparison is something the It can be said that we are support, expand, or enlarge ideas audience probably knows much speaking to a “public” or deliver­ in the minds of the listeners. about. By likening selected fea­ ing a message anytime groups tures of one to selected features large or small “give us the floor.” Supporting Major Ideas of the other, an analogy is built. Whenever our message is to be The following devices do not Jesus used a kind of analogy heard, the time allowed us to all serve equally well to support when, talking to a group of farm- speak is likely to be brief at best all ideas. A liberal supply of com­ oriented Hebrews, he likened and should be used advisedly. mon sense always helps in select­ the Kingdom of heaven to a man The end we seek is too important ing appropriate techniques. who went forth to sow seed. Some to approach the task of sermon- Exam ples: Examples can be seed fell on stony ground, some building with a casual attitude. either the “let’s imagine this has fell among thorns, etc. His lis­ The concepts presented here, happened” type or the real-life teners understood his message when used efficiently, should help variety. Too frequent use of fig­ about the Kingdom of heaven be­ clarify ideas and help listeners urative examples leads the lis­ cause they understood a great identify with and remember the tener to assume the speaker has deal about farming. truth proclaimed.

25 CLASSIC SERMONS BUT WHEN LIFE TUMBLES IN, WHAT THEN?

by Arthur John Gossip

Because of the upheaval of the times, Arthur John Gossip (1873-1954) devoted many of his sermons to the task of en­ couraging people. Shortly after the dramatically sudden death of his wife in 1927, Gossip preached the famous sermon ‘‘But When Life Tumbles In, What Then?” The sermon’s intimate, conversa­ tional tone has helped establish it as one of those rare mes­ sages that will be remembered for many years to come.

"If thou hast run with the footmen, and they the falls, and over it? Suppose that, to you as to have wearied thee, then how canst thou con­ Job, suddenly, out of the blue, there leap dreadful tend with horses? And if in the land of peace, tidings of disaster, would you have the grit to pull wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then yourself together and to face it as he did? “The how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?" Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away: blessed (Jerem iah 12:5). be the name of the Lord.” Suppose that to you as to Here is a man who, musing upon the bewilder­ Ezekiel, that valiant soul, there comes a day when, ments of life, has burst into God’s presence, hot, with no second’s warning, you are given the bleak angry, stunned by His ordering of things, with a message: “Son of man, behold I take away the loud babble of clamorous protest. It is unfair, he desire of thine eyes at a stroke; yet neither shalt cries, unfair! And frowningly he looks into the face thou weep, nor let the tears run down. So I preached of the Almighty. It is unfair! And then suddenly he unto the people in the morning: and in the evening checks himself, and putting this blunt question to my wife died.” Suppose that to you, as to Christ, it, feels his heart grow very still and very cold. For it became evident that life was not to give what you after all, he asks himself, what is it you have to expected from it, that your dreams were not to complain about so far? Nothing that everybody does be granted, that yours was to be a steep and lonely not share. Only the usual little rubs and frets and ills road, that some tremendous sacrifice was to be of life that fall to everyone, no more. And if these asked of you, could you make shift to face it with a have broken through your guard, pushed aside shadow of the Master’s courage and the Master’s your religion, made you so sour and peevish and calm? For there is no supposing in the matter. To cross towards God—God help you, what will happen a certainty to you too, in your turn, someday, these when, sudden as a shell screaming out of the night, things must come. some one of the great crashing dispensations bursts in your life, and leaves an emptiness where Suffering Is Universal there had been a home, a tumbled ruin of your Yes, unbelievably they come. For years and years ordered ways, a heart so sore you wonder how it you and I go our sunny way and live our happy lives, holds together? If you have caught your breath, and the rumours of these terrors are blown to us poor fool, when splashing through the shallow very faintly as from a world so distant that it seems waters of some summer brook, how will you fare to have nothing to do with us; and then, to us too, when Jordan bursts its banks and rushes, far as it happens. And when it does, nobody has the right the eye can see, one huge, wild swirl of angry to snivel or whimper as if something unique and waters, and, your feet caught away, half choked, inexplicable had befallen him. “Never morning you are tossed nearer and nearer to the roaring of wore to evening but some heart did break”—-and hearts just as sensitive as yours and mine. But I have spoken of the Gospel, and the love of God, when yours breaks, what then? It is a bit late in the and Christ’s brave reading of this puzzling life of day to be talking about insurance when one’s house ours, it has seemed to me that a very easy answer is ablaze from end to end: and somewhat tardy to be lay ready to anybody’s hand who found these hard searching for something to bring one through when to credit. Yes, yes, they might well say irritably, if the test is upon one. And how are you and I, so I stood in the sunshine where you are, no doubt I, querulous and easily fretted by the minor worries, too, could talk like that! But if your path ran over the to make shift at all in the swelling of Jordan, with cold moors, where the winds cut and whistle and the cold of it catching away our breath, and the pierce to the very bone, if you were set down where rush of it plucking at our footing? I am, I wonder if you would be so absolutely sure? Goethe, of course, tells us that all the religions As Shakespeare says, it is not difficult to bear other were designed to meet us and to give us help, just people’s toothache; but when one’s own jaw is there; to enable us to bear the unbearable, to face throbbing, that is another matter. We will listen to the impossible, to see through with some kind of Jesus Christ: for He spoke from the darkness round decency and honour what obviously can’t be done the Cross. We mayn’t understand Him, or agree at all. with Him, or obey Him: but nobody can challenge But then so many people’s religion is a fair- His right to speak. But you! Wait till you stand in weather affair. A little rain, and it runs and crumbles; the rushing of Jordan, till to you there has come a touch of strain, and it snaps. How often out at the some fulfilment of that eerie promise, “Behold, front one lay and watched an aeroplane high up your house is left unto you desolate,” and what in the blue and sunlight, a shimmering, glistening, will you say then? beautiful thing: and then there came one shot out of I’ll tell you now. I know that we are warned in Job a cloud, and it crashed down to earth, a broken that the most drastic test of faith is not even these mass of twisted metal. And many a one’s religion is tremendous sorrows, but a long purgatory of physi­ like that. So long as God’s will runs parallel to ours, cal and mental agony. Still, I don’t think that anyone we follow blithely. But the moment that they cross, will challenge my right to speak today. And what I or clash, that life grows difficult, that we don’t have to say is this: when Claverhouse suddenly understand, how apt faith is to fail us just when we shot Brown of Priesthill, he turned to the wife and have m ost need of it! asked, the callous brute, “What think you now of You remember our Lord’s story of the two men your braw guidman?” And she, gathering together who lived in the same village, and went to the same the scattered brain, made answer, “I aye thought synagogue, and sat in the same pew, listening to muckle of him, but I think more of him now.” I aye the same services: and how one day some kind of thought muckle of the Christian faith; but I think gale blew into their lives, a fearsome storm. And more of it now, far more. in the one case, everything collapsed, and for a moment there were some poor spars tossing upon We Do Not Always Understand wild waters, and then, nothing at all. For that un­ I have never claimed to understand many things happy soul had built on sand, and in his day of in this perplexing life of ours, have always held need, everything was undermined, and vanished. that my dear master Browning went by much too But the other, though he too had to face the empti­ far when he said confidently that for a Christian ness, the loneliness, the pain, came through it all man there are no problems in the world or out of it. braver and stronger and mellower and nearer God. Surely the acknowledgment of God’s love raises For he had built upon the rock. new problems. If love, then why and why and why Well, what of you and me? We have found it a and why? To me the essence of the faith has al­ business to march with the infantry, how will we ways seemed a certain intrepidity of loyalty that keep up with the horsemen: if the small ills of life can believe undauntedly in the dark, and that still have frayed our faith and temper, what will we do in trusts God unshaken even when the evidence looks the roar and the black swirl of Jordan? fairly damning. That has always been my chief difficulty about Do you think Christ always understood or found preaching. Carlyle, you recall, used to say that the it easy? There was a day when He took God’s will chirpy optimism of Emerson maddened him, Emer­ for Him into His hand, and turned it round, and son across whose sheltered life no cloud or shadow looked at it. And, “Is this what You ask of Me?” was allowed to blow. He seemed to me, panted the He said; and for a moment His eyes looked almost other, like a man, standing himself well back out of incredulous. Aye, and another day when, puzzled the least touch of the spray, who throws chatty ob­ and uncertain, He cried out, “But is this really what servations on the beauty of the weather to a poor You mean that I should give You, this here, this soul battling for his life in huge billows that are now?” Yes, and another still, when the cold, rushing buffeting the breath and the life out of him, wrestling waters roared in a raging torrent through His soul: with mighty currents that keep sweeping him away. yet He would not turn back, fought His way to the It did not help. farther bank, died still believing in the God who And I, too, have had a happy life: and always when seemed to have deserted Him. And that is why He

27 is given a name that is above every name. comfort all hurt things? How did the Psalmist know I do not understand this life of ours. But still that those who are broken in their hearts and less can I comprehend how people in trouble and grieved in their minds God heals? Because, of loss and bereavement can fling away peevishly course, it had happened to them, because they had from the Christian faith. In God’s name, fling to themselves in their dark days felt His unfailing what? Have we not lost enough without losing that helpfulness and tenderness and the touch of won­ too? If Christ is right—if, as He says, there are derfully gentle hands. somehow, hidden away from our eyes as yet, still And it is true. When we are cast into some burn­ there, wisdom and planning and kindness and love ing, fiery furnace seven times heated, we are not in these dark dispensations—then we can see them alone, never alone; but there is One beside us, like through. But if Christ was wrong, and all that is unto the Son of God. When our feet slip upon the not so; if God set His foot on my home crudely, slimy stones in the swelling of Jordan, a hand leaps heedlessly, blunderingly, blindly, as I unawares out and catches us and steadies us. “I will not might tread upon some insect in my path, have I leave you comfortless,” said Christ. Nor does He. not the right to be angry and sore? If Christ was There is a Presence with us, a Comforter, a Forti­ right, and immortality and the dear hopes of which fier who does strengthen, does uphold, does bring He speaks do really lie a little way ahead, we can us through somehow from hour to hour and day to manage to make our way to them. But if it is not so, day. Pusey once wrote that when his wife died, he if it is all over, if there is nothing more, how dark felt “as if the rushing waters were up to my chin; the darkness grows! You people in the sunshine but underneath the chin there was a hand, support­ may believe the faith, but we in the shadow must ing it.” believe it. We have nothing else. And that hand is there. And as the days go by, Further, there is a grave saying in Scripture, what grows upon one more and more is the amaz­ “Receive not the grace of God in vain.” That Christ ing tenderness of God. Like as a father pitieth his should die on our behalf, that God should lavish children, mused a psalmist long ago. I have been His kindness on us, and that nothing should come wondering these days whether he too, poor soul, of it, how terrible! And were it not pitiful if we re­ had suddenly, without one second’s warning, to ceive the discipline of life in vain: have all the suf­ tell his children that their mother was dead, and fering of it, pay down the price in full, yet miss what that remembrance of that agony made him sure all it was sent to teach! his days it is not willingly that God afflicts and I know that at first great sorrow is just stunned, grieves us children of men. Anyhow that is true. that the sore heart is too numbed to feel anything, There is a marvellous picture in the National even God’s hand. When his wife died, Rossetti tells Gallery. Christ hangs upon the Cross in a dense us, he passed through al! that tremendous time darkness; and at first that is all one sees. But, as with a mind absolutely blank, learned nothing, saw one peers into the background, gradually there nothing, felt nothing; so that, looking back, all he stands out another form, God’s form; and other could say was that, sitting in a wood with his head hands supporting Christ, God’s hands; and another in his hands, somehow it was photographed perma­ face, God’s face, more full of agony even than our nently on his passive mind that a certain wild flower Saviour’s own. The presence, the sufficiency, the has three petals. That was all. sympathy of God, these things grow very real and But by and by the gale dies down, and the moon very sure and very wonderful. rises, and throws a lane of gold to us across the blackness and the heaving of the tumbling waters. The Certainty of Immortality After all it is not in the day, but in the night, that Further, one becomes certain about immortality. star rises after star, and constellation follows con­ You think that you believe in that. But wait till you stellation, and the immensity of this bewildering have lowered your dearest into an open grave, and universe looms up before our staggered minds. And you will know what believing it means. I have always it is in the dark that the faith becomes biggest and gazed up at Paul in staggered admiration when he bravest, that its wonder grows yet more and more. burst out at the grave’s mouth into his scornful “Grace,” said Samuel Rutherford, “grows best in challenge, his exultant ridicule of it, “O death, the winter.” And already some things have become where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” very clear to me. But now it does not seem to me such a tremendous This to begin, that the faith works, fulfils itself, feat: for I have felt that very same. True, I can tell is real; and that its most audacious promises are him where death’s sting lies. Ah! it is the constant true. Always we must try to remember that the missing of what used to be always here; the bitter glorious assertions of the Scriptures are not mere grudging every second of the dear body to the suppositions and guesses. There is no perhaps senseless earth, the terrible insecurity, for one is about them. These splendid truths are flowers that never safe—anything, nothing, and the old over­ human hands like ours plucked in the gardens of whelming pain comes rushing back. Yet when the their actual experience. Why is the prophet so sure other day I took up a magazine, it was with amaze­ that as one whom his mother comforts so will God ment I discovered they are still chattering about whether we people are immortal or not. I am past choose it, I choose it. Do not for my sake deny her that. I know. “I believe in the communion of saints, anything.” I know now that I have not lost her. For the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, love is not a passing thing one leaves behind. And is and the life everlasting.” i1 not love’s way to stoop? But there is one thing I should like to say which And, after all, thank God, our gift is not an abso­ I have never dared to say before, not feeling that I lute one. When we are young, heaven is a vague and had the right. We Christian people in the mass are nebulous and shadowy place. But as our friends entirely unchristian in our thoughts of death. We gather there, more and more it gains body and have our eyes wrongly focused. We are selfish, and vividness and homeliness. And when our dearest self-centered, and self-absorbed. We keep thinking have passed yonder, how real and evident it grows, aggrievedly of what it means to us. And that is how near it is, how often we steal yonder. For, as the wrong, all wrong. In the New Testament you hear Master put it: Where our treasure is, there will our very little of the families with that aching gap, heart be also. Never again will I give out that stupid huddled together in their desolate little home in lie, “There is a happy land, far, far away.” It is not some back street; but a great deal about the saints far. They are quite near. And the communion of the in glory, and the sunshine, and the singing, and the saints is a tremendous and most blessed fact. splendour yonder. And, surely, that is where our Nowadays, for example, to pray is to turn home. thoughts should dwell. I for one want no melan- For then they run to meet us, draw us with their dear cholious tunes, no grey and sobbing words, but familiar hands into the Presence, stand quite close brave hymns telling of their victory. to us the whole time we are there—quite close, while Dante had a sour mind. Yet, as he went up the we are there. hill that cleanses him that climbs, suddenly it shook And for the rest, many poets have told us of Lethe, and reeled beneath him. What’s that? he cried out the river of forgetfulness. But Dante, in his journey- in alarm. And his guide smiled. Some happy soul, ings, came on another, the Eunoe, to taste the sunny he said, has burst through into victory, and every waters of which is to have recalled all the gladsome other on the mount is so praising God for that, that and glorious and perfect things one has ever experi­ the whole hill rocks and staggers. And is not that enced. Eunoe runs beside the track all through the the mood that best becomes us? valley of the shadow; and a wise soul will often Think out your brooding. What exactly does it kneel, and lift a handful of its waters to his thirsty mean? Would you pluck the diadem from their lips, and, ere he rises, wonderingly thank God for brows again? Would you snatch the palms of victory the splendour he has known, that never would and out of their hands? Dare you compare the clumsy could have been at all but for His marvellous grace. nothings our poor blundering love can give them And so back to life again, like a healthy-minded here with what they must have yonder where Christ laddie at some boarding school, who, after the first Himself has met them, and has heaped on them hour of homesickness, resolves, if he is wise, he will who can think out what happiness and glory? I not mope, but throw himself into the life about him, love to picture it. How, shyly, amazed, half pro­ and do his part and play the game, and enjoy every testing, she who never thought of self was led into minute of it,—aye, and does it too—though always, the splendour of her glory. As the old poet put it always his eyes look ahead for the term’s end, and centuries ago, always, always his heart thrills and quickens at the thought of that wonderful day when he will have not Our sweet is mixed with bitter gall, memories and letters only, but the whole of his dear Our pleasure is but pain, ones really there, when he will be with them again Our joys scarce last the looking on, and they with him. Well, that will come in time. Our sorrows still remain. Meanwhile, “Daton, no weakness,” as that brave But there they have such rare delights, soul kept muttering to himself on his way to the guil­ Such pleasure and such play, lotine, and he showed none. That unto them a thousand years I don’t think you need be afraid of life. Our hearts Doth seem but yesterday. are very frail; and there are places where the road is very steep and very lonely. But we have a wonderful To us it will be long and lonesome: but they won't God. And as Paul puts it, what can separate us from even have looked round them before we burst in. His love? Not death, he says immediately, pushing In any case, are we to let our dearest be wrenched that aside at once as the most obvious of all impos­ out of our hands by force? Or, seeing that it has to sibilities. be, will we not give them willingly and proudly, look­ No, not death. For, standing in the roaring of the ing God in the eyes, and telling Him that we prefer Jordan, cold to the heart with its dreadful chill, and our loneliness rather than that they should miss one very conscious of the terror of its rushing, I too, like tittle of their rights. When the blow fell, that was the Hopeful, can call back to you who one day in your one and only thought that kept beating like a ham­ turn will have to cross it, “Be of good cheer, my mer in my brain. I felt I had lost her for ever, must brother, for I feel the bottom, and it is sound.” have lost her, that to all eternity she must shine far Reprinted from Arthur John Gossip, The Hero in Thy Soul (Edinburgh: ahead of me; and my heart kept crying out, “I T. & T. Clark, 1928), pp. 106-16. Used by permission of the publisher.

29 PREPARING TO PREACH FROM ACTS 15:6-11

The First in a New Series of Holiness Exegetical Studies

by Frank G. Carver

Introduction interpretive question) in our contemporary human In this new series we are paying particular atten­ siuation that we build the hermeneutical bridge of a tion to the task of preaching Wesleyan holiness distinctive faith-witness to the application of divine biblically, although the texts used in the previous grace from the perspective of the Wesleyan experi­ series were of the substance of the holiness mes­ ence. sage. The four exegetical studies of this present series, We are continuing the same exegetical approach as well as the three previous, are offered as sug­ in terms of tools and methods as outlined in the in­ gestive illustrations in the direction of a holiness troduction to the earlier series. The reader is ad­ hermeneutic that seeks to do justice both to the vised to refamiliarize himself with the presupposi­ biblical sources and to the witness of the Wes­ tions set forth there .1 leyans. When we presume to speak of “holiness exege­ And the apostles and the elders came together to sis” several qualifications are in order lest we drift look into this matter. And after there had been much into a sectarian exegetical ghetto with its own debate, Peter stood up and said to them, ‘‘Brethren, “Berlin wall.” First, the biblical presentation of holi­ you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear ness, although certainly inclusive of, is much more the word of the gospel and believe. And God, who than a second crisis in religious experience. Biblical knows the heart, bore witness to them, giving them the holiness is primarily a quality of life or relation to Holy Spirit, just as He also did to us; and He made no God flowing from the grace of God in Jesus Christ. distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts In biblical interpretation one works from the life to by faith. Now therefore why do you put God to the test the crisis, not vice versa. by placing upon the neck of the disciples a yoke which Second, holiness can be a synonym for integrity. neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But Integrity demands that the holiness preacher let the we believe that we are saved through the grace of the text speak for itself, that the text be handled with Lord Jesus, in the same way as they also are” (NASB).- absolute honesty. For us as convinced Wesleyans, biblical preaching by definition is holiness preach­ ing. If we are not convinced that to preach the Bible with integrity is to preach holiness, we have no The Historical Question: authority for our message apart from the subjectiv­ Where Do We Find Our Text? ity of religious experience. Third, ideally there can be no such thing as a 1. What Was the Life Setting of Acts? distinctive “holiness exegesis,” although a degree of In what historical form? Acts introduces itself (1:1) subjectivity is unavoidable in practice. No unique- as the continuation of the Third Gospel (Luke 1:1-4). to-us principles of exegesis exist by which we can It contains the consequences in the life of the determine what the text meant (the descriptive Church of the career of Jesus—His words and question) in its biblical setting as over against the deeds, His death, and His resurrection. Just as the work of exegetes outside the Wesleyan tradition. Gospel of Luke was something more than biography Rather it is when we ask what the text means (the in telling the story of Jesus, so Acts is more than history in telling the story of the age or “Acts of the II Apostles.” Acts is proclamation, the proclamation The Recreative Question: What Did of the continuation of the Good News in Jesus Our Text Mean to Its First Readers? through the activity of the Holy Spirit in the lives of 1. How Does the Writer Seek to Communicate His the first Christians. Message? From what historical setting? The evidence of What is the form and structure of the text? As a Early Church tradition and the internal testimony of unit, 15:1-35 is a narrative of the Jerusalem Coun­ the Third Gospel as well as Acts makes it quite cil, reflecting the style of ancient history writing. probable that Luke was the writer of both docu­ Woven into the descriptive and summarizing state­ ments. Luke, a gifted writer and possibly Gentile ments are “verbatim” reports of two speeches and a Christian prophet, was a physician and a compan­ letter: ion of Paul in Philippi, possibly also in Ephesus, and 15:1-5: Introduction: Scenes which set the on the journeys to Jerusalem and Rome (16:10 ff.; stage 21:17; 28:16). 15:6-11: Report of Peter’s speech Although several dates are suggested for the 15:12: Summary of statement of corrobor­ writing of Acts, Bruce argues that a date a little ating witness of Barnabas and Saul earlier than the persecution of the Christians in 15:13-21: Report of the speech of James Rome in A.D. 64 gives a reasonable life setting for 15:22-35: The apostolic letter and its reception the w o rk.3 Paul had been in Rome for two years. His Luke’s report of Peter’s speech (vv. 6-11) com­ witness there coupled with the legal procedure oc­ casioned by his appeal to Caesar had probably bines the two forms of a miracle story (Mark 1:30- made the Roman middle classes, represented by 31) and a call narrative (Mark 1:16-20) in a way simi­ lar to Luke 5:1-11. The elements common to both Theophilus, aware of Christianity. With such people are the situation to be overcome, the solution by as his intended readers, Luke’s purpose in Acts was divine action, and the call It is easy to picture the to continue his witness to Jesus (1:1; Luke 1:1-4) as .6 he narrated the progress of the Christian movement setting and function of this “miracle-call” form in the which was then present in Rome. Early Church’s utilization of the activities of Jesus’ ministry in their preaching and teaching. Luke’s theme in Acts centers in the activity of the Holy Spirit. It is this Spirit of the resurrected-exalted The report of Peter’s speech which evidences the Jesus (2:32-33), poured out on the disciples vindi­ basic structure of this form can be analyzed as cating Jesus as God’s salvation-presence in the follow s: world, who leads the primitive Christian Church out (1) 15:6-7a Introduction: focus description of of their Jewish parochialism to a worldwide mission. the situation (2) 15:7P-9 Argument by appeal to divine initi­ 2. How does Acts 15:6-11 function in the docu­ ative ment? (2.1) 15:7P Thesis: assertion from personal Luke has structured Acts into six panels sketch­ m inistry ing the progress of the gospel from Jerusalem to (2.2) 15:8 Interpretative appeal to the mira­ Rome, each concluding with a short summary re­ cle of Gentile Christian experi­ port (5:42; 9:31; 12:24; 16:5; 19:20; 28:30-31). Im­ ence bedded in the fourth of these panels, “Paul’s First (2.3) 15:9 Interpretative application of the Missionary Tour and the Apostolic Decree” (12:25— m iracle 16:15),4 is the narrative of “The Council at Jerusa­ lem” (15:1-35) which functions as the turning point (3) 15:10-11 Conclusion: call to the consistent or “watershed” of the book, that “episode which application of the gospel rounds off and justifies the past developments, and (3.1) 15:10 Question: an argument from makes those to come intrinsically possible.”"’ common Jewish experience (3.2) 15:11 Concluding reformulation of The account of the initial missionary journey of thesis Paul and Barnabas (12:25—14:28) and the coming of Judaizing Christians to Antioch (15:1) has pre­ The report of Peter's speech functions as a mir­ sented the issue of Gentile salvation as a crisis in acle-authenticated call to discipleship in terms of the church (15:2) which must be resolved before the understanding of the gospel emerging from the Luke can continue with his story of the Gentile mis­ Gentile mission. In its narrative context, the speech sion (15:36—16:5). This Luke accomplishes with his illumines in a climactic way the significance of the narrative of the gathering of the apostles and elders issue at stake in the Jerusalem Council, bringing the (15:1-35) to decide the matter. At a crucial point in inherent nature of the gospel mission to clear focus. the passionate debate which opened the Council (1) Introduction: focus description of the situation proceedings, Luke reports the speech of Peter (6-7a). Gathered “together” were not only “the (6-11) which declares God’s decision to save the apostles and elders” but also many other members Gentile believer in Jesus “in the same way” as the of the Jerusalem church (cf. vv. 12, 22). The situa­ Jewish believer—"through the grace of the Lord tion set up by the progressive succession of scenes Jesus” (v. 11). in verses one to five now comes to focus in “much

31 debate.” It is at the peak of excitement and conflict grace in salvation, from any confidence in the power that “Peter intervenes and with one stroke clarifies of the flesh to a single trust in the presence of the the situation .”7 Spirit for spiritual adequacy. To be “filled with the (2) Argument by appeal to divine initiative (7b- Holy Spirit” (2:4) can thus be understood as having 9). The argument consists of a basic point which is been brought by the cleansing presence of the then expanded and interpreted. S p irit all the way to grace in one’s relation to God (2.1) Thesis: assertion from personal ministry and fellow-persons as a Christian. (7b). Peter moves into control of the debate as he As thus understood, the repetition of the miracle reminds his hearers of the conversion of the Gentile of Pentecost in the case of the Gentile Cornelius fur­ Cornelius (10:24-48) which took place nearly 10 nishes Peter’s argument with irrefutable evidence. years earlier through his own ministry. Caught up (3) Conclusion: call to the consistent application contrary to his own will in that event, he now asserts of the gospel (10-11). The conclusion functioning as that the Gentile mission originated in God’s own a call to a decision about the nature of discipleship sovereign decision. With Cornelius the divine will opens with a question which introduces a new argu­ that Gentiles as Gentiles, and not as proselytes to ment into the debate and leads into a restatement of Judaism, “should hear the word of the gospel and the original assertion in new terms. believe” is clearly revealed. This is Peter’s central (3.1) Question: an argument from common Jew­ thesis, the point pertinent for the issue at hand. ish experience (10). The argument shifts from the (2.2) Interpretative appeal to the miracle of Gen­ citing of evidence to a question concerning the ex­ tile Christian experience (8). God’s action in the con­ perience of Jews and Jewish Christians with the version of Cornelius is now characterized. His action ceremonial law. The question is somewhat rhetori­ is based on His character and ability as One “who cal as Peter calls the Gentile Christians “disciples” knows the heart.” God’s witness to Cornelius of his which in effect prejudges the Jewish observances proper attitude toward Him (cf. 10:1-4) was the gift as essentially useless in the context of the gospel of the Holy Spirit in the likeness and continuity of the m ission. Pentecost miracle—“just as He also did to us.” See “Yoke” was used in a positive sense for taking up Acts 11:15-17. the duties of the law in Judaism. But as was obvious Peter’s appeal is to an indisputable reception of in New Testament times, to many ordinary Jews like the Holy Spirit completely apart from any belonging Peter the traditional law was a heavy burden which to a circumcized people (vv. 1, 5), a reception cor­ only a few like Paul could claim to have fulfilled responding rather to the stance of the inner person. (Philippians 3:6). In contrast to these “heavy loads” (2.3) Interpretative application of the miracle (9). (Matthew 23:4) as Jesus called them, Peter and the The conclusion then is inevitably that God “made no apostles had discovered in the Spirit the full mean­ distinction between us and them.” Jew as Jew and ing of Jesus’ word, “My yoke is easy, and My load is Gentile as Gentile find favor with God on an essen­ light” (Matthew 11:30). tially identical ground, defined by the terms “heart” Many of the Jewish Christians themselves were and “faith.” probably not overly punctilious in their observance Peter’s key definition is the explanatory clause, of the law, or at least they in no way allowed their “cleansing their hearts by faith.” It is paralleled in observances of a religious heritage to compromise Peter’s earlier defence of his action by the response their faith in Christ as the only sufficient means of of his hearers: “Well then, God has granted to the salvation. Gentiles also the repentance that leads to life ” (3.2) Concluding reformulation of thesis (11). The (11:18). central thrust of Peter’s concern (7b) is now for­ “Cleansing” in this total context has a twofold mulated as the answer to the preceding rhetorical dim ension. question about the observance of the ceremonial First, the very opening of Cornelius’ heart to the law. The form of the issue has become, Are the Jew­ gospel is the work of the Holy Spirit. God has erased ish apostles who believe that they “are saved the distinction that made him as a Gentile unclean in through the grace of the Lord Jesus” now going to contrast to the “clean” Jew (11:9). Faith itself is here “acknowledge another principle of salvation for a gift of the Spirit. In Cornelius’ case the cleansing Gentile believers?”8 work of the Spirit began long before Peter invaded The question of Gentile salvation was developed his horizons. His prayers, alms, and fear of God as a in the main argument in terms of the faith principle devout man (10:1-3) were not “works” which were (vv. 7, 9) and is now brought to its conclusion as a rendering him acceptable to God, but evidence of call to free grace in discipleship. the faith-stance that the Spirit was bringing to birth 2. What Is the Writer Attempting to Accomplish in in his heart. the Passage? Second, the cleansing action of the Holy Spirit in At a crucial point in his story of the Early Church the heart has primary reference here to the issues of from Jerusalem to Rome, the saga of the gospel’s law and grace in salvation (cf. vv. 1, 5, 11). The emergence from within Judaism to a universal Gen­ “cleasing” of the heart is from all reliance on hu­ tile application, Luke in his report of Peter’s speech man legalism to an utter dependence upon divine (Continued on page 53)

32 SEPT./OCT./NOV., 1978

Compiled by Stephen M. Miller, Department of Education and the Ministry

It’s Your Pulpit

You carry responsibility for “worship” convey clearly its meaning. They are: your pulpit. Certainly you are adore, deify, exalt, honor, revere, praise, etc. You, responsible for what is done as shepherd, voice of God, leader of the service, and said there when you should bring the people into the reality and meaning . ^ j preach. But you are also re- of worship. And when you have done this you will sponsible for what is said have assisted them to live for Christ in the days W there when you select and let ahead. others preach. But in addition to that time period of “pulpit ‘4%^^ The people who come to filling” you have all the time, the people expect you your church are trained to to be able to offer them spiritual guidance and believe what comes from the pulpit. They are strength any hour of the day or week, and why not! “asked” to accept with authority what is said from The man with a pulpit is a man chosen of God the stand behind which you proclaim the gospel. to accomplish the greatest assignments in the world So you become responsible in the practical sense —the opening and advancing of the kingdom of for all that goes on and is said on the platform God. Don’t ever forget and lose the divine dimension of your church. from your pulpit. The General Church holds you responsible. The It is the divine dimension that matters most. district believes you are the one in charge there. And Certainly in the light of that the pulpit responsibility is I believe the Scriptures place the care of the flock life’s great assignment. It cannot be accepted lightly. under the shepherd. He is the shepherd all the time. It requires and demands your very best. The responsibility for the pulpit also goes beyond That pulpit can and should be the “open door” condoning who stands there. It is an awesome divine into the verities of the Truth that makes men truly assignment. You stand there as the representative free. It should be the entrance into life eternal and of God. You become the voice saying what God the road to the best God has for those who seek and wants said on the occasion to the people. This serve Him. intense, vitally important period must be preceeded What an awesome privilege to be a pastor, by much preparation. Surely to represent God is an preacher, evangelist, speaker of divine truth. What an honor and a solemn task. awesome responsibility! The people come to worship. It is the program of the hour, selected and directed by you, one that will -General Superintendent V. H. Lewis bring them to worship. The synonyms of the word

United Effort in Global Ministry STEWARDSHIP

SEPTEMBER STEWARDSHIP 4 MpNTH

OCTOBER LAYMEN'S SUNDAY OCTOBER 8 CANADIAN THANKSGIVING

NOVEMBER THANKSGIVING OFFERING FOR WORLD EVANGELISM NOVEMBER 19 TfeUftDudSBiig By E. S. Mann w

R emember the story of the ugly duckling? They actually despaired of him. The m other duck was upset. S o -th e y sent him to a Nazarene college. One large egg had taken an unusually long time to He didn’t seem to belong there either. hatch. H e was different. At length, however, she led her new brood to the His ways were not the ways o f his fellows. barnyard. His activities were notoriously awkward. The large duckling created a sensation. His antics were noised abroad. He was different. Some said he should be excluded from the barnyard. He was chased and bitten and shunned. Others said, “I can’t support such ugliness!” He was the butt o f the whole duck-yard. Other ducklings thought him ugly. Time passed. The senior duck judged him a poor specimen. He, too, eventually developed beautifully. “It’s a pity you can’t make him over again,” she said. H e did not, o f course, become a handsome swan. Some tried to make him over. He did, however, become a vibrant Christian. When unsuccessful, they wanted to get rid of him. He is married with three lovely children. They fe lt he d id n ’t belong. The Nazarene church he pastors is growing rapidly. Time passed. Those most intimately involved are profoundly grateful... You recall the outcome. Grateful for the stability of the environment Eventually the ugly one developed beautifully. In which he spent his most awkward He became the most handsome swan in the And most vital years. neighborhood.

I once knew an “ugly duckling. His parents were upset. EDUCATION AND THE MINISTRY

At the Preachers Magazine The Editorial Chair is supported by the wise counsel of a rotating editorial advisory board. Each issue of the new Preacher’s Magazine will accent a quarterly theme. An advisory board of persons with experience and expertise on the subject is recruited to tell the editor and his staff what needs to be said about the accented theme. Serving without pay, the editorial board pictured on this page helped us put together this issue on “Preaching.” A riotous burst of applause is due these gentlemen. Future boards will be helping us frame issues of the Preacher ’s Magazine on these pertinent themes: • Well, What About the Sunday School? • Pastoral Care • The Epistle to the Ephesians • Christian Holiness • .. . and many more COMMUNICATIONS

MEDIA RESOIKCi CENTER? • Have worthwhile reading material available to your church families. • Develop a library of audio cassettes. • Have wholesome reading materials for children and teens. • Collect audiovisual materials for your teachers. For further information, refer to the NAZARENE PUBLISHING HOUSE CATALOG (Audiovisual Section) or write Nazarene Communications. 24E YOUTH

The Department of Youth Ministries has been saying to students on Nazarene college campuses in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Asia, that there are so many places where God’s love must meet human need. We want to help them come together. In fact, we want to make it possible for students to be there when it happens. This is “Youth in Mission.” It is one way to deliver committed student energy to areas of significant world need. The “coming together” process will allow students to experience the mission ... the ministry ... the church.

This fall the department is conducting its annual “Festival of Youth in Mission” on all U.S. Nazarene college campuses, Nazarene Bible College, Nazarene Theological Seminary, Canadian Nazarene College, and others. The This Festivals will feature the basic programs which make up Youth in Mission for the Summer of ’79. ^ F allon -Nazarem Camposes FESTIVAL

24F (cover) (open)

(open)

m n ( d i g i t u s (cover]

1979 Scripture Text a lc n < l; u s Point Ment

PERSONALIZED (cover) i name of pastor and/or church and address, hours of services ispirational reminder to each member and friend that their church pastor stand ready to minister to their needs all 365 days of 1979. • Designed to fit the decor of today's homes • Beautiful, Full-color Religious Reproductions • Space for Noting Personal and Family Activities 1979 Memo Moderne (open) • Inspirational Thoughts and Scriptures for Daily Living • Complete with SPIRAL TOP, Punched for Hanging >ture Text e traditional home calendar for over 50 years! 93,a x 16". io Moderne slightful miniature size, 8 x 11%". 1979 IM en t His World i inspirational appointment book for desk or wall. 8 x 93/b". is of Wisdom jhlights favorite verses from Proverbs. 8 x 9%" Words tforld ipicts the majesty of God's creation. 8 x 9 V

Calendar Listing QUANTITY PRICES Number 1979 Editions 1 3 12 25 50 100 200 300 500

U-279 SCRIPTURE TEXT 1.15 1.05 .95 .73 .61 .571/2 .56 ,531/2 .52 with monthly quotations

With church imprint on each month X X XX .70% .64'? .60 .57 V2 .56

U-179 MEMO MODERNE .90 .80 .70 .59 .49 .46% .44 .43% .42% with monthly quotations

With church imprint on each month X X XX .59 .52% .49 .48% .47%

U-329 POINT MENTS 1.30 1.15 1.05 .81 .70 ,64V? ,62Va .59% .57% with monthly quotations

With church imprint on each month X X X X ,781/2 ,721/2 ,681/2 ,65V2 .63%

U-339 HIS WORLD 1.50 1.30 1.15 .98 .75% .741/2 ,691/4 .66V2 .64% with monthly quotations

With church imprint on each month X X X X ,831/2 .77 V2 .75% .72V2 .70%

U-349 WORDS OF WISDOM 1.50 1.30 1.15 .98 .75% .74'? .69% .66V2 .64% with monthly quotations With church imprint on each month X XX X .83 Vi .77 Vi .75% ,72V2 .70%

Pre­ Pre­ Pre­ Add postage and handling charges. paid paid paid 1.23 1.71 2.68 4.62 6.55 5% Order a quantify and SAVE . . NOTE: Above imprint prices allow up to four lines of IMPORTANT: Allow three to four weeks for imprinting and copy. Additional copy, $1.75 per line. shipping. Late orders m ay take longer for delivery. 24G Order AT ONCE! NAZARENE PUBLISHING HOUSE • Post Office Box 527, Kansas City, Missouri 64141

ADULT MINISTRIES The Deportment of Adult Ministries Presents... ATURING INISTRIES FOR THE ATURE • Singles • Marriage Enrichment • Discovery learning • Pre-Retirement Preparation • Senior Adult Ministries For Information write: Department of Adult Ministries • Home Bible Studies K. S. Rice, Executive Director • Lay Retreats

Another Innovation of the Enduring Word Series ENDURING WORD SERIES Curriculum Committee Parallel Columns 1976-1980 fo r Easy Reference V. H. Lewis See the September/October/November, 1978, issue of the General Superintendent Advisor Enduring Word Adult Teacher for a new format for Bible study- Kenneth S. Rice five easy-to-relate parallel columns, making all information and Executive Director helps readily available to the teacher for the section of the lesson being studied. Jack Adams Bill Burch PASTOR! Frank Carver You can help your teachers of adults use the all-new Enduring Bill Coulter Word Series teacher’s quarterly in the educational ministry of your Chester Galloway church. Kenneth Harlan Note advantages— Michael Reynolds 1. Quarterly lays open easily on podium or desk Barbara Lewis 2. Larger print Richard Lint 3. Space for notes Albert Lown 4. Five parallel columns Chester Meyering 5. Easy cross reference Dallas Mucci 6. Material organized for better relation of parts John B. Nielson 7. Twice the information on one double-page spread (6 instead Armor Peisker o f 12 pages) W. T. Purkiser Oscar F. Reed FOR YOUR INFORMATION—Adult Bible Studies for the 1978-79 year: Justin Rice Sept./Oct./Nov., 1978-“The Life and Doctrine of Holiness” Willard Taylor Dec./Jan./Feb., 1978-79-“ Coping with Problems: Studies in Genesis” March/April/May, 1979-“The Life of Christ as Told by Mark” GpnpVJvl 1 V_- VanV Ul 1 Nofp1 lv/LC June/July/August, 1979-“ Life Issues: The Bible Speaks to Issues of Our Mildred Wynkoop Day”

241 EDUCATION AND THE MINISTRY

It s Time to Get Ready

What? WILCON (Wives Leadership Conference)

Where? On your zone college campus

When? Trevecca ...... Dec. 5-8,1978 Canadian ...... May 15-18, 1979 Eastern ...... June 5-8,1979 Mount Vernon .... June 12-15,1979 Olivet ...... June 26-29,1979 Mid-America...... July 17-20,1979 Bethany ...... July24-27,1979 Northwest ...... Aug. 7-10,1979 How Point Loma ...... Aug. 21-24,1979 Much? $89.00 for learning materials, food, and lodgi

Director: Neil B. Wiseman Chairperson: Marion K. Rich i w i i n e m 24J WIVES LEADERSHIP CONFERENCES We've Been L O O I N G lor Your VBS Reports!

“ \ / \ \ \ ^ c n iL B R m CHURCH

Children get an extra hour of learning each Sunday. CHILDREN'S CHURCH IS A WORSHIP SERVICE DESIGNED Especially for Children ... Using Concepts They Can Understand and Relate to Life; ... Presented in a Variety of Methods to Hold Their Interest; ... In Which They Can Participate Physically, Mentally, and Spiritually.

For helps and a flyer of the LATEST MATERIALS, write Ruth Gibson, General Director, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131. EVANGELISM iM aisraKf The future issues will have pictures and information of the Commissioned and Registered Full-time Evangelists in Alphabetical Order REGISTERED WITH VISUAL ART DEPARTMENT NAZARENE PUBLISHING HOUSE OTHER SERVICES OFFERED

Moving Nazarenes Welcome New Nazarenes Program CHURCH GROWTH Program LEADERSHIP EVANGELISM Open Date Listings LITERATURE Nazarenes in Action for NEEDS Personal Evangelism Evangelists or Training Clinics Recommendation of Evangelists n k

WRITE FOR BROCHURE ON TOOLS AND LITERATURE AVAILABLE

Dr. Don J. Gibson, Executive Director Department of Evangelism 6401 The Paseo Kansas City, MO 64131

800-821-2154 (Toll Free) 816-333-7000 24L EDUCATION AND THE MINISTRY At Valley Forge...

And NOW...

& F n

Leroy A. Bevan Gerald W. Black David K. Bon Calvin G. Causey Curtis Bowers Leland Buckner Donnis Burris Captain/Navy Commander/Navy Captain/Army Veterans Administration Lt. Colonel/Army Lt. Colonel/Army Veterans Administration

,'^rw .w , ■ P i ' Cm t A t U t t o J g * Kenneth Clements Leonard Dodson Gerald Earles Lawrence Fenton Lowell D. Foster Lawrence C. Grant III David Grosse M ajor/A rm y Captain/Navy Captain/Army Captain/Army Lt. Colonel/Air Force Navy Lt. Colonel/Air Force

J f M i m iM James Paul Hall Donald R. Hannah Dudley Hathaway Junius W. Johnson Marvin C. Kellman, Sr. I. Eugene King Lowell M. Malliett Captain/Air Force Captain/Army Commander/Navy Captain/Air Force Captain/Army Captain/Army Commander/Navy c s m W illiam A. M artin Archel R. Meredith Bob Midgette Lowell P. Moore Charles Moreland Rick L. Needham Paul Pusey Colonel/Army Veterans Administration Captain/Army Captain/Army M ajor/Arm y Captain/Army Lt. Colonel/Army

• ' • ’ i

O i A tff f i W endell A. Russell Billy R. Sharp Claude A. Steele Wes Sullivan Vernon Swim James R. Thompson Veterans Administration M ajor/A rm y Veterans Administration Captain/Army Lt. Colonel/Army M ajor/Arm y The Chaplain’s moral and spiritual ministry is significant. 2m NAZARENE BIBLE COLLEGE Brethren, PRAY for Us... that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you" (2 Thess. 3:1, NASB).* Fundamental to the attaining of our objectives are your prayers. “Without God, we cannot; without us. He will not." Without your prayers, we cannot achieve our mission described in our name: Nazarene—NBC is an institution of the Church of the Nazarene. Bible—The Bible is a t the heart of our curriculum. The school was founded to train persons for Christian ministries, both lay and ministerial. College—We are a college-level institution committed to Bible college studies fully accredited by the American Association of Bible Colleges.

Pray for Students- They were Pray for Trustees- These 17 men dedicated laymen in your elected by the General Assembly churches. Sensing God's call, they meet annually each October to have come here to study, many govern the affairs of the college. a t great sacrifice, in order to Outstanding churchmen, they secure training for their task. Most solicit your intercession. students are married (average age is 31) and must work full-time as Pray for Worldwide Revival—NBC well as attend their studies. is committed to the revitalization ol our church and the evangelization Pray for Faculty—The combined of the world. A strong emphasis on faculty of NBC has a massive scriptural holiness is maintained. teaching and pastoral experience Since our students in 1977 cam e in the Church of the Nazarene. from 42 states and 5 international Led by Dr. L. S. Oliver, president, areas, a revival here would have they have a vision of excellence in far-reaching influence. training men and women for ministry. Your prayerful support will make a difference in what happens in them and in the classroom.

Pray for Finances—With an enrollment of 800, the operation of NBC requires a huge sum of money. A recent campus improvement was the construction of the new Music and Speech Building. If adequate contributions are received from the churches, it can be made debt-free. Your church's prayerful support is requested in the Nazarene Bible College Offering, Sunday, October 8,1978. Our goal is $125,000. Send your offering to: Dr. L. S. Oliver Nazarene Bible College P.O. Box 4746, Knob Hill Station Colorado Springs, CO 80930

P.S.—In this matter of prayer, we covenant to reciprocate. Send us your request with description and it will be placed on the roll in Aycock Chapel, attracting the devoted concern of students and faculty.

*From the New American Standard Bible, © The Lockman Foundation, I960, 1962, 1968, 1971, 1972,1973, 1975. Used by permission. >4N iP S S ip ? ;1

Each man has his gift from God. 1 Corinthians 7:7 (NIV)

'F rom the New International Version of the New Testament. c 1973 by the New York Bible Society International. Used by permission. HOME MISSIONS

Three Vital Roles of the HOLY SPIRIT 1 FOR OUR SALVATION He convicts us of our sin and draws us to Christ. FOR OUR SANCTIFICATION He cleanses us through the infilling of His Spirit. FOR OUR SERVICE He endues us with power and gifts for the building up of the Body of Christ.

“Nothing is more important in practical responsibility upon the Church of the Naz­ Christian service than the recognition and arene, for this denomination was founded use of the gifts of the Spirit.” principally for the proclamation and dem­ These words from Dr. W. T. Furkiser’s onstration of the sanctifying grace and book The Gifts of the Spirit have taken on power of the Holy Spirit in effectual a vital new significance in today’s atmo­ service in men’s lives. sphere of positive church growth. It is logical, then, that the Church of the Dr. Kenneth Cain Kinghom of Asbury Nazarene would come forward with an in­ Seminary says, “The rediscovery of this novative, Wesleyan, Bible-based study of New Testament theme constitutes a break­ the work of the Holy Spirit specifically as through for the church that may prove to it relates to the charismata, or gifts. be one of the most significant religious The Spiritual Gifts Workshop has been developments of our century.” developed by the Kansas City Center for Dr. C. Peter Wagner has defined a Church Growth under the direction of Dr. spiritual gift as “a special attribute given by Raymond W. Hum. It is designed for eight the Spirit to every member of the Body hours of intensive Bible study, and in­ according to God’s grace for use within the cludes a Spiritual Gifts Profile which will be context of the Body.” of great benefit to each participant in the This renewed interest among Christians examination of his or her own life. in the gifts of the Spirit places a unique HOME MISSIONS

iscover your own iritual gift or gifts h the use o f this Drofile available this workshop.

O ©

O°ns^ 0 ,y ^ e ^ ^ ? f i f o r Ch

24G Spiritual Gilts a Get Ready 10 GROWTH workshop “ ^ Grow mmm m m Training Cycle Church Growth Diagnostic Planning Notebook Clinic

Get Ready lb Grow This is the indispensible first step to growth, and each church that desires to participate in the growth cycle should begin with this CST study. It sells for $1.95. The accompanying Strategy Manual for the leader sells for $2.00, and includes eight teaching transparencies for overhead projection. Diagnostic Clinic This material enables any church to pinpoint its areas of strength and weakness and make intelligent plans to get on the growth wagon according to the basic principles laid down in Get Ready to Grow. The Diagnostic Clinic packet sells for $39.95, including the leader’s guide and 10 participant’s manuals. Additional participant’s manuals are available for $1.50 if needed. ( 3) Church Growth Planning Notebook The Church Growth Planning Notebook is the third step in the growth training cycle. It includes planning instruments for the pastor and church board. The planning experience culminates in a church board retreat for the purpose of long-range planning. The packet sells for $14.95 at the Nazarene Publishing House. (J) Spiritual Gifts Workshop This workshop developed by the Kansas City Center for Church Growth under the leadership of Dr. Raymond W. Hum will assist churches in maximum mobilization of their people for the work of God. Developing spiritual gifts also provides for personal Christian growth. The workshop packet sells for $34.95 and is available from the Nazarene Publishing House (S-3997).

ORDER BLANK Date 1978 Please send items as indicated below: Ship to: Quantity Title Price Total Street ______Get Ready to Grow S I.95 ______C ity ______State/Province Zip. ------Strategy Manual $2.00 ______Check or Money Order Enclosed $_ ------Diagnostic Clinic (S-3995) $39.95 ______Charge (30-day) To: □ Personal □ Church ______Church Growth Planning Notebook $14.95 ______(S-3996) (other) Account Spiritual Gifts Workshop Packet $34.95 Church location (city)______(State/Prov.) (S-3997) GRAND TOTAL Church name ______NAZARENE PUBLISHING HOUSE Bill to :______P.O. Box 527 Street______Kansas City, Missouri 64141 C ity______State/Province Zip = J t Se MINISTERS TAPE CLUB 44A CASSETTE REVOLUTION

Coming Your Way in JANUARY, 1979 TheEnduring Word Series Sunday School Lessons for r\ r DECEMBER JANUARYFEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T f s 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 31 28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 27 28 29 30 31

DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1978-79 MARCH/APRIL/MAY 1979

Special Special Edition Edition GENESIS MAQH

Beacon Bible Commentary Beacon Bible Commentary Writer: George Herbert Livingston Writer: A Ehvood Sanner CST Unit 122.1b “Study of the Book of Genesis ” CST Unit 122.2b “Study of the Book of Mark ” 160 pages Kivar binding $1.95 155 pages. Kivar binding $1.95 1 J

Here’s what to do . . . 1. Register your class with the Christian Service Train­ Here’s what’s required . . . ing office for the unit indicated above. 2. Determine your needs and order an adequate 1. Attend at least 10 out of the 13 class sessions. supply of the text—a special Sunday school edition taken from the Beacon Bible Commentary. 2. Study the regular Sunday school lessons. 3. Be sure to report the study to the Christian 3. Read the textbook specified above. Service Training office when the study is com­ pleted.

To REGISTER your class write: To ORDER your books, write:

CHRISTIAN SERVICE TRAINING NAZARENE PUBLISHING HOUSE 6401 The Paseo Post Office Box 527 Kansas City, Missouri 64131 Kansas City, Missouri 64141

Dig Deep into the Word and Receive Credit as Well! PENSIONS AND BENEVOLENCE How to Protect Voir Family from... HI What would happen to your family if God should call you home? Certainly they would suffer emotional trauma. Thaf s to be expected.

But your family might also suffer economic trauma. Thaf s what life insurance is all about: to protect your family from the economic tragedy that often follows the death of the primary wage earner.

How long would your present amount of life insurance coverage pay the necessary expenses? Would there be enough left over to pay for the education of your children?

You may be eligible for up to $50,000 of group term life insurance coverage through your Department of Pensions, for an annual premium as small as $100 if you are less than 35 years of age. As with all term insurance, premium rates increase with the insured's age. After extensive investigation, we are convinced that these are the lowest premiums—per $1,000 coverage—available to Nazarene ministers.

By the way, if your local church pays this insurance premium for you as a fringe benefit, the amount of the premium would not be subject to federal income taxes.

Don't you owe it to yourself and your family to write today for an application? Or to increase your coverage under Supplemental Group Term Life Insurance?

You might just protect your family from tragedy.

Dean Wessels Department of Pensions 6401 The Paseo Kansas City, MO 64131

24U DISTRICT CAMPAIGN SCHEDULE

SEPTEMBER Nebraska New England

OCTOBER Akron Arizona Canada Atlantic Illinois Intermountain Joplin Maine Michigan North Central Ohio Northwest O regon Pacific Philadelphia Washington

NOVEMBER Canada Pacific Georgia Hawaii Los Angeles Pittsburgh

HERALD o/JJOLINESS $3.50 Annual Subscription Through Your Locaf Church

Do riour part to fjelp your district read; its 0oall 24V NAZARENE PUBLISHING HOUSE NAZARENE WORLD MISSIONARY SOCIETY

This Thanksgiving let us: hank God with Our Offering eed the Great Commission nswer the Call to Prayer ail Self-interest to the Cross .now the Joy of Giving end Missionary Workers ive Beyond the Call of Duty nvest in Eternal Values isualize the World’s Need nvite Others to Christ INlurture New Babes in Christ o with the Gospel Mrs. Paul Moore Thanks Michigan District NWMS President We’re Ready for the Storm because of Medical Plan and Retirement. Active Missionaries: Operations Physical Checkups Hospitalization Retired Missionaries: Pensions Medicines Hospital Care Nursing Care 24W LIFE INCOME

Pastor: An important message inviting you and your people to share in good stewardship. Put your assets to work sharing God's bounty with others

Dr. Phineas Bresee has said, “I am debtor to give the gospel in the same measure as I have received it.” Many Nazarenes today echo Dr. Bresee’s heartfelt attitude toward stewardship... and are well aware of God’s abundant blessing in their lives— both spiritual and material. However, in today’s complex world, good stewardship involves thoughtful planning and capable assistance. Do you wish to share more of yourself and your assets through the extension of the gospel and of the church? Through HORIZONS you can share the bounty you’ve received with people worldwide by helping countless ministries to grow. Invest in your church while investing in your future. Discover the joy of supporting God’s Kingdom, while reaping generous returns, tax benefits and the satisfaction of being a laborer together with God.

Take a wise look ahead.

l i IllU I U^ Lk A N N E»s ^ I

Life Income Gifts & Bequests Please send m e _____ copies of CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE “Ministries Unlimited.” 6401 The Paseo Kansas City, MO 64131 Pastor’s A ttn : Robert W. Crew Name ______

IN C A N A D A For additional information write to Church _ Church of the Nazar ene Executive Board P.O. Box 1946 S t Norbert, Postal Station Address Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3V 1L4 City____ Zip

24X DIVISION OF CHRISTIAN LIFE

Local Planning Day or Retreat Set Objectives & Priorities 1. Honor Schools Criteria • 5% INCREASE Enrollment • 5% increase Attendance • 5% INCREASE Profession ol Faith 2. Fall Promotion (District Responsibility & Local Church Implementation) • Attendance Emphasis • Outreach Ministries— Find a need, AND MEET IT. CALENDAR September October NovemDer Addition Emphasis Attendance Emphasis Application Emphasis • Enlist everyone to enrol a • Encourage a l enronees to • Plan effective training new member attend • Encourage dynamic leaching • Prospects Include: previous • Make classes exciting and • Provide a caring lelowship visitors to Sunday school or enriching church, bus lamilies, new • Show people you care lor residents them tUANOtUSTS' DIRECTORS’

each monlh).

COX, CURTIS B. (C) 2123 Memorial Dr., Alexandria. IA 71301 GILMORE, PAUL S. 738 Buffalo St.. Jamestown. NY 14701 ALLEN, ARTHUR L. (C ) Rte. 1, T aft St., Danielson, CT 06239 •COY, JIM. (C) 3205 Churchview Dr., Valparaiso, IN 46383 ♦GLAZE, HAROLD t MARILYN. (R ) P.O. Box A. Calam ine. AR AMOS, CARL A. (C ) c /o N P H * CRABTREE, J. C. (C ) 3436 C am bridge, S p rin g fie ld , OH 45503 72418 •ANDERSON, LAWRENCE & KAREN-LOUISE. (C) 585 Lowell CRANDALL, V. E. & MRS. (C ) Indian Lake Nazarene Camp, Rte •G LE N D E N N IN G , PAUL & BOBBIE. (C ) Rte. 1. B irm in g h a m . IA St., Methuen, MA 01844 2, Box 7, V icksburg, M l 49097 52535 ♦ANDREWS, GEORGE. (C ) Bo* 821, Conway, AR 72032 ♦CRANE, BILLY D. (C) Rte. 2, Box 186, Walker, WV 26180 GOODMAN. W ILLIAM A. (C ) Rte. 3. Box 269. B e m id ji, MN ARMSTRONG, C. R. (C) 2614 E. Yukon St., Tampa, FL 33604 CREWS, H. F. & MRS. Box 18302, Dallas, TX 75218 56601 •ARNI FAMILY SINGERS. (R) 430 N. Chestnut St., Eldon, MO •CROFFORD, DON. (R) 254 Southridge Dr., Rochester, NY •GORMANS, THE SINGING (CHARLES & ANN). (C) 11505 65026 (full-tim e) 14626 Preston Hwy., Lot 67, Louisville, KY 40229 ATTIG, WALTER W. (C) 21 Larkspur Dr., Belleville, IL 62221 CULBERTSON, BERNIE. (C ) 100 N.E. 8th PL. H erm iston, OR •GOSPEL SINGING POLICEMEN, THE. (R) Box 764. Olathe. KS ♦BABCOCK, KENNETH E. & MILDRED. (C) P.O. Box 32, Orange 97838 66061 City, FL 32763 DARNELL, H. E. (C ) P.O. Box 929, Vivian, LA 71082 GRAVVAT, HAROLD F. (C ) 812 N. 9 th . Lot 26, M attoon, IL ♦BAKER, RICHARD C. (C) 3590 Coal Fork Dr., Charleston, WV ♦DAVIDSON, CHARLES. (C) 541 Gibson, Fremont, OH 43420 61938 25306 DAVIS, LEO. 403 " N " St., B edford, IN 47421 GRAY, JOSEPH & RUTH. 2015 62nd St., Lubbock, TX 79412 •BANEY, TOM. (C) Mobile Manor Lot 117, Linton, IN 47441 DEFRANK, JOSEPH. (C) Box 342. Barberton. OH 44203 •GREEN. JAMES & ROSEMARY. (C) Box 385. Canton. IL BARTON, GRANT M. 1551 Darlington Ave., Crawfordsville, IN ♦DELL, JIMMY. (C) 4026 E. Flower St.. Phoenix. AZ 85018 61520 47933 DELONG, RUSSELL V. 5932 48 th Ave. N „ St. Petersburg, FL GRIMES, BILLY. (C) Rte. 2, Jacksonville. TX 75766 BECKETT, C. FRANK. (C ) P.O. Box 254, Roland, OK 74954 33709 G RIM M . GEORGE J. (C ) 820 W ells St., S iste rsville , WV 26175 ♦ B E LL, JAMES & JEAN. (C ) c /o N P H * ♦DENNIS, DARRELL & FAMILY. (R) c/o NPH* (full-tim e) •GRINDLEY, GERALD & JANICE. (C) 539 E. Mason St., Owosso. ♦ BE LL, WAYNE 4 TEENA. (C ) Rte. 1, Ashdown. AR 71801 •DENNISON, MARVIN E. (R) 1208 S.E. Green Rd.. Tecumseh. M l 48867 • BENDER EVANGELISTIC PARTY, JAMES U. (C ) Box 1326, KS 66542 GRINDLEY, R. E. (C ) 4 7 5 4 M cFadden Rd., C olum bus, OH Riverview, FL 33569 DISHON, CLARENCE. (C ) Rte. 8. Box 251J, Indianapolis. IN 43229 ♦BERTOLETS, THE MUSICAL (FRED t GRACE). (C ) c /o N P H * 46234 GUNTER, WILLIAM J. (C) 515 Locust, Nampa, ID 83651 BETTCHER, ROY A. 3212 4th Ave., Chattanooga. TN 37407 DISHON, MELVIN. (C) Hillview Trailer Park. Lot 27, Bowling GUY, MARION 0. (C) 444 Fairfax, Muskogee, OK 74401 BEYER, HENRY T. 103 Johnstons R d„ Pearl River. LA 70452 Green, KY 42101 ♦H AIN ES, GARY, (C ) c /o N P H * •BISHOP, BOB. (See Gospel Singing Policemen.) ♦ D IXO N , GEORGE & CHARLOTTE. (C ) Evangelists and Singers, • HALL, BILL & SHARON. (R) 1971 Bardstown Rd., Apt. 5, ♦BISSELL, DALE & BEVERLY. (C ) 3601 S.R. 703 E „ No. 65, c /o N P H * Louisville, KY 40205 (full-tim e) Celina, OH 45822 DODGE, KENNETH L. (C ) 319 W ilson Ave.. R ichm ond, CA HALL, CARL N, (C) c/o NPH* ♦BLUE, DAVID & DANA. (C) Box 60567, Nashville, TN 37206 94805 ♦HALL, DAVID & BETTY. (C) c/o NPH* BOGGS, W. E. 11323 Cactus L n „ Dallas, TX 75238 DOSS, J. W. (C ) Rte. 7, Box 370, C rossville, TN 38553 HAMILTON, JAMES A. 907 Cowan Ave., Conroe. TX 77301 BOHANNAN, GRADY B. (C) 2206 Lampton, Muskogee, OK •DUNMIRE, RALPH & JOANN. (C) 202 Garwood Dr., Nashville, HAMILTON, MARK. (C) 624 Grissom Ave., Mitchell, IN 47446 74401 TN 37211 HANCE, RAY. 7705 N.W. 20 th St.. Bethany. OK 73008 •B O H I, ROY. (C ) 403 Annawood Dr., Yukon, OK 73099 DUNN, DON. (C) P.O. Box 132, Bartlett, OH 45713 HANCOCK, BOYD. (C ) c /o N P H * •BOHI, JAMES T. (C) 409 Lindenwood, Olathe, KS 66061 ♦DURHAM , GARY, I CLARION TRIO. (C ) P.O. Box 1536, HARLEY, C. H. B urbank, OH 44214 ♦BO N D , GARY C. (C ) 410 S. Clay St., Sturgis, M l 49091 Springfield. MO 65805 HARRISON, ROBERT. (C ) 3 202 B enbrook, A ustin. TX 78758 BONE, LAWRENCE H. (C ) 2652 Greenleaf Dr., W est Covina, CA EASTMAN, H. T. 5102 Galley Rd„ Space 317A. Colorado HARROLD, JOHN W. 409 14th St., Rochelle. IL 61068 91792 Springs, CO 80915 HATHAWAY, KENNETH. (C) c/o NPH* BOWMAN, RUSSELL. 1695 Audrey Rd„ Columbus, OH 43224 •EBY FAMILY SINGERS. (R) 1905 Omohundro Ct„ Nashville. HAVENER. J. D. (C) 2208 Woodlawn Dr., Tallahassee, FL 32303 •B R A U N , GENE. (C ) 4326 N. Rte. 560, Urbana, OH 43078 TN 37210 HAYES, CECIL G. Rte. 2, Howard, OH 43028 BRISCOE, JOHN. (C ) 5925 N.W. 60th, Oklahom a C ity, OK ECKLEY, LYLE E. P.O. Box 153, Laguna Park, TX 76634 HAYNES, 0. F. (C) 2044 11th Ave., Huntington. WV 25703 73122 •EDWARDS, LOU. (C) 7042 Forest View Dr., West Chester, OH ♦HEASLEY, J. E. & FERN. (C) 6611 N.W. 29th St.. Bethany. BROOKS, GERALD & JUNE. (R ) 10404 W. 70th Terr., No. 103, 45069 OK 73008 Shawnee, KS 66203 EDWARDS, TERRY W. (R ) Box 674, Frederick, OK 73542 HECKER, JOHANNA. (C) c/o Church of the Nazarene, Longvue •BROOKS, RICHARD. (C) 780 Armour Rd., Bourbonnais. IL (full-tim e) Dr., Wintersville, OH 43952 60914 •ELROD, RON. (R) Box 7150, Flint, Ml 48507 (full-tim e) HENDERSON, DEE. Rte. 1, Box 439A, D onaldson. AR 71941 BROOKS, STANLEY E „ JR. (C ) Rte. 1, Box 245, W estm oreland, EMSLEY, ROBERT. (C) Bible Expositor, c/o NPH* HENDERSON, LATTIE V. (R ) 3 006 L ib e rty Rd., G reensboro. NC NH 03467 ERICKSON, A. W ILLIAM . (C ) 110 K itty Hawk Dr., D anville, VA 27406 • BROWN, CURTIS R. (C) 144 N. Fifth St., Reading, PA 19603 24541 HESS, BILL. (R) P.O. Box 382, Owasso. OK 74055 (full-tim e) BROWN, ELBERT. (C ) Rte. 2, H illsboro, TN 37342 •EVERLETH, LEE. (C) 300 Aurora St., Marietta, OH 45750 HICKS, JOHN D. (C) Canadian Nazarene College, 1301 Lee •B R O W N , ROGER N. (C ) Box 724, Kankakee. IL 60901 •EVENSEN, GREG. (See Gospel Singing P olicem en.) Blvd., Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2P7 ♦BUCKLES-BURKE EVANGELISTIC TEAM. (C ) 6028 M iam i Rd., EVERMAN, WAYNE. (C ) Box 377, S tanton, KY 40380 HILDIE, D. W. (R) 3323 Belaire Ave., Cheyenne. WY 82001 South Bend,IN 46614 •FE LK N E R , HENRY. (R ) 4801 Sanger, No. 7, Waco, TX 76710 (full-tim e) BUDD, JAY B. (R) 1385 Hentz Dr.. Reynoldsburg. OH 43068 FELTER, JASON H. (C ) c /o N P H * HOECKLE, WESLEY W. (C) 642 Vakey St., Corpus Christi, TX ♦BURKHAMMER, SINGING FAMILY. (C) P.O. Box 165, ♦FILES, GLORIA; & ADAMS, DOROTHY. (C) c/o NPH* 78404 M onaca, PA 15061 FINE, LARRY. (R ) 1601 W. 151st Terr., Olathe, KS 66061 HOLCOMB, T. E. 9 2 2 6 M onterrey, H ouston, TX 77078 CAMPBELL, BILL. (C) 1912 Osage Cir„ Olathe, KS 66061 (full-tim e) HOLLEY, C. D. (C ) Rte. 2, Indian Lake Rd., V icksburg. M l CANEN, DAVID. (C) c/o NPH* FINKBEINER, A. J. 84 B St., C am pbell, CA 9 5 008 49097 CARLETON, J. D. (C) 3530 11th St., Port Arthur, TX 77640 FINNEY, CHARLES t, ISOBEL. (C ) 269 N.W. Lin co ln Cir. N „ St. HOLLOWAY, WARREN 0. (C) Holiday Mobile Estates. D-14, CARLTON, C. B. I l l S. Locust St.. McComb, MS 39648 Petersburg, FL 33702 Jessup, MD 20794 •C A U D ILL, STEVE & SUE. (C ) 2 339 Peale Dr., Saginaw, M l FISHER, WILLIAM. (C) c/o NPH* HOOTS, BOB. (C) 309 Adair St., Columbia, KY 42728 48602 FLORENCE, ERNEST E. (C) 1019 Elm St., Ripley, OH 45167 HOWARD, MICHAEL ANTHONY. (C ) P.O. Box 816, D urant, OK CAYTON, JOHN. (C) Box 675, Middleboro, MA 02346 FORD, NORMAN K, (C ) Rte. 2, C lym er, PA 15728 74701 •CELEBRATION TRIO. (C ) 1202 Kanawha Ave., Dunbar, WV ♦FORD, JAMES & RUTH. (C) Children’s Workers, 1605 Laura HUBBARD, MRS. WILLARD. (C ) 3 213 W Ave. T, Tem ple, TX 25064 St., Clearwater, FL 33515 76501 ♦CHAPMAN, W. EMERSON & LOIS. (C) Rte. 1, Box 115a, FORTNER, ROBERT E. (C) Box 322, Carmi, IL 62821 HUBARTT, LEONARD. (C) 1155 Henry St., Huntington, IN Miltonvale, KS 67466 ♦FRASER, DAVID. (C) 543 S. Detroit, Xenia, OH 45385 46750 CHEZEM, DALE E. (R ) Rte. 1. Box 153A. Lookout M ountain, FREEMAN, MARY ANN. (C) Box 44. Ellisville. IL 61431 HUNDLEY. EDWARD J. (R) 732 Drummond Ct., Columbus, OH TN 37350 (full-tim e) FRODGE, HAROLD C. (C) Rte 1, Geff, IL 62842 43214 (full-tim e) CLARK, GENE. (C) 104 Waddell St., Findlay, OH 45840 •FULWOOD, JOANNE; & BOOTH, DIAN. (R) 625 N.E. 6th St., INGLAND, W ILMA JEAN. (C ) 322 M eadow Ave.. C harleroi, PA CLIFT, NORVIE 0 . (C ) 4929 Gardena Ave., San Diego, CA Gainesville, FL 32601 (full-tim e) 15022 92110 GADBOW, C. D. (C ) 1207 S. Second St., M arshalltow n, IA ♦IRWIN, ED. (C) 7459 Davis Mill Cr„ Harrison. TN 37341 ♦ C LIN E , JERRY & MADY. (C ) 1229 W. Mead Ave., Bow ling 50158 ISENBERG, DON. (C) Chalk Artist & Evangelist, 610 Deseret, Green, KY 42101 •GAGNON, DAVE & KAREN. (C) 130 Milford St., Rochester, Friendsw ood. TX 77546 •C O B B , BILL & TERRI. (C ) P.O. Box 75512, Oklahom a City, NY 14615 •JACKSON, CHUCK & MARY. (C) Box 17226, Nashville. TN OK 73107 GARDNER, GEORGE. (C ) Box 9. Olathe, KS 66061 37217 ♦CONE, ANDREW F. (C) 1032 Oanby Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850 •GATES, KENNETH. (C ) 219 W. H endricks, No. 7, S helbyville. ♦JACKSON, HERB. (R) P.O. Box 640. Bethany, OK 73008 ♦CONWAY EVANGELISTIC PARTY, TED. (C ) 905 W allington IN 46176 ( f u llt im e ) Cir„ Greenwood, IN 46142 GAWTHORP, WAYLAND. (C) Box 115, Mount Erie, IL 62446 ♦JACKSON, PAUL & TRISH. (C) Box 739. Meade, KS 67864 COOK, RALPH. 6 355 N. Oak, Tem ple City, CA 91780 •GILLESPIE, SHERMAN & ELSIE. (R) 203 E. Highland. Muncie, JAGGER, KENNETH. (C ) 4 270 Loom is, No. A. C olorado CORBETT, C. T, 459 N. Forest, Bradley. IL 60915 IN 47303 (fu ll-tim e ) Springs, CO 80906

(C) Commissioned (R) Registered ♦Preacher & Song Evangelist •Song Evangelist “Nazarene Publishing House, Box 527, Kansas C ity , M o . 6 4 1 4 1 . JAGGER, MARVIN W. (C ) 5102 G alley Rd., 442 AW. Colorado MOULTON, M. KIMBER. 19562 Winward Ln„ Huntington SHEA, ALBERT J, (C) 288 Shaborn In., St. Marys, OH 45885 Springs, CO 8 0 919 Beach. CA 92646 ♦SHOMO, PHIL 4 MIRIAM. (C) 517 Pershing Dr., Anderson, JAMES, R. ODIS. 353 Winter Dr., St. James, MO 65559 ♦MOYER, BRANCE E. (R) Camelot Apts., 8000 Midcrown, Apt. IN 46011 ♦JANTZ, CALVIN t MARJORIE. (C) c/o NPH* 2004, San Antonio, TX 78218 (full-tim e) SHUMAKE, C. E. (C ) P.O. Box 1083. H endersonville, TN JAVMES, RICHARD W. (C) 321 E. High Ave.. Bellefontame, OH •MULLEN, DeVERNE. (C) 67 Wilstead, Newmarket, Ont., 37075 43311 Canada ♦SIPES EVANGELISTIC TEAM. (R ) Box 16243, W ichita, KS IOHNSON. BOB. (R) Box 183, Bradley. IL 60915 ♦MYERS, HAROLD t MRS. (C) 575 Ferris N.W,, Grand Rapids, 67216 (full-tim e) IOHNSON, EDWARD J. (R ) Rte 1, Clearw ater, MN 55320 Ml 49504 SISK, IVAN. (C) 4327 Moraga Ave, San Diego, CA 92117 (full-time) •NEFF, LARRY I PATRICIA. (C) 625 N. Water St., Owosso. Ml ♦SUCK, DOUGLAS. (C) 424 Lincoln St., Rising Sun, IN 47040 •JOHNSON, RON. (C) 3208 Eighth St. E„ Lewiston, ID 83501 48867 ♦SLATER, GLEN t VERA. (C) 320 S. 22nd St., Independence. JONES, CLAUDE W. Rte. 4, Box 42, Bel Air, MD 21014 NEUSCHWANGER, ALBERT. (C) c/o NPH* KS 67301 JONES, FRED D. (R) 804 Elissa Dr., Nashville, TN 37217 NEWTON, DAN. (C) 215 Beecher St., Somerset, KY 42501 SMITH, CHARLES HASTINGS. (C) Box 937, Bethany, OK 73008 (full-time) NORTON, JOE. Box 143, H am lin, TX 79520 ♦SMITH, DUANE. (C) c/o NPH* KEALIHER, DAVID J. (C) 6927 Parkway Ln„ Nampa, ID 83651 ORIHOOD, DALE M. (C) 2936 Leesburg Rd. S.W., Washington SMITH, FLOYD P. (C) 6701 DeSoto Ave. (No. 219), Canoga KELLY, R. B. 4706 N. Donald, Bethany, OK 73008 Court House. OH 43160 Park, CA91303 KEMPER, MARION W. 8. MRS. 2910 Harris St.. Eugene, OR OVERTON, WM. D. (C) Family Evangelist & Chalk Artist. 798 SMITH, HAROLD L. ( t) 3711 Germania Rd.. Snover, Ml 48472 97405 Lake Ave., Woodbury Heights, NJ 08097 ♦SMITH, OTTIS E., JR., t MARGUERITE. (C) 60 Grant St., KESLER, JAMES I MARILYN. (R ) Box 191. W est Lebanon. IN ♦OYLER, CALVIN. (R) Rte. 3. Box 100, Newton, KS 67114 Tidioute, PA 16351 47991 (full-tim e) OYLER, DON. (R) 144 W. Walnut, Liberal, KS 67901 ♦SNIDER, C. W. & VICTORIA. (C) 706 S. 15th St., Vincennes. KLEVEN, ORVILLE H. 1241 Knollwood Rd., 46K, Seal Beach, •PARR, PAUL G. 4 DOROTHY. (C ) Rte. 1, Box 167A, W hite- IN 47591 CA 90740 town, IN 46075 SNOW, DONALD E. 58 Baylis S.W., Grand Rapids. Ml 49507 KOHR, CHARLES A, (C ) R.D. 2, Box 298. B ro o kville . PA 15825 ♦PASSMORE EVANGELISTIC PARTY, THE A. A. (C) c/o NPH* ♦SPARKS, ASA 4 MRS. 91 Lester Ave., Nashville, TN 37210 KRATZ, ELDON & KAY. (R) 1510 Sylvia, Olathe, KS 66061 PECK, W. A. (C ) Rte. 2, Box 65A, M alden, MO 63863 SPINKS, ROBERT L. (R) 718 Sequoya Tr„ Irving, TX 75060 LAING, GERALD D. (C) 2417-2 E Jolly Rd., Lansing. Ml 48910 PERDUE, NELSON. (C) 3732 E. Rte. 245, Cable, OH 43009 ♦SPRAGUE EVANGELISTIC FAMILY. (C) c/o NPH* ♦LAMBERT, MARSHALL I MILDRED. (C ) 264 E. Caven St.. ♦PIERCE, BOYCE I CATHERINE. (C ) Rte. 4. D anville, IL SPROWLS, EARL. (C) 7021 Ranch Rd., Lakewood, FL 33801 Indianapolis. IN 46225 61832 STAFFORD, DANIEL. (C) Box 11, Bethany, OK 73008 LANIER, JOHN H. (C) West Poplar St.. Junction City. OH 43748 PITTENGER, TWYLA. (C) 413 N. Bowman St., Mansfield, OH ♦STARK, EDDIE & MARGARET. (R) 6906 N.W. 36th St., LASSELL, RAY & JAN. (C) Rte. 1, Box 81, Brownburg, IN 44903 Bethany, OK 73008 46112 • P i n s , PAUL. (C) 10909 Westgate, Overland Park, KS 66210 STARNES, SAM LEE. (C) 448 S. Prairie, Bradley, IL 60915 ♦LAW, DICK & LUCILLE. (C) Box 481. Bethany. OK 73008 ♦PORTER, JOHN t PATSY, (C) c/o NPH* STEEN, CURTIS. (C) 6809 N.W. 25th, Bethany. OK 73008 •LAWHORN FAMILY, MILES. (R) P.O. Box 17008, Nashville, POTTER, LYLE & LOIS. 14362 Bushard St., Sp. No. 133, STEGAL, DAVID. (R) Rte. 2, Box 139, Yukon, OK 73099 TN 37217 (full-tim e) W estm inster, CA 92683 (full-tim e) •LAXSON, WALLY 4 GINGER. (C ) Rte. 3, Box 118, Athens, POTTS, TROY C. 2952 Cameo, Dallas, TX 75234 STENGER, E. H. (C) 438 W. Judson, Youngstown, OH 44511 AL 35611 ♦POWELL, FRANK. (C) Box 5427. Kent, WA 98031 STEVENSON, GEORGE E. (C) 4021 Pebble Dr. S.E., Roanoke, •LECKRONE, LARRY D. (C) 1308 Highgrove. Grandview, MO PRESSON, DWIGHT. (C) 3632 Barbagallo Dr., St. Louis, MO V A 24014 64030 631 2 9 ♦STOCKER, W. G. (C) 1421 14th Ave. N.W., Rochester, MN LEE, C. ROSS. 1945 E. Broad St., New Castle. IN 47362 PRICE, JACK. (C) Box 324, Roseville, IL 61473 55901 ♦LEICHTY SINGERS. (C) Rte. 1. Hicksville, OH 43526 PRIVETT, CALVIN C. (C) 234 Echo Hill Dr., Rossville, GA ♦STONE FAMILY EVANGELISTIC TEAM. (R ) 3 655 El M orro Rd., LEMASTER, BENJAMIN D. (C ) 1324 W Eymann, Reedley. CA 30741 Lot 127, Colorado Springs, CO 80910 93654 •QUALLS, PAUL M. (C) 5441 Lake Jessamine Dr., Orlando, FL STREET, DAVID. (C ) Rte. 1, Ramsey, IN 47166 LESTER, FRED R. (C) 328 Meadowbrook Ln„ Olathe, KS 66061 32809 STRICKLAND, RICHARD L. (C) 4723 Cullen Ave., Springfield, LIDDELL, P. L. (C ) 3 530 W. Allen Rd., H ow ell, M l 48843 ♦RAKER, W. C. & MARY. (C) Box 106, Lewiston, IL 61542 OH 45503 LIGHTNER, JOE. (C) 4335 Raven PI., Springfield, MO 65804 RAYCROFT, R. N. c /o N P H * STUBBS, LLOYD A. (C) Rte. 8, Box 555. Chillicothe, OH 45601 LINDER, LLOYD P. (C) 1018 Cedar St., Elkhart, IN 46514 READER, GEORGE H. D. Box 396, Chrisman, IL 61924 STUTTS, BILL. (R) Box 187, Buffalo, KS 66717 LINEMAN, HAZEL FRALEY. (C ) 10 S. T h ird St.. B ra d fo rd , PA REDD, GARY, (R) Rte. 2, Box 247, Newton, TX 75966 (full­ SWANSON, ROBERT L. (C) Box 274, Bethany, OK 73008 16701 tim e ) •SWEENEY, ROGER 4 EULETA. (C ) Rte. 1, Sharon Grove, KY ♦LO M AN, LANE t JANET. (C ) c /o N P H ' REED, DOROTHY. (C) 2907 W. Bird St.. Hannibal, MO 63401 42280 LONG, WILMER A. (R) Rte. 2, Box 174, New Florence, PA REEDY, J. C. (C) 449 Bresee Ave.. Bourbonnais, IL 60914 TALBERT, GEORGE H. 409 N.E. 13th St.. Abilene. KS 67410 15944 REYNOLDS, PHIL. (C) 1779 Georgesville Rd.. Columbus. OH TAYLOR, CLIFF. (R) Family Evangelist, 2469 Sacramento Dr., LOWN, A. J. c /o N P H * 43228 Redding, CA 96001 ♦LUSH, RON & MYRTLEBEL. (C) c/o NPH* RICHARDS, LARRY t PHYLLIS (COULTER). (R) 2479 Madison TAYLOR, EMMETT E. (R) 1221 N.W. 82nd St., Oklahoma City, LUTHI, RON. (R) 709 Sheridan Rd., Olathe, KS 66061 Ave., Indianapolis. IN 46225 OK 73114 LYKINS, C. EARL. (R) 59059 Lower Dr., Goshen, IN 46526 RICHARDSON, PAUL E. (C) 421 S. Grand Ave., Bourbonnais, TAYLOR, JOHN D, (C) 205 N. Limit, Colorado Springs, CO (full-tim e) IL 60914 80905 LYONS, JAMES H. (C) 1011 W. Shaw Ct., No. 1, Whitewater, RIDEN, K. R. (C) c/o NPH* TAYLOR, ROBERT W. (C) 4501 Croftshire Dr., Dayton, OH W l53190 RIST, LEONARD. (C) 3544 Brookgrove Dr., Grove City, OH 45440 MACALLEN, LAWRENCE J. (C) 41808 W. Rambler Ave.. Elyria. 43123 ♦TEASDALE, ELLIS t RUTH. 58333 Ironwood Dr., Elkhart, IN OH 4 4 035 ROACH, DOUGLAS F. (C) 304 Tanglewood Dr., Yukon, OK 46514 MADISON, G. H. 508 Shelby Ave., Nashville, TN 37206 73099 THOMAS, W. FRED. 521 Ideal St.. Milan. Ml 48160 MANLEY, STEPHEN. (C) c/o NPH* ROAT, THOMAS. (R) 1257 Westerfield PI., Olathe, KS 66061 THOMPSON, HAROLD. 644 E. Walnut St., Blytheville, AR 72315 MANN, L. THURL. (C) c/o NPH* ROBERTS, WADE W, (C) 1520 Walton Blvd., Rochester, Ml ♦THORNTON, RON L. (C) Rte. 3, Box 301, Colona, IL MARLIN, BEN F. P.O. Box 6310, Hollywood. FL 33021 48063 61241 MAYO, CLIFFORD. (C) Box 103, Alton, TX 79220 ROBERTSON, JAMES H. (C) 2014 Green Apple Ln.. Arlington. THORNTON, WALLACE. (C ) Rte. 4, Box 49-B, Som erset, KY •McABEE, JAMES. (R) 410 Freeman Ave., Seymour, IN TX 76014 42501 47274 ROBINSON, TED L. (C) c/o NPH* TOEPFER, PAUL, (C) Box 146, Petersburg, TX 79250 McCLURE, DARL. (C) Rte. 3, Box 500, Kenwood Plaza, Byron, RODGERS, CLYDE B. (R) 505 Lester Ave., Nashville, TN 37210 TOSTI, TONY. 8001 N.E. 89th Ave., Vancouver, WA 98662 OH 43506 ( f u llt im e ) TRIPP, HOWARD. (C) c/o NPH* McDONALD, CHARLIE. (C) 403 N. Jackson, Savannah, TN ROTHWELL, MEL-THOMAS. (C) 2108 Alexander Ln.. Bethany, ♦TUCKER, BILL I JEANETTE. (C ) c /o N P H * 38372 OK 73008 TUCKER, RALPH. (C) c/o NPH* McKINNEY, ROY T. (C) 2319 Wakulla Way, Orlando, FL 32809 RUSHING, KEN I EDNA. (R) 3621 N.W. 97th St.. Miami, FL TURBYFILL, M. L. 6812 N.W. 29th Terr., Bethany, OK 73008 •McKINNON, JUANITA. (C) Box 126. Institute. WV 25112 33147 (full-tim e) ♦TURNOCK, JIM. (C) c/o NPH* McWHIRTER, G. STUART. (C) c/o NPH* RUTHERFORD, BOB. (C) Rte. 1, Lynchburg, TN 37352 ♦UNDERWOOD, G. F. 4 MRS. 150 Shadylane Cir. Ct.. Warren, MEEK, WESLEY, SR. (C) 5713 S. Shartel, Oklahoma City. OK RUTHERFORD, STEPHEN. (R) Box 204, La Vergne, TN 37086 OH 44483 (full-tim e) 73109 (full-tim e) VANDERPOOL, WILFORD N. (C) 11424 N. 37th PI., Phoenix, MELVIN, DOLORES. (C ) Rte. 1, G reenup, KY 41144 SANDERS, E. H. (C) 401 S. Oak St., Sapulpa, OK 74066 AZ 85028 • MEREDITH, DWIGHT t NORMA JEAN. (C) c/o NPH* SANDERS, RUFUS. (C) 834 Trezevant, Memphis, TN 38108 VARIAN, W. E. (C) 5423 Hicks Corner, Kalamazoo, Ml 49002 ♦MERRITT, HERBERT 4 MRS. (C) 7401 Belmder, Prairie SCARLETT, DON. (C) 7941 Nichols Rd., Windham, OH 44288 VAUGHN, VOLA L. (C) 9400 93rd St. N„ Seminole. FL 33541 Village. KS 66208 SCHMELZENBACH, ELMER. 1416 M ary. Oklahom a C ity. OK WADE, E. BRUCE. (C) 3029 Sharpview Ln., Dallas, TX 75228 MEYER, BOB. (R) (Dynamics of Spiritual Growth), 155 Long­ 73127 WADE, KENNETH W. (R) 6502 Bradbury Ave., Fort Wayne, view Ct., St. Marys, OH 45885 SCHOONOVER, MODIE. (C) 1508 Glenview, Adrian, Ml 49221 IN 46809 (fu ll-tim e ) MEYER, VIRGIL G. 3112 Willow Oaks Dr., Fort Wayne, IN SCHRIBER, GEORGE. (C ) 8642 Cherry Ln., P.O. Box 456, Alta ♦WALKER, LAWRENCE C. 4 LAVONA. (C ) c /o N P H * 46807 Loma.CA 91701 WARD, LLOYD 4 GERTRUDE. Preacher 4 Chalk Artist. 1001 ♦M IC KEY. BOB, IDA MAE, t MARCELLA. (C) Box 1435. Lamar SCHULTZ, ERNEST <. ELVA. (C) 1241 Lake Shore Dr., Rte. 2, Averly St., Fort Myers, FL 33901 CO 81052 Cleveland, Wl 53015 •WELCH, JONATHAN 4 ILONA. (C) 601 Commercial. Danville. MILLER, RUTH E. (C) 111 W. 46th St., Reading. PA 19606 SEXTON, ARNOLD (DOC) t GARNETT. (C) 1116 Highland Ave , IL 61832 MILLHUFF, CHUCK. (C) Box 801, Olathe, KS 66061 Ashland, KY 41101 WELCH, W. B. (C) 5328 Edith St.. Charleston Heights, SC MINK, NELSON G. 1017 Gallatly St.. Wenatchee. WA 98801 ♦SHARP, CHARLES t FAMILY. (C ) Rte. 2, Box 216 D, V icks­ 29405 MONTGOMERY, CLYDE. (C) 2517 N. 12th St.. Terre Haute, IN burg, Ml 49097 WELLS, KENNETH & LILY. Box 1043, Whitefish, MT 59937 47804 SHARP, WILMA (GEEDING). (C) 1112 Englewood, Rantoul, IL WELLS, LINARD. (C) P.O. Box 1527, Grand Prairie, TX MORRIS, CLYDE H. (C) 101 Bryant Lake Rd„ Nitro. WV 61866 75050 25143 SHARPLES, J. J. I MRS. (R) 41 James Ave., Yorkton. WEST, EDNA. (C) 910 Carlisle St., Colorado Springs, CO Saskatchewan, Canada (full-tim e) 80907 WHITED, CURTIS. (C ) 307 N. Blake, Olathe, KS 66061 WINEGARDEN, ROBERT. (C ) P.O. Box 122, M ount Erie. IL WOODWARD, S. OREN. (C) c/o NPH* WILKINS, CHESTER. (C) P.O. Box 3232, Bartlesville. OK 74003 62446 WOOLMAN, J. L. 1025 S.W. 62nd. Oklahoma City. OK 73139 ♦WILKINSON TRIO. (R) 2840 18th St., Columbus, IN 47201 WINGARD, TOM. (C ) 1705 M adison Ave., Greensboro, NC WRIGHT, E. G. (C) c/o NPH* (full-tim e) 27403 WYLIE, CHARLES. (C) Box 162. Winfield. KS 67156 WILLIAMS, G. W. (C) 2200 Elva Dr., Kokomo, IN 46901 ♦WISEHART, LENNY & JOY. (C) c/o NPH* WYRICK, DENNIS. (C) 603 Reed Dr., Frankfort. KY 40601 WILLIAMS, LARRY. (C) 1418 Columbia Dr., Longview, TX WOLPE, JOSEPH P. (C) 3987 4th St., Riverside. CA 92501 •YATES, BEN J. (C) 5709 Willow Terr. Dr.. Bethel Park. 75601 WOODWARD, ARCHIE. 6477 N. Burkhart Rd„ Howell. Ml 48843 PA 15102 ♦WILLIAMS, LAWRENCE. (C) 6715 N.W. 30th Terr., Bethany, WOODWARD, GEORGE. Rte. 2, Ermas, Box 149C. Cape May. ♦ZELL, R. E. & MRS. (C ) 6 604 N.W. 29th, Bethany. OK OK 73008 NJ 08204 73008

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Order from your- NAZARENE PUBLISHING HOUSE Post O ffice Box 527, Kansas City, Missouri 64141 W h y l\o t Adopt An MK?

What becomes of missionary kids when they leave their parents in another country and go to the U.S. to college? Who cares about them? Who is there to listen when they want to talk— To counsel when they want advice— To do special things on their birthdays—and in between— To send packages of homemade goodies— To write them letters, send cards, telephone— To invite them home for Thanksgiving and Christmas— To give them a place to go for summer holidays—help them find a summer job- To visit them for special programs at college— To send a corsage or a bouquet on their Big Days? Wouldn’t you like to be the adopted uncle and aunt of a lonely college MK? There are 62 Nazarene missionaries’ children in colleges in the United States today. Some of them have found adopted aunts and uncles who are making them feel loved and thought about and wanted. A telephone call, weekly letters, packages, invitations home, special visits at college— tell these MKs “You belong to us. We care.” When a missionary kid comes to the U.S. to college, he is coming to a country that he has visited not more than three times in his life, and always with his parents. Now he is alone, among young people whose background has been totally different from his. His friends are all “back home.” He needs a bridge—someone who will listen and explain, and not laugh at his “different” ways. Someone to reassure him that he or she is doing great. Want to be an adopted aunt and uncle? Here’s how you get in on this program— Write to Dr. William Vaughters, Department of World Mission, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131. Tell him how many missionary boys or girls you want to adopt. One is fine, but you can have more if you want them. Dr. Vaughters will send you the name (or names) of missionary kids in the college nearest to your home. You take it from there. Write, telephone, visit, send parcels, invite them home. Give them a special place in your lives. You may save a distressed young person from despair and possible disaster, and help him or her adjust to a happy life in the U.S. The m aking of the N IV

The NIV is a transdenominational very readable, but which also has a effort by more than a hundred top beauty and a dignity befitting the Bible scholars, working from the Holy Scriptures.” — Wisconsin original languages to translate God’s Lutheran Quarterly Word afresh. “The New International Version is Its history goes back into the fifties, one of the most thorough attempts although the major work was begun yet made to convey original meaning. in 1967 when the New York Bible I believe this will be one of the most Society agreed to sponsor the project. serviceable versions available, The New Testament portion was eminently suited to be read in the successfully introduced in 1973; the churches. It preserves, in a sense, a Old Testament will be released in certain historic familiarity, but couches 1978. God’s message in contemporary and The translation process. easily understood terms.” — Rev. As work on the NIV began in earnest Billy Graham in the 1960s, a 15-member Com­ “The NIV is of inestimable help mittee on Bible Translation was and value, it is a superlative transla­ appointed to oversee the work, with Ralph Earle, Nazarene Theological Seminary — tion.” - W A Criswell, Pastor First Dr. Edwin Palmer named executive member of Committee on Bible Translation, Baptist Church, Dallas secretary to coordinate the project. 15 man governing body for the entire NIV “The language is dignified, read­ More than 100 noted scholars from project. able and easily understood . . . quite leading seminaries and colleges in At each level, a thorough review a remarkable success.” — Dr. F. F. English-speaking countries were was made of the previous work, con­ Bruce, University of Manchester formed into five-man translation sidering the suggestions of numerous " . . . a balanced, sholarly, dedicated teams under the financial sponsorship critics and stylists. By constant revision translation aiming at the most exact, of the New York International Bible and polishing, the translation matured economical and illuminating render­ Society. into an accurate, smooth, dignified ing of the original into English.” — The goal of these translators was version. Dr. Calvin D. Linton, The George to produce a translation that is accur­ To enhance the readability of the Washington University ate, clear, and dignified . .. suitable NIV, the publishers asked well-known “The New International Version is for public reading as well as private book designer Ernst Reichl to create a source of delight! It provides clarity devotion, for study and memorization a page design that is unique and without being ostentatious in its as well as evangelism. The belief of attractive; one that would have contemporaneity. It is both new and the translators that “the Bible alone, dignity and character as well as clarity. old without seeming to be either.” — in its entirety, is the Word of God As a result, the NIV has frequently Dr. Elton Trueblood, Earlham College written and is therefore inerrant in the been praised as a fine example of “There is a simplicity and dignity autographs” ensures their respect for bookmaking and was shown in the that should wear well in repeated use and faithfulness to the text. 1974 Christmas exhibition by the in worship and lend itself to the whole English stylists worked at all levels American Institute of Graphic Arts. some practice of committing the Word of the translation to make certain that The reviews. of God to memory. The translators it communicates well to all kinds of “The wide-faced, rather large type of have not been addicted to novelty people. Through the use of idiomatic, the text is an interesting combination for its own sake . . . the NIV is fresh, contemporary English, they aimed for of the traditional and the highly and yet somehow familiar. This is its a combination of simplicity, clarity, modern — appropriate to a text that beauty.” — David Jones, Professor of and readability. At the same time they walks the same line.” — New York Systematic Theology, Covenant preserved the dignity of the Word of Times Theological Seminary, St. Louis God by carefully using language that “ . . . a contemporary English ver­ “Among all the modem transla­ does not call attention to itself by sion written by scholars of evangelical tions, this one in my opinion is unusual wording or faddish idioms. commitment. Written in the language unexcelled. 1 unhesitatingly recom­ The translation process followed of the man on the street.” — Dallas mend it to all — to young and old, to safeguards the accuracy and clarity of Morning Star ministers and laymen, to those the NIV. Each book of the Bible was “The work is international... also already familiar with the Bible and to assigned to a translation team of four thoroughly transdenominational. This those who may be reading it for the or five persons, two of whom usually new translation will be accepted first time.” — G. Henry Waterman, are specialists in that particular book. widely.” — Christianity Today Professor of Greek, Wheaton College The product of this first team went “The New International Version “ I am deeply impressed with the to an Intermediate Editorial Com­ will speak and hold worldwide acclaim dignity, easy reading and careful mittee, which checked the translation ... on its own merits as a literary translation of ‘NIV,’ and believe it is for faithfulness to the original text and masterpiece of spiritual edification for highly probable this will come to be quality of English style. Next, the the glory of God.” — Baptist Standard the best loved Bible translated into translation was sent to a General “The translators have based their English.” — A. Wetherell Johnson, Editorial Committee, which again work on the best manuscripts, and General Director, Bible Study painstakingly pored over the work. have tried to incorporate the best Fellowship Finally, the permanent Committee on insights of linguistic and historical ZONdERVaN M Bible Translation carefully examined studies.” — Eternity Magazine bibLe publishe rs £ & the work for final approval. “... a version which is not only Nazarene Publishing House Box 527 •. Kansas City, Missouri 64141 CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES

Practical ideas and instruction to help children's workers organize, develop, and plan the total children's program in the local church. Published in four quarters, this loose-leaf notebook includes sections on the total ministry concept, planning aids, Sunday school, children's church, Sunday evening programs, Nazarene Caravan program, Quizzing and Bible study, mission education, VBS, camping. Cradle Roll, music and drama, reading, special projects, methods and media, resources, and cassette tapes. Order on the Nazarene Publishing House Church Literature-Supplies order form.

24EE TODAY'S BOOKS for D a te . TODAY'S PREACHER Yes, I would like to take advantage o f this special 20 percent discount coupon offer. Please send one copy o f the book as indicated below: STAGES, John Claypool $4.95 With coupon $3.96 Name ______Street______C ity______State/Province______ZIP______Name of Church______CHECK or MONEY ORDER Enclosed $______CHARGE (30-day) TO: □ Personal ______(other) Account NAZARENE PUBLISHING HOUSE • Post Office Box 527, Kansas City, Missouri 64141 CLIP and MAIL before September 30, 1978, expiration date.

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Date 1978 TODAY'S BOOKS for TODAY'S PREACHER Yes, I would like to take advantage of this special 20 percent discount coupon offer. Please send one copy o f the book as indicated below: SEARCHLIGHTS FROM THE WORD, G. Campbell Morgan $7.95 W ith coupon $6.36 Name ______Street______C ity______. State/Province ZIP Name of Church. CHECK or MONEY ORDER Enclosed $______CHARGE (30-day) TO: □ Personal ______1 (other) Account NAZARENE PUBLISHING HOUSE • Post Office Box 527, Kansas City, Missouri 64141 CLIP and MAIL before October 31,1978, expiration date.

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£2 TODAY'S BOOKS for TODAYS PREACHER Date Yes, I would like to take advantage of this special 20 percent discount coupon offer. Please send one copy o f the book as indicated below: A PASTOR'S HANDBOOK OF CHURCH MANAGEMENT Barth Smith $5.95 With coupon $4.76 Name ______S tre et______C ity ______State/Province______ZIP Name of C hu rch ______CHECK or MONEY ORDER Enclosed $______CHARGE (30-day) TO: □ Personal (other) Account NAZARENE PUBLISHING HOUSE • Post Office Box 527, Kansas City, Missouri 64141 CLIP and MAIL before November 30,1978, expiration date.

W,, W ~ 9 >r& J :'A TODAY'S BOOKS fo r TODAY'S PREACHER

Every book reviewed in this column may not agree at all points with evangelical holiness positions. Yet each book contains sufficient useful material to warrant bringing it to our readers' attention.

Stages lescent “to pick up responsibil­ Morgan makes no serious at­ By John Claypool (Word Books, ity and walk forward into the tempt to discover Christ in the 1977. 90 pp., cloth, $4.95). world without walking away Old Testament passages. The from one’s sources.” notable exceptions are Isaiah 49 Stages will make you a better ADULTHOOD: “The most stren­ and 66, along with scattered person and a better pastor. It will uous segment of our existence” verses in the Prophets and help you and your people con­ which carries the challenge to Psalms. front the inevitable changes which continue “to grow concurrently —James T. Christy you must encounter in life. on the three basic frontiers of John Claypool holds the Bach­ adulthood: work or vocation, elor of Arts degree from Baylor relationships with one’s ‘signifi­ University, the Bachelor of Divin­ A Pastor’s Handbook of cant others’, and one’s own un­ ity and Doctor of Theology from ique selfhood.” Church Management Southern Baptist Theological By Barth Smith (Beacon Hill Press Seminary, and is pastor of North- SENIOR ADULTHOOD: “The final and climactic act.” The of Kansas City, 1978. Approx. minister Baptist Church in Jack­ 200 pp., $5.95). son, Miss. He says the university time of life when the emphasis system helps prepare man for changes from doing and having Dr. Sm ith’s handbook is a com ­ only the first one-third of life, but to being. prehensive collection of valuable not the last two-thirds. This leaves It has been a long time since I ideas for today’s minister. I wish I a great vacuum in training. The have received so much help from would have had it during my early church, on the other hand, influ­ such a small book. ministry. It would have made me ences man’s life “from the womb —Jerry W. White more effective in personal and to the tomb.” It therefore holds church administration. the key to filling this vacuum. Searchlights from the Word The guidelines regarding job Stages is a guide that draws on By G. Campbell Morgan (Fleming descriptions for pastors, associ­ the life of David and the best in H. Revell Company, 1977. 384 ates, and lay leaders are ex­ behavior science to help the pp., $6.95). cellent. The discussion about organization is also good. Further reader anticipate the events and G. Campbell M organ’s book is ideas for conducting annual feelings he will have to deal with a profitable sermon starter that meetings, electing or appoint­ throughout life. The author ex­ presents the Scriptures clearly ing nominating committees, etc., amines life in its four basic and freshly, and prods the mind are helpful. stages: toward new biblical insights. CHILDHOOD: “A condition of Morgan develops his sermon Smith’s discussion of con­ helplessness and dependen­ “searchlights” by using random structing yearly budgets, prepar­ cy.” The time of life which holds verses taken from each of the ing objectives, and rating public the two basic challenges of I,189 chapters in the Bible. relations are all tremendously finding one’s own personal The preacher who is short on helpful to both pastor and lay­ worth and the gifts he has with­ biblical study resources will find man. in himself. this a gold mine of detailed mate­ Guidance given by Smith in ADOLESCENCE: “That time of rial. conducting weddings, funerals, life that offers something pain­ Reprinted after being out of Communion, and baptism is valu­ ful for everybody.” The most in­ circulation for years, it is a wel­ able to both new and seasoned tense stage of life that carries come addition to the G. Campbell ministers. the challenge for the parent “to Morgan reader’s library. It beau­ Smith is to be complimented on let up without letting go, to step tifully expresses his love of the his fine compilation of materials back without walking out on a Scriptures in clear, concise sen­ and personal ideas. relationship” and for the ado­ tences. —Paul D. Mangum

33 CHURCH ADMINISTRATION PREACHING AND CHURCH GROWTH

by Dennis Johnson

“ I’ve spent over 60 hours in church growth sem i­ ods cooperate to make this come about. Neither is nars and preaching has never been mentioned,” sufficient alone. Methods of church growth without so said one preacher to the group gathered around effective preaching of the Word may become life­ the lunch table. What is the relationship between less mechanics. Similarly, preaching that does not the church growth movement and preaching? harness congregational energies toward the growth It is not an “ either-or” situation. Church growth objective may be sterile and even frustrating. and preaching are neither competitive nor contra­ Concerning growth, Ralph Winter of the School dictory, but are complementary in at least three of World Mission, Pasadena, Calif., states there are areas: four areas in which church growth operates in the 1. They work toward the same goal activities of the church: internal, expansion, exten­ 2. They focus on common objectives sion, and bridging. Notice Paul Orjala’s definition 3. They share the challenge of the equipping and of internal growth: mobilization of the laity. Internal growth is the development of qualitative Preaching and church growth work toward the growth within the church, sometimes referred to as same biblical goal for the church. Stated simply, nurture. This involves doctrinal teaching and formation it is to make disciples. Note the statement of Dr. of ethical and spiritual patterns of life, and is the start­ Paul Orjala: ing point for all other forms of church growth. Without Church growth, pure and simple, is the growth of the internal growth, the church cannot be the church.3 church by making disciples. Making disciples involves: Internal growth is foundational to all other types 1. Helping people to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior; of growth, and preaching is an essential ingredient. 2. Bringing them into the fellowship of the church; The centrality of preaching is underscored by Dr. 3. Nurturing, training, and supporting them until they Chapman: become ministering members of the Body of God’s method of preserving the purity and power C hrist.1 of His Church is distinctly connected with the preach­ Compare the challenge of Dr. James B. Chapman ing of the gospel; and every other way, when it becomes in his book on preaching: a substitute for substantial preaching, results in spir­ There are really three discernable distinctions in the itual deterioration and essential defeat. If the Church is task to be done by New Testament preachers. These to continue to be the Church, the chief place must be are: (1) to lead the lost to Christ for salvation, (2) to given to preaching the gospel in the hearing of the inform and indoctrinate those who have become chil­ people who constitute the church.4 dren of God, and (3) to inspire and direct the church It has been so from the beginning of the Church. in faith, unity, and good works.2 The apostles refused to be turned aside from their Although he proclaims an unchanging message, primary task of prayer and preaching (Acts 6:3-4). the preacher’s method must be ever changing. Paul’s instructions to Timothy and Titus carried a Church growth techniques offer tools for discover­ reminder for them to emphasize their preaching and ing the most effective methods for growth. The teaching ministry. He wrote Timothy, “Attend to Word provides the dynamic power and motivation the public reading of scripture, to preaching, to for the church to see her goal realized. teaching” (1 Tim. 4:13, NASB).5 Not every church or pastor wants to grow. The first axiom of church growth stated by Peter Wagner The words of Dr. Donald A. McGavran, the “fa­ is that the pastor and church must want the church ther” of the church growth movement are especially to grow and be willing to pay the price. Given the fitting: desire to grow, preaching and church growth meth­ (Continued on page 49)

34 PASTORAL CARE

The Power of Pastoral Counseling as the IDorh of the Holy Spirit

by DeForrest Wiksten

The pastor who seeks to improve his counseling of the Holy Spirit. However, “mainline” Protestan­ ministry is constantly seeking to acquire effective tism has, perhaps more than any other doctrine of theories and techniques of counseling. He skims the church, neglected this elusive but critical aspect through the current issues of pastoral and psycho­ of the faith. This is no doubt due to the abstract logical journals, scans the bookstore and library and mysterious nature of the matter in a day of shelves and enrolls in three-day institutes on pas­ concrete scientism and perversions of “Holy Spirit toral care, all in a rather frantic and feverish search experiences.” for more power in his ministerial armament. The authentic doctrine of the Holy Spirit is the In the process he gathers bits and pieces of aca­ expression by the church of the active presence of demic “fallout” from the assortment of schools of God revealing himself into personal relationship thought in clinical and social psychology, practical with man and the self-understanding man derives theology, and the many theories and methods of from this encounter. The church has generally ac­ psychiatry. cepted the Scripture, tradition, and reason as the With the ever-deepening and -widening expres­ threefold means of authority, but the Wesleyan force sion of the Christian ministry in the life of individual has reaffirmed the insistence upon the inner vali­ and community, there is no limit to the kind of prob­ dation of the Christian life as the work and reality lems that people will bring to the minister. It can of God’s Holy Spirit. reach such proportions of request and referral that The Wesleyan revival began to lose much of its the minister can easily begin to feel he is a sort force with the advent of the 20th century. The of personal problem traffic manager, waving people emphasis upon a subjective Christian experience on and pointing in this or that direction. through the indwelling of the Spirit received at The holy mission of shepherding God’s people in “revival meetings” gave way to the sophisticate age the way of God’s grace becomes obscured by the of industrial achievement and the nihilism of two superficiality of being an ordained social worker world wars. or the “poor man’s psychiatrist.” If he is to maintain Significantly, however, it is during these last five his balance and professional integrity, the parish or six decades that we have witnessed the amazing minister needs to be in touch with the unassailable rise of the personality sciences and the highly sub­ power of his calling and the immutable confidence jective enterprise of individual psychotherapy and of his pastoral practice. personal analysis. My psychiatric social work experience and parish The second half of this century then finds the ministry have contributed toward my concern to serious Christian grappling for ways to embrace better know the solid ground upon which pastoral at one and the same time the scriptural, traditional, care and counseling may proceed. It is the con­ and reasonable realities of Christianity and the tention of this paper that contemporary pastoral sometimes contradictory insights of depth psychol­ counseling, in theory and practice, will be strength­ ogy. How can modern man, who is teased and ened for the parish minister as he is better able to seduced by the “peace which passeth understand­ perceive, appropriate, and articulate the source of ing,” repent and surrender without sacrificing his crisis, change, and growth, all of which express the intellectual respectability? saving and healing presence of God. The parish minister finds himself likewise caught The church doctrine for this reality is the doctrine in the middle. On Sunday morning he preaches his

35 monologue about God’s grace and spirit of love It is God who awakens man to his own need. which convicts of sin and quickens to salvation. But Man’s capacity to respond to the presence of that Monday morning comes and he faces a parade of to which he ultimately belongs is the legitimate anguished souls searching for meaning and pur­ object of scientific study. But the saving relation­ pose in their lives and he is perplexed about ship of man with God is the work of God, for man whether to use a “non-directive” technique, reflect cannot bring himself to completion any more than feelings, interpret behavior, clarify sexuality, lead man can create himself. in prayer, or quote scripture. Much of the average pastor’s care and counsel­ If the peace which transcends man’s understand­ ing are obscure and frustrating because he affirms ing is available by justification through faith in God’s a doctrine of man as a creature of God’s creation, reality, then the doctrine of God’s present Holy but the tools and methods of his counseling are Spirit must be the central power of the pastor’s appropriated from scientific humanism, and have care and counseling. no contact with God’s initiative in the God-man To be sure, the debt which the parish ministry relationship. For this reason the pastor often panics of pastoral care owes to the behavioral sciences in the face of the weird assortment of psycho­ is vast and incalculable. The grace and healing pathologies which confront him in people whose

The pastor’s counseling will be obscure and frustrating if he relies upon the tools and methods of mere scientific humanism.

power of God’s Spirit is everywhere present and longing becomes expressed in personal crisis and in untold ways is revealed in the so-called secular breakdown. healing arts. But at the risk of overstatement, it is In his panic he decided that the pastoral coun- the burden of this paper to challenge the practising selee is “sick” and must be referred. In so doing he parish minister to become aware of and articulate amputates or aborts, at least for the time being, a the healing presence of God in the counseling pro­ possible birth of the counselee’s longing and contri­ cess. He is too often only vaguely able to relate butes to the submerging of the only force that might his faith commitment to the theological system and enable the counselee to get in touch with that which technical descriptions of what he is doing while he will satisfy his longing. tries to help his people. The pastoral counselor can avoid such fragmen­ The lucidity and clarity of the psychological tation in his work and of the people who come to sciences have helped the minister utilize clinical see him, if he will realize that most of the inner training and experience. This has given the greatest conflict and outer confusion of the so-called neu­ boost to pastoral effectiveness in the last half cen­ rotic, troubled, and even psychotic person is a tury. But we must continue the progress by translat­ manifestation of the person’s longing for health and ing theological jargon for the benefit of both the wholeness. It is a longing to be in relationship with parish and clinical worlds. God. It is the agitation of life by God’s Spirit, and It is not his rational capacity, his emotional life, he cannot create it or stop it. He can only ally him­ nor his moral consciousness that makes man in self with it and relate himself to it. God’s image, but it is man’s awareness that he The counselor is no more responsible for the longs to know his Creator who is demanding the healing and wholeness of his counselee than the life He had created. This is the presence of God’s preacher is responsible for the hearing of the Word Spirit in man which produces his capacity to recog­ in the worship service. The presence of the Spirit nize the One to whom he ultimately belongs. This is as much a reality in the counseling situation as Spirit continues to draw man into fuller communion in the confrontation of the Word in preaching and and relatedness with the source-object of his long­ sacramental experience. ing. In this way the counselor is like a midwife stand­ The Christian doctrine of God as Creator expres­ ing by, watching and enabling the birth process ses the prevenience of God and that man in simply which is inevitable if nothing is done to inhibit it. having his life as existence had already been the Counseling is the process of potently waiting upon object of God’s gracious creative activity. Man’s the Spirit of God. salvation, or the realization of his longing, is never Counseling proceeds on the same basis as the the product of his own initiative, but is a response total mission of the pastor, namely, pointing through to the omnipresent reality of the Creator. himself to the healing power of God’s consuming

36 presence. He must affirm the Christian doctrine of does not affect the real issues of health and whole­ man which says that man is constantly longing to ness. The pastoral counselor who has practiced know the order and meaning there is in life because as if he were a junior psychotherapist has experi­ God the Creator has brought order and meaning enced the incompleteness of methodology dedi­ out of chaos. cated only to insight into the past-present relation­ Man’s own life and existence are the creation ship. story in miniature. That is, without God, his life is The forward thrust of the counselee’s longing void and chaotic, separated and without purpose remains the ineluctable power driving him to that and direction and form. When man endeavors to which calls him forward to life rather than back to experience his being alone, his being remains the past. Just as so many have risen from the ana­ chaotic. His longing for order drives him to be lyst’s couch, after having probed and picked apart united with that which will give form and substance their oedipal configuration for years, saying, “Where to an otherwise fragmented existence. do I go and what do I do from here?”—so the coun- At the “wellspring of his existence” is the longing selee wants help in the pastoral situation to en­ and drive to effect that union. Everything man does counter that reality which is calling him to become is in some way an expression of that force. The more than an explanation of all that is past.

The Holy Spirit is in truth the Counselor in every interpersonal relation­ ship and not we ourselves.

counselor-pastor can add nothing to it or subtract The past couple of decades have seen a rapid from it. His counselee already comes fully equipped rise among the personality and therapeutic sciences for achieving this union. His longing is often heavily of a concern for the dimension of man that is be­ disguised, but that does not mean it does not exist. yond the clinical manifestations of the neurosis- He and the counselor are simply blind to it for the psychosis complex. moment. A. H. Maslow, Gordon Allport, Karl Menninger, The source of the counselor’s confidence is that Rollo May, Viktor Frankl, the Jungians, and the this longing is inherent in every man and is always existential analysts are but a few who have reached stronger than the “neurotic” and “psychotic” and out in theory and practice and touched upon the “ im m ature” masks which conceal it. This is in man rapproachment which is inevitable between the the reflection and image of the eternal. psychological-clinical world and the theological- parish world. The Limitation of Insight Rather than talking so much about instincts, in­ For several decades the humanistic psychothera­ hibitions, psychosomatics, and sexual dynamics, pies have generally defined their goal as hearing we hear more now from the sciences about im­ through the achievement of insight. As Freud ex­ pulses toward self-actualization, growth, and the pressed it, “. . . to replace id with ego” or “. . . the maturity of appropriate striving. These are over­ replacement of neurotic misery with ordinary human tures to get in touch with man at the point of his unhappiness.” The thrust of treatment has gone in innate and basic thrust of life which is his longing the direction of enabling the patient or helped per­ to be united with life that is greater and other than son to understand why he has felt and acted in the himself. ways that were causing him to suffer. It is the conviction of Christian counselors that The clues and answers were sought and sup­ God is present in the counseling situation, “The posedly found through the experience of insight Holy Spirit is in truth the Counselor in every inter­ into the causal determinism of past experiences personal relationship, and not we ourselves. This is impinging on the present state of suffering. Pur­ the most basic affirmation concerning the Holy portedly, if a person could uncover a sufficient Spirit as Counselor” (Wayne E. Oates, Protestant number of his “traumatic” experiences he would Pastoral Counseling, Westminster Press, 1962, p. soon relieve himself of the misunderstood or mis­ 58). interpreted responses which constitute his ill body The pastor engaged in counseling knows that the or ill style of living. counselee is not in his hands totally, but that both We have seen that months and years of agonizing are in the hands of God, and “underneath are the memory probing and interpretations of the trans­ everlasting arms.” The Holy Spirit is the counselor ference of feeling to the therapist just somehow and it is not the pastor’s task to prove God’s love or

37 to defend God’s character or prove His existence. is to bring men to faith. The pastoral counselor relates himself to the Holy We are inclined to make insight, comfort, peace Spirit as counselor in much the same way that the or happiness—rather than the often painful tensions doctor relates to life. Life is the healing agent, and of faith—our goals. The painful tensions of faith the doctor cannot create life, he can only cooperate are those realities of life that encompass joy and with it to the best of his ability. Likewise in coun­ sorrow, pain and pleasure, despair and hope. The seling. event of Jesus Christ is witness to the truth that The counselor cannot, as said before, add any­ this is what authentic existence is about. It is the thing to the counselee’s capacity for the wholeness faith of Jesus that makes this a possibility for all of knowing union with God. This does not mean he men. Unless this faith is the self-conscious goal of is not im portant—just the reverse. It is his capacity all pastoral work, that work will be dissipated in for detached optimism and enjoyment of human in­ the quest of spurious and superficial goals. teraction that enables him to set the scene for The whole of the Christian faith is summed up growth and identification of appropriate striving. in the doctrine of the Incarnation. This is the affir­ The intention and work of the Holy Spirit is to mation that the transcendent God has entered into

The only legitimate goal of counseling is to bring men to faith.

bring about the centering of man’s energies, striv­ finite man’s history and become man: become man ings, and loyalties upon the reality of God’s pres­ in the taking of human finitude but perfecting that ence in the life of man. The Holy Spirit focuses man finitude by triumphing over suffering through faith. in his own history, his vocation, and in his own The gospel is that man’s sin, although inevitable, destiny by constantly renewing the encounter that is no longer necessary because sin was shown to man has with God’s demand that man respond to be overcome when the Christ surrendered to His His holy presence. own death and finitude. Man then is saved when I have said in regard to a doctrine of man that he he surrenders to his own death but rejoices in the is a creature created for striving and one who longs giving up of himself in the name of Christ who was to be in union with that from which he came. The resurrected to eternal life with God. But the central implication is that he is separated from the Creator, force of the whole story is the relationship of suf­ and this is affirmed over and over again in Christian fering to love. Regin Prenter says: “Inner conflict theological affirmations about man’s sinful state. may be said to be the battleground where the de­ However, man’s dilem m a is that he has the capac­ cisive final struggle between the law and the gospel, ity to choose the object of his striving, and his sin death and life, Satan and the Holy Spirit is fought. and sickness is that he chooses time and again to Therefore, the place where we may learn to know give himself partially to other than the God who the Holy Spirit is in the school of inner conflict” demands man’s all. (in Christ and Selfhood, by Wayne E. Oates). A most potent aspect of the process of counseling Faith as the Object of Counseling is the relationship of listening. This is not passive If the work of the Holy Spirit is rightly understood but energetic and purposeful. The counselor listens by the counselor, and his own life has been exposed but is not always able to understand what the to the anxiety-reducing power of God’s holy spiritual counselee is trying to com m unicate. He is always presence, then the process of counseling will be guided by the longing that is deposited at the core mostly free of judgment and condemnation of the of his being, through the Holy Spirit, but his com­ counselee. munications are limited by his finitude. Through the All too often the pastoral counselor is so bound activity and power of the Spirit he will sooner or by his own systems of fighting anxiety and idolatries later communicate what he needs to communicate. that he can’t wait and discern the nature of the work The task of the counselor is to listen and respond. of the Holy Spirit which is already at work in the To be genuinely listened to is an enormously self of the counselee, convicting and quickening him stimulating experience. It creates a vacuum in the to his sin and misery. one who is communicating that must be continually The counselor is tem pted to step in with unneces­ filled with his emerging self that is straining to sary moralisms or advice rather than giving himself achieve union with the Eternal Self. to the trust of being under the same judgment by This is at the same time a frightening experience. God’s Spirit. This is mostly due to losing touch It is no wonder that many people who may have with the only legitimate goal of counseling, which spent a lifetime demanding to be heard in an assort­

38 ment of ways fall mute in the face of someone who If pastoral counseling is effective, in that it enables will potently wait and listen for them to reveal them­ the counselee to experience that his struggling selves. “A person often interprets being quietly and striving are his longing for God, then the coun­ listened to as mounting condemnation of himself. seling event will produce the practice of worship. At such times he seeks expressions of trust and af­ For man is a self whose longing drives him to com­ fection. ” plete himself by union with that from which he feels But these the pastor cannot always give him. separated, and the paradox of existence and the "Love does not express itself on command; it can­ Christian doctrine of grace is that the more of God not be called out like a dog to its master. Love is that man knows, the more he longs to know. Or, autonomous; it obeys only itself.” For the pastor to alternatively stated, God is always demanding from say, “That is all right, I don’t disapprove,” without man that which only God can give to man. being bidden to it by his own self, would be a be­ Man’s longing for God is then partial. The aware­ trayal to his deepest trust (in the presence and ness of his longing is partial and it is never com ­ power of the Spirit). “This is to say that health and plete except in the way that God makes it complete. wholeness exist in the depths of the unconscious This completion is the event of revelation of God and the work of the counseling process is to learn to in Christ, and man receives this revelation and re­ abandon oneself to it.” It is to give oneself over to sponds only in the act of adoration, confession, and the Spirit of God in faith. (Quotations in italics from commitment of himself in the act of worship. Robert C. Murphy, Jr., “Psychology Based on Hu­ If counseling ends and the counselee is not man Longing.”) enlivened to his need for worship, then the identifi­ cation of the object of his longing has been less The Completion of Partial Experience than the God who created his longing. It may well If the object of counseling is the experience of be that all too often he has prematurely terminated faith, the living of faith is always beyond the coun­ his quest by kneeling at the idol of painless and seling relationship. Counseling that proceeds in the peaceful second-class selfhood, rather than im­ awareness of God as the author and object of the mersing himself in the vigorous, vital, and pur­ counseling will issue in the counselee expressing poseful tensions of the l-Thou relationship with God. his faith in the only way possible. This is the way of From Pastoral Psychology, Vol. 20, No. 197. Copyright Meredith Corpo­ worship. ration, New York.

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‘My mistake was asking where he thought he was going in such a hurry!’

39 EVANGELISM

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO PREACH EVANGELISTICALLY -AN D EFFECTIVELY?

by Lawrence H. Bone

Mere human manipulation, 2. The Person Preached Christ will become the Living though inordinately popular, is It was said of Charles Spur­ Stone and the Sure Foundation not evangelism. Therefore it is geon that no matter what was the to those who agree and He will necessary to define evangelism subject of his sermon, that be­ become a Stone of Stumbling and then bring our ideas, motives, fore he finished preaching he and a Rock of Offense to those and methods within the scope of lifted up Christ. The Greeks came who finally refuse Him. the definition. to Philip the disciple and said, 3. The Preparation of the Evan­ The Anglican definition of evan­ “Sir, we would see Jesus,” (John gelistic Message gelism is as follows: “ So to pre­ 12:21). Philip, the deacon, upon A pastor preached almost ver­ sent Christ Jesus in the power of being invited into the chariot of batim a sermon from a book of the Holy Spirit that men shall the Ethiopian, “preached unto sermons written by one of Ameri­ come to put their trust in Him as him Jesus” (Acts 8:35). ca’s great preachers. The author their Saviour and serve Him as Probably some of our silly no­ of the book of sermons was visit­ their King in the fellowship of tions that have been preached ing in the same city and attended His church.” To reach that goal as “gospel” have alienated peo­ the church and heard his sermon requires consideration of several ple from Christ whereas if Christ preached. Needless to say, he points. had been lifted up in His beauty, must have heard a good mes­ 1. The Person Doing the Preach­ love, and power to conquer sin sage. When the visiting minister ing and the sinner, more people met the host pastor and speaker Every preacher preaches would have desired Him. of the morning at the door of the against the backdrop of what Our mission is to preach Christ. church after service, he asked, he is as a person. He preaches Our message is Christ. We are “How long did it take you to pre­ wherever he goes and not only into the heart of the Christian pare that good message?” The from the pulpit. If he is a godly message if we can say with St. pastor replied by saying that he man, he will exert a godly influ­ Paul, “I am determined not to had prepared it in about three ence in his home, his community, know anything among you, save hours, to which the visitor re­ and his church. In a genuine Jesus Christ and him crucified” sponded, “It took me 10 years to sense he must be able to say to (2 Cor. 2:2). In doing this we will prepare that message.” people, “ Follow me as I have tell people of Christ’s love for the The way of least resistance followed Christ.” This requires sinner, of Christ’s hatred of sin, may lead us to copy another’s discipline, sincerity, honesty, and of Christ’s requirements for pur­ material, but too much easy de­ love. The preacher who can ex­ ity, of Christ’s supply of power pendence on the work of others press this kind of spirit can in­ for living, of heaven where Christ can sometimes be embarrassing. fluence people for God. Such takes His people, and of hell There are great Bible truths to example comes as a result of where Christ-rejecters send be preached an'd great texts to be living in the Word, living a life of themselves. developed. In doing this one wise­ prayer, and showing compassion Some will agree with such a ly turns to the works of great for people. message; others will disagree. scholars and great preachers for

40 guidance and insight. But the ma­ message is persons repenting in it.” If our preaching is to move terial studied must be reworked. and savingly believing in the Lord people toward God there will be We must put our own stamp upon Jesus Christ as Savior. blood in it—Christ’s and ours. it and if we use something ver­ Let a word also be said for re­ 5. Preserving the Results of the batim, let us give the source. ceiving praise for preaching. Message Genuine preparation involves While it is true that one mark of The new convert needs to be heart preparation as well as that maturity is to be able to receive taught how to read and study the of the head. Hours spent in prayer compliments gracefully, yet even Bible; he needs to be taught how until the Father reveals the Son in receiving the praise of men, we to discipline his time so that he through the Holy Spirit will pre­ must be sure that Christ is maintains a daily schedule for pare the preacher as well as the exalted. his personal devotions. The new sermon. Genuine preparation is William Carey did a monumen­ convert needs to have a mature done only as God breaks our tal work for Christ and souls in Christian assigned to him for hearts over the lost. India. At one point in his ministry counsel, encouragement, and It was said of a famous New William Carey returned to En­ supportive fellowship. The new England preacher that his power gland for a time and busied him­ convert also must be led into the in public declaration was matched self in trying to create greater deeper life, the experience and by his power in private devotion interest for his missionary en­ life available to him in and after and intercession. deavors. In one meeting where entire sanctification. John Wesley he was to speak, the chairman, 4. The Preaching of the Evange­ said, “Never encourage the devil before introducing Dr. Carey, listic Message by snatching souls from him that spent considerable time telling William Baxter said: “And so I you cannot nurture. . . . Converts the audience what Carey had preach as never sure to preach without nurture are like stillborn done. He told how many churches again—the message true. As dy­ babies.” 1 ing man to dying men.” A man and preaching points Dr. Carey must pray fervently, study CONCLUSION had established. He told of his thoroughly, read widely, con­ Let a word be said for passion work in translating the Scriptures. dense and digest material care­ in preaching, for without soul He told of the publishing work fully. Then when he goes to the passion, few hearts will be that had been established. Final­ pulpit with a profound sense of warmed. One Christian leader ly William Carey could stand it his own unworthiness and inabil­ lamented, “Fifty percent of our no longer. He arose, apologized ity, and a knowledge that only by preachers are preaching without for interrupting the chairman, God’s help can the message be any heart.” If there is any degree and said, “I have sat here today delivered effectively, he will of viability in the statement, it listening to what William Carey preach with power. should drive us all to our knees has done. It has been Dr. Carey If he preaches with a desire until we are touched anew with has done this and Dr. Carey has that people will not see him but Christ’s love and the fiery baptism done that. Everything that has will see Christ, his hearers will of the blessed Holy Spirit. Elo­ been said has been said about know there is a prophet in their quence is a great soul on fire for William Carey and not one word midst. a great cause. Our message is the about William Carey’s Christ. A young man preached a ser­ greatest; our cause is the great­ From now on, Mr. Chairman, I mon in his home church and after est. Let us take heart. shall have to ask you to say everything about William Carey’s the service asked his father how Robert Frost said that an author Christ and not one word about he did. The father replied, “Son, writes what he wishes but a poet William Carey.” in preaching, some men stand in writes what he must. Preaching Our labor of love for our dear front of the Cross and some men is the same—one preaches what Lord will cause people to think stand behind it.” Let us stand he must. If the fire of God burns of Jesus as we preach. It will behind the Cross! In no other within, it comes out in power; if also cause us to glorify God and way can there be true preaching. spiritual anemia prevails within, give the credit to Him alone as The purpose of the evangelistic it too comes forth—in puny ser­ people express words of ap­ message, as im plied in the defini­ mons. Frost also observed that preciation. tion of evangelism, is to lead the trouble with much modern 1. Renewing the Spirit of Revival, by Leslie people to Christ. The goal of the poetry is that there is “ no blood Parrott, p. 109.

“Oh! that God would give me the thing which I long for; that before I go hence and am no more seen, I may see a people wholly devoted to God, crucified to the world, and the world crucified to them, a people, truly given up to God in body, soul, and substance. How cheerfully should I then say: “Now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace.” John Wesley

41 STAFF MINISTRIES

INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS OF THE MINISTERING TEAM

by John Clark

Because of the rapid develop­ to know how to function effective­ Affirmation Helps ment of multiple-staff ministries ly. Building the team spirit in­ Another element so important in both large and small churches cludes: in developing successful team many problems have come to the 1. discovering, developing, and ministry is that of affirming one forefront. Some problems exist using spiritual gifts another. Affirmation helps the because of the misunderstanding staff member to know that what 2. defining responsibilities of the team approach to ministry. he or she is doing is valid. Several Others occur when inadequately 3. affirming one another ways in which staff personnel can trained personnel are hired to fill 4. resolving conflicts. affirm each other are: staff positions. One often recur­ The pastor as the key to the 1. Listening attentively—the ring problem claims our attention development of the team spirit awesome power of the listening for this article, however—the must keep in mind that it seldom ear communicates care and problem of interpersonal relation­ develops quickly; time and pa­ worthwhileness; ships among staff personnel. tience are required. 2. Sharing one’s feelings, and When we are able to exercise hopes in an honest and open way; A Biblical Philosophy our God-given spiritual gifts, in­ 3. Helping each other to iden­ of Ministry dividual growth occurs and the tify and capitalize on their strong Successful interpersonal rela­ encouragement of individual points and work on their weak tionships among staff personnel growth is an im portant way to points. must be based upon a biblical build team spirit. This eliminates Resolving Conflicts philosophy of ministry. Paul’s let­ the “errand boy” philosophy that Resolving conflicts that are go­ ter to the Ephesians speaks to us often causes conflicts and frustra­ ing to naturally occur among staff at this point. The team approach tions when staff members are not members is a real test of team is clearly identified: Ephesians using their gifts to achieve church maturity. Conflicts can be positive 4:11-16 states that God gives spe­ objectives. elements of growth if they are cial abilities and gifts to His peo­ dealt with properly. Identifying Clear Job Descriptions ple to do certain things best. The and removing causes of conflict Clarification of staff responsi­ purpose of these abilities and is necessary for the continued bilities is also necessary for a win­ gifts is for the equipping of the growth of the team. Because we ning team spirit. An adequate job saints in order that they (the are human there will be times description which includes an saints) might do the work of min­ of misunderstandings, mistakes, organized summary of the duties istry. A biblical philosophy of staff and failures. These must be dealt and responsibilities is the first ministry then is not the doing of with openly, expressing concern step in identifying and clarifying tasks but rather the growth and and love through informal con­ the position that each staff mem­ development of the people who versations, conferences, and staff ber will fill. Unwritten job descrip­ are to do the tasks. If there is dis­ meetings. tions lead staff personnel to agreement at the point of philoso­ His “gifts unto men” were varied. uncertainties and misunderstand­ phy of ministry, serious problems Some he made his messengers, among staff personnel will arise. ings which produce potential in­ some prophets, some preachers of terpersonal problems. After the gospel; to some he gave the Team Spirit defining and clarifying the job power to guide and teach his peo­ If a basketball team is to have a description, careful attention ple. His gifts were made that Chris­ winning season, teamwork is es­ should be given to insure that the tians might be properly equipped sential. The multiple staff also methods of achieving his as­ for their service . . .' must work as a team if they are to signed objectives are in accor­ 1. From the New Testament in Modern En­ glish, Revised Edition e J. B. Phillips 1958, 1960, enjoy success. The pastor must dance with the staff members’ 1972. By permission of the Macmillan Publish­ take the lead in helping his team God-given gifts. ing Co., Inc. Used by permission.

42 = THEOLOGY =====

GLEAMS of IMMORTALITY Conclusion of the Series on Immortality

by W. B. Walker

Job was deeply concerned about the immortality about the future—he wanted to look on the other of the soul. He finally emerged from his doubt and side of life. There are many about us today who declared, “I know that my redeemer liveth, and that desire to peer into the future. But many seek for in­ he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth” formation from the wrong source. Such passages as (19:25). 1 Sam. 28:7, and many others, prove without a The scripture is the final answer to Job’s question. doubt that the belief in the hereafter was common in We are baffled if we depend on other evidences the ancient world. The inscriptions on the tombs, alone. The Bible is our book of hope. Immortality is and the writings found in the mummy cases show clearly taught in the Scriptures. Let us turn to its that the Egyptians believed in a future existence. sacred pages in time of sorrow and anguish. The Pharisees in the New Testament believed in Through this revelation of God, we can stand beside immortality. The dying thief on the cross was as­ the casket of our loved one and rejoice in the hope sured that he would be with Christ in paradise: “To of a better day. day shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). This passage assures us that where Christ is, there The Old Testament Teachings we shall be also. It speaks strongly of a life beyond Even the language of the Old Testament presup­ the grave and our association with the Lord. poses a future life. Prophet after prophet rejoiced in The apostle Paul says, “ For I am in a strait betwixt this blessed hope. The translation of Enoch and two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; Elijah and the going hence of the saints of that faroff which is far better” (Phil. 1:23). He was between life day reveal the universal belief in a life beyond the and death, and had a strong desire to be with Christ, grave. Abraham sought “a city which hath founda­ but it was better for the Church that he remain. tions, whose builder and maker is God” (Heb. “We know that if our earthly house of this tab­ 11:10). And Moses endured “as seeing him who is ernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, invisible ... for he had respect unto the recompence an house not made with hands, eternal in the of the reward” (Heb. 11:27, 26). heavens” (2 Cor. 5:1), declares Paul the apostle. David peered into the future and declared, “As for This passage teaches us three things: (1) There is a me, I shall behold thy face in righteousness: I shall place being prepared for the saints beyond this life. be satisfied, when I awake in thy likeness” (Ps. (2) The condition of the holy is even better in the 17:15). “Abraham gave up the ghost . . . and was future life. (3) The change for the better takes place gathered unto his people” (Gen. 25:8). And Isaac immediately after death. was also gathered unto his people. “And Jacob Stephen was stoned to death. His face shone as yielded up the ghost, and was gathered unto his the face of an angel. He looked beyond this earthly people” (Gen. 49:33). state and saw Jesus on the right hand of God. He of­ At the death of his son, David said, “But now he is fered prayer for the forgiveness of his murderers. dead, wherefore should I fast? Can I bring him back And then he said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit” again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to (Acts 7:59). me” (2 Sam. 12:23). David expected to go to his On the Mount of Transfiguration, Moses and child in the realm of departed spirits. Elijah appeared with Jesus and the disciples, “And The belief in familiar spirits and the tendency to behold there appeared Moses and Elias, talking consult them was a demonstration of belief in the with him” (Matt. 17:3). These saints had been dead future life. Saul went to the witch of Endor in the time for centuries. They were in the spirit world. Truly of distress and trouble. He was deeply concerned they were conscious. The certainty of the believer is

43 a heaven where rainbows never fade, suns never Demons laughed in hellish glee when He was cruci­ set, babies never cry, and mothers never die. fied. Perdition was all astir because the plan of the ages was seemingly coming to naught: “It is fin­ Because He Lives ished” (John 19:5), He cried. His head fell limp on As a final answer to Job’s ancient question, His breast. “Shall a man live again?” I consider the answer of Our Lord was taken from the Cross on Friday Christ. evening. It was so near the Sabbath that they bor­ Jesus was the Savior of men. He was the fulfill­ rowed a tomb for Him. He was placed in the tomb, ment of all the dreams of the prophets. Patriarchs and the tomb was sealed tightly. The Roman sol­ and kings acknowledge Him as the Savior of the diers guarded the tomb. The third morning dawned world. He is conceded to be the greatest of the and the gray of the east spread itself over the prophets. He had eyes of fire that penetrated into hills and valleys. The light fell upon the soldiers’ the deep things of God. The Master clearly taught spears and shields. There was a rush of pinions and the survival of the soul after death. a shining one approached the tomb and broke the To Christ, that such men as Abraham, Isaac, and governor’s seal as if he cared nothing for his author­ Jacob were mere heaps of dust was incredible and ity. absurd. He declared to one school of thinkers who The angel of God rolled away the stone and sat denied life after death that “God is not the God of down upon it. The Son of God stirred up in His bed, the dead, but of the living” (Matt. 22:32). The Master opened His eyes and came forth from the tomb like entertained no doubts about His resurrection. Jesus one who comes from a pleasant sleep. He stood up­ did not argue—He affirmed. on the brink of the grave and looked into the depths There is not a trace of speculation or conjecture in of it. “O grave, where is thy victory?” (1 Cor. 15:55), His words about the future life. “In my Father’s He cried out. Then as Death fled in terror, “O death, house are many mansions: . . . I go to prepare a where is thy sting?” (1 Cor. 15:55). place for you. ... I will come again, and receive you Lifting up His voice so that it comes ringing across unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” the centuries, even reaching us in our need, He said, (John 14:2-3). There are four things in these two “ Because I live, ye shall live also” (John 14:19). Thus verses that should thrill our souls when we think our immortality is sure. Our Lord left a light burning about the future. (1) That He was going away. (2) in the tomb that all the storms of doubt and time That He was going to prepare a place in the future cannot extinguish. He broke the bars of death for His believing children. (3) That He was coming asunder and left us His guaranty of immortality. back to this world again. (4) That where He is, we shall forever be. Truly the Master states this truth In that land beyond this earthly state Jesus will be with all the calmness and certainty of one who gives heaven’s Morning Star (Rev. 22:16). He will be the expression to an indisputable and demonstrated center around which all the splendors of heaven fact. There is no doubt that Jesus went to the Cross shall revolve. with the firm conviction that after death He would All hail the pow’r of Jesus’ name! live again. Let angels prostrate fall. After the death of Christ and His resurrection, the Bring forth the royal diadem, disciples of Christ went abroad preaching that death And crown Him Lord of all. had lost its sting and that the grave could win no vic­ tory. “Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory” Thank God, He will be there to give life, beauty, (1 Cor. 15:57). Jesus convinced His followers that and glory to all the attractions of the clime! My eyes He was still alive after death, and He was in com­ shall behold Him! I shall hear His tender voice! I munion with them. shall look into His smiling face! In the preaching and teaching of the disciples, the two words that had in them the sweetest music were When my life work is ended, and I cross the “Jesus” and “Resurrection.” So these early dis­ swelling tide, ciples went everywhere proclaiming this blessed When the bright and glorious morning I shall certainty. see, Our Master illustrated the certainty of immortality I shall know my Redeemer when I reach the by His own example. He was crucified by His ene­ other side, mies. He suffered the pain of physical death. And His smile will be the first to welcome me.

“Do not forgive us unless we forgive. Hold back Your pardon if we are to hold back our pardon. If we are carrying bitterness and resentment against other people, O God, do not forgive us.” —Martin Luther

44 THE MINISTER’S MATE

NEW rriJ-llX M E .V T FOR THE PASTOR’S WIFE

by C. S. Calian

Many a pastor’s wife has remained cheerful while ber of families in similar situations is considerable. willingly or grudgingly being victimized as an unpaid Corporate executives have been known to move as servant of the church. She has been cautious and many times as a pastor’s family; both are condi­ cooperative while lonely and frustrated. The rights tioned to a nomadic existence. of women and the rising number of women pastors The women's movement has encouraged more of have brought the pastor’s wife to a new threshold of these frustrated wives of professionals to pursue self-awareness; she no longer harbors guilt for her careers and seek satisfying jobs as part of the an­ needs of personal identity. swer in the midst of dissatisfaction and loneliness. To be the wife of a professional is both satisfying Yet working partners with two careers can also be a and frustrating. There is both status and loneliness new source of frustration if the fundamental under­ in such a situation. It would be instructive and thera­ standings and goals of each party are not based up­ peutic for the wives of professionals in several fields on a common consensus. Liberation involves more to meet and discuss together their woes and pleas- than material security or pursuing a career. Both are sures. Many will be sharing the same conflicts and certainly factors in one’s well-being, but a wife’s problems. So often the wives of clergy feel particu­ liberation (as well as her husband’s) can come only la r exploited. Seen from a broader perspective, when each discovers the quality of relationship they however, her joys and problems are shared by a wish to have with each other. wider circle of wives married to professionals. For The primary relationship of a wife to her husband example, Dr. James L. Evans of the Institute of Liv­ and a husband to his wife needs to be under con­ ing in Hartford, Conn., has indicated that wives of stant review. Nothing should be taken for granted. medical doctors are often deeply troubled. The tendency of most partners married to profes­ The same phenomena can be observed among sionals is to blame the profession for the dissatis­ the wives of business executives. The Wall Street factions that might later result in the breakup of the Journal, in several lead stories, underlines the fact marriage relationship. This is true for the wives of that wives of executives pay a heavy price for their many clergymen who often feel victimized by their husbands’ success. Take, for instance, the case of husbands’ profession. In London, the wife of an the executive living in a comfortable home with Anglican clergyman is reported to have said that three children, two cars, but a bitterly unhappy mar­ “clergymen should be celibates because being mar­ riage. As their income grew, his hours away from ried to one is a lousy job.” According to her, she home increased. The wife is suffering from deep- had married seven years earlier with the high- rooted emotional dissatisfaction, and her husband minded vision of working with her husband in a is the victim of sheer exhaustion from long hours great venture. “But here I am, surrounded by four and worry about his job. According to Allied Van children, tied to the house, expected to turn up at Lines, who move many executives around, the num­ every cat hanging, and feeling like a widow as my

The tendency of most partners married to professionals is to blame the profession for the frustrations and marriage-wrecking tensions they experi­ ence.

45 husband is always on duty.” She goes on to say that 1958. He is a brilliant man, and I know we could have “I resent also the double standards maintained in lived much better if he had chosen any other profes­ the parish. A clergy wife is expected to run the con­ sion. ventional things, turn up at church and every other Please give a word of encouragement. —Losing Heart1 connected social affair, whatever her domestic cir­ cumstances may be. One receives no encourage­ Ann Landers was not able to help “ Losing Heart.” ment for managing it, but plenty of blame when one The famed columnist hoped some other pastor’s does not. I also resent the fact that I have to be my­ wife who had worked through a similar situation self, self-consciously. I resent the basic idea that would respond. A few months later, Ann Landers somehow we are different. Clergymen ought to be printed a response to “Losing Heart” from another celibate because no decent, right-minded man pastor’s wife of 20 years’ experience. ought to have the effrontery to ask any woman to Dear Losing Heart: take on a lousy job. It is thoroughly unchristian.” When I married I was determined to be the most uni­ I wonder how many wives of clergymen would to versally loved minister’s wife in the world. I soon some degree echo her sentiments. learned it was impossible. Another case is found in a letter sent to Ann I tried playing the role of Fashion Queen. The criti­ Landers from an unhappy pastor’s wife. cism was scathing. I then tried dressing more conserva­ Dear Ann Landers: tively, and was carped at for looking “down at the I have written you dozens of letters and torn them all heels.” When I ran myself ragged with committee work I up, but 1 promised myself that this letter is going into was accused of trying to be “the center of everything,” the mailbox. I am a pastor’s wife who is sick of the de­ so I cut back on community work and did very little. I

Insofar as she conceives of her role as a minister’s wife as being something ‘extra’ or more than her primary relationship of fulfilling or complementing her Hire’s partner, she is likely to face disappointment and unhappiness.

mands made on me and my family. There are approxi­ was then hauled up short for my indifference—even mately 500 members in my husband’s congregation called “snooty.” and approximately 500 ideas on how a pastor’s family My first three years as a pastor’s wife were night­ should live. marish. I felt as if I had failed miserably and was on the My husband puts in at least 70 hours a week, yet verge of a nervous breakdown. It took a lot of nerve but there is never a free evening just for us. We must visit I decided to talk over my problems with another pas­ the sick, visit the bereaved, visit the couple who had a tor’s wife, one who was handling her life beautifully. new baby, visit the old woman who fell down and broke She set me straight. Her advice was: “Stop trying to her hip. play a role. Be yourself. The person who tries to please The phone rings in the middle of the night. Mrs. So- everyone pleases no one.” and-So’s husband is an alcoholic and he hasn’t been Now I dress to please myself and my husband. seen since 3:30 p.m. A widow is worried about her teen­ I never pour at teas or serve on committees unless I truly want to. If a cause doesn’t appeal to me I don’t be­ age son. He took the car without permission and she is sure he is dead in a ditch. A hysterical neighbor phones come involved. I’m so busy with activities that do inspire to say her daughter has locked herself in the bathroom me that I no longer feel guilty if I don’t give a piece of and is threatening suicide. myself to everything. My husband is still overworked, but I’ve learned how Yesterday my husband received a letter criticizing to make our time together count. You can be sure I’m the dress I wore Sunday. It was too short. I am expected not the most popular pastor’s wife in the world, but I to serve on all sorts of committees. It is assumed that I now have a genuine sense of joy and fulfillment. I would will pour tea and stand in the receiving line of every not change places with any woman I know. civic and social affair. Some nights I think my feet will —Columbus, O.2 fall off. What had the experienced pastor’s wife, Colum­ When I married my husband, I wanted to help him bus, O., learned? What enabled Columbus, O., to be serve God, but in the 18 years he has been in the m in­ istry I haven’t seen even one life changed because of herself? An underlying assumption in a working our efforts. marriage partnership should be the mutual desire I hope you won’t think I’m mercenary, Ann, but I bit­ on the part of each partner to help the other to be terly resent the fact that we will never own our own herself or himself. This goal should prevail in the re­ home and we will always have to scrimp to make ends lationship (and for that matter within the family) in meet. The cost of living has skyrocketed in the past 10 order to create an atmosphere in which each seeks years, but my husband’s salary is the same as it was in to fulfill and complement the spouse.

46 Freedom and Leashes renewing their efforts at communication, either Sexual distinctions between male and female directly together, or, when necessary, with the help symbolize the interdependence that exists between of a counselor. Only in a secondary way does the the sexes. A similar interdependence exists theo­ problem lie with one’s profession or career. In the logically between mankind and God. An individual’s long run, the couple must find their balance, the ful­ awareness of independence is in direct ratio to his filling or complementing of each other in a satisfying or her awareness of dependence. This is another way, if their marriage is to be a rewarding experi­ way of saying that none of us is perfectly free. Free­ ence. dom must be seen within the context of relation­ ships. The old warning to a groom during the wed­ But What About Preachers’ Wives? ding rehearsal that he is about to lose his freedom From this perspective, how should we look at the simply isn’t the case. In a healthy marriage, partners role of a minister’s wife? Is there something “extra” don’t lose their freedom but actually extend free­ asked of her? It is my contention that insofar as dom. she conceives of her role as a m inister’s wife as Most human beings at birth symbolically are given being something “extra” or more than her primary a “dog tag” by the hospital attendants. This dog tag relationship of fulfilling or complementing her life’s identifies the infant and links the baby to the par­ partner, she is likely to face disappointment and ents. For some years the parents hold the leash. In unhappiness. She will be under constant anxiety marriage the individual makes the choice with an­ and tension, giving her attention to secondary tasks, other person, causing the parents to release their which divert her from being herself in those rela­ leashes, thus enabling the couple to tie their separ­ tionships where she chooses to spend her time and ate leashes together. This gives the couple a wider energies. It is at this point that the couple must have span, a larger radius of coverage than the single honest communication with each other, if maximum leash either of them possessed prior to marriage. freedom and fulfillment is to be realized by each In a mutually growing relationship, one actually of them. This whole process becomes even more extends and widens movements and freedom rather complicated when the entire family is taken into than curtailing them. However, none of us is free of consideration. Reassessment of every situation “dog tags” or “leashes.” Our freedom always has and each relationship must go on regularly. strings (or some kind of relationship) attached to it. When the couple and their children understand We have some choice as to the relationship (the each other, then the forces of society and the con­ strings), but no viable choice to think of ourselves gregation will not persuade them to jump to half as nonrelational entities. We all live with relational a dozen tunes of public opinion, never satisfying limitations, though admittedly our capacity and po­ any of them. To reach this understanding, the tential within any relationship are never fully re­ pastor’s wife may find herself to be the necessary alized. catalyst who takes the initiative and expresses her Our freedom (our radius), then, is the measure of freedom in order to get the process of open con­ movement from our base. Is our base (our relational versation started at home. As she creatively works ties) providing us maximum movement, or are we out her own lines of interdependence, she will getting tied up into knots and shortening our po­ experience a measure of freedom without guilt, no tential distance of movement? In a healthy mar­ longer seeing herself as the proverbial victimized riage, tying oneself with another person, becoming wife of a pastor and his congregation. Her initiative an extended radius, hopefully enables each partner will also enable her husband to work out his lines of that relationship to know greater freedom and of interdependence, enabling him to be set free as thereby to be enriched. well, no longer tempted to sacrifice his wife to the church’s program. Marriage represents, perhaps better than any other expression of communal living, the fact that Within this context, it becomes clear that most no individual is an island. To be a person is to un­ of our conversation regarding a pastor’s wife is derstand oneself as a communal being, with an es­ carried on at a superficial level. Most discussions sential will to community. There is this constant and materials written on the minister’s wife attempt need for fulfillment and completeness which every to ascertain in some quantitative way her relation­ couple should seek to work out together. The goal ship to the congregation. Such an approach often of the couple is the mutual fulfillment of each other. sees the minister’s wife as a de facto “assistant In practice, this will result in trade-offs and compro­ pastor” to the congregation or as the “professional mises within a context of love. Witnessing maximum lay worker” in the life of the church and com­ completeness of one’s mate will bring fulfillment munity. However, the question is not really a matter and satisfaction to each partner. of degree at all, but rather a qualitative matter of relationship; how much or how little she should be Successful marriages are experiments seeking a involved in the church’s life is not significant. She creative balance at precisely this point. Where the has a choice in her primary relationships. Any addi­ balance is not always maintained, as in the case of tional involvement outside the circle of her primary many busy professionals, disturbances and doubts set in. The problem basically lies with the couple in (Continued on page 57)

47 THE MINISTER’S PERSONAL GROWTH THE DEVOTIONAL

God created man with the ca­ the blood of Jesus) to let us know pacity to live in holy love and LIFE that we can come to Him at any­ holy fellowship with his Creator. time, from anywhere, about any­ However, God’s masterpiece thing. soon became His disasterpiece. OF A When we come into His pres­ The shattering of this divine im­ ence, He drops everything, as if age did not destroy man’s desire He did not have anything more to return to his original estate of important to do than listen to us. holy love and fellowship with the MINISTER He hangs on to every word, as if Divine. In other words, man was what we are saying is the most made by God and for God—and significant information He has man is too big to be satisfied with by had a chance to listen to in a cen­ anything less than being devoted tury of time. He then designs an to God. Mendell Taylor answer with our initials mono- Devotion is related to the act gram m ed on it, to let us know that of dedication. What we are dedi­ this answer would not fit anyone cated to, we will be devoted to; else. It is customized to our need and what we are devoted to, will and situation. be the object of our devotion. The he can behold the Infinite even He assures us that we cannot object of our devotion is related though he is finite; he can partici­ wear out our welcome with Him. to what we worship; and we ex­ pate in the eternal even though he He is not like some of our “ so- press our worship by being de­ is surrounded by the temporal; he called” friends. When they hear vout. All of these words form a can be associated with the trans­ a car door slam in front of their chain which is linked to the re­ cendent even though he is exist­ house, they peek between the ligious aspect of man’s being. ing in the mundane. This means Venetian blinds to see who is One of the literal meanings of that when we look above we are coming up the walk. When they the Greek word for man (anthro- not confronted with a terrifying recognize who it is, they sigh pos) is “upward reaching being.” void, or an infinite blank; but we “Oh, there they are again. Anoth­ As long as man reaches up to can behold the face of a Heaven­ er evening shot.” It is not that way and is devoted to that which is ly Father who cares, who knows, with the Lord. The more often we divine, he will find happiness; but who understands. come, the better He likes it, and if he allows himself to reach This Heavenly Father is so anx­ the longer we stay, the more downward to that which is devil­ ious for us to keep in touch with pleased He is. ish, he will find debasement and Him that He sets up the spiritual Again, He is so anxious to keep despair. If he strives for that communication so we can get in in touch with us, that He gives which is angelic, he will discover contact with Him in split-second each of us a different voice box satisfaction; but if he allows him­ timing. I like to think of this in­ and voice quality. Because of this self to drift to the animalistic, he stant communication system as arrangement, he knows each of will soon become satiated. If transistor-like. That is, the mo­ us by voice. Thus, when we come man rises to his capacity of hav­ ment we flick the switch of prayer into His presence, we do not have ing his body become the temple we have full-volume reception to start by saying: “Do you re­ of the Holy Spirit, he will know from the throne of grace. member me Lord?” The only the thrill of fulfillment; but if he At the same time, He is so anx­ identification we need is the caters to his base desires, his ious for us to keep in touch with sound of our voice—He knows us body will become a tavern and Him, that we do not have to go that intimately. he will be a victim of frustration. through a battery of secretaries Finally, He is so anxious to keep When man expresses his devo­ to get an appointment with Him. in touch with us, that He gives tion in the direction of these posi­ Instead, He has rolled out the red each of us an assigned frequency tive features, he discovers that carpet of welcome (dyed red by on the divine wave-length, so we

48 can have a “hot line” from our wave-lengths, there are various have been put into operation so heart to His listening ear. In the assigned frequencies. The Lord we can have a wonderful devo­ regular communication world we has worked it out so that in the tional life—we can keep in con­ have short wave-lengths, A.M. spiritual world, His divine wave­ stant contact with Him, and He wave-lengths, F.M. wave-lengths, length has the possibility of an can get in touch with us by in­ and T.V. wave-lengths. All of infinite number of assigned fre­ stant communication. The major these can be operating at the quencies. This makes it possible question is: Will we make the same time, but none of them for each of us to have a private, most of our devotional opportu­ spoil the others because they person-to-person “hot line” to nities, or will we take them for are in different levels of recep­ the throne of grace. granted and leave them unused tion. Inside the structure of these All of these prayer benefits and undeveloped?

PREACHING AND CHURCH GROWTH (Continued from page 34) Because biblically the salvation of souls is the highest If preaching has declined, it is due in large mea­ priority, the primary concern of the church is the com­ sure to the abnegation by the minister of his primary munication of the Gospel. Effective communication task. Paul Benjamin laments: results in church growth. This primary concern is often While the kingdom languishes for want of dynamic forgotten in the pursuit of sound but secondary objec­ leadership a prophetic race has been reduced to tives and interest.6 “hewers of wood and drawers of water” for the con­ Preacher, take heed! Church growth methods gregation.10 offer no escape from the arduous task of sermon The biblical role of the preaching ministry must preparation. On the contrary, the demand for ef­ be restored. At the same time, the people in the fective preaching is heightened as the church pews must be freed to become the ministers of becomes more deeply aware of her calling and Jesus Christ which God has always intended. A opportunity. congregation alert to the principles for church In this age of scientific specialization we have al­ growth and aware of their spiritual gifts will begin most come to the point where a different doctor is to share more and more of the tasks of ministry required to examine each eye. The question comes, essential to the life and growth of the body, freeing who can put man back together again? Who can see the preacher for the task that is uniquely his— him as a whole person who lives, loves, sins, and preaching the Word. Through their involvement, dies? Colin Morris answers these questions, “I they are confronted with the needs of others and would contend that it is the preacher and only the challenged to respond with the hope of the gospel. preacher who addresses Man in his wholeness, the Such laymen will come to hear the Word with keen totality of his being.”7 Through the Living Word the appetites, listening ears, and expectant faith. Woe preacher proclaims truths that are timeless, yet be unto the preacher who offers them froth or straw! apply personally to any man, anywhere, at any time. Implementing the principles of analysis through The redemptive work of Christ becomes present church growth methods is not a miracle drug, some reality. His cross and His resurrection loom out of kind of cure-all for the problems of the church. One the past, confronting the hearer, demanding decis­ must take care not to confuse the symptoms with ion. the disease, the diagnosis with the cure. Analysis Church growth science offers a tool for analyzing is not intended as a substitute for biblical preaching, the accomplishments, organization, and environ­ but does provide a clear view for the direction of ment of the church. The church needs to know the church. New methods are not a refuge for the herself and her community. But it is the Holy Spirit, lazy or careless preacher, but they do offer tools moving through the Word, that brings plans to life, for increased effectiveness. Biblical preaching has empowers for growth and service, and makes the been, is, and will be central to the dynamic life of church, The Church! the church. Church growth principles offer challenge and 1. Paul Orjala. Gel Ready to Grow (Kansas City: Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City, 1978), p. 15. mobilization of the laity, freeing the preacher for 2. Jam es B. C hapm an, The Preaching Ministry (Kansas City: Beacon his primary task. Many question the validity of Hill Press, 1947), p. 74. 3. O rjala, p. 23. preaching in our day. As Neil Wiseman puts it, 4. C hapm an, p. 19, “Preaching is in trouble. Even her best friends won­ 5. From the New American Standard Bible, copyright © The Lockman Foundation, 1960, 1962, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975. Used by permis­ der if she is critically ill or perhaps even dead.” 8 If sion. this is true, then Colin M orris’s observation is in 6. Church Growth Bulletin, January, 1971, Vol. 7, No. 3, p. 117. order: 7. Colin M orris, The Word and the Words (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1975), p. 25. Yet if preaching is finished then so is the Church, for 8. Neil B. W isem an, Biblical Preaching for Contemporary Man (Kansas preaching founded it, carried it to the far corners of City: Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City, 1976), p. 136. 9. M orris, p. 26. the earth and has sustained it in existence, battered, 10. Paul B enjam in, The Equipping Ministry (Cincinnati: Standard Pub­ diminished and humbled as it may be, to this day.9 lishing, 1978), p. 5.

49 = WESLEYANA =

John Wesley and Romance

by Donald Metz

John Wesley mastered several languages. His On August of 1748, Wesley became ill at Newcastle. knowledge of Hebrew and Greek enabled him to Grace Murray, a widow 13 years younger than Wes­ write concise commentaries on the Old and New ley, nursed him through his illness. By the time he Testaments. When the situation demanded it, he had recovered his health he had lost his heart to the preached in German, Italian, or French. On occasion charming Methodist widow. He proposed marriage he prayed publicly in Spanish. He wrote to his and was accepted. brother Charles in Latin—when he wanted the let­ But the romance was interrupted dramatically ter’s contents to be secret. But Wesley never when Grace impulsively promised to marry John learned the language of romantic love. Bennett, a popular and handsome Methodist At 33 Wesley fell in love with a beautiful 18-year- preacher. Wesley persuaded her to reconsider, old girl in Georgia. Albert Outler described the which she did. Many Methodists openly opposed romance as a preposterous and pitiful affair. John’s the marriage, especially Charles Wesley. Under idea of a thrilling afternoon was to study French intense pressure from Charles, Mrs. Murray finally with Sophia Hopkey and read to her from William agreed to marry John Bennett—and did so. Wesley Law’s A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life. was again denied the comfort and solace of a loving In October of 1736, General Oglethorpe arranged wife. for Sophia and Wesley to travel together by boat Wesley’s third experience was more than tragic from Frederica to Savannah. If ever the setting was —it was a disaster. Early in 1751, Wesley married encouraging for romance, it came during an over­ Mrs. Vazeille, the widow of a wealthy London mer­ night stop when the party made camp. The dark chant. Mrs. Vazeille’s name does not appear in woods, the brilliant moonlight, the silent stars, the Wesley’s Journal until he records the fact of his gentle whisper of the flowing river, and the flickering marriage. She had nursed Wesley through an ill­ firelight formed a backdrop perfect for a proposal ness. Apparently Wesley found it difficult to avoid of marriage. Wesley almost made it when he said proposing to ladies who nursed him with sympathy to Sophia: “I should think myself very happy if I and care. was to spend my life with you.” But her coy reply The marriage was a mismatch. Wesley’s reason checked further amorous dialogue and Wesley for getting married would hardly kindle romantic hastily closed the conversation by reading a psalm! fires, for he wrote on February 2, 1751: “I now fully Back in Savannah, Wesley agonized between his believed that in my present circumstances I might growing affection for Sophia and his inability to be more useful in a married state; into which, upon come to a decision. Wesley decided to transfer the this clear conviction, and by the advice of my responsibility to God by drawing lots. He met with friends, I entered a few days later.” two friends, Benjamin Ingham and Charles Dela- Wesley was 48 years of age when he married. He motte to prepare three lots. On the first was written had no intention of allowing marriage to interfere “marry,” on the second “think not of it this year,” with the routine of his itinerant ministry. A few weeks and on the third “think of it no more.” After earnest after his marriage he wrote that he could not under­ prayer Delamotte selected a piece of paper with a stand “how a Methodist preacher can answer to shaking hand and read “think of it no more.” God to preach one sermon or travel one day less Sophia helped to resolve the matter by eloping in a married state than in a single state.” Mrs. with William Williamson, a newcomer to Georgia. Wesley’s temperament could not tolerate such A short time later Wesley refused to serve Sophia rigorous dedication. She hated to travel. Her choice Communion in a public service on the basis of an was between loneliness and constant moving about. ecclesiastical technicality. On August 8, 1737, a She resented Wesley’s attention to the spiritual warrant was issued demanding that Wesley stand needs of women. In January of 1771 Mrs. Wesley trial for defamation of character. Savannah was in departed from Wesley’s home. They were never an uproar. The trial dragged on for months without reconciled. a verdict. Finally, on December 2, 1737, Wesley At the age of five, Wesley learned the letters of fled under cover of darkness and began his painful the alphabet in one day. But in an entire lifetime he journey to England. never learned the alphabet of romantic love. But Wesley’s second romantic venture was, in many even a spiritual genius should be permitted one ways, a repetition of his first humiliating experience. flaw in the grammar of life.

50 This article appeared in the “Preacher’s Magazine” as an editorial 22 years ago— its message is real now as it was in 1956.

UNTHANKFUL THANKSGIVING

by Lauriston J. Du Bois, past editor of the Preacher’s Magazine

It is scramble time! Time to try to whip together and who were not sharing in the national bounties the annual Thanksgiving message! Perhaps it is for about which I was boasting. the Union Thanksgiving service in the community; My problem is this. If I say I can thank God for perhaps it is for the local congregation. But Novem­ enough money for my needs, I imply that the person ber is the time (early October for Canadians), and who does not have enough money for food for his it is such a well-established holiday that the preach­ family has a perfect right to curse God. If it is er can hardly ignore it, even though he would like proper for us to thank God profusely for the bounti­ to. There is the escape of preaching on missions ful harvest and overflowing grain bins then it is and the Thanksgiving Offering that Sunday, or there right and proper for the two-thirds of the earth’s is the strategy of trying to completely spiritualize population who go to bed hungry every night to the concept, so as to avoid the deadening implica­ blame God for their plight. If I can get blessed tions of preaching about Thanksgiving as such. thanking God for my two hands, then it is proper for Let’s face it. Or rather, let’s confess it: Thanks­ the lad who has no hands to despair that God has giving sermons are a dime a dozen, but Thanksgiv­ forsaken him. If I say that God has given me health ing messages are priceless. They are about as this year, then what can the crippled man dragging difficult as any special-day message to find and himself along the street on his crutches say? Actual­ harder than any to preach. Give me Christmas or ly, the wrong fellow in a Thanksgiving service can Easter or Mother’s Day or Labor Day or Straw Hat ruin the service and choke the preacher nearly to Day any year, and I’ll let you have Thanksgiving. death! We saw it during the war. Thanksgiving ser­ Perhaps this is a phobia of mine which I should not vices were poor affairs then, for we were stripped press upon my readers. Maybe I’ve just missed it. of the pleasant circumstances around which we so Maybe you like to preach at Thanksgiving time. If habitually build these festive services. so, forgive me and turn to the sermon outline sec­ Don’t misunderstand me. I’m realiy not a pessi­ tion and pass this up. mist—I think. But it seems to me, if we grasp the But for those who feel somewhat as I do, here’s real significance of Thanksgiving we are going to the plight I’m in. I need some help in getting my dig a lot deeper than we have in the past. It’s like Thanksgiving message this year. the little motto which struck me so forcibly years It really began to crystallize a year ago. I was ago and which has pestered me ever since: “I cried asked to speak at Thanksgiving services in a high because I had no shoes, and then I met a man who school and in a union church service. I began to had no feet.” Or put it this way: “I cried because list the things for which I was thankful, so I could I did not have a simple ‘necessity’ of life and would tell the folks about it. I listed a free nation, absence have blamed God if I could have done so and not of a hot war, the largest national income in history, been seen by my neighbors. And then I saw a man a measure of personal health, a fair job, a wonder­ who had so much less than I and he seemed to have ful family, etc., etc., etc. But the list went dead on a smile on his face.” me, for my mind would not concentrate on the A year ago I visited a man in the hospital. He had beautiful gadgets and gimmicks which surround been on his bed for 31 years. At that he was com­ me. All it would do was remind me of those who paratively young. As he visited with us he gasped did not have the personal blessings I was listing (Continued on page 57)

51 HOLINESS HERITAGE

WESLEY ON MIRACLES

by Donald D. Wood

“I acknowledge that I have seen with my eyes, for them,” because all the world was become Chris­ and heard with my ears, several things which, to tians. This is a miserable mistake; not a twentieth the best of my judgment, cannot be accounted for part of it was then nominally Christian. The real by the ordinary course of natural causes; and which cause was “the love of many,” almost of all Chris­ I therefore believe ought to be ‘ascribed to the ex­ tians, so called, was “waxed cold.” The Christian had no more of the Spirit of Christ than the other traordinary interposition of God.’” 1 Heathens.3 A wall with several people sitting upon it fell as Again he writes regarding the Montanists’ “ex­ Wesley was preaching, yet no one was injured. He cesses.” and his Methodists were delivered from mobs when I was fully convinced of what I had long suspected, violence to their persons was expected. Wesley’s 1. That the Montanists, in the second and third horse was instantly healed the moment Wesley centuries, were real, scriptural Christians; and 2. prayed for it. Wesley cried out to God for strength That the grand reason why the miraculous gifts were while preaching, and God restored his strength and so soon withdrawn, was not only that faith and holi­ voice that he might continue. A Mr. Lunnell re­ ness were well-nigh lost; but that dry, formal, ortho­ covered from fever at once upon seeing Wesley. dox men began even then to ridicule whatever gifts Ann Calcut, speechless for some time, had her they had not themselves, and to decry them as either speech restored as prayer was made. madness or imposture.4 John Wesley believed God worked miracles in Mr. Wesley had no doubt that a paucity of mira­ his own day. The God of Peter and John yet healed, cles indicated a deficiency of faith and practice cast out tormenting demons, and, miracle of mira­ more than a different method of God’s ways among cles, delivered gross sinners from their bondage. men. Miracles are not man’s to command, yet God God exercised His sovereign will not because of honors faith and consecration to the divine will. Wesley, but because He so desired and people How shall miracles be judged as such? Wesley believed. “I do not pretend to any extraordinary writes, “Observe, that the truth of these facts is measure of the Spirit. I pretend to no other measure supported by the same kind of proof, as that of all of it than may be claimed by every Christian Minis­ other facts is wont to be, namely, the testimony of ter.” 2 In these words, Wesley discounts any personal competent witnesses.”5 In noting his own healing power to work miracles; he takes the station of while preaching, Wesley mentions that about two humility. However, he was not so fearful of his hundred saw him receive his voice again, change critics as to deny that God could and, in fact, did his posture and show no more signs of sickness. work signs and wonders in Wesley’s presence. Precisely how God did it, Wesley knew not; but that In his sermon “The More Excellent Way,” Wesley God did it, he doubted not. answered those who asked why the extraordinary Do miracles prove to unbelievers that God is at gifts of the Spirit seemed to vanish, or at the least, work or that they must needs be converted? No. severely diminish after two or three centuries. His Even if there be “real and undoubted” miracles, reply: “all this would not force them to believe; but many The cause of this was not, (as has been vulgarly would still stand just where they did before; seeing supposed,) “ because there was no more occasion men may ‘harden their hearts’ against miracles, as

52 well as against arguments.”6 Pharaoh to Pharisees low after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but saw the deed but refused the creed. rather that ye may prophesy” (1 Cor. 14:1). Do miracles confirm one’s call? Only the miracle 1. Wesley’s Works (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan Publishing Co., of preaching indicates forcefully that one is called 14 vols.) VIII, p. 460. 2. Wesley's Works, Vol. X, p. 125. of God. For Wesley, preaching is the great miracle 3. Wesley's Works, Vol. VII, p. 27. that God employs to convert the unbeliever. The 4. Wesley's Works, Vol. II, p. 204. 5. Wesley's Works, Vol. VIII, p. 460. success of the gospel is that which “will bear the 6. Ibid., p. 462. infallible test,—the trial of the written word.”7 “Fol­ 7. Ibid., p. 468.

... Acts 15:6-11 (2) God’s answer is found in His gift of the Holy (Continued from page 32) Spirit (7b-Q). (3) The “cleansing of the heart” is the only ade­ declares the full freedom of the gospel. Interpreted quate solution (9). is the significance of the Pentecost-like miracle of This means that . . . the gift of the Holy Spirit to the Roman centurion (10:1), the Gentile Cornelius, for the saving nature of God gives us the Holy Spirit to cleanse us to faith— the gospel. (1) A cleansing from all reliance on human worth The gift of the Holy Spirit, “cleansing their hearts in salvation; by faith” (9), is a cleansing from all subtle legalisms. (2) A cleansing to a dependence on Christ alone This assures, first of all, that the gospel is for all men for divine acceptance. alike on the same one basis, that of faith alone. It God gives us the Holy Spirit to cleanse us to grace— assures, second, that this salvation is supremely (1) A cleansing from all reliance on human one of grace alone, and that therefore the Spirit strength in discipleship; comes to the human heart to cleanse it all the way (2) A cleansing to a sole dependence on the Spir­ to grace. The Christian disciple can live utterly out it for holy living. of the grace of God because of the activity and pres­ ence of the Holy Spirit. This is the radically liberating Conclusion gospel that Luke is proclaiming. The Holy Spirit is present to continually cleanse us from all legalistic bondage to ourselves, freeing Ill us by faith to serve God in the full liberty of the gospel of grace. The Life-Response Question: How Does Our Text Apply to Contemporary Life? 1. The Preacher's Magazine, 53, 1 (January-February 1978), pp. 30ff. 1. What DotHear?9 2. Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture is from the New American Standard Bible, copyright The Lockman Foundation, 1960, 1962, 1968, The God of the gospel of Jesus Christ meets me 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975. Used by permission. as sheer grace, granting me the privilege of relating 3. F. F. Bruce, Commentary on the Book of Acts, The New International to Him in simple faith, and providing me with the Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1955), pp. 21-23. possibility of living daily in the cleansing flow of the 4. Bruce, p. 13. risen life of His Son in the Spirit. 5. Ernst Haenchen, The Acts of the Apostles, a Commentary, trans. Bernard Noble and Gerald Shinn (Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, 2. What Do I Proclaim?—A Sermon: 1971), p. 461. 6. Compare Luke 5:4-5 (1-5), 6-7, and 8-11 with Acts 15:6-7a (1 -7a), The Cleansing of the Heart 6-9, and 10-11. Introduction 7. Haenchen, p. 445. ■ 8. Bruce, p. 307. (1) The crucial issue in salvation is that of law and 9. See the suggested subquestions in the Preacher's Magazine, 53, 1 grace (1-7a). (January-February, 1978), p. 33.

Because half-a-dozen grasshoppers [crickets] under a fern make the field ring with their importunate chink, whilst thousands of great cattle, reposed beneath the shadow of the British oak, chew the cud and are silent, pray do not imagine that those who make the noise are the only inhabi­ tants of the field; that of course they are many in number; or that, after all, they are other than the little shrivelled, meagre, hopping, though loud and troublesome insects of the hour. —Edmund Burke

53 SERMON CRAFT

by C. Neil Strait

A Thought from the Prodigal Son kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice The story of the prodigal son has had its share and envy, being hated and hating one another. But of sermon mileage, but I pass this thought along to when the kindness and love of God our Savior ap­ add to the material. peared, he saved us” (3:3-5). In Luke 15:12 we have the revelation of the prob­ 2. A summary of conversion (vv. 4-7): “He saved lem in the words “give me.”* In 15:17, the phrase us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by “When he came to his senses” gives us the realiza­ the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us gener­ tion of the problem. And in 15:19 two words, “make ously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, me” show the resolution of the problem. having been justified by his grace, we might be­ come heirs having the hope of eternal life” (3:5-7). 3. A stress on our commitment is expressed in The Lost Brother the sentence: “I want you to stress th^se things, so The other brother in the story of the prodigal that those who have trusted in God may be careful son can also be thought of as “the lost son.” Here to devote themselves to doing what is good” (v. 8). are reasons why I feel it so. (1) He had no place in his life for his brother. His words betrayed him, for as he talked to his father about his son, he refused to acknowledge him as his brother, but A Thought from Maclaren instead said: “this son of yours” (Luke 15:30). (2) Somewhere I picked up this thought from Andrew He did not have sufficient place in his life for his Maclaren concerning “The Testing Fire” in 1 Cor. father. His phrase, “I’ve been slaving for you” (v. 3: 10-15. Here is the suggested outline: 29) shows how he viewed his relationship with the 1. The patchwork structure suggested by the father. (3) If you don’t have place for others, and words “wood, hay or straw” (v. 12). for God (the father in this story), then self never 2. The testing fire, “His work will be shown for fits either. Hence, lostness. what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each m an’s w ork” (v. 13). An Example 3. The fate of the two builders, “If what he has In Paul’s letter to Titus there are three admoni­ built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is tions that speak to us about example. burned up, he will suffer loss” (vv. 14-15). In 2:3, Paul admonishes, “ Teach what is good.” It is all a reminder to us that “ no one can lay any In 2:6, he instructs Titus to “encourage the young foundation other than the one already laid, which is men to be self-controlled.” Jesus Christ” (3:11). In 2:7, he states “In everything set them an ex­ ample by doing what is good.” These three phrases point up the important responsibilities surrounding the call of God and Give Them God service for Him. E. Stanley Jones made an impressive point when he said: “Anything less than God will let you down.” And he went on to reason that the cause of the letdown was that “anything less than God” is not The Way We Were rooted in eternal reality. It has a built-in failure In Titus 3:1-8, Paul takes his reader back into (Abundant Living, p. 39). the past for a look at their living before Christ, and then challenges them with the “newness” of life in The point all of this raises is that in our preaching, Christ. Here is a possible outline of the context: we can afford to give our people nothing less than God. For anything less than this will let them down. 1. A study of contrasts (3:1-3), expressed espe­ cially in these words: “At one time we too were •All scripture from the New International Version, © 1973, by the New foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all York Bible Society International. Used by permission.

54 SERMON OUTLINES Featuring the sermon-crafting of Paul S. Rees

THE MAJESTY AND MERCY OF GOD room. Charles Lamb, a member of the group, said Text: "For thus saith the high and lofty One that this: “If Shakespeare were to enter this room, I inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in should rise up to do him honor; but if Jesus Christ the high and holy place, with him also that is of a were to enter, I should fall down and give Him contrite and humble spirit” (Isa. 57:15). w orship.” The greatness of Jesus is throbbingly human and Introduction: How do you think of God? Most thrillingly divine. It is the crown of all greatness, and people today believe in God’s existence. The He­ therefore we call Him Lord. brews of the Old Testament had very little concern Christ wears a crown of Lordship in: about the existence of God. They took that for granted. Their concern was, as ours should be, I. HIS REVELATION OF TRUTH with the ch aracter and the activities of God. A. Jesus was authority (Matt. 7:28, 29) I. THE MAJESTY OF GOD B. He gave directions A. His loftiness C. He offered insights 1. God is beside us, within us, and above us D. He pronounced enduring principles 2. He stands above nature and humanity II. HIS REDEMPTION BY ATONEMENT B. His unchangeableness A. Man’s sin created a barrier 1. Transcender of time B. “The Lord’s death” broke the barrier 2. Transcenderof space C. His holiness III. HIS RITUAL OF REMEMBRANCE 1. “Thing-mad” culture A. The Lord’s Supper (1 Cor. 11:20) 2. Isaiah was shaken (6:5) B. The Lord’s Day (Rev. 1:10) II. THE MERCY OF GOD IV. HIS RULE OVER LIFE A. Two thrones—highest heaven, lowliest heart A. We are His servants B. Mercy on conditions B. Have you yielded complete lordship? C. Mercy has consequences D. Mer«y is solemn V. HIS RETURN IN GLORY A. The Lord himself shall descend III. THE MYSTERY OF GOD B. The Church and citizenship responsibilities A. High and lofty Infinite One, and lowly Intimate One Conclusion: The “Stranger” will speak once more. B. Not infinite Conflict, but infinite Harmony He spoke at Calvary—in love and judgment. He won at Calvary—the victory over the entire empire of Conclusion: The crown of God’s mercy is the evil. But He is coming again to finalize that victory, pardoning of our guilt and the cleansing of our to put into effect that judgment, to establish His hearts. But men are in danger of the wrath of God kingdom of righteousness and peace. at the very moment they are offered His mercy. And if they permanently refuse that mercy, they are permanently cut off in God’s judgment of love. God has acted in Christ to bring us back from aliena­ THE FIFTH FREEDOM tion and loneliness to fellowship in His kingdom. Text: “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye The question is: have we acted, responsively and shall be free indeed” (John 8:36). decisively, to let Him be God in us? If we haven’t, Introduction: Freedom of speech and expression, this is our moment! freedom of worship, freedom from wants, and free­ dom from fear—these, said Mr. Roosevelt to Con­ gress, are rights that must be guaranteed to the CROWN HIM WITH MANY CROWNS people of the world. Text: “Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say Jesus, too, was a champion of freedom—but the well; for so I am ” (John 13:13). “On his head were champion of a fifth freedom. He wanted everyone to m any crow ns” {Rev. 19:12). enjoy this freedom, yet everywhere He turned He Introduction: It is said that a group of English found men who were enslaved. Sometimes they authors once discussed what they would do if cer­ realized it; sometimes they did not. The men to tain heroes of history were suddenly to enter the whom Jesus was speaking in the text were not well

55 prepared to receive His teaching on freedom. But THE WINNING WITNESS are we ready to listen to Him—and respond? Text: “And he brought him to Jesus” (John 1:42). I. CHARACTER OF CHRIST’S FREEDOM Introduction: Christians were never meant to be A. Not freedom from suffering term inals; they were meant to be junctions. B. Not freedom from temptation C. Not physical freedom I. ANDREW—A CONVINCED MAN A. Convinced he found Messiah. II. CONTENT OF CHRIST’S FREEDOM B. Convinced of seriousness of sin. A. Freedom from bondage of the mind C. Of reality of repentance. B. Freedom from bondage of the will D. Of call to convince others. C. Freedom from bondage of the spirit E. Unconvinced souls are not convincing.

III. CONDITION OF CHRIST’S FREEDOM II. A COMMUNICATING MAN A. Christ gives freedom A. Go to the people. B. We accept this gift B. One on one. C. Warm truth is better than cliches. Conclusion: The slave of sin does not need to re­ main forever in the house of sin. Why? Because the III. A CONTENTED MAN mighty Son of God will take a sin-bound man and A. Content to be unspectacular. lead him into glorious liberty. B. A commoner for Christ.

Conclusion: Andrew, the com m oner, is a pattern we can all follow. ^ From Christian: Commit Yourself! by Paul Rees. Fleming H. Revell Co., ARE YOU MANY OR ONE? 1957. Text: “Unite my heart to fear thy name” (Ps. 86:11). Introduction: This text is the cry of the man who knows how unhappy and unfruitful is the life of a divided heart. He is the man who is partly for Christ —partly for self . . . partly surrendered—partly re­ THE DIET OF DEVOTION served. Such a man pleases neither himself nor his Text: . . desire the sincere milk of the word, that Lord. ye may grow thereby" (1 Pet. 2:2). I. CONDITION OF A DIVIDED HEART Introduction: Care and feeding of the Christian by A. Impotent the regular diet of God’s Word. B. Unhappy C. Ambitious I. THE WORD IS DURABLE D. Jealous A. It endureth forever (1:25) E. Angry B. It has timeless energy, deathless truth, price­ less love. II. CONSEQUENCE OF A DIVIDED HEART A. Lacks perception II. THE WORD IS DEMANDING B. Lacks power A. Contaminated food must go. C. Lacks praise B. Maintenance of healthy diet. III. CURE FOR A DIVIDED HEART III. THE WORD IS DESIRABLE A. Confess your condition A. Great men have fed on it. B. Call on the Lord B. More than a boring duty. C. Commit yourself C. How to read it. 1. Systematically Conclusion: The blood of Christ cleanses the sin 2. Reverently of your heart, the mind of self, and the root of bitter­ 3. Prayerfully ness! You can be made dead to sin in a definite, 4. Intelligently decisive, victorious stepping out of an old bondage 5. Obediently into a new freedom. This becomes a declaration of faith which claims a whole Christ for a whole man. Conclusion: The m ilk of the Bible takes us from growth to growth, from grace to grace, and from These outlines have been extracted from two books of sermons by Paul glory to glory. S. Rees with the permission of Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. The books are Things Unshakable and Other Sermons and Stand Up in Praise From Christian: Commit YourselfI by Paul Rees, Fleming H. Revell Co., to Ood. 1957.

56 NEW FULFILLMENT... the God who upholds us all. The committed couple will submit their activities and decisions to the (Continued from page 47) wisdom of God. This transcended perspective will relationships is hers to determine in partnership further free them to listen to others in love, not out with her spouse. of duty but from a liberated spirit of personal iden­ Of course, the primary circle of relationships can tity and self-fulfillment. become an ingrown affair. To avoid this, the couple 1. Des Moines Sunday Register, September 24, 1967, Copyright Ann Landers, Field Newspaper Syndicate. Used by permission. must continually see themselves (as should all the 2. Wisconsin State Journal, N ovem ber 19, 1967, C opyright Ann Land­ couples of the congregation) not only in interde­ ers, Field Newspaper Syndicate. Used by permission. From Today's Pastor in Tomorrow's World, by Carnegie Samuel Calian. pendence upon each other, but constantly acknowl­ Copyright 1977 by Carnegie Samuel Calian. Used by permission of Haw­ edging the source of their mutual dependence upon thorn Books, Inc.

UNTHANKFUL THANKSGIVING The true root of thankfulness is in God and not in (Continued from page 51) us. The greatest experiences of gratitude have for breath between every few words. Across his come out of the deepest sorrow and the greatest chest lay a copy of the Herald of Holiness; at his poverty. Love, loyalty, friendship, opportunity to bedside was his Bible. He wheezed out his love serve, faith, the presence and comfort of God— for God for His blessings upon him. When leaving, these are the basic principles of thanksgiving. And the pastor asked him, “What can we get you? Do many times these qualities are the most evident in you need anything?” His reply staggered me back the midst of the greatest physical need. In essence, on my heels. “No, I need nothing, nothing at all!” we must be grateful for God himself and all He is to Should we, then, throw out our Thanksgiving us. Then there can be thanksgiving everywhere— observance? No, not at all. In fact, I think we should in want or in plenty—-in distress or in blessing. Then improve it. Our big problem now is that people are a crippled child who was carried by loving parents so busy getting primed for a feast of turkey or will not be able to wreck the Thanksgiving service roast duck that they can’t take time once to be and cause the preacher’s pleasant platitudes to genuinely thankful. But could we as preachers help stick to the roof of his mouth. our people see that thankfulness is a testimony, Forgive me for passing on to you my problem. basically not of material but of spiritual bounties? But I could do no other.

PREACHER'S EXCHANGE

FOR SALE: One set of Preaching m ent, $1.25; The Way— The Liv­ McConnell; Holiness Pioneering Through the Bible (28 Vols.), ing Bible Illustrated, new, $1.50. in the Southland, by Rogers; Rev. never used, $85.00 and shipping L. D. Sharp, 614 S. Erie, Wichita, Bud Robinson, by Wise; O ur Pi­ costs. Donald L. Peck, 948 Old KS 67211. oneer Nazarenes, by Corbett; 52, New Richmond, OH 45157. Tempest Tossed on Methodist FOR SALE: Back issues of Chris­ Seas, by Haynes; A Man Sent of FOR SALE: New Testament, by tianity Today, and one set of Adult God, by Heath; Soldier of the James Moffatt, $1.50; Jesus the Bible Teacher for the 1966-77 12- Cross, by Corbett; and A New M essiah, by Edersheim, $1.50; year cycle. Larry Stover, 7402 E. Look at J. O. McClurkan, by 110th St., Kansas City, MO 64134. Pulpit Commentary—Numbers i Strickland. Larry Stover, 7402 E. and 1 Samuel (one vol.), $2.00; WANTED: One set of Expository 110th St., Kansas City, MO 64134. Story of the Bible, by Hurlbut, Outlines on the Whole Bible, by $2.00; His Word Through Preach­ Charles Simeon. James O. Bran­ WANTED: One set of B arnes’ ing, by Bishop Kennedy $1.25; non, 2117 Eaton Rd., Hamilton, Notes (27 vols.). R. E. Rogers, Triumphs of Faith, by G. Cam p­ OH 45013 Rte. 2, Box 478, Georgetown, OH bell Morgan, $1.00; Christ for 45121. Every Crisis, by Walter Maier, WANTED: Books and other mate­ $1.00; Oxford Annotated Bible, rials on the history of the Church W A N TE D : Scriptural Freedom $1.50; Higher Significance of the of the Nazarene: M an u al 1908, from Sin, by Henry E. Brockett. R. G o s p e l, by Kallenbach, $1.00; 1923, 1932; P. F. Bresee, D.D., by M. Rudisill, 228 W. St. Francis, Personalities of the Old Testa­ Hills; Out Under the Stars, by Dexter, MO 63841.

57 HUMBARD and SCHULLER reading skills. Studies show that the average Ameri­ (Continued from page 21) can adult reads at the ninth grade level. Thus much of Humbard’s sermon goes right over the heads of the sermon, although pitch and rate rise when he many listeners. cuts loose on a tried and true “Amen-getter” like: The use of “inside” Christian language, some­ I’d rather . . . live in a log cabin with cracks you can times called Christianese, conspires against clarity. (sic) throw a cat through the wall and drink water out Both sermons sport examples of this with Hum­ of some spring . . . and know God than have all the things . . . the world can offer. bard’s displaying the most including “Abraham’s bosom,” “catch the vision,” and “if Jesus tarries.” The most positive element in Humbard’s voice Schuller uses “open door” and “bestow upon you” usage is that his voice comes across with the ring (Christianese for “give”). of conviction. Correctness is im portant in com m unication. The While Schuller’s profuse gestures may sometimes rules of grammar and the principles of syntax are be out of place in the living room of the television not necessary evils; they are tools of communica­ viewer, his conversational tone of voice is appropri­ tion too useful to be neglected. The speaker must ate. He speaks informally, pleasantly, and generally know the rules of grammar. In addition, he should in a conversational manner. have a sense of propriety in arranging the qualify­ One of Schuller’s strong points is variety in voice ing elements of the sentence. usage. His pronunciation is sharp and clear. Hardly The extemporary nature of Humbard’s speaking a syllable is neglected. He nearly always knows contributes to his proclivity to repeatedly find exactly which word he wants to accent in his well- himself in grammatical and syntactical quagmires tried-on sentences. He gives many words special from which there is no graceful escape. This ex­ treatment that is somewhat different from ordinary cerpt from the sermon introduction illustrates the usage. The words “ beautiful” and “Savior” are ones point. «, that he frequently uses and emphasizes by giving Today the conditions of the world are conditions even the unstressed syllables equal stress. that I can say are approaching what we might say not When reaching a point of impact, he will draw out the day of prosperity, but the day of adversity. As we the key word in a low, grating voice. When Fran­ look upon the financial crisis that now is in the world, cesca Cabrini stood before the Pope, his reply to we see nations shaking and banking circles shaking her request to be sent as a missionary to China and banks are lost as the market has fallen all over was, “The answer is no-o-o!” the world and we see nations that one time had great Another voice device used by Schuller is made industrial power, and nations that one time, not only possible by electronic amplification. He emphasizes our own, but nations around the world, suddenly it certain key words by whispering. It is a stage whis­ looks like it’s their day of adversity. per, dependent upon good electronic pickup. He Schuller, on the other hand used good grammar reserves its usage for strategic impact. When in the sermon examined in this study and only rarely Schuller reaches the end of the Cabrini story, he experienced syntactical difficulty. closes it with this statement: “Discover God’s call­ ing for your life and then move on with it! W ow!” The last word, “Wow,” is given the holy whisper treatment.

The Style of the Sermons In the category of style we shall briefly note the elements of clarity, correctness, and tropes and figures. Clarity is a treasure for, as Augustine observes, “The object of all preaching is to unlock meanings” (De Doctrina Christiana, 4.5.7.). The preacher should strive for preaching which is so clear that no listener could misunderstand it. Linguistic analysis helps probe the depths of clarity. Using the Dale, Chall, Klare readability formula, I tested five 100-word samples from each of the sermons. This test revealed that Schuller speaks on the fifth to sixth grade language level while Humbard preaches on the ninth to tenth grade language level. This means that a person with fifth to sixth grade reading skills could read Schul­ ler’s sermon with 80 percent comprehension. Hum­ “Testing . . . testing . . . We pray . . . bard’s sermon could be read with 80 percent com­ Testing . . . We pray Thee . .. testing . . .” prehension by persons with ninth to tenth grade

58 Sameness in sentence structure can contribute to Robert Schuller used the following tropes and weariness and boredom in the hearers. Variation figures. should occur in the length of sentences; variation 1. Personification. Schuller proclaims that the should occur in the type of sentences used. A disciple will be “captured” by peace, confidence, speaker should give special attention to the in­ and courage. clusion of periodic sentences. They build suspense 2. M etaphor. Schuller, like Humbard, used meta­ and help keep attention. The periodic sentence is phor in a limited manner. I found only three inciden­ one in which neither the idea nor the grammatical tal ones. structure is completed until the final words are 3. E pistrophe is the ending of successive sen­ given. tences or clauses with the same word or words. While Schuller is not a master of the periodic Schuller uses this devise effectively in building up sentence he does use periodic construction in the sense of tragedy in the Titanic story by ending every section of the sermon. Here is an example: five sentences with nearly identical phrases of “And their bodies may be weak, and they may be “after all, they were unsinkable.” spitting blood, and they may be dying in their 4. Prolepsis. Schuller twice anticipates objec­ organs, but get out of their way.” tions or questions about what he is proposing and Humbard rarely employs periodic sentences. proceeds to attempt to remove them. Loose sentences and run-on sentences seem to 5. A naphora. Schuller also makes use of the be his typical style. It is hard to punctuate his swiftly favorite device of Humbard. “God’s will is always spoken sentences in preparing a transcript from positive, it is always constructive, it is always the recordings of the sermon. beautiful, it is always good.” He has developed a peculiar anaphoric style of 6. Asyndeton. Schuller uses the conjunction- parallelism that typifies his sentence structure. It less series for impact. “She arrived at Ellis Island is not true- literary parallelism in which the key in New York sick, thin, tiny, weak.” words are all the same part of speech and in the 7. Assonance is the rhyming repetition of internal same form. Nor is it the poetic parallelism of the vowel sounds. Schuller uses this in his five key Hebrew scriptures. It is more like the impromptu words: pray, weigh, obey, pay, and stay. restatement of a speaker who needs time to formu­ 8. Erotesis, the stating of powerful questions to late his next remark. Selected examples include add force to discourse is used by Schuller when, the following sentences: at the climax of the Titanic story, he asks, “Have “What God gives you is good for everybody of you been locked-in in your thinking about God and every class, of every nationality, and every nation.” Jesus Christ? About God’s will?” “It’s good for the servant, it’s good for the master, It would be fair to say that Schuller demonstrates it’s good for the boss, it’s good for the laborer.” a more sophisticated knowledge and usage of the The use o^tro p es and figures are of major styl­ stylistic devices of clarity, correctness, and figures istic interest. The stylistic devices recruited by of speech. Humbard and Schuller will be summarized. And in Conclusion, Let Me Say . . . Humbard used the following: We have surveyed the sermon craft of Humbard 1. A n aph ora is the repetition of a word or words and Schuller. How would you evaluate their work? at the beginning of successive clauses in a sen­ The Tau Kappa Alpha speech society makes an an­ tence. Humbard uses this device almost to excess. nual award to the public speaker of the year. Billy One example is here cited: Graham was a recent recipient of this award. The “Now if you ever saw a man that was prosperous members of the society evaluate each nominee by he had military power, he had social power, he had applying these three questions to his or her speak­ financial power, he had every power that a man ing: could wish for.” Was the speaker intelligent? 2. Sim ile. Only one simile is used by Humbard. Was the speaker responsible? It is from the Bible. Nebuchadnezzar’s “fingernails Was the speaker effective? became as claws of an eagle.” Using this scale, how would you rate Humbard 3. M etapho r. Two biblical metaphors are used: and Schuller? On second thought, perhaps they “Cup of salvation” and “Abraham’s bosom.” should be ruled by Augustine’s benchmark: 4. Alliteration, the preacher’s pitfall, is used spar­ True eloquence consists, not in making people like ingly by Humbard. Here is one example: “He [Jesus] what they dislike, nor in making them do what they was born in a stable, borrowed a cradle, and was shrank from, but in making clear what was obscure.... buried in a borrowed tom b.” W hat advantage is there in purity of speech which 5. Anthropomorphism. In a sort of extended does not lead to understanding in the hearer, seeing metaphor that reveals God as Father and man as a that there is no use at all in speaking, if they do not un­ disobedient child, Humbard gives to God hands to derstand us for whose sake we speak. spank with and a knee over which to bend the 1. Rex Humbard, Miracles in My Life (Old Tappan, New Jersey, Fleming H. Revel, Co., 1971), p. 11. errant child. “If the Lord has you over his knee 2. Ibid, p. 12. spanking you—repent.” 3. Augustine, Christian Doctrine, 4.10.24, 4.11.26.

59 OLD TESTAMENT W ORD STUDIES !by Charles Isbell1

Introduction a pastoral scene with a source of and “death.” “Gloomy valley” (JB) A “word study” must be under­ water beside which sheep might is too weak for Hebrew salm aw et. stood as just that, the study of stretch out in comfort for rest “A valley as dark as death” (NEB) individual words and their mean­ after a tiring day of walking in is much closer to the meaning. ings. In this column I shall attempt search of pasture. With Yahweh Death would be understood to be to distinguish among the numer­ as Shepherd, the “sheep” can the darkest of all valleys. If Yah­ ous kinds of meaning which at­ sim ply relax in an atmosphere weh could lead through darkness tach to various words, for the which includes sufficient nourish­ of this intensity, all other dark­ same word may at different times ment. nesses would be much less fright­ have functional, derived, symbol­ ening by comparison. “ He restoreth my soul” ic, technical, theological, or ironic (Psalm 23:3) “ Comfort” (Psalm 23:4) value. I will try to in each case How can one’s “soul” be re­ The “rod” and “staff” of the assess the contextual function of Shepherd would prabably not be a word rather than seeking the stored (KJV, NASB, RSV) or “re­ vived” (JB)? The word nephes perceived as a com fort. It is pos­ meaning, when really no single sible to read the verb “comfort” in meaning exists. (soul) means “life” in such con­ texts and the phrase should be Hebrew as derived from the root nahah (lead) rather than from PSALM 23 rendered with NEB,** “he renews life within me.” nalpam (comfort), which would “The Lord” (Psalm 23:1) mean the phrase should be trans­ “ Paths of righteousness” The English word “Lord” is a lated, “Your staff and [shep­ (Psalm 23:3) title, whereas the Hebrew word herd’s crook le a d me.” This ac­ here is yahweh, the proper name “Paths of righteousness” con­ cords well with the picture given of Israel’s God. It is Yahweh rath­ veys little actual meaning. A path in verse three. er than any other god who is ad­ cannot be unrighteous or righ­ “ Mercy” (Psalm 23:6) dressed as the Shepherd. teous in and of itself. The word “Mercy” (KJV, RSV), “loving­ m aCgal means a path that has be­ kindness” (NASB), and “ kind­ “Shepherd” (Psalm 23:1) come customary through contin­ ness” (JB) are too specific and do A common Hebrew word is ued usage. In the context of this not do justice to the Hebrew word used here, roceh. Only the fact shepherd imagery, it means the hesed, which includes the pre­ that Yahweh is so designated way to and from pasture which ceding meanings but means makes the phrase remarkable. has been tramped down by the above all “covenant faithfulness.” Hammurabi, an 18th-century (B. flock over many days. Through­ A life characterized by the giving C.) king of Babylon had written out life, the sheep would be led on and receiving of covenant con­ that his god, Enlil, had appointed many such paths by a shepherd cerns within the community is him to be a shepherd of his peo­ and here the trust expressed in anticipated here. ple. David the king was remem­ Yahweh is that his choice of paths bered as a simple shepherd. But would be wise. “ Forever” (Psalm 23:6) here God himself is acclaimed in “Forever” is literally, “for length “For his name’s sake” faith as the Shepherd. of days,” and means something (Psalm 23:3) like English “unending.” It would “ Maketh me to lie down” This phrase really means for be pressing beyond the evidence (Psalm 23:2) the sake of His “reputation.” Yah­ to assert that this equals the New This phrase is simply “he en­ weh, as Shepherd, will lead His Testament’s “eternal life.” The ables me to stretch out comfort­ “ sheep” in a manner which is con­ idea is simply that as far as one ably.” “Green pastures,” is simply sistent with His essential char­ can imagine and beyond, one “green grass.” acter (name) or reputation among may count upon the good leader­ men. “Still waters” (Psalm 23:2) ship of Yahweh. *From the Jerusalem Bible, © 1966 by Darton, “Still waters” (RSV) or “quiet “Valley of the shadow of death” Longman and Todd, Ltd., and Doubleday and waters” (NASB) both miss the (Psalm 23:4) Co., Inc. Used by permission. picture. The phrase is m e m enu- This is a difficult phrase to in­ •’From the New English Bible, © The Dele­ gates of the Oxford University Press and The hot, which JB* renders correctly, terpret. It is composed of two He­ Syndics of the Cambridge University Press, “waters of repose.” The idea is of brew words which mean “middle” 1961, 1970. Used by permission.

60 NEW TESTAMENT W ORD STUDIES !by Ralph Earle!

M atthew 6 v. 1 is a general introductory Christ. How could actors on the “Take heed” (Matt. 6:1) statement, and so it is properly stage saying their parts pos­ put in a separate paragraph in the sibly be heard by people sitting The verb is prosecho, which NIV. Then we have a discussion of far away in the top tier of seats? literally means “hold to.” It was three kinds of righteous acts: (1) The answer is that the actors used in the sense of “hold your Giving, vv. 2-4; (2) Praying, vv. wore on their faces large masks mind to this”—that is, “give atten­ 5-15; (3) Fasting, vv. 16-18. This that contained hidden mega­ tion to it.” Jesus is laying now is the clear arrangement in the phones, so that they could be some important principles in the Greek text. heard by the large crowds. So a Sermon on the Mount and He hypocrites was a person who wants us to fix our minds on them. “To be seen by them” (Matt. 6:1) wore a false face, who pretended Did Jesus say that we are not to “Alms” or “ Righteousness”? to be what he was not. let anybody see us doing righ­ (Matt. 6:1) teous deeds? Emphatically, no! That is exactly what a hypo­ The observant reader has We already have His command: crite is today. He is a playactor, playing a false role, and appear­ probably noticed that in most “Let your light so shine before ing to be something different modern versions “alms” in this men, that they may see your good verse has become “righteous­ works, and glorify your Father from what he is. ness,” or something akin to that. which is in heaven” (5:16). He Why so? “ Have” or “Have Received”? wants people to see our good (Matt. 6:5, 16) The sim ple answer is that the deeds. The KJV says, “They have their earliest manuscripts all have What does 6:1 mean then? The reward.” The ASV (1901) has, dikaiosynen instead of eleem o - Greek very clearly says, “for the “They have received their re­ synen (from which we get “ele­ purpose of being seen by them.” ward.” The NIV reads, “They have emosynary,” giving to charity). It is the motive that Jesus is deal­ received their reward in full.” Dikaiosynar means “ righteous­ ing with as throughout the Ser­ Why these changes? ness.” But here it is obvious that mon on the Mount. The Greek verb for “have” is it is used in the sense of “ acts of Furthermore, the verb seen echo. But here we have a com­ righteousness” (NIV). The NASB here is not one of the two com­ pound, apecho. Adolf Deissmann has here, “Beware of practicing mon Greek words for “see” in the pioneered in the application of your righteousness . . -” 1 New Testament. It is theaom ai, the papyrus discoveries to an Concerning these two alterna­ which means to “contemplate,” understanding of the New Testa­ tives, Rev. A. Carr says: “ The two look at carefully and deliberately. ment. Most of the papyri we have words were nearly synonymous From it comes the noun theatron, comes from fairly near the time with the Jews, partly because the meaning “theater,” where people poor had a right to share in the of Christ. sit and view things for a long time. On the basis of its usage in the produce of the land; partly be­ What Jesus is saying is: “ Don’t papyri, Deissmann says that the cause almsgiving is the most na­ make a theatrical show of your verb apecho is “ a technical ex­ tural and obvious external work of giving, praying, and fasting.” righteousness” (The Gospel Ac­ pression regularly employed in cording to Matthew, p. 126). “Hypocrites” (Matt. 6:2) drawing up a receipt. . . . this In a sim ilar vein, A. B. Bruce This English word (plural) is meaning of apecho applies well writes that dikaiosynen “ is the simply a transliteration of the to the stern text about the hypo­ reading demanded in a general Greek word hypocrites (singular) crites: ‘they have received their introductory statement.” He then — plural here, hypocritai. The reward in full,’ i.e., it is as though goes on to say: “Alms formed a term is used com m only in Greek they had already been given a very prominent part of the Phari­ writers for an actor. In those days receipt, and they have absolutely saic righteousness, but it was not they did not have any electric no further claim to reward” (Light the whole, and it is a name for the amplification. The visitor to the from the Ancient East, pp. 110- whole category that is wanted in Middle East today marvels as he 11). v. 1” (Expositor’s Greek Testa­ sees those great stone Roman 1. From the New American Standard Bible, copyright © The Lockman Foundation, 1960, m ent, 1:116). amphitheatres, seating 5 to 50 1962, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975. Used by In other words, what we have in thousand people in the time of permission.

61 C l e r g y Q u iz

1. Which Old Testament book is most often 10. The Ten Commandments are found in quoted or alluded to in the New Testament? A. Genesis 37 D. Numbers 17 A. Jeremiah C. Isaiah B. Exodus 22 E. none of the above B. Job D. Genesis C. Deuteronomy 33 2. McGavran, Arn, and Wagner are names as­ 11. The last of the Crusades took place in sociated with: A. 687 C. 1089 A. European speculative philosphy B. 1212 D. 1066 B. The church growth movement 12. Which of the following names does not be­ C. The theology of hope long in this list? D. The civil rights movement A. Paul E. Johnson D. C. S. Forrester 3. Which of the following best describes the B. Wayne Oates E. George C. Bonnell Wesleyan-Arminian doctrine of depravity? C. Seward Hiltner A. extensive C. deterministic 13. The man commonly regarded as the founder B. intensive D. all of the above. of the Sunday school is: 4. Which of the following works were written by A. Timothy Bettleham C. Charles Fox Clement of Alexandria? B. Robert Raikes D. William Penn A. Christ the Instructor 14. The author of Mere Christianity is: B. A Message to the Heathen A. Andrew Blackwood C. C. S. Lewis C. On Christian Doctrine B. Hugo St. Victor D. John Woolman D. all of the above E. A and B but not C 15. Which of the following persons is associated F. B and C but not A with “the theology of hope?” A. C. H. Dodd D. Paul Tillich 5. “ Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” is a B. Karen Homey E. Karl Barth sermon written by C. Wolfhart Pannenberg A. Billy Graham C. Alfred E. Neuman B. Jonathan Edwards D. Phillips Brooks 16. The subtitle of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s doc­ toral thesis is: 6. Which of the following does not belong in A. Dogmatical Inquiry into the Sociology of this list? the Church A. Luther D. Melancthon B. A Dogmatical Inquiry into True Disciple- B. Zwingli E. Bernard of Clairveaux ship C. Calvin C. A Non-dogmatical Inquiry into Christian 7. If a parishioner of yours believed he had Ethics committed the unpardonable sin, which of the fol­ D. Missing lowing Minor Prophets should he read? Answers (we think): A. Nahum C. Amos V — 91 a — ZV 0 — 8 3 — P B. Joel D. Hosea 0 — 91. a — u a — / v — e 8. If you were going to preach on prayer, which O — H 3 — 01. 3 — 9 a — 2 a — et v — 6 a — s o — t of the following passages would likely be the most helpful? Rating Scale A. Matthew 12:1-9 16 Correct: S u p er—You are neglecting your B. 2 Corinthians 11:1-5 golf. C. 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 12-15 Correct: So-So—but better not enter that D. Ecclesiastes 7:1-3 extra tournament. 9. “For in the time of trouble he shall hide me 8-11 Correct: N ot so hot—nine holes per week is in his pavilion” is from enough. A. Psalm 27 C. Job 6 0- 7 Correct: Sell your golf clubs to your secre­ B. Psalm 23 D. Isaiah 7 tary.

62 SEEK 8iNOTED

“In the beauty of your ministerial morning, set “The captain of a Coast Guard rescue crew up ideals so lofty that you will never need to change ordered his craft out to rescue a ship floundering them, except as they keep soaring higher. ” on the reefs. The first mate protested, The gale is Andrew W. Blackwood terrific and the reefs are terribly treacherous. We

* * ★ probably could get out there, but we could never get back.’ The captain said, ‘Launch the boat. We “The caliber of its leaders is the measure of a don’t have to get back. But we have to go out.’” movement; for the caliber of men is indicated by the Alvin Rogness size of the things which challenge them, by the type * * * and size of things which discourage and defeat “Shun, as you would the plague, a cleric who them, by the caliber of the helpers they choose, by from being poor has become wealthy, or who, from the size and type of things which either irritate or being nobody has become a celebrity.” please them, and by the reach of their shadow—the Jerome unconscious influence.” * * * i J. B. Chapman “All the beautiful sentiments in the world weigh ★ * * less than a single lovely action.” "We have to acquire a peace and balance of James Russell Lowell mind such that we can give every word of criticism * * * its due weight, and humble ourselves before every “Human history is a catalogue of blunders, wry word of praise.” hindsight, and vexed longing for another chance to Dag Hammarskjold rectify that which is past changing.” * * ★ Meredith & Fitzgerald

“We wield a two-edged sword with sharp edges. * * * We are not little boys playing with wooden ones.” “Lose the day loitering. ‘Twill be the same tomor­ Gerald Kennedy ro w .” * * * Goethe “To do rigfit is wonderful. To teach others to do ★ * * right is even more wonderful—and much easier.” “ More dreams, poems, high inspirations, and rare Mark Twain insights have been born in prisons and on beds of * * * suffering than in all the vacation spots.” “It is so difficult for us to transfer our affections Anonymous

(to things above), for we have fallen in love with ★ * * toyland and our playthings are so dear.” “A good listener is not only popular, but after Peter Marshall a while he knows something.” * * * Anonymous

“The love of our neighbor is the only door out of * * ★ the dungeon of self.” George MacDonald “All arrogance will reap a harvest rich in tears.” Aeschylus * ★ * * * * “Not he who has little, but he who wishes more, “Our symbol is not a cushion but a cross.” is poor. ” R. G. Turnbull Latin Proverb ★ * ★ * ★ ★ “Our comforts tempt us to refuse to help the “Souls are made sweet not by taking the acid neediest people in the world, if it means sacrificing fluids out, but by putting something in—a great our comforts. Or if we do give up these comforts, love, a new Spirit, the Spirit of Christ.” we pity ourselves.” Henry Drummond Frank C. Laubach ★ * * * * * “He who has a why to live for can bear with al­ “Corruption never has been compulsory.” most any how.” Robinson Jeffers Neitzsche

63 PLEASE TALK TO US

The editorial team of the Preacher’s Magazine __29. Glossolalia __30. Holiness heritage regards this publication as uniquely the property __31. Holiness doctrine __32. Holy living of our readers. We exist to serve you. Fill out this __33. Home Bible studies __34. Homiletics __35. Liturgy __36. Marriage page and help us serve you better. __37. Midweek services __38. Ministerial salaries _3 9 . Parliamentary __40. Pastor and family I. Rate This Issue procedures 1. Which of the following words best represents __41. Pastoral care __42. Pastoral counseling __43. Personal growth __44. Philosophy your overall opinion of this issue? __45. Politics and the __46. Prayer A. Superb D. Ho-hum Church B. Superior E. Even worse __47. Preaching __48. Promotion C. Average __49. Publicity __50. Revivals __51. Sermons (full __52. Sermon ideas 2. The blend of scholarly and practical articles is: length) A. About right __53. Sermon outlines __54. Sexuality B. Slanted too much toward scholarly concerns __55. Small groups __56. Social issues C. Slanted too much toward practical concerns __57. Special days _ 58. Staff ministries _59. Stewardship __60. Sunday School 3. The article I liked best was ______61. Theology __62. Witnessing __63. Worship __64. Wife of minister __65. Women in the church __66. Youth ministries 4. The article I liked least was. 67. __68. B. Authors whose work II would like to see in the Preacher’s Magazine include: 5. I like the new form at and size: Yes No.

II. In Future Issues C. I know a person who could write an effective A. In light of my interests and needs, I would like to article o n ______read articles on the following subjects. (Number He or she is :______your first choices one through five in order of preference). ___1. Abortion ___2. Archaelogy ___3. Baptism ___4. Bible word studies III. About You ___5. Bus ministry ___6. Business meetings ___7. Building programs ___8. Camps A. I am a __p a sto r,___evangelist,__ staff minister, ___9. Campus ministries _10. Christian education __e d u ca to r,__ district superintendent,__ Head­ _ 1 1 . Christian Ethics __12. Church administration quarters employee,__s tu d e n t,__ retired minis­ __13. Church & community __14. Church history ter, __other. __15. Church music __16. Communion __17. Contemporary __18. Discipleship training B. Check your age-group __2 0 -3 5 __ 3 6 -5 0 __ over theology 50 __19. Divorce and __20. Doctrine of the Bible Remarriage C. Name (only if you w ish )______21. Doctrine of the Church __22. Doctrine of God __23. Doctrine of man __24. Doctrine of salvation __25. Eschatology __26. Evangelism Mail this response sheet to the Preacher’s Maga­ __27. Evangelists __28. Exegetical studies zine, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131

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