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3-1-1968 Preacher's Magazine Volume 43 Number 03 Richard S. Taylor (Editor) Olivet Nazarene University

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Recommended Citation Taylor, Richard S. (Editor), "Preacher's Magazine Volume 43 Number 03" (1968). Preacher's Magazine. 431. https://digitalcommons.olivet.edu/cotn_pm/431

This Journal Issue is brought to you for free and open access by the Church of the Nazarene at Digital Commons @ Olivet. It has been accepted for inclusion in Preacher's Magazine by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Olivet. For more information, please contact [email protected]. MARCH 1968

THE MINISTER AS A STEWARD

General Superintendent Coulter

TO THE PASTOR WHO DOES WORK

The Editor

THE THEOLOGIAN'S RESPONSIBILITY TO HIS CHURCH

Bernard Romm

THE PLACE OF THE CAMP MEETING IN THE HOLINESS MOVEMENT

Mendell L. Taylor

TIPS FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING

Vernon L. Wilcox SPECIFICATION OF COMMITTEE DUTIES

Danny L. Pyles

TOTAL MOBILIZATION

John E. Maybury

THE MINISTER'S WIFE IN RELATION TO HER FAMILY

From “Parsonotes”

-proclaiming Christian Holiness THE

RICHARD S. TAYLOR NAZARENE Editor Contributing Editors

Hardy C. Powers G. B. Williamson PREACHER Samuel Young Hugh C. Benner MARCH, 1968 V. H. Lewis George Coulter Volume 43 Number 3 General Superintendents Church of the Nazarene

CONTENTS The Minister as a Steward, General Superintendent Coulter .... 1 To the Pastor Who Does Work, E ditorial...... 2 The Theologian’s Responsibility to His Church, Bernard Ramm . . 4 The Place of the Camp Meeting in the Holiness Movement, Mendell L. Taylor ...... 5 Tips for the Annual Meeting, Vernon L. W ilc o x ...... 7 Specification of Committee Duties, Danny L. Pyles ...... 8 Church Responsibilities, N. E. Gustafson ...... 11 Total Mobilization, John E. Maybury ...... 13 The Minister’s Wife in Relation to Her Family ...... 33 The Greatest Prayer of All, No. 5, H. K. B ed w ell...... 35 Gleanings from the Greek New Testament, Ralph Earle ...... 37 God’s Lamb, W. E. McCumber ...... 39 A Cradle Roll Sermon, Herbert L. Rogers ...... 43 Breaking New Ground, J. A. Wright ...... 44

DEPARTMENTS The Pastor’s Supplement, pp. 17-32 • Queen of the Parsonage, p. 33 • Biblical Studies, p. 35 • Sermonic Studies, p. 39 • My Problem, p. 43 • Ideas That Work, p. 44 • Bulletin Exchange, p. 45 • Hymn of the Month, p. 46 • Here and There Among Books, p. 47 • Among Ourselves, inside back cover.

Published monthly fcy the NAZARENE PUBLISHING HOUSE, 2923 Troost Ave., Kansas City, Mo. 64109. Subscription price: $1.50 a year. Second-class postage paid at Kansas City, Mo. Address all correspondence concerning subscriptions to: Nazarene Publishing House, P.O. Box 527, Kansas City, Mo. 64141. 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. Printed in U.S.A. The Minister as a Steward

By General Superintendent Coulter

\ Y /h ile it is true that all Christians are stewards, there is a special W sense in which this term applies to ministers of the gospel. We are more familiar with the idea of the minister being called pastor or prophet or shepherd of the flock. But the idea of the stewardship of the ministry is both scriptural and practical. The Apostle Paul spoke of this special responsibility, “Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God” (I Cor. 4:1). In writing to Titus he said, “For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God” (Titus 1: 7a). Stewardship, in the context of the Christian ministry, is every­ thing the natural meaning of the word suggests. The minister must be unimpeachable in character. He must be completely trustworthy. He must be faithful. “ Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (I Cor. 4:2). In New Testament times a steward was a manager, or a super­ intendent of a business or an estate. He was charged with the responsibility of the affairs of the owner. As a steward he had authority but it was a delegated authority. He had authority over people as well as things. Nothing he had was his own. He had a very real degree of independence. He was able to exercise initiative. Yet he must always hold a strict sense of accountability. He had to be ready always to give an account of his stewardship. The steward had to maintain a dual relationship; with those over him and with those under him. All of these characteristics of a steward apply to the minister of the gospel. While he is set in a place of leadership over others, he must ever recognize that his authority is not personal but comes from the Lord and the Church. He must guard against an “ownership” complex which is contrary to the highest concept of what a steward should be. While a pastor may harmlessly refer to his parishioners as “my people,” in the true sense they are really God’s people, not his. Their welfare is the task God has assigned to him. One of the delightful aspects of the ministry is that the man of God has freedom to exercise all the individual initiative necessary to advance the interests of the Kingdom in harmony with the will and purpose of God. Contrary to what some believe, there is a proper degree of independence in the performance of the tasks of the ministry. But the minister must constantly maintain this dual relationship with those over him and, at the same time, with those under him.

(Continued on page 16) F/U9VSi t f e ••••> E DIT O R

To the Pastor Who Does Work

TThe A pril editorial of last year, “Should Pastors or Their Wives Work?” may have left some hard-pressed home mission pastors with the feeling that this editor had no sympathy at all for their plight. This is not true, as the following personal letter, written before the April editorial, will show. Before quoting the letter a pause for station identification should be made, to keep the record clear. First, the church owes an incalculable debt of gratitude to our heroic, sacrificial pioneers who in order to get a new work started, or to nurse a sick church back to health, are willing to tax themselves to the limit in the dual role of secular work and pastorate. This is an admirable and commendable devotion. Furthermore we are bound to acknowledge that some men are called of God to such pioneer work as their special form of ministry. They stand high in the estimation of all of us. But when the practise becomes a deliberately chosen pattern of life because of material advantage, it ceases to be either heroic or praiseworthy, but thoroughly reprehensible. One pastor said, “I always want small churches. They will furnish us a house to live in and a modest salary, and the work is not too demanding. My wife can work full time, and I can work part time, so that between us we do quite well.” This is the speech of a hireling. He is making merchandise out of the church, passing off a minimum service for maximum personal gain. This frame of mind needs to be hit hard by every gun available, editorial and otherwise, until these men who have chosen mediocrity as a way of life will either be shamed out of the practice or out of their free parsonages. Then, it must be remembered that the Apostle Paul “made tents” strictly as a pioneer evangelist. Many things are necessary in pioneering a field which are not intended as established norms. And it was Paul who most vigoriously enunciated the principle: “Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel” (I Cor. 9:14). But back to the brother’s letter. When it seems necessary to follow Paul temporarily in “making tents,” what then? The frustrated pastor describes his predicament in trying to accomplish all he is expected to do and still work twenty to forty hours a week, then pleads: “ I would like to see an article . . . in the Nazarene Preacher giving suggestions of proportionately how much is expected of us. If this cannot be done, I would like at least a personal reply with some suggestions.”

2 The Nazarene Preacher After challenging the young pastor (serving his second church) to reexamine rigorously the basis of his conclusion that secular employment was a necessity, the answer continues about as follows: “Your next step is to devise a plan for the utilization of your remaining strength and time in such a way as to assure that this undesirable state of affairs shall be temporary rather than permanent. Toward this end possibly the following suggestions are in order: “First, take as much time as is necessary for rest, prayer, Bible reading, and meditation to keep blessed spiritually. God cannot use any man, either ‘full-time’ or ‘part-time,’ who is dry and stale and edgy in his soul. “Second, keep a happy home life, and use your home to entertain. This will compensate for your limited time for calling. Your effectiveness here will have nothing to do with the costliness of your furnishings, but will be altogether dependent on the spirit manifested in the home. “Third, take as many Saturdays as necessary, with lay help, to get the church property in the most attractive and appealing condition possible, inside and out. “Fourth, find a text very early in the week, memorize it, and mull it over in your mind during your working hours. Every night spend a little time with commentaries, developing it. Strive to give the people on Sunday something worth returning for. Let the Wednesday service be a people’s meeting—which is what it is supposed to be anyway. “Fifth, pay your budgets, and send in your monthly reports. “Sixth, in what administrative work you can do, push the Sunday school and world missions. Get all your people enlisted in these projects, young and old. “Seventh, keep praying and holding carefully planned and prepared-for revival campaigns until real revival comes. The fire will strike sooner or later. “Eighth, be patient, with your wife, with your self, with your people, with the district superintendent, the whole church, and God. Don’t worry about what you can’t get done, as long as you know you’re not hiding behind alibis. When you go to bed at night, commit the day and the work to the Lord— whose it is in the first place—and go sound asleep.”

Organizing for the New Assembly Year

We are pleased to present in this issue a grouping of articles dealing with the problems of church organization which may help the more in­ experienced pastors to know better how to get the new assembly year off on the right foot. This group begins with “Tips for the Annual Meeting,” by Vernon Wilcox, page 7. We make no pretense that here is a depth coverage, but perhaps the articles will at least be pointers in the right direction.

March, 1968 3 The Theologian's Responsibility to His Church By Bernard Ramm*

it is interesting that much of higher criticism started among those who had no vital connections with the life of the church; namely, philosophers such as Spinoza, Hobbes, Locke, Hume, Kant, and Hegel, and the German scholars in state universities. Apparently, their interests were mainly academic and they had little regard for the influence of their views on the church. Truth is truth, and “let the devil take the hindmost” was evidently their attitude. That truth is truth and never should be suppressed, every intellectually honest person would affirm with his last breath. But we radically disagree with those who believe that anything should be published in the name of free scholarship, no matter how freethinking, or skeptical, or antichristian it is. (We are speaking here of opinions propagated within the confessing church.) If hundreds of thousands were to lose faith by free circulation of such material, and then if the material were found to be premature and wrong, the tragedy would be unspeakable. Every critic, every theologian, every interpreter should have a tremendous sense of responsibility to the church. The issues are not about the relative merits of political or economic systems, nor the relationships of Shakespeare to Bacon, nor the correctness of idealism or pragmatism. On such matters in state universities academic freedom is axiomatic. The issues in Chris­ tianity are life and death, heaven and hell, Christ as God or Christ as merely religious genius. The sobriety of the problems of eternity ought to sober every theologian, so that he feels an overwhelming responsibility to the church. This rule is applicable not only for the theological liberal or radical critic, but also for those who would make serious changes within the confines of orthodoxy. James tells us that there should be few teachers because the condemnation is greater (3:1). There are the ambition and thrill to be different, to innovate, to be the founder of some new and thrilling movement. All such must be submitted humbly and sacrificially to this rule: What will the effect of this be on the church? Will it confuse? will it divide? will it weaken? will it spoil the church’s testimony or enervate it? This is no plea for any type of ecclesiastical lordship; but it is a plea that preachers, evangelists, theologians, Bible teachers stretch every nerve to keep what doctrinal unity, organizational unity, and spiritual unity there is left that the scandal of a fragmentized witness of the truth be not furthered.

•Taken from Protestant Biblical Interpretation, pp. 112-13 (Boston: W. A. Wilde Company, 1950). Used by permission. This year the National Holiness Association is observing its centennial, under the leadership of its president, Dr. Paul L. Kindschi, with Dr. Robert W. McIntyre serving as executive secretary of the Centennial Committee. The following is one of several articles which have been prepared to mark the event for widespread publication. This survey of the place of the camp meeting in the holiness movement is of special significance. Dr. Taylor is professor of church history, Nazarene Theological Seminary, Kansas City, Missouri.

The Place of the Camp Meeting in the Holiness Movement

By Mendell L. Taylor

'T 'he camp meeting has been a vital moters of the camp meeting methods factor in shaping the religious of evangelism took the theological life of America. Since its inception stance that the gates of heaven were in 1801, its evangelistic thrust has open to everyone who believed and been based on a “whosoever will” received the truth of the Lord. gospel. The first planned camp meet­ Camp meeting revivalism was ing was sponsored by Rev. Barton Arminian in doctrinal emphasis, and W. Stone, a pastor of a Presbyterian it also was characterized by an em­ church at Cane Ridge, Kentucky. The phasis on the reality of religious key to the effectiveness of this type experience and the dynamic of the of evangelistic outreach was an ap­ Holy Spirit. Often the manifestation peal that everybody who heard the of the power of the Holy Spirit would gospel message was eligible to receive reach such high tides of spiritual a transforming experience. This prop­ intensity that there would be weep- osition that every person could be ping, and shouting, and unbounded saved from the guilt and dominion of rejoicing in the Lord. sin was contradictory to the Pres­ This type of spiritual exercise en­ byterian theology, which affirmed gendered divisions in some of the that salvation came only by divine established churches. The withdrawal election and decrees. of Barton Stone from the Presby­ Because of his departure from the terian church to form the Christian established lines of Presbyterian or­ Association was the first of a series thodoxy, Barton Stone soon became of schismatic movements. Another the target of caustic criticism. He was the formation of the Cumberland and his followers were forced to leave Presbyterian church in 1810. Another the Presbyterian church because was the separation of John Wine- their ideas were judged to be essen­ brenner from the German Reformed tially different from Calvinism, and Church to launch a new group strictly Arminian. These early pro­ called the General Eldership of the

March, 1968 5 Church of God in North America. the most effective methods of pro­ This movement became the fore­ tecting and propagating this theo­ runner of a much more successful logical position is through the spiri­ evangelistic order called the Church tual intensity generated in the of God, Anderson, Indiana. atmosphere of camp meetings. The While these divisions were taking schedule which includes hour-after- place, there was one denomination hour and day-after-day exposure to that wholeheartedly sanctioned all of the presence, power, and Word of the positive features of the camp the Lord creates a spiritual climate meeting. The doctrine of a universal which makes a special appeal to those gospel, the value of religious expe­ who are totally dedicated to the Lord. rience, and necessity of the power of As decades passed, the program of the Holy Spirit were accepted and camp meetings became more formal. emphasized as the basic tenets of its The spiritual atmosphere was re­ existence. The group that was in a placed by an accent on intellectual position to capitalize on and amplify studies, and the preaching was all of these points of emphasis was more polished but less positive. At the Methodist church. the same time there was a decline of The dominant leader of American the holiness witness in the tradition­ Methodism at the time was Bishop ally oriented churches. However Francis Asbury (1745-1816). He was there were some voices crying in the also a staunch advocate of camp “wilderness of spiritual decline” for meetings. As early as 1802 he a revival of holiness emphasis. These preached at a camp meeting. Im­ Spirit-filled leaders recognized that mediately he recognized the signifi­ the camp meeting could be the most cant contribution this type of effective tool for holiness evangelism. evangelism could make to the spread Accordingly, Rev. J. A. Wood, of the gospel. His Journal abounds Rev. W. B. Osborn, Rev. John In­ in glowing references to camp meet­ skip, and others took the initiative ings. By 1804 he observed that camp in organizing the National Camp- meetings were as common as quarter­ Meeting Association for the Promo­ ly meetings had been twenty years tion of Christian Holiness. Their previously. The multiplying of camp agitation in this behalf resulted in meetings in Methodist circles con­ the conducting of the first camp tinued at such a pace until by 1820 meeting under the sponsorship of the no less than 1,000 such meetings were new organization in July 1867, at conducted annually. At this juncture, Vineland, New Jersey. This restored camp meeting revivalism became the camp meeting to its original pur­ predominantly a Methodist institu­ pose and gave it a distinctive holiness tion. This take-over by the Method­ accent. ists meant that this type of During the century between 1867 evangelistic activity would be in­ and 1967 the National Holiness As­ timately associated with the holiness sociation has been responsible for message. starting and promoting hundreds of In reality, from 1820 until the camp meetings. No less than 160 present, camp meetings have been camp meetings are currently spon­ the distinctive feature of holiness sored annually under its auspices. groups. Those who believe in “sal­ Also during this past century vation for all men and salvation from most of the denominations in the all sin” have discovered that one of holiness tradition have given top 6 The Nazarene Preacher priority to camp meeting evangelism Christian service for young people, in their outreach program. A partial and decision time for those needing list of the holiness denominations in­ definite spiritual help. The inspira­ dicates an excellent record in the tion generated by the mass singing, sponsorship of camp meetings, so that the illumination imparted by the in a given summer no less than 500 anointed declaration of the Word, camp meetings are conducted under and the insights gained during periods the sponsorship of N.H.A. or its af­ of Spirit guidance have made the filiates. camp meeting a vital part of the The camp meeting lias become a thrust and the challenge which symbol of edification for Spirit-em­ the holiness movement is making in powered Christians, commitment to the religious world.

Why not begin the new year with an interesting annual meeting?

Tips for the Annual Meeting

By Vernon L. Wilcox*

W 7 h o e v e r originated the idea that make the annual meeting interesting an annual business meeting had to our people. Some that have been to be dull? When we are doing the tried and found successful by some Lord’s work it is always interesting, of our pastors will be given here. if we realize what we are doing. 1. Keep it moving. Announce Dullness comes either from lack of ahead that the meeting will begin on information or from the lack of in­ time and last for, say two hours, or spiration. It is the pastor’s job to an hour and a half. Then, unless keep his people informed and in­ unfortunate tie votes happen to come, spired. A little planning will go a hold to it. Intersperse reports of of­ long way toward this goal. ficers and departments between times The business of the church should of voting. Use two or three boards of not be divorced from the “spiritual” tellers simultaneously. (I have almost activity. We should look upon the always found women to be faster various board meetings as a definite counters than men.) part of our service to God. There is 2. A sk for, and insist upon, written even a factor of worship that should reports from all officers. Writing it enter a board or church business out makes it more concise, ehminates meeting. repetition, and insures that the im­ But, taking it for granted that portant things are not forgotten. there will be a devotional emphasis, 3. Write the membership a letter, there are some things we can do to informing them of the business to be

♦Pastor, North Church, Sacramento, California. transacted, showing its importance to March, 1968 7 every member of the church. If it is to highlight the activities of the seems wise to the board, send along year by throwing pictures and charts sample ballots (using a different on a screen, thus dramatizing the color paper than will be used at the church’s work for all to see. m eeting), so that the people can have There are doubtless other good time to think and pray intelligently. methods used by pastors to keep the Some may say that this lends itself annual meeting interesting—these are to political maneuvering—but it may just a few to stimulate your think­ be worth this risk to have your people ing. But the main point is that, with informed. a little forethought and planning, this 4. Some churches have had the can be one of the most enjoyable voting following a Sunday viorning services of the entire year. I can service, with the report session held truthfully say that, almost without during the following week. This exception, it has been true in my own may be objectionable to some, but if experience over the years. Let’s make you use this method, be sure to seal God’s work interesting. It’s almost the results of the voting until the unforgivable ever to present this week-night meeting when the vari­ thrilling and challenging enterprise ous reports, including that of the of the Kingdom in a dull and lifeless ballot, will be given. manner, especially when we don’t 5. An intriguing idea used by some need to do it in this way.

How one church distributed the committee responsibilities

Specification of Committee Duties

Adopted by the Church of the Nazarene, Ontario, Oregon Pastor, Danny L. Pyles

Membership 3. Review the church rolls annually, “The church board shall provide a mem­ thereafter making recommendations for bership committee of not fewer than three change to the church board. persons, whose duty it shall be to act in 4. “No person shall be received into full the capacity of an advisory committee, with membership of the local church until the the pastor as chairman, and it shall be the pastor first consults” with this committee duty of this committee to conserve the (par. 49, sec. 4). fruits of our evangelism by the following 5. It is recommended that this committee means” (Manual, par. 49): be composed of the church secretary, 1. To conduct membership training and the heads of departments: Sunday classes for prospective members in coopera­ school superintendent, N.Y.P.S. president, tion with the C.S.T. director at least twice and missionary president. annually. Suggested texts: You and, Your Church and The Rise of the Church of the Trustees Nazarene. Manual, par. 109: No less than three or 2. To plan, with the pastor, special ser­ more than nine. Local board action, seven. vices for the reception of members at least In the state of Oregon trustees must be once each quarter. property owners (see par. I ll). 8 The Nazarene Preacher 1. This committee holds title to church Organizing into subcommittees as follows: property and manages it as trustees (par. (a) Communion, (b) Social, (c) Flower, 110). (d) Greeting, (e) Nursey, (f) Kitchen, (g) 2. The chairman of this committee shall Showers. give a report monthly to the church board. Communion: 3. This committee shall organize into sub­ Shall assist the pastor in a quarterly committees as follows: (a) staff and policy, serving of Communion by planning special (b) property and maintenance, (c) parson­ services during the Thanksgiving, Christ­ age. mas, Easter, and Mother’s Day seasons. Shall arrange for church elders and Staff and Policy: * ushers to serve the elements. This group shall formulate and annually Shall purchase adequate Communion ware review the definition of responsibilities for and elements in order that all communicants all committees appointed by the board. may be served. It shall formulate the policy on the use Shall provide a Communion table for the of church buildings and equipment. platform, which shall serve as a storage It shall recommend to the board action space for Communion ware and linens. relative to paid church employees. Social: Shall plan receptions and farewells for Property and Maintenance church members as needed. Shall maintain church buildings, equip­ It shall not be the responsibility of this ment, and rental property. committee to do cleaning after such events, Request board action on any major rather only to plan them. changes and improvements in property. Shall have the general oversight of all Employ and supervise the work of the funeral dinners, these dinners to be de­ custodian. termined by the pastor. It shall not be Submit to the board a priority list for their duty to prepare the meal, but to remodeling and improvements. designate the responsibility to some related Conduct preliminary studies for church group within the church—Sunday school growth, including lay and professional coun­ class, missionary chapter, etc. sel. Shall clear all dates for building use with the church office. Parsonage Shall plan a monthly “Afterglow Hour” to follow the evening service the first Shall maintain the parsonage in good Sunday of each month. This service to aim repair. at assimilation of new church friends. Shall recommend to the board action requiring major expenditures, but shall be Flower: authorized to make expenditures not to ex­ Shall show the compassion of our church ceed $25.00 without board approval. by sending flowers to the bereaved and Shall make a study of the “Cash Allow­ hospitalized constituency of the church. ance” program adopted by many churches Shall tastefully decorate the sanctuary in which subsidizes ministerial ownership harmony with the season and church-year rather than church ownership of the par­ calendar. sonage. Is authorized to expend funds as provided in annual budget without board approval. Stewards Greeting: Manual, par. 104: No fewer than three or Shall arrange for a hostess at each ser­ more than thirteen. Board action, seven. vice, including Sunday night and Wednes­ Par. 108: “Shall constitute the local day, who shall register all guests’ names in stewardship committee, whose duty it shall a registry of a permanent nature. be to promote the cause of Christian This hostess shall provide the pastor with stewardship in the local church in coopera­ these names for public acknowledgment. tion with the pastor” by: Shall forward these names to various Annual distribution of tithing envelopes auxiliary departments of the church. to each church family. It shall be our custom to introduce each Submitting a survey report annually de­ visitor we see to one other person. picting local church giving patterns. Nursery: Shall lie responsible for adequate nursery •Some churches would prefer not to confine this committee to the trustees. supervision for all services of the church,

March, 1968 9 including revivals and special services. Shall elect a Cradle Roll supervisor upon Shall endeavor to provide adequate equip­ nomination by the pastor and super­ ment and facilities as recommended in intendent. church publications. Shall elect a Home Department supervisor Shall closely work with the Cradle Roll upon nomination by pastor and superin­ director in the attempt to enroll all babies tendent. in the nursery class. Shall approve nominees for Sunday school Kitchen: teachers before their appointment by pastor. Shall supervise and maintain our kitchen Shall conduct and elect a supervisor for facilities in accord with rules established a vacation Bible school. by the policy committee. Shall elect a director of Christian Ser­ Is authorized to purchase necessary vice Training. kitchen supplies. Shall elect a director of Christian Family Is required to provide cleaning agreement Life. after each all-church function that requires Shall elect a local director of Caravans. use of the kitchen. Shall keep and report to district offices Shall qualify our church for child-care our attendance and enrollment. license by refusing to store non-kitchen items in the cabinets. Ushers Showers: Shall have the oversight of all wedding A head usher shall be appointed by the and baby showers involving the people of staff committee, who shall then appoint as our church, in harmony with policies es­ many ushers as he shall wish to train to tablished by policy committee. serve well. Shall provide ushers for every It is not the responsibility of this com ­ service. mittee to give the showers, rather to see Shall provide the church office with a that some family member or close friend count of attendance at each service. is alerted to the need. Shall use the texts The Ministry of Usher­ ing and How to Ush by Lush as training materials. Music Shall provide some easily seen identifica­ Shall be stewards over all church music tion for themselves. literature and shall establish and add to a music library. Pulpit Supply Shall provide special music for regular services and revival meetings and shall pro­ Shall fill the pulpit with a speaker for vide the church office with a list of the those occasions when the pastor is not same at least four weeks in advance. available. Shall plan in consultation with the pastor Shall consult with the pastor concern­ a Christmas and Easter cantata. ing special services, missionary deputation Shall make recommendations to the staff services, evangelists, district tours, etc. committee concerning directors of choir and congregational singing. Finance Shall begin a voice training program and an instrumental program by the founding of Shall present at the beginning of each ensembles, junior choirs, teen choirs, and fiscal year a proposed budget to be acted sanctuary choirs. upon by the church board. Shall plan an annual “All-Music Service” Shall present to the church board the to be followed by a fellowship hour for recommended and adopted budget of the choir members and directors. district Ways and Means Committee. Shall present to the church board the Educational recommendations of the district assembly Committee on Ministerial Support. (Par. 133, Manual) Shall formulate the financial policies of The chairman of this committee shall be the local church subject to board action. the Sunday school superintendent. Shall arrange for an annual audit of the The superintendent shall confer with the financial records of the church. pastor weekly about church school work. Shall annually review the salaries of Sunday school departmental supervisors all church employees. shall meet with the pastor monthly. Shall have the authority to borrow, with­ All Sunday school officers and teachers out board approval, money not to exceed will meet quarterly. the amount of $750.

10 The Nazarene Preacher Happy is the church whose pastor and board know how to get the Lord's viewpoint

Church Responsibilities

By N. E. Gustafson*

Tim a n d H a r r y walked on in silence traces. If they begin lagging, you towards home. They had just left call them for it and if need be use the church board meeting and were the ‘whip.’ Everyone must pull if deep in their thoughts. After some the team is to be successful. You time Jim said quietly, “ Harry, you measure men by physical standards— don’t run a church like you run a what they produce, their aggressive­ business.” ness, their attentiveness to their Jim was seven years older than work. And the way you do this is Harry, who was then in his early by comparing what one does against twenties. Both were in business, and what others do. It is the same as Harry was in a very aggressive sales looking at two men from the hori­ organization of national scope. Jim’s zontal plane: one man is shorter than work was administrative. Harry was the other. Now if you were to look a “newcomer,” the recording secre­ at these same men from the top of tary, and wanted to see things move. the Empire State Building, they These older men didn’t seem to be would both look the same in height. able to make up their minds; at least Using another figure: If you drive Harry thought they needed prodding. across the country in a car, you see He did not discount their wisdom nor mountains and valleys and they can did he think himself their “equal” be formidable. But if you fly across spiritually. He was just a neophyte, in a jet at a great height, the moun­ and both Jim and the others were tains level out and the valleys rise patient with him. Harry didn’t un­ up. In other words it is a matter of derstand yet. viewpoint. Sometimes it takes years to realize that a church and a business are not “In the business world judgments the same and that they do not oper­ are made and action is taken from ate on the same level. the horizontal viewpoint. We judge “What do you mean?” asked Harry. men by what they produce. In the church we do not judge men by what “ Let me try to put it this way,” replied Jim. “In your business you they look like nor do we look at compare man with man. You have problems from the level of a purely certain objectives and you watch business transaction. The Church is your men to see that they work to a spiritual organism, and the world that end. You keep them up in the is a human organization. The Church seeks God’s glory; the world seeks ♦Cleveland, Ohio. man’s. The Church’s Head is Christ; March, 1968 11 the world’s is the elected head. The board, in which the pastor adheres Church must get the Lord’s view­ to his work and the board assumes point; the world gets its head’s. The its responsibilities, each recognizing Church’s viewpoint is always vertical; the other’s domain. Refusal to accept the world’s, horizontal. responsibility by a board is as bad as “The danger in the church comes a pastor refusing to accept his. Both when the board takes action from the should be made to realize that the horizontal observations and does not church is God’s work and each must get God’s viewpoint. That is secured give an account to God for his share by prayer and waiting upon the Lord. in it. A board member is as charge­ We bring these problems (these able to get the Lord’s mind in prayer mountains and valleys) to God, and as the pastor; and when they differ, as we wait before Him we begin to the problem should be dealt with see things from the vertical—His in prayer until God’s mind is ascer­ viewpoint. Differences that seem so tained—not pushed on, or assumed glaring from the horizontal level out by the pastor without hearing from when we get His perspective. He has the Lord. A godly pastor should no problems; all He has is solu­ watch over the spiritual state of his tions. With Him nothing is im­ people, the board’s especially, and a possible. godly board should make it possible “A church board is just as vulner­ for the pastor to specialize in the able to mistakes as a business if they work that is pastoral. When both do not get the Lord’s mind. Samuel, fulfill their positions faithfully as un­ you will recall, guessed seven times to the Lord, there should be a that he had God’s man before him, smoothly working team. When they but the Lord vetoed every one until do not, the church becomes disturbed David came. The Lord’s word to and God is not glorified but re­ Samuel is still applicable today when proached. we do God’s work. ‘Man looketh on “Selection of teachers, officers, and the outward appearance, but the others is a temptation to look at Lord looketh on the heart’ (I Sam. human qualifications. A theological 16:7). education does not mean that a per­ “This is not to say that a church son is spiritual. And a spiritual per­ does not have to pay its bills, keep son may not be too bright on matters the plant in repair, and other sundry of theology. It is far more important affairs, or that current business that spiritual qualifications be given methods can be ignored. The Lord preference. has provided for our meeting these “I recall as a lad a teacher of our needs by giving gifts to His children, class of boys whose words I don’t one of which is administration. It is remember, but whose sweet Chris­ a fallacy to think that all the gifts tian spirit melted our boyish hearts are given to the clergy. Not all of when we gave her a hard time. She them show that they were given loved us, we knew; and of all the more than the call to preach. Re­ teachers over the years, she stands ferring ‘plant’ problems to the pas­ out. It is the manifestation of the tor can rob a church of good love of God which makes the dif­ management and the development of ference, whether with stammering good ‘business’ leaders in the church. lips or with eloquent biblical knowl­ There is a need for better coopera­ edge. Only men spiritually in tune tion between the pastor and the are in a position to handle these

12 The Nazarene Preacher matters, and they do it by seeking and wait until the Lord’s will is clear. God’s will and hearing His voice, as “Business is business, and church did Samuel when the Lord turned is the church.” down seven likely prospects to reach Joe had not yet learned all of this, the eighth. It takes the spiritual Jim knew. How good it is to have mind and heart to resist the tempta­ on the board those who know the tion to do the selecting on ‘looks’ difference!

How one man solved the "unemployment" problem

Total Mobilization

By John E. Maybury*

current periodical (Christianity little groups of “called-out ones” A Today, Dec. 23, 1966) observed meeting here and there, dedicated, “that more than 5,000 groups are disciplined, and ready to sacrifice their meeting weekly for Bible study, very lives. I have noticed at various prayer, and witnessing—a phenom­ church conferences and retreats that the emphasis is increasing toward the enon that is both in the church and “housechurch” in many parts of the out of it.” Dr. Vance Havner stated world. Perhaps the Holy Spirit is at an evangelism conference in Hobbs, getting His church ready for a trial New Mexico, that “God is calling and tribulation such as the world has the assembly of the any ones. We never known” (Under New Manage­ have done extensive work but we ment, Samuel Shoemaker). need to do it intensively. Small groups In Jesus’ day He attracted multi­ are coming to the front all over the tudes, but He ministered to indivi­ world.” Bishop Stephen Neill of the duals. New Testament plans called Church of England said, “The gos­ for careful instruction to the small pel must be brought back where core of disciples (learners, if you people live, in simple forms, and in please) who walked with their Teach­ terms of small and manageable fellow­ er and observed Him in His attitudes, ships” (Power Through Small Prayer prayer life, ministry of healing, au­ Groups, Helen Shoemaker, p. 57). thority over demons, humbleness of Another among many I would like service, teaching concerning the King­ to mention is a statement attributed dom, and finally His sacrifice. His to Billy Graham: concentration on the few, though One of the definite movings of the “ignorant and unlettered,” developed Holy Spirit that can be discerned as the hard core of leaders to carry His one travels throughout the world is message to the world after He left.

♦Pastor, First Church, Hobbs, New Mexico. They in turn were to make leaders March. 1968 13 of the ones who would follow them as This book is college-level doctrine. they followed Christ. We call it our “preparation for auto­ So many times our attempt to en­ mation” class because we believe that list our people for participation is the time is already here when men geared to building the program have extra time which can be devoted around the minister. In reality we to positive Christian service in jail, need to think of building leaders who rest homes, home Bible study groups, will in turn build other leaders in and witnessing. Opportunities will spiritual interests. come to the men who are prepared. Robert Coleman in his book, The We have concentrated on the men Master Plan of Evangelism, observes: as the needed leaders for o u r If the pattern of Jesus at this point churches. One man has driven forty- means anything at all it teaches that two miles one way every Monday the first duty of a pastor as well as night for three months to be better the first concern of an evangelist is able to help his local pastor. Every to see to it that a foundation is laid class member has filled the pulpit at in the beginning upon which can be least twice in the past year. They built an effective and continuing evan­ have done personal soul winning, gelistic ministry to the multitudes. and we discuss our successes and This will require more concentration failures in a clinical-type meeting of time and talents upon fewer men along with our class study. to the church while not neglecting the passion for the world. It will mean We will take up another area of raising up trained leadership “for the spiritual study following this. These work of ministering” with the pastor men in turn are the leaders in the (Eph. 4:12). A few people so dedi­ church outreach and visitation. They cated in time will shake the world take new ones out to train them. Over for God. Victory is never won by a period of three to five years we the multitudes. will have a strong nucleus of solid, This is scriptural, as indicated in doctrinally grounded, Nazarene lay­ Eph. 4:12: “And these were His men who will serve as core leaders gifts: some to be apostles, some for new classes and more leaders. prophets, some evangelists, some pas­ One fellow has had just a fourth tors and preachers, to equip God’s grade education, and only one has people for work in His service, and completed his high school. to the building up of the body of The class may be only two or three Christ” (NEB). or just one, but if you will lay Through the years a great deal of groundwork deep enough by example my ministry has concentrated on and instruction this group will be training of leadership for carrying on doubled by the next year. Soon you spiritual services to extend the min­ will have a real core of qualified istry of the pastor. I believe Moody workers. Jesus worked with His core is credited with the thought that it of twelve and often with the three— is better to give ten men the work Peter, James, and John—but they be­ of one than one man the work of came the leaders of a world wide ten in the church. But more than movement. We pastors must go out this, there must be an effort to lead and learn firsthand how to win a them to deeper, more qualitative soul to Christ, then take another man preparation. This past fall we initi­ from our congregation out with us ated a class of six men into an Ex­ to work on some project. Let him ploring the Christian Faith study. feel our concern, watch our approach,

14 The Nazarene Preacher even see our mistakes. Ask his ad­ 23; Rev. 3:20; and John 1:12. Men vice. We don’t know it all. I have were encouraged to get acquainted learned more from these men who and work toward a decision time have gone out with me into the within fifteen weeks. If nothing else, homes to deal with souls than I ever the interest aroused stirred the men learned from books on evangelism to more prayer, friendly outreach, alone. and definite endeavor to win other Also, we have met for the last two men to Christ. I know of at least years in different homes for cottage eight men who have been won prayer groups each week with mostly through this outreach. women of the church. We have been It does not matter the age. Elderly laying groundwork for launching a folk address the midweek reminder, Bible Study Cell group in three dif­ help out on workday for missions, ferent areas of our city. We study serve as prayer warriors, prepare food the book of the Bible with the group for families in sorrow, visit shut-ins leaders, who in turn go out with two and absentees, send out absentee and or three other ladies into an area birthday cards, and are encouraged to where one lives. They work the help in the church in many ways. neighborhood for anyone who will One lady is seventy-seven years old attend, and share the Bible study and and she visits three rest homes every prayer meeting. week as well as numbers of homes, We foster a spirit of teamwork in makes and sells quilts for missionary our church, so that every member of money, and yet has a heart condi­ the team is important. Plans and tion and cancer. ideas are encouraged and carefully Teens have their own prayer time considered. Our laymen are told they together under one of the fine, are important and appreciated. Just trained laymen. They help in usher­ recently a layman came and related ing, the choir, house-to-house can­ that an elderly man that he and I vassing, visitation by groups, and had visited and helped to pray painting the church. We are hav­ through in his home had passed away. ing a group of our teens hold a It made him feel so good that he had preaching service and talent time in had a part in leading him to Christ. a smaller church on our district next Another area of participation has week. A teen will preach. They are been the visitation program. Our taught to pray, lead in Bible study, city is divided into eight areas with and be responsible workers. a captain and lieutenants in each. An Junior and junior high teachers office helper sees that the absentees take their pupils out calling with cards are given to the captain by them to keep them involved. It is Sunday night, and they must be re­ really effective. The power behind turned by Wednesday. At this time this thrust is one of our key, trained, the personal evangelists take over, core workers. both after Wednesday night services Some principles one might keep in and the rest of the week. mind with this sort of endeavor are One of the earlier plans to arouse as follows: interest was a fifteen-man outreach 1. Start small. program. Each of fifteen was assigned 2. Share your ideas, but encourage a prospect. A course of instruction their ideas. Tell them to tear your idea was given, built around the idea of up if it does not measure up. Get them four basic scriptures: Rom. 3:23; 6: thinking.

March, 1968 IS 3. Map out your plans on a calendar, bers and determining where they might so that all will know what is going on. work in or be trained. 4. Avoid too many jobs on one per­ 9. Don’t feel badly if only two or son. Do without some activities until three turn out for prayer times. Make you can win, train, and enlist others. the most of each time. Emphasize quality, and quantity will 10. Develop a careful follow-up for come later. new converts and include how to pray, 5. Keep the program well oiled with how to study the Bible, basic Christian prayer. Mentioning the activities specif­ beliefs, Manual study, and how to be a ically keeps interest up as well as help­ faithful steward. It will be time worth­ ing the spirit. while. 6. Encourage the people to spend time 11. Read some good books along these with their families one or two nights lines, such as: a week. The Master Plan of Evangelism, by 7. Combine spiritual and social ac­ Robert Coleman tivities where possible. A little Coke Power Through Prayer Groups, by time with visitation goes over great with Helen Smith Shoemaker teens and juniors. Coffee break at cot­ The Taste of New Wine, by Keith tage prayer studies helps many lift their Miller burdens by sharing them in prayer and Under New Management, by Samuel fellowship. Shoemaker 8. Learn to delegate responsibilities to The Church and the Older Person, others, even if it does not turn out by Robert Gray and David Moberg as well as you could do. Too many Follow-up Made Easy, by C. S. Lovett preachers run to their wives to do too Pastor, let’s lead the team in our many jobs in the church instead of tak­ churches and teach them to be par­ ing time to make a list of church mem­ ticipators instead of spectators.

The Minister as a Steward

( Continued, from page 1)

Failure in either direction is disastrous. and challenge to his people in matters Some men have become slaves to their of financial responsibility for the world­ people until they lost their relationship wide commitments of the denomination with the Lord. Others have withdrawn of which he is a part. He will need from their people to spend the major courage to challenge reluctant laymen portion of their time in study and con­ to assume and discharge denominational templation, only to lose contact with and local obligations. the people they were responsible to Perhaps the most sacred of all the serve. responsibilities of the minister as a Being a good steward will involve the steward relates to the proclamation of preacher in the practical affairs of the the sacred truths of God. “This is how church. He bears responsibility for men should think of us—we are Christ’s such down-to-earth things as buildings, servants, and stewards of God’s secret properties, the payment of bills and truths” (I Cor. 4:1, Weymouth). The budgets. While it would be easier for preacher’s message must be true to the some to withdraw to the seclusion of revealed and recorded Word of God. the study, the preacher should be con­ His worthiness, in the final sense is cerned with the house of worship, its determined by his faithfulness in pass­ location, its appearance, and its ade­ ing on God’s message as he has received quacy. He will have to give leadership (Continued on page 46)

16 The Nazarene Preacher The PASTOR’S SUPPLEMENT

Compiled by The General Stewardship Committee I Dean wesseis, Editor j Marilyn Slemmer, Office Editor

GENERAL STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE Members Mary Scott V. H. Lewis, Sponsor Wilson Lanpher M. Lunn Paul Skiles M. A. Lunn, Chairman Albert F. Harper Everett S. Phillips John Stockton Orville Jenkins, Vice-chairman B. Edgar Johnson W. T. Purkiser Willis Snowbarger Dean Wesseis, Secretary Edward Lawlor Kenneth S. Rice T . W. Willingham

STEWARDSHIP ARTICLE WRITING CONTEST for Ministers

Deadline for entry—midnight, May 1, 1968

12 Major Awards Amounting to $230! All Entrants Will Receive a Gift Book! (See February PASTOR'S SUPPLEMENT for all details or write to the General Stewardship Committee for information)

------OFFICIAL ENTRY BLANK ------I am entering the enclosed manuscript in the Stewardship Article Writing Contest. I understand that my manuscript will become the property of the General Stewardship Committee and will not be returned.

N a m e ------Division: ______

Address (see p. 32a, Fe~». Pastor’s Supplement) City------State______Zip_

District------Church____ (if pastoring)

School------(if a student)

Manuscript t i t l e : ______Attach this entry blank to your manuscript and mail to: STEWARDSHIP WRITING CONTEST c/o Pastor’s Supplement 6401 The Paseo Kansas City, Missouri 64131

March, 1968 17 Department of EDUCATION

Is there a secular

college or university in your city?

D o you ask

W h a t can I do to minister to students?

Our study gave us the impression that you were un­ familiar with the secular campus and probably a little timid about the whole situation. Still we all know that thousands of young people from fine homes are there and need a church home.

They also need a pastor. Young people on their own for the first time will be attracted to a man who understands as he listens, who will spend time to unravel their problems, who is himself genuine and authentic.

On the large campus it may be hard to make close friend­ ships, to find a mature person with whom one can talk freely, to locate the proper office to adjust program or change ma­ jors, to find help to settle major choices.

The pastor who is aware and available can be more helpful than he realizes. He can also locate spiritual resourc­ es on the campus in the form of faculty, staff, or witnessing groups which the student might never locate.

Why not make a start? We are dealing with leaders of the future whom the church will need.

LET YOUR DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION HELP YOU

18 The N azarene Preacher NAZARENE PUBLISHING HOUSE To Help Make Your MOTHER to MOTHER Campaign April 21 — May 5 A Big Success

For Planning Your Baby Days Program ...

Baby Days in the Church No. 2 Baby Carriage Centerpiece Kit Focus attention on Compiled by BETTY BOWES and JOY your Cradle Roll LATHAM. Fresh, appealing material for program by placing services honoring babies and young this novel display children and their parents. Included in som e co n ­ are delightful ideas for Baby Day, many spicuous area of of which you will want to use for your the church. Kit May 5 program. 32 pages, paper. includes all items mp-2 750 needed for as­ sembling and instructions. Stands 10%" tall. Baby Days in the Church No. 1 Additional ideas g iven in March Offers additional readings, dialogues, songs, and sug­ “Church School gestions for Baby Day planning. 32 pages, paper. B u ild e r.” mp-1 500 CR-4844 $1.50

Cradle Roll-Nursery Chart “ First Steps ‘‘Train Up a Child” Calendar r i ! Of interest SJ rrmt Toward God” Cradle Roll- For churches to the entire i» ! * 9 9 9 9 STEPS needing other church! En­ Nursery f *: 9 9 Cradle Roll-nursery rolled babies Packet material. Designed are rep re­ m , fi S a ttfrx $ with spiral binding sented by a ' for wall or table. colorful card Provides every­ Pages containing mounted on the chart in a die- thing needed for Fra n ces H ook’s cut setting. Upon transfer to the keeping a sy s ­ pastel reproduc­ nursery, a church seal is added. tematic contact tions are flipped and seals added Includes cards and seals. 17 x with babies from birth to two each time visits are made. Instruc­ 24”. Tin strip ends. years of age. tions included. 24 pages. 9 x 9". CR-200 $1.95 Package 20 cards, seals CR-1100 $1.50 CR-1200 $1.95 C R-200SC 750 12 or more, each $1.2 5 10 or more, each $1.75

NOTE: For selective gifts and awards suitable for honoring mothers and babies, see special “Mother to Mother” mailing sent to all pastors or your March Church School Builder, 1968. Prices slightly higher outside the continental United States An Important Outreach, in the Total Program of Your Church Start Your Plans NOW—Order These Supplies EARLY!

~ P0ST OFFICE BOX 527, KANSAS CITY, MO. 64141 NAZARENE PUBLISHING HOUSE Washington at Bresee, Pasadena, Calif. 91104 IN CANADA: 1592 Bloor St., West, Toronto 9, Ontario

March, 1968 19 Department of CHURCH SCHOOLS

Cradle Roll

T 11:03 a.m. (EST), Monday, November 20, Robert Ken Woo was born in Atlanta, Georgia. What’s so special about this tiny almond-eyed baby boy? Two things: First, his birth brought the United States population to 200,000,000 at that moment. Second, he’s enrolled in the Cradle Roll Department of the Church of the Nazarene in Decatur, Ga.

Every eight seconds, somewhere in the United States, a woman gives birth to a baby. Many of these babies are being born in your town. How many of them will find their way to your Sunday school?

A good way to get them started is through the Cradle Roll. A good time to get them started is between April 21 and May 5 during the Cradle Roll campaign, “Mission: Mother to Mother.” (See next ■page.)

ANOTHER BOOST

IN THE "MARCH TO A MILLION ' 20 The Nazarene Preacher Department of CHURCH SCHOOLS

" Mission:

Mother to Mother"

BEGIN NOW • Watch for the Church School Builder! Make a poster from its cover. APRIL 21-M AY 5-COUNTDOWN Read campaign details on its pages. • Allow time in public services for campaign reports. Check the Cradle Roll items in its sales ads. • List names of new Cradle Roll babies in church bulletin. • Order a copy of the new Cradle Roll filmstrip, “. . . of Such Is • Send a special invitation to the Kingdom,” for April 21 young parents to attend Sunday showing. school on Baby Day. • Set a goal for the campaign. See • Call in as many Cradle Roll Church School Builder, page 17, homes as possible before Baby for suggestions. Day. • Support the campaign with your interest and encouragement. MAY 5-M ISSIO N ACCOMPLISHED • Plan for a big BABY DAY! APRIL 21-O N THE LAUNCH PAD • Encourage Cradle Roll and nurs­ ery workers to present a Baby • Preach a message on outreach Day program during Sunday evangelism. Stress the impor­ school. tance of the Cradle Roll. • Preach a morning message on • Encourage every mother to help the importance of a Christian in the campaign. home and the value of little children (see outline, “Heaven­ • Show Part I of the Cradle Roll ly Greatness,” this issue). filmstrip. • Follow up every new Cradle • Urge a young adult class to Roll family found during the sponsor the Cradle Roll. campaign.

March, 1968 21 NAZARENE PUBLISHING HOUSE

•Inspiration for your entire church. • A MUST for ALL involved in the Cradle Roll program of your church. • A valuable addition to your church film library. ...OF SUCH IS THE KINGDOM presenting a delightful, true story of a family won to Christ through the Cradle Roll A new 69-frame filmstrip in full color com plete with a 33Vi-rpm record and leader's guide showing

• how to start a Cradle Roll • how to select Cradle Roll workers • how to improve your Cradle Roll

• how to use C ra d le R o ll m aterials • how to reach new people through the C ra d le R o ll

ADDITIONAL FEATURE: "First Steps ^ Toward God" Cradle Roll packet (CR- 5 1100) for use as resource material by

the leader included at no extra * * charge with each filmstrip. vA-750 Price* slightly higher outside the continental United Stales

POST OFFICE BOX 527, KANSAS CITY, MO. 64141 1 Washington at Bresee, Pasadena, Calif, 91104 I tN CANADA.- 1592 Bloor St., West, Toronto 9, Ontario

22 The Nazarene Preacher Department of HOME MISSIONS

Quadrennial Conference on CHURCH BUILDING AND ARCHITECTURE

for pastors and church building committee members architects, designers, and builders

June 14 and 15 Hotel Continental, Kansas City, Missouri

General sessions, five workshops, tour of church buildings, symposium, panel discussion, church building slides

Keynote address by Dr. W . T. Purkiser, editor, Herald of Holiness on conference theme, “BEARING WITNESS TO THE TRUTH”

For program and registration form, write to the Division of Church Extension 6401 the Paseo, Kansas City, Missouri 64131

For hotel or motel reservation write to Housing Department, Convention and Tourist Council of Greater Kansas City 1212 Wyandotte St., Kansas City, Missouri 64105

(See Housing Request in January 17 Herald of Holiness)

Include YOUR new church building in the GENERAL ASSEMBLY CHURCH ARCHITECTURE EXHIBIT

This will be one of the interesting displays in the Home Missions-Church Extension exhibit in Exhibition Hall

Write to CHURCH EXTENSION for specifications for display presentation and shipping

March, 1968 23 NAZARENE RADIO LEAGUE

OUR MAIL IS PROOF

REACHES THE RICH AND POOR, THE WISE AND OTH­ ERWISE. IT PENETRATES APARTMENTS, OFFICES, AUTOMOBILES, SECRET RETREATS, AND THE SO­ PHISTICATED VENEER.

There are 400 million radio sets in use. The Gospel is good news only when if gets there in time.

Put "SHOWERS of BLESSING" on in your area.

NAZARENE RADIO LEAGUE H. Dale Mitchell, Executive Director

24 The Nazarene Preacher Department of EVANGELISM

Pre-Pentecost Evangelism Program April 14—June 2, 1968

"Every Nazarene Home Invasion//

Climaxed by

//#'One Great Hour of Sharing// on Pentecost Sunday

Every Nazarene home to be visited and prayed in by a pastor or appointed layman between Easter and Pentecost, stressing the need for family altars □ and deeper devotional lives. Every Nazarene family to be enlisted to bring an unchurched family to the “One Great Hour of Sharing” service of evangelism on Pentecost Sunday a morning. Every Nazarene church to have special periods of prayer and fasting during a this emphasis. (See information below on the final five Holy Watchnights.) Every Nazarene church to endeavor to have a reception of new Nazarenes on Pentecost Sunday night. a A “Certificate of Participation” to be presented to every local church that returns the “Pledge of Participation” to the Department. (See the information a packet which all pastors should have received by March 1.) O FINAL FIVE Q st Day 6:00 p.m. to 1of 50 midnight Each Month 1964-68 LOCAL TIME

4 6 —A p ril 1 48 —M ay 1 47—April 17 4| Extras ^ 4 9 -M a y 15 50—Ju ne 1

PLAN NOW to observe these Holy Watchnights as times of tarrying and prayer for this emphasis and for the forthcoming General Assembly.

March, 1968 25 A1

GOAL-I

4-SUNDAY BUILDUI MARCH 24 — ON YOUR A M A RCH 31 — GET SET APRIL 7 — GO APRIL 14 — SET A RECO 0 0 0 mmm The Nazarene Preacher Department of CHURCH SCHOOLS ADRENNIAL IUMDAY SCHOOL TENDANCE DRIVE

VSTER SUNDAY-APRIL 14 NEW DENOMINATIONAL RECORD

m m m LET US RUN THE RACE

March, 1968 27 NAZARENE YOUNG PEOPLE’S SOCIETY 1968 GeneralNYPS Convention June 13-15 Featuring: • Teen Chorus and Brass Ensemble Rehearsal: Wednesday and Thursday evenings, June 12-13.

• Junior Activities Junior Field Day— tickets available at the NYPS booth in Exhibition Hall

• Teen Activities You thought Portland was a blast! Teen ac­ tivities are scheduled for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday (17, 18, 19). Tickets available at NYPS booth in Exhibition Hall

• Young Adult Activities Hospitality Center for all college students, June 14-17. Information at the NYPS booth in Exhibition Hall.

TO GIVE US AN IDEA of the number of persons attending each function, please fill in the appropriate bianks and mail to the General NYPS Office, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, Mo. 64131. In each case indicate the approximate number attending from your church.

______Teen Choir (List parts they sing ______)

______Brass Ensemble (List instrum ents______)

______Junior Activities

______Teen Activities

______Young Adult Activities

28 The Nazarene Preacher NAZARENE INFORMATION SERVICE The Still Open Door

TT IS AN A LL too common state week and next that might be con­ -*• for a pastor in an urban center, sidered a news story for our local particularly, to withdraw his congre­ church news page?” gation and never to compete for One of the leading writers on re­ church page space in the metropolitan ligion for the secular press in the na­ press even when he might have a tion is Dr. Caspar Nannes, religious worthwhile church news story. news editor of the Washington, D.C., Granted this feeling of withdrawal Star. He taught English for 10 years may come from some of the church at the University of Illinois before he news we read today. It seems dom­ became editor in Washington. inated in areas by the topic of ecu­ Cas Nannes declares that “proper menism and issues of the day coverage of religious news is one of engaging the social gospel. the important duties of a newspaper.” He asks that pastors and church A Trap for Unwary public relations officials among the Also it may be easy for some pas­ more than 1,200 churches he serves tors in larger cities to fall into the observe a few suggestions in mailing trap of believing that the religious in their church news. These are prac­ news editor of the daily paper has no tical and have a wide application. interest in individual churches and Some of them are: the smaller denominations. But this All material should be typed, double­ is not so. spaced, and on the church letterhead. If Pastors need only to read their lo­ not typed, please print proper names and place names. cal newspapers carefully and regu­ Name and daytime telephone of person larly to discover that news from small sending in the material should be given. churches often gets into print—pro­ Be sure that hour, date, place, and com­ viding it is NEWS . . . or a feature plete identification of each person on the story about something that is unusual program appear in the notice. Be sure material reaches the Religious in their church world. News Editor by noon, Wednesday, before the Saturday of publication. Earlier re­ News Is Hard to Find ceipt of material would be appreciated. The real news stories are usually hard to find for a church news edi­ Add Two More Suggestions tor. He never has too many stories We would add two more sugges­ of the kind that make readers sit up tions. Pastors should make a carbon and read to the end. copy of the material they send to the Every pastor by reading his daily newspaper. This has several benefits. newspaper can answer to his own sat­ One is to learn what your editor con­ isfaction this important question: siders to be the “essential facts,” by “What does my church news editor comparing the published version with consider to be church news?” your carbon copy. When the pastor has this knowl­ Another suggestion is to be sure to edge, he can apply the answer to his read over and correct the material own program and congregation and before you place it in the mail. ask himself: “ What are we doing this O . J oe O l so n

March, 1968 29 NAZARENE WORLD MISSIONARY SOCIETY

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

Friday, March 1, 1968

We urge every Church of the Nazarene to observe Friday, March 1, as a day of prayer AND FASTING. Millions of Christians around the world will be joining in prayer. Traditionally held on the first Friday of Lent, the World Day of Prayer is a 24-hour period set apart for a globe-encircling demonstra­ tion of Christian unity through prayer. When March 1 dawns on the international dateline, Christians in the Tonga Islands will be among the first to observe this day of prayer. From continent to continent in hundreds of languages and dialects, prayers will ascend until the day draws to its close with Eskimos in the frigid Arctic and Samoans in the tropical southwest Pacific voicing the final “Amen.”

WHAT CAN I DO? • Contact your NWMS president and make plans well in advance to make March 1 a day of real prayer and fasting in your local church. • Urge your members to use the special requests in the February is­ sue of the Other Sheep as well as those in the Prayer Chart column. • If it seems advisable cooperate with the other churches in your community in the public observance of the day and urge your people to attend.

30 The Nazarene Preacher Department of WORLD MISSIONS

Personal Evangelism and How I Go About It

By Richard Tombran, Guyana

Rev. Richard Tombran is an East Indian, an ordained Nazarene elder, pastor of No. 19 Warren Church, the third largest Nazarene Church in Guyana; and of two flourishing preaching points. His paper was read at the District Nazarene Preachers’ Meeting. It will be printed in three parts.

I. How I Approach People in the Community

CUSTOMS: The majority of the people with whom I work are East In­ dians who have various customs which they follow at the time of weddings, funerals, religious worship, etc.

SUPERSTITIONS: They are superstitious in their beliefs about many things. In dealing with these people I do not criticize them, but rather give them a chance to talk over some of these things. Then I try, by the help of the Holy Spirit using some of my personal experiences, to show them how they are superstitious in their beliefs.

RELIGION: There are times when they may want to talk about their religious beliefs, such as reincarnation or good works. Or they may want to ask questions. I use illustrations, by the help of God, to show them how and where their teachings are erroneous. Then I try to show them the importance of Christianity, and how Christ died to save them from their sins. I pray with them, if permitted, and try to get them to confess their sins to the Lord. I never like to ask them just to “become a Christian,” but rather, I ask them if they would like to have Christ save them from their sins. I know that when they are saved, they will turn away from their old religious practices.

EDUCATION: The majority of the people that I work among are unedu­ cated, therefore simple language will be appreciated by them. Someone said, “It is impossible for a big ship to go through a narrow channel.” The best teachers of public speaking today emphasize simplicity and naturalness. Joseph Parker quoted Lord Jeffries as saying “Simplicity is the last attain­ ment of progressive literature, and men are very much afraid of being natural from the dread of being taken for ordinary.”

OCCUPATION: To form a conversation I always like to talk to them about the work that they are interested in—perhaps shooting, fishing, car­ pentry, etc. Yet I would not try to go too far, so as to end the conversation without trying to get a loophole through which to bring in the gospel before I dismiss.

(Next Month: II. Ways to Be Helpful) March, 1968 31 CHRISTIAN SERVICE TRAINING Do you know how to care for it properly?

HANDLING FINANCES IN THE LOCAL CHURCH

Is an excellent book giving guidance in the use of the Unified Treasury System.

Helps included are: Planning the Church Budget Receiving the Money Disbursing the Funds Recording Transactions Reports and Audits

Unit 515a, Handling Finances in the Local Church Text: Handling Finances in the Local Church

CHRISTIAN SERVICE TRAINING 6401 The Paseo Kansas City, Missouri 64131

32 The Nazarene Preacher BOARD OF PENSIONS Is Social Security Still a Bargain? (reprinted from U.S. News & World Report)

How good a buy is your So­ The system also favors workers with cial Security? In the long run, is low incomes. Even the young man who starts out the system worth what you put today on a working career of 40 years, in? paying the maximum payroll tax the Close scrutiny of the program, whole time, has a good chance of get­ ting more money back than he and his with all its ramifications, turns employer pay into the system. up some surprising answers for This is especially true if allowance is those awaiting pay-out day. made for the value of extra protections that Social Security offers against the A new rise in Social Security pen­ hazards of life—pensions for disabled sions and payroll taxes has been drafted workers, benefits for the dependents of in Congress, and once more people are a worker who dies before retirement asking some old, familiar questions: age, hospital and nursing-home care in Is Social Security really a good buy old age, and so on. for the typical American worker and his family? How you will make out. The exam­ Do people get their money’s worth? ples given in the chart on these pages Could a man do better with a private show how people in various situations annuity to provide for himself and his will make out on their investment in wife in old age? Social Security. The answers vary, of course, from No allowance is made in these ex­ one person to another—depending on amples for the increases in taxes and age, family situation, and such circum­ benefits approved by the House Ways stances as the number of years in active and Means Committee on August 2. work and in retirement. However, those changes will not alter However, some broad conclusions can the general ratio of taxes to benefits, be stated— because both will go up proportionate­ • The vast majority of people now ly. Thus, the broad conclusions stated working on jobs covered by Social Se­ here will apply under a new law just curity will draw benefits far in excess the same as under present law. of what they have paid or will pay in Note also that the benefits shown by taxes during working years. the examples in the chart are retirement • In most cases, the return will be and survivors’ payments only. No al­ larger than the combined tax payments lowance is made for the value of dis­ of the worker and his employer. ability insurance or medicare. Boon for retired. Social Security is a Disability insurance can be important. real bargain for people already retired, A worker is eligible at any age. Con­ soon to retire, or well along in years. ceivably, a man starting in mid-twenties

WHAT SOCIAL SECURITY COSTS YOU, WHAT YOU GET BACK: 6 EXAMPLES ‘Example 1: ‘ Example 2: An employe who paid the maximum tax for 30 An employe who paid the maximum Social Se­ years before retiring last January 1. Both the curity tax from the time the program started in worker and his wife at retirement were 65 years 1937 until he retired in 1948 at age 65. His wife old. is the same age. Taxes paid by the employe ...... $ 2,383 Taxes paid by the employe ...... $ 330 Taxes paid by the employer ...... $ 2,383 Taxes paid by the employer ...... $ 330 Total taxes paid ...... $ 4,766 Benefits to be drawn by the couple, Total taxes paid ...... $ 660 assuming both live out their normal life Benefits paid to retired couple so far ....$29,342 expectancy ...... $37,316 *While this is emplo.ye-employer example, it is more favorable to the minister because he pays only 70-75 percent of total, yet receives full salary benefit credit. March, 1968 32a BOARD OF PENSIONS could draw a full family pension for the draws interest on the reserve fund, rest of his life. which is about $22 billion. This also is important: Social Se­ Payments to children. Survivors’ curity financing is arranged in such a benefits over a period of years can run way that each generation supports the into big figures. benefits of the next older generation. Payments to each child, in the event of the father’s death, are made until he For past generations. In other words, or she reaches age 18—or age 22 if still people now working pay just enough in in school. When the children go off the Social Security taxes each year to cover rolls, their mother does too, but at age the cost of the year’s benefits to those 60 she starts drawing a widow’s pension already retired and to the dependents for the rest of her life. All told, such a of deceased workers. family might draw as much as $75,000, If the system were to run into finan­ $80,000, even $100,000 in return for a cial trouble some day there appears to modest sum paid by the worker in pay­ be little if any doubt that Congress roll taxes during his lifetime. It is es­ would come to the rescue. Pensions un­ timated that the aggregate value of sur­ questionably would be paid, even if it vivors’ insurance protection alone is became necessary to finance them out 730 billion dollars. of the general revenue of the United Of every $1.00 paid in taxes for States Treasury. Social Security, about 28 cents is for Congress has a history of increasing survivors’ protection and disability in­ pensions and survivors’ payments as liv­ surance. As for hospital and nursing- ing costs have risen over the years. home benefits, a person does not need to retire to qualify. People who are How revenues grow. Taxes have been older than 65 are entitled to this cover­ increased, too, to help pay for higher age even if they continue working. pensions. But payroll-tax revenue at each step in the rising rate level of re­ Importance of medicare. In case of cent years has been higher than antici­ severe or prolonged illness, medicare pated, because wages and salaries have kept going up. This has meant more pay could be the most important part of the whole Social Security system. to tax, and thus more revenue to support Social Security. Thus, there is a wide and growing So far, Congress has shied away from range of coverage under the Social Se­ any automatic escalator, but has voted curity program. No private insurance five general raises in benefits since 1950. company offers such benefits. If Social Security is such a bargain— The increase now being voted will be with valuable protection piled on top of No. 6. the promise of benefits exceeding tax In this 17-year period, benefits have payments for nearly every worker— increased faster than living costs, and important new benefits have been how can the system make ends meet? added to the program. Is it in danger of going broke? To begin with, it should be under­ Congress keeps watch. There seems stood that Social Security has other in­ to be no doubt that, in the future, Con­ come besides the workers’ payroll-tax gress will keep coming through as neces­ payments. Those payments are matched sary to preserve the buying power of by the employer. Then, too, the system pensions.

*Example 3: ‘ Example 4: A widower with no dependents who paid the Another widower with no dependents, now age 52, maximum tax as an employe for 30 years before who pays the maximum tax as an employe for retiring last January 1 at the age of 65. 43 years before retiring in 1980. Taxes paid by the employe ...... $ 2,383 Taxes to be paid by the employe ...... $ 6,766 Taxes paid by the employer ...... $ 2,383 Taxes to be paid by the employer ...... $ 6,766 Total taxes to be paid ...... $13,532 Total taxes paid ...... $ 4,766 Benefits to be drawn by the retired Benefits if he dies at age 70, worker if he dies at age 70, five years five years after retirement ...... $ 8,154 after retirement ...... $ 9,180 ♦While this is employe-employer example, it is more favorable to the minister because he pays only 70-75 percent of total, yet receives full salary benefit credit. 32b The Nazarene Preacher BOARD OF PENSIONS

The experts point to some advantages lions at a cost lower than can be had of Social Security over private invest­ in any other way. ment. Prices of common stocks rise and Many people in years past have been fall with business activity, confidence, able to retire on small pensions after and profits. Bonds do not offer protec­ paying as little as $100 or less in Social tion against inflation. Real estate in­ Security taxes. vestment is risky. Private insurance to Large numbers of retired couples now offer the same kind of multiple benefits draw more in retirement benefits each and protection as does Social Security month than they paid in taxes during cannot be had. their working years. Thus, the experts on Social Security maintain that, while the program is no For the great majority of people, even substitute for private investments or in­ those who will pay the maximum taxes surance, it does provide the assurance of in years to come, Social Security turns a modest income and protection for mil- out to be a good buy. This will continue to be the case under the new law to be enacted by Congress. ‘ Example 5: A young, salaried worker who paid the maximum (Copyright 1967 U.S. News & World R e­ tax from 1957 until his death last January at age port, Inc.) 32. His wife, age 28, and two children, seven and three, survive him. Taxes paid by the employe ...... $ 1,546 **Example 6: Taxes paid by his employer ...... $ 1,546 A young lawyer who starts practicing in 1967 at Total taxes paid ...... $ 3,092 age 25, and pays the maximum tax until he re­ Benefits to be paid to the family: tires in the year 2007. Both he and his wife will Death benefit, lump sum ...... $ 255 then be 65. Benefits payable to 1986, when children finish college ...... $62,622 Taxes to be paid by the lawyer as a Benefits to widow starting at age 60, self-employed worker ...... $20,074 assuming she lives out her normal life Benefits to be drawn by the lawyer expectancy ...... $24,380 and his wife, assuming both live out Total benefits ...... $87,257 their normal life expectancy ...... $46,124

*While this is employe-employer example, it is more favorable to the minister because he pays only 70-75 percent of total, yet receives full salary benefit credit. **This also pertains to the minister.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS FORM PASTOR—a Service for You When you change address, fill in the form below and mail to the General Secretary. All official records at headquarters and periodicals checked below will be changed from this one notification.

Name Date of change

New address

C ity ______State Zip

Name of church

New position: Pastor . Evang.

Former address ______

Former church ______

Check: HERALD OF HOLINESS OTHER SHEEP

NAZARENE PREACHER OTHER (Clip and send to the General Secretary, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, Mo. 64131.)

March, 1968 32c LET US RUN...THE RACE quadrennial attendance drive to SET A RECORD on easter...april 14 With the great increase in enrollment resulting from our “MARCH TO A MILLION” we have the potential “SET A RECORD" far beyond any previous record. Our record attendance recorded the Easter before the last General Assembly was 625,337 for the denomination. Let’s go all out to make it not less than 650,000 this Easter. use these ACTION-getting POSTCARDS to build toward a RECORD ATTENDANCE

100 for $1.50; 400 for $5.00 IMPRINTING,* limited to 4 lines (minimum order of 400 cards) $3.00 extra

* Allow two weeks for delivery.

Winged Foot” Stick-on Tag Stimulate interest, create an atmosphere of excitment! Have everyone wear one of these fS)N novel tags the very first Sunday of this at­ tendance drive. Imprinted, "Let us run the race, "on silver and die cut as illustrated. 3" wide. Comes in packages of 48.

PI-68 Each package $1.00

Prices slightly higher outside the continental United States

IMPORTANT: See February “Church School Builder” for full-page posters designed for displaying throughout your church.

Attendance Drive Begins Week of MARCH 17 Order Your Postcards and Tags AT ONCE NAZARENE PUBLISHING HOUSE POST OFFICE BOX 527, KANSAS CITY, MO. 64141 Washington at Bresee, Pasadena, Calif. 91104 IN CANADA: 1592 Bloor St., West, Toronto 9, Ontario

32d The Nazarene Preacher of the parsonage...... MRS. B. EDGAR JOHNSON

Some time ago a questionnaire was sent by the Parsonettes (Nazarene Theological Seminary) to all district superintendents’ wives asking for counsel appropriate for future parsonage “queens.” Under the leadership of Mrs. Jane Snow, editor of Parsonotes, 1965-66, the answers were analyzed and summarized in two divisions: “The Minister’s Wife in Relation to Her Family” and “The Minister’s Wife in Relation to Her Church.” Believing that these opinions would be of interest—and of help—to ministers’ wives everywhere, we are publishing one installment this month and the second in April.—E d it o r .

The Ministers Wife in Relation to Her Family

“BE THOU AN EXAMPLE.” Be dedi­ and cause irritations which are entirely cated to the proposition of being a unnecessary. As level of income in­ minister’s wife. creases, make your increased wants moderate and within reason. Learn to THE MINISTER IS CALLED of God, be happy living on the economic level and since you are bound to him with that the pastor’s salary affords. You the bond of marriage, the call also ex­ can learn how to do things within the tends to you. A call to the ministry is parsonage that save on the finances and a call to serve; and to serve means to add to the beauty of the home. sacrifice when necessary. STRIVE TO BE THE best possible A MINISTER CARRIES a deep burden homemaker. While you have obligations for the people to whom he ministers. to the church as the minister’s wife, He is never out from under this load. your first responsibility is to make a You should not feel neglected or jealous pleasant and clean home for your hus­ as he fulfills his calling. There can still band and family. Let no member or be a beautiful harmony in playing friend have just cause to criticize your “second fiddle.” Your total commitment housekeeping. You may not have ex­ to the task of building God’s kingdom pensive furniture or fine fixtures, but will increase your husband’s effective­ you can keep what you have clean and ness. neat. Every parsonage should be a Harmony House, attractive because of BE YOUR HUSBAND’S BEST critic. the people who dwell there and pleas­ You may have stars in your eyes in ing to all who enter. your admiration of him and his ministry, but if he has distracting mannerisms YOUR HUSBAND IS THE PASTOR. and/or errors in grammar and diction, He takes the leadership; you kindly and don’t do him the injustice of keeping sweetly stand with him. Never let it silent. However, never criticize him in be known should you disagree on any front of others or the family. (Or on point. Esteem your husband. Cooperate Sunday!—Editor.) with your husband’s leadership, but never dominate it. MAKE YOUR WANTS IN keeping with your income. Too expensive a taste can WHEN YOUR HUSBAND COMES in make the family budget out of balance from services or calling, do not ply him

March, 1968 33 with questions; he is tired and wants to God, to love the church. Bring them forget his problems. Sometimes he may up “in the nurture and admonition talk them over with you—but until then of the Lord.” Make them an active part ask God for grace to curb your ques­ of all your friendships, interests, and tions. When he comes home he wants to activities when possible. Have special turn his mind and attention to you. days and plans for “family activities.” Appreciate the compliment by letting Your children need the love and un­ all outside interests remain outside for derstanding that will prevent negative the present. Be looking for him with reaction toward the home and church. joy and anticipation. DON’T DISCUSS THE FAULTS of the WHEN HE SEEMS TO be discouraged, church people before your children. lend him a listening ear and try not to Discuss your personal problems with become discouraged; lift his spirits. each other and God only. Have family discussions when your children are in­ KEEP A WELL ORDERED schedule. volved. Irregular and unplanned meals not only break down family morale but are not YOUR DRESS (manner of dress) is also healthful. Serve your meals neatly and of great importance to your husband on time. To be slow and irresponsible and his position. Dress in moderation. is an emotional strain on your husband, “Be thou an example” ! Don’t try to set who feels the responsibility of the the style in your church. Above all, church schedule. It will also help your always appear neat and clean—even if attitude towards the church schedule as your wardrobe isn’t the best. Another well as take away some of the pressures important area in the matter of dress of being so rushed at the last minute. concerns “life in the Nazarene parson­ age.” Always be presentable! Don’t PROTECT YOUR HUSBAND’S calling. ever appear in slacks, etc. A dress is This may include many things. For ex­ appropriate even while cleaning and ample it may include going calling doing everyday duties around the home. with him where only one or two This reflects upon your ministry as ladies would be present, or if they well as upon your husband’s ministry. should come to him for counsel. It It is a rare occasion that calls for slacks would also include protecting his name— —and then never for a church activity. never make a disparaging remark about your husband, even if just in joking! ANOTHER AREA OF MINISTRY is the telephone. The parsonage receives BE SURE YOUR CHILDREN are well- many important telephone calls. Often disciplined. Many a minister has had in the pastor’s absence it is up to you his ministry ruined or seriously damaged to handle the call. Be cautious! The oc­ because of rowdy and misbehaving casion may call for a listening ear or a children. Rather than punishing them return call from the pastor. Let people in public, however, when misbehavior talk—they often find their own solution calls for disciplinary action, let it be just in talking the matter over with known immediately after returning from someone. Answer the phone properly church that such action is forthcoming. —not with a mere “yes” or “hello.” Children should be taught obedience, One might say, “Nazarene parsonage,” kindness, politeness, good manners, or state the pastor’s name. Teach your courtesy, and reverence. children how to answer the phone, but only when you or your husband (or INVEST TIME WITH YOUR children. sitter) are not available to answer the They are worth it. Teach your children phone. The minister is on twenty-four- to rely on God, to enjoy the worship hour phone duty. Don’t resent phone of their Lord, to respect the house of calls.

34 The Nazarene Preacher BIBLICAL TOWARDS BETTER BIBLICAL SCHOLARSHIP STUDIES ■>

The Greatest Prayer of All

(M editations on John 17)

By H. K. Bedwell*

No. 5 Jesus and His Disciples

The relationship between Jesus and true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou His disciples was close and affectionate. hast sent” (v. 3). What a priceless For three years He had shared life with treasure this wonderful gift is! them. He had taught them, rebuked He gave them a divine message. “I them, encouraged them, and empowered have given unto them the words which them; now He earnestly prays for them. thou gavest me” (v. 8). Jesus reiterated In His prayer He made three state­ often during His earthly ministry that ments that crystallize His whole attitude the message He proclaimed was from towards them: the Father himself. He declared that “I have given them” (v. 8). His words were not His own, but were “I have kept them” (v. 12). specially given to Him to speak by the “I have sent them” (v. 18). Father himself. This invests all His say­ In the first statement we have the ings with the very highest authority, gifts of Jesus to His disciples, in the and it means that every word contains second the protection of Jesus for His deep meaning. To His disciples He im­ disciples, and in the third the com­ parted this divine message, and to mission of Jesus to His disciples. them He entrusted its perpetuation. In the New Testament we have that mes­ I. The gifts of Jesus to His disciples. sage preserved for all time in its original What had He given? We find the an­ purity. This is our priceless heritage. swer within the prayer itself. The message of the Gospel in His He gave them divine life. “That he precious gift to us. should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him” (v. 2). This He gave them divine glory. “The life is eternal in contrast to mortal; it is glory which thou gavest me I have given spiritual in contrast to physical; it is them” (v. 22). Glory means exaltation divine in contrast to human. It is life and honor. The Bible has a lot to say with a new quality—pure, happy, pur­ about glory. It speaks about the “spirit poseful, useful, and satisfying, and glor­ of glory,” “fulness of glory,” “the ex­ ious. It is a life which truly knows the cellent glory,” “the glory that excelleth,” Father and the Son. “This is life eter­ “the eternal weight of glory,” “the glory nal, that they might know thee the only of his grace,1’ “the praise of his glory,” “the riches of glory,” “the hope of glory,” * Nazarene missionary, Stegi, Swaziland, South Africa. “eternal glory,” “the glory of his power,” March, 1968 35 “the brightness of his glory,” “the crown . . . for he dwelleth with you, and shall of glory,” “the throne of his glory.” God be in you" (John 14:16-17). If we cou­ is the Father of glory; Jesus is the ple these promises with the assurance in Lord of glory. The amazing thing is I John 4:4, “Greater is he that is in that this glory is given to His followers. you, than he that is in the world,” we It is the glory of sharing His nature as are sure of adequate protection at all the children of God, of sharing in His times. work as the servants of God, of sitting III. The commission of Jesus to His on His throne as partners of God, and disciples. “As thou hast sent me into living with Him forever in a land of the world, even so have I also sent them glory as the friends of God. These mar­ into the world” (v. 18). The “as” and velous gifts are the expression of His “so” are deeply significant. In some love to His own. As He had loved those respects the commission of Jesus was who were His own in the world, He unique, but in other ways we have a loved them to the last and highest de­ share in it. gree (John 13:1). He was sent to SACRIFICE, and so II. The protection of Jesus for His are we. Jesus said we are to take up disciples. “I kept them.” Allegiance to the cross and follow Him. It is a life Jesus provokes the hostility of the of separation from the world, of re­ world, and the malice of the forces of nunciation of the world, and self-deny­ evil which dominate the world. Every ing service on behalf of the world. If follower of Jesus is in dire need of it eventually means persecution and special protection, for the world hates even death, it is in the line of duty him. (See v. 14.) “While I was with and loyalty to our divine orders. them in the world, I kept them in thy He was sent to PREACH, and so are name” (v. 12). Protection is provided we. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon in three ways—by His presence with me, because he hath anointed me to them, by His prayers for them, and by preach the gospel” (Luke 4:18). He gave His promise to them. them His words, not that they might There is safety in the presence of selfishly cherish them for themselves, Jesus. “While I was with them . . . I but that they might be His messengers kept them.” Even when arrested, He to a needy world. Jesus came with a protected them, for He said, “Let these life-giving message, and we are sent go their way” (18:8). He would bear the forth with that same living Word to brunt of His enemies’ malice alone. We proclaim. are perfectly safe when we keep close He was sent to SERVE, and so are we. to Him. Jesus said, “I am among you as he We are also protected by His prayers. that serveth” (Luke 22:37). We are sent Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, Si­ forth, not as masters, but as servants; mon, behold, Satan hath desired to have not as dictators, but as ambassadors; not you, that he may sift you as wheat: but as tyrants, but as helpers. As Jesus I have prayed for thee, that thy faith served in true humility, so must we fail not” (Luke 22:31-32). In this prayer follow in His steps. When we are sent too He states, “I pray for them” (v. 9), by Him, we truly become the servants and one of His main petitions is, “Father, of all. Our burning ambition should be keep them.” His ministry in heaven is to serve God faithfully to the very best that of intercession for His people (Heb. of our ability, and to serve our gen­ 7:25). We are constantly preserved by eration by seizing every opportunity. the mighty power of His effective pray­ It is a high privilege indeed to be sent ing. by Him to serve Him in a needy world. Then we too have a glorious promise As His disciples, we enjoy His gifts, we shelter under his protection, we go of the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit, which affords inner protection— forth at His bidding. “That he may abide with you for ever (To be continued)

36 The Nazarene Preacher Gleanings from the Greek New Testament

By Ralph Earle*

Col. 4:7-18

“Your Estate” or in Eph. 6:22 and II Thess. 2:17, the real “Our Circumstances” ? meaning is “encourage you to perse­ vere.” 1 The King James Version says that Paul was sending Tychicus to the Colos- sian church “that he might know your “Sister’s Son” or “Cousin”? estate” (v. 8). Why does the New American Standard Bible have, “that The King James Version presents you may know about our circum­ Mark as the nephew of Barnabas (v. stances” ? 10). But the Greek word anepsios The answer is that the latter trans­ (only here in NT) really meant “cousin” lation represents what scholars believe at the time. Lightfoot writes: “The term to be the best Greek text, though ad­ anepsioi is applied to cousins german, mittedly the manuscript evidence in the children whether of two brothers or this case is rather evenly balanced. But of two sisters or of a brother and the reading adopted by most modern sister, as it is carefully defined in Pollux translators is parallel to that in Eph. iii. 28.”2 Pollux wrote his famous Greek 6:22, where Paul is apparently saying dictionary, entitled Onomasticon, in the the same thing. second century after Christ. Abbott says In any case, “estate” is an archaic of anepsios: “The use of it for ‘nephew’ rendering here. Today “estate” means is very late.”3 property belonging to someone. Here the Greek literally says: “the things “Receive” or “Welcome” ? concerning us [or you]." The correct idea is: “that you may know how we Paul says that he had already given are” (RSV). instructions that if Mark should come the Colossians were to “receive” him. The verb is dechomai (not the same word as “received” earlier in the verse). “Comfort” or “Encourage”? It means “accept” or “welcome.” Most of the recent translations have adopted The verb parakaleo literally means “welcome” or “make him welcome.” The “call alongside [to help].” It is variously importance of this idea is underlined by translated as “beseech,” “exhort,” “com­ T. K. Abbott. After calling attention to fort,” or “encourage.” Only the context the correct term above, “cousin,” he can decide the choice. It would seem says: “The relationship explains why that “encourage” fits best here, as most Barnabas was more ready than Paul to translators have agreed. The correct condone Mark’s defection, Acts xv. 37- thought is expressed by such a render­ 39. At the same time the passage throws ing as “put fresh heart into you” (NEB). light in turn on the rather remarkable Lightfoot feels that in this passage, as form of commendation here, ‘if he comes unto you, receive him.’ The Pauline Churches, which were aware of the •Professor of New Testament, Nazarene Theo­ logical Seminary, Kansas City, Mo. estrangement, might not be very ready March, 1968 37 to give a very hearty welcome to “ Complete” or “Fully Assured”? Mark.”4 So Paul is urging: “Give him This is again a matter of variant read­ a hearty welcome” (Phillips). ings. “Complete” is based on p e p ler o - m enoi, the perfect passive participle of “ Comfort” or “Encouragement” ? p leroo, which means to fill, complete, or fulfill.8 “Fully assured” (RSV, NASB) The Greek noun here (v. 11) is not is the rendering preferred by Lightfoot, from the same root as the verb for Abbott, and the other best commenta­ “comfort” in verse 8. There it was tors. It is based on peplerophoremenoi, parakaleo. Here it is paregoria (only the perfect passive participle of p le ro - here in NT). Lightfoot notes that the p h oreo. This verb means: “1. to bring latter has an even wider range of mean­ in full measure . . . fulfill, accomplish ing than the former. He writes: “The . . . 2. to persuade, assure or satisfy verb pa reg orein denotes either (1) ‘to fully.”9 The latter is its meaning in the exhort, encourage’ . . . (2) ‘to dissuade’ papyri, as Deissmann has demonstrated. . . . (3) ‘to appease,’ ‘quiet’ . . . or (4) ‘to console, comfort.’ The word however, and its derivatives . . . were “Great Zeal” or “Deep Concern”? used especially as medical terms, in the sense of ‘assuaging,’ ‘alleviating’ . . . The word “zeal” (v. 13) is the trans­ and perhaps owing to this usage, the lation of zelon. But the oldest Greek idea of consolation, comfort, is on the manuscripts have ponon. The original whole predominant in the word.”5 The meaning of this word was “labor” or English word paregoric comes from this “toil.” Then it came to mean “great Greek term. The NASB has “encour­ trouble, intense desire.”10 Aside from agement,” but almost all recent transla­ this passage the word p on os occurs only tions have adopted “comfort.” in Revelation (16:10-11; 21:4), where it means “pain” or “distress.” Most recent translations have “worked hard,” or “Labouring Fervently” something similar. But there is much or “Wrestling”? to be said for “deep concern” (NASB; cf. Weymouth). The verb agonizo (v. 12) has given us our English word agonize. As we have noted in previous studies, this was 1Colossians, p. 235. primarily an athletic term. Properly it -Ibid., p. 236. 3Epistles to the Ephesians and to the Colossians meant “to contend for a prize,”6 or “en­ (IC C ), p. 300. 4Ibid. gage in a contest.”7 Here the thought 'Op. cit., p. 239. is that of “wrestling in prayer.” It would

A Nazarene evangelist is self-reliant, but never self-sufficient. He is steadfast, but not stubborn. He is tactful, but not timid. He is serious, but not sullen. He is loyal, but not sectarian. He is tender­ hearted, but not touchy. He is conscientious, but not a perfectionist. He is disciplined, but not demanding. He is generous, but not gul­ lible. He is humorous, but not hilarious. He is friendly, but not familiar. He is discerning, but not critical. He is progressive, but not pretentious. From the Observer, Department of Evangelism

38 The Nazarene Preacher ^ TOWARDS BETTER PREACHING

God's Lamb By W. E. McCumber*

S cripture: Gen. 22:1-14; John 1:29-37 “spared not his own Son.” Here our for­ (RSV) giveness and life are divinely provided. T e x t : God will provide himself a lamb II. The power in which God’s Lamb was (Gen. 22:8) provided Behold the lamb of God (John 1:29). “Who takes away the sin of the world.” The very Lamb who died centuries ago I ntroduction: The word from Genesis takes away our sin today! The figure re­ could be rendered, “God himself will pro­ lates not only to the Cross, but to the vide a lamb.” The emphasis is upon the empty tomb. The Lamb was slain, but the fact that God, at His sovereign initiative, Lamb was raised again to life. And in will elect the lamb for sacrifice. Thus the power of endless life He saves from sin the place was named by Abraham “Jeho- and death! vah-jireh”—“The Lord will choose.” This same accent falls upon the word from John. In the Genesis story Abraham expresses Christ is “the Lamb of God,” i.e., the Lamb faith in God’s power to raise Isaac from which God has chosen. In the words of the dead: We “will go yonder and worship, Luther’s great hymn, Jesus is “the Man of and come again to you.” In the gospel that God’s own choosing.” God himself pro­ power is exhibited in the resurrection vided Jesus Christ to bear the sins of the of Jesus. world. “The Father has sent his Son as This Resurrection means that God has the Savior of the world” (I John 4:14, accepted the offered Lamb. He approves RSV). the Sacrifice. For the sake of its merit I. The purpose for which God’s Lamb He will forgive all for whom Christ atones. was provided And the Resurrection means that the Lamb “Who takes away the sin of the world” has conquered the dragon—that sin, guilt, (RSV). The Lamb is given to atone for death, and all the forces of evil must yield sin, to make possible the forgiveness of to the greater might of the Lord Jesus Christ! sins, the renewal of life, by which guilty men are brought into fellowship with God. C o n c l u s i o n : Once again John looked upon The Lamb was for sacrifice. Jesus and cried, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” In the Genesis story God intervenes to And “two disciples heard him say this, repudiate human sacrifice. No man, not and they followed Jesus” (John 1:35-37, even an Isaac, because of his own sin and RSV). What happens to those who follow guilt, can be a means of atonement for his the Lamb? The answer is found in the or another’s guilt. The lamb was a sub­ final book of the Bible: “For the Lamb in stitute for the man who could not offer the midst of the throne will be their shep­ himself to God. herd, and he will guide them to springs But in Jesus Christ a human sacrifice is of living water” (Rev. 7:17, R SV ). “Then made and accepted. No intervention stays I looked, and lo, on Mount Zion stood the the hands that drive the nails and plunge Lamb, and with him a hundred and forty- the spear into His yielded flesh! God the four thousand who had his name and his Father is offering His only Son, who is Father’s name written on their foreheads. sinless and righteous, as a Substitute for . . . they sing a new song before the sinners. God spared Isaac, but God throne . . . it is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes . . (Rev. 14:1, 3-4, •Pastor, First Church. Atlanta, Georgia. RSV). Following the Lamb means full sal- March. 1968 39 vation and satisfaction—“springs of living ciples. Costly service, for it symbolized water.” And it means at last the joys of the approaching hour when He would gird heaven—“a new song before the throne.” himself with the Cross to wash in atoning Behold Him! Follow Him! Blood the dirty souls of men! Loving ser­ vice, for the incident is bracketed by af­ firmations of His quenchless love for men (vv. 1, 34). Operation Footwash Humble, sacrificial, love-inspired service to human need—this is the purpose of life. S c r ip t u r e : John 13:1-17 (RSV) This is the challenge God makes to us in T e x t : Verses 3-5 Christ: “I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. This text answers the biggest questions Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not raised about life—the questions of origin, greater than his master” (vv. 15-16). Wher­ destiny, and purpose. Indeed, it gives the ever men are ragged with poverty, unclean only answers satisfying alike to mind and with disease, blighted with ignorance, and heart. smutted with evil—where men are at their I. Life comes from God. worst—there we find our reason for living; “Jesus, knowing . . . that he had come there we are to bring the cleansing and from God . . .” healing and peace of His Calvary-love! Of course Jesus came from God in a The servant’s role is a satisfying one. The unique sense, being the eternal Son of God, proud, greedy, ambitious, self-centered who became incarnate in order to save us. would-be-masters are forever wretched and But all lives have their origin in God, as unfulfilled. But to all who follow Him, a gift at once sacred and purposive. Gesta­ the Lord promises joy: “If you know these tion and birth are processes by which things, blessed are you if you do them” human life is formed and developed, but (v. 17). Live for God! Live for others! life itself is the Creator’s gift. “In the Live for eternity! Join the Lord’s “Opera­ beginning God created the heaven and the tion Footwash!” earth,” and “God created man in his own W. E. M c C u m b e r image” (Gen. 1:1, 27). From the beginning He has continued His creative work, the Author of Life. Eternal Life in Christ II. Life returns to God. I ntroduction : The only real living (Rom. “He had come from God and was going 8:13, Phillips) on earth is found in knowing to God . . .” Christ. The only pathway to eternal life We are responsible and accountable per­ is found in knowing Him. sons. For the gift of life we must answer to God. History has its terminus at “the I. C h r is t G iv e s C ondemnation fo r S i n . A. He condemns sin in the flesh judgment seat of Christ,” where “every one (Rom. 8:3). of us shall give account of himself to God” B. He condemns sin by becoming (Rom. 14:10-12). We are not lords but accursed (II Cor. 5:21; Gal. 3:13). stewards, and for our days and deeds we must account. It is the inescapable judg­ II. C h r is t G iv e s L ib e r t y f r o m S in ment of God that invests our frail lives A. Those in Christ are not con­ and fleeting years with awesome signifi­ demned (Rom. 8:1). cance! B. Those in Christ are made free (Rom. 6:18). III. Life should be devoted to the will III. C h r is t G iv e s L if e f r o m S i n of God. A. He gives life by slaying our sin­ The origin and destiny decide the purpose. ful nature (Rom. 8:10). We are here to serve God, to achieve His B. He gives life through and by purpose, to do His will. His Spirit (Rom. 8:6; Gal. 6:8). What is His will for us? “Jesus, knowing C. He brings confirmation of this . . . that he had come from God and was life (Rom. 8:16). going to God . . . began to wash the D. He shares His inheritance with disciples’ feet.” Jesus interpreted God’s will His own (Rom. 8:17). in terms of service to human need. Humble C o n c l u s io n : Since we are “joint-heirs” service, for He “girded himself with a towel” with Christ for this eternal life and other and performed the role of menial slave, treasures, let us live so as to honor Him. washing the travel-dusty feet of His dis­ J. R e x E a t o n 40 The Nazarene Preacher II. E x c e s s i v e i n D i s s i p a t i o n Expository Outlines A. “ Spots" and “ blemishes”

1. Note the Greek terms here: a) Spiloi, “rocks,” actually “a hid­ from II Peter den reef on which to make shipwreck.” Metaphorically, “a moral blemish.” b) Momoi, “mockers.” Metaphori­ By Ross Price* cally, “ a moral stain.” Cf. an ink stain on a white garment. 2. Men like these at the Christian celebration of the Lord’s Supper could No. 2 Insatiable for Sin only be thought of as “spots” and “blem­ ishes” upon it. Such persons would turn II Pet. 2:13b-14— even the sacrament into a wine-swilling. 3. Peter thinks of them, no doubt, in “ Cannot cease from sin” contrast with our Lord (I Pet. 1:19), who was “a lamb without blemish and without spot.”

B. Deceptive dissipaters Introduction: 1. “Foul blots and blemishes that 1. Peter has previously spoken of the stuff themselves at your tables by means of insubordination and irreverence of the their deceptions” (Berkeley Version). “false teachers.” He now goes on to con­ 2. “Under pretense of Christian in­ demn their sensuality. struction these self-indulging spongers 2. The utter impurity of their depraved lived luxuriously on gullible church mem­ natures found expression in licentiousness bers” (footnote, Berkeley version). of attitude and practice. 3. Jude 12 seems to indicate that 3. The RSV more correctly translates such deceivers turned the Christian “love Peter’s most descriptive phrase: “insatiable feast” into a mockery of dissipation. for sin.”

III. E y e s f o r A d u l t e r y U n l i m i t e d I. D a y t im e R e v eller s ( v . 13) A. “Eyes full of adultery and incessant A. Carousing in broad daylight. sin” (A. Clarke) 1. “Gormandizing during the day is 1. “Vivid picture of a man who can­ their idea of enjoyment” (Berkeley Ver­ not see a woman without lascivious thoughts sion) . toward her” (Mayor). 2. The Greek term truphe indicates 2. The Gnostic doctrine that spiritual “voluptuous revelling,” “luxurious living,” natures could with impunity indulge in hence not riot in our modern sense of sexual excesses, and that these might even physical violence and disturbing the peace. be practiced as expressions of mystical love, See also Adam Clarke. seems still to appeal to certain natures. B. They cannot wait for darkness. Cf. Berkeley and Phillips versions. 1. They are thus worse than ordinary B. Lustful gazing men of pleasure. Cf. Acts 2 :1 5 ; Isa. 5 :2 2 . 2. “Pleasure for them is revelling in 1. “Adulterous looking perpetually open daylight” (Moffatt). engages them. Every woman is a potential adulteress to them” (A. E. Barnet, Inter­ C. The Gnostics were famous for such preter’s Bible). excesses. 2. The eye with the male of the 1. Even though in the Near East it human species may become the portal of was a shame to be drunken in the daytime. lust. Witness the modern nude pinups in Cf. IThess. 5:7. factory and barracks. 2. They were so lost to all sense of 3. “The wanton glance is a principal shame that they revelled at noonday. occasion of exciting the sin; and there is often much in dress, and mien, and gesture, to charm the eye and deepen the debasing •Professor of theology, Pasadena College, Pasa­ dena, California. passion” (Barnes, N otes). March, 1968 41 4. Because of this no godly woman 2. Persons devoted to and deserving ever majors on “sex appeal.” Christian of a curse. Cf. the expressions: “sons of women should dress “as women professing Belial,” “children of disobedience.” sons of godliness” and not as leud temptresses of perdition,” etc. “Born under a curse” the male species. (Phillips). “They are devoted to execration; 5. Christian men need sanctified eye­ malediction has adopted them as its own” sight. (A. Plummer). B. Cursed by their own coveteousness IV. M a s t e r s o f S e d u c t io n ( v . 4 ) 1. What one purchases by moral A. Beguiling unstable souls failure proves to be a curse upon him. 2. Their unblushing greed and abom­ 1. The Greek term deleadzo indicates inable licentiousness have brought them to “to entice as with a fisherman’s bait.” where God’s curse is abiding upon them 2. This metaphor from the life of a “God’s curse is on them” (New English fisherman is characteristically Petrine. It Version). is used twice in this Epistle (cf. v. 18), C. Children of the devil and only elsewhere in the New Testament 1. Jesus said, “The tares are the chil­ atJas. 1:14. Cf. Matt. 17:27. dren of the wicked one” (Matt. 13:38). 3. Peter, whom Jesus had changed 2. Paul said, “ O full of all subtilty from a “reed” to a “rock,” has a concern . . . thou child of the devil” (Acts 13:10). for others not yet established by Pentecost. 3. Peter says, “Cursed children.” B. “ Expert in all the arts of seduction” (A. Clarke) 1. “They lure unstable souls to their C o n c l u s io n : ruin” (New English Version). 1. If this situation existed in Peter’s day, 2. Satan’s traps are many for any we may expect it in our day. who will not surrender fully to the Holy 2. Let us beware of Satan’s deluded am­ Spirit’s leadership. Cf. II Tim. 3:6. bassadors, full of self-confidence, lust, 3. Unstable souls need the establish­ greed, and egotism; carnal creatures and ing grace of heart purity. devout servants of a fallen ecclesiasticism.

V. G re ed y t o t h e C ore o f T h e m A. Trained in greed 1. The Greek suggests a heart “gym­ Don't Obstruct the View nastically perfected in coveteousness,” i.e., “schooled in greed—especially for honor S c r ip t u r e : Luke 19:1-10 and gain.” T e x t : v. 3 2. “Having a heart which has been I ntroduction : Review the setting, give made fat with coveteousness” (Godbey). background. 3. “The idea here is that these per­ I. W a y s i n W h ic h th e C h u r c h I s O b ­ sons had made this their study, and had s t r u c t in g t h e V i e w o f J e s u s learned the ways in which men could be A. By being Pharisees, proud of induced to part with their money under piety, “holier than thou.” religious pretenses” (Barnes, N otes). Cf. B. By professing to love God, then the modem religious “panhandlers.” manifesting hatred toward others. B. “Past masters in mercenary greed” C. By being worldly-minded. (New English Version) D. By exclusiveness. This can be un­ 1. Cf. the itinerant religious mer­ conscious, but just as deadly. cenaries whom Paul styles “false apostles.” E. By putting Jesus on the fringe of Satan likes to exchange the dollar sign for things rather than at the center. that of the Cross in any soul. II. W a y s in W h ic h t h e C h u r c h C a n 2. “Coveteous practices” in the name R e v e a l J e s u s of religion and learning. Beware of that A. By sacrificial giving of time, prophet who demands all the latest lux­ money, talents, personality. uries. But of course the workman is B. By making sure to remove the worthy of his hire. obstacles mentioned above. C. By witnessing. VI. A n A cc u rsed R a c e D. By cooperative efforts. A. “Cursed children” C o n c l u s io n : Zacchaeus found a way to get 1. This is a Hebrew idiom whichto Jesus. Let us find a way for those who expresses character by the idea of sonship; are not so determined as he was. hence, “children of the curse.” W i l l i a m C . S u m m e r s

42 The Nazarene Preacher A Cradle Roll Sermon III. Our Great Assistance—Heaven’s A n ­ gelic Hosts “Heavenly Greatness" A. Jesus says that we have the assistance of angels to aid us in our spiritual task of leading our “little ones” to S c r ip t u r e : Matt. 18:1-10 Christ (v. 10). (Also cf. Heb. 1:14.) I ntroduction : B. God will aid us in our task through 1. In this passage our Lord is teaching the church. His disciples concerning greatness in the 1. Godly teachers kingdom of Heaven. In this discourse the 2. The care of a pastor Master implies the great importance which 3. The fellowship of Christian friends He attaches to children. 2. Note how Jesus: C o n c l u s io n : We spend great sums t o in­ a. Points us to this great value (v. 2). sure that which we call temporal treasures. b. Prompts us in a great responsibility How much more we should be concerned (w . 5-6). about these treasures which are eternal! c. Promises us a great assistance (v. (This may be followed by a service of 10). infant dedication.) H erbert L. R ogers I. This Great Value—Our “Little Ones” Kansas City, Kans. A. Describe this scene (vv. 1-2). B. Jesus manifested an attitude toward children that is distinct from the av­ erage attitude of adults. 1. Adult attitude—“just a little child.” M Y PR BLEM We attach more value to an adult coming to Christ than we do a child. 2. Jesus’ attitude—they are the great­ PROBLEM: Should a pastor ever est of the kingdom of Heaven. allow himself to be saddled with the C. Illustration: A child was shown two job of church janitor? candles by his teacher. One was new and tall; the other was about half A n A r m y C h a p l a i n A d v i s e s : burned and short. The teacher said This is a very real problem among one represented an adult and one a the smaller churches in our denomina­ child and then asked the pupil to tion that are not strong enough finan­ identify which was which. The child cially to hire a church custodian. I pointed to the large candle as repre­ speak from experience because I pas- senting the adult and the little on the child. The teacher proceeded to show tored one for three years and learned the child that it was just the opposite, my lesson the hard way. No pastor of as the adult has burned out half of any size church should allow himself to his life, but the child has most of his be saddled with this extra job—not ahead of him yet. because it is below his dignity (sanctifi­ cation took care of that), but for the II. Our Great Responsibility—Our Influ­ following reasons: ence upon These “Little Ones” 1. The people of the church will per­ A. Jesus said woe to those who offend. mit you to be the janitor if you let 1. We can offend by the bad example them—don’t do it! of a sinful life or by the neglect 2. A small, growing church will de­ of a positive example and influ­ mand all of your time and energy. Don’t ence in holy living. take on unnecessary jobs. 2. Either is a serious offense (vv. 3. If and when you do get trapped 6-7). into doing it, you will be so rushed for B. Jesus equates receiving a child with receiving Him. (v. 5). time that you’ll likely do it in a very 1. “To receive” is to care for, to love, haphazard manner. Someone else could and to nurture. do a much better job. 2. It involves instruction in righteous­ 4. You may have someone in your ness as well as caring for material church who wants to do something for needs (Deut. 6:4-7). the Lord but doesn’t feel qualified or

March, 1968 43 able to teach or sing or take a leader­ Whether this is socially practical is, ship position, but who could function however, another approach. The pub­ admirably as the church custodian and licizing of this phase of pastoral respon­ do a good service for God and the sibility would be, in most areas, an church as well as for the pastor. embarrassment to the local congregation 5. Finally, I discovered that when the rather than to the pastor. Few laymen members cleaned the church they also could with pleasure announce to their took better care of it than they did unchurched or “other-churched” friends before. that their pastor cares for the custodial concerns of the congregation.

A n O k l a h o m a P a s t o r D i f f e r s : It then is not a question of professional humiliation, but rather of congregational I have come to pastor several churches concern in the local witness, that would where the different church members make such a relationship undesirable. had taken turns doing the janitor work. They were not satisfied with this PROBLEM: How can a pastoral call be method, and sometimes the church suf­ defined? What kind of personal contacts fered because the work was not done may legitimately be counted as such and well. Also it became expensive, as some what may not? would buy supplies and charge them to Pastors, what do you say? Write your opinions. the church when someone else had al­ If published, a $3.00 book credit will be given. Not over 200 words, please. ready bought them, and cause a duplica­ tion. The pastor should not be expected to do the work for nothing. He should be paid a fair amount for his time and X IDEAS effort. The money spent to keep the THAT WORK church clean and inviting is well spent. Those churches I have pastored have been happy to have me do the janitor work and have been glad to give a little Breaking New Ground extra to pay for it. This added incom e Some time ago I sat in a missionary to a pastor’s small salary is helpful and service and listened to Missionary Rich may keep him from having to take on tell of his work in Haiti. He told of part-time work that will take him away going out three miles in one direction from his pastoral duties. The pastor can and holding an open-air service, then choose his hours for this work so that out in another direction for another ser­ he will not be out of reach of his people vice. His church was the center from when needed. which he radiated the truth. My mind I have been the janitor of several turned to my own church. Fourteen churches I have pastored and it has miles northwest is Union City. Ten worked out very well for both myself miles is Tekonsha. Five miles east is and the church. I like to do the work Quincy. Seven miles south is Kinder- and do it right, and the people have hook. And ten miles west is Bronson. been pleased with a clean, neat church Why not reach out under the Spirit’s building that is inviting to the people leadership? Plans evolved for Bible of the community. studies in these places. We asked a family of new Christians A n O h i o P a s t o r B e l i e v e s : in Union City to let us hold a Bible Every work responsibility connected study in their home. These would be with the house of God carries spiritual held on five consecutive Tuesday eve­ meaning. Thus the cleanliness of the nings. There were some misgivings, but church becomes an act of devotion. all we asked was that the family invite There is little doubt but that any ser­ in some neighbors. We did not plan vice is as important as the person doing this as another church service, but rather it. a study of the Bible truths that might

44 The Nazarene Preacher be helpful to people. We were very informal. The results we left in the hands of God. f BULLETIN The first night nine people came to the Bible study, but by the fifth night V | EXCHANGE ' / there were twenty-six. One family never missed a night, and they lived * * * seven miles further from the church. This family occasionally would drive the If you plan for one year, plant rice; twenty miles to church for our evening If you plan for ten years, plant trees; service. They became more and more If you plan for one hundred years, educate men. involved. Then they found other families * * * living even farther away and led them to the Lord, and they began to attend. The way some people find fault, you’d Finally this group—some twenty in think there was a reward! number—formed the basis for our Pen- * * * field church, and the original family became pastor and wife. The mind is like the stomach. It is not Do you see how God worked—a mis­ how much can be put into it that counts, sionary giving a message, the Holy but how much it can digest. Spirit applying this old method to new, * * * and the result a new church, a new Shouting to make children obey is point of radiation? I am told this group like using your horn to steer the car— has won some eighty-three souls to the and you get about the same results.— Lord. B. Hillis. I do not suggest that this is a method Santa Paula, Calif. for others, but I do suggest that the B e r n a r d P. H e r t e l Holy Spirit is anxious to lead us to those methods, old or new, that will make our churches effective in their outreach. THERE IS A WAY Our basic philosophy must be an all- There is a way to work and rest, consuming love for people stemming To play and love and pray, from our love for God and an un­ That turns the good into the best, swerving belief that the only cure for That speeds the coming day. man’s ills is a real and personal knowl­ edge of the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour There is a way of meeting pain, and Sanctifier. Throw away, then, your Of bearing hurt and wrong, fears; especially throw away your fears That lifts our losses into gains, of failure, which in reality are self- Our sorrows into song. centered. Serve people at whatever the cost. Seek first the kingdom of God—it There is a way to walk with God, is better than your kingdom anyway. To whom all souls belong, Yes, cast thy members on the waters, That makes the narrow wondrous and you may find others swimming broad, back to you. My apologies to Jeremiah. The feeble strangely strong. Pastors and their wives are perhaps the happiest group of people on earth. There is a way—for me, and now— Of course this is due to the fact that To win new life divine; they know the Lord, but I think there Before the Lord of Life I bow, is also another reason. They are giving And own that way as mine. of themselves to others. —Author unknown J. A. W r i g h t Valentine, Nebraska Olivet, Michigan D. L. R u n y o n

March, 1968 45 The Acid Test—Your Heart Man must have a firm grasp of religious truth with the heart as well as the under­ standing. You may have: When Morning Gilds the Skies 1. Seriousness of religious manner, but (No. 91, Praise and Worship hymnal) nothing more. 2. Strict outward morality, but nothing In 1828, Edward Caswall found the more. words of this hymn of adoration and 3. Punctual observance of religious du­ praise in a German hymnbook without ties, but nothing more. the author’s name. At first he trans­ 4. Benevolent and amiable disposition, lated only six of the twenty-eight but nothing more. stanzas; but as the hymn became more 5. Great genius and high mental culture, popular, he continued translating until but nothing more. 6. Intellectual knowledge of the Scrip­ all the verses were translated. This tures, but nothing more. gifted Englishman, born in 1814, trans­ 7. Frequent religious impressions, but lated other songs from German and nothing more. Latin. “Jesus, the Very Thought of Is your’s heart religion? Thee” is his translation of an early Indio, Calif., Informer Latin hymn. DON REDMOND The composer, Sir Joseph Barnby, be­ gan as a choirboy in the great York Minster at the age of seven. In 1892 he was knighted by Queen Victoria for his accomplishments in music. He wrote WAS IT YOU? the tune for “When Morning Gilds the WAS IT YOU who spoke to a new Skies” in 1868. He also composed the couple in the parking lot one Sunday melody for “Now the Day Is Over” morning recently with a cheerful “So and for the well-known secular song glad to see you” ? “Sweet and Low.” He died in 1896. WAS IT YOU who were one of those This hymn is excellent for worship at the doorway with a happy smile and services, appropriate for the pre-Easter a hearty handshake, who made them season, and suitable as a choir number. feel, in their words, “as if he really cared . . .” ? WAS IT YOU, Mr. Usher, who not (Continued from page 16) only recognized their presence but did it. Paul was able to say, “First and not let them flounder for a place to be foremost, I handed on to you the facts seated immediately? which had been imparted to me” (I Cor. WAS IT YOU, church member seated 15:3, New English Bible). nearby, who was alert as they signed A beautiful illustration of steward­ the visitor’s card and got to them after ship is recorded in the story of Abra­ the service with a genuine welcome? ham’s servant seeking a wife for Isaac. WAS IT YOU, interested church He was entrusted with a great task. member, who called them in the after­ It called for skill and tact in some of noon and offered to pick them up for the most delicate relationships. He un­ the evening service? dertook the task in humble dependence WAS IT YOU who brought them as on God’s guidance. He spoke constantly, your guests to the midweek prayer not of himself, but of his master. He meeting? watched over the welfare of the bride, WAS IT YOU who, after they joined providing for her safety and direction. the church, gathered friends in your His final joy came when he presented home to meet this new couple? her to her master! The church says, “Thank you, alert “Stewards of the mysteries of God.” church member, whoever you are!” What a sacred responsibility! What a H. M. D a n i e l s glorious privilege!

46 The Nazarene Preacher Conducted by Willard H. Taylor*

The Adventure of the Holy Spirit should be a larger factor in living. Our greatest ministry to people the Christian Ministry is in helping them find the place where this faith becomes dominant.” (2) “There By Milo L. Arnold (Kansas City: Beacon are no insignificant people.” (3) “The Hill Press of Kansas City, 19G7. 138 pp., Christian concept of success—‘He that find- cloth, $2.25.) eth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it’ (Matt. One hardly knows where to begin his 10:39); ‘It is more blessed to give than to comments on this utterly delightful and receive’ (Acts 20:35).” (4) “Life is made inspirational book. It is not a theology of full by what we become rather than by the pastoral ministry and yet it is pro­ what we get.” (5) “The unvarying de­ foundly theological. Only a man who sees pendability of the plan of God. God knows the great sweep of divine truth can write where He is going.” so penetratingly and simply of the sacred Second, the last chapter of this brief calling. It is not biographical and yet the monograph is a majestic soliloquy on the reader feels the author’s own life unfold­ minister and his calling. Every genuine ing with all its commitments, sensitivities, servant of the Lord will immediately find and heart concerns. Indeed, this book is an himself caught up in the words of the adventure itself. author and strangely compelled to read it One brief sentence from the Preface sum­ aloud to himself. Arnold has captured the marizes this fact: “The adventure of be­ true meaning of what it means to be a ing a minister has been too exciting to go minister of our Lord Jesus Christ. unshared.” W i l l a r d H. T a y l o r Milo Arnold, longtime pastor in the Church of the Nazarene, and now profes­ sor of practics at Nazarene Bible College, On Tiptoe with Joy Colorado Springs, Colo., probes the many areas of the ministry with keen perception By John T. Seamands (Kansas City: Bea­ and deft illustration. He emphasizes the con Hill Press of Kansas City, 1967. 133 need of “sharing oneself” if there are to pp., cloth, $2.95.) be any “inner rewards.” He cautions against Dr. Seamands presents eight messages professionalism, disorganization, and disil­ on the indwelling presence of the Holy lusionment. He pleads for the wise use of Spirit, and they are rich in depth of one’s time and a sense of teamwork in one’s thought and spiritual insight. The book relationship to the denomination to which challenges the Christian to the experience he belongs. Several other important di­ of Joy that accompanies the indwelling mensions of the ministry are explored also. presence of the Spirit. Two portions of this perceptive and prac­ The titles give an idea of the emphasis tical study of the ministry call for special of these messages: “The Divine Ambassa­ comment because they take us into the dor,” “Resident and President,” “The Bap­ heart of the writer. First, looking back tism with Fire,” “Purity in the Deep Mind,” over his years of pastoral service, Mr. Ar­ “Power in the Inner Man,” “Rivers of Living nold concluded that he learned five essen­ Water,” “Fanning the Flame,” and “A Mod­ tial lessons: (1) “That faith in God, the ern Pentecost.” Father; in His Son, our Saviour Jesus An example of the way a thought is or­ Christ; and in the personal presence of ganized and developed is found in the chapter on “Fanning the Flame.” The text is I Thess. 5:19, “Quench not the Spirit.” •Professor of Biblical Theology, Nazarene Theological Seminary. The author speaks of (1) The Witness March, 1968 47 Flame, (2) The Prayer Flame, and (3) in the life of the individual, or the life of The Love Flame. the race, there must be some clear meas­ There are many references to the Scrip­ ure of value; and some definite body of tures to support each message, and each belief; some fixed standard of behavior” chapter is full of apt and interesting illus­ (p. 8). trations all serving the purpose of making On the subject of emotion Sangster the message clear and meaningful. speaks curtly: “The man who screams at a football or baseball match, but is dis­ Bishop Pickett of the Methodist church tressed when he hears of a sinner weep­ says of this book that it is “spiritually helpful, intellectually challenging, and in­ ing at the Cross, and murmurs something teresting” and this reader would be in about ‘the dangers of emotionalism,’ hardly wholehearted agreement with that evalua­ merits intelligent respect” (p. 205). tion with one added observation. It is also Not every passage will suit the mind of a welcome addition to that growing list the holiness man. Sangster does not come out clearly for the crisis experience of holi­ of works honoring the Holy Spirit and His ministry. ness. One finds the best of Sangster here. Also J a m e s P. M c G r a w a host of homiletical suggestions come crowding into the mind as one moves through these selections, and this is doubt­ Daily Readings from W . E. Sangster lessly due to the fact that they originated in a highly talented sermonic mind. Preachers and laymen alike will appre­ Edited by Frank Cumbers (Westwood, N.J.: ciate this Sangster anthology. Fleming H. Revell Co., 1966. 368 pp., cloth, $3.95.) W il l a r d H . T a y l o r The name Sangster needs no introduction to preachers of the holiness tradition be­ cause of this outstanding Methodist preach­ Isaiah, “The Salvation of Jehovah” er’s studies in perfection and purity of heart. The pastor par excellence, Sangster wrote on many subjects pertinent to the By Alfred Martin (Chicago: Moody Press, Christian life and the work of the Christian 1956. 127 pp., paper, 95c.) community. In this volume, Cumbers has Martin’s Isaiah is intended to be a “brief brought together brief readings, two to five elementary survey” of the Book of Isaiah. paragraphs in length, from the many books Thus it has been written to give the reader of Sangster, as well as his prayers and assistance in obtaining a grasp of the letters. “broad general teachings” of Isaiah. It can Though selected from some materials be stated that this book is an example of written at an earlier time, these gems from the author achieving as far as his intentions the pen of this masterful preacher are are concerned. amazingly contemporary. Perhaps this is There is consideration given to the place simply because they touch upon the com­ of Isaiah among the prophets of the Bible mon problems of life, such as the knowl­ and to the place of the events described edge and following of the will of God, faith in their broader historical setting. There is in the midst of the storms of life, effective stress on the unity of authorship for the prayer, just to mention a few. entire Book of Isaiah, Isaiah of Jerusalem Samples from the more than 300 selec­ of the eighth century B.C. as the prophet o f tions will whet the appetite for them. the entire book. “The best way for a man to approach There are clear outlines given for the the study of holiness is not first to seek Book of Isaiah too. Special emphasis is a definition . . . but to gaze steadily and given to the relationship between Messianic long at those in whom, by general con­ prophecies in Isaiah and their fulfillment sent, this quality appears, then to consult in Christ; herein is the greatest value of his own heart and mind on the reaction this little book. It is recommended for which he feels. Let him gaze most of all those who find the Book of Isaiah un­ at Jesus Christ . . . And he will find that, manageable and who would be helped by so far from holiness repelling him, it will a general orientation to Isaiah, especially at fascinate and awe and subdue him” (p. 13). the point of the predictive prophecies of “An ever-open mind, like an ever-open the book and their New Testament fulfill­ drain, can become the receptacle of much ment. rubbish. If any real progress is to be made H a r v e y E. F in l e y

48 The Nazarene Preacher t # MONG OURSELVES

Statistics always seem more impressive when they are big . . . Far be it from me to discount the fruitfulness of the Billy Graham meetings . . . But in the Mid-America Crusade here in Kansas City last year the public inquirers averaged only 3 percent, according to Dean Mendell Taylor of NTS . . . Many a Nazarene evangelist is running that well in seekers . . . But since this would mean only 3 seekers out of an audience of 100 people, the casual observer would say, “What meager results!” . . . But when the newspaper reports 1,000 in the big Crusade on a given night, the same observer will exclaim: “ Look at that! Now we see who is really doing the job!” . . . No, the big Crusade would never happen were it not for the hundreds of unknown pastors and evangelists who are the ones really doing the job . . . But our own church figures are intriguing also . . . According to General Secretary B. Edgar Johnson, for every two Nazarenes gained by profession of faith or from other denominations, we lost one by removal . . . A total, and too often, permanent loss . . . If, he says, our losses by removal could be cut in half, our net gain (2.07 percent in 1967) would be pushed over the 4 percent mark, which would be keeping up with the national population growth . . . The question he raises is— Does our loss figure (12,374 by removal in 1967) “ reflect an inadequacy in pastoral care?” . . . Naturally we cannot conserve all our harvest . . . The best of pastors will lose some, no matter how good is his preaching, pastoral ministry, or tearful intercession . . . Jesus did; so did the apostles . . . But could we keep more, not only on the rolls but in the way, if we were more painstaking in pastoral care? . . . I’m just wondering . . . A pastor should not panic over every loss, but neither should he be lacka­ daisical . . . If he has a shepherd’s heart, he will at least grieve . . . “Total Mobilization” (p. 13) will help the pastor stop the leaks . . . And if he wants people in the church all their lives, he should begin with the Cradle Roll (p. 20) . . . We keep harping on this; but after all, babies keep being born, so we always have a ready-to-work field of pastoral ministry, in a way that will create instant rapport with the infant’s whole family . . . Why not work this field?

Until next month

& The Time of Year To Consider

NEW HYMNALS MATCHING PEW BIBLES

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